Birmingham, UK
Curry curry curry. It’s all anyone talked about before getting to Birmingham so you know it was on the mind.
Again we pulled in late, this time I stayed up until we got there and went to bed immediately but delayed the start to my day. As is expected I missed the hotel breakfast and opted to seek out coffee to fill that void.
The first spot I tried to visit Urban Cafe was closed likely due to the bank holiday. So I kept walking and found 200 Degrees Coffee Shop.
200 Degrees Coffee Shop
12 Lower Temple St, Birmingham B2 4JD, United Kingdom * +441214486565 * http://www.200degs.com/
This spot was centrally located near the main station. I was optimistic when I went in. Rustic vibe with lots of seating. As I got to the counter I was less impressed. The pastries were so sad that I opted to not eat there.
The coffee was decent. Better than a Starbucks but not quite to my liking. Oh well. I had the one cup and read and wrote and moved on.
Coffee 3.5/5
Food 1.5/5
Staff 4/5
Overall 3/5
Still needing “breakfast” I went to Yorks Cafe & Coffee Roasters.
Yorks Cafe & Coffee Roasters
29 / 30 Stephenson St, Birmingham B2 4BH, United Kingdom * +441218285111 * http://www.yorkscafe.co.uk/
The space was an odd shape I’m a corner building. But it had a fun hip bar sort of vibe but for coffee and food (and drinks I suppose later).
I probably should have ordered the complete breakfast which looked tasty. As a go to I stuck with my avo toast but added a poached egg and sausage on the side. It was really good. Some pickled onions and micro greens on the toast? Yum!
The coffee was a perfect second cup. It had a leg up since I was already awake but it was really nice.
The worst part of my stay was the person they stuck me next to (assigned seating) who was on the phone, loud, giving unnecessary advice for the entire stay. Pretty sure it was multiple calls. I didn’t go to coffee to wear headphones, next time please take it outside. Thanks
Coffee 4/5
Food 4.5/5
Staff 4/5
Ambiance 3.5/5*
Overall 4/5
I returned to the hotel for some afternoon relaxation, work, and naps. Needing exercise I went for a walk to the … bouldering gym. I saw a great rainbow on the walk but also got caught in a crazy rainstorm.
Depot Climbing Birmingham
10 Sherlock St, Birmingham B5 6LU, United Kingdom * +44 121 622 5143 * https://www.depotclimbing.co.uk/birmingham/
Bouldering only gyms are seemingly more common in cities and it is great for me while on tour as I often am by myself. In Europe (and the uk) they seem to do it better. Every climbing gym seems to have a cafe in the pro shop. The Depot Climbing Birmingham was no different.
This spot was happening. Tons of terrain, nice setting. There was also a lot of training space with a whole array of moon/kilter type boards. Sadly I ran out of time before having to meet up with my friends for dinner, but I will certainly visit this spot again next time I am in Birmingham.
Terrain 4.5/5
Setting 4/5
Staff 4/5
Overall 4.25/5
I left in a hurry to try and catch up with my tour buddies for a curry dinner. Luckily the first spot they went to was not the one and bought me a little bit of extra time to get to them. In the end we ended up at Asha’s Indian Bar and Restaurant.
Asha’s Indian Bar and Restaurant
12-22 Newhall St, Birmingham B3 3AS, United Kingdom * +441212002767 * http://www.ashasbirmingham.co.uk/
Asha’s was definitely on the fancier side, both in terms of price and vibe. The accolades in the window suggested it would be worth it.
Everything that I tried had wonderful flavors. Unfortunately I can’t remember the name of my main dish that I had but it was different and tasty. Maybe next time I would try something a bit more run of the mill to see how the flavors compare.
My main complaint was the service was a bit lack luster. Maybe our ragtag group of scruffy roadies didn’t meet their expectations or it was an off night, but I sort of expected a bit more attention to detail. Oh well.
To note they do have a couple of locations around the world, so keep an eye out.
Food 4.5/5
Ambiance 4/5
Staff 3/5
Overall 4/5
The following day was a work day. Most of the time I don’t have time for anything. This time however I decided to pop across the street from the venue for a coffee and smashed avocado. Quarter Horse Coffee was conveniently 3 minutes walking distance.
Quarter Horse Coffee
88-90 Bristol St, Birmingham B5 7AH, United Kingdom * +441214489660 * https://www.quarterhorsecoffee.com/
This was the winner from my time in Birmingham, no question. I am very glad that I took the time to go.
The space was cute with a warm modern vibe. There was ample seating and a patio although I didn’t check that out. The coffee was delicious and beautifully presented. I got a smashed avocado with smoked salmon on top. They were not stingy at all. If I could that would be my breakfast everyday. The staff was beyond welcoming and kind. This is my kind of coffee shop that I seek out in every city.
Coffee 4.5/5
Food 4.5/5
Staff 4.5/5
Vibes 4.5/5
Overall 4.5/5
My time in Birmingham, like most cities, was brief but very satisfying. Until next time.