I REALLY like this place. If you haven't ever been to The Old Crown (Birmingham's oldest pub) before, you simply must go. Whether its for a coffee, cake or a spot of lunch at The Old Crown Coffee Club or a pint at the pub itself; just go and give it a visit.
I had been to the Crown many a night (it's a top place for a pre-gig pint if you're visiting the Institute), but hadn't ever been down to try the coffee club before Wednesday morning. Now, I have been down to Digbeth a fair amount of late... Between events, festivals, meetings and top Yelpers being based in this part of the City; I have fallen in love with this area more and more.
There are quite a few coffee shops I still have to try around the Custard Factory, but I spotted the Coffee club and needed a morning caffeine hit so it was the place to go. The venue is super cute from outside. With the same wooden cladding as the pub, it's got just the right amount of gravitas and twee to attract a great crowd. I popped in and took a seat by a powerpoint before being asked what I would like to order by a very friendly and helpful waitress.
I ordered a coffee (which came in a giant cup) and sat to tackle the days work. The lovely wooden interior and slightly rickety furniture puts you in mind of a warm country kitchen and the variety and volume of the background music makes it a perfect place for a homeworker in the City.
The coffee was delicious. Not too bitter, perfect temperature and served as you like it; at £1.60 it's a bargain. The cakes and food looked excellent too, but I wasn't in the market for any food on this visit (that'll be rectified next time).
I would definitely recommend this venue as a place to grab a drink or some lunch and have a chat with friends or get some work done. It's friendly, welcoming and has a lovely inviting ambiance which begs you to stay a little longer. I am looking forward to a revisit in the future. read more