When it comes to getting your caffeine fix, there is absolutely no shortage of independent places for coffee in Birmingham.
Yes, there’s a time and a place for a Starflaps or a Costa-lot, but don’t you just love that warm and fuzzing feeling you get when not only do you have a great coffee (instead of a burnt, mediocre cup of gravy) but you also line the pockets of a local business over a global chain? Well, I do – so today I’ve got a list of some lovely spots you can grab a coffee in Birmingham.
200 Degrees, Colmore Row
Forever busy with people having meetings or tapping away at laptops, 200 Degrees is a popular coffee shop in the financial district. As well as serving peanut butter lattes that will blow your mind, this place is great for a light bite.
Wayland’s Yard, Bull Street
I bang on about Wayland’s Yard, but it’s never failed me. As well as hearty brunches this cafe is excellent if you like coffee – my go-to is the oat milk latte using The Method. The soundtrack in the background is great too.
Seven Sins Lounge, Digbeth
If you like to drink your coffee in what feels like some swanky loft apartment, Seven Sins Lounge may be a good shout. The peanut butter mocha is absolutely ridiculous. This place also does cocktails, so if you feel like getting sloshed instead you can.
Ngopi, Dale End
I’m pretty sure we can count the amount of Indonesian artisan coffee shops we have on one hand with four fingers missing, but this little place is just lovely. Go for the signature coffee, made with Indonesian beans roasted in-house and condensed milk. Just don’t think about the calories.
Quarter Horse Coffee, Bristol Street
Coffee is the focus of this cafe, and the staff are more than happy to talk customers through their homemade ground roast – I keep it simple here with an Americano. Better yet, you can buy a bag to take away with you, if you want the Quarter House flavour in your own home.
York’s at IKON Gallery, Brindleyplace
If you like coffee in the fresh air, the York’s at IKON with it’s large terrace is ideal. The simple flat white’s are delicious and the place is a real sun trap come spring/summer.
Saint Kitchen, St Paul’s
This lovely little place serves a mean brunch but it’s the coffee I return for. It’s a great cafe to take your laptop to for an hour’s work, and the lattes are beautiful. Grab a window seat to enjoy the calm views of St Paul’s.
Kanteen, Digbeth
I continue to come back to Kanteen because the breakfast menu offers well conceived and beautiful dishes and the coffee is delicious. That’s down to the guys using Quarter Horse beans that, as I’ve said above, make a seriously brilliant coffee.
Faculty, Piccadilly Arcade
Absolutely tiny but mighty. I have never actually managed to bag a seat in this hidden gem but the coffee is just as good to go. It’s right by New Street station too, so handy if you’re on the move and don’t want to settle for a cup of disappointment from the numerous chains that surround it.
Urban Emporiums, Church Street
There’s two of these cafes but I’m a fan of the one opposite Hotel du Vin. The cappuccinos are massive and the team are super friendly. There’s a great selection of nut milks too, making it ideal for the vegans too.
