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    Tilt

    4.2 (41 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea, Bars, Arcades
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Tilt Photos

    TILT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Moderate noise
    Good for working
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Tilt

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    Reviews With Photos

    Iron Man
    Brittany A.

    After hearing all the buzz about Tilt opening, Seth S. and I decided to check it out. I totally dig this cute little place! The decor is modern, sleek and bright. Pinball board art is hung on bright white walls, with minimalist tile, modern lights, and clean lines. The seating is reminiscent of school chairs and stools, which are not the most comfortable but fit well with the design aesthetic. Seth S. ordered a grape sour beer, which was delightfully balanced, bright, and fruity. I ordered the chocolate tea. Wow! I've never heard of chocolate tea before, but it's my new favorite hot beverage. The bar keep takes time to make an excellent cup of tea - loose leaf - steeped to aromatic perfection. The milk is served in a beaker, which I think is a cute touch. The pinball game selection is great. I was so happy they have the Addams Family game - it was one I played all the time as a kid. What a fun fusion of nostalgia and delicious drinks!

    Fun fun
    Elaine ..

    Childhood memories in a capsule how perfect. I love tilt! This café has two levels, also houses a range of craft beers and beautiful loose leaf teas served in dainty glass tea pots, We went for: -Jasmine pearl tea -choco tea Both beautiful to taste, the choco tea is blended with cacoa nibs to give a choclately taste, so yum and guilt free. The place also offers FREE wifi The fresh sweet cakes are provided by 'Birmingham bakes' Feeling bored and want a break from studying, have a play on the arcade machines, but warning as they can be quite addictive haha ! Overall, Great independent coffee shop in the middle of town I love the simple and clean décor, great gem to have in Brum.

    Pinballs...
    Amy B.

    My first visit to Tilt was on the eve of Yelps Big Night Out. I'd heard about it, bookmarked it but never quite made it there before. It's quite a different and almost special place... You walk in and it looks like a coffee shop (well it is also a coffee shop) but there's also a wide selection of beers on draught and other ciders in bottles. I really like its location, its almost hidden away in an alleyway but it still has enough footfall to keep the place lively but not overcrowded. I am not particularly intrested in the pinball and the interior can appear a little cold and i think could benefit from some softer touches - maybe some sofas or armchairs? It isn't cheap, but usually craft beers aren't so what do you expect? It's a place I will be going back to again and i'm looking forward to it.

    Laura C.

    Oddly placed in an arcade that is hidden around the back of Primark, is a lovely small bar called Tilt. It is small, it has about 10 tables. It also has about five pinball machines which is a really fun touch. It has a bar of beers which you can try before you buy and also does coffee and a few cakes. No other food unfortunately. Very cool, new place :)

    A lovely latte and a pot of red berry tea.
    Jeanette M.

    What a great place! Even though it's full of pinball machines, it manages to be a really chill space, which was sorely needed in Birmingham. Fantastic selection of teas, some of the best coffee I've had in town, and really unique craft beers on tap. And, of course, pinball! Great fun! Tilt occupies a very minimalist but quirky space, with tables by the windows that are good for working and having a cuppa, and high tables at the back that are great for enjoying a pint later on by the pinball machines. There is also a basement seating area good for large groups. I believe they are still developing a food menu, but this evening they had carrot cake available, and man, it was some of the most delicious carrot cake I've ever had! Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks. Highly recommended.

    Fun Pin Ball Machines!!!
    Kristin M.

    I visited Tilt with a large group of friends on a weekday. We were able to snag a good area of the shop easily near the pin ball machines. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. I opted for an on tap beer, but some others enjoyed the tea and coffee selections. There was one cake, carrot I think, which probably was completely eaten by the time our group left! Haha. The over all idea of the place is really good. But I don't think it hits it on the head quite yet. I feel this place is in its early stages and has room for growth, which is a good thing! The shop itself was pretty bare, which made the pin ball machines seem out of place. A shop interior designer needs to come through and have a good go at it! An idea for the machines I came up with is a "buy in" rate, and then an ongoing leadership board... linking all the machines together. I'm from America where a pinball machine is only 25 cents. So a pound for a game seemed a bit much. But I understand it is a novelty. And getting a leadership board makes things fun and people more likely to play more than once! The staff were awesome and on point. The place was clean and tidy, and if I find myself wanting to go to a place in B'ham again that is a bit off the radar, I will visit Tilt again. :)

    Peppermint tea, £2. Value!
    Simon H.

    Great tea, coffee, fabulous beers and pin ball! They now sometimes have two cakes! Last time I counted four different types of hot chocolate also. It is situated in an odd place, there are lots of 'a' boards on Corporation St and New St so it is east to find if you see the signs. They open late, which is fantastic I can only Starbucks that are open past 6pm. It gets busy at night, so do not expect to go there for a litle evening quiet time. Staff are more than welcoming to customers brining their own dogs and food.

    Pinball at Tilt! Also a guy's head!
    Brandon A.

    I met a group of friends at Tilt for a weekday night out. I got red berry tea and shared a slice of carrot cake with my wife. Both the tea and cake were excellent and a single slice was enough for the both of us to share (they cut the slices fairly big). In terms of alcohol, they had a selection of drought and bottle beers, as well as some cocktails to choose from. There wasn't any cider on the menu, but the droughts change regularly, so they may have it sometimes. I enjoyed playing pinball, but the only reason this place isn't getting 5 stars is because the pinball was so expensive. It costs 1 pound to for one game or 2 pounds for three games. I would have preferred to pay a small upfront charge (3-4 pounds) to get unlimited access for the evening or for some time limit. Since because pinball isn't a particularly common activity, it's easy to not be especially good so the games that I and some of my friends played ended fairly quickly. That being said, overall, the food and drink was good and the atmosphere was fun. I probably won't come back for the pinball, but I will come back for the drinks.

    Cookies and creme cake.
    Seth S.

    With time, Tilt has matured well, with the formerly nascent concept now a leader in this niche market segment. Since my previous review earlier in the year, Tilt has added additional pinball machines while switching out some of the older machines for a constantly rotating selection of the best cabinets you can find. Beyond pinball, my primary reason for visiting Tilt almost weekly is for the increasingly superb beer selection. Simply put, they are tapping kegs of beers that are not too easy to find elsewhere in greater Birmingham. On top of that, they are sometimes the first to get beers in, indicative of several I've tried not even being rated on Untapped at that point! A slight weakness of their taps is that they've been limited to about six at any time, and on many visits at least one or two have kicked. The issue of choice was recently solved with a game-changing addition of a beer refrigerator. Patrons can choose a can or bottle of their favourite brew, and choose to drink it at Tilt or take it home with them. There are several other places in City Centre that offer this, but not with the same craft selection at really, really good prices. On a recent trip I snagged a berlinerweisse can for only £3.10, cheaper than what some supermarkets charge for craft beers. Tilt has also expanded the baked goods selection, with two choices available at all times from Edgbaston-based BAKE. Some of their cakes are amongst the best bundts you'll find in the city, and my favourite part is that a discount applies with an Independent Birmingham card. As long as Tilt can continue with such a well executed vision, it will remain my city centre go-to hang out venue.

    Jodie H.

    What a cute little place. Me and a friend popped in after doing some shopping and having a sober weekend both had green teas. The selection was brilliant and I've been told their selection on beers is good too. This place is tucked away and in a nice little location. It's basic but basic in a good way with a nice chilled vibe. I shall deffinately be returning.

    Outside Tilt in the Arcade
    Dave M.

    Tilt was on my 2016 list of places to go! And It was worth waiting the 8 weeks for. A stripped out tea and craft beer bar that takes advantage of its quirky shape. Down one wall is a set of pinball machines which I'm sure has a draw for the board game/gamer market. Tables are a mixture of high tables with stools and retro school type wooden chairs. The staff are friendly and excited about their venue. OH and they have several plug sockets dotted around for the mobile office person (ME!) I'll be back when the food menu is ready.

    Gary C.

    Little independent cafe at a back alley. This is a really nice calming place as it's secluded away from the busy high streets. Inside is a simple interior with a twist of retro pac-man arcade machines, which were turned off when I attended however I can gather it makes a great evening event. I will certainly visit this place again as it serves my favourite dragon well/long jing tea, which provides great fragrance and taste. Definitely worth a visit.

    Harvey T.

    So This week i was invited to a social gathering at Tilt and i'm very surprised to what i found lurking being the bin of mothercare. A Really cool bar/ cafe concept with pinball machines. Bit of an odd location especially at night the alley way is dimly lit but once inside your in a safe haven. The quirky little loose tea pots are great and the fresh coffee selection is one of the best i've seen. They have a good selection of craft beers bottled and some on tap, which changes on a daily basis so you will have a lot to look forward to each time you visit. The beers can be hit and miss depending on personal tastes so i recommend you always ask for a taster. To put the cherry on top... they also do cake but by the time I got there it was gone.. This place has a very relaxed chilled out vibe which i liked very much but it did feel clod and isolated. It was a shame to say this place is very much a blank canvas. the pinballs machines add character to the place but this is where it stops. I'd like to see much more colour on the walls and some of the creativity they have used downstairs to be used on the main floor too. I haven't been during the day but i can imagine it to have similar chilled vibe.. just go in for a coffee and do some work, read a book, chat with friends. They have plug sockets on the walls so you can charge your personal devices. Pinball machines range from Game of thrones, ironman, AC/DC, and many many more. for a pound a play it gets very addictive... make sure you take lots of spare change! They also have free wifi - Password is hopsandbeans

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    Page 1 of 2

    Review Highlights - Tilt

    Beyond pinball, my primary reason for visiting Tilt almost weekly is for the increasingly superb beer selection.

    Mentioned in 24 reviews

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    Faculty - An hourglass to tell you when the tea is finished brewing. How quaint!

    Faculty

    (43 reviews)

    £

    City Core

    We stumbled across this place while escaping the rain at the Christmas market and it was such a…read moregreat find. A small flat white and small cappuccino for £6 total is a rare find these days and we both loved our drinks. So much flavour and nice, strong coffee. My only reason for giving 4 stars is that the layout was a bit cramped and it was slightly lacking in customer service. If you're just popping in for a takeaway coffee though, this is a fab spot.

    I never normally do this anymore but I'm so in awe of this place that I'm writing the review before…read moreI've even finished eating/drinking. I knew I'd love this place as when I walked in, the smell of roasting coffee flew into my nostrils, Faculty literally had me at hello. So more about this love affair, the coffee is brilliant, the cakes taste fantastic and the tea is a relaxing and soothing as the cute little tea pot suggests. The staff working were friendly and happy to offer advice (to me and another customer who had 21 questions about the origin of the coffee) - credit where credits due, the young chap answering knew the answer to every question! They are also linked to next door, a sandwich shop which is perfect for lunch and you can even order from one side and go and sit in the other or vice versa. Owned by the same husband & wife partnership and matched with the same awesome decor. It's not often I'm in Birmingham but one thing for sure is this fling is sure to continue every time I venture in!

    Urban Coffee Company - Come and join me :)

    Urban Coffee Company

    (45 reviews)

    £

    City Core

    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.

    Java Lounge - Interior

    Java Lounge

    (13 reviews)

    ££

    City Core

    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.

    Edwardian Tea Room - Cute tea pots

    Edwardian Tea Room

    (22 reviews)

    ££

    City Core

    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.

    Centenary Lounge

    Centenary Lounge

    (11 reviews)

    £

    Digbeth

    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?

    Pret A Manger - Lunch

    Pret A Manger

    (11 reviews)

    ££

    City Core

    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!

    Tilt - coffee - Updated May 2026

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