Seven Of The Best Bakeries In Birmingham
As we watch the final of this season’s Great British Bake Off it seems only natural to be craving some delicious baked goods. If you’re not a baker, never fear, you can get someone else to do all the hard work for you by visiting one of Birmingham’s fabulous independent bakeries.
COCOA by Ali
Remember Ali Imdad from the 2013 Great British Bake Off? Well this local hero has his own patisserie on Birmingham’s Canal Wharf for some seriously delicious bakes. Originally in Grand Central, Ali’s new store is bigger, better, and more Instagram-worthy than before. Open until 7pm most days it means you can get there after work without worrying about missing out!
Specialising in some of the most decadent and delicious doughnuts in town, with flavours such as blackberry and custard and honeycomb, Jam vs. Custard pops up at various events across town. It’s hard to resist the doughnuts, but they also do some pretty fantastic cinnamon buns and sourdough - maybe take a few things to go!
If you’re lucky enough to be based in the Jewellery Quarter you may well have already fallen in love with the Sal Cooks pastel de nata, their flakey Portuguese custard tarts. With very limited opening hours of lunchtimes Monday-Friday and a monthly Saturday opening, these tarts are the Birmingham equivalent of gold dust.
Of course the savoury bakes here are also worth a mention, as well as the fantastic selection of croquettes, but to leave without a box full of pastel de nata is a crime.
As well as being a popular coffee shop in Birmingham’s Piccadilly Arcade, this small store also has an in-house patisserie. The counter has a selection of bakes from your standard cookies and brownies to some pretty extra patisserie and macarons.
Go for the coffee, stay for some cake.
Bake recently celebrated 10 years of baking in Birmingham and they don’t show any signs of stopping. Stocked in Tilt in the city centre, they also pop up at a number of regular events across town.
Think really huge slices of cakes and pies teamed with some tray bakes to die for. For me, it is the traybakes and slices that will always have my heart (Try the Kitchen Sink Bar) as well as the Fat Elvis, a banana bread sandwiched with candied bacon and peanut butter frosting.
It’s nearly impossible to not mention the ever-popular Medicine. Their cronuts and cruffins are always popular choices, as well as their huge loaves of sourdough. As well as being able to take home you can also eat in and have something more substantial, like brunch.
Although the bakery is currently on the move and not open to the public, you can find Orientee bakes across town in: Boo Boo Harborne, Windowbox Cafe, Caffe Botanico, and Wayland’s Yard. For a larger range, they pop up at lots of events, so always worth keeping an eye on their Instagram.
My firm favourite has to be their charcoal sourdough and their mango danish.
Did I mention I really love cake?
You can keep up to date with our Food and Drinks Editor Alice’s food escapades on her Instagram