Coffee enthusiasts in Birmingham have reason to celebrate as a popular new café prepares to open its doors in the city's prime shopping destination. Black Sheep Coffee will commence trading in Bullring's Grand Central on November 13, marking a significant change for caffeine lovers.
A Welcomed Change for Coffee Lovers
The announcement was made by Bullring on social media, where it was met with immediate excitement from followers. One eager fan commented, "Love their coffee. Can’t wait," while another simply expressed relief with the word "finally." The new establishment will be located in Unit 41, the former home of Costa Coffee, which has now closed its doors after a decade of service.
This shift is part of a broader transformation within the Grand Central shopping area above New Street Station. Both Costa Coffee and Caffe Concerto, which were part of the original line-up of retailers when the centre launched in September 2015, have now ceased trading.
Grand Central's Evolving Retail Landscape
The departure of these long-standing cafes is not an isolated event. They are joined by other closures, including a branch of The Perfume Shop and the restaurant Giraffe, where construction barriers are now in place. The future of the Shokupan unit remains uncertain, with a potential reopening still a possibility.
However, these changes signal a deliberate strategy to revitalise the centre's offerings. A Grand Central spokesperson explained to BirminghamLive in October, "We're always looking to deliver what our visitors want which sometimes means evolving our line-up, especially around our food and drink offer."
New Arrivals and Future Plans
Black Sheep Coffee will not be the only new name for shoppers to enjoy. It joins two other incoming food outlets: Tonkotsu and Pizza Pilgrims, indicating a significant refresh of the dining scene. The spokesperson confirmed that "more new arrivals are in the pipeline."
This evolution extends beyond food and drink. The centre recently welcomed the homeware and craft store Sostrene Grene, which opened its first Birmingham location in September to great excitement, offering products from just 14p. Several more fashion brands are also reportedly in discussions to join the Grand Central roster, ensuring the retail mix continues to adapt to visitor demands.
