The 15 best breakfast and brunch spots in Birmingham

Boston Tea Party is a friendly, family-run chain that has been growing exponentially up and down the M5 over the past few years. It’s a byword for consistency and familiarity. Arriving in Birmingham in 2013, this was a caffeinated shot in the arm of Corporation Street, occupying the huge space left by a giant Yates pub. If you’re not sucked in by the massive trays of home-baked cakes at the counter, then BTP’s vast menu covers everything from all-day breakfasts to mains including burgers, salads, toasted sandwiches, soups and a very good kids’ menu. 

Anyone who claims New Street station is the busiest place in Birmingham hasn’t been to Yorks at the weekend. Here, hungry Brummies tuck into brunch in stripped-back industrial surroundings well into the afternoon. Choose from a breakfast bar that includes homemade granola, bagels and as much freshly baked bread as you can get down you, plus an extensive range of egg-based brekkies.

The Jewellery Quarter is dotted with cafés and coffee houses, but when it comes to a proper Brummie breakfast, there’s only one name you need to remember. The Hylton Café draws a cult following for its breakfasts served until 2pm from Monday to Saturday. For an eminently reasonable sum, you can expect all the usual fried breakfast staples plus freshly ground coffee or tea. If you’re looking for breakfast on the go, the classic bacon sarnie is a must. 

Down in the south Birmingham suburb of Kings Heath, you’ll find The Early Bird Bakery, a bright independent space founded by not one but two men named Tim. With a background working in five-star hotels from Australia to Malaysia, plus festivals and street food, they know what succeeds on a menu. Whether your preference is sweet or savoury, you are well catered for. Try the BBQ beef brisket eggs benedict or the indulgent pastries.

A firm favourite and for good reason, Medicine’s baked goods have deservedly developed a cult following. As for brunch, the brioche buns make a prime platter for all manner of ingredients, including pumpkin falafel, harissa hollandaise eggs or its titular Medicine sandwich of bacon, fried egg, cheese and chipotle aioli, while vanilla french toast props its maple streaky bacon. Elsewhere, things get a little more heated with huevos rancheros. 

Sitting pretty in the suburb of Harborne, The Plough is one of Birmingham’s favourite pub-restaurants, with a lively atmosphere and fully occupied tables whether you visit on a Tuesday or a Sunday. Harborne High Street is lined with pubs, but The Plough wins hands down for a number of reasons. The venue manages to be both smart and relaxed at once, with that warm rustic feel that marks a good gastropub. The food and drink offer is varied and includes some excellent pizzas, delish burgers and brilliant brunches.

Sharing a courtyard (and general ethos) with the neighbouring deli and organic farm shop, the Kitchen Garden Café does a steady trade throughout the week. For the meat-minded, the smoked dry-cured bacon stands out and can be enjoyed as part of the full English or in a chunky breakfast sandwich. If fuel for the day is your primary aim and you arrive sufficiently hungry, try the Kitchen Garden’s take on classic Victorian breakfast staple kedgeree. 

What started out as a vegetable cooperative has, over a decade or so, transformed into Bournville’s foremost brekkie hub and organic deli. With the most important meal of the day served alongside an array of homemade, wholesome staples from opening until closing, you’ll find young families, hangover nursers and ladies lunching, all sat shoulder-to-shoulder at Leverton and Halls. If the pancakes with crispy bacon and lashings of maple syrup are too sweet for your palate, the vegetarian breakfast is a first-rate choice.

Gas Street Social places a particular emphasis on the sharing and social aspect of eating. When it comes to the ubiquitous bottomless boozy brunch, it’s chosen to put the bellini centre stage. The classic Italian combo of prosecco with peach juice guarantees a morning buzz. Modest appetites might opt for a sweet helping of fruit pancakes, which come with banana, berries and clotted cream, or American-style pancakes topped with streaky bacon and a drizzling of maple syrup.

Artisan bread and Parisian patisserie are the order of the day at Moseley’s Maison Mayci. We love the unexpectedly large, multi-levelled garden at the back. As you might expect, the oeufs à la coque (soft-boiled eggs with soldiers) are a particularly popular choice with Maison Mayci’s junior following. You’d be forgiven for sticking to a basket of toasted bread (served with butter and jam) – it’s just that tasty. 

While it may be part of a chain, The Botanist takes a pleasantly unconventional approach to its brunch offerings. Visitors can customise their meal from a range of menu options: scrambled tofu? Shakshuka? Smoked trout? Salmon pâté? Maple streaky bacon? Take your pick. And don’t forget to leave space for the baked goods and sweeter options.

Housed in an iconic Victorian building, the Junction is a serious player when it comes to Harborne’s increasingly competitive Saturday brunch scene. We like the French toast with bacon and maple syrup – and the Bloody Marys, another weekend staple. Sun out? Take your food into the beer garden.

Just around the corner from the train station, the Grand Central Kitchen has garnered a decent rep for its friendly service and generous portions. Favourites include the full English and curveballs like a cheesy omelette English breakfast. Unfussy yet arriving with a touch of flair, it’s the place to fill up on hearty grub before a busy weekend in town.

See and be seen at the Mailbox’s biggest and smartest canal-side terrace. Sip on a mimosa (that’s blanc de blanc brut with fresh OJ, dah-ling) while you peruse the breakfast menu and think about how fabulous you are. Mid-week, we like to keep things classically French with a buttery croissant, fruit salad and creamy yoghurt pot. Efficient service, an 9am opening and proximity to major transport hubs make Côte one of our favourite brunch spots.

While it is easy to overlook The Ivy’s mid-morning menu in favour of lunch and dinner, its brunch selection is varied and impressive. There are plenty of classics on the menu – eggs royales and benedicts or buttermilk pancakes with mixed berries – plus good options for the vegetarian and vegan crowd via asparagus, avocado and buffalo mozzarella dishes.