Joe's Bar in Bournville

Ah, Joe's Bar – it's one of those places in Birmingham that you might stumble upon and think, 'This could be a regular haunt.' From what I've gathered from folks who've been there, the staff are an absolute delight, always up for a chat and making sure everyone feels welcome, which really sets a warm tone for the evening. The drink deals, especially during happy hour, are spot on for keeping things affordable, and with quiz nights and a pool table on offer, it's brilliant for catching up with mates or making new ones. That said, it's not all smooth sailing – the food's where it falls a bit flat, with stories of pizzas that are more doughy disaster than delicious treat, and portions that seem to shrink every visit. I've heard tales of fries that don't quite taste right or are just too skimpy for the quid you're shelling out. All in all, if you're after a place for a good pint and some laughs, Joe's Bar ticks a lot of boxes, but you might want to grab a bite elsewhere to avoid any disappointments. It's got that student-friendly energy, being part of the Guild of Students, so it's worth popping in for the atmosphere alone, as long as you keep your expectations in check for the grub.