78 Bar and Grill

It was the old Medicine Bar, now the new Bar 78; the venue has been transformed into a bar and grill. Now when the place first opened, I wasn’t overly keen to go and check it out because I just thought…‘oh another bar’ which it kind of is, but in some senses it’s the new bar and grill place for Custard Factory residents and other clientele.
I’ve experienced it now, after my business partner said we should give it a try one sunny afternoon. As soon as we walked in the first thing we both said was: ‘why is this place so empty for saying it’s such a nice day?‘
In our heads there should have been more people in there. When you walk in, you start to realise just how nicely fitted it is-they’ve done a good job with the interiors.
Apart from the interiors, my favourite thing about Bar 78 is the food. I like the food and I think they offer good meal deals for a reasonable price which is why I would recommend this place.
Me and my business partner had the spicy chicken pizza and drink and we spent £5 each that was all. When the pizza came out it was massive. We actually couldn’t believe our eyes. Every time I’ve been in there, I’ve had to ask them to wrap up my left over’s because I just couldn’t finish the portions.
However, what I’m not sure about is what it’s like at night because I’ve never been there on a night out. Also I’ve never heard people talking about it which slightly concerns me.

During an event at Custard Factory I was looking for a place to drink without leaving the complex. Obviously, 78 Bar was the alternative. A bit far from the pub route of Digbeth, this bar usually held a lot of interesting events during the week but on a Sunday afternoon it seemed to be a very relaxing ambient.
Pints are relatively cheap there and the football can be watched from a very comfy seat while you grab a bite.
The food is nice as well. The usual 2 for £ 10 meal deals can be chosen from a good selection of burgers, fish & chips or pizzas.
I wouldn’t chose this bar to drink regularly among other good ones in Digbeth but I certainly will be back there if I am attending some event at Custard Factory, especially if I need to relax and calm down for some minutes during a very busy day.

Formerly the Medicine Bar that was closed down it reopened in August 2011 as a bar and grill. This four storey venue was always a great place for Friday and Saturday nights with a host of visiting DJ’s, club nights and events. Sadly 78 seems more of a venue for hire whilst operating as a bar. They hold monthly networking events for the Custard Factory’s resident creatives but lacks the impact of its former life.
I recently ate there after attending the Vintage Fair at the Old LIbrary and considering how busy the Custard Factory and the Fair was the bar was very quiet. To be fair this may in part be down to it’s distinct lack of openness to it’s appearance as you approach the venue. It’s dark depths make you question whether the door will open. Once inside these dark depths continued into the Ladies toilets where you questioned whether it was an aesthetic decision to create intimacy or just a few bulbs had gone.
The comfy booths had a host of chairs surrounding them making you wonder if they were reserved or closed off, but I just shuffled my way through them. We had good table service and the menu had a range of salads, burgers and general pub food including offers.
It wasn’t a great lunch experience and the venue lacked an atmosphere for a sunny, busy saturday in Brum. A bit too quiet and lacking in identity. Hopefully it’s just finding it’s feet.