From VIP coffee beans to mouth-wateringly authentic Indian street food, we’ve decided to round up all our favourite Independent foodie hotspots worth shouting about in Birmingham.
Digbeth Dining Club – City Centre
At the end of every week, an eclectic mix of DDC street-vendors descend on Digbeth’s railway arches in local haunt Spotlight, providing hungry punters with an array of street food that honours Brum’s finest alternative food scene.
The mouth-watering food accompanied by the smoothest beats of local artists, make Digbeth Dining Club an event that encompasses the very best of Brum spirit. The foodie delights include the likes of Low ‘n’ Slow, The Pietanic (their infamous Cheese and Bacon Burger pie is as ridiculous as it sounds), Bournville Waffle Company and Holy Moly Macaroni - a name rather apt for the resulting cheese induced coma with some serious ‘Holy Moly’ feels. DDC is open Thurs, Fri and Sat, making it a great pick for a weekend feast.
200 Degrees – Colmore Row
This sultry addition to Colmore Row has provided Brum with the rarity of a late evening coffee shop, with 200 Degrees closing at 8pm in the week.
The dim lighting against a backdrop of exposed brickwork forms a quirky interior that matches the rather special (ever-changing) menu each week. If the promise of flavour-driven sandwiches, Insta-friendly latte art and house blends roasted back at their Nottingham HQ sounds like a piece of you, then there’s a leather armchair by an LED neon fireplace with your name on. To make their mark on the Brum coffee scene even stronger, they host a guest bean each week (what we like to call V.I.B) and a Barista School downstairs where any budding Baristas can learn a few tricks of the 200 Degrees trade.
1000 Trades – Jewellery Quarter (City Centre)
Resembling its former Jewellery workshop self in the 1870’s, the Jewellery Quarter’s new independent bar & kitchen 1000 Trades celebrates a philosophy of fine craftsmanship.
Whether that’s craft beer, the delicious craftmanship of food provided by varying chef residencies, or supporting the talents behind some of Brum’s finest artists, 1000 Trades champions craft in all forms. We’re also a fan of the boxed wine vibes, with owners Jonathan Todd and John Stapleton ensuring the quality matches that of bottled wine, allowing customers to be money savvy without skimping on the quality of their ever-holy water.
Lewis’s – Moseley
Three miles south of Birmingham City Centre lies Lewis’s, in the heart of Moseley village.
Here, you’ll find only the most serious brunchers reside, with a nose for roasted coffee and a somewhat primal urge to line their stomachs with smoked salmon (ladled with hollandaise sauce, of course). Easily accessible from the city centre, it’s a popular haunt for Sunday brunch, and their Lebanese evenings from 6.30-9pm on Thurs/Fri are a real treat which we reccommend contacting them to book. The avocado smash is simple yet delicious, sprinkled with chilli flakes on sourdough bread for just £4.50, and their fresh OJ is a tantalising addition to the more hungover mornings we (occasionally) challenge ourselves with. A Sunday morning table is like gold-dust, so if you fancy upping your Brum brunch game, aim to get there as early as you can.
Bodega – City Centre
Bodega is a South American Independent delight found in the heart of the City Centre, tucked away on Bennett’s Hill.
Open 12pm till late, it transitions with ease as a perfect place for shareable dishes at lunch, to a laid-back dinner spot with a couple cocktails (…or five) to accompany your tapas treats. The South American authenticity is prevalent in everything they do, from the explosive flavours in their food (the nachos are notoriously incredible), to the experimental cocktails, South American wines and regional bottled beers, compiled on a menu so large you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The New Inn – Harborne
A favourite local pub for the dwellers of Harborne, The New Inn is a stylish yet comfortable spot for some serious wining and dining.
When it comes to dining, The New Inn knows a thing or two about its meat and most importantly, their locally sourced steak. It boasts one of the largest beer gardens in Brum for sunshine-filled days, an extensive menu of quirky cocktails and welcomes you with open arms when a roast dinner with all the trimmings is an obligatory part of your lazy Sunday.
Zindiya – Moseley
Combatting a recent bout of chain restaurants in a suburb prized for its independent living, Moseley has welcomed Zindiya and a taste of India to the former Luker’s Bakery on Woodbridge Road.
Zindiya is an Indian 'streatery' that’s not only a feast for your eyes, decorated with explosions of colour and street-vendor style décor, but will tingle those taste buds with an extensive menu of authentic, Indian tapas. An evening here will be kind to your wallet, with most shareable dishes priced between £4-6 and capping at £8, leaving even more reason to sample their renowned chai Prosecco, or saffron-infused Gin (served in a Bombay sapphire glass that is satisfyingly the size of your head). Their presence has boomed with a resounding Moseley success, so we’d advise snapping up a table by booking online to avoid disappointment.
Simpsons - Edgbaston
Holding a Michelin star since 2000, the renowned Simpsons restaurant is based in an elegant Grade II listed Georgian house.
Equipped with delicious food and stylish rooms to end your visit, Simpsons is a perfect escape with luxury at every corner. After a taster menu of 6 or 8 exquisite dishes, we believe an easy recline in a room upstairs is something you and your Simpsons food baby would thank yourself for (always space for a continental breakfast the morning after though, of course).
Akamba Heritage Centre – Solihull
Set in two acres of luscious green plant life, Akamba Heritage Centre provides Brum with the pure essence of African spirit.
The Tribal restaurant is filled to the brim with African & Caribbean deliciousness, whilst the jungle beer garden is a great spot for a drink amongst the palms. You’re welcomed to Akamba by beautiful life-size animal sculptures, but if real living animals is what you’re after, head over to their bird-filled Tropical house, or the latest addition, the Reptile House to get your exotic animal fix.
Hampton Manor – Solihull
Hidden away in the green-pasture and rolling hills that form the outskirts of Birmingham, Hampton Manor coins itself as a manor house that brings country to the second city.
Inside the grandeur, lies a group of creatives hoping to bring soul and artisan food & drink to those who wish to join them – their efforts not going unrecognised with a Michelin star status and Service Award in 2017. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted afternoon tea, an exquisite, locally sourced taster menu at the chef’s table or a stay in one of the 15 bespoke bedrooms, this is a country treasure so close we insist you pay a visit.
Marmalade The REP – City Centre
Based at the heart of theatre in the Birmingham REP, Marmalade serves fresh, homemade food worthy of taking centre stage.
Offerings include a two or three course menu from £15.95-£19.95, which can be enjoyed at ease before you take to your theatre seats. Despite its rep-utation for being a pre-theatre haunt, Marmalade is open to non-theatregoers too, with an à la carte menu that will tickle the fancy of the food enthusiasts out there who’d rather skip the Shakespeare and have a whole lot of pud.