Bar Room Bar in Birmingham has long been a local of mine, since I moved to a city centre apartment (unfortunately just recently vacated to move home to save some money). It is also next door to my old place of work, which increased the frequency of my visits greatly. BRB of course a chain of bars throughout Britain, the Birmingham branch being located centrally in the Mailbox.

The Birmingham branch of Bar Room Bar has recently been done out and now looks very nice inside. A square room, straight ahead is a central bar with booths lining one side of the wall and plenty of bar stools and smaller tables and chairs to perch and sit whilst having a pint. The toilets are located upstairs and excitedly (for me in my excitable about small things state) have a Dyson hand dryer - the ultimate mark of a sophisticated bar!

The atmosphere is relaxed in the day and quite funky and dressed up in the evenings, especially on Thursdays, Fridays and the weekend. Although like all purpose built bars and chains, character is a bit thin on the ground. The music is really funky house and popular dance in the evening, with something more chilled in the day.

Food is good and can be excellent value for money. I'd highly recommend the pizza, salad or sandwich and drink for £6.95 lunch served every day. Tuesdays have two for one pizzas also which range from around £5 - £8 each. The drinks however I am sorry to day, can be extortionate - the wine especially. Unfortunately I am quite picky with my wine and as the house wine leaves somewhat to be desired, I always want something else from the list, but anything half decent can cost anything from £4 - £6 for a small glass only. Pints come in at an average of £3 - £3.50 and spirits are around £5. Unfortunately, it's not cheap. However, on Thursday nights cocktails are 2-4-1 and cost around £6 each which is must better value.

Overall, I like BRB - I like the atmosphere, the food and the central location. I also like the fact that I am pretty much guaranteed to see someone I know in the place. My only advice would be to choose your drinks wisely - although a wide choice is available, the prices leave a lot to be desired.