Whether you’re looking for the perfect latte, a place to socialise with friends or want an alternative to the library, there are some fantastic cafés in Birmingham to choose from. We’ve found options for everyone including a vegan spot, the best coffee in town, and a diverse selection of delicious food – enjoy!
The Study Spot
Urban Emporium
30 Church Street, B3 2NP
Urban first opened in 2009 and now has two other locations in Harborne and the Jewellery Quarter. This Birmingham institution is perfect for spending a few hours working on your coursework; it’s spacious, airy, and serves excellent coffee and cakes as well as a range of savoury breakfast and brunch dishes. They also have free Wi-Fi so you can connect to any online resources you need for your university work and it’s a 12-minute walk from campus, too.
The Vegan Spot
3 Three’s Coffee Lounge
17-19 Martineau Way, B2 4UW
If delicious vegan food and artisan coffee is your thing, then 3 Three’s is the place for you. They are known for their house blend coffee beans, which are sourced from Latin America, Rwanda and Aceh as well as their freshly made vegan sandwiches, wraps, paninis, bagels and pasties. The interiors are Instagram worthy, with artwork for sale on the walls and comfy sofas for relaxing and taking a break. We especially recommend their vegan hot dogs for a quick and easy lunch.
The Coffee Spot
Faculty Coffee
14 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD
Want to learn more about coffee and how it’s made? This school-themed coffee shop is here to educate you. The decor is industrial, with a few school desks to sit at and so many types of coffee on offer that you’ll have to come back more than once. Their main supplier is Square Mile but they often have guests like Drop Coffee and Roundhill on the menu. Don’t feel like coffee? Faculty also serve loose leaf teas and luxury hot chocolate, too.
The Full English Breakfast Spot
Cherry Reds
92 John Bright Street, B1 1BN
Cherry Reds is an independent café and bar, well-known in Birmingham for its shabby chic decor and warm, welcoming atmosphere. They also make an excellent traditional Full English breakfast that includes sausage, bacon, fried egg, toast, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and a hash brown. Perfect on a Sunday morning before a day of shopping or fun in the city centre.
The Foodie Spot
Damascena
133 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8JP
If Middle-Eastern cuisine is your favourite thing, then Damascena is the place for you. They have won awards for their fantastic food and serve up dishes like Fuul Medmes for breakfast, consisting of a selection of beans, yogurt and herbs, served with a flatbread – and it is as delicious as it sounds! For dinner, why not try one of their classic chicken or lamb shawarmas? Damascena is all about hospitality and Arabian-style bohemian décor, making it perfect for socialising after university. It’s a little way from campus, 20 minutes on the 35 bus from Farquhar Road but trust us, it’s worth the travel.
The Animal Spot
Kitty Café
Unit 12, Grand Central, Stephenson Place, B2 4BF
Birmingham has finally got its own Kitty Café! If you want to hang out with beautiful cats, like Gismo, Luna and Honey, while you have your coffee and food, this is the perfect place. You can also choose from vegan and non-vegan main course options or cakes and pastries, all freshly prepared – you’ll never want to leave.