One of the first venues to open at lavish new city centre complex The Grand, 200 Degrees is a haven of artisanal coffee and exquisite sandwiches. Despite the wealth of independent coffee shops in Birmingham, this one stands out for its emphasis on the food as well as the brews.
Sandwiches are available from a frequently refreshed menu. The range of ingredients used in fillings range from the more traditional (sweet mustard ham, stilton), to the more avant garde - blackberries among them. Not in the mood for a sarnie? The menu also boasts soup, frittata, quiche and salads.
The main event, though, is undoubtedly the coffee itself. Naturally, they roast their own house blend, an exotic combination of Vietnamese Robusta and Columbian Arabica beans. In addition to this, a ‘guest bean’ is hosted each month, enabling patrons to sample and savour new coffee flavours.
A word on the setting for all this caffeinated creativity - 200 Degrees is housed in a dark and moody space filled with warm wooden furniture, exposed brickwork, leather armchairs and attractive light fittings. The high ceilings and dim lighting give it a cavernous, almost mysterious vibe that fits well for a temple of coffee.