Breakfast or brunch, a quick grab-and-go coffee or somewhere to work for a couple of hours with a hot chocolate. Whatever your needs, this all-day dining spot is one of Secret Birmingham’s regular recommendations to those new to the city. Someone must’ve heard us as Yorks Cafe has been named among the world’s best coffee shops.
How was the list decided?
The world’s 100 best coffee shops were chosen on a criteria based on: Quality of Coffee, Barista Expertise, Customer Service, Innovation, Ambience and Atmosphere, Sustainability Practices, Food and Pastry Quality, and Consistency. The voting process went through several rigorous stages, including a public vote and expert evaluation, before a final ranking was decided.
With two locations currently in Birmingham (one at Paradise on Chamberlain Square, the other in Ikon Gallery), and a third in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Yorks Cafe came 75th overall. It’s only the second UK coffee shop among the world’s 100 best, after London’s Workshop at 32nd. You can check out the whole list here, although it doesn’t delve deep into Yorks’ specific qualities.
Why visit Yorks?
Yorks Cafe opened in Birmingham in 2012, and has established itself as Birmingham’s best coffee shop for years – thanks to its cool aesthetics, laidback atmosphere and world-hopping brunch menu that has everything from Korean fried chicken to a full English breakfast and Persian shakshuka. And since 2016, it’s been roasting its own speciality coffee in-house.
Yorks’ most iconic location is on Stephenson Street, but that’s been closed since October 2024 for “refurbishment” and doesn’t look likely to reopen soon… Every other site is just as worthy of your time, however, designed to be as much a self-described “social space” as it is a coffee shop. With even craft beers, natural wines and mocktails served.
To learn more about Yorks Cafe head here.