If you’re serious about coffee, then you need to visit this place.
Introducing Ithaka.
Located on Gibb Street, Digbeth, Ithaka is the coffee roastery and coffee shop built for coffee lovers.
Coffee is big business and we’re lucky enough to have some seriously good coffee shops in Birmingham. Whilst you may be spoilt for choice on where to get your morning brew, there are some places that really stand apart, and Ithaka is one of those. Found tucked away just a stone’s throw from the Custard Factory, this little coffee shop is all about serving the best coffee in town.
Ithaka’s owner, Dale Harris, knows his stuff when it comes to coffee. In fact, he is the 2017 World Barista Champion (so he really does know what he’s talking about) beating some stiff competition to win the title. Now, he’s set up his own coffee shop in Brum, and we’re delighted about it, because we can never get enough great coffee.
Dale isn’t just making coffee to pay the bills, this is a real passion and it shows in every single cup of coffee served at Ithaka. After nearly twenty years in the industry, he is still constantly striving to improve and hone his craft, and you’ll struggle to find better coffee than this not just in Brum, but the whole of the UK (maybe even the world!).
All of the beans they use at Ithaka come from their own roastery, with a selection of different varieties available. The focus is always on quality, service and sustainability with human connection and attention to detail at the heart of what they do. Striving to be a roastery that makes a difference and has a positive impact on the community is as important to them as making sure they make excellent drinks. They have no ambitions to be the biggest roastery, they just want to pour their heart and soul into what they do and value integrity over scale.
The coffees at Ithaka are truly out of this world. This is a coffee shop for coffee connoisseurs, but a space that is welcoming and inviting to all. So whether it’s your very first coffee or your millionth, everyone is welcome to come and discover this daily staple and enjoy a meaningful moment in your day.
One of their most popular, signature drinks the ‘Brum Anglais’ is a fun nod to their Custard Factory adjacent location, celebrating the Alfred Bird’s Custard that gives the area its name. Their take on custard flavours, this thick, hot, sweet drink is like a warm hug in a cup with gentle vanilla, spice and beautiful coffee creating a deliciously balanced final drink. Just like Bird’s original recipe, no eggs are involved, and it can be made plant based with oat milk. This is a must-try for coffee lovers and custard lovers alike.
It isn’t just coffee you can get here, you can of course enjoy other hot and cold drinks too, including matcha which they introduced to their menu at the start of the year. The likes of their Pomegranate Matcha made with house-made grenadine and ceremonial grade matcha is the perfect alternative to your usual coffees, and the ideal drink for matcha lovers.
The ethos at Ithaka is all about slowing down and taking the time to create something worth the effort. No shortcuts, just care and attention, and it truly shows in their final products. If you’re looking for not just any old cup of coffee, but one that is truly special then a visit to Ithaka is an absolute must.
Now offering Independent Birmingham App Members: 15% off drinks