When Joe Lycett, Birmingham’s self-appointed ambassador, shows up at your cafe to film, you’ve got to be doing something right. The Hall Green-born comedian took advantage of the award-winning Bournville Cafe’s old-school vibe for his Late Night Lycett show in 2023.
‘Breakfast, Dinners, Teas’ reads the sign outside Bournville Cafe, and it’s this simplicity that’s key to its success. Serving everything from full English fry-ups to jacket potatoes, cottage pie and cheese toasties, it’s traditional British cafe grub at its best—and make sure to order the cafe’s speciality, homemade chips!
Bournville Cafe is a throwback to a simpler, cheaper time, when cafes were cafes and not trendy brunch spots for the ‘gram. But you might be surprised to learn that owner Rachel Lewis (whose friendly banter is worth visiting for alone) only opened Bournville Cafe nine years ago.
In fact, this weekend (Saturday, November 14, 2026), the ‘down-to-earth’ cafe is throwing an anniversary pary/fundraiser. You can get a sausage sandwich half price (£2, no less) and a free prosecco. Technically located in Stirchley, but only a short walk from the ‘dry village’ along Bournville Lane, it’s worth popping in (1pm to 4pm).
But whenever you visit, expect the best cafe in Birmingham—officially crowned at the UK Small Business Awards 2025. “We went there with no expectations, so it was really exciting to win,” Rachel Lewis said. “It’s not a chore to come to work; I actually enjoy coming, and hopefully I’ll still have the cafe for years to come.”
Bournville Cafe currently holds a 4.5 rating on Google and is regularly lauded for offering quality as well as affordability. Don’t expect any crazy flavour bombs or Instagram-focused plating. Just be prepared for an authentic atmosphere, a friendly staff and simple, flavourful food.
