When my mum last came to visit me in Birmingham, we stumbled across the Little Tea Shop and tempted…read moreby the name, we went in. The shop itself was small but the decorated tastefully. On offer were your normal hot and cold drink selections, alongside what looked like homemade cakes. As we went in on a Tuesday afternoon, we were able to get a table so we sat down and enjoyed a slice of chocolate cake and a couple of hot chocolates. It was a pleasent experience and a great stop off point before getting a train.

It's often hard to find a nice independent, intimate place to grab a meal in a large city centre,…read moreso coming across The Little Tea Shop, a short walk away from New Street Train station was an extremely pleasant surprise. As the name suggests, this eatery is small and friendly and on top of that serves up some great quality grub! You can get yourself a delicious handmade sandwich or opt for the more traditional option of a good old fry up. Obviously being a small business, seating is at a premium so it can be difficult to eat in on a busy day, but if that's the case then simply grab a sandwich to take away and eat in the fresh air, although on a typical Birmingham day this can present its own problems due to our less than favourable weather most of the year round.

As it'd been suggested to me, Urban Cafe on Church Street was to be my breakfast destination before…read moreI started heading back to London. It's a good location just a short walk from Colmore Row and St Philips Cathedral square (also known as Pigeon Park by the locals). The cafe itself is actually really nice. It felt lively but not busy when I walked in. I had a quick look at the menu and, as I was really rather hungry, I went full on hipster and had the Avocado Smash with bacon and poached eggs. I tell you what - this cafe is not cheap. The avocado smash and a coffee cost me more than £10. Can you believe that? In Birmingham! It did taste good but for that amount of money I would expect to have had 2 slices of toasted sour dough with avocado along with the bacon and eggs.The coffee was delicious so I would go back for that alone (and it wasn't extortionately priced).

Another great venue in the Urban Coffee Companies very respected string of cafes around Birmingham…read more Every time I have been in here I have not only left with a great cup of coffee I have also had great service from their team of smiley friendly baristas. This branch of Urban Coffee has a small mezzanine area where they sometimes have events or private hires making it more versatile than some of the other cafes. Due to that and its location you get a real mixed crowd of people in the store all the time. Everyone from young creatives right through to suited and booted businessmen are regularly enjoying a cup of the dark stuff in the chilled out and laid back space. My personal favourite beverage from here is a skimmed hazelnut latte....if you are into hazelnut flavoured drinks they syrup they are using here is AMAZING.

As an American traveling abroad it's hard to find a good coffee shop, especially in the UK where…read moretea is the speciality. This place was a nice little spot in the middle of a very busy area. The barista was so helpful. They recommended a great blend to bring home as well as a delicious pastry. I thoroughly enjoyed everything. If I'm ever in the area again I will definitely be back. And I can't wait to get home and try my 200 degrees espresso roast!

Great place to come and work for a bit or grab a coffee with a friend. With its location right in…read morethe middle of town next to the cathedral, it is really easy to find when trying to explain to others who haven't been where it is. There is so much room in here that you can have personal conversations without others sitting what feels like right on top of you listening in. There is also plenty of space if you want to park for a while and get some work done on your tablet or laptop. I'm not a coffee drinker, but they have so much more to offer that I've never had problems finding something great to drink. But those I have brought that do drink coffee have nothing but great things to say about it! Also they have some great sandwiches if you fancy something to eat or a dessert if you want to indulges your sweet tooth. I definitely come here if I need some place to hang out while in the city centre.

I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I was walking down Colmore Row to stumble across Java…read moreLounge, especially as I thought it was only in Moseley. Curiously, I took a step in and immediately fell in love with the rustic brown and purpley interior, and the cool range of tracks playing, which made the perfect ambiance for me. Despite wanting to try one of the speciality drinks, which had been recommended by the very kind Baristas, I did need something to wake me up in the morning so went for a cappuccino. At around £2.60 , this cappuccino was definitely great for the price, especially considering it would be classed as a large in many other coffee shops! The only complaint I would have about the drink is that there was too much milk , making it more of a latte than a cappuccino, however I did enjoy it all the same. There are so many different drinks and tasty treats on offer, I'll definitely be venturing back to Java Lounge. Special mention for the exterior, it's authentic and hidden, exactly what you need for a coffee shop!

Don't let the rather unassuming (dare I say clip arty?) logo put you off, this is a lovely cafe, a…read moregreat place to nip for some lunch and relax away from the bustle of the city. It's surprisingly big inside, with soft décor and lighting as well as plenty of seating available. Lounge is an appropriate word, there is something very peaceful about it making it ideal for a leisurely lunch and chat. If you are looking for a cafe to set up and get some work done this place would be perfect, plenty of tables and loads of power sockets (replete with USB ports). The coffee here isn't particularly remarkable although it certainly isn't bad, if you move away from the basic coffee options you'll probably be pleasantly surprised, the cold drinks were a particular highlight. Food is good solid lunchtime fare, they do a selection of salads and, instead of the more usual paninis, a range of toasted wraps (they come with a decent little side salad) which makes a change and will leave you less bloated. They also have a pretty massive selection of cakes/sweet treats on offer, the ones I tried definitely were indulgent so make sure you have your sweet tooth fully in gear. Well worth dropping in to, I will almost certainly become a regular, and the prices are modest to boot.

This is a really cute place. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but my best friend is. He loves his craft…read morebeer, and his beer app, so there was plenty of choice hung up on the clipboards on the wall. I don't normally go for beer (and I don't drink coffee, their other awesome offering on here, made the bar area smell great though) so I was excited by the actual offerings of speciality tea past calling twining's earl grey as such... staff are lovely, and there were some sexy looking cakes sat on the bar. Then it comes to the pinball machines, up and downstairs- tens of them. We played Star Wars and hobbit pinball, but I wanted to play pretty much every machine. It's awesome, it knows what it is and pulls it off.all reasonably priced too. Ps: great place to find facial hair.

This place is pretty much ideal. It's is not only satisfying the pinball lover in me but also the…read morecaffeine addict and the craft beer rookie. I love everything about the design here, it is clean and minimal with pinball boards in the walls. I had a perfect latte and a slice of lime cake this afternoon but could not resist a quick blast on the Adams family pinball. There are about six machines in total and they are all in epic. The only decision you have to make is not of you want to play, it's which machine to get on which is the hard part! This shop has not been here long and is 100% worth a visit. It's spot on and very me. I am definitely one of tilts new regulars.

Wonderful little spanish restaurant situated in a quirky building in the heart of the business…read moredistrict. Really good for a quick lunchtime break with a small group. Really chilled out vibe and friendly staff. I recommend the tapas plates and found the meat selection to be top notch! The cakes looks delicious too but I've yet to try those!

When I first started with Yelp, I threw this question to the masses; "Where is the best tea shop in…read moreBirmingham?". One of the first recommendations I received was the Edwardian Tea Room. Now, I have always known this place existed - but never had a chance to visit. This was finally rectified last week. The Edwardian Tea Room is housed within the fantastic Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (on Victoria Square). You need to head in the building, up the stairs and through the shop and the Buddha exhibit to find it. Decorated beautifully, the tea room really does feel like you've stepped back in time. No music plays in the background, but you can hear the murmur of conversation, the scraping of chairs along the floor and the clanging on trays as the staff clean up the empty tables. The menus are displayed on the wall (rather than individually on tables). You need to head up to the counter and order before you find a table (although if you're in a group, you would do well to bag a table first). The Tea Room (as you would expect) has a large selection of cakes (and tea, of course). A slice of cake and a pot of tea is a bargainous £2.95 - meaning it's a wallet safe alternative to some of the more hipster coffee and tea shops in the centre of town. Again, as previously mentioned, it's very popular with an older crowd due to the prices. However, on my visit their were older visitors, young people and families (who were catching their breath after trekking around the huge museum). I grabbed a herbal tea (£1.60) and took a seat in the large room to do a little bit of work while I enjoyed my hot drink. As well as tea, coffee and cake, there is a varied menu on offer for very reasonable prices. A large fish and chips (with all the trimmings) and a cup of tea was around £7.50. Not too bad, and they offer many other hot options too. Even on my many trips to BMAG, I haven't ever taken the opportunity to visit the Tea Rooms. Following my trip last week, there is a good chance I'll be back JUST TO visit the tea rooms.

Such a beautiful place to spend time. It's a great way to end or start a visit to the museum but…read moreyou can also just pop in for food and drinks which I've done before. As I said, it's completely lovely. It was re-decorated about a year ago, which improved an already lovely space. Mis-matched furniture and big prints of Edwardian ladies sit perfectly in the lovely, big, light room.There are tables for big groups and soft chairs for cosy coffees. I've had a fish finger sandwich here which was nice but nothing to write home about. I've also tried the afternoon tea which was lovely, especially the cakes. It's not a particularly fancy afternoon tea but it makes a lovely lunch. The highlight here is really the space and the atmosphere- definitely worth spending some time in.

I just lost the counting on how many times I have passed in front of this cafe and wanted to have a…read morereason to check it properly. So last weekend I saw myself having a nice cup of latte while waiting for someone to join me a visit to JQ. I always thought that Moor Street Station itself is stunning but with a tiny gorgeous place like this, it makes your coffee time much more appreciative! I just loved Centenary Lounge menu as well. Cakes that are impossible to resist and I didn't say no to a sweet treat. So, a Cranberries kind of tiffin, it was. Really delicious. For being a bit small, I thought the tables were too near to each other and there was no much room for elbows. As well as it is busy all the time, it makes me believe that during the summer or in a better weather we all would prefer sitting outside. Well, there is something else about watching people coming and going from train stations. Not in a weird way, of course! I had no idea that Centenary Lounge also serves drinks and it is good to know that is is famous for it as well. I also love the decor that really adds to the whole beauty in the station.

It is hard to imagine Brief Encounter happening in many modern train station cafes. Except, maybe,…read morein this art deco gem of a place, hidden away in the ticket hall of Moor Street Station. The cafe is inspired by the glamour of the Great Western Railway's heyday. The china plates and cups come emblazoned with the GWR insignia. There is a mirrored bar and abundant wood panelling. The clock and light fittings scream 1930s elegance. They serve good hot drinks as well as a bistro-style menu of hot and cold food. You can get food and drink to go, but why not eat in and soak up the gilded age glamour?

Great experience, delicious coffee, made to perfection will come again. Great service as wellread more

Can't believe I have not reviewed this place before now great spot, brilliant coffee and just the…read moretype of vibe I love....relaxed, none pretentious and friendly! I went in today and had a soy latte while at a meeting. The coffee was the best I have had in Birmingham I think partly die to the beans being roasted on site and partly due to the fantastic soy milk they are using. Truly a great cup of the dark stuff. I had a look at he breakfast and lunch options and they all also look amazing I'll be back in to munch on them all soon I'm sure.....how can you not?! If you haven't been to quarter horse then go asap. The ideal spot to work, relax or just get a coffee to go. Lovely

This place was a lifesaver during my 6 weeks training with Fit Body Bootcamp. As most of you will…read moreknow, I am out and about in the City every single day. As part of my nutrition plan for Bootcamp, I had to stick to a strict diet of healthy proteins, fats and carbs all day, every day. As much as I like to pack my own lunch, some days this just wasn't do able! No one wants to be that guy who takes their own food into someone else's venue (especially not me), so I was severely limited as to where I could go. If anyone has any "Birmingham Independent Salad Heroes", I would love to hear them. Most of the salads available in coffee shops and lunch spots have lots of crouton's and things on, taking them off the menu for a low carb diet. I was literally stuck and the only place I could think of going to get my lunch was Pret. Now, I don't really have a problem with Pret. I would always prefer to go independent venues as and when I can, but these guys are ethical with their food waste and offer a filter coffee for 99pm (which puts them at the top of my chains to visit). Two days in a row I ended up grabbing my lunch from here. Their salads are really good. I'm not normally one to spend £5 plus on a salad, but with a choice of avocado, prawns and tender stem broccoli (with a menu that changes daily), they top the list of delicious salad options on New Street. On both occasions I grabbed my lunch and sat in the large upstairs area to eat. The first time was around peak lunch hour, so I ended up sharing my table with someone else (about 1pm). The second visit was just after 2pm and was much more chilled and less busy. Again, I wouldn't say this place is a must-visit. It's the same old Pret food and service you are going to get at any of the stores in the chain, however, it's good food and a convenient location. You could do far worse!

Fresh and tasty food. I come here from time to time for breakfast or brunch. Their sandwiches are…read morevery good with a wide variety of choices especially if you come early in the morning. There are many branches scattered all over the city even in Birmingham airport. They have fresh juices, which are also very good. I had the apple and ginger shot which was very refreshing. The following day I had the carrot juice, also very good. What I like about Pret A Manger is that they keep bringing new varieties and they seem to read your mind, whatever you think of, they bring it!