Porridge. It’s not the prettiest of breakfasts, but its versatility and nutritiousness have made it an enduring morning staple everywhere from Britain to China via Mexico. From gruel in Oliver Twist to the hot, cold and ‘just right’ of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, it’s even invaded our literature. But, it’s this universality that’s left it often overlooked, but one Birmingham cafe is shining the spotlight on porridge.
You’ll find Morridge (run by brother and sister from Birmingham, James and Naomi) by wandering inside the gorgeous Great Western Arcade. Influenced by 60s and 70s design, the spacious cafe is a throwback to a bygone era – but the menu is very modern in its approach, serving “gourmet porridge and speciality coffee.”
The idea came to Naomi in 2016 (Morridge is a portmanteau of ‘porridge’ and her last name ‘Morris’), but wasn’t until three years later she set up a pop-up stand with a renovated tea tricycle. With James coming on board in 2021, Morridge finally opened as a real spot at 14 Temple Row and has been growing ever since.
Open 7:30 am–2:30 pm in the week, with slightly altered times on weekends, Morridge promises to kickstart your morning with gluten-free jumbo oats and oat milk, ground flax seeds, cinnamon, and a touch of sea salt. A classic bowl (with honey and sultanas) is only £4.80 too.
But for a few quid more, treat yourself to something special. Just some of its signature porridge dishes add seasonal British strawberries, dark chocolate, salted date caramel, toasted coconut, and cacao nibs; or elderflower and rhubarb compote, blackcurrant cream, honeycomb crumb and apple crisp. Doesn’t sound like your average boring porridge, does it?
It’s not all about porridge though. Other breakfast items range from pancakes and crumpets to breakfast rolls (filled with sausages, a hash brown, mushrooms and crispy onions) and *whisper it* granola. For lunch, grab a seasonal soup or a sandwich, which you can also order as a salad bowl. Plus, enjoy a sweet treat with cookies, brownies, cakes and pastries often available.
You’ll find Morridge located in Great Western Arcade at 14 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5HG.
To learn more head here.