We’re not short of coffee shops in Birmingham, and it feels as though the coffee offering in the city gets better all the time. If you’re looking for a new coffee shop to add to your regular rotation, allow us to guide you in the direction of the Jewellery Quarter…

Introducing Besa.

Located on Ludgate Hill in the Jewellery Quarter, Besa is the coffee shop delivering comfort in every sip.

At Besa you’re invited to take a break, sip a delicious drink and savour the moment. Besa is an ancient word dating back to the Bronze Age from the area now recognised as Albania. Besa means ‘honour’ or ‘promise’ – a quiet promise of trust and care, carried through small actions and meaningful gestures. The team at this wonderful coffee shop have woven that into every aspect of their business, with a promise to deliver on service and quality each time you visit, through consistency, attention and warmth. They want to welcome you in like an old friend and help you to relax for a while.

Inspired by the historic area in which they have made their home, Besa draws on the heritage and craftsmanship of the area to inspire all that they do. Just like the craftspeople who came before them, they strive to create something meaningful – not just a cup of coffee, but a feeling.

With this in mind, each and every drink on their menu is thoughtfully crafted, from a simple Espresso to a velvety flat white, and everything in between. It’s not just coffee on the menu, as you can also enjoy everything from rich and creamy hot chocolates to vibrant matcha lattes, comforting chai and more. All of their drinks can be made iced too (perfect for the summer months).

If you’re looking for something refreshing on your visit, they also offer a range of delicious smoothies with flavours to suit all tastes. Whether you opt for the fruity ‘Berry Go Round’ smoothie featuring strawberries, blackberries and raspberries or the healthy ‘Avo Go-Go’ packed with nutrients thanks to the mango, spinach, broccoli, avocado, coconut, lime and ginger, you’ll be in for a cooling, flavour-packed drink.

For those looking for something a little different, Besa have an experimental range too featuring the likes of: JQ mont blanc (iced Americano with in-house marmalade syrup and cold foam), matcha delight (fresh fruit milk topped with matcha and a secret cold foam), sunshine shake (a wake-up slushie of coconut milk, turmeric, honey and condensed milk). Perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting.

If you’re feeling peckish, they stock a range of mouth-watering sweet treats to enjoy alongside your favourite drink. Their cookies are a big hit, and they change up the flavours regularly with lots of tasty options to try – think Apple Crumble, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fig and Caramel, Toffee Pecan Chocolate Chip and lots more. Browse the selection of cookies on the day and pick up one of these tasty treats for a seriously tasty treat.

As well as their delicious cookies, they offer a selection of other baked goods including an ever-changing selection of cakes and bakes. Enjoy everything from Estonia Honey Cake and Earl Grey Lemon Curd Muffins to Blueberry Basque Cheesecake and House Espresso Brownies. With so many delicious options to try, you’ll have to keep coming back for more.

In addition to tasty baked goods and cookies, Besa also stock 3 dangerously moreish rolls for you to enjoy alongside your chosen beverage: a pork sausage roll, a spinach and feta roll (yum!) or a vegan sausage roll. Available while stocks last (we’ve heard they go quickly), if you fancy something a little more filling to keep your delicious drink company, make sure you grab one pronto!

The space itself is cosy and welcoming with a mix of industrial design details such as pendant lighting, and comfy upholstered bench seating with marble effect tables. There’s plenty of seating for enjoying your delicious drinks and baked goods, but you can always take your order to go if you’re in a rush. Make sure to stop by this brilliant coffee shop and add it to your rotation of favourite coffee stops in the city.

Now offering Independent Birmingham App members: Coffee from the main menu + a roll for £8 OR 10% off the bill