'Come drink with us' - 'world's best gin bar' begs customers to visit after 'mad' May

A Birmingham venue which was once voted the 'world's best gin bar' has urged: "Come and drink with us" after a customer found it "empty". 40 St Pauls in the Jewellery Quarter said this month had been unusually quiet and blamed the cost-of-living crisis and what it called "clueless" leadership.

The St Paul's Square bar - named best global gin bar in 2019 - posted on X after a customer who enjoyed a drink yesterday, Friday, May 17, pleaded with others to support local businesses. The venue posted: "It’s mad how quiet May has been.

"Normally we can weather this storm and still do nice things but with the cost-of-living affecting anybody and clueless leadership we’re still lumbered with, this is grim times for our industry. Come and drink zombies with us, please.

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"Tbf, it’s giving us enough time to eat all the ice lollies we bought in earnest last week. Ugh."

Sapreena Kumari posted on X on Friday night: "I’m in the Best Global Gin Bar 2019 and it’s EMPTY. Support your local businesses people, they need you now more than ever @40StPauls."

40 St Paul's appeared not to be the only one weathering a storm. Another bar, Lucky7, in nearby Frederick Street, posted: "We had 3 tables before 9pm…"

Number 40 is said to be 'warm, inviting, your favourite secret, ' with 'relaxed, beautiful drinks, table service and great music.' It has won a host of accolades which have also included being named 'Best Cocktail Bar in Birmingham' by the Independent Birmingham Awards in 2019.