Being a Raspberry is not all it’s cracked up to be at times. Yes, we get free parking and can jump the queues at theme parks, but once in a while you are treated and made to feel like sh*te (surprising I know).  Anyway, I was meeting a few friends in town for a night out.  I had not been to this bar before so I thought it best to check their Raspberry facilities.  So I did, I asked the basic questions ie. can I get in and do you have a toilet?  Her response was that of confusion at first, but after a few errr and arrr’s she came to the conclusion that it’s not the place for me, implying that I’d be in the way.  It was almost as if she was on a bonus if she kept “none normals” away!

She said “Even if you could get in, we are always ever so busy”
Me “So your saying I should not bother”?
Her “Well it is up to you”

In all honesty I was a tad surprised by her manner. I am used to not being able to get into places but most people have the decency to at least appear to be sorry about it!

The Jekyll & Hyde
28 Steelhouse Lane
Birmingham
B4 6BJ
0121 2360345
http://www.thejekyllandhyde.co.uk/

Today I decided to contact The Victoria and Bar-Island (The Jekyll & Hyde’s sister venues) to check out what Raspberry facilities they had and also to see if they would be of the same tone as The Jekyll & Hyde.  So I called The Victoria and spoke to Josh. Apparently there is a small lip to get in and once I am in if I happen to need the loo then there is a toilet in New Street Station.  *blink*  OK Josh no need to say anything else!

So good news, I can get in but if I need a wee I need to get a taxi to the loo! (OK I am exaggerating but come on)

The Victoria
48 John Bright Street
Birmingham
B1 1BN
http://www.thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk/

I forgot to ask the fella his name at Bar-Island as I was stunned when he said I could get in and they have a toilet:-)  They do have a room upstairs which I can’t access, however this is mainly used for functions.  Not an ideal place but at least they do seem to have given some thought to the “none normals” !

Bar-Island
14 – 16 Suffolk Street
Queensway
Birmingham B1 1LT
http://www.bar-island.co.uk/

Here is yet another pub that has poor facilities and an attitude to match.

The Tap & Spile
Gas Street (off Broad Street)
Birmingham
http://www.tapandspilebirmingham.co.uk

I would recommend All Bar One and Poppy Red if you’re wanting a night out. Not only is the access good, the staff are helpful too:-)
All Bar One
Units 12G-13G Waters Edge
Brindley Place
Birmingham
B1 2HL
http://www.allbarone.co.uk

PoppyRed
Arcadian
Birmingham
http://www.poppy-red.com

I went to The Spotted Dog a few weeks ago with some friends. You would think it’s just another boozer in Digbeth, nothing special?  Wrong – this place is special and is the type of place that keeps my faith in people. The access is not great, the toilet is a tad tricky to get in to, but what makes this place so god damn cool is the people.   When your as old as I am (I am not old really I’m only 34 but it sounded better) you get used to such things as poor access and so on.  I am fully aware and accept that many building are difficult or even impossible to adapt, not to mention costly.  But, at the end of the day, respect, consideration and  understanding don’t cost anything.  Narrow minded attitudes are far harder to change than old buildings, but not impossible;-)

The Spotted Dog
104 Warwick Street,
Digbeth,
B12 0NH
http://www.spotteddog.co.uk/