The original Passing Fancies meant everything to us. But ultimately, we outgrew the space. Physically, creatively, financially –  we reached a point where staying would have meant stagnating, and that felt scarier than closing. So, we made the very emotional decision to shut the doors and go all in on building the next chapter properly. 

Our original plan was to open the doors to PF2 last July but, through no fault of our own, we’ve ended up being nine months delayed. Now, my team is always my priority and the last thing I’d ever have wanted to do is split us all up, so we figured out how to keep life in a brand and a ‘bar’ without bricks and mortar. Hence our journey: Manchester at The Morris (thanks Dan), Selfridges Birmingham, and half of Stirchley High Street. We’ve done it all. 

 We’re nearing PF2 – what can you tell us? 

PF1 had always been about communicating drinks as accessible luxury – something we want to bring with us wherever we go. The new space – planned to open April 24 – has two floors and we saw the perfect opportunity to evolve the brand but keep a bit of our original ethos.  

We’re opening three spaces in one building: Downstairs is Passing – a relaxed, welcoming bar with great cocktails and exceptional but accessible food. It’s designed to be the space you can pop into on a Tuesday night or stay in all evening on a Saturday. Upstairs is Fancies – our more experimental cocktail bar. This is where the storytelling, technique and creativity really get pushed and elevated. It’s intimate, immersive and a bit theatrical, but still warm and unpretentious. And then there’s The Lab – a hidden seven-seat space for tastings, R&D and small experiences. It’s the playground. Design-wise, it’s still unmistakably Passing Fancies – playful, colourful, rather airy – but more grown up. 

 What’s different about the new locale? 

The Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham’s most exciting neighbourhoods. It’s historic, creative and full of independent businesses – jewellers, studios, restaurants, bars. It feels very community-driven and very Birmingham. It already has some brilliant hospitality spots, but it still feels like an area that’s growing and evolving. That’s really exciting for us. 

We hope Passing Fancies becomes one of those places people travel to the JQ for, somewhere that adds to the area’s nightlife and gives people another reason to spend an evening there. 

 How’s the approach to drinks changing? 

However, with the new space I want it to be a little more static. Downstairs will rotate deliciously fun serves every three months or so (or when we get the itch to create) alongside a tap selection and wine. Upstairs I hope to be truly unique – a first-of-its-kind menu into which we have poured the past 12 months, collaborating with multiple local artists to create a bright and textural love letter to Birmingham. They'll be the best drinks we have ever created.