As I have family and friends living in Aldridge, I always have a mooching around the village. Yes,…read moreI love how English people refer sometimes to their local commercial area as "the village". At least my auntie Kate does it, and I do like what I find in the village. Simply Delicious is one of the gems of Aldridge. A cosy independent Café and restaurant in the middle of the High Street that is already in the list of favourite places to take a friend ( or family ) for a catching up. The place is always packed and sometimes is difficult to find a table available, but it just an adding to the success of this independent business. Simply Delicious is not just a café but also a delicatessen with a range of products that they are proud of offer in the shop. From typical Made in Britain cheese to fine chocolates and jams, everything is fresh and in a very affordable price. It's always a great idea to check their products before leave the place. It's almost impossible to not take something back home. The menu itself is also quite yummy. I always keep an eye on the deluxe and classic paninis options. Last time I have visited my choice was a chicken breast n mayo that was served with side salad and crisps. It was divine. The food presentation is also taken seriously at Simply Delicious. It's to eat with your eyes indeed! The average price for a sandwich in this place is £ 6.50 and for the size of each portion I could say you pay for what you eat. And after heard so many good things about their Chef specialties menu I am honestly thinking about treating myself with a proper meal next time I visit Simply Delicious.

This turned out to be a impromptu visit after a late night, and when only a full English breakfast…read morewould do. This is a delightful coffee shop and deli rolled into one, which has a lovely local community feel to it. Arriving at 10am the restuarant was already busy, and I managed to bag the last table deliberating what to have for breakfast. They have an extensive breakfast menu which includes items such as eggs benedict, muffin with smoked salmon and scrambled egg, and a full English breakfast. There are a variety of hot and cold beveages to choose from - Milkshakes, Hot Chocolate, and specality teas. They also have a lunchtime menu, and items are available for takeaway. Some of their deli products come direct from Italy and Spain and they have a variety of homemade cakes. My eyes lit up when I saw the carrot cake, but that will have to wait until another time! All of their deli items can be gift wrapped, and included in a hamper - perfect for a pressie. The service was friendly and the food fresh and delicious! I shall be returning to sample the lunchtime menu and their homemade cakes of course!

I went for Afternoon Tea with my Son and Grand daughter. It was the hottest day of the year so far…read moreand the Schools were off due to local elections so it was very busy, no seating room available outside. The Menu is fantastic I had afternoon Tea with Scone, clotted cream and a little pot of jam for £4.95. It was delicious. My son had a Panini and chips which was huge and my Grand Daughter had a fruit shoot and ice cream. The staff are lovely and I love the little milk bottles they give you. I remember when this was just a shack many years ago but it is well worth a visit for breakfast or brunch. Its a dog friendly place so be prepared for lots of dogs, prams and pushchairs are not allowed in the dining area so you have to leave them outside. they close at 4.30pm https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g190731-d2078219-r370626047-Blackroot_Bistro-Sutton_Coldfield_West_Midlands_England.html#

A quick little tale: Sometime in 2006, my girlfriend of the time and I were walking through Sutton…read morePark and we came across this abandoned little building. "That'd be a goldmine if you turned it into a restaurant" we agreed (one of the few things we did agree on). Rather than taking advantage of our entreprenurial insight, we watched instead as some clever people did indeed turn it into a restaurant and are probably making a fortune from it. And deservedly so. Set in beautiful scenery (car park notwithstanding), it's a little pricey, but then it is near the gate which leads onto Four Oaks Estate which a few years ago boasted the most expensive road to live on in the country. My current girlfriend and I swung by there for a cuppa not so long ago and we agreed it was very nice (one of the many things we do agree on). The place was practically empty but then the weather was bad. If you've got the money and the feet, it's definitely worth the stroll.

Breakfast Review: An…read moreimmaculately clean cafe, with mod like artwork. The place was staffed by a couple of young ladies that being honest, didn't seem to want to be there, though they were efficient. They do an array of breakfasts, based on English historical figures, (Nelson, Churchill, Henry VIII). Ingredients are cheap, however, prices are equally cheap. I opted to go for the Nelson, a small breakfast, consisting of a sausage, bacon, an egg, mushrooms, a hash brown, toast and a complimentary coffee, all for just £3.60! Its good value breakfast.

Breakfast Review:…read more Today was a treat. I was recommended this place by a business colleague and thought it was worth trying out. I didn't realise it was a Greek restaurant and a cafe, but it appears that it is. The interior is clean and spaced out well, with a counter at the front and a spotlessly clean open kitchen at the rear. First off was ordering drinks, Orange juice 'carton or fresh squeezed sir?' The perfect question. I went for fresh squeezed, a rare treat. Coffee was excellent too. Then came the breakfast: as near to perfection as you could get. One juicy plump sausage, 2 griddled pieces of bacon, mushrooms, perfectly cooked tomato, black pudding to die for, beans were served in a ramekin, (its a personal thing, I HATE beans on my breakfast plate), 2 eggs that personified the perfect egg. Proper toast made it even better. The service was superb too, from the lovely lady taking the orders, through to the chefs cooking and the serving staff too. Freshly squeezed orange juice, large coffee and Full English for just £10.40. Superb. I think I have a new favourite :0) 9/10 (another round of toast would have made it perfect!)

I really loved Raphaels when I visited it recently. I had been the victim of some road rage in the…read morecar park down the road but entering here was instantly relaxing and I loved the chilled out feeling. Often when cafés call themselves a 'lounge' you don't feel comfortable enough to lounge, however here was the opposite. The atmosphere is laid back and the staff are friendly and efficient. The menu is really well thought out and I love that they have classics alongside slightly jazzed up versions of things. Certain things with a twist caught my eye like the mezze lunch (but I'll eat anything with halloumi in), the spiced hot chocolate and the salsa chicken hot wrap. They all sound delicious and not the same old thing you'd usually find in a café. My toasted tea cake and cuppa really did the trick and it was inexpensive.

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!

Ordered via uber eats, won't be ordering again. Ordered 2 frappes, all that came were cups of…read morethroth. The chocolate one had zero chocolate flavour and the strawberry one tasted sour. They said if I come in to store they can help! Kinda defeats the purpose of ordering online for delivery! Cut my losses as wasted money and a bad review I guess

First time here. Only had the Chai Latte and I would recommend that to anyone. It was one of the…read morebetter ones I have had for sure. This is a great location with a massive area downstairs. Brilliant place for students to hand and study for sure. Food selection looked great as well. Nothing to complain about, would definitely recomend

Excellent Cappuccino, nice and smooth - passed the no sugar test…read more Service is great and the cakes are well up to snuff. Probably the best coffee in town.

I've followed Under Pressure for quite a while, even before it opened when the idea was a mere…read moretwinkle in the eye of the owner. To visit tho' from where I live and work is such a mission I hadn't bothered until today, despite the good reports from a couple of people who's views I'd respect. So there's maybe 4 buses go direct from the city centre to right outside the door and the trip is may 25 minutes or so to Sutton Coldfield. The owner seems a very nice, quietly dedicated chap and he's crafted a chilled place to hang out. When I was there the small room, maybe seating for 14 at a squeeze, was largely full and folks were chatting away. It was a reasonably mixed bunch from yummy mummies (is that a term!) and assorted babies, two laptop types and a few couples. It felt good and that is way harder to achieve than good crema! But it's not that comfortable truth be told, with small, hard stools and chairs, so it's maybe not I place I'd stay in for too long. I liked the simple approach to coffee selection. You can have espresso (black, a bit pricey!) or same with silky smooth, steamed milk. For the milk option you can have 6 oz (to me a flat white) or, I think, 12 oz (so pretty much a Latte). No cappuccino ... but let's be honest, very few staff in Brum can be bothered creating a classic cappuccino: the bigger flat white with half-ar*** latte art impostor has become ubiquitous in most 'third wave' coffee establishment! You can also have a brewed coffee - I think he uses the Kone, which is a very good choice once you know how to use it. He has different beans for brews but I didn't notice what as not my tipple. Beans used for the espresso drinks on my visit where the excellent Workshop Coffee 100% La Ilusion, El Salvador v13 Cult of Done. It's almost a Winter espresso to my mind:a thicker, darker, chocolate, nuts and mildly fruity option than some of their previous efforts and so much more to my own taste. Milk was nice, very smooth; if not quite the best I've had, certainly up to par and at least as good as anywhere in the Birmingham area. Workshop beans ain't cheap even wholesale and really a highly competent barista like this guy could squeeze a great drink from a less expensive, still quality option. He uses a Victoria Arduino which is an interesting change to the La Spaziale and La Marzocco machines more often seen about the city. I'm pretty sure it's a Nuova Simonelli brand these days, but that's a good thing. I had a slice of Beetroot and Chocolate cake ... sounds yuk but is pretty much a Red Velvet if you know that one. Nice and moist, over sweet creamy topping but the base made up for that. Both together £4.50 which was OK. Everything was served with care and unrushed. Customers all seemed happy with the slow pace. Nothing much to eat there tho' so I had to go elsewhere for lunch (bad choice - Cambaz Bar & Chargrill over the road which was snooty and mediocre!) And therein lies the key challenge for Under Pressure! How do you make a viable business, not just flog yourself to stay open, when all you sell is nice coffee and cake? I guess the answers include a limit on customer numbers/covers, work long hours yourself and keep all costs as low as you possibly can. Ideally, you need to attract 'regular people very regularly' not just the once off coffee geeks and offer rather more than cake and coffee. I'm not sure what else he can do, given location, space and number of covers but some lunch time options would work. At the end of the day the balance of running a viable business while keeping standards super high and yourself rested, happy and healthy is a difficult one. I wish him all the luck in the world!

Two stars means. "Meh. I've experienced better"…read more I really want to like this place. I really do. I went before because I was told how great it was and how I'd love it. I didn't see what tea's were available and when I asked at the counter I was told to look at a sign that was 15-20 foot away. I had to take 4 steps towards it to get a proper look. I had given my table number but no suggestion was given if I was to wait for my tea to be prepared or to return to my seat. Then I couldn't get on the WIFI.. even though it claimed a good signal. Did it think all the people who had visited and logged on were still there?? Customer Service is KEY!! Update... They've just earned a star back as they tweeted me about the poor wifi issue..

I stumbled across this place whilst looking for somewhere to grab a quick snack whilst on the way…read moreto take care of some boring business in north Birmingham. The reviews are generally pretty decent, although a little mixed, so it looked a good should. Inside the décor is really relaxed with lots of shabby chic and exposed wood, pleasant and with plenty of space to sit. Its apparently part of a chain of lounges situated throughout the country, but I cant say I have ever come across one. Each lounge has a different name (i.e. Ocho, Trago, Verdo) so perhaps its that it isn't immediately obvious (or im not very observant). The food menu is extensive. This often worries me, because getting such a wide range of food spot on is always going to be pretty difficult, and in this case it proved to be an issue. The burger was served on a stale bun and was generally uninspiring and the Chicken and Avocado panini was served with an avocado sauce rather than fresh. The chicken was also reminiscent or packaged stuff from the supermarket. The portions were a little stingy too. So the food wasn't great, but with the general vibe of the place, the service and the comprehensive drinks menu, this place is a pretty good catch all type of bar/cafe. I wouldn't advise travelling to go here, but I don't think there's anywhere local doing anything similar at the moment.

I was browsing Great Barr area when I have found Cagney's. It's a quite nice cafe to pop up if you…read morefancy a cup of tea or coffee after your shopping has done. Or even if you work around it's a good option for a breakfast. As it's a quite new business in the area as well. So expects a quite fresh and enthusiast staff. It's a quite simple place so don't expect a modern and funky furniture inside.It's a plain and quite straight forward decor. The menu is quite varied. Sandwiches, Panini, classic and special big breakfast, omelettes, salads, jack potatoes and special meal for kids. With a vast clientele in the area They delivery is for free if the order is a walking distance one and there is Wi-Fi in the locale.

Offering order-at-your-table waitress service and an extensive, homemade cake selection, this New…read moreOscott-based tea room is a great place to relax. Alex, the waitress is lively and polite and the café holds a pleasant, 'Old English' ambience, which is complimented nicely by its classy cutlery and condiments. The homemade cakes selection is near-irresistible and Britton's even offers its own take-away service and menu. Unfortunately though, with only 5 or 6 tables and no easy-listening soundtrack, the tea room feels cramped and uncomfortably silent, even when every seat is full. Britton's is smart, charming and very reasonably priced, but it would definitely benefit from some piped music and comfortable seat cushions, both of which would be sure to cosy things up a little.

Believe it or not, I'm just about old enough to remember the Lyon's Tea Rooms. If you've never…read moreheard of them then Google it. So I was taken back to my childhood when I paid a recent visit to this corner tea room. The former flower shop has been transformed into a beautiful tea shop with a fabulous range on offer. Let's start with cakes! Scones with jam and thick cream, chocolate fudge cake, served as it come or hot. Lemon drizzle, carrot cake, Mmm ok let's move on! They do a great breakfast, sandwiches, light lunches oh and being a tea shop there is a wide selection of teas of course. I shall be popping along soon to enjoy a long lost British tradition "Afternoon Tea", on offer is a three tier stand with a finger sandwich selection, those scones I was talking about earlier and a pot of tea all for £10.00, a nice touch and perfect treat.