Sophie's reviews
Review of Bacchus Bar
28 May 08, 14:30
Novelty 
The decor of this place is so over the top it's a bit like disney for grown ups. It's underneath the Burlington arcade so there's no natural light and the place is drowning in velvet, woodcarvings, murals etc. I quite like this as it makes a change from the bland chains that dominate Birmingham but if you prefer simple lines and natural light steer clear!
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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 Jug Of Ale
06 May 08, 13:08
Going, going...
Quick! Get to the Jug of Ale! It will shortly be no more as it is being knocked down, presumably to make way for yet more flats. The pub itself is fairly average but the venue up the spiral staircase has a lot of history, playing host to a vast range of local talent. It will be sadly missed!
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Review of Tap & Spile
06 May 08, 12:50
Open all hours!
Just off broad street this place is leagues ahead of the horrible chain bars that line the main strip. It has a traditional feel with lots of character, it's quite big but split out on 2 levels with a warren of little rooms still feels intimate. The basement level opens out onto the canal near the mailbox. We went there at 1am on a Tuesday night and the party staying in full swing until the small hours.
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Review of Quayside
29 Apr 08, 11:46
Indie kids rejoice
Quayside is a scream pub so student friendly, cheap and cheerful. There are huge comfy sofas, pool tables and a video juke box. They serve food in the day which is standard chain pub stuff. Their USP, particularly in a town with little to offer in the way of nightclubs is a large venue upstairs that hosts indie / rock discos.
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Review of Glass House
29 Apr 08, 11:45
Dull 
The glass house is located close to the university, so I would expect a young crowd in the evenings. I’ve only ever been in the day and found it quite empty and dark. It’s a chain place so lacking in atmosphere and falls foul of mock traditional style pub décor.
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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 The Charlotte
29 Apr 08, 11:33
Happy memories
The Charlotte in Leicester will always be close to my heart as the setting for the first ever proper gig I went to (Coldplay, June 2000 if you’re interested!) it’s a great place to catch bands on their way up.
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Review of Redmore Inn
24 Apr 08, 13:33
Great Location 
The Redmore Inn, is in such a beautiful setting with views for miles of green fields and fantastic walks around. It has good home cooked food which is all fresh and from local suppliers. The atmosphere is very friendly, everybody talks to you and children are welcome also.
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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 TJ's Bar & Bistro
24 Apr 08, 13:25
Good for groups
TJ’s is ok, it’s quite small, there’s not enough seating and despite trying to position itself as a chic cocktail bar it doesn’t carry off the luxury feel. If there is a medium to large group of you it’s nice as you’ll half fill the place so it feels as though you’ve got the place to yourselves. If you’re going out as a couple I’d steer clear.
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Review of Kelsey's Public House
24 Apr 08, 13:24
Grim
Kelsey’s is located next to the train station, it’s a bit rough. A mix of students and, without wanting to sound to harsh, drunks. There are plenty of pool tables and there is a large room upstairs that you can hire for private parties.
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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 The White Horse
24 Apr 08, 13:11
Transformation!
When I lived in Leam this was a rough and run down old school pub but on a recent visit to the town I found it had been transformed. A really cosy and intimate atmosphere, roaring log fire, great selection of drinks and nibbles. Menu was good but food was a bit disappointing. They also have a selection of board games you can borrow if you get board of talking to your mates.
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Review of Ocean Bar & Restaurant
24 Apr 08, 13:08
Budget
Ocean bar feels a bit dirty, upstairs from street level with a slightly ‘Changing Rooms’ feel to the décor. It serves huge cocktails in fishbowls which is quite novel but if you’re over 21 it’s a bit budget.
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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 Sozzled Sausage
24 Apr 08, 13:06
Great!
This is a great pub / restaurant. It has a lovely feel to it, light and relaxed with seating inside the main building and in a conservatory at the back. Sausage and mash is becoming more popular on our high streets with brands such as The Pie Shop but the sozzeled sausage is the original and best.
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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 La Plancha
23 Apr 08, 17:00
Nice place!
This is a really nice restaurant, I would agree that it's a little expensive, you won't feel stuffed unless you really splash out but it's got a lot of character and charm. If you are booking in advance I recommed you try to get the table in the window upstairs, the central location of the restaurant means that you can people watch the whole of Moseley!
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Review of Village Inn
23 Apr 08, 16:55
lacking in atmosphere
The Village is only really good if you want to watch the sport. Otherwise it's lacking in atmosphere. It's part of a chain to expect drinks selection / decor akin to wetherspoons, it's not as dirty as that but still not luxury!
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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 The Actress & Bishop
23 Apr 08, 16:08
Good venue, good atmosphere
This is quite a standard pub in many ways, traditional décor, ugly carpet and flashing gambling machines, however the location and atmosphere take it above average. Located in the smart St. Pauls area of the city it gives it an air of cool and exclusivity. There is a venue upstairs that’s just the right size for hip local bands.
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Review of Wetherspoon
23 Apr 08, 16:06
Budget 
Weatherspoons is the lowest of the low. They are all the same and they are all gross, they are the MacDonald’s of the pub world. It’s cheap and you get what you pay for. The coffee is horrible, the food is horrible and the drinks selection is poor. They are smelly and badly decorated, the atmosphere is dirty and threatening. Stay away.
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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 Hare & Hounds
21 Apr 08, 12:44
Best choice in K'heath
Hare and Hounds is a great pub, lots of space with a cool venue upstairs. They stock Tyrell’s crisps which are divine. There are picnic tables outside on the street so not quite as good as the luxurious beer garden at the Fighting Cock’s in Moseley. No menu but I believe you can order takeaway curry from down the road and eat it in the pub.
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Review of Dragonfly
16 Apr 08, 16:35
Nice Bar
Dragonfly was a good little find, when we were there it was really quiet so no queuing and comfy seating. There is an extensive cocktail menu and it was nicely decorated. Slightly odd quirky was a selection of about 30 different pairs of trainers, unworn and with their boxes displayed above the bar.
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Review of The Rainbow
16 Apr 08, 12:42
Great Venue
The rainbow in Digbeth is a great venue. A little bit grimy with a fairly small selection of drinks and atrocious toilets but it’s a bit different and there’s a great atmosphere. The front of the venue is standard pub territory but equipped with a DJ booth and a small dance floor. Out back there is a covered courtyard where the bands play. There is even a BBQ serving up burgers and vegetarian kebabs for when you get peckish.
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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 Goose At The Fighting Cocks
15 Apr 08, 14:53
Popular place
The Fighting Cocks is probably the nicest pub in Moseley, but as a result it's the busiest so be prepared for long waits at the bar and limited seating or even standing room. However it is worth it, the decor is lovely, the selection of drinks is excellent, both soft and alcholic with everything from smoothies to strawberry beer. The beer garden is a triumph, quite big with just as much attention paid to the outside furnature and decor as to the inside. There is a covered shed that is heated so it's possible to sit outside in even the chilliest conditions. They do offer food but this can be a bit more hit and miss, I've had a bad roast / risotto but their ploughmans was the best I've ever had. So approach the menu with caution. Overall a good night out.
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Review of Patrick Cavanagh
15 Apr 08, 14:42
Lovely Local
A really good pub, with something for everyone, a good beer garden, good selection of drinks, good menu, jukebox, open fire, live sport, quiz nights, live music. The front bar is usually busiest and the back bar is a coffee shop by day with a lovely old fashioned cake counter. There is a function room upstairs that is a good party venue.
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Review of Pit & Pendulum
15 Apr 08, 13:57
Cool bar, stay clear of 'cocktails'
This is a bit of a novelty place so don't go if you have a dislike for 'disney style' gothic, but if you're sick of the generic weatherspoons bar I suggest you try this place out. The decor is very OTT but really gives that dungeon come vampire castle feel. There is a spooky recorded voice playing in the toilets (if you can find them! They are downstairs by the way) Downstairs is dark and atmospheric and there are comfy booths to sit in. They also have a menu of cocktails each themed around the 7 deadly sins. We ordered Envy and it was DISGUSTING, apparently the beer wasn't up to much either but for a change of scene I think it's worth a try.
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