Richard's reviews
Review of Bar Pravda
14 Apr 08, 19:44
Pravda, Birmingham 
A nice, little bar attached to the Hyatt Hotel on Broad Street in Birmingham used mainly by hotel residents but also open to the public. It's a great place to meet people before going to the ICC or Symphony Hall. Due to this it can get very busy before performances and can empty quickly. It's quite small but the association with the Hotel guarantees great food although expect Hotel prices on drinks.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lloyds TSB Bank
12 Apr 08, 16:57
Lloyds TSB, Wolverhampton
Good customer service and level of satisfaction from a few visits I have had there. They were quick to see me and were happy to help after I had problems with the phone line system to the main numbers.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Bottle Of Sack
12 Apr 08, 16:00
Bottle of Sack
Quite a fun pub which a lot of locals tend to frequent. It's not the biggest pub in the town but has a warm atmosphere so when it isn't too crowded it's a good place to head to for a drink with friends.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Litten Tree
12 Apr 08, 15:58
Litten Tree, Sutton Coldfield
Large bar and restaurant with a good atmosphere and friendly people. There is a big screen for sporting events and there are usually good offers on the food and drinks too.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Pizza Express Restaurants
12 Apr 08, 15:49
Pizza Express, Harborne
A fairly recent edition to Harborne High Street but certainly not out of place. This is a great pizza establishment for couples and is usually bustling with activity. The staff are quick and friendly and the atmoshere is one that is relaxed and warm. Worth a stop by if you are in the Harborne area and want something a little more upmarket.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of River Island Clothing Co
12 Apr 08, 15:46
River Island, Bullring
Whether you want a classic look or something a little new or different then the River Island store has everything you could want. Great for Suits, shirts and trousers as well as ties for work or functions. Plenty of accessories too as well as the latest fashions on the High Street.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Cult Clothing
12 Apr 08, 15:38
Cult Clothing Birmingham
A great selection of fashionable clothes for men and women. The upstairs area has a lot of brand named T-Shirts and Jeans for Men and is definetly a good place to find some trendy new clothes. The prices are somewhat high but it's somewhere a little less mainstream than your usual chain stores.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Oceana
12 Apr 08, 15:29
Oceana Wolverhampton
Formerly Atlantis, under new management, most people in the area will know of this place. As with other Oceana establishments you get a variety of different themed bars with different musical styles. The pop area is usually the busiest bit with a few smaller, quieter bars as well so you are sure to find something for everyone. As it's on a split level and can get busy it is easy to lose people if you venture out in large numbers.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Revolution Bar
12 Apr 08, 15:25
Revolution, Wolverhampton
Quite a nice place with all the Vodka drinks you could ever imagine. Only a short walk from the main shopping area and a good place to meet friends and listen to some dance and urban tunes. Generally a good crowd and pleasant atmosphere.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Varsity Bar
12 Apr 08, 15:24
Varisty, Wolverhampton
Like most Varisty bars this is one where you will find a lot of the younger Wolves crowd and the University students. There is food available in the daytime although this finishes early in the evening. It's a medium sized pub so can get quite cramped if a large crowd is in, but is a good place to catch a big football game.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Reflex The 80's Bar
12 Apr 08, 15:18
Reflex, Wolverhampton
If you love your 80's music and you live in Wolverhampton this is definetly the place to go. The drinks are reasonably priced and there is quite a good dance floor area. It is so not busy in the week but has a fair number of people at the weekends ranging in ages but generally it's a good place to chill out and have a laugh with friends.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Hogshead
12 Apr 08, 14:51
Hogshead, Solihull
Quite a modern chain pub in Solihull with good food and nice surrondings. The atmosphere is generally good and the staff are keen and friendly. This tends to attract younger people and is a fun lively place to go to.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Boat Inn
12 Apr 08, 14:48
The Boat Inn
A great little pub with lots of local character in the village of Catherine-de-Barnes in between Hampton In Arden and Solihull. Situated by the riverside and with a large garden area this is a great place to go. Inside there's traditional decor, a friendly team of staff and great pub food and drink.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Wetherspoons
12 Apr 08, 14:22
Wetherspoons, Paradise Forum
A fairly small but recently refurbished Wetherspoons set in the ever changing Paradise Forum. Child friendly in the daytimes but busy in the early evenings and weekends. Food is reasonably priced and you can get your fix of news from Sky whilst you wait. You do feel a little like you are being watched though as passers by continue to walk through the complex.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Revolution Bar
12 Apr 08, 14:12
Revolution, Broad Steet
A very stylish venue at the top end of Broad Street with every possible Vodka you could imagine and a few high strength ones too if you are brave ! The music is usually very dance/r'n'b orientated in the evenings and it does fill up quite quickly at the weekends. There is a dance floor at the back and upstairs there is a separate bar with comfy sofas and seats which can also be hired out with a projector screen there too.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Sweet Tooth
12 Apr 08, 14:06
Sweet Tooth, Tettenhall Road
Every kind of sweet you can imagine from your childhood, and some you may never have seen. A great selection of sweets and confectionary to take you back to your youth, even with the old style jars, and some luxury chocolates and liquers for those special treats. Quite a small shop but jam packed with sweet goodies.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Harvey Nichols
12 Apr 08, 11:47
Harvey Nicholls, The Mailbox
This is a good store for the latest and most expensive fashions but the prices may be a lot out of people's ranges. If you want to treat yourself or a looking for a stylish expensive present then this could be a place to come but for your average person it may be wiser to investigate some of the other stores in Birmingham.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Bar Risa
12 Apr 08, 11:43
Risa, Broad Street
This is a good place of you have a group of people with varying tastes in music and you can't agree on a place to go. It's got several bars and different styles of music so there's enough to please everyone but it does get very busy towards the end of the night. You also get the use of the main dance floor area after the Jongleurs comedy club closes and there's a chill out area too so it's a good settlement to a place to please everyone.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of The Glee Club
12 Apr 08, 11:39
Glee Club, Birmingham
The Glee Club in the Arcadian is quite a small, intimate venue but with the calibre of Nationally known comedians it's a jewel in the crown for Birmingham. You will probably have to book early to avoid disappointment and get a good seat though. The bar area is quite small when it comes to getting your drinks during a break in performance but if you want to see some of today's best comedians locally then this is a place you need to come.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Grosvenor Casino
12 Apr 08, 11:34
Grosvenor Casino, Broad Street
The great thing is that you can be a member within minutes and if there's a group of you this is somewhere different to spend an hour or two just watching the activities or trying your luck at blackjack, poker or a shot at roulette. It's a fair sized casino and quite roomy with a pletharo of activities. It's not somewhere you would want to spend all day but is a good break from the usual bars and clubs on Broad Street.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Spar
12 Apr 08, 10:25
Spar, Brindley Place
Quite a good selection of groceries and drinks and especially sandwiches and baguettes for lunctimes. There is also a nice salad bar and hot food selection of chicken and savoury items so if you don't fancy eating out at lunchtime or want to pop out for a minute before returning to the office this is a good alternative to other sandwich shops or delis.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Sainsbury's Local
12 Apr 08, 10:21
Sainsburys, Broad Street
A very useful location for Sainsburys and although not as big as the Tesco store at the end of Broad Street this has been recently re-done and has a good selection. The staff are friendly and there is usually quite a few to combat any queues. Great for stocking up if you live or work near Broad Street.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Bulls Head
12 Apr 08, 10:13
Bulls Head, Meriden
A favourite with locals and families who know of this little gem. It used to be a steakhouse but is now more of the new breed of gasto-pubs so expect the food to be more of this style. A great place to take a partner but probably not one for younger children.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Animal
12 Apr 08, 09:45
Animal Birmingham
Located in the walkway between the Bullring and New Street Station there's a fair choice of clothing under the Animal brand. There's quite a few items on sale and this is somewhere people sometimes miss when taking a trip to the Bullring so if you are a fan of Animal Clothing then don't forget to pass by on your next visit.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Gap
12 Apr 08, 09:41
Gap, Martineau Place
A two level store with a good sized Kids section too. Your typical Gap products but the staff are very friendly and helpful, there's some good clothing here and probably the best soundtrack for shopping around with some great tunes in store!
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of HMV
12 Apr 08, 09:24
HMV Pallasades
One of the biggest and most well know record stores in Birmingham split onto several levels with everything from games, albums, books and classical. One of the biggest selections of items and a good ordering service if something you want is not in stock. There's usually marked down stock or a Sale going on so you should be able to get your collection up to scratch in no time.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Borders Books
12 Apr 08, 09:18
Borders Birmingham
A welcome addition to Birmingham's Bullring and for anyone who has visited the American branches, expect a very similar relaxed feel. There is a Starbucks coffee shop attached too. Although prices are a little higher on books than elsewhere you will find plenty of choice and a wide range of international titles especially in the magazine and music sections.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Currys Digital
12 Apr 08, 09:16
Currys Digital
One of the biggest and best Currys Electrical Stores right in the heart of Birmingham on two levels of The Bullring. Possibly every electrical gadget you could want and although customer service isn't always the best, and there is a reliance on selling after sales cover as extra, if you know what you want and it's at a price you are happy to pay then most things are in stock for you to take home straight away.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Mitre Inn
12 Apr 08, 08:09
Mitre Wolverhampton
Recently refurbished and great food although the menu does seem to have gone very continental and a few of the simpler, popular dishes have gone to be replaced with pricer alternatives. Quite a small place but nice decor, good atmosphere and somewhere to meet friends at the end of a busy day.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Dominos Pizza
12 Apr 08, 08:06
Dominos Tettenhall Road
A good location for passing trade and some nice lunchtime offers too. The service is reasonably fast and there doesn't seem to be too much of a queue at lunchtimes or early evening so if you fancy the night away from the oven then give this a try.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Starbucks
12 Apr 08, 07:39
Starbucks Colmore Row
A nice, intimate Starbucks, just off Victoria Square with comfortable seating and sofas and a great place to relax in the afternoons. Not the biggest place in the world but away from busy times this is in a great location to stop and grab a coffee at your leisure.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of IMAX
12 Apr 08, 07:34
IMAX Birmingham
You can't really get bigger or better than an IMAX for razor sharp amazing pictures on a huge screen. Located at Millenium Point this is a great one to take the kids although there is a limited choice of films.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Pitcher & Piano
12 Apr 08, 07:24
Pitcher and Piano
The two levels, plus intimate areas including firesides make this a great place to take a partner for food or drink. The lower level also has partitions that can be used for private parties. There is a also a terrace and balcony for the summer months and is a nice place to start your evening or have a get together.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Subway
11 Apr 08, 23:15
Subway
Good quick service from a Subway store right in the centre of Birmingham. Good quality, fresh ingredients and although a small store with limited seating it's still great for lunches if you are short for time or getting out of the office.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Baguette Du Monde
11 Apr 08, 23:12
Baguette Du Monde
Very fast service and good selection of baguettes. There are also some good meal deals and even during lunch times there is always plenty of choice, fast service and a quick turn around.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hyatt Regency Birmingham
11 Apr 08, 23:02
Hyatt Birmingham
Great views of the city and you could not be any closer to such places as the ICC and NIA as well as Broad Street. Nice, pleasant rooms and friendly staff. Treat yourself to a stay at the Hyatt.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Britannia Nottingham Hotel
11 Apr 08, 22:52
Brittania Hotel Nottingham
Although the Brittania chain do not always get the best reviews I must say that I am particularly impressed with this hotel in Nottingham. The rooms are generally very nice and spacious and the prices are very reasonable if booked in advance or online.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of D & A
11 Apr 08, 22:47
D&A Hagley Road
Good customer care, wide selection of glasses and first rate check up service. The after care is also superb and although slightly out of the way of the city centre it beats the usual busy opticians for service.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of White Horse
11 Apr 08, 22:44
White Horse Harborne
A good, traditional pub feel, just off Harborne High Street,. Quite a few regulars and Harborne work folk but a friendly feel and although it's not the biggest place it does have a lot of character, There's also a small pub garden too.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Varsity
11 Apr 08, 22:41
Varsity Harborne
Great place to go with a group of friends. There is a definite student feel but not intimidating, just friendly and good natured. Ideal for a place to catch up and meet people but the drinks offers are more targeted to the students with discount cards available.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of O'Neill's
11 Apr 08, 22:38
O Neills Harborne
Good atmosphere, quite spacious and when we last we were in there was some great live music playing a lot of indie classics that had a lot of people singing along and dancing. A bit of a student feel but still with the classic Irish pub theme.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of T G I Fridays
11 Apr 08, 22:37
TGI's Birmingham
Good for drinks and a party but if you're not a fan of the whole "Birthday" singing that seems to happen regularly or over zealous staff than maybe not for you. They are however quite helpful and pleasant so all in all a good night but probably more for an occasion than a regular meal.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Rainbow Cantonese Restaurant
11 Apr 08, 22:33
Rainbow Chinese
A nice Chinese restaurant that specialises in buffet food but also does a good takeaway service. Located just outside the city centre this is worth a visit especially during the all you can eat periods.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Restaurant Bar A Jee
11 Apr 08, 20:47
Bar A Jee
Great Indian restaurant located on Broad Street and overlooking the canal system. Good food, friendly service and reasonable prices. Well worth a visit with friends or work colleagues or just as a couple.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Flapper & Firkin
11 Apr 08, 20:44
Flapper Birmingham
Many a local band have played here and gone on to great things. It's a good student pub and prelude to a night at Snobs, but has quiz nights and being by the canalside is great for a drink outside. There's a separate live venue downstairs, usually a DJ upstairs and also a jukebox with all the indie classics.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Malt House
11 Apr 08, 20:41
Malt House Birmingham
Overlooking the main interchange of the Birmingham Canal in the city this is a great pre-drinks pub for anyone visiting the NIA opposite or the ICC. Just a short walk from the Sea life centre and Brindley Place it's also good for families in the daytime. With occasional live music and a great terrace this place was good enough for Bill Clinton on his G8 Visit to the city so it will be good enough for you !
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Rococo Lounge
11 Apr 08, 20:15
Rococo
A nice bar which is something a little bit different on Broad Street. Good range of drinks and cocktails and with a lot of different music, a DJ and an open dance floor it's a good place to check out and during the summer, sit outside on the terrace and watch Broad Street's nightlife in full glory.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Nando's Chickenland
11 Apr 08, 20:11
Nandos Birmingham
The feel of Nandos is definetly better than that other chicken restaurants and the three types of sauce on the chicken means that you can be experimental with the hotness. Good food and reasonable service.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Yo! Sushi
11 Apr 08, 20:09
Yo Sushi
If you are out shopping in the Bullring then this is a good place to stop off for a different lunch. It can get busy in the daytime and the meals vary in price but are a little more for the luxury of the concept. One handy hint is that towards the end of the day the prices do drop, as do the amount of people so you may get quite a bargain !
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of PizzaExpress
11 Apr 08, 20:04
Pizza Express
A nice, upmarket pizza extablishment by the waters edge, Brindley Place, just off Broad Street. Quite expensive but still worth a treat. There are two levels and usually plenty of space, although occasionally there may be a wait in the adjacent bar.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Poppyred
11 Apr 08, 19:58
Poppy Red
Good tunes and a nice place to hang out if you are in or around the Arcadian. Not the biggest of places so it does get busy quickly but nevertheless a good place to meet and enjoy the music.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sobar
11 Apr 08, 19:55
Sobar Birmingham
Great food in the daytime and a nice place to watch the world go by but quite busy by night and you could find yourself practically crushed by the amount of people at the weekends. Another cool, place to be seen, but not somewhere you would stay all night.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Athens Greek Restaurant
11 Apr 08, 19:48
Athens Greek Restaurant
If you've ever fancied an authentic Greek meal in Birmingham City Centre, with all the trimmings including dancing and smashing plates then this is the place for you. A real treat and an unfortgettable night out for friends, family or an office night out.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Mr Egg
11 Apr 08, 19:42
Mr Egg
The infamous Mr Egg is a vital stop if you have been out round the Arcadian till the early hours and you fancy a bite. With the line "Eat like a Queen" and the huge egg on the ceiling this is the place every brummie knows and everyone who has been to Birmingham should know. If you fancy anything you can imagine eating with Egg...this is the place to come !
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Sports Cafe
11 Apr 08, 19:38
Sports Cafe Birmingham
Right in the heart of Birmingham's entertainment district this is a great place to hang out with friends, grab a game of pool or table football and get some good food and drink. Good portions of favourites and special offers too. Great Ribs too ! There's also the big screen when the most popular games are on and a good sized dancefloor for weekend nights out.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Apres Bar
11 Apr 08, 17:08
Apres Broadway Plaza
A smaller venue to the Summer Row location but with a similar good menu with great pizza and steak offers on certain days of the week and pitchers of beer at reasonable prices. The decor follows the same Red as it's other branches. Located close to Broad Street and next to the AMC cinema and Bowling this is a good place to start or end your evening.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Flares
11 Apr 08, 17:01
Flares Broad Street
Whether you remember the 1970's or you just want to see what it was like this is a great place to just have a dance and let loose. Situated in an old church with two levels and a private upper level this is a great place for a fun cheesy night out.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Barracuda
11 Apr 08, 16:50
Barracuda
Just off New Street and near the Arcadian this is a good place for a weekend evening. It's got two bars with a large dancefloor area and has a good atmosphere. The music ranges from pop to r'n'b but seems to do well and attract a large crowd.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of All Bar One
11 Apr 08, 16:45
All Bar One
Much like the All Bar One in Brindley Price this has a good selection of food and different beers and ales. It is generally frequented by business style types in the daytime and evening due to it's location.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Red
11 Apr 08, 16:43
Red
Quite a small bar hidden just off New Street. Like the name it does have a lot of Red Decor and quite pricey drinks but has nice food and is worth a look.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Lloyds Bar
11 Apr 08, 16:41
LLoyds Bar
A good bar to start your evening or to meet up but does start to get queues quite quickly, especially ono Friday or Saturday nights. Fairly good prices on food with special meal deals and drinks offers too. There's also a dancefloor and two levels for when it gets too busy.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Arca Bar
11 Apr 08, 16:38
Arca Bar
Like many of the bars in the Arcadian this place gets very very busy at the weekends but in the daytime or early evening it's a great place to get a bite to eat or meet up with friends in a trendy bar in the city.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Club Hidden
11 Apr 08, 16:36
Hidden
Just next to the Arcadian Centre this is a good place to go if you are into your dance music and want to be seen in Brum. Not the best place if you want to stay together as a group as it gets busy and is easy to get lost, but for die hard clubbers it is one of those places to go to.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Medicine Bar
11 Apr 08, 16:30
Medicine Bar
Quite a cool, trendy place in the old custard factory in Digbeth. As well as the bar area there is a room for live music and generally has a good atmosphere away from the usual Broad Street scene.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Yard Of Ale
11 Apr 08, 16:15
Yard of Ale
Just on New Street this is pub you might normally miss if you are shopping or heading to other more common places in Birmingham for a night out. It's a small pub but with friendly staff and is more of a local feel than some of the chain pubs. It seems to be the place where people will stop off rather than a place to end up but still good and a bit of a hidden gem.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Oceana Nightclub
11 Apr 08, 16:12
Oceana, Birmingham
A Modern refurbishment to a club that has seen many changes over the years. Not far from New Street Station and the Arcadian, Oceana like it's counterparts across the country has rooms for everyone, from Cheesy Pop, to Upfront Dance and varying styles in between. Definetly worth a look if you are with a large group of people and can't decide on one place to go.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Birmingham Academy
11 Apr 08, 16:10
Carling Academy Birmingham
A reasonably sized venue for quite big name and up and coming acts yet to fill out stadiums. It's located fairly close to New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill Stations. Tickets do get sold fairly quickly and the place gets packed but it's definetly somehwhere to check out to see your favourite group before they make it too big !
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Snobs
11 Apr 08, 16:04
Great for Students and Indie Lovers
Located in the Heart of Birmingham within walking distance of Broad Street and The Mailbox, Snobs is a great place for Students and Rock/Indie Music Lovers. There are two rooms with rock anthems in the main room and more soul and older anthems in the smaller room. Cheap £1 bottle promotions and Wednesdays is a great night for a midweek night out.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.