Perched at the top of Harborne High Street, The Junction is a recognisable sight. A booming traditional Edwardian building with red brick, beautiful original features and light spilling out the arched windows; it’s no wonder this place is so popular.
The Venue
A grand copper lantern guides you into the heart of The Junction where you’ll find a rich mahogany bar, plenty of cosy booth seating and open fire places surrounded by squishy armchairs. Chequerboard tiling and a mis-matched selection of furniture add a cool and quirky feel to this sophisticated public house. The beer garden really makes this place stand out from other sophisticated takes on the local boozer; A small secluded garden with plenty of twinkly fairy-lights, hanging plants and decorated brick walls make this outdoor escape more than a quick place to have a cigarette and dash.
Have you ever seen a pub front so inviting? The Junction only gets better once you wander through.
The Drinks
The friendly atmosphere didn’t stop at the décor, on approaching the bar the barmaid asked us what we would like, and complimented my hair (flattery can get you anywhere). While I basked in my own hair based ego, the kind barmaid took my partner in drinking through their six regularly changing real ales. Her knowledge was pretty impressive and we had a nice chat along the way eventually deciding on one of their locally brewed real ales. I myself chose from their speciality wines, and gosh darn was it tasty. We walked away feeling pretty cheerful and our purses not too much lighter with a glass of wine no more than £5.
Opting to order a vegetarian board to nibble on whilst enjoying a drink was an excellent decision. Dipping cauliflower and cheese straws into hummus and mozzarella fondue is far more fun than any bag of nuts could bring you. Although the bag of nuts will cost you a lot less, just saying the word ‘fondue’ can make up for the extra few quid you’ll be spending.
Traditional and brimming with subtle vintage regalia, The Junction is your snazzy alternative to pubs in Birmingham.
The Atmosphere
Wandering through The Junction it was really quite busy for a weekday, but it wasn’t crowded, just pleasantly buzzing. There were plenty of couples out for a quiet drink, and a few groups having a meal and a catch up and of course the pub staple; a man sitting at the bar supping ale whilst doing a crossword. Plenty of seating and tables in the beer garden meant punters were heading outside, enjoying the evening air with a drink, a friend and the help of an outdoor heater.
Cosy, quaint and brimming with more fairy lights than an Ikea sale, The Junction beer garden is a charming Harborne hideaway.
Summary
The Junction is an all occasions kind of venue. Chilled out enough to pop in for a pint, but with the extra bit of pazazz that you could also pop in with the parents for a Sunday Roast. The staff are more than happy to help you find a tipple to suit your tastes and you will probably find yourself cooing at the kitsch little quirks.
