Paul at No 41 — Restaurant in Birmingham

At my age, I’ve eaten quite a few full breakfasts. Some at really famous places. Most adequate. Some really poor. But NEVER, until today, exceptionally good. And practically on my doorstep too. I have lived here, off and on (mostly on) since 1970. I am quite embarrassed that I have not been in before. More than embarrassed, although vagaries of ill-health had a lot to do with this. The manner and presentation of the various parts of our “full English” breakfasts were imaginative and beautifully presented. The vegan breakfast for our determinedly vegetarian daughter, was simply the best she’s had in more than twenty years. Home-made baked beans! Little, roasted tomatoes. Quartered mushrooms that I could taste despite having a long-standing taste problem. Bacon, sausages and black pudding that passed muster with Husband the Butcher. Coffee that was strong enough for me. The most pleasant restaurateur and chef I have met for years. Even the water jug was really pretty, with ice and thin slices of fruit. I spent a few minutes reflecting on the shops that once were at this end of Harborne in the early Seventies. I think Paul at 41 was once a very old-fashioned greengrocers,selling all manner of new-fangled fruits and vegetables to the ladies of Edgbaston (of whom I am now one), where my husband had worked as a schoolboy in the Sixties. Nearby a barber, news agency, baker and a sort of posh shop where one could buy Gentleman’s Relish. All this for three, incredibly, reasonably-priced breakfasts! Coffee, food, new friends and...

My birthday lunch 🙂.

Well where to start...this is one of the best cafe I have EVER been to! I always go here when looking for brunchy food or amazing salads (Summer is coming).

My Order: Chicken House Salad (on a plate), the BEST homemade dressing you could ask for (on the side) and a side of there lovely fresh Lavendar Bakery Sourdough (sooooo good, you will not regret it!). Please see photo attached .

Having suffered from an Eating Disorder in my younger life and now in recovery, 'eating out' can always be slightly challenging. Never-the-less, Paul and all of his staff are super attentive and accommodating. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Even if your not happy with your meal/drink once it's arrived; they will do anything they can to amend any issues.

It was my birthday when I came to visit Paul's at No.41, I left happy and with a tummy filled with lovely nutritious food. AND a surprise cake for when I got home (so good I couldn't resist a nibble before taking a photo)!

Best thing for you to do this year 2022 - DO NOT bother wasting your money on co-operate chain cafes, instead support and fall in love with local businesses like this little gem!

Thanks again Paul & all the rest of the staff .

Keep up the...

If England could win the Euro 2020 final, allow Monday 12th July to be a bank holiday and develop more cafes like Paul at No 41s, I would die a happy person. Attention to detail is key at Paul at No 41. The interior is cosy, bright and beautiful. It's heavenly, ecstasy. Light pings off surfaces, and amazingly, it focuses a spotlight on the food. The food is special. All ingredients are locally sourced and arranged beautifully on the shiny white plates. The freshness, flavour and texture speaks for itself. I smiled when the owner described the process of choosing the right pastel shade to paint the bare wall below the shiny white tiling. It's a custom colour, he remarked. Their coffee choice has had considerable thought put into it too. The owner remarked that they sampled a multitude of examples before choosing the signature Paul at No 41 roast profile. The single most impressive fact about Paul at No 41 is the tomatoes. At this time of year, the red beauties are sourced from a local lady's allotment. Literally down the road. How awesome is that. Using the rephrased lyrics of the great ACDC track, I would to say, "For those about to Brunch, Paul at No 41, we...