Sobar

I’m SURE Soba® used to be a Japanese noodle place — a bar that did awesome noodles, hence the name (Soba noodles?!) except despite being convinced of this fact every time I go, I’m then reminded that it really isn’t. Foodwise they do pizzas, burgers, salads and wraps — and they’re perfectly fine — but I always crave noodles and then foolishly disappoint myself like an idiot.
The pizza I’ve had there was nice — handmade and fresh, also surprisingly quick — and they do a mean (if mildly toxic!) appletini — just don’t go in expecting any kind of noodle-​based offering like I keep doing!

Sobar used to be great, they did great oriental food, they have good décor and a decent bar for drinks. Sadly, despite the great food, it couldn’t have been that big a selling point, either that or the chef left. My other half will forever be sad that their Nasi-​Goreng is no more.
The décor is still the same although their chilled vibe has now been replaced by a ‘The Only Way is Essex’ air of spray tan and pretence. The food is now just ok pub food with burgers and pizzas. They still do the good drinks, with a decent cocktail list.
Don’t expect to be able to just nip in for one on a weekend as they have a dress code and a bouncer who will say no. Thankfully i’ve avoided this fight and stayed away as it’s just so full the windows look like they will explode outwards and cover the Arcadian in glass, stray heels and extensions.
if you are a TOWIE type then this is probably your Mecca, if not stay clear.

If I’m planning a night out drinking in the city then Sobar will definitely be on my hit list. Personally, I think it’s the most glamorous of bars in the Arcadian and it’s always full of eye candy both male and female.
If you go on a Saturday, expect it to be packed! They have a strict door policy so if you don’t look the part you won’t get in.
When you first walk through the doors you’ll enter straight in to the main room. To your left you’ll see the DJ and to your right, a nice long bar full of bar staff ready and waiting to serve you (although be prepared to push your way in as it gets super busy).
There’s often a live percussionist playing next to the DJ which accompanies the Hed Kandi inspired music being played in this room. Everyone’s dancing and talking and it’s a really great atmosphere, exactly what you want to get you in the mood to party.
At the back of the room, there are stairs leading to room 2. You’ll need a VIP stamp to get up here though I’m afraid. Music wise the DJ plays a mix of RnB, hip hop and classic beats. It’s really cool vibe and a lot easier to get served!

A most UNPLEASANT experience. Having passed the dress code inspection at the door, and before even ordering any drinks, my friend was instructed by a woman who appeared to be employed as some sort of ‘standards manager’ to remove his jacket as they were ‘trying to smarten the place up.’ This was insulting to him and embarassing to us as his friends. Needless to say, we left immediately, disgusted at the management’s arrogant and pretentious attitude toward it’s clientele. Avoid!

Sobar, unlike most of the bars in town today, has been around for a good many years. It opened not long after I moved to Birmingham for the first time, and I would regularly walk past it and think about going in, only to decide against it. The combination of a trendy bar specialising in noodles as accompaniments was something that intrigued me, but never quite enough to be able to see past the bar’s lofty price range.
I eventually paid a visit to the place for lunch, and finally got a chance to sample one the much-​vaunted noodle dishes. All I can say is, it was NOT worth the wait! They were bland, lacking flavour and for what you get, very expensive.
Luckily, Sobar more than redeems itself in the evening, with a great sound system, superb atmosphere and great range of drinks. It’s still expensive, but you kind of expect that when out drinking at the Arcadian. The DJ spins a great mix of music, and often you’ll find a live percussionist accompanying the DJ to give a musical performance unlike the majority of its competitors. Just stay away from the noodles and you’ll be fine.
(Edit: I’ve been told they updated their menu to drop the noodles early in 2009. Yet to try the new food options, but I’ll update here when I do!)

I love a night out at Sobar, it’s always lively, and my favourtie place in the Arcadian to go.
There’s always loads of nice girls in there and the music is good, i especially like the nights when they have a live drummer and percussion player to go with the dj.
The drinks are a reasonable price, same as anywhere else in the Arcadian. The other people there are always friendly and never any trouble. On really busy nights you may have to queue to get in for a short time if it’s getting late.