TEN years after the coffee shop revolution kicked off in earnest, are pubs the new coffee shops?

It can cost more than £3.50 for just one hot drink and a croissant or muffin these days -or you can have a full, wait-resserved meal at the Trocadero.

Exactly one year on from the heavenly smoking ban, you can also happily breathe in the traditional pub atmosphere, too.

For anyone interested in architecture, The Trocadero's unusual mosaic exterior makes a visit worthwhile.

Inside, a large rear window helps a surprising mount of natural light to reach the middle section.

The pub has several cosy corners and a choice of tables with chairs, bar stools or benched seating.

We sat beneath the original apex of a ceiling that affords a delightful sense of space at the end of the bar. As for the food, I was as pleased with my 'improved' New York Melt - a steak, onions and melted Swiss cheese ciabatta sandwich - as my wife Collette was with her chicken and bacon sandwich.

This was also served with excellent, hot chips.

Feeling like we were on to a winner, we ordered a bakewell sponge pudding with ice cream ( £2.65).

It was twice as good and substantial as the average coffee shop muffin and we struggled to finish it between us.

A decent latte and cappuccino (89p each) followed our earlier pint of bitter and white wine spritzer.

The Trocadero has been lovingly restored by M&B in much the same way as it has revived The Brasshouse on Broad Street. Event he revamped loos were sparkling.

GRAHAM YOUNG

Pub Grub THE TROCADERO, TEMPLE STREET, BIRMINGHAM

The Bill

1x New York Melt £3.75 1x Chicken and bacon sandwich £3.65 1x Bakewell sponge pudding £2.65 2x Coffees @ 89p £1.78 1pt Landlord + spritzer £3.75 Total £15.58

Verdict

PLUS: Beautifully-restored pub with good value food served to your table right in the heart of town.

MINUS: Accepts children, but not really suitable.