Aysha's reviews
Review of Indi Bar & Lounge
03 Oct 07, 14:26
Indi Bar 
Indi Bar is nestled in the middle of the Arcadian and is one of a number of bars in the centre that caters for the young and happening of Birmingham. Indi is your typical 'Saturday Night' bar, with a nice long bar, plenty of space to dance, some seating (though difficult to hold if you leave it for longer than a minute!) and lots of happy people going insane to the resident DJs tunes. There can be queues on a weekend night, and be prepared for a door policy that borders on rude- particularly from the girl who takes your money from you (around £3 if it's after 22:00 for some unknown reason). Also be prepared to have your hand stamped by said girl, without so much as a by your leave. No trainers allowed (although some people do sneak in, though quite how I'm not sure!), and dress code is smart/casual. Much like other bars at The Arcadian, people in here dress pretty smartly but not too over the top- jeans are perfectly acceptable, though girls tend to wear dresses or skirts/tops. The music tends to be your typical dance/house classics, though it is often mixed up with a bit of garage or R&B. There's plenty of room for a dance, and it can get pretty crowded on the dancefloor, though there's a slightly higher platform where you can stand and gaze at your fellow revellers. It is a popular place for townies, so be prepared for some laddish behaviour or girls falling over drunk. Any kind of nonsense is dealt with swiftly by the bouncers, so fear not. As far as drinks go, there's often promotions on early on in the evening for things like alco-pops etc. Spirits and mixers are often served in very small glasses, so I'd stick to pints if you're out for a cheap one. Bar staff are generally friendly and there's not usually that much waiting time at the bar. Toilets are pretty small and there's one of those ladies who tries to sell you lollipops for £2, when they clearly cost 10p in the shops, or she tries to charge you for using the hand dryer. Whilst I understand why some upmarket places have these staff, I'm not entirely sure why Indi Bar has one, as people rarely want to pay to use the facilities. Don't expect anything surprising or new and exciting from Indi Bar, but do expect some good tunes, a it of a dance and some 'interesting' people to talk to!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Victoria
03 Oct 07, 10:46
The Victoria 
The Victoria is nestled at the back of the Alexander Theatre in Brum, and is a cool, old-school pub run by friendly staff and full of theatre memorabilia gathered over the past 100 years or so. It's a charming little pub that's got a relaxed atmosphere- it can be packed with theatre-goers on some nights or empty other nights, though you can generally be sure of somewhere to rest your pint. Amongst the decor are hundreds of photos of actors past and present, and it can be quite fun to see whom you recognise and from what. Bar staff can sometimes be heard telling stories about when they served Sir Ian McKellen, or when so and so actor fell down the stairs drunk etc, which is hilarious and adds a bit of culture to your drinking session! Drink prices are reasonable, and there's a standard selection of drinks, though if you're after something a bit more unusual you may be disappointed. Food is served and is home-made and quite tasty- the best part of the fare is the puddings though- genuine home-made puds like Jam Roly-Poly and Apple Pie, all served with custard, and cheap at around £2 each. It's a pretty hard to find pub, but if you head towards the Alexander, then walk down behind it and look for a Victorian style pub with garish majolica tiling outside, you're there!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sunflower Lounge
03 Oct 07, 10:45
The Sunflower Lounge
The Sunflower Lounge is a favourite with the trendy gig-going crowd who wear clothes from vintage shops and drink continental beers. It's situated not far from the Bull Ring on Smallbrook Queensway, and is an ideal pre-club bar if you're heading onto Snobs or another indie nightspot. It's pretty small- and can get very hot (especially in the downstairs room, below street level) when you're watching a band. There's seating at the back of the bar, on a higher level, which is quite good, as it's a perfect vantage point for people watching. Not only this, if you bag a table you're guaranteed breathing space, which can't be said for the people who get to stand by the bar and get squashed. Prices are reasonable- £2.20 for a pint, so pretty cheap compared to other places in the centre of town. Wine is cheap too- it has been known to sell bottles for £5 or so, so a cheap night on the town can be had in a cool environment. Music ranges from Indie classics to funk and soul, and there's usually a live DJ at the end of the bar willing to play requests if people are desperate. Generally though, people are willing to listen to what's played- there doesn't seem to be any dancing ever, but it's the kind of place where the music fills the background of the conversation, rather than overpower it. Live bands play in the downstairs room, which, as mentioned before, can be stifling, particularly in the summer months. It's a typical Indie music venue- low ceilings, cheap booze and bands who sound a bit weird in such a small space. Weirdly, the toilets don't fit in with the rest of the relatively dingy interior- they're clean and spacious and very modern- compared with the drab colours of the bar walls and the numerous music posters and flyers that are dotted around the venue. Expect to find the place filled with technical-hairdos and lots of retro styles- if you're going to the Sunflower Lounge think skinny jeans and unusual footwear- not for the type of person who irons a white shirt for their Saturday night 'pulling' outfit! There's no dress code, but if you're not really into Indie style music, or even rock music, I doubt you'll enjoy it, or feel comfortable there!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sobar
03 Oct 07, 10:45
SoBar
SoBar is another bar that forms part of The Arcadian and is another generic 'cool' bar with lots of grey/brown furniture, good-looking bar staff and a door policy which results in unnecessary queuing. However, if you are an attractive female, or even better, a group of attractive young females, sometimes you can get bumped to the front by smiling sweetly and pretending you're a VIP. Once you're in, prepare for a squeeze- this place is heaving on a weekend night, and it can take ages to get served at the bar. The music is your average selection of dance/house music, though often it's so crowded you can't hear it! However, it's easy enough to find an area where there's someone dancing, so you can often station yourself there if you fancy a bit of a boogie. Clientele ranges from the wannabe footballer's wives to the actual footballers themselves- it's not unknown for Aston Villa, Birmingham City or West Brom footballers to frequent SoBar- though they tend to be upstairs in the tightly secured VIP area. Most people come in here for the majority of their night out- it's open until 2am, although the crowd does thin out well before this as some go onto clubs or another bar in the Arcadian. Drinks are priced the same as most Arcadian bars- roughly £3 on average for wine or beer, or a spirit and mixer. It can take a while to get served, but unlike most Arcadian bars, SoBar generally has enough staff on a busy night, so you shouldn't be waiting for too long. My only real problem with SoBar is that it doesn't offer anything out of the ordinary- it's okay, there's nothing wrong with it, but it doesn't stand out as an amazing bar. This is a problem with The Arcadian in general- the bars are so generic, and so full that a lot of the time it doesn't matter which one you're in as the differences between them is minute.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Green Room Cafe Bar
03 Oct 07, 10:44
The Green Room
The Green Room is a long-standing favourite of the theatre-going crowd, and is frequently full of actors, theatre-goers and arty people who make up a large proportion of the clientele. Situated on Hurst Street, in the heart of the gay quarter and opposite the Hippodrome, the Green Room serves fantastic food in a chilled out and relaxed atmosphere. I have eaten at the Green Room lots of times, and their standard menu is full of healthy, interesting choices, with lots of vegetarian options for those who avoid meat. As a meat eater there's plenty there too, from BLT sandwiches to roast lamb escalopes, the Green Room has something for every carnivore out there. Staff are friendly and helpful, and know the menu inside out. There's also specials displayed on the chalk board, along with recommendations of wines you can have with your meal. Lunchtime sandwiches are massive and served with chips for around £5, which is a bargain when you think of how much you pay for a rubbish sandwich in plastic box from a high street shop. Everything is cooked from scratch, so it can take time to get your food, but it is worth the wait, and the staff are very attentive throughout. There's an excellent selection of wines, and prices are pretty reasonable- around £3 for a glass. However, Green Room does cater for more expensive tastes too, and has the champagne and higher-priced wines to reflect this. One of the negatives of the Green Room are the seats- sounds odd, but they are wooden and very straight-backed- annoyingly so. As a result, it can be a bit uncomfortable after a while, particularly if you've only popped in for a coffee. It can get busy, but you can phone and book in advance, or just get there a bit earlier (especially at the weekend) and you should be able to secure a table. Large groups are welcome, but the tables restrict size to around 8 or so- but this isn't the kind of place for a works do or hen party. It has a sedate and cool atmosphere, largely due to the intellectual arts crowd that seem to frequent the Green Room. Not recommended as a ore-bar for a loud night out, but great for dates and quiet meals, or for a quick pre or post-theatre drink.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Medicine Bar
03 Oct 07, 10:43
Medicine Bar
Medicine Bar is situated in the Custard Factory- the old Birds custard factory in Digbeth which was converted into an arts/entertainment complex about 15 years ago. The Medicine Bar has long been catering for the incredibly trendy crowd of Birmingham- it is one of those places which really is too cool for school, and full of nonchalant bar staff and beautiful clientele who look like they can't be bothered to crack a smile. Whilst not strictly a live music venue, Medicine Bar frequently has bands and big-name DJs playing, which can mean immense queuing times, particularly at weekends. It is not a very big place, which means that demand can often far outweigh capacity- frustrating when you're standing in a queue for an hour only to be told to not bother by militant door staff with a chip on their shoulder. However, the Medicine Bar, on a quiet day, like a Sunday, can be great. It's perfect for a chilled afternoon drink, and can be one of those places where you can sit for hours, reading the papers, chatting with mates and generally whiling the time away. Food is served at lunchtimes, and is a mixture of classics like lamb-burgers, to more unusual fare like chick-pea fritters and pastas. The food is pretty good- nothing too challenging but wholesome and filling, and made with fresh ingredients, which is always good in a pub. I have had some cracking nights here, and when it's good, it's very very good, but when it's bad it's rubbish. Getting drinks at the bar can be an ordeal on a busy night, and the toilets are small and usually full- not recommended for the weak of bladder! The Medicine Bar is worth going to if you're intending to go somewhere else after, but if it's your whole night, prepare for a long one.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Shiraz
03 Oct 07, 10:42
Shiraz 
Shiraz is one of my favourite restaurants in Birmingham. Located on the busy Hagley Road just outside the city centre, Shiraz is a family run restaurant that specialises in authentic Persian cuisine. The food is, quite simply, outstanding. Meat is cooked to absolute perfection, rice is tender and flavoursome, and everything is served with such enthusiasm and delight that you'd be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into the family's own house. Alcohol is not sold or permitted as the family are Islamic, but there is a wide range of soft drinks available for thirsty customers. Meals are served in large portions- you have been warned! I have tried virtually everything on the menu and can thoroughly recommend some of the Chello Khoresht Ghorme Sabzi, which is a kind of lamb stew infused with tarragon and full of different beans and pulses- the lamb is cooked for so long, and so well, that it practically falls apart in your mouth- incredible. Its location is probably the worst thing about Shiraz- the Hagley Road is notoriously difficult to negotiate, and it can be a pain to find a parking space. It is also in a row of businesses that includes a massage parlour- this is some way up the road, fear not, but it does mean don't loiter outside if you don't want to be hassled by the white van drivers of this world, as I was whilst waiting for some friends not too long ago. However, it might be that because of its location, Shiraz had been able to maintain its charm and its steady flow of regular customers- I have been there several times and seen the same faces enjoying their food. It is very popular with the Persian community, and can get busy, especially on weekends. Shiraz is used to catering for different sized groups, and I have been there with up to 15 people before and they haven't even batted an eyelid. Service is swift and friendly, and meals are finished off with authentic Persian tea and pastries- you can also smoke some hookah if you feel so inclined. Probably one of the most original and enjoyable restaurants in Birmingham- enjoy!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Michelle's Cafe Bar
03 Oct 07, 10:42
Michelle's
Michelle's has been around since I can remember, and serves great, reasonably priced French food in a relaxed atmosphere. Situated by the law courts, Michelle's is often busy, especially at lunchtimes, when it can be full of lawyers on business lunches. Don't let this put you off though, it has a great, concise menu, a wonderful wine list and is one of those charming little places you only ever read about in books! You can choose between the bar food menu and the proper menu, bar food is generally better if you're in a rush as it is served fast and cheaply- you can get moules mariniere, fries and a glass of wine for around £6. They also do fabulous battered brie, duck liver pate and other typically 'French' dishes that are great for a light midday meal. Michelle's is not a big place- you may not be able to get a table if you turn up in the middle of lunchtime, but the staff are very friendly, and if they can, they will accommodate you. This is also a great place for a date- it is relaxed, friendly and not too over the top- it is almost like a Parisian bistro, and you can forget you're actually in Birmingham when you're in there during the evening. The food is tasty, filling and not too complicated- generally, what you see is what you get. It is ideal for anyone who is thinking of trying French cuisine but is unsure of where to start. It is an undemanding and charming little restaurant that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the city who fancies a quiet bite and time to soak up a great atmosphere.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Trocadero
03 Oct 07, 10:41
The Trocadero
The Trocadero is one of those pubs that you only really find if you know where it is. Situated just of New Street, the Troc (as it's known locally) is a cheap, cheerful boozer which is generally always full of people looking for a bit of old-school drinking time with their pals. Probably the best thing going for the Troc is its cheap drinks- roughly £2.20 for a pint, and a large glass of wine can be around £2- a bottle can start from £4.95, which, though it might be rubbish, is great if you want to get drunk cheaply. The interior is not particularly spacious- lots of nooks and crannies filled with seating, but bit stressful if you haven't got anywhere to sit- get there early on a Saturday and you'll be fine. It's popular with the pre-Snobs crowd, so expect to find lots of young trendy, EMO/Skater types with black hair and leopard print clothing. However, it also has its hardcore of older Brummies, who often sit in the corner nursing a pint whilst watching whatever match is playing on one of the large-screen TVs in the corner. The ladies toilets (and I can't speak for the men's I'm afraid!) are a bit scary, as they're downstairs and kind of tucked away. They're clean and well-lit, but the Victorian decor gives it a bit of a weird vibe, and annoyingly, there's frequently no paper in the loo, you have been warned! All in all, the Troc is the perfect place to start your night out, especially if you are doing it straight after work. It's cheap, cheerful and chilled out and great if you fancy a quiet one with your mates.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Arca Bar
03 Oct 07, 10:40
Arca Bar 
Arca Bar is one of the more mainstream bars in the Arcadian, though it does seem to cater for the rather more chavvy element than the others. Once you enter the place, you're aware that you are being stared at by the numerous men who seem to be stationed around the place looking a bit suspicious, or by their girlfriends, who eye you with contempt. When you finally manage to get to the bar and order it can be a bit annoying when the bar person either a)ignores you, b)gives you a vodka and coke in the smallest glass in the world or c)tries to get you to buy a vodka jelly, or whatever other promotion is on that week. It's not all bad- there's a great size dancefloor upstairs, and plenty of places to sit. The door staff are friendly (though I am a girl, so this may have something to do with it), and there's a good mix of men/women inside (but only after about 11ish). However, it's loud, the music is for the garage/house hardcore and the lairy attitude of some of the clientele is really rather scary, quite frankly. I have been to Arca far too many times for me to recall now, and have had some okay nights there, but nothing amazing. I would recommend this place for the people who are really into their clubbing type music, and who just want to get drunk and have a proper dance. It's not for those who, like me, can't really tolerate music that isn't my taste, or scary girls who just look like they want to fight.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.