Today at Cafe Blend - Adventures in Birmingham
September 20th 2010My fondness for Urban Coffee Co is very well documented. Nevertheless, particularly when I’m having a full on writing day (that is a short day with two breaks) the day is generally more productive with a change of scene so 2-3 coffee shops is ideal.In Glasgow and Edinburgh where until now I have gone for all my full on booking writing jaunts it’s easy as each has two or three of the fabulous Bean Scenes plus a couple of other places for lunch. In Birmingham, as yet, there is only one Urban so when I’m recommended Cafe Blend by two people, I decide to go and investigate.My first guess that this is going to pricier because it’s opposite Harvey Nicholls is correct.VerdictCon - View is the car park opposite and it’s on a very busy road near a very busy New Street StationPro – nice vibeCon - Unsatisfactory service; I’m assuming the young lady was an untrained student but the words ‘hello’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ didn’t trouble her lips once. My planned greeting of ‘here you are, I’ve heard all about you!’ seemed inappropriate. The student never offered me any choice and I was automatically served a small coffee.Pro – they offer NY cheesecakeCon - they don’t stock Kissme CupCakes (but hopefully will do soon)Pro – I love the comfortable bench seating with a table by the window. It’s a huge plus to have comfort and a deskCon – the coffee is average but I get used to itPro or Con – Cafe Blend is way too close to Harvey Nicks