I first discovered the breakfast joys of Kanteen at The Custard Factory Digbeth in September last year. Since my first visit I’ve been back around 174805 times for food, coffee and co-working mornings.
It’s an ideal brunch and breakfast spot in Digbeth if you’re looking for a relaxed environment to work or socialise, with plenty of space to enjoy a casual meal or grab a takeaway lunch. If I had to list my favourite spots in the city for coffee and food, Kanteen at The Custard Factory would likely feature high up the list.
I continue to come back here because the service is exemplary, the menu offers well conceived and executed dishes, and the coffee is cracking. That’s down to the guys using Quarter Horse beans, which as I’ve said before, make a seriously brilliant coffee.
The venue
Most recently I visited for two reasons. Firstly I was starving, as usual, and secondly I was desperate to escape the Monday morning drizzle. Kanteen is nestled away behind the fountains, marked by pillars of greenery and floor to ceiling windows. It’s bright and airy, with plants hanging from the rafters.
Split into two rooms, on this occasion I settled in the yellow room; an idea work space with lots of natural light and plug points galore. Wooden tables and exposed grey bricks give the place a rustic charm, and the decor throughout is quite beautiful. It’s an unpretentious hideaway that manages to be both comfortable and cool.
The food
There’s daily hot box lunch specials available to eat in or takeaway, including vegan-friendly options, as well as a decent selection of freshly made filled rolls and salads. The counter holds plates piled high with cakes and sweet treats, popular with the afternoon crowd.
I’m a big fan of the breakfast and brunch dishes here. Rather than the usual bacon and eggs vibe, you’ll find more interesting choices, such as Burrata Mozzarella and Kale on Sourdough Toast (£4.95), Iberico Chorizo with Goats Curd (£5.95) and, my personal favourite, Poached Eggs with Middle Eastern Beets (£6.95).
Grilled halloumi slices sit amongst spicy pickled beetroot and silky labneh yoghurt, with poached eggs nestled on top proudly like jewels. It’s fresh, vibrant, colourful and absolutely delicious. If there’s a more beautiful breakfast in Brum I’d like to see it.
The drinks
A board of hot drinks including the usual coffees and teas sits next to the counter, with a host of alternative milk options available. Kanteen uses Quarter Horse coffee for their brews, making rich and full bodied drinks. I like the Flat White (£2.20) or Latte (£2.30), although you do get a lot more in the latter.
The service
Even when it’s busy, the staff at Kanteen are polite, friendly and accommodating. They’re more than wiling to advise and accommodate re dietary requirements, and genuinely want you to have a good experience. Once you become even a semi-regular they have your order memorised before you even open your mouth.
I’ve honestly never had a bad meal or seen a dip in customer service in the 6 months I’ve been visiting; its reliability is one of the main reasons I return again and again.
You can read about my first visit to Kanteen and find more photos of the cafe here. Are you a fan of this place? Let me know in the comments?
Kanteen, The Custard Factory, Digbeth, Birmingham, B9 4AA
Disclosure: I have paid in full at every visit and all words, opinions, and photos are mine.