A quick post for you today about Yorks at Ikon – a place I’ve been frequenting a fair bit lately. Set on the same site as the Ikon Gallery, this former school building is ideal if you’re looking for brunch or lunch in a unique space. The exposed brick walls of the cafe are littered…
A bagel shop has opened up on Temple Row that’s possibly my new favourite takeaway lunch spot. Say hello to The Steamhouse. Located next to the Great Western Arcade, this small deli already has quite the reputation and a cult following in place from the flagship branch in Leamington Spa. The menu centres around packed…
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…
I had this vision that I was going to look absolutely banging in my bikini by the time my March getaway with friends came around. I’d frolic by the pool of our all inclusive somewhere in the Canary Islands, looking toned and fabulous, probably attached to a vodka drip and a bag of jambon Ruffles….
I keep thinking I’m having a really boring, quiet month considering I was out more than the cat in January, but actually I’ve been having a jolly lovely time. With it being a bit warmer (I sound like my mum) I’ve been taking my laptop out to work remotely a fair bit, as well as…
As well as eating my own body weight in cheese and turkey over the festive break in Birmingham, I’ve also visited lots of local places for drinks and food. Instead of a weekly roundup I’m starting 2019 with a quick post about the independent highlights between Christmas and New Year. Laghi’s Deli (Five Ways) My…
If there’s one thing in life I love, it’s a weekend getaway with great friends and good food. With one of my close girlfriends due to bring a ‘mini me’ into the world, it seemed only right to whisk her away for an overnight pampering treat. After researching into West Midlands-based rural retreats that offer…
I’d been meaning to revisit Quarter Horse Coffee for a while, having repeatedly come across its roasts at various cafes across Brum, including Kanteen. The cafe itself, located on Bristol Street, is a light and airy space with wooden furniture and white washed walls. Decoration is kept to a minimum but the place feels inviting…
I remember the first time I stumbled upon Medicine Bakery & Gallery. I use that turn of phrase literally; I tripped up outside the place on my way to the museum. Hidden away on New Street, up a steep flight of stairs, you would be forgiven for walking straight past this cool little offering. Forgiven…
This week Cafe 1368 officially opened in Digbeth, as a revamped version of the cafe that was previously sat next door to The Old Crown. Offering up breakfast, brunch, lunch and all the other meals that occur before mid afternoon, this new incarnation of the cafe space is a lovely new addition to the Digbeth…
I first tried the afternoon tea available at Malmaison at a social media meet up back in March. I liked it so much I booked a return visit for a friend’s birthday, adding the fizz option to make it a bit more special for her. I’ve talked at length before about how much I enjoy…
It’s gained quite a reputation in Worcester, so it makes me happy that the second Wayland’s Yard to open up is in sunny Birmingham. Promising ‘proper coffee and proper food’, Wayland’s Yard can be found on Bull Street, just off Colmore Row. Its focus is brunch and lunch making it a daytime destination, ideal for…
I spent last weekend locked in the basement of 200 Degrees with a group of women and a man called Alex. That sounds more ominous than it was really. I was actually taking part in a barista training class offered at 200 Degrees, rather than being held in some kind of Fred West style lock…
There’s a new independent cafe at The Custard Factory and it’s fantastic. All hail Seven Sins Lounge. Found in the same spot once occupied by Crank Cafe, Seven Sins Lounge is a new arrival for 2018 and is serving up coffee, cocktails and bucket loads of sass. If you’re looking for a place to take…