The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

Housed in very unpromising-looking premises in a parade of outlets on the ground floor of a rather hideous 1960s office development (although the wavy canopy is notable), this isn't some coffee and cake place (as the name might suggest) either... Instead, it's a sparsely furnished and plainly decorated split-level music venue on most nights (with entry sometimes charged). However, it is otherwise open to all as a bar. No real ale, unfortunately, but the choice of craft keg offerings is better than most, and my pint of Big Wave (£4.70) was one of a pair from Kona.

Official site of The Sunflower Lounge - thesunflowerlounge.com

Official site of The Sunflower Lounge - thesunflowerlounge.com

Street leval bar now known as Big Papas at Sunflower Lounge, fronting the former inner Ring Road, Smallbrook Queensway. High ceiling, dark walls & bar furniture. Serving 'soul food' (as does many other places these days...). No real ale, but they do have Purity Longhorn and Brooklyn lagers on tap. Not fancy, just a modern hipster bar style with indie music. There is also a downstairs late night music venue.

This is a little bar in a later 20th century development, which has a patio area. The bar is a single room with a raised area at the back, and with the serving bar to one side. The decor seems a little out of place with the name - as the walls are red and black with one of patterned wallpaper, and a black ceiling; hardly 'sunshine'. Seating is red sofas (a little tired) and high stools and the walls have a lot of music based pictures on them. The TV had Sky Sports on (and there appears to be a pull-down screen facility) and the music was mixed and at a decent level. The place does food; grill stuff - at reasonable prices. The service was fine and it was a maturer clientele. Bee; no real ale, just tap stuff with Estrella, Peroni and Brooklyn lagers - the last being fine. I didn't have high expectations before i went in, but i found myself enjoying my stop. I think Steve, below, hits it on the head - and yes, it is a shame!

No real ale on offer here but I do like this place as it doesn't seem to attract your usual city centre drinkers. Shame it can't stick a handpull on the bar!