Sophie's reviews
Review of Birmingham Moor Street Station
29 May 08, 08:33
Quaint 
This is quite a small station and the architecture is similar to many stations across the country. It's clean and well located next to the bullring and many of the cities major bus routes stop right outside. There is a small snack shop.
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Review of Bar Epernay
28 May 08, 15:42
Odd place
Epernay is an odd one, it is over priced, it is pretentious, there is a pianist on a revolving platform. It doesn't seem to fit in with the other more youthful bars in town or the more mature living room type places but for some reason I like it! It's not too loud which is good if you're out with your girlfriends / boyfriend. It's definitely a girly choice and I don't think I could spend a whole evening here but definitely go for a drink!
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Review of Flapper & Firkin
28 May 08, 14:26
Good venue but....
... I wouldn't come here just for a drink. It's quite a nice location but a bit difficult to find if you've not been before. Not a great selection of drinks.... I have definitely been served wine in a coke glass before! The toilets are as scanky as you would expect from a toilet venue and the smell permeates out into the bar!
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Review of Scruffy Murphy's
28 May 08, 14:22
Scruffy by name...
A rock pub with LOUD music it's pretty scruffy but means there's a nice relaxed atmosphere. The low celing venue downstairs is a cool place to see bands.
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Review of Square Peg
28 May 08, 14:15
Last Resort
You don't need to be told what a weatherspoons is like, the surroundings are all pretty familiar. The significance of this one is that there are so few bars at the shopping end of town this looks like the only option! If you are happy with weatherspoons stay put but if you're after more comfortable surroundings head away from the shops towards the mailbox / brindley place.
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Review of French Connection
28 May 08, 13:57
Sporadic service
I really like french connection stuff, although it is often overpriced. A good tip is to hang on for sale time as there are always really good reductions. This store isn't massive but has a good location close to Selfridges in the Bullring. I have sometimes had really good service but sometimes you have to hang around at the till.
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Review of Asda Stores
06 May 08, 13:05
Bigger not always better!
This is a huge asda that's always really busy, this is it's main downside as it can cause trolley rage and you have to queue. However it does have all the extra stuff, clothes by george, home wears etc. There are counters serving fish, a selection of fresh indian dishes and pizzas. They could do with a better deli section / counter. They have always run out of hummus!
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Review of Duke Of Wellington
29 Apr 08, 11:44
Hidden venue
The Duke of Wellington is a traditional pub, slightly off the beaten track but still town centre. It’s familiar to me because of the upstairs ‘bivouac’ venue; it has been hosting gigs from local bands for several years (at least 7yrs). Look out for local listings.
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Review of Walkabout Inn
29 Apr 08, 11:43
Same old same old
Walkabouts are the same nationwide so there’s not a lot to say. There are 2 floors, the upper of which can be hired out for private functions. They show sporting events on plasma screens. The music is cheesy.
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Review of Dogma Bar
29 Apr 08, 11:43
Cocktails
For those of you who don’t have a local Dogma, it’s similar to Revolution. Cocktail pitchers, shots and a fashionable menu of ‘sharers’ and posh breads. It’s bigger than Revolution, on 2 floors and is always packed out. There is a dance floor, pool table and if you’re going for lunch there is a terrace area out the back with lots of tables.
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Review of ASK
29 Apr 08, 11:40
Good pizza
A good example of the chain, the glass fronted restaurant looks out over the brayford and the atmosphere is bright, busy and clean. Good for friends, family or romance.
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Review of Cafe Zoot
29 Apr 08, 11:39
Romantic
Café Zoot is an intimate little restaurant, good for couples. The bail gate is a much more romantic setting that the busy high street or brayford area of town
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Review of The Ice Cream Parlour
29 Apr 08, 11:38
Truely scrumptious
The ice cream parlour is a definite destination place, right at the top of steep hill between the cathedral and the castle it’s obviously got a big tourist appeal but it’s worth the walk from town for locals as well. It’s got an old fashioned feel, complete with 1950s working juke box downstairs. There are a good range of flavours and cones.
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Review of Pimento Tea Rooms
29 Apr 08, 11:37
Quaint
Pimento is a bit middle aged, expensive middle aged lady clothes but they also have nice jewellery that’s quite unique and reasonably priced. The café / shop combo is a quaint idea. Take your mum she will love it.
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Review of The Little Civic
29 Apr 08, 11:32
Good venue
The little civic is a good little rock venue, they’re not joking when they say little though! The stage is tiny but the intimate size can add to the atmosphere (with the right band) the walls are papered with old gig posters, not massively original but still a nice touch.
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Review of Fashion Factory
24 Apr 08, 13:35
Designer Clothes!
This is a great place for low cost , designer brands.It is for men and women, if you are looking for that special dress for a ball of glamorous evening event then this is your place. There is plenty of parking and even a coffee shop upstairs for you to have a chill whilst walking around.
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Review of Bar Room Bar
24 Apr 08, 13:26
Top Choice
I think this is one of the best bars to go to in the city centre in the week. Since the re-furb it is far more relaxed and has lost its trashy edge. The buy one get one free offer on a Tuesday is really good value for money as you get 2 huge pizzas for less than £8! There is a good mix of people, from your after work drinkers to students and older couples. There is a really good vibe on a Friday and Saturday night where they have a dj, although it can take a long time to get served on these nights. If you want to go to the Mailbox and fancy somewhere a bit more lively on the weekend then you should definitely pay bar room bar a visit!!
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Review of Robbins Well
24 Apr 08, 13:23
Scream pub rocks
Robins well is part of the ‘scream’ chain of pubs and the clientele is a mixture of students and punk rock types (expect brightly coloured hair and mohawks). However in addition to their sticky floor they have pool table and video juke box. Downstairs is a smaller bar that is often used for gigs. Monday nights during term time it plays host to the ‘reckless moment’ comedy club which has different comedians every week from across the country. It’s great value and I thoroughly recommend you check it out.
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Review of Colosseum Nightclub
24 Apr 08, 13:22
Good honest indie fun
The Colosseum is a great place! The set up is similar to that of the academy in Birmingham so it has a lot of potential, large main room, smaller side bar and upstairs bar. Unfortunately Coventry doesn't carry the same weight on the gig circuit so they don't often have big bands which is a shame. The DJs are generally pretty good playing lots of floor fillers.
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Review of Bar 44
24 Apr 08, 13:08
Sophisticateed Dining
Bar 44 is a pretty sophisticated place, it’s a bit lacking in character but the food is really nice and it’s a good place for a date or a celebratory dinner.
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Review of The Willoughby
24 Apr 08, 13:07
Party Plub
The Willoughby is a drinker’s pub, it’s quite loud and I imagine a lot of people go there on the pull. There is a great balcony upstairs that faces out onto the street which is great if you’re feeling a bit stifled by the party inside.
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Review of Jugg & Jester
24 Apr 08, 13:05
Student Central
The Jug and Jester is popular with students as it’s located at the bottom of the high street, closer to where most of them live. It often plays host to student run gig nights. There’s a pool table and plenty of seating as well as a nice beer garden with heaters.
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Review of The Slug & Lettuce
24 Apr 08, 13:04
Go for lunch
The Slug and Lettuce in Leam is one of the best examples of the chain. Large windows flood the place with light in the day which makes it a good choice for lunch.
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Review of Kingfisher
23 Apr 08, 17:01
Proper Chips!
As the evil french fry becomes ever present in our chip shops it is reasuring to have a local chippy that provides me with a proper greasy chip. Good value at 60p for a cone of chips, just enough after a night on the town.
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Review of Covered Wagon
23 Apr 08, 16:53
Worth a trip!
This pub is a bit off the beaten track but it's a nice place. There's plenty of parking and it's big inside. If you are tired of having to queue at the busy bars in Moseley this is a welcome alternative.
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Review of Prince Of Wales
23 Apr 08, 16:52
Old man pub
The Prince of Wales is the most traditional pub in Moseley Village, where as the others are modernised or chain bars this has an old school charm about it. Prices are old school too. Front bar, back lounge and a large beer garden at the back with lots of picnic tables.
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Review of Johnstan Butchers
23 Apr 08, 16:48
Support your local butcher
I wish I could visit the local butcher in the week, and it is undoubtedly better quality that the large supermarket near my place of work but I head here at weekends. It's always busy but there are plenty of staff on hand to help you find what you need.
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Review of Oxfam
23 Apr 08, 16:45
Books and Videos
This Oxfam doesn't sell clothes, it's focus is on books, videos, CDs etc. They also stock fair trade produce. The man behind the counter on weekends plays a spanish guitar.
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Review of National Sea Life Centre
23 Apr 08, 16:11
Over too soon!
The Sea life centre is a nice trip out for families, however it’s pretty expensive. You can really only spin it out for an hour and a half, 2hours max so at £13 for adults it’s a lot to spend on a short amount of time. That said it is very nice, interactive and interesting.
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Review of San Carlo
23 Apr 08, 16:05
Busy
San Carlos feels a bit dated to me, almost a bit 80s. Having said that it is really nice, the food and atmosphere are good.
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Review of Cafe Rouge
23 Apr 08, 16:01
Stop the CD
Every Café Rouge seems to only have the Amilie soundtrack to play on repeat, this drive me mental! The food is ok, standard chain restaurant fare, I would recommend it for a night out, however they have a breakfast menu which makes a change from a fry up.
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Review of Alexandra Theatre
23 Apr 08, 15:58
Traditional Theatre
The Alexandra theatre is very traditional, velvet seats + lots of gold leaf and there are ice cream sellers at the interval, however it doesn’t feel dated it’s cosy and opulent at the same time. They often have tribute nights and I went to see a Bollywood musical there. They also have a corporate suite that you can hire for private parties.
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Review of Red Peppers
22 Apr 08, 12:50
Average chain restaurant
Red peppers is a good choice if you're going out with a group of friends. There is a lively atmosphere, it's quite big and there should be something for everyone on the menu. It's also a good location to head out to the bars afterwards. However it's a bit predictable and the food is nothing to get excited about.
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Review of Rainbow Restaurant
22 Apr 08, 12:46
Needs a facelift
On the main drag of the high street this is usually busy which is perhaps why they've not felt the need to bring the place up to date. As a result it's not a very luxurious night out. They also do takeaway but it's quite a small place so people end up waiting around in the main restaurant which is a bit off putting. The food is ok, a bit on the greasy side.
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Review of Wagamama
21 Apr 08, 16:29
Fast Food
A great place to grab a quick bite, the seating is arranged in benches so it's quite informal and you can eat on your own or with a group of mates. It's a popular place so you might have to queue but the service is speedy so it won't be for long.
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Review of Urban Outfitters
21 Apr 08, 16:25
Stylish but pricey
I really like the stuff in urban outfitters but it is very over priced. There is a sale rail so you might get a bargain but cardigans and dresses are £45 +. It's also quite young and skinny. In addition to the clothes there's a good selection of gifts and cards, like carefully selected books, CDs, jewellery. The changing rooms are nice.
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Review of Reflex The 80's Bar
21 Apr 08, 16:01
Reflex - Don't Do It!
Sure, the service is what you'd expect and they serve beer, wine and spirits - all you'd expect from a bar. But as for the theme of the place... If you look up 'crass', 'rubbish' and 'this bar really sucks' in the dictionary... all reference this horrible horrible visit to the decade, that FINISHED 18 years ago - let it go people... please!
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Review of Baguette Du Monde
21 Apr 08, 15:57
Average
Baguette du Monde is an ok lunch choice, food is pretty good value and they have meal deal options but it’s a little bit bland. They claim to offer Panini’s but these are really just toasted baguettes which just isn’t the same! The salad bar is worth a look as quality and variety seems to vary day to day. The best option in my opinion is to go for a jacket potato.
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Review of Grey Horse Inn
21 Apr 08, 13:08
Bowling, pool and beer.
A sizable pub with a front bar, back lounge, pool room, old fashioned skittle alley and beer garden. They also host darts evenings and show football.
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Review of Royal Oak
21 Apr 08, 13:05
Traditional
The Royal Oak has a very traditional feel. It's quite small inside which makes it a bit 'local'. There is a pool table, TV and a large and pleasant beer garden making it a good choice in summer.
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Review of Kings Head
21 Apr 08, 13:03
Lovely Pub, good grub
For a village of it's size collingham has a choice of 3 pubs. The Kings Head is the most upmarket. The decor hasn't been updated much in the last 8 - 10 years but its still the most modern looking (magnolia walls, leather sofas and mix of modern and old school paintings). There's not really any outside space, apart from a couple of picnic tables in the car park which is a shame. The food is excellent, the landlord is the head chef.
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Review of The Duke Of York
21 Apr 08, 12:32
Small pub big prices
Due to a surprising absence of bars and pubs in SJW the Duke of York is the default choice. It is a nice place, fairly traditional, interesting mix of clientel (when we were there we were joined by a bridal party and a hip indie band, presumably recording down the road) I made the mistake of ordering 'a' bottle of wine without specifying which from the wine list and was charged top wack which i thought was a bit cheeky.
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Review of The Mussel & Steak Bar
16 Apr 08, 16:33
Good grub
Mussels and Steak does exactly what is says on the tin and it was fabulous. I love mussels and they were delicious. For about £10 you get a huge pan of them. I had the chilli / coriander marinade. The décor was a bit odd, more like a posh gym that a restaurant, lots of beech coloured wood and blue fabric (we sat upstairs) and it’s quite brightly lit. They even had a plasma screen showing films about fishing and glassmaking! The food was good though!
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Review of H & M
16 Apr 08, 16:31
Busy Store
H&M in the bullring is good destination for reasonably priced clothes. It has recently gained a menswear section (chaps previously had to trek to new street or Martineau place) but it’s only really for teenage boys. There are also maternity, plus size sections in addition to women’s wear and young trend. Be warned there are always huge queues for changing rooms and tills.
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Review of Cross Cafe Bar
16 Apr 08, 11:45
Posers welcome
The Cross is a step up from other local boozers the junction, weatherspoons and o'neils. There is lots of seating and a good menu but it's quite expensive and it's a bit posey. They've not given much thought to the music. Late Licence.
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Review of Henrys Cantonese Restaurant
15 Apr 08, 13:50
Tasty Chinese!
I went to Henrys with 4 friends so we were able to sample a variety of dishes and they were all of a high standard, not too greasy. I would particularly recommend the prawn toast and the beef satay. It was about £20 / head and the service was good.
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