The Briar Rose is one of the new Wetherspoon 'Lodges' which feature accommodation above a…read moreWetherspoon's bar or pub. The aim is to provide simple, modern, good-value accommodation in central locations in major UK towns and cities. The accommodation itself is on the well-established Ibis model: a simple en-suite room, with simple decor, and basic but adequate facilities. There's no room service, but food and drink can be bought in the Wetherspoon's below. The Briar Rose is situated in a refurbished "bankers' classical meets art-deco" style office building, with a large bar on the ground floor. We booked a triple room for a week-end. In terms of our stay, we found: Pros: - incredibly central - between New St and Colmore Row - unbeatable value - £20 per night each (£60 between three) - clean (not spotless, but fine) - surprisingly comfy beds and pillows - spacious, bright room with high ceilings - in-room tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer - easily booked on-line Cons: - no double-glazing, so some street noise (little traffic, but the odd drunken reveller until 2am. So probably less of a problem on week-days than at week-ends) - no air-conditioning - not much privacy from the the flats opposite (I loathe net curtains, but it needs something) - reception was a bit too casual for my liking, but efficient enough - a mix-up meant the room wasn't ready at 2pm as stated, but this was sorted out quickly by the friendly and helpful cleaner - breakfast not included, but good-value breakfasts available from the Wetherspoons below. I'd happily stay there again (so long as the weather wasn't too sultry), but would try for a rear-facing room. Once I'd fallen asleep I slept like a log, as th bed was very comfy. I might look elsewhere for breakfast, though, which was the only real downer. Although the meal itself was absolutely fine (veggie cooked breakfast for £2.10) and the service friendly, they serve beer at 9am on a Sunday morning, so attracting very late night revellers in various states of inebriation. (Two blokes were actually snorting 'poppers' as they were drinking...) They were all harmless enough and friendly in a drunken sort of way, but the management ought to think seriously about the wisdom of serving alcohol so early on a Saturday and Sunday. It's hard to decide how many stars. I think: - five stars for sheer value - a safe three stars for the accommodation (four had the room been ready) - breakfast experience was definitely two stars. So three stars overall, this time.

Out of all the Wetherspoons in Birmingham, this one is the jewel in the discount chain's crown…read more Obviously, it is still a Spoon pub (so you know what you're getting), but it has several things going for it that make it a more pleasant experience than it's competitors. Firstly, let's talk location. Being slap bang in the middle of Bennetts Hill (just up from New Street), it offers a convenient place to meet or grab a pre-meal drink that won't cost the earth. I popped in for a quick one before meeting Jon B. at Bodega yesterday and was reminded why I used to love it so much when I was a student. A decent pint of Cider was £2.35. Now, with Birmingham's reputation getting better and better - drinks prices are rising. It's amazing to get a pint in certain places for under £3.40; so I was suitably impressed. So location and prices, A OK! Let's talk design. Rather than the bland and lifeless design of some of the pubs in this chain, this one has a focus on animal print (which makes it a little more interesting). Yes, you still have your "cut and paste" bar (looking like every other Spoons in the world), but with a selection of tables, booths and high seats near the bar - it's got a nice layout to maximise seating space. I also have had call to grab a quick lunch or a life saving breakfast (you know what I'm talking about - the morning after the night before) and the food here just seems to be... better. Fresher and tastier than some of the other branches. The staff here are mixed. 9 times out of 10 you'll get a friendly member of staff, but they do get rushed off their feet here and sometimes might be a little curt on occasion. So yeah. If you're in town and meeting someone for a cheeky pint or just want a cheap spot to grab some lunch, I can recommend this Wetherspoons venue over the others on offer in the city.

Had great food and a pint here on a miserable and wet weekday evening. The waitress, Fran, was…read morecharming and chatty (but not overbearing). She accidentally slipped with the plates and spilt a load of my mates peas on the floor as she went to serve the meals, but was brave enough to laugh it off and offered to 'top up' his peas. She was helpful and friendly - credit to her for that. The decor was nice, in the style of a nice country pub, living up to its Vintage Inn brand - warm, cosy and relaxed. The log fire was definitely burning on our Autumnal visit, you could smell it from the car park! The food was well presented, tasted superb and there was enough to choose from. Not sure on any offerings for kids, but it seemed like a more mature place, maybe for older families, friends and professionals to meet. Shame I didn't get chance to spend any time in the bar area, but no doubt I'll return for another visit.

An extremely disappointing meal - food was below average and service was very poor…read more The bar stuff had no concept of who was actually next, the waiters didn't seem to communicate with the kitchen at all (as our and several other patrons meals appeared to have been sat on the hot plate for quite some time) - I ordered my steak rare, it came out completely uncooked on the inside and heavily charred on the outer. Both our starters and mains only appeared after complaining to the waiter - any complaints were simply met wit ha shrug of the shoulders and a meaningless "sorry" Poor poor, very poor service - definitely wouldn't consider a return!

Visited: lunhtime, Saturday 9/7/22…read more Great interior decor. Good amount of outside space. The latter being well used on the day of our visit. Good friendly greeting, and good service. I have a problem with cheese cooked in food or placed on top of food. The waitress kept me updated regarding any cross-contamination. Checking if certain food was OK. It showed they cared. I'd go back again. My billwas as follows: 2 x Large Pepsi - £7.20 1 x Raspberry and Rhubard Gin Cocktail - £4.85 1 x Small Lemonade - £1.25 2 x Bottles of Oyster Bay Sauvinnon Blanc - £53.00 1 x Madri Lager - £5.15 1 x Bombay Sapphire - £.95 1 glass of tonic water - 2.55 2 x Duck Liver Parfait - 13.90 2 x Spit Roast Chickens - £30.50 2 x Pork Belly and Scallops - £43.00 1 x Chilli and Feta Prawns - £8.25 1 x Chipotle Chicken - £7.25 1 x Side Mac & Cheese - £3.25 1 x Pineapple Spritzer - £8.25 1 x Small Glass of Shiraz - £5.50 1 x Salt & Pepper Squid - £7.20 1 x 7oz Fillet Steak - £28.95 2 x Large Pepsi Max - £7.00 1 x English Breakfast Tea - £2.85 1 x Lemon Posset - £7.25 1 x Americano Coffee (Blck) - 2.85 1 x Churros - £7.25 1 x Sticky Toffee Pudding - £7.25 1 x Americano Coffee with Semi-Skimmed Milk - £2.85 Bill Total (5 people) - £272.80.

I've been to the Lyttleton Arms numerous times and always had an enjoyable night.so decided to go…read moresomewhere out of the way with a friend for some post Christmas lunch. We were welcomed in which was lovely and seated at our table. Not sure what has changed, but it wasn't a positive experience from start to finish. The service was poor, we waited ages to be served, we waited a long time for food. Once the food arrived we were shocked at the portion size for the price we were going to pay. I had to ask for our order to be taken more than once as the waitress had forgotten to come back to us, we complained about the level of service several times and nothing improved due to being short of staff. The maitre'd was of no value in resolving the issues raised and appeared inexperienced in how to deal with a complaint. Really disappointing as i love coming here for the drinks. The only positive thing were actually the drinks they were lovely and arrived promptly. They even gave us hot water with fresh mint leaves for mint tea. Its a shame to say but i wouldn't recommend this place for food. I don't think this is a one off either as after speaking to my friend, she also experienced the same with poor service before! The only reason this is a two is because they took some money off the bill and the drinks in the pub are good.

Went there on Easter. Buffet was fresh, hot and gosh dang tasty…read more The restaurant and restrooms were spotless. Only negative was the beer choice on draught. So I'll never go there if I felt like a good beer. But when I'm hungry...

A lovely pub and a pub I would visit again. Staff are friendly and the service they offer is…read moreexcellent. I have not had any food at the Malt Shovel but from what my friends have told me, the carvery is very nice. The beer garden is pretty spacious. It is a lovely place to be when it is a warm day and you have got a pint. Toilets are not too bad in terms on cleanliness. I found that a lot of old people do visit the Malt Shovel particularly during the afternoon. The Malt Shovel is a great place to be when it comes to live sports being shown at the pub and there are plenty of screens around the pub. I will be going back to the Malt Shovel and next time out I am going to try the food on offer at the pub. Should be interesting.

This is a cheap and cheerful carvery pub that was redone fairly recently…read more I'd avoided the place after some disappointing experiences back in the day, and although they've come back with an even uglier carpet, and the sprouts at the carvery station give off a bit of eau-de-fart, they definitely seem to have put their ducks in a row. I've been twice since the refurb, once having the ends of the world burger, and the other time the Sunday roast wrap. Although I thought it was seriously weird to be served with mushy peas (just why, guys?) and the little pigs in blankets looked quite sad compared to the behemoth of the wrap- really, just half would have been sufficient, moist, three different types of meat, veggies and alright chips. The people I've gone with have always enjoyed theirs too, and insisted on the puddings. My lovely friend had the eclair cake, which was just ridiculous, and I wouldn't be surprised if that thing had a pint of cream covering it. I had the hot pudding tower, which was warming and homely and meant not having to choose between sticky toffee and jam roll poly, worked surprisingly well. It still has it's legendary play area for kids, and the staff were lovely.

this is a lovely pub located just on the out skirts of Penkridge off the A449 and A5. Also easily…read moreaccessed from the M6 as it is not far from junction 12. Good food and drinks selcetion and now offer certain parts of the menu on 2 for £10 offer. Family friendly enviroment.

Nice pub great for a quick pint or just a two for a tenner meal . When we feel its just to much…read morebother to cook off we go to the Black Horse. Never had a bad meal always hot and plenty of it.If we need a meal for a group of us just a quick call to Oly ( Manager) for a table and its fixed . We go because we like it

didn't have a meal, but seems a nice pub with smashing beer,…read morealso a great car park ! especially for the disabled, will be back soon !!

The Trocadero is a pretty standard boozer right in the city centre of Birmingham. If you are…read morelooking for a reasonably priced pint this could be the perfect spot. The drink options are fairly standard with all the big brands you would expect but the prices do reflect that. If football is your thing you will think this place is ideal. There is always sport on the tvs around the venue and on match days this place is packed out. On the flip side of that if you are not a football supporter maybe check if there is a game on before heading down, there will be no seats and it gets pretty loud!

One of Birminghams oldest pubs, it's one of those places you go when you just want a cheap drink in…read morea proper pub. Most bars charge around £5 for a glass of wine these days so I was happy when it only came to £2.45 - 2 for the price of 1 I thought! Inside, it's not the most stylish of venues but it does the trick and will be exactly what you expect from going to 'real pub'. This place is alright I guess if you're looking for a place to get a proper filling meal without the hefty price tab. If you're in between shopping then you should go for the burger, chips & a drink deal for £6.49. You can't really say fairer than that, perfect for a Saturday afternoon. If you happen to be in town on a Wednesday, they have a deal where you can get a steak and a drink for £6.99 which I've not seen on offer anywhere else before so definitely worth a try especially if you're trying to watch the pennies.

Always popular pub - easily accessible, set as it is in the middle of a roundabout. Good choice of…read moredecent, affordable food, though at busy times - and it is often very busy - service can be slow. On a sunny day, the Bowling Green is rammed, because of its extensive garden, but it's actually much more welcoming in the winter, with its cosy sofas and roaring fires.

I love The Bowling Green!…read more It's part of the Ember Inns chain, but don't let the fact it is part if a chain put you off. It has a real home from home feel about it. I regularly end up on a huge L-shaped leather sofa with the hubby in front of the open fire, with my feet up and a glass of wine in my hand and no-one bats an eyelild. The food is very reasonably priced and always cooked from fresh. The menu changes regularly even within the same season. There are lots of real ales to choose from if that's your thing, and some great seasonal offers on food and drinks.