I've always had a soft spot for BTP, so was thrilled when one opened in Harborne. Situated in the lovely School Yard development, it's a pretty substantial size with plenty of seating downstairs, a bit more upstairs and some outside, too. It has a nice, casual wooden style that makes it look like it's been there considerably longer than it has- every BTP has its own feel, which is great.
As per the BTP style, they have a HUGE selection of very tempting baked goods- with the counter brimming with cakes. The tea selection was also very good, they reeled off a fair few options for me when I asked. They do a lovely mint tea, with whole mint leaves. Great on a hot day.
There's a seating area in the main courtyard area of the SchoolYard, but there's a 'secret' little walled garden accessible from inside BTP too- I don't think many others had spotted this so it was really quiet (and actually much nicer as it blocked the wind). There were a couple of nice, cosy sheltered seating areas and a long table with herbs planted down the middle.
I didn't eat here, but from experience, BTP cafes serve pretty substantial breakfasts, sandwiches etc and are decent lunchtime stop offs. Having said that, I can't give it 5 stars because I've always found it just a bit too expensive to be a regular haunt. read more