Faculty Coffee

I pay close attention to the non-coffee offerings in every coffee shop I visit — they reveal far more about a place than the coffee alone. Good coffee is the baseline; most of the shops can manage that. What really defines a great coffee shop is everything else: the cakes, the food, the teas — the final pieces of the puzzle 🧩. Faculty is the perfect example of this. Exceptional coffee paired with genuinely top-tier cakes and food, all handled with the same level of care. It’s proof that when a shop gets the details right beyond the cup, the coffee was never an accident. (I got the Tiramisu basque cheese cake & batch brew☘️)

I’ve been here many times over the years back when it was considered best coffee in brum and it has continually has got worse. Went in November with my girlfriend and she got the toasty was an anemic bread and filling was if whoever made it had blowed on it to get it cooked and coffee was very average only slightly better than one gotten from the millions of chain places around the location. I was traveling to London and didn’t have time to make it over to temple row so decided to try it one more time and support small a business but will definitely be the last. Not busy, one other table and a few people getting takeaways got a bacon sandwich and flat white £12.87. Coffee looked ok but was bitter and lukewarm, no natural sweetness even worse than the one in November. Bacon sandwich was just grim, almost a boiled taste and fat not rendered doorstep bread just miserable. Pastry’s on the counter looked good but after what I had I didn’t feel like giving any a shot, maybe the reason the hot food is rubbish is because a baker is making it? I bet faculty was so glad when Yorks moved but instead of being the best coffee near new street they kept being below average for a specialty coffee shop. If you want actually great tasting coffee in Birmingham I would go coffee bar collective. I never write reviews but I’m just shocked how bad it is here.

We always seek out the places to get the best filter coffee when we visit a new town and for Birmingham it was definitely Faculty. A great house filter, great staff, lovely little place with a nice vibe. We didn't eat but the sandwich menu looked great and on our second visit someone was eating one and it looked delicious. Little pastry/cookie selection including a vegan cookie. Highly recommend if you enjoy good coffee - teas/flat whites etc are also available. Good selection of beans etc to purchase. We overheard the beans that day were from Square Mile which is where our weekly coffee delivery is from.

I've been here lots and have never been disappointed. This is the best coffee I have tried in Brum. I usually just snack here and find a great selection to chose from. If you are a coffee snob you will be fine here. ☕ It helps that the staff are very pleasant and helpful too.

I was drawn in by the lovely smell of coffee when I walked past. I just about found a table for two of us as it was quite a busy time. Service was generally good. I had a flat white which is usually my standard coffee shop order, and it was decent. Lots of lovely looking cakes and pastries but I wasn't hungry so didn't try them.

Faculty Coffee does what the best coffee shops do quietly and well. The speciality coffee is consistently excellent and treated with care. The staff are exceptionally friendly and genuinely knowledgeable, happy to share their understanding without ever making it feel exclusive. The retail shelf is unusually strong too, thoughtfully curated and clearly chosen with intention. It is an easy place to spend time, serious about coffee and generous in spirit.

What a coffee (espresso)! Absolutey great and they well explained what to expect on the tasting side. All this done by really friendly and kind staff. And on top of it an awesome almond croissant! What do you need more to start your day!

I travel from Nottingham to Birmingham every week for work, and I always make sure to stop by my favourite coffee shop. Hands down the best coffee in Birmingham consistently excellent, with new beans to try from around the world. Great value for money and some seriously tasty sweet treats too. Josh is always keen to explain how each coffee is best served, which makes the experience even better. An absolute must try! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We stumbled across this place while escaping the rain at the Christmas market and it was such a great find. A small flat white and small cappuccino for £6 total is a rare find these days and we both loved our drinks. So much flavour and nice, strong coffee. My only reason for giving 4 stars is that the layout was a bit cramped and it was slightly lacking in customer service. If you're just popping in for a takeaway coffee though, this is a fab spot.

Excellent spot for reading with a cup of coffee and nice snack. Faculty has designed their tiny little square in Piccadilly to maximize space and coziness. I popped in here to get some reading in before a Yelp event nearby and highly recommend it if you're looking for a great cafe in City Center. The coffee is nicely roasted and brewed with love. I chose a cappuccino and was very impressed with the flavor profile of the beans. The cappuccino provided just the caffeine pick-me-up I needed after a long day. To compliment my beverage, I also ordered a banana almond cupcake with cream cheese frosting. It was divine. Moist, soft, and perfect crumb. The flavors were naturally balanced and not too sweet. Faculty offer free, fast wifi. Each table offers just enough space for a laptop or notes and your food/drink order.

I never normally do this anymore but I'm so in awe of this place that I'm writing the review before I've even finished eating/drinking. I knew I'd love this place as when I walked in, the smell of roasting coffee flew into my nostrils, Faculty literally had me at hello. So more about this love affair, the coffee is brilliant, the cakes taste fantastic and the tea is a relaxing and soothing as the cute little tea pot suggests. The staff working were friendly and happy to offer advice (to me and another customer who had 21 questions about the origin of the coffee) - credit where credits due, the young chap answering knew the answer to every question! They are also linked to next door, a sandwich shop which is perfect for lunch and you can even order from one side and go and sit in the other or vice versa. Owned by the same husband & wife partnership and matched with the same awesome decor. It's not often I'm in Birmingham but one thing for sure is this fling is sure to continue every time I venture in!

Small independent coffee shops are not as plentiful as you would think in the centre of Birmingham, so when I came across this one in the Piccadilly Arcade I could not wait to try it. Myself and a friend decided to go for an americana and were also tempted by a beetroot tart that was sat looking at us while we were ordering. The coffee had a lovely full flavour and the tart was pretty much perfect. We had to sit in the shop next door to Faculty as it was packed but this was not an issue, the guy behind the counter informed us that the two shops share the seating which I thought was a nice touch. Both places were welcoming and friendly from the minuite we walked in. The only downside of this experience was having to use the toilet in Cafe Nero which is a few doors down as neither shop has a toilet, I do think this is the type of the place where you expect this kind of thing though. They are using ever part of the cafe for seating, its very compact but well designed and definately the type of place I could easily become a regular!

I have to say I massively like faculty, it's an incredibly welcome addition to the cities coffee shop scene and makes a great alternative to many of the larger chains that are coming into the city. Faculty itself is a converted shop that now serves fantastic coffee (from an ever changing bean selection) and also incredibly cool selection of foods. Everything from sandwiches and granaola and soups to a more wholesome range of meals which change frequently. My only complaint, is that there aren't enough sockets if i am going to work, something that I realise won't bother many people but as someone who regularly works from a coffee shop on their lunch it is something that bothers me. And they are now always incredibly busy, making it hard to get a table. Outside of peak times it's deffinately worth checking out.

I had researched this coffee shop on Yelp before coming here and was keen to visit after reading all the positive reviews and I wasn't disappointed. The decor is very fun with brick walls which seems to be the trend for most places these days. The quality of the coffee and the service is better than top class. It is really quirky venue with not a lot of seating but plenty of people getting a take out drink.Not to sure if they are connected but there is a bakery/cake shop next door that do some grey yummy baked goods. I really enjoyed the V60 coffee, very strong but very sweet in taste so no sugar is required. The seats aren't comfortable and there isn't much of it which is a shame as i'd love to spend hours in here.

It's hard to find a better coffee in Birmingham than at faculty. Located right next to New Street Station and well worth a visit if you're in the area or just waiting for a train. The passion (perhaps obsession?) of the staff for coffee is clear, seriously they really, really like coffee. I'm not one for discussing the virtues of the V60 over the Aeropress or how the packing affects the flavour but I do appreciate how that love filters down into the cup. It's a nicely appointed little shop with it's own style but little is the word, it's a bit of a squeeze when it starts to fill up. The food selection here is now good enough to go with the excellent coffee, because the owners wife has opened a sandwich shop in the next unit (worth a visit in its own right) and is supplying great fresh cakes, wonderful stuff.

It was a tough decision .... but 4.5 rounds up to 5 and I believe the faculty deserves top remarks. So where do I start? Despite my continuing suspicion of why there's a wall in the place between the 2 still bizarres me. The sandwich and juice bar is fantastic. The first time I visited the banh mi was 5/5 with the pork being seasoned to perfection in addition to the crispy bread and salad. This time round, I was able to enjoy the massive beef brisket and melted cheese, I feel so full just thinking about it. If you're able to visit during a good time, you should also try the salads too with your sandwich, it is mixed everyday so it is lottery at what's available. My most memorable so far will always be with sriracha slaw, not too spicy and not too creamy but very crunchy and flavoursome. Next comes the drinks bar, served with the most amazing selection of cakes. The drinks bar offer a great selection of coffee and teas, to which my delight they serve dragon well! At the time I'm writing this review I have a packed peanut butter cookie on the go, however I'm very confident it will taste amazing having seen them made it live before. Faculty maybe small but do not underestimate it! It is the David vs Goliath(s) of tea coffee shops. Would visit again!

Faculty is my one of favourite cafes to visit. It is easily accessible from Grand Central and housed in the charming Piccadilly Arcade. My favourite thing about this café is the size - it is super compact making for a nice intimate setting. There's a worry you might bump into someone but it's all part of the fun! The exposed brick walls, wooden tables and chairs makes for an urban and industrial feel and whenever you step inside this quirky café you will always receive a warm welcome from the staff (super cool people btw). There is a wide selection of teas and coffees but my favourite is definitely the hot chocolate - super indulgent and yummy! You will most certainly not be able to resist the cake display on the counter; there is always a nice selection of cakes on offer so you will sure to find something you like. Sometimes I do find that my drinks order takes a little while but it's definitely worth the wait. This place is the perfect spot for any tea or coffee lover in Brum! Note to self - grab a window seat and watch the world go by.

Birmingham, saving you from having to drink bland coffee every day of the week! This latest indie coffee shop offering is based in the beautiful Piccadilly Arcade (adjoining New Street to the train station). Now, to say we're spoilt for coffee in Birmingham would be a huge understatement. With the Coffee gems in the CBD down to the new offerings in the Eastside area, this place really hits the spot in the central shopping area of the city. I would have totally missed the opening for this place if it hadn't of been for check in's from Bobby N and Jessica D. I'm so glad I spotted these pop up on the App! Faculty is easy to find if you know where it is, but if you don't use this route often - you very well might miss it too! With large glass windows looking on to the historic arcade and minimalist clean design, it really is offering you something different. I was greeted on entry with a huge smile and a hello, denoting Customer service as king in this establishment. With a generous offering of different cakes on the counter and a small but perfectly formed coffee and hot drinks menu (V60 for a bargainous £2.50 - I kid you not!), it seems to attract the commuter trade at the moment but will be a regular place for me to work from moving forward. The coffee shop itself doesn't have WiFi itself, but the free service (offered by Birmingham City Council) gives a good strong signal, meaning it's a good spot to sit with your laptop or iPad and catch up on the social media gossip or the days news. It's not a huge place, but there is seating at the counter and at small desks for up to 14 people. Sticking with the educational theme, most of the desks seem to be actual old school desks - another lovely quirk for this fab little place. This place is guaranteed to be busy at the weekend or in the early morning with commuters. If you're looking for a new coffee shop to try that's a little different, try it now. You're in for a treat.

I've walked past this soo many times but finally went for a hot chocolate this week. It was lunch time and there's about 8 tables 3 of them were available. The staff were really very friendly while I took time to decide on my cake. Coffee seems to be a Science here! And while I'm not a coffee drinker myself I can appreciate the art form of creating great coffee. Well worth popping when it's quiet.

The offerings of cakes are just delicious. I was also really intrigued by the offerings of teas. I went for one called the Iron Goddess of Mercy. Reminded me of GOT! I had no idea of what it would taste like (although the barista gave me a very good idea) I was so intrigued by the name I had to try it. Thankfully it turned out really nice. I really like the style of the place too, my friend described it as being in science class but...I really thought that made it cool.

This lovely little coffee shop is housed within Piccadilly Arcade and is the perfect place to grab a beverage away from the crowds on the main high street. There are plenty of flavoured / herbal teas on offer and homemade cakes are a feast for the eyes. On my visit here I went for a green tea and lemon drizzle cake. The brewing of the tea was timed to perfection using the hour glass and once three minutes is up it's time to get pouring! The hot beverages are served in cups without handles and tea for one in a teapot with filter - I need to get me one of those! The lemon cake was delicious! It's service with a smile here, and staff are happy to recommend what tea or coffee to have. Look forward to returning!

Another lovingly put-together coffee mecca A stone's throw from any and every coffee chain, Faculty is a gem in Piccadilly Arcade. Great coffee, very good cake and pastries, and service from knowledgeable staff make it all very worth the extra (literal) two steps off New Street. Make it one of your regular haunts!

The independent coffee scene in Birmingham has built into a tsunami, and Faculty is one of the shops at the crest of the wave. You'll find Faculty on the southern end of the Piccadilly Arcade. It's the perfect location for grabbing a coffee before or after catching a train at New Street Station. The design aesthetic is very simple, with an almost ephemeral quality to it. There is a counter that houses homemade cakes and other treats, a counter that props up the espresso machine, a wall menu, and seating. Essentially it's nailed the coffee shop vibe that you would find in hubs of hipsterdom like Portland, OR. Seats, much like the tables, are small and due to the limited square footage of the store no doubt, seem to be designed so that patrons do not linger. Perhaps I'm wrong though, as they are currently installing wall outlets for charging devices, and the free WiFi works well. The coffee itself is made from roasted beans provided by Square Mile Coffee Roasters in East London. The espresso is single origin, and the baristas at Faculty are experts in extracting the right flavour from each bean. They know how to brew one of the best flat whites in the city, and their preparation methods will make you feel like you are in Italy. You'll want to make sure you have plenty of time in your schedule though, as sometimes the service here can be tricky. On more than one occasion, it's taken a non-takeway tea or coffee order over ten minutes to be delivered to my table, even when the shop isn't full. The coffee prices are what you would expect from an independent shop of this caliber, neither bargain basement or overpriced. The treats sold here are another standout, with an ever rotating table of goodies to choose. Half the time I walk in here, I'm not even planning on eating a dessert, but the interesting flavours attract me none the less. One of my favourites so far was a raspberry polenta cake. If you want something more substantial, Faculty shares a space and ownership next door with a shop that serves sandwiches and other foods throughout the day. Faculty is a very competent and impressive coffee shop in the busy heart of Birmingham. Some service issues aside, they are able to brew up one of the best cups of joe in the city.

Small but quirky! Modern scaled back bare décor. Quite a different vibe to most coffee shops - which is refreshing! Situated inside the charming little Piccadilly Arcade minutes from New Street Station and just off New st so ideal if you want just a quick 'pit-stop'. This evening was the first time I had visited the coffee shop, but I was very please I did! I came along for a Yelp event and we started off by trying the Peppermint tea (which I don't normally like), which was really delicate. We moved on to trying the various different coffees they have on offer and got to compare them with choices from other well known coffee chains. The difference was amazing! Their selection of drinks isn't extensive but then it doesn't need to be-these guys know what they are talking about! The shop is open 8.30-6pm Mon to Saturday and 11-4 on Sundays:)

Who needs East London when you've got a coffee shop like Faculty? They've a server sporting a magnificent beard, plus I noticed some of their bottled drinks are actually made in Hackney. I treated myself to a hearty sourdough goat's cheese and beetroot toastie with the choice of two salads, all for £5. Lovely presentation, taste and texture. I didn't have time to cram in a cake, but they looked equally delightful. In summary? A charming hipster joint in a quaint arcade a stone's throw from New Street Station. You won't be disappointed.

I would give this place 4.9 stars if I could. What a snug little café! My flat white was delicious but the star of the show was the banana cake with cream cheese icing and salted caramel sauce. WOW. I will never forget it. If this place was outside and they stocked soya milk it would be the hands down best coffee shop in Brum centre.

Finally finally finally got to try Faculty. Ever since I saw pictures of this place thanks to Yelp, I was first drawn in by the cool "modern and minimalistic" decor. My partner and I were invited to the Yelp Event at Faculty that evening so we popped in a bit earlier to get some cold drinks - saving ourselves for the coffee fest later on! Two San Pellegrino soft drinks - Limonata & Aranciata were only £2.40 in total for drinking in, not bad at all! The staff are kind and friendly, the atmosphere there was wonderful - seems to attract polite and friendly clientele too! Definitely looking to return there again on how welcoming it is alone. But... now for the coffee! For the event, we started with a palate cleanser tea infusion, actually really did leave my tongue tingly and aranciata-free ready for the coffee! The coffees themselves were wonderfully tasty - very happy to drink black - and the talk was so interesting and informative on the brewing temperature of coffee, amount of coffee in grams vs amount of water at what temperature etc. The staff have such passion and knowledge about their art so if you're a bit of a coffee newbie, definitely go there to ask advice as they will take the time to listen and explain and offer suggestions of coffee based on what kind of flavours you are into. After all they put up with an evening of me asking nosy questions...! From the tasting at the event I will recommend their "Red Brick" coffee - lovely lovely notes and already looking forward to the next time I can return to try this, maybe with a cheeky slice of cake too!

Brilliant little coffee house. The coffee is rich, the bitings are hearty and tasty, and the atmosphere is very relaxed and cozy.

Love this little place. Perfect location to spend some spare time before the train leaves instead of going to a chain cafe! Coffee there is beautiful, really sweet but the natural sweetness. And the cakes are delicious! Go check it out, it's definitely worth it

Having moved back to Brum, I had a quite a few places to visit on my brummie bucket list , So happy to tick this one off! You might already know that I'm a bit of a Tea lover but I'm not scared to say that this little gem in Birmingham named 'Faculty' may have just started to change this. I absolutely adore this place. The décor is simple and organic and boy do they know how to prepare one of the best coffees in Brum. I went for a simple latte, check out the photo isn't it so pretty?? (don't you think my filter made it look that much more awesome too? :P ), I particularly love the wooden (perfect for a #insta pic) tables and the use of quaint little vintage spoons) . I noticed a little sign near the counter which read 'Try to enjoy our coffee without sugar to get the full taste, but if you still prefer it with some sweetness just ask our staff' perfect little way to encourage people to try the real coffee aroma , I did just that and was absolutely fine with the taste. On another occasion, My friend and I were so happy to finally find free seats for lunch (as it's usually quite packed in there) I chose the halloumi bun whilst my foodie friend chose the Viet baguette, for an extra £1 we could also choose a range of fresh salad to brighten up our Lunch, my Moroccan salad was so Yum whilst my friend's siracha salad was just PERFECT!!! (a must try for everyone) Now to my favourite part, the TEA & CAKES.... Perfect match, you can't find have one you have to have both (that's my motto) :D All the fun loving cakes are baked with TLC on site, I went for the Beautiful Dragon well tea (particualry love this tea as it reminds me of my study exchange in Hangzhou China ) light and refereshing, come in a uber cute teapot and a timer so I can get my perfect brew. Other Beautiful blends they offer are: English Breakfast Peppermint Earl Grey Tangerine Ginger Kudos to you faculty, I'll be back again soon. Have a good day everyone, thanks a bunch for reading

As legitimate Brazilian specie, I'm powered by coffee. And obviously that everything related to this indispensable (for me) drink is pretty much appreciated. I just didn't know I had SO MUCH to learn about coffee in life yet. Luckily, there are people like the Faculty crew that understand about the product and selected the best (and worst) example of beans to present to us in another amazing Yelp meeting. Yes, Vicky and her brilliant idea. Spot on! Well, first things first. Faculty is a new charming Café in town located in the Piccadilly Palace, next to the main entrance of New Street Station. I love the minimalism in the place. From outside, you see a couple of tables - even an old school school table - as well as the display with lovely cakes and sandwiches and obviously, their amazing coffee and tea selection. And my plans to visit the place one very well in an evening that pretties much summarised all my respect for a good coffee. Actually, it summarised the difference between great beans (carefully selected beans coming from countries and farms that really care about their product like Red Brick and Reko) and rubbish beans (Starbucks kind of stuff you like just because there is your name in the cup and it's hype and convenient. Yeah right...). Okay, it was a bit harsh of me. But sorry Starbucks, I didn't mean to hurt you. You have your demand but the independent cafés are also here for a reason and I appreciate them all. Anyway, it was fabulous to see how Faculty guys explaining, step by step, all the procedures of their coffee preparation. It's all precise, in numbers and time. Fascinating! It's also a proof that coffee passion is taken serious around the world and in this great Café in the city centre of Brum. That was pretty interesting to see Yelper's like lovely Harpreet trying an espresso for the first time. And still amazes me that with 19 gram of coffee you have a neat espresso. Did you know it? Well, feel free to visit Faculty soon and find out more about it. They are experts in the art of preparing tea and coffee and their latte is another good reason to stop by more and more times.

Trendy little coffee shop with a nice atmosphere and superb coffee. Definitely worth a visit but best to pick an off peak time as it gets busy. Cakes look good too although I haven't tried them yet.

What a wonderful event! I've never actually been that far down into Piccadilly arcade, its a lovely little hidden gem! The cafe is quite small, but gives it a cosy feel and you feel as though the service is more personal. Decor was lovely and a bit 'out there' with the exposed pipework, brick wall and random school desk....very handy for storing handbags! The staff were lovely and friendly, they really know what they are talking about and are so passionate about the coffee they make. Being a scientist i loved learning all the geeky science behind the coffee, who knew the creme is what makes bitter coffee have a long lasting bitter flavor! This was also the first time i have tried black coffee also no sugar in coffee, and surprisingly it was OK, not repulsive as i thought it would be.....i usually have all milk sweet coffee so this was the other end of the spectrum for me! Apparently you only need to add sugar if there is something wrong with the coffee to counteract the bitterness, if a coffee is made correctly you shouldn't need to add any sugar....deep stuff! ....Also learned that espresso is not my thing, too much of an acquired taste for me lol All in all a wonderful place, i was really impressed! and its amazing how bad other coffee shops coffee taste after trying awesome coffee! definitely recommend it!

These guys really know their coffee, another great addition to Birmingham. You wouldn't know they existed unless you happen to walk through the Piccadilly Arcade (That's the one near the New Street Entrance, looks like a walkway). I went along to an exclusive coffee tasting/brewing event with Yelp and I wasn't disappointed. We were shown the different types of brewing they do as well as comparing their "proper" coffee to that of a well know Seattle based coffee company. The difference was staggering and definitely not surprising. Except no imitations! Small but perfectly formed, it seats no more than 15-20 people but if you get a chance to pop in, do!

I have no idea where to start. I love this place! They serve some of the best coffee in the city. A 30 second walk from Birmingham New Street railway station, I highly recommend stepping outside to Piccadilly Arcade to get your coffee over the generic chain coffee shops in the station. Cheaper than the chains too! Coffee here is made with love, care and attention, and the small size of the shop makes you aware of the process the barista goes through. The water is filtered, the freshly ground coffee is weighed, it is brewed at the perfect temperature and pressure. My first visit I enjoyed a long black, espresso and a flat white made with Brazil Ibairi espresso from Extract Coffee, it was perfect as a flat white with a chocolaty liquorice taste. I then tried a V60 made with Las Brisas Huila from Square Mile which had a fruity apple like taste to it. I then enjoyed a banana loaf cake, bargain at £1.20. Their lovely selection of cakes are made Faculty themselves. The only downside is they do not provide electrical power sockets, but they do have free wifi. They are currently trying a new coffee bean every day as their house coffee, so visit to try something new to be in for a surprise. They do many different methods if you ask, espresso, v60, extraction, AeroPress to name a few.

This place takes pride in its coffee, don't expect to come in and walk out in 2 minutes. They take there time and make it right. Only whole milk or soy (I think) is available, I would prefer semi or even skimmed but I can let it go as I'm sure there's a reason and they know what there doing. It's a very small and cosy establishment, next door is a separate business but the same owner or the buildings so you can take a sandwich over and eat it with a coffee. There are also plenty of cakes to choose from and some epically named teas. Now for a small gripe, the place opens at 8am in weekdays. If I can I like to wait and go here as the coffee is worth it. But there have been occasions - more than one. Where I have walked past at 8:10 and it's not open or 8:20 and it isn't open. I'm not sure why, I presume maybe they've been stuck in traffic or something and you can let it go as it can happen. Now on other occasions I wait patiently outside for it to open staring at the window displays so as not to crowd the place. A guy appears and goes in around 7:50, then comes back out and disappears off returning again at just before 8. He opens and starts setting up the cakes etc. I walk in and ask if I can order. To be sold he can't make anything for at least another 5 minutes because the machines need setting up. Maybe it's me, but after running shops and doing early starts it's important that if you open at a time everything should be up and running at that time because people are in a hurry for work and so on. So unfortunately and I hate to see this, it loses points for me. It doesn't get the score the coffee deserves because it's not just the one occasion and the punctuality feels a little haphazard.

In the heart of Piccadilly Arcade, Faculty Coffee is one of the many independent coffee places in Bham. The cafe is quite small and can get busy quickly, but the coffee is well worth the wait. Especially the flat white. If you go in on weekdays it's quieter. Good range of cakes/ pastries too!

After a little badgering from Vix (knowing I'm a coffee fiend) I finally got around to trying the faculty. All the starting signs were great, minimalist approach, a slowly crafted coffee (rather than a 30 second mass produced one) a good knowledge of etiquette (the espresso came with cold water without needing to ask) and the ambience (low volume chilled out music) were all there. So what's the catch? There isn't one really, I only decided to nudge them down to a four star due to personal taste, on tasting my espresso I found the bean / roast combination a little too acidic for my taste, nothing else - the texture, temperature and strength were all there, maybe I'll try the v60 next time to see if there is any difference or if it is more suited to my tastebuds.

What these guys don't know about coffee just isn't worth knowing. They have taken the art of a good cup of coffee and blended it with science to create a fantastic brew. Everything from an espresso to a V60 is on offer here as well as a good range of teas if you're not a coffee fan. The stark, bare aesthetic of the place just reinforces that the focus here is on coffee - although some of the wooden stools remind me of woodwork lessons at school! Yet with that stripped back look instead of a clinical vibe the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming and the guys are always happy to chat about the thing they love most - coffee! Delicious looking cakes are also on offer, I'm yet to try their cakey delights but from the look of the banana and nutella loaf in there today it won't be long before I'm enticed back. Being in the Piccadilly Arcade it is somewhat on the small side as all the units in there are and as such it means there can be limited seating, but take away is always available which is also handy if you're running for a train at New Street Station. A great addition to the group of top notch coffee shops in Brum.

Faculty is a really cool, cosy independent coffee shop run by people who really do know their coffee. Faculty is not the place to go if you're after frothy frapiatos with hazelnut syrup. It is the place to go if you want good quality coffee. The menu does include some old favourites, including cappuccino and latte, but it also has a few less well known drinks, like the V60 filter coffees (not exactly sure what this is but the process of making one involved filters and glass bottles). If, like me, you don't know much about coffee Faculty is a great place to try something new and learn a bit more about the different varieties out there.

This place takes its hot beverages seriously. A tiny little room in the charming Piccadilly Arcade, Faculty is all brick walls and old fashioned school tables. The flat whites are excellent and you can also get aero-press coffee, you don't see that very often! I'm a big fan of the teas. A variety of loose leaf teas are available and they arrive in a stylish teapot on a little tray with a sand timer to tell you when the tea is ready. No squeezing out of tea bags here! Cakes are available but the selection is quite small, you don't go there for the cakes really. Definitely one to take your coffee loving friends to.

Finally a real specialist coffee shop, the real deal, the genuine article of what every coffee connoisseur out there is gagging for. This place just recently opened and already it is attracting quite a crowd. Passers by are instantly drawn to this place, as I was, by the unique methods by which they were brewing their coffee. I passed inside to try some of the red brick blend they were selling and I was at first bemused at the lack of sugar. Maybe they care about my health, and sugar level but no it was more than that. I eavesdropped into one of the staffs conversation with customers about why they do not offer sugar. Watching as he meticulously served a customer using what looked like an alchemist's set of jugs, filters and weighing scales. The location is directly across from New Street station in the Piccadilly arcade which suits me fine so I imagine I will be spending some hours here working. There was a selection of fresh cakes but since I am not a sweet tooth I will hope another yelper gets a chance to try them.

Faculty is a breath of fresh air in a city saturated by soulless chain coffee shops! Recently a few cool, independent coffee shops have opened, but for a a city of it's size, Birmingham is severely lacking in this department. Situated in Piccadilly arcade, it is a charming little place with a simplistic, organic decor and even after one glance inside, I knew this is a place that is passionate and knowledgeable about every little detail. After perusing the board behind the counter, I chose an Americano. The menu is based on quality over quantity, providing authentic classics that need no frills or additions. Despite having just eaten, when I seen the selection of cakes and pastries on offer, I couldn't stop myself. A feta and beetroot tart was calling my name and I am happy I answered! Faculty shares it space with the adjoining shop next door so you can take your order through and sit in there if necessary. We did and whilst in there we couldn't resist ordering the greek salad with tabbouleh to accompany the beetroot tart. There was also a variety of sandwiches, quiches and salads available. Everything here is fresh and original so there is no set menu on any day but you can guarantee that whatever is on offer has been created by people with a genuine passion for it. All members of staff were very friendly and you can see that they care about their produce and their customers. If you haven't yet been then I advise that you do as soon as possible! I will be returning to Faculty whenever I am near and I will only spend my money in independent coffee shops in the city from now on!

Good coffee, and great cake. A very small venue though so don't count on getting a seat when you get here. Sometimes the music is on too loudly to hold a conversation. A bit annoying as the place is so small too. Definitely worth a try though if you love coffee. Especially as it's an independent rather than the chain next door.

They take their tea very seriously, worth the extra pound or so you would pay if you went to costa/ Starbucks etc

Great coffee, friendly staff and in a nice location in Birmingham. It's a nice small independent cafe to catch up with friends in and drink good coffee and tea. The reason why I haven't given it 5 stars is because I'm not a fan of the food from the kitchen next door. The cakes are amazing but the savoury food wasn't as good as I expected it to be. I had a falafel sandwich, which was really dry :(

Located in Picadilly Arcade just across from New Street Station this little coffee shop is wonderful. Not only do they serve a good range of teas and coffees they have freshly baked cakes etc (from right next door). There's a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a quick stop off, chilling out with a book or catching up with friends. I'm about to become a regular.

They know their beans! I visited here on a Yelp Elite event and was really impressed. Small and simply (but stylishly) furnished. We were treated to a coffee master class and had our eyes opened! To start we were given a choice of Peppermint or Tangerine and Ginger infusions (Not tea!!! - long story) I had the Peppermint and it was delightful. We tried the Coffee's in the traditional tasting methods (Slurp as loud as you like!) Then we were treated to an espesso (the perfect espresso) Im not a big espresso fan however some of my fellow yelp commrades are and were very impressed with this little cup of caffine! The staff here are super friendly, they are also clearly very passionate and knowledgable about their profession. Whilst I can not promise never to drink another Starbucks (Its the only coffee shop my PA passess on her way into work!) I have definatley changed the way I think about coffee. I will definately be returning to the Faculty, as often as I can! the prices are excellent and far less than I expected for a specialist place. Located in a beautiful little shopping arcade its a great place to sit and enjoy a coffee (not just drink but to actually enjoy it) either alone and watch the world pass by the large window or with friends in this intimate little coffee house. Go see the guys there and experience some real good coffee (or tea!)

Finally a independent coffee shop, which knows how to make amazing coffee. A must for all coffee lovers. The flat White was just perfect. The cakes are lovely home, and taste as good as they look. Peanut butter and jelly blondie, what a great idea. For anyone who lives coffee, you have to go here.

Currently perhaps the best coffee shop in Brum, especially for those geeks who like to discuss the dull minutia of their coffee rather than just enjoy it (or not!) These folks, led by owner Geoff, ex of the excellent Saints Cafe on St Pauls Square, really know their stuff. Good wifi signal too. They've copied the best of the Aussie/London hipster coffee vibe to a tee, but in a way that's less irritatingly derivative than similarly focused places in the city. The place works and all is as it should be. No fluff or pseudo cool. It's very welcoming, and that's harder to achieve than decent coffee: the staff will take the time to chat, but without imposing. They seem dedicated to getting things right. I've been a few times and tried their flat white, which was on the positive side of OK, tho with a hint of sourness that leads me to thinking it's under-extracted. This isn't uncommon if staff prefer filter brews and 'modern' roasting approaches, i.e. a tendency to acidity and complexity/fruitiness. I prefer a fuller, choc/nutty flavour in my cup, but there is no right and wrong - just preference. It may also be the guest beans I've tried. The tea selection is first rate - the minimum on offer but covers all bases really well. Very pleasant presentation and people are encouraged to time/let the leaves brew correctly. None of that throw in a bag and let it stew, or pour it right away so you get weak, tasteless tainted water in your cup. Good to see. Had a slice of cake one visit and have to say I enjoyed it - tasted fresh and hand-made. Wasn't dry, three day old style like you get in some places, but why or why is it left out uncovered: not really hygienic in my opinion but this is something where 'cool looking' seems to take priority over keeping flies, fingers and spittle away! There are other places in Brum who do the same: poor! Highly recommended!

Simply put, wonderful independent coffee shop, with a great quality but somewhat limited selection of cakes, and fantastic coffee. I have gone here several times now and constantly impressed with the quality of service and of the the food and coffee