Last updated 22 Dec 2020
Most of these are open for takeout during tier 4 restrictions, the few that have temparily closed have been indicated.
City Centre
Faculty
Small store inside Piccadilly Arcade, they only have a few tables for sitting in. But if you can the small kitchen has some great food (the all-day breakfast milk bun is awesome). Probably my favourite independant in town. Will often go for the V60 here when sitting in. Open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, 9:30am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday.
Yorks
Stephenson Street & Ikon Gallery • Website
Yorks have two great locations in Birmingham, I often visit them on Stephenson Street when Faculty are closed as it's right across the street. I know Yorks primarily from their one other location in Stratford-upon-avon which opened up just before lockdown and was one of the first places that adapted quickly doing window service and coffee at home. The owner once dropped some ground coffee I ordered around to my house on his way home from work.
200 Degrees
Colmore Row & Lower Temple Street • Website
200 is the largest "independent" in this list with 11 stores (2 in Birmingham) but they roast their own beans, have a barista school and the Colmore Row location has a large seating area so often a go to location when I want somewhere to sit in and work on my laptop.
Morridge
Great Western Arcade • Website
Go here for the porridge, and soup in the afternoon.
Tilt
City Arcade • Website • Temporarily Closed due to COVID
I knew Tilt primarily for their craft beer selection and pinball, but they also make some of the best coffee in town.
Wayland's Yard
Bull Street • Website • Temporarily Closed due to COVID
Not one I have been able to visit myself, but my friends like it. Looking forward to try when they are back open again.
The Coffee Bar
Tucked away in Oasis (a long established alternative store), super friendly staff that are willing to talk and share their latest V60 recipies, and make a good oat flat white. Also if you use the magic stamp app you get a free drink after your first visit.
Jewellery Quarter
Saint Kitchen
Great food (bagels and donuts) as well as coffee. Open for takeout during COVID. A frequent lunch location for me.
Digbeth
Centrala
Minerva Works, Fazeley St • Website
While Centrala isn't a dedicated coffee shop (primarily a gallery and creative space) they have a small cafe in their reception area. If you're this side of town it's a great place to support. You can browse the selection of books in English and Polish, as well as magazines, music and crafts from local artists while you wait for your drink. During COVID they are open Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00 to 20:00.
South Side
Quarter Horse
I orignally knew Quarter Horse from Cowley Road in Oxford when I used to live there. Unfortunely they closed due to the shop needing local ownership, and they moved fully into Birmingham. Both a coffee roaster and cafe, they provide wholesale to other cafes.
