When Joe Lycett, Birmingham’s self-appointed ambassador, shows up at your cafe to film, you must know you’re doing something right. But now that Bournville Cafe has been crowned the best cafe in Birmingham at the UK Small Business Awards, there is no doubt about it.
‘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!
Technically located in Stirchley, but only a short walk from the ‘dry village’ along Bournville Lane, owner Rachel Lewis (whose friendly banter is worth visiting for alone) opened Bournville Cafe only eight years ago. It’s only gone from strength to strength since then.
“We went there with no expectations, so it was really exciting to win,” Rachel Lewis said to the BBC. “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.
While it may have surprised many when Joe Lycett took advantage of its old school vibe for his Late Night Lycett show, something about the ‘down-to-earth’ cafe just fits his variety show (and love letter to Birmingham) perfectly. Now, you’ve got to find out what the fuss is all about yourself!
To find Bournville Cafe head to 27 Bournville Ln, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JY