Coffee Lounge

This place popped up last year and I have been meaning to try it for quite a while… I have to admit, with all of the fantastic coffee offerings in the city I had wondered if it would hold it’s own amongst the well known names, but I am pleased to say that definitely has a place.
I grabbed a ticket for #WaffleWednesday (a networking meeting to meet, chat and work with other freelancers/​businesses and people in the city) and popped on down on a very windy Wednesday to see what it was like.
I don’t think the exterior really drags you in… It looks clean and fresh, but they’ve gone for a bit of a chain coffee store look — but don’t let that put you off. Inside the colour scheme is purple and white (with quotes about coffee on the wall) and as Alan says, is spacious and comfortable.
Initially I grabbed a table by the door before meeting up with the guys (not realising they were around the corner — d’oh) and settled into one of their comfy armchairs with a very reasonably priced cup of tea. Once I had realised there was a secondary area towards the back of the venue, I moved around to meet everyone.
I love the fact there are sofa’s, low tables, cushioned chairs and a large choice of areas to sit. It’s a little cold if you’re stationed by the door (and I didn’t see any powerpoints in the venue, which is a bit of a pain), but there is a good range of coffee, tea and food on order (as well as a warm and friendly atmosphere).
I ended up ordering bacon and egg waffles and two cups of peppermint tea whilst I was there and it ended up costing me around £6 in total (with 10% off using my IB card). Don’t get me wrong, the food isn’t artisan but it’s satisfying, tasty and well priced.
Whilst the location is a little awkward (as there isn’t an awful lot down this end of Newhall Street), it’s a good place for a pitstop if you’re around St Paul’s heading into or back from town.

In the 5 meters between central Birmingham and Jewellery Quarter lies Coffee Lounge which used to be a newsagents.
It’s a bright white clean space with a high ceiling at the front.
I went for a pot of tea and a chat which was great. It’s friendly owners are happy to let you relax or do some work.
It’s even got a secluded space at the back should you wish to have a coffee meeting that’s a bit more private.

This is a new coffee shop in the Jewellery Quarter, it opened on the 31^st of March 2014, so at the moment, it’s very clean, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I really hope it stays this way, as it’s likely to be my regular coffee shop.
The décor is very clean and modern with a white and purple theme. The tables and chairs are spread out, so it’s not cramped like so many coffee shops nowadays. They have a large TV with the news (volume off, subtitles on) in the corner, and there’s quiet background music. They also have free wifi.
Selection of coffee and tea is quite good with milk or soya, and prices range from £1.80 for an espresso up to £2.70 for a large mocha. They have a basic selection of cold drinks in the fridge too, and prices are good for a coffee shop.
The food selection comprises of rolls, paninis, salads, breakfast bagels, cakes, and crisps etc, so there should be something to suit most tastes. I can highly recommend the steak with smoked cheese and caramelised onion panini, it was delicious!
Here’s wishing them good luck in their new venture, as it seems like they are off to a good start!