Tired of looking at your bedroom walls whilst you’re working? Looking for something tasty to snack on whilst you study? Look no further than our guide to the best coffee shops in Birmingham to do work in!
This list details where you can find the best local spots to park your laptop and fill your brain with much-needed caffeine. Sometimes what’s needed to cure that writer’s block is a change of scenery, and Birmingham is brewing with spots to get those study juices flowing!
York’s Cafe
The centre of town is full of coffee shops, but York’s Cafe is one of our favourites. York’s Café sits within the beauty of Birmingham’s Victorian-style Ikon Gallery, minutes away from New Street Station. And with a second location in Paradise Circus, you’re sure to find one within walking distance. The huge windows and greenery decorating the terrace create a bright and laid-back atmosphere perfect for generating those calm study vibes.
Moreover, their range of tables is great for a relaxed solo study session or a meet-up with friends. You can fuel your hard work with their own-roasted coffee, and your choice of everything from light bites to delicious pastries. I’d recommend their trendy matcha bar.
Wayland’s Yard
With rustic and industrial décor, Wayland’s Yard creates a charming setting for studying. On top of that, it’s just a 3-minute walk from Snow Hill Station! With a delectable range of brunch menu items and coffee that even the most critical caffeine connoisseur would love, this space is perfect for getting some work done. Their focus is on high-quality food, sourced locally and prepared in-house daily, which is evident in their delicious all-day breakfasts. With friendly staff and great service, Wayland’s lovely vibes make it a go-to spot for us.
200 Degrees
200 Degrees is the ideal place if you’re looking for a cosy spot to nestle in. In their three locations across Birmingham, the warm lighting and comfy seating create an inviting space for all. With their own on-site Barista School, the coffee is undoubtedly top-notch. It pairs perfectly with their delicious range of sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Not only that, their free Wi-Fi and 8 pm closing time mean that it’s a great coffee shop to hunker down and do some serious work in.
The Steam Room
In a similar vein, the Steam Room is a warm and inviting space perfect for when you need a change of pace. Hailed as the ‘best coffee shop in Birmingham’, the Steam Room is a must-visit. Located in Harborne, it’s great for when you don’t want to venture into the busy city streets for an energy boost. Their unique coffees and freshly baked desserts definitely live up to the hype, so if you’re in the area, I’d definitely recommend a visit.
Boston Tea Party
If you’re looking for a hearty meal to fuel your hard work, then Boston Tea’s wide selection of delectable dishes is perfect. Awarded the ‘best brunch in Harborne’ by TripAdvisor, there is everything from fresh-brewed coffee to scrumptious pastries and cakes. The spacious interior and comfortable seating make it a great spot for everyone. Boston Tea also host fun events, such as a social club and an affirmation card workshop. These make for a perfect study break or a great way to manifest those good study vibes. Since they are located in Edgbaston, UoB students can find this great little spot right on their doorstep!
Urban Café
You can find Urban Café in Harborne, Church Street and within the Jewellery Quarter. With two floors of seating, there’s plenty of space in this bright and lively café to sit in and call your own. With three locations across Birmingham, Urban is great for on-the-go or taking a study break. Harborne’s beautiful green spaces are a walk away, or if the city is more your style, the bustling shops and beautiful museums are just down the street. Apart from this, we’ve discovered some other great ways to unwind from studying here.
Open 7 days a week, Urban is a great spot for an impromptu study date. Make the most of their comfort food with their all-day brunch and delicious cakes. Urban’s student discount makes it an essential budget-friendly spot for all students!
Cherry Reds
Cherry Reds’ relaxed and cosy environment makes it a great spot to focus and avoid distractions. (Like a TikTok doom scroll..) It’s the spot for those who are looking for somewhere a little quieter. More than just delicious coffee, their range of menu items is ideal for powering through work. Cherry Reds can be found near New Street Station, the perfect location for all students – it’s just a quick ride over from UoB, or a short stroll from BCU. They also close at 11, which is great for night owls needing a distraction-free and cosy study space. Although, it can get busier in the evenings, so I would advise you to cut your session off at 5!
Faculty
Whilst Faculty may seem small, it’s a hidden gem in the centre of Birmingham. Located in the Piccadilly Arcade and right around the corner from New Street Station, it’s a great spot for when you’re looking for a more chilled study vibe. They offer a rotation of guest roasters and a variety of beans, which means that they have some seriously good coffee. With a selection of cakes, treats and pastries, Faculty is a must-stop for those needing a pick-me-up between assignments. Named the ‘#1 coffee house in Birmingham’ on RestaurantGuru, visitors praise the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, so be sure to visit soon!
Pause
Pause belongs to the collection of indie coffee shops found in Kings Heath, so you’re spoilt for choice. Located outside the city centre, it’s an idyllic break from the busy and noisy coffee shops in town. Pause lives up to its name; it is the perfect place to take a break and get some quiet work done. Their homemade baked goods and speciality coffee are delightful when finishing assignments. However, they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so keep that in mind when you decide to pop in!
Saint Kitchen
Who doesn’t love a little sweet treat? Saint Kitchen’s delicious desserts and snacks pair great with their speciality coffee, especially their delish plant-based options. You can even find some more of Birmingham’s best vegan spots here!
Saint Kitchen’s modern and spacious interior is great for when you need to concentrate. Since it is located in the Jewellery Quarter, it’s also fantastic for when you need to take a study break. Sometimes we just need a walk in the fresh air, away from our screens and looming deadlines. I recommend the Jewellery Quarter as a great spot for a quick study-break walk. There are plenty of historic sights to see, and lush green spaces to enjoy some of England’s rare sunshine.
Hey Brew Espresso
If you’re a UoB student, then you’re probably already familiar with this go-to spot. Located on the Bristol Road in Selly Oak, it’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from campus. It’s also minutes down the road from Selly Oak Station! Their menu has something for every kind of craving, from a delicious range of bagels to tasty bites to scrumptious desserts. Besides this, Hey Brew has plenty of seating, and its outdoor courtyard, decorated with houseplants, creates a cosy and welcoming vibe for students. With friendly staff and frequent discounts, Hey Brew is easily a favourite of ours, so we’d highly recommend a visit.
Quarter Horse Coffee
You can discover this fab independent coffee roaster within the Jewellery Quarter. With their own espresso bar, Quarter Horse Coffee is great for those who need an expertly brewed caffeine fix. Their rustic benches and quaint interior are perfect for a relaxed study session. Additionally, their menu is superb for a mid-study lunch break, with items like the classic bacon sarnie or egg croissant to quench your hunger.
Medicine
A West Midlands-born icon, Medicine Bakery is a great spot to do some work. With three locations across Birmingham, you’re never far from a vibrant and friendly workspace. Through their ethos of creativity and innovation, they have created the perfect spot for getting in the zone. And it’d be a crime not to try their delicious artisan bakes, like the trendy cronut.
Ngopi
‘Let’s Ngopi!’ is Indonesian for ‘let’s have coffee,’ and is a call to action for all caffeine-obsessed students. Ngopi is the only Indonesian-inspired coffee shop in Birmingham, bringing an exciting and unique vibe to our local coffee culture. Open 7 days a week and located in the city centre, it’s an excellent spot for getting some work done between lectures or after a shopping trip. Their authentic cuisine and trendy interior are perfect for those looking for somewhere a little different to study.
University
Birmingham is overflowing with exciting spots, but sometimes it’s best to go back to the basics. After all, university cafes are designed for students to work in! With five universities across the city, there are too many places to name, but here are some of our honourable mentions, all close to or on a university campus.
Aston’s Cafe Libro is perfect for studying over coffee with friends, although not the best if you get distracted easily! BCU and UCB are both home to Starbucks concessions for studying on the go, and Newman is home to the lovely Atrium Cafe, with a great range of snacks and coffees made on-site.
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As a UoB student myself, I’m familiar with the ins and outs of the many coffee shops to grace our streets. I’d recommend the Atrium Cafe in the Teaching and Learning Building and Fellows Coffee Shop in the library. They’re both conveniently located in the centre of campus. With quiet computer spaces for individuals and bright, spacious areas for groups, there’s bound to be somewhere for you. Offering affordable and tasty snacks and drinks, they’re perfect for a quick session between lectures. You can also find a Costa Coffee or Starbucks around the corner, if a cake pop is more your style.
One of my personal favourite study spaces is Café 52, in Gisbert Kapp. A little further out from the centre of campus, it’s a quiet and cosy spot perfect for when you just need a change of environment or something tasty.
Though we’ve tried to be thorough with this list, there are still so many more great spots! You can find them in our guide to Birmingham’s best brunch spots. Or you could take a look at our guide to the city, for the rundown on all things Brum.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best coffee shops in Birmingham?
Independent coffee shops like Faculty Coffee and Quarter Horse Coffee are beloved for their expertly brewed coffee and cosy atmospheres.
Do coffee shops in Birmingham offer vegan options?
Yes, most coffee shops cater to dietary preferences, offering plant-based milk alternatives and vegan treats.
Can I find specialty coffee in Birmingham?
Absolutely! Places like Yorks Cafe and Urban Emporiums pride themselves on serving high-quality, specialty coffee sourced from top growers.
Are there coffee shops in Birmingham with outdoor seating?
Yes, many coffee shops, such as Medicine Bakery, offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy your coffee al fresco.
Do coffee shops in Birmingham have Wi-Fi?
Most coffee shops provide free Wi-Fi, making them great spots for remote work or catching up on emails.
Last Updated on August 3, 2025
Published on September 9, 2020
Hi! I’m Emmie, and I’m currently studying English Literature and Classical Literature & Civilisations at the University of Birmingham. This means I’m a huge fan of anything historical and literary, so you can usually find me diving into research rabbit holes for a new blog post or engrossed in a good book. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy activities like karaoke, travelling, or spending the day in a museum!
