Palm by H2O

Palm by H2O pitches itself squarely at the special-occasion crowd: gold-leaf accents, neon lighting, banquette seating, and mood lighting that reviewers consistently describe as giving the room a Dubai lounge feel. The space has an upstairs and downstairs, each with a distinct dining or shisha area, making it workable for everything from a birthday group to a date night.

The menu leans into desi-influenced sharing plates to start, malai boti, seekh kebab, dynamite shrimp in their signature sauce, and samosa chaat, before moving into more substantial mains built around steaks, mixed grills, and burgers. The chapli kebab and fillet parmo have both drawn recent praise online, and the mixed grill platter is a solid group order. Sides of palm chips and garlic bread round things out without overcomplicating the spread.

Desserts are a genuine draw: the Dubai kanafa and cookie dough with ice cream are the ones that keep appearing in reviews. The drinks list is alcohol-free throughout, with mocktails and fresh juices carrying the load, the peach berry mulan mojito gets mentioned repeatedly. Shisha is available and a big part of the evening experience here.

Juices4Life Small Heath

Juices4Life Small Heath is a vibrant juice bar in the heart of Small Heath, open late daily and catering to post-workout recovery and late-night cravings. The menu features cold-pressed juices made with whole fruits using gentle extraction to retain nutrients, alongside protein-packed smoothies, detox shots, herbal teas, and breakfast items. Popular orders include the King Special Smoothie, Mango Smoothie, Cajun Chicken and Cheese Panini, and milkshakes. The venue offers sit-in, takeaway and online ordering via their website and app, with delivery available through Uber Eats and Just Eat. All drinks are made to order using fresh fruits, vegetables and natural ingredients with no artificial sweeteners. The menu is halal-friendly throughout.

Halawaat

Halawaat is a dessert cafe specialising in traditional Middle Eastern sweets, founded during the pandemic by owners inspired by family recipes and a deep love for Arab desserts. The signature Halawaat Creamy Dessert is a chilled pudding with layers of unique cream, softened biscuits and tasty toppings, available in flavours including Kinder, Biscoff, Nutella, Pistachio and Coffee. Also on the menu is the Khash Khash-a caramel and custard creamy dessert topped with crunchy vermicelli and caramel sauce-plus hot kunafa and chocolate kunafa pastries made with authentic cheese and topped with sugar syrup, pistachios and rose petals. The bright, minimal interior features white-washed walls, warm earthy tones and slate grey accents, with plush velvet chairs and benches designed for lingering. Drinks include Arabic Gahwa coffee, iced lattes, peach iced tea, Kinder hot chocolate, and seasonal options like iced strawberry matcha.

Açai and the Tribe

Açai and the Tribe is a bright, casual health-focused café on Regent Street in Leamington Spa town centre. Specialising in premium açai bowls made with berries shipped directly from the Brazilian rainforest, the menu offers fully customisable breakfast and brunch bowls with granola, fresh fruit, nuts and nut butters, plus hearty superfood smoothies, good-quality coffee, matcha and chai. The venue markets approximately 90% of its menu as vegan and gluten-free options, making it exceptionally inclusive. Counter service; takeaway recommended given seating is limited and service can be slow during peak times. Roughly five minutes walk from the formal Jephson Gardens, making it ideal for a quick fuel-up before exploring the Victorian park.

The Early Bird Bakery

The Early Bird Bakery is a beloved independent café on Kings Heath High Street, run by three passionate food enthusiasts with over fifteen years of industry experience. All pastries, cakes and savouries are baked fresh daily in-house using high-quality ingredients, with many sourced locally. The speciality coffee is supplied by independent local roaster Hundred House Coffee.

The small space operates with characteristic chaotic energy, often with queues out the door during weekends, so arriving early is essential. Despite the crowds, staff remain attentive and accommodating. The menu rotates seasonally, offering creative and unusual cakes alongside savoury options like mushroom toasties and chorizo breakfast dishes. Signature items include pistachio croissants, cruffins, seasonal creations, and the Lemon Baked Cheesecake. The kitchen operates 9am to 2:45pm daily, so come for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon cake and coffee.

Vegan, gluten-free and nut-free options are available, and they also offer bespoke cakes for events through their catering service.

EL&N London

EL&N is London’s iconic café chain bringing Instagrammable style to Birmingham’s city centre. The space features signature pastel pink interiors, lush floral installations, and photo-perfect settings throughout. The all-day menu spans brunch classics like shakshuka and French toast, alongside grab-and-go pastries, bagels, speciality coffee, and decadent cakes that are as visually stunning as they are indulgent. Expect high footfall and waits during peak times, but the venue is located centrally within Bullring and Grand Central shopping complex, making it ideal for refuelling between shopping or catching up with friends.