Latest reviews for Cafes & Coffee Shops in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Philpotts - Constant frustration and annoyance. by iyatoni

iyatoni — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:13:10 +0000

Review by iyatoni

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0121 233 3262

Website: http://www.philpotts.co.uk

Tags: quick bite, crowded, average brew

I've nearly reached the point of giving up on this branch of Philpotts.

On the wall behind the hot food counter they have the John Ruskin quote, "There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey." There is an irony to this, because while their food is almost always of a good quality, the other reason for paying a premium for food: good customer service, is lacking here.

I'll run through a few points of regulary annoyance:

1) Having your order forgotten. They ask you what you want - "bacon and egg sandwich, with butter and ketchup", and they have to ask you at least once again what sauce you wanted on it. Also, more than once I've been handed my sandwich and have asked, "does it have butter on it?" for them to look uncomfortable and reply, "um, no". What am I then meant to do? Get them to remake it? I probably should; after all I paid their premium prices for the sandwich, but I don't. I just let it go again.

2) Lack of courtesy. There is a noticable lack of pleasantries delivered when interacting with the staff. I went there this morning and didn't receive a "good morning", a "please" or a "thank you" from either of the members of staff I dealt with.

3) Shouting! Often the person serving you will YELL to people at the back of the shop, "CAN YOU GET MICHAEL?!" or, "MORE BREAD PLEASE!" (the staff get a 'please'), in a way that's just unpleasant for the customer whose face is being bellowed at. Plus often whoever is in charge that day (especially that rude French guy who I haven't seen in a while) will berate members of staff, or be cuttingly rude to them in their interactions.

4) Confusion over prices. This doesn't happen too often, but sometimes the staff will pore over their price-list, trying to work out how much to charge you for what you're buying. This is always a little worrying, and you can't help feel that the price you've been charged might be different had you been served by someone else on a different day.

5) FORGETTING BASIC THINGS - If I buy a dessert, I expect a spoon to be put in the bag with it. I shouldn't have to check if its there, because if I forget then I get to my place of work only to find that I have no cutlery with which to eat. This is a BASIC, and should NEVER be missed. Also, don't touch the eating-part of the spoon with your manky fingers! You don't serve food so don't have to wear gloves or wash your hands, so don't touch things that have to go in my mouth.

6) General uncouthness - When I walk into the shop, I don't expect the woman behind the till to shout out, "Bacon and egg sandwich!" at me, just because she knows it's my regularly order. What customer wants their purchases yelled out to the whole shop??

So I'm coming to the conclusion that I should stop using the branch of Philpotts on Bennetts Hill. They profess to be a high-class establishment, offering a friendly, courteous service at premium prices. Unfortunately, you pay the premium prices, but you just don't get the service.I've nearly reached the point of giving up on this branch of Philpotts.

On the wall behind the hot food counter they have the John Ruskin quote, "There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey." There is an irony to this, because while their food is almost always of a good quality, the other reason for paying a premium for food: good customer service, is lacking here.

I'll run through a few points of regulary annoyance:

1) Having your order forgotten. They ask you what you want - "bacon and egg sandwich, with butter and ketchup", and they have to ask you at least once again what sauce you wanted on it. Also, more than once I've been handed my sandwich and have asked, "does it have butter on it?" for them to look uncomfortable and reply, "um, no". What am I then meant to do? Get them to remake it? I probably should; after all I paid their premium prices for the sandwich, but I don't. I just let it go again.

2) Lack of courtesy. There is a noticable lack of pleasantries delivered when interacting with the staff. I went there this morning and didn't receive a "good morning", a "please" or a "thank you" from either of the members of staff I dealt with.

3) Shouting! Often the person serving you will YELL to people at the back of the shop, "CAN YOU GET MICHAEL?!" or, "MORE BREAD PLEASE!" (the staff get a 'please'), in a way that's just unpleasant for the customer whose face is being bellowed at. Plus often whoever is in charge that day (especially that rude French guy who I haven't seen in a while) will berate members of staff, or be cuttingly rude to them in their interactions.

4) Confusion over prices. This doesn't happen too often, but sometimes the staff will pore over their price-list, trying to work out how much to charge you for what you're buying. This is always a little worrying, and you can't help feel that the price you've been charged might be different had you been served by someone else on a different day.

5) FORGETTING BASIC THINGS - If I buy a dessert, I expect a spoon to be put in the bag with it. I shouldn't have to check if its there, because if I forget then I get to my place of work only to find that I have no cutlery with which to eat. This is a BASIC, and should NEVER be missed. Also, don't touch the eating-part of the spoon with your manky fingers! You don't serve food so don't have to wear gloves or wash your hands, so don't touch things that have to go in my mouth.

6) General uncouthness - When I walk into the shop, I don't expect the woman behind the till to shout out, "Bacon and egg sandwich!" at me, just because she knows it's my regularly order. What customer wants their purchases yelled out to the whole shop??

So I'm coming to the conclusion that I should stop using the branch of Philpotts on Bennetts Hill. They profess to be a high-class establishment, offering a friendly, courteous service at premium prices. Unfortunately, you pay the premium prices, but you just don't get the service.

Kafe Karachi - kafe karachi by mark0121

mark0121 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:48:34 +0000

Review by mark0121

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, proper food

i will tell you about KAFE KARACHI 2daii it is the best kafe eva suk burky estatesi will tell you about KAFE KARACHI 2daii it is the best kafe eva suk burky estates

Cafe Saint Benni - Great Sub, Nice Beer, Friendly Staff by loly

loly — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:51:17 +0000

Review by loly

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 631 5559

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

Great Sub, Good Pizza, Nice Beer and Friendly Staff...I juz lived next door in Centenary Plaza and Saint Beni is right next door by Nitenite hotel! Everythin is fantastic! Plus free wifi in Nitenite hotel is a bonus!Great Sub, Good Pizza, Nice Beer and Friendly Staff...I juz lived next door in Centenary Plaza and Saint Beni is right next door by Nitenite hotel! Everythin is fantastic! Plus free wifi in Nitenite hotel is a bonus!

Redhill Cafe - first rate cafe by animallover

animallover — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:58:04 +0000

Review by animallover

Rating: 4.00

Tags: cosy, good brew, proper food

Thought this cafe was excellent very clean very friendly service and the food was excellent too can't wait to go again very soon.Thought this cafe was excellent very clean very friendly service and the food was excellent too can't wait to go again very soon.

Caffe Nero - by jugz

jugz — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:35:44 +0000

Review by jugz

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0121 6430100

This company doesnâ¬"t seem to be interested at who they employ only at how much they can make, as I know that half the staff in the bullring branch take drugs and the manager especially has a tendancey to smoke pot whilst on there breakâ¬"s.
This has been brought to the attention of cafe nero main officeâ¬"s but they refuse to do anything about the issueâ¬"s they have in the shop.

very un-proffessionaly run out fit that needs to address this issue not turn the cheek the other way because they do a decent job. Shocking that they allow this type of behaviour and do nothing about it.
This company doesnâ¬"t seem to be interested at who they employ only at how much they can make, as I know that half the staff in the bullring branch take drugs and the manager especially has a tendancey to smoke pot whilst on there breakâ¬"s.
This has been brought to the attention of cafe nero main officeâ¬"s but they refuse to do anything about the issueâ¬"s they have in the shop.

very un-proffessionaly run out fit that needs to address this issue not turn the cheek the other way because they do a decent job. Shocking that they allow this type of behaviour and do nothing about it.

Caffe Nero - Depends who's working! by mrdids

mrdids — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:54:48 +0000

Review by mrdids

Rating: 2.00

Tags: crowded, good brew

This is your bog standard Caffe Nero, but its my local so thought I'd review it.

Coffee - OK, not great, but that's the model for these places I guess. Cakes are overpriced (like all places like this) but good quality. Sometimes you have to indulge.

Best point is that are child friendly and will also do babyccini (milk froth and dusting of chocolate in an espresso cup) free of charge.

Worst point is that the experience can depend on the staff who are working. I tend to go in 6pm weekdays (30 min from closing) - if the wrong person is working behind the counter, expect to be told "We close in 20 minutes.... would you prefer a take out?".

And if you turn up after 5, don't come needing the loo. They are clearly keen to make a quick getaway so clean the loos early then lock them all up. I stood outside them waiting for someone to come out for 5 minutes, realised there was no-one in them, and then when I went back and told the staff that they were locked, they had the balls to claim that there were people in all three. We left at closing time (desperate for the loo) and clearly either they were still locked in there or they were telling bare faced lies.

So, in summary, average coffee shop chain experience, blighted occassionally by poor staff.

But I still go there.....regularly.....sigh.....I wish there was an independent on the high street that did decent coffee, but with the rents in Harborne, its no surprise.This is your bog standard Caffe Nero, but its my local so thought I'd review it.

Coffee - OK, not great, but that's the model for these places I guess. Cakes are overpriced (like all places like this) but good quality. Sometimes you have to indulge.

Best point is that are child friendly and will also do babyccini (milk froth and dusting of chocolate in an espresso cup) free of charge.

Worst point is that the experience can depend on the staff who are working. I tend to go in 6pm weekdays (30 min from closing) - if the wrong person is working behind the counter, expect to be told "We close in 20 minutes.... would you prefer a take out?".

And if you turn up after 5, don't come needing the loo. They are clearly keen to make a quick getaway so clean the loos early then lock them all up. I stood outside them waiting for someone to come out for 5 minutes, realised there was no-one in them, and then when I went back and told the staff that they were locked, they had the balls to claim that there were people in all three. We left at closing time (desperate for the loo) and clearly either they were still locked in there or they were telling bare faced lies.

So, in summary, average coffee shop chain experience, blighted occassionally by poor staff.

But I still go there.....regularly.....sigh.....I wish there was an independent on the high street that did decent coffee, but with the rents in Harborne, its no surprise.

Angels Cafe - Top nosh! by heaveneyes

heaveneyes — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:21:39 +0000

Review by heaveneyes

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0121 236 9047

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, top food

This little gem in the Jewellery Quarter is the ideal post-hangover recovery place, with amazing breakfasts available at credit crunch prices. Itâ¬"s a small, friendly place with lovely staff and good service, and an extensive menu. You can get â¬Üproperâ¬" meals like lasagne, pasta etc, and baked potatoes etc. However I go for the breakfasts, where you can pick and choose what you want and itâ¬"s all delicious. Thereâ¬"s healthy and veggie options, and plenty of choice. You can even check your emails if you feel like it. A word of warning â¬ try the chilli sauce (provided with the other condiments) at your peril! And the one complaint about this place is itâ¬"s shut on a Sunday â¬ criminal.This little gem in the Jewellery Quarter is the ideal post-hangover recovery place, with amazing breakfasts available at credit crunch prices. Itâ¬"s a small, friendly place with lovely staff and good service, and an extensive menu. You can get â¬Üproperâ¬" meals like lasagne, pasta etc, and baked potatoes etc. However I go for the breakfasts, where you can pick and choose what you want and itâ¬"s all delicious. Thereâ¬"s healthy and veggie options, and plenty of choice. You can even check your emails if you feel like it. A word of warning â¬ try the chilli sauce (provided with the other condiments) at your peril! And the one complaint about this place is itâ¬"s shut on a Sunday â¬ criminal.

The Clock Cafe - If you like cafe food and drink, this is for you! by jasey_2000uk

jasey_2000uk — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:21:44 +0000

Review by jasey_2000uk

Rating: 3.00

Tags: lively, quick bite, crowded

Not usually a mad fan of cafes but this is quite close to where I live so sometimes if im hungry and im up northfield, i pop in here and get something to eat and sit outside and watch the traffic rushing by as i drink my coffee and eat my jacket potatoe!

Very good food here and quite cheap too and you don't usually have to wait too long. Sometimes, you get a lot of miserable people in here and they are so rude, its unbelievable. The staff are okay at times but sometimes, if they are busy, they probably don't seem friendly like they normally are.

Serve the best egg and chips around too!! would recommend to anyone.Not usually a mad fan of cafes but this is quite close to where I live so sometimes if im hungry and im up northfield, i pop in here and get something to eat and sit outside and watch the traffic rushing by as i drink my coffee and eat my jacket potatoe!

Very good food here and quite cheap too and you don't usually have to wait too long. Sometimes, you get a lot of miserable people in here and they are so rude, its unbelievable. The staff are okay at times but sometimes, if they are busy, they probably don't seem friendly like they normally are.

Serve the best egg and chips around too!! would recommend to anyone.

Molly's - The perfect cure for the morning after! by SammyAxe

SammyAxe — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:25:11 +0000

Review by SammyAxe

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

Molly's is THE best place to go for a tasty cooked breakfast. I highly rate their Irish Breakfast which includes potato cakes, soda bread and white pudding. Other tasty treats include eggs benedict and just about every possible conconction on a baguette you can imagine! The place has recently been refurbished allowing more seating space. The staff are all helpful and very friendly and it's a lovely place to go to sit, read and relax.Molly's is THE best place to go for a tasty cooked breakfast. I highly rate their Irish Breakfast which includes potato cakes, soda bread and white pudding. Other tasty treats include eggs benedict and just about every possible conconction on a baguette you can imagine! The place has recently been refurbished allowing more seating space. The staff are all helpful and very friendly and it's a lovely place to go to sit, read and relax.

Coffee Republic - Perfect service by Shining

Shining — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:06:07 +0000

Review by Shining

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0121 236 1224

Website: http://www.coffeerepublic.co.uk

Tags: cosy, takeaway, good brew

Coffee Republic is a great coffee shop - Is not as crowded as Starbucks and even though a similar price everything tastes so much much better and fresh.
The staff are very friendly and helpful & the facilities are nice and clean.
It is a lovely cosy & has great relaxing vibe to the shop.
I had a delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate cake which tasted homecooked and fresh.
There are also many sandwiches & wraps plus other hot & cold beverages so perfect for a quick bite.
The price was quite fair & I have been back many times if I am in the area and looking for a quiet break.
The Toilets were clean & tidy which was a bonus as I find most are just neglected apart from twice daily cleaning.
10/10 from me for the lovely service & food.Coffee Republic is a great coffee shop - Is not as crowded as Starbucks and even though a similar price everything tastes so much much better and fresh.
The staff are very friendly and helpful & the facilities are nice and clean.
It is a lovely cosy & has great relaxing vibe to the shop.
I had a delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate cake which tasted homecooked and fresh.
There are also many sandwiches & wraps plus other hot & cold beverages so perfect for a quick bite.
The price was quite fair & I have been back many times if I am in the area and looking for a quiet break.
The Toilets were clean & tidy which was a bonus as I find most are just neglected apart from twice daily cleaning.
10/10 from me for the lovely service & food.

Hawthorn Cafe - Fantastic farmhouse by Brunetteandred

Brunetteandred — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:28:19 +0000

Review by Brunetteandred

Rating: 5.00

Tags: crowded, good brew, proper food

Simply the best farmhouse breakfast for miles. Perfectly cooked every time and all for Â£3.95. They also do a vegetarian breakfast.

They have an extensive menu and the staff are always friendly, even when busy. Can get very busy at lunchtimes on Saturdays and is popular with senior citizens (who have special meals deals).

Children catered for amply.

Open on Sundays until 2pm.Simply the best farmhouse breakfast for miles. Perfectly cooked every time and all for Â£3.95. They also do a vegetarian breakfast.

They have an extensive menu and the staff are always friendly, even when busy. Can get very busy at lunchtimes on Saturdays and is popular with senior citizens (who have special meals deals).

Children catered for amply.

Open on Sundays until 2pm.

Pastico - Enjoyable Visit by Greenfingers

Greenfingers — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:00:09 +0000

Review by Greenfingers

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0121 333 5025

Tags: quick bite, good brew

Pastico Cafe and Coffee Shop is situated in the Millenium Point building which houses the Imex Cinema and The Thinktank. I visited The Thinktank with my grandson and we had lunch at Pastico. It is a very clean, airy cafe and the service was very efficient and friendly. They offer a range of hot and cold food. The sandwiches are made fresh to your choice and they offer meal deals with an inclusive price for sandwiches, crisps and drink. The hot food included jacket potatoes, pasta and chips. Sachets of sauce etc. were available and free. The coffee was very good and they had a wide range of cold drinks. You can also pick up sandwiches from the chilled cabinet if you are in a hurry. Nice atmosphere and well worth a visit if you are at the Think Tank or the Imex. Excellent if you have kids with you.Pastico Cafe and Coffee Shop is situated in the Millenium Point building which houses the Imex Cinema and The Thinktank. I visited The Thinktank with my grandson and we had lunch at Pastico. It is a very clean, airy cafe and the service was very efficient and friendly. They offer a range of hot and cold food. The sandwiches are made fresh to your choice and they offer meal deals with an inclusive price for sandwiches, crisps and drink. The hot food included jacket potatoes, pasta and chips. Sachets of sauce etc. were available and free. The coffee was very good and they had a wide range of cold drinks. You can also pick up sandwiches from the chilled cabinet if you are in a hurry. Nice atmosphere and well worth a visit if you are at the Think Tank or the Imex. Excellent if you have kids with you.

Cafe Neo - rubbish by REAVER

REAVER — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:14:23 +0000

Review by REAVER

Rating: 1.00the staff are rude and the prices are stupidthe staff are rude and the prices are stupid