Midlands reviewer James March stops by The Era Bar in Birmingham.
Things got off to a stuttering start for the Era Bar in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter after an early spring opening was put on hold due to electricity issues, but the bar on St Paul’s Square finally opened in May.
Located beneath a Georgian townhouse, its brick arches and black wooden beams are handsome, though the space feels unfinished. There’s a music theme but its references are bizarrely widespread, with walls dotted by posters of the Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan and Take That. ’90s Eurodance pumps when I order the R&B House from a 17-strong cocktail list, split into Classic and Signature.
Consisting of dark rum, pineapple and a sprinkling of spices on top, it’s a bland effort with a brackish colour and little discernible kick. The Heavy Metal, made from tequila, orange, lime and agave syrup, is a slight improvement afterward but it still lacks something.
There’s strong competition here with 40 St Pauls nearby, while a real live music venue – The Jam House – is just a few steps away. I’m not sure who this place is for and it’ll need a stronger identity to compete with the JQ’s established spots.
» 30 Mary Ann Street, Birmingham B3 1RL
Score: 5/10