Though it is easy to get bogged down amongst the streets packed with Starbucks and Greggs, Birmingham has an array of unique independent coffee shops if you know where to look. So, here’s five of the best coffee shops to visit in Birmingham:
1. Morridge
This cosy cafe is the perfect spot for a marathon study session or a catch up with friends. It specialises in artisan porridge and delicious vegan cakes and also sells an irresistible iced latte. From persimmon and honeycomb porridge to elderflower and gooseberry compote, the creative seasonal menus at Morridge keep breakfast interesting.
Complete with swinging wicker seats and crochet blankets, the warming cottage-like décor here provides the perfect escape from the Brum high street.
2. Kafenion
Situated in Bournville, round the corner from the Cadbury factory, it’s no surprise that the mocha at Kafenion is unbeatable. Whether hot or over ice, the mochas are made with real chocolate and are easily the highlight of the menu.
Kafenion has a calming rustic interior and boasts a selection of delicious brunch dishes. If you’re living in Selly Oak, you can walk here in around 20 mins or take the scenic route along the canal.
3. Damascena
Located in Harborne, Mosely and the Jewellery Quarter, Damascena markets itself as a ‘local far away coffee shop’. Though I am yet to explore its extensive Middle Eastern food menu, I am keen to try out a falafel flatbread and sample the array of pastries.
Accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight, Damascena’s rich Turkish coffee was creamy and unique. They also offer a spiced Arabian coffee served in a traditional Dallah (Arabic coffee pit) which I am excited to try.
4. Chance & Counters
Situated in Digbeth, Chance & Counters is a cafe, bar and the perfect spot for a board game tournament. The Biscoff milkshakes here are to die for, and the shelves full of board games ranging from Kerplunk to Cluedo to Exploding Kittens make for a fun atmosphere.
This is my favourite spot to take family or friends when they visit and, for any social secretaries, it is a fab place for a society get together.
5. Cafe Nero
Being a coffee snob and living off a student budget doesn’t always go hand in hand. Though you’ve probably heard of this chain cafe before, what you might not have heard is that you can unlock a wallet of free drink vouchers through the app. If a friend downloads the app via a link you send them and then buys a drink they get a free hot drink and you get two.
Particularly in the run-up to Christmas, a plethora of deals and discounts are constantly popping up on the app which help you to explore the menu for less. It goes without saying that the frappes and deluxe hot chocolates here are excellent.