Yesterday was the opening day of @BTPcafes so it's no coincidence that I trekked all the way across town to see if they are as good as they say. First off, there is likely to be updated review as no-one is expected to get it right on day one. However, this is what they have got right:
Space. There is loads of it and I don't the stuff on Star Trek. BTP have gone for the trad diner look; all red leather booths and benches, loads of them. If there is a group, there are long sofas or large tables, for meetings smaller booths for 4 or for working on your own there are small tables.
Coffee is hot. I don't really ask for much more. The only reason I have an Americano (it's not on the menu, I think they call it House Coffee, which I much prefer!) in coffee shops is because I like my coffee hot to sip whilst working and whereas I have filter at home, it gets too cold in coffee shops. Plus, this being day one, it was cold but I'm sure the heating will be adjusted once they settle in.
Wi-Fi worked first time.
Food. And then there's the food, all baked and cooked on the premises. Not one for sandwiches or cold food generally (except cheesecake, see below) I like a cafe situation when hot food is available. No doubt I'll be returning for lunch or more likely one of my two favourite meals of the day, brunch! Apart from hot sandwiches, burgers and salads there is the all-day-breakfast; possibly the 3 finest words when said together. Eggs or bacon every which way are up for grabs plus kedgeree, porridge, scotch pancakes and a plethora of kiddie friendly meals.
Cake. Yes this is a separate section (regular readers won't be surprised). There is a huge selection of cakes and many of them are affordable every day treats (a few for Saturday afternoons). They lay their brownies out on huge trays, no dainty cake holders for the BTP guys. I'm not one to ordinarily have cheesecake in the middle of the day (on a school night too!) but being the self proclaimed international cheesecake expert, oh, go on then. The cheesecake looks delightful, made as an individual round portion, enough for two and yes I did share with the BF, It's fluffy and light with a contrasting weighty digestive base. It felt like a very British, in fact West Country, cheesecake with it's heavy reliance on fluffy, double cream.
Happy staff. The coffee maybe the best in the land, the cakes may be made to my taste and even the brunch may be served super quick but there's only one thing that makes me go back and that's service with a smile and a joyous lack of coffee shop pretentiousness; BTP simply aim to please and I look forward to enjoying their warm hospitality long after opening day.
All in all, I extend a warm welcome to the south west's litte chain, Boston Tea Party to Birmingham. Long may you keep us warm, fed and happy. read more