When Kanteen opened 12 years ago, who knew it’d become a Digbeth institution at the heart of the neighbourhood? Sadly, what started as a pop-up, before officially opening at the Custard Factory in 2017, will come to a close later this month, on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Since opening, Kanteen has stood as one of the area’s longest-serving staples, helping to build the vibrant community that defines modern Digbeth. Now its owner, Kieran, alongside the rest of the team, has made the difficult decision to bow out on their own terms as the cafe’s lease concludes.
Kieran explains the decision to move on: “We’ve loved our time at The Custard Factory and really feel part of its story; we’ve made some great lifelong friends and met some amazing people. We’ve come to the end of our lease and decided not to renew.
“What we did for the area twelve years ago was special, but it’s time to step back and finish this chapter on our own terms. We are so proud of the mark we’ve left on Digbeth.
“We give our deepest thanks and wish nothing but the continued success to the Custard Factory, our dedicated suppliers, and all the generations of regulars who made Kanteen a home. For our final few weeks, we invite everyone to return, share their memories, and help us celebrate with a proper Digbeth send-off!”
Looking back on the venue’s legacy, he adds: “We didn’t just run a café here; we got to really be a part of the neighbourhood, chatting with every customer. We really feel like we’ve helped mould the creative scene here in the heart of Brum, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Over the next few weeks, Kanteen is rolling out a ‘Regulars’ Board’ to honour the people who helped build their business, and once their most loved dishes sell out, they’re gone forever. “We want to see every familiar face before that final service.”
