Sian Victoria © - Latte’s at Natural Bar & Kitchen

Indie Birmingham city centre food places

If you find yourself strolling the streets of Birmingham city centre and getting a craving for some caffeine, you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing independent coffee places to go in Birmingham. Boasting an incredibly expansive array of coffee shops, from the classic artisan spot to the eccentric, one-of-a-kind café.

There are many reasons to visit Birmingham, and visiting to indulge in Birmingham’s fab coffee scene is certainly one of them. The city prides itself on its speciality coffee so much that there’s even a Birmingham coffee festival to host the variety of independent Birmingham places here.

With a coffeehouse seeming to decorate each street corner throughout the city, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best independent coffee shops and cafes for you to visit that will be sure to give you an amazing coffee experience.

Why an independent coffee shop, you ask? While the classic high street brands such as Starbucks, Costa or Café Nero might spring to mind whenever you fancy a hot drink, why not opt for somewhere you might not have tried before? Not only do independent coffee shops often feature distinctive, charming décor that’s a far cry from the generic settings of the chain coffee shops in Birmingham, but you’ll be supporting small local businesses that have passionately worked hard to create a unique ambience, environment and menu.

So, see what on this list takes your fancy and try out somewhere new and support a smaller, independent coffee business the next time you’re in Birmingham.

1. Medicine Bakery

Sian Victoria © - Medicine Bakery, Birmingham

If you’re big into finding aesthetically pleasing spots, Medicine Bakery is the one for you, especially if you love growing houseplants. Boasting beautifully unique interiors, you’ll find two of these artisan bakery and café spots in Birmingham, with one situated within the Mailbox and one on bustling New Street, towards Victoria Square.

The café couldn’t be more inviting. With flourishing, hanging plants above your head, elegant lighting fixtures and fascinating paintings along the walls, Medicine Bakery exudes a cosy, relaxed atmosphere before you even take a look at their menu.

Perfect for if you fancy a spot of brunch with friends on a day out in the city, dine on reasonably priced brioche, French toast and benedict, with numerous vegan and vegetarian options on offer to tempt your taste buds. There are also plenty of hot and cold drinks to try out, with the classic coffee concoctions on offer alongside tasty, fruity purified water, a range of tea drinks and smoothies.

If you don’t fancy a meal, Medicine Bakery has a vast array of simply irresistible cakes and has a selection of some of the best desserts in Birmingham on offer to either eat in or take away. From freshly baked artisan bread and pastries to cronuts, brownies, and blondies, this is the perfect place to indulge in your sweet tooth. You’ll often spot people lined up the stairs to grab these fresh sweet bakes straight from the oven in the mornings.

Unlike anywhere else in the city, this independent venue boasts some of the most Instagrammable décors in Birmingham and serves truly delicious food and drink. On my most recent visit, I enjoyed a latte made with oat milk and a shortbread-style cookie to take out for £6.95. This place always seems to be busy when I visit so you may have to wait for a little while to get a table unless you’re getting a coffee to go.

2. Kanteen

Sian Victoria © - Brunch at Kanteen, Digbeth

Right in the heart of Birmingham’s creative district is Kanteen, at the Custard Factory. Amongst the buzzing, quirky venues lining Digbeth’s streets, this café stands out as a favourite venue amongst coffee lovers.

Popular with the local creatives in the area this independent café in Digbeth invites you in with a cosy, relaxed atmosphere and serves delicious, fresh food that will hit the spot every time. Whether it’s a light snack such as a baguette or toastie you fancy or something more, there’s sure to be a tempting dish on Kanteen’s menu for you.

Inclusive for everyone’s tastes enjoy a completely plant-based meal or a healthy dish made with only the finest ingredients.

Serving up all the classic coffee staples, including americanos, lattes and espressos at reasonable prices, enjoy a carefully roasted cup of coffee as you tuck into your delicious spot of brunch and take in the surroundings of quirky Digbeth. There’s also some outdoor seating, perfect for alfresco dining in Birmingham.

3. Faculty Coffee

Sian Victoria © - Faculty Coffee, Birmingham

Conveniently located just opposite the ultra-modern New Street station in the vintage Piccadilly Arcade is Faculty Coffee. Truly embracing the hip, trendy independent coffee shop vibe, Faculty Coffee expertly serves up delicious coffee, classic café snacks and delectable desserts.

As soon as you step inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the dark wood and rustic brick furnishings, stretching from floor to ceiling and giving the entire coffee shop a retro atmosphere. Warm lighting fixtures bathe the venue in a cosy light and prepare you for an excellent coffee experience.

With a clear focus on quality, this venue uses only the best ingredients to brew its drinks - perfect for those of us who are true coffee fanatics. You certainly won’t be disappointed with your drink here, whether you opt for a piccolo, long black, cappuccino or even just a cup of loose leaf tea.

To accompany your speciality coffee, why not try out some of Faculty Coffee’s raved-about bakery bits? Baked fresh in-house, the quality – and the taste – is undeniable. Whether it’s a buttery croissant you fancy or a brownie, cupcake or cookie, you won’t be short for choice. Or, if you have a bigger appetite, you can see what takes your fancy on their affordable yet delicious brunch menu.

4. 200 Degrees Coffee Shop

Sian Victoria © - 200 Degrees Coffee Shop Birmingham

One of Birmingham’s most popular coffee roasters is 200 Degrees – and for good reason. With two buzzing cafes right in the heart of the city centre - one on Colmore Row and the other on Lower Temple Street steps away from Grand Central - you won’t struggle to find these centrally-located coffee shops.

Embracing the rustic yet cosy and inviting coffee shop aesthetic, 200 Degrees features a brick wall interior, warm hanging lights and homely dark wood furnishings. After you've found a table and begun to unwind in the relaxing surroundings, you’ll be in awe of the speciality food and drink choices on offer.

This independent coffee shop prepares fresh, high-quality coffee using only the finest ingredients to ensure you receive a perfect cup of java. Warm up on a cold day with a cappuccino, matcha latte or tea, with plenty of options for vegans.

Enjoy your expertly prepared coffee with some flavoursome food. Dive into a tasty wrap, sandwich or pastry, before tucking into an indulgent cake to finish off your visit to this well-loved coffee spot that’s also considered one of the best places to eat brunch in Birmingham.

5. The Warehouse Cafe and Bar Cooperative

Sian Victoria © - The Warehouse Cafe and Bar Cooperative, Digbeth

If you’re vegan or vegetarian and want to ensure you’ll have plenty of choices when visiting one of these brilliant independent coffee shops, The Warehouse Café and Bar Cooperative is the one for you. Located on Allison Street in trendy Digbeth, pay a visit to a local, friendly independent business.

A vegan’s dream, this café is committed to serving up only the freshest and most delicious plant-based dishes, while ensuring they source their ingredients from the best local and ethical sources. With a range of mouth-watering plates that are sure to curb any craving you have, treat yourself to a vegan burger, or seitan kebab or keep things simple with a delectable vegan cake or pastry.

The organic and sustainable theme of one of Birmingham’s best hidden gems continues with the décor, with understated wood tables and furnishings, creating a homely, cosy atmosphere. Whether you’re vegan or just fancy supporting a fantastic business, the friendly service, inviting atmosphere and reasonable prices at this café are sure to make you want to come back for more.

6. Edwardian Tea Rooms

Sian Victoria © - Edwardian Tearooms, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Situated within the iconic Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the Edwardian Tea Rooms draw in visitors from both hungry museum visitors and those strolling the streets who fancy a bite to eat and a warm drink while helping to support the museum – considered one of the top places to visit in Birmingham.

Leave behind the modern metropolis of the city centre and be transported back in time as you enter this historical tearoom, frozen in time. Situated in a simply astonishing, grandiose building with elegant high ceilings, the 20th-century influences are clear. Boasting beautifully intricate patterned floor tiles, a fascinating glass-panelled ceiling and vintage paintings, a visit to this tearoom will feel undeniably sophisticated and quintessentially British.

Make the most of the traditional, historic setting and order a traditional afternoon tea in Birmingham, complete with delectable scones, tasty sandwiches and fresh tea or coffee. Or, if you fancy something sweet, try out a delicious cake or pastry to accompany your drink as you admire the intriguing surroundings.

A lovely alternative to grabbing a drink from the chain coffee shops, this tearoom not only serves tasty food and drink but also provides one of the most elegant, distinctive backdrops in Birmingham.

7. Waylands Yard

Sian Victoria © - Coffee at Waylands Yard, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Brunch at Waylands Yard, Birmingham

After you’ve strolled the many shopping places in Birmingham and have worked up an appetite, why not stop off for a coffee or a spot of brunch at Waylands Yard? Conveniently located on Bull Street, this venue is a well-loved speciality coffee shop serving up all the classic hot drinks – as well as some delicious, homemade bakery bits.

A popular spot within the thriving independent coffee shop scene in Birmingham, Waylands Yard embraces the contemporary, minimal aesthetic loved by many. From hanging botanical plants to industrial furnishings, this coffee shop couldn’t be more trendy. Whether you fancy a quick cold brew or a traditional coffee drink, there are plenty of reasonably priced yet undeniably delicious drinks to enjoy at Waylands Yard, with options to experience these carefully perfected drinks if you are vegan too.

As well as boasting some mouth-watering desserts, such as salted caramel brownies, croissants and cake, the extensive food menu here doesn’t fall short. Perfect for whatever you’re craving, tuck into some buttermilk pancakes, brunch burgers or a vegetarian fry-up while sipping on your coffee.

It’s clear to see why this is a favourite brunch and coffee spot for locals across Birmingham – with a central location near a lot of offices in the city, a beautiful aesthetic and a wide range of food and drink, what’s not to love?

8. Laghi's Deli

Sian Victoria © - Laghi's Deli, Edgbaston

If you’re near Five Ways or in the Edgbaston Village neighbourhood and fancy a true Italian cappuccino or a shot of espresso, Laghi’s Deli should certainly be a spot you consider popping into. Although this independent eatery is a traditional Italian restaurant, it’s also a popular spot for many customers seeking a caffeine shot in the morning.

The friendly neighbourhood vibe Laghi’s Deli want to communicate is immediately felt as you step inside, with cosy wood furnishings and warm lighting making the entire eatery feel relaxing and inviting. Italian touches of wine décor on the wall and paintings reinforce the authenticity of this eatery in serving only the finest and most traditional Italian dishes, with Laghi’s Deli being considered one of the most highly rated Italian restaurants in Birmingham.

If you’re craving a bite to eat with friends at brunch, you can enjoy carefully roasted coffee and homemade, fresh pastries at Laghi’s Deli between lunch at 12:30 – 2:30 and dinner between 5:00 – 9:30. If you fancy an alternative to a traditional coffee shop, Laghi’s Deli certainly won’t disappoint - as well as serving up truly delicious Italian food, their amazing coffee selection makes this spot a strong contender for others on the high street.

If you love Italian food, then you may want to check out my three-course meal at Laghi’s Deli post where I share my experience exploring the food and beauty scene in Edgbaston.

To conclude:

So, whenever you next fancy a cappuccino or a bite to eat, try out one of the quirky coffee spots often overshadowed by the well-loved high-street brands. Let me know what on this list takes your fancy and what you might consider when you’re next needing a caffeine fix in the city.

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