In a city centre dominated by chain coffee shops and supermarket meal deals, one chaotic Birmingham cafe is quietly serving up some of the most remarkable food you'll find anywhere. Crumb and Coffee, which opened just six weeks ago on Broad Street, might not have everything figured out yet, but what they're getting right is absolutely spectacular.
A Welcome Alternative to Chain Restaurants
Located at 10, Eleven Brindley Place, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2JB, Crumb and Coffee has taken over the space previously occupied by the much-missed Odissi. For local workers tired of the predictable offerings from Costa, Caffe Nero, Pret a Manger and Philpotts, this new independent establishment offers something genuinely different.
The cafe has experienced some typical new business teething problems - an often-empty fridge, unclear pricing, and no branded takeaway bags in stock. Yet these minor organisational issues are quickly forgotten the moment you taste their food.
Superfood Bowls That Surprise and Delight
During a recent visit, the vegetarian superfood bowl proved to be an absolute revelation. Priced at £10.40 including a glass bottle of lemonade, the generously portioned dish featured perfectly seasoned sweet potato with a hint of spice, a lentil and chickpea mix, seared cabbage, peppers, onion, sweetcorn in its own dressing, and boiled eggs.
The chef, who prepares dishes while his wife handles front-of-house operations, described it simply as "superfoods" while confidently promising the mystery dressing would be enjoyed. His confidence was well-placed.
Every component shone - from the perfectly charred cabbage to the superbly seasoned chickpeas and lentils, and the zingy herb and vinegar dressing that tied everything together. The portion was so substantial that the bottom of the bowl bowed under the weight, easily satisfying two hungry colleagues.
More Than Just Superfoods
The excellence extended beyond the vegetarian options. A cajun chicken bowl with fresh shredded greens and spiced rice received rave reviews, with the only complaint being a desire for more of the delicious sauce. Meanwhile, a giant piece of moist polenta cake with blueberry topping proved so generous it comfortably fed three people.
What Crumb and Coffee lacks in polished presentation and social media presence - their Instagram hasn't been updated in six weeks - they more than make up for in heartfelt, generous, and flavour-packed cooking. The atmosphere feels more like walking into someone's home kitchen than a corporate cafe, and that's precisely where its charm lies.
While they might be Birmingham's latest best-kept secret, given the quality of their offerings, they certainly won't remain hidden for long.
