Excellent deli/ cafe based in Bournville, great for breakfast/ lunch. Staff are always friendly and…read moreattentive. Quality of food is always excellent with lots of choice and specials on offer. Also always have homemade cakes/ desserts on offer as well. Also good for for business meetings and have free wifi.

Breakfast Review: I…read moredo like an Indi deli. In fact I love an Indi deli. So much so that this morning, I cycled in heavy rain and a blustery wind, 17.5 miles to try out their breakfast. I was recommended this place by some of the fine people on Twitter. Their enthusiasm for the place meant I had to give it a go. It's a small shop in a group of shops on a residential road in suburban Bournville. There's no uniforms, just people that obviously care about their products and produce. That definitely included their breakfasts. Perfectly cooked bacon, (2 slices, not one as advertised), 2 sausages, a spot on golden yolked egg, a choice of plum or fresh tomatoes, great black pudding, (an extra), baked beans, (served in a separate dish), a good portion of fresh mushrooms and hand cut, crusty bread - as far as I'm concerned, a MUST for a quality breakfast - which this absolutely was. Coffee was good quality too, not too rich, just how I like it. In summary: 9/10 one of the best ones I've had. Excellent.

Absolutely enamoured with Raha Cafe. It has recently opened, taking over from Hudson & Mortimer but…read morewe popped in to try it as it was open on Easter Sunday. The staff were amazingly polite and attentive, telling us how long the wait would be before ordering and the staff kept coming over to keep us updated and apologise for the wait when there was absolutely no need for apologies, but it was fantastic service, absolutely five star service. I've been to michelin rated restaurants and had much worse services! I bought two cappuccinos (sorry I have to correct myself here and say "cappuccini"!) and two of the small english breakfasts. At £1.49 per large Lavazza cappuccino and £3.20 per breakfast, this came to under a tenner on a Easter Sunday for two to eat out in a lovely cafe with a brilliant atmosphere - and free WiFi!? Unfortunately did not bring my phone to test this! The small breakfasts consisted of 2 slices of white buttered bread , bacon, sausage, tomato, fried egg, Heinz baked five beans and mushrooms. Unfortunately they ran out of mushrooms (I didn't even expect any!) so we were offered to double up another part of the breakfast as an alternative to mushrooms. As I don't eat beans, I asked if my partner could have my serving (And they did give him two gigantic servings of beans :0) and we both got extra egg in place of mushrooms! We were not rushed at all and really enjoyed our leisurely breakfast. For the price we're already planning to go back and this time try some of the freshly squeezed orange juice or milkshakes...!

I was wondering if they serve LavAzza cold brew coffee there. I have four cans of it at home and…read morewould like to know the best way to drink it. If anybody can help me with this, please let me know.

This was a little gem on the high street of Shirley I came across while looking for scones! They…read moreroast their own coffee beans and the place just smelt divine! The owner was super nice and loved my kinda American accent even though he thought I was Australian at first..lol.. I asked if they had scones and he said yes! With clotted cream and jam and fresh strawberries he asked....yes ! I said. Perfect mid morning snack in England. It looked amazing and boy have I missed these . I also got a nice cappuccino made with their mild roast and it was so perfectly brewed. I should be having tea with a scone but I could pass up the freshness of the coffee The scone was delicious, the cream was nice and rich and the jam was not jelly! I loved the fresh strawberries on top too. Ate every bit of this up. The Brit's do scones the best. The cafe was a lovely local place with a nice breakfast menu with basics and some other desserts. Just a lovely place to get a strong brew and a traditional scone! Just what I was looking for.

The Coffee Roaster in Shirley is my stand out place for a late cooked breakfast on the weekend…read more The food is always excellent and although it looks small from the outside it is a bit of a tardis once you get in so you won't struggle to find a table. It is pretty cosy inside but that adds to the charm. As the name suggests the coffee is wonderful as well. I've visited for afternoon tea and cake too which were great value. The business also provides a tea and coffee emporium stocking everything for the caffeine lover. The extra friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you decide on the perfect coffee bean for you and then grind to take away. They also have a car park to the rear which is extremely helpful when driving to Shirely.

This new branch of the Birmingham based coffee favourite Urban Coffee kind of just... Popped up. I…read moreonly spotted that it was there at all as I spotted an update on social media and thought "Well, I had better mosey on down and check it out then!" Dudley Street is a GREAT location for an independent coffee shop. There is so little around here (which is a prime area near the Bullring), that it's fantastic to see it starting to come alive pre-Birmingham New Street/Grand Central opening. This new centre has replaced some kind of grotty warehouse space; Birmingham it is a'changin! The coffee shop is located within the brand spanking new BOM (Birmingham Open Media) centre. I didn't have a look around BOM, but it's a pretty exciting venture. I spotted some artwork on my way in and will make a point of going back to have a nose at some point soon. Anyway... Back to UCC Dudley Street. It's very... Urban. If you have been to any of the other branches you'll know what you're in for. Wooden tables and benches, powerpoints, a truly delicious brunch menu and a warm welcome. I popped in (the only customer at the time), ordered an Americano (which was around £2.20 - £2.60 I believe) and settled in to do some work. The staff member who served me greeted me with a massive smile and provided the WiFi password as soon as I asked. Customer service is king in these venues and you can guarantee you will be looked after on your visit. The coffee was one of the best I'd had at any of the previous Urban venues. I like the minimalist design inside the venue, but as I was the only customer... Atmosphere was lacking (hence 4 rather than 5 star). Saying that, I imagine at a busy period it's pretty buzzing and I will be back again soon.

Breakfast Review:…read more Its a great location - if you can find it. I rode in on my bike and went round and round in circles trying to find it! Once we got there though, it was worth the effort. I went for breakfast, however, they didn't have a full kitchen, but did offer alternatives to the full english. I opted for bacon, 2 eggs, tomatoes, halloumi cheese, (never had this before on a breakfast - I loved it) Sadly, as the cafe had only been open for a few days, it was quite clear that the team, (seriously helpful and passionate), the orders for 5 breakfasts was a bit much for them. Each order was wrong! That said, what they did serve up was really tasty, they had cracking coffee too. Its a serious design statement too. Its the most industrial design I have ever seen - and I loved it!

I dread to think how many times I have walked past this place and not given it go. Yesterday (being…read moreindecisive about lunch options) I knew it was time to give this a first try. This unassuming coffee shop is situated on "The Square" by the Oasis market (just off Corporation Street). With it's yellow signage and big glass panels, it may not look like a posh establishment, but I was very pleasantly surprised at the wonders within. This place must have it's share of local fans. On my visit a young mother was having a lovely conversation with two very smiley older ladies. Everyone was just sitting and enjoying a warm drink and some delicious food whilst chatting about family, life and just... stuff in general. The staff were smiley and helpful, taking my order right away and giving me information about the food on the menu. Alas, they were out of homemade soup, but I was tempted to try the venues speciality, the humble pancake. The pancakes come in both sweet and savory varieties. I also spotted that they do a number of speciality options to cater for those with foodie needs (there was def vegan, vegetarian and *I think* Gluten free). I opted for the mozzarella and tomato pancake with a large Americano. The large drink was £2 (a smaller coffee is £1.80) and the pancake was a very reasonable £3.75. On Tuesdays they do half price pancakes with any hot drink order (which would make it less than £4 for lunch)! As well as pancakes (and soup), they serve homemade sandwiches and wraps (the latter of which was only £2). Everything looked really fresh and delicious (and that was at 2:15 - past the lunch rush). The coffee was served with a caramel biscuit and was hot and made to my liking. Not too bitter, not sweet, just right for my taste. The pancake was presently promptly and looked as good as it tasted. Hot, not too large and served with a small salad - it was just what I was looking for in a light lunch. There were several balls of mozzarella within the pancake and the tomato was zingy and fresh. I was actually in the market for a new work base, but it wasn't *quite* the right vibe for me to sit for hours and work away. I know that other people do though (and there was a powerpoint available), but it is of note that I didn't pick up any free WiFi in the venue. I love finding new little gems in the City and this one is definitely on that list. I will be back again soon (and encourage others to give it a try), as the pancake menu is extensive and very, very inviting.

I'm sorry England, I'm not a tea person and that was the first thing I told my English…read moreboyfriend-now husband- when we met each other almost seven years ago! Well, kind of it. Honestly, I truly believe that there no life before coffee in the morning and even If I'm not a smoker, it's always will have an hour of the day when you are going to start craving for a nice latte or even an espresso. Luckily, Birmingham has plenty of independent coffee shops to choose and if you are addicted to caffeine ( but quality one) as well, just keep improving your list of favourite ones. Coffee Time is on my list, definitely. Not just because they serve a delicious mocha but because its décor is just unique. It's inviting, really! From outside you can spot that clever combination of black and yellow that makes most of people probably decide to have a go on this place. Inside it, this tiny little shop has tables and chairs that are a perfect match to their classic and chic style. Practically placed in the middle of The Square Shopping, Coffee Time is all you need really after shopping and I still think this place was put in the middle of this square not for other reason than drag us there! It has been working for me!

We walk past The Deli around once a week when grocery shopping and finally decided to pop in for a…read moreglass of wine over the weekend. Based on the atmosphere and quality of wine, I love this little spot. It is so cosy. We were the only customers in the store and received superb service. The owner runs this location and a few other shops, plus hosts food tents at festivals during Christmas. She came over to our table and made some wine recommendations and gave us a bowl of crisps on the house. My partner, Seth S., and I both ordered the Pinot Noir from Romania. It was delightfully full-bodied and smooth. The lighting is dimmed just enough to encourage good conversation and a comfortable atmosphere. There are two main rooms for seating, each with groupings of chairs or booths around bistro style tables. The art and decor feel like a brasserie. I would highly recommend The Deli for a delicious glass of wine (or 3) and great conversation with friends.

Breakfast Review:…read more One of the best Full English breakfasts in the Midlands! Its a wonderful deli, on the High Street in Boldmere, with outdoor seating - which is superb when the sun comes out! The breakfasts are awesome. Superb sausages, great bacon, exceptional bread, (the deli sells some of the best bread in Birmingham). 2 succulent sausage, 2 bacon, fried egg, 2 half tomatoes, mushrooms. toast, quality butter. Its one of the best in Birmingham, (I rate it joint 2nd). The staff are great, headed by Pip the owner and her team of assistants, (including sons). The only real problem with this place is that I always spend a fortune on their amazing cheeses, breads, cakes and pate's. Try it. You will thank me!

THIS PLACE IS SO GOOD everybody is so nice in general and the food is great and especially one man…read morewho worked there was so nice to me and my family when I went up he saw my shirt and it was a sloth he loved it and had a laugh and when my brother went up he got a sandwich but the man gave it to him for FREE and he also let him have a gingerbread man for free as well he was just the greatest

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!

Dog friendly traditional tea rooms and restaurant in the heart of upper town in Bridgnorth…read more Fairly good service. Plenty of menu options and good portions. Cake was tasty but a bit dry (for my taste). Nicely spaced out and easy to find, plus a comfortable temperature on a hot day, despite being packed full. Menu ranges from light snacks to hot meals, and breakfast is served there too. Special boards is worth a look.

My favourite cafe in Bridgnorth. Tea and coffee served properly in pots and cups and saucers, with…read morestaff dressed nicely. Home made food; scones and fancies. Well worth a visit for a relaxing cuppa.