A corner of Birmingham has become the city’s ‘Caffeine Quarter’ after the latest coffee shop said it was opening there.
Harborne’s half mile-long High Street will welcome a branch of 200 Degrees coffee in the coming weeks, replacing what was The Cod’s Scallops chip shop.
200 Degrees is a coffee chain with branches across the region, including at the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet.
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It says that it will be different from the other coffee shops, sharing information on the hoarding currently obscuring works taking place inside.
In notes to could-be customers, it says: “Another coffee shop?! Here’s some reasons why 200 Degrees is different:
“We roast our own coffee. We prepare our own sandwiches fresh each day. Our baristas are superhuman and can sense your caffeine levels dip up to a mile away.”
Signage adds that it will give away 2,000 free coffees in Harborne and asks passers by to scan a QR code to sign up to get one when the shop opens.
It is also looking to recruit baristas, managers and front of house specialists, adding that no experience is necessary and personality and character is most important.
The suave neighbourhood of Harborne has become known for its food and drink scene, boasting Michelin Guide restaurants and top neighbourhood pubs.
On the High Street, at our count, there are currently 11 coffee shops, and that’s not including restaurants that serve hot drinks or the Little High Street role play and soft play centre, which also serves coffee.
From the friendly Paul at No 41 and Starbucks at one end to the Fresh Bite Cafe on the other, even the charity shop in Harborne has its own built-in cafe.
200 Degrees will be the 12th on the stretch, joining the likes of Boston Tea Party, Rosetta Lounge, Damascena, Cafe Express, Arco Lounge, Caffe Nero and Coffee Tales.
As well as cafes, Harborne High Street is known for its charity shops – there are ten on the road.
Elsewhere, such is the number of chicken restaurants, New Street has become known as Birmingham’s Chicken Quarter.