The Junction - Birmingham - Pub Reviews

The Junction (212 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9PT) occupies a distinctive Victorian-era pub building at the top of Harborne High Street. Opened in 1904 for Mitchells & Butlers, its red-brick facade and original features make it a local landmark. Stepping inside, the pub feels like a classic British boozer – dark wood floors, leather booths and open fireplaces give it a cosy, “old-world” atmosphere. At the same time, it serves the modern crowd with lively conversation, hearty food and quality ales. The Junction is highly regarded by locals (with review sites noting roughly a 4.0/5 rating), who praise its friendly vibe and solid offerings. It’s open most days from late morning, typically 11 am–11 pm Monday–Wednesday and Sunday, with later closing (midnight or 1 am) on Thursdays through Saturdays. This mix of historic charm and current convenience makes it a popular community pub.

Facilities & Entertainment

Inside, The Junction strikes a balance between traditional and quirky. The main bar area features a rich mahogany counter and leather booth seating around open fireplaces – a setting one review described as “traditional Edwardian” with “original features” and tiled floors. The décor is homely yet eclectic: chequerboard tiles and mismatched vintage furniture add character, while details like a grand copper lantern over the door give it personality. It never feels like a modern sports bar – there are no big TV screens blaring matches on a loop. Instead, the pub encourages relaxed conversation. In fact, the pub even keeps board games on hand for customers to play at their tables, reinforcing the focus on socialising and low-key fun.

Behind the scenes, The Junction also runs regular entertainment nights. Most famously, there’s a pub quiz every Monday evening (hosted by “Ash”), which draws locals for a friendly trivia night. The venue also advertises occasional live music and special one-off events – from acoustic sets to pop-up foodie nights. In warmer weather, the spacious beer garden out back becomes a favourite spot. It’s a small secluded patio strung with fairy lights and plants, perfect for enjoying a pint al fresco on a summer evening. (Note: the garden is covered and heated, so it stays comfortable after dark.) Dogs are welcome too, and it’s common to see a friendly pooch curled up outside with its owner. Overall, The Junction’s facilities encourage a relaxed, convivial atmosphere – whether you’re there for a quiet drink by the fire, a game of cribbage, or an outdoor pint with friends.

Food on Offer

The Junction serves a broad menu of hearty British pub classics alongside some modern twists. You’ll find staples like beer-battered fish & chips, Cumberland sausage & mash with onion gravy, and a traditional steak & ale pie on buttery mash. There’s also a 8oz grilled sirloin steak or seabass fillets if you’re after something a bit more “dinner-type”. Burgers are popular here: for example, there’s a chicken-&-bacon burger, a smoked bacon cheeseburger, and even a plant-based falafel & avocado burger with chipotle mayo for vegans. Sides include hand-cut fries or rosemary-Parmesan chips, and starters feature things like Scotch eggs or beer-battered halloumi – plenty of classic options to start a meal. The kitchen also offers more contemporary small plates like nachos or charcuterie boards for sharing. In short, as one guide notes, there’s “something for everyone” on The Junction’s menu, including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan choices.

If you visit in the morning or early afternoon on weekends, you can also enjoy the Junction’s brunch menu. Time Out Magazine praises dishes like the French toast with bacon and maple syrup and the enormous “Breakfast of Champions” fry-up – so huge it’s meant to be shared. Bloody Mary cocktails and other brunch staples make the late-morning crowd particularly happy.

One standout tradition at The Junction is its Sunday roast dinner. From midday to late afternoon on Sundays, the pub plates up large roast dinners with all the trimmings. Reviewers rave that it’s “as good as your mother used to make”. The roast typically comes with a choice of meats (often beef and chicken) or a vegetarian roast, accompanied by roast potatoes, seasonal veggies, gravy and Yorkshire pudding. It’s a hearty meal that often fills the pub – on busy weekends the roasts can sell out, so booking ahead or arriving early is wise. Overall, the menu balances solid old-school pub dishes (fish & chips, sausages, pies) with a few modern touches, and there’s usually at least one decent salad or wrap for lighter options. Whether carnivore or vegan, most patrons should find satisfying fare here.

Beers on Tap

Beer lovers should feel at home at The Junction. As an independent pub not tied to a single brewery, it offers a rotating selection of cask ales and craft beers. In practice, this means you’ll usually see a few staple bitters or pale ales on handpump, along with one or two guest or seasonal brews. Time Out notes “a myriad of regularly changing real ales” on draft, and indeed many visits reveal local Birmingham ales or limited-release options alongside national brands. Patrons report that the ales are well-kept and served in good condition – a sign that the staff take care of their beer lines.

Behind the bar, the staff are quite knowledgeable. One reviewer remembers being walked through the pub’s six rotating real ales, with the bartender explaining each option in detail. If you’re unsure what to try, just ask – the barmaid or landlord will gladly recommend an ale or lager to suit your taste. Of course, if ale isn’t your thing, The Junction also has a broad drinks menu: there’s a selection of lagers, cider, a few craft bottled beers, plus a solid wine list and spirits (including cocktails). So whether you’re a traditionalist after a pint of local bitter, or fancy trying a gin or prosecco, the bar is well-stocked.

In short, The Junction stands out for its good pint. The combination of rotating cask ales, craft keg beers and typical pub drinks makes for variety. The attentive staff ensure glasses are fresh and properly handled. It’s not uncommon to find a queue to order on Friday or Saturday nights, which is a good sign it’s popular – but service tends to keep up well. All told, the beer line-up here reinforces the pub’s reputation for quality ales and a friendly pub atmosphere.

Price Range & Value

The Junction is reasonably priced for its location and quality – roughly a mid-range pub (denoted “££” in local guides). For example, a main dish like a burger or fish & chips typically costs in the mid-teens of pounds. (We saw items like steak & ale pie or schnitzel in the £16–18 range on the menu.) Starters and sides are modestly priced (£5–7 each), and desserts (sticky toffee pudding, crumble, etc.) are around £7–8. Burgers and grill items hover around £15–17. A classic Sunday roast lunch might be in the low teens, which diners generally consider fair for a generous portion and quality ingredients.

Drinks are similarly middle-of-the-road: pints of real ale or lager tend to be about £4–£5, while wines and cocktails are comparable to other pubs. Notably, reviewers have pointed out that even a glass of wine here won’t set you back much – for instance, one visitor mentioned getting a decent wine for “no more than £5”. Even during a large meal with several people, the bill usually feels reasonable for what you get. The consensus from customers is that you get solid value for what you pay: generous portions, friendly service and well-maintained beers mean you’re not just paying for ambience. In other words, The Junction delivers a satisfying pub meal and pint at prices that most find appropriate for Harborne. (There’s no sneaky service charge for bar food – tipping is, as usual, discretionary.) All told, this is not the cheapest pub in Birmingham, but it’s considered good value for a high-quality local dining and drinking experience.

Customer Service

The staff at The Junction have a strong reputation for friendliness and helpfulness. From the moment you walk in, you’re likely to be greeted with a smile. The bartenders and servers are praised for being down-to-earth and accommodating to both regulars and newcomers. As one reviewer noted, the bar staff were “friendly, helpful and polite” even when one of their computers was glitching; they didn’t make a big deal out of it and just kept everyone served smoothly. Likewise, when a large group came in for brunch, the kitchen managed all the orders “swiftly” despite the chaos.

The team behind the bar seems to genuinely enjoy chatting with customers. In one account, the barmaid complimented a guest’s haircut and walked them through the week’s six rotating ales with enthusiasm, even sharing a laugh over the spiciness of a Bloody Mary. Another regular remark is that the bartenders take time to remember guests’ names or favourite drinks, creating a neighbourly pub feel. Even when the pub gets busy (for example, just before a packed quiz night or brunch service), people say the service stays brisk. Tables are cleared regularly and food orders come out promptly. Of course, at peak times there can be a slight wait – after all, a friendly pub like this gets its fair share of business – but delays are the exception.

Overall, customer service at The Junction is consistently rated as warm and efficient. Patrons often mention that the staff’s professionalism and genuine interest in making their visit enjoyable is a highlight of the pub. Between the knowledgeable bartenders, the attentive servers, and the relaxed charm of the team, The Junction makes guests feel welcome and well-cared-for almost every time.

Events & Special Nights

The Junction keeps a full calendar of events to complement its regular offerings. Chief among these is the weekly pub quiz – held every Monday evening at 8 pm – which has become a local tradition. The quiz is hosted by “Ash” and features music rounds, picture rounds and even a “wipeout” round, making it a fun challenge for teams of friends or coworkers. It’s lively but always in good spirits, and if you like trivia it’s a great midweek outing (just be aware it can get busy – arriving a bit early to grab a table is wise).

Beyond quizzes, The Junction does run occasional special nights. For example, a popular recurring deal is their “Beer & Burger” night, where two customers get two burgers and two pints for a set price (around £18). These combo deals tend to draw crowds looking for a bargain. The pub also observes seasonal festivities – around Christmas, for instance, they offer a special set menu or a full festive dinner (details announced on their website).

The venue’s website and social media also advertise one-off events like live music nights or themed pop-up dinners. In the past, the pub occasionally hosted acoustic bands or singer-songwriters upstairs. (In fact, historically The Junction’s upstairs room has seen gigs – in the 1980s/90s even folk/rock performers like David Gray played there – though nowadays it seems less frequent.) The décor hints at this heritage of live performance, but today most music nights are irregular special events rather than a nightly feature.

Sports are not a main focus here, but the staff are happy to put on a big game for fans if enough people request it. You might catch World Cup matches on a TV occasionally, but by default the pub doesn’t have multiple screens running sports. Instead, its special events really centre around quizzes, good food deals, and the theatre of convivial pub life. In short, keep an eye on the notice board or Instagram page – whether it’s a beer-tasting menu, a private party booking, or a charity fundraiser, The Junction regularly sprinkles in events that keep regulars coming back for something new.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

The Junction’s atmosphere is warm and “buzzy” without ever feeling rowdy. The mix of customers – local families, young professionals, students, and longtime pub-goers – creates a friendly, all-ages vibe. One moment you might see a couple of university students quietly enjoying an ale, the next a family catching up, or a group of coworkers on a Friday unwinding after work. The spacious booths and high ceilings help prevent it from feeling cramped, even when it’s busy, and background music (at a moderate volume) adds to the ambiance without drowning out conversation. In the evenings, the lighting is soft and inviting; candles or dim bulbs add to the cosy feeling. On sunny days, the outdoor garden (with its strings of fairy lights and heater lamps) lets people spill outside for fresh air. Customers frequently comment on the “homey” feel – wood panelling and vintage posters blend with the clink of glasses and friendly chatter to give a sense of coming home.

That said, by nature of its character it’s not a very open, echoing space – many of the original walls and floors are intact, which means it can get quite lively and noisy on a packed weekend night. The crowd tends to disperse (or quiet down) gradually after 9pm as the evening settles in. If you prefer room to roam, it can feel a bit snug, but most find the bustle adds to the charm.

One important note: The Junction has limited disability access. The main entrance has a couple of small steps, and there is no wheelchair lift to any upper areas (even though most of the pub is on one level). The restrooms are upstairs, which could be a problem for some. Dogs, however, are welcome – you’ll often see a well-behaved pup under a table. In summary, it’s a characterful old pub with mostly level ground-floor seating, but if you require full step-free access it may not be ideal (the staff are happy to help as much as they can). Otherwise, the inviting atmosphere – warm décor, laughter, and the scent of cooking food – is a big part of the appeal for the vast majority of visitors.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated at the junction of Harborne High Street and Birmingham Street, The Junction occupies a prime spot in Harborne Village. Harborne is a historic suburb with its own bustling “village” centre. The pub sits literally at a crossroads in Harborne’s main shopping thoroughfare, surrounded by local shops, cafes, bakeries and other pubs. This makes it a convenient meeting point. Public transport is fairly easy – several bus routes run along Harborne High Street into Birmingham city centre, and a short taxi or bus ride will connect you to University or Selly Oak train stations. (There is no subway in Birmingham, but the city centre is only 15–20 minutes away by bus.) For drivers, parking on the High Street itself is limited and often pay-to-park, so most locals advise using nearby side streets or the free parking spots a few blocks away.

Once you’re here, there’s plenty to do nearby. A few minutes’ walk down the High Street will take you to Harborne’s boutique shops, an art-house cinema (the Oak cinema), and a weekend farmers’ market. Family-friendly attractions like Harborne Park and the Harborne Walkway trail are also within easy reach for a post-pint stroll. Foodies will note there are numerous restaurants within a block or two – from Italian bistros to curry houses – so The Junction makes a good stop before or after dinner out. If you want evening entertainment beyond the pub, the edge of Harborne touches on Edgbaston’s restaurants and is only about a mile from the University of Birmingham campus and its parks.

In short, The Junction’s location in Harborne is one of its strengths. It’s a community hub in a lively neighbourhood. Visitors can easily continue their outing by exploring the local shops or parks. Do be mindful that Harborne can get busy in the evenings (especially on quiz nights or match days), and bus services can be slower late at night – so plan your journey home accordingly. Otherwise, its address (212 High Street) is a simple one to give to a cab or GPS, and the pub’s prominent building means it’s hard to miss when you arrive.

Overall Impression

The Junction offers a classic neighbourhood pub experience with a little extra. It’s the kind of place where the building’s 120-year history is palpable, yet it never feels like a museum – people are coming for good food, good drinks and good company. It’s rare to find a pub that serves a perfectly kept pint, a heart-warming roast dinner and a friendly chat with the same ease, but The Junction somehow pulls it off. The result is a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels authentic. As one review put it, it’s an “all-occasions” venue – equally suited for a low-key weekday drink or a family Sunday lunch. After a meal and a pint here, many customers leave with a smile on their face (and perhaps already thinking about their next visit).

Of course, no pub is without its quirks. The Junction can get quite crowded at times, and finding a free table on a popular night may require arriving early or booking ahead. The building’s age means space is somewhat limited and accessibility is tricky. Additionally, if you’re specifically looking for a sports-bar vibe or lots of pub games, this isn’t your spot – it consciously avoids loud live sports broadcasts and arcade machines, focusing instead on good conversation and community spirit. But for most patrons these are minor issues compared to the pub’s many strengths.

Overall, The Junction is considered one of Harborne’s gems. Its combination of historic charm, hearty menus, well-maintained ales and genuinely friendly service gives it a special place in Birmingham’s pub scene. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s well worth dropping by. Many visitors find that once they settle in with a pint and a plate, they don’t want to leave – and they usually won’t want to. Just be ready to soak in the warm atmosphere, maybe join a quiz team or two, and enjoy a taste of true British pub hospitality.