The Loft, Birmingham

Modern bar and kitchen on the edge of the Chinese Quarter, housed in a rather unassuming block. The ceiling is higher than expected, and the various seating / dining areas provide some variety. Slightly odd mix of decorative styles but the restrained Christmas lighting helped enliven the look. Having said that, there was a reasonable crowd in early on a Wednesday evening, so the atmosphere was convivial anyway. Only really let down by the lack of real ale, but the Franciscan Well Chieftain IPA (£4.50) was one of the better keg offerings.

Large modern bar that has folding opening frontage to open up to the street. Sofas, newspapers, lots of brick on show & mirrors. No real ale.

This is part of the ground floor of a tarted-up 20th century building, with a front and side patio area. The frontage is one of black and glass. There is a single room that i saw, with a raised area at the back. The decor is one of plain brick and some murky colour, with a wood floor. Ornate mirrors are dotted about along with a strange collection of candle-holdery things. Sofas, cushions, lamps, comfy chairs, high backed tiger skin covered chairs, candled tables and silver air ducts are the backdrop to the charty music and discreet TV showing adverts. They do food, but i didn't eat so can't comment on that. The service was fine and the clientel was mixed, late 20s/30s kind of age. Beer; no real ale, just the usual stuff with Peroni. I had a swift half of Boddington's. One for the interior designers.