Last week, after a fairly eventful online transaction with Jessops, I finally got my hands on my new camera. On the advice of some friends I bought a Sony A5000 with the view that I could finally take some decent photos, most notably of edible things. Having set up my new piece of tech I decided to take it for a spin – which unsurprisingly involved food – at Madeleine based at The Cube.
The venue
Found next to meat-fest Rodizio Rico, Madeleine is a small but perfectly formed cafe open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. I’ve walked past it a few times (ogling the sea of cakes lining the counter) but was unaware the place did brunch until a post popped up on my Instagram recently. The food looked lovely… and we all know I require zero encouragement with regards to eating.
Hidden away on floor 7 the cafe is a pretty little set up, offering informal dining or coffee and cake with a hint of French elegance also reflected in some of the menu options. With floor to ceiling windows it’s refreshingly airy compared to some of the dingy rivals close by, and the light decor and white wood makes the cafe feel very bright.
There’s a girly vibe to the place, with dainty china cups and saucers painted with tiny flowers acting as vessels for loose leaf teas if you’re there for afternoon tea. It’s the kind of place I’d imagine come a Saturday lunchtime plays host to baby showers, or mums and daughters enjoying afternoon tea.
The food
The menu has enough to please most although it doesn’t reinvent the wheel; the options are all familiar which frankly on a dreary Monday was reassuring. Ordering at the counter, I was greeted by a lovely (although somewhat confused) member of staff, who had to twice ask for help using the till before I could take a seat; I assume/hope she was new.
I opted for a large cappuccino (reasonable at £2.50 considering the location) and a savoury crepe, filled with chorizo, cheddar and red onion. It all arrived literally within minutes and came served with a side salad; not bad for a little under £6. Hot from the pan and packed with filling it was a tasty light bite, although I can’t say it left me particularly full. There are numerous options to chose from however, including salmon and cream cheese.
If brunch is more your bag this place has plenty to offer in the form of eggs a million ways and doorstop sandwiches. I saw a poached eggs breakfast of sorts fly by that looked worthy of a return visit. There’s not much for the vegans but plenty for the vegetarians, although the staff seemed quite flexible so could likely accommodate.
Have you visited this cafe? Will you be making a visit? Let me know in the comments.
Madeleine, The Cube, Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RS
Disclosure: I paid in full, although I did consider pilfering a pretty teacup from the women next to me. All opinions and photos are my own as usual