Bohemian, Birmingham

Modern 'cocktail bar + kitchen' in a prominent position on the Moseley Village crossroads. Given a makeover at some point, with low lighting and limited decor. It has a greenish lounge to one side, but the already sparser furniture in the main bar area had been partially cleared to make way for an open-mic night (not that there was a crowd in). Notably miniscule rear patio for the less-discriminate smokers. No real ale either, so had a quick Guinness (£2.00, half).

This is a place that seems to have had a parade of owners and names - and has now been reinvented as a cocktail bar and kitchen, which of course go as naturally together as salt and pepper. The building curves, and is in a 17th century style, being in brick with projecting stone windows, balustrade and entablature. The bar frontage is in grey and glass. The interior has a couple of rooms - a smaller upstairs room, with the main one downstairs. These rooms are in brick and grey. The lower room has a mixed wood and flag floor. Bohemian art is on the walls, and candles are on the tables - i believe it is also a music venue. There is a fireplace with a burner fire. It does food - hence the 'kitchen', but we didn't eat here. There is a pull down TV screen, which had the footy on and the music was general and at a decent level. The service was fine and a few people were in. Beer; usual tap stuff with Golden Hen on handpull, which was fine enough. A bit pretentious, but OK for a swift half. I wonder what it will be called next week.

Now called The Junction, as photos show. Modern, light large one-roomed bar. Lots of sofas, pine and chrome, you get the picture. Not always to my taste this kind of place, but felt it was a great contrast to other local pubs and its nice for a modern bar. 3 real ales, 2 usual, one slightly less so. Did feel it was a bit of a token effort, but the thought was there.