Machan

When this was opening on Newhall Street, it was before Birmingham’s independent coffee shop explosion and I got quite excited that they were opening a little café inside the corner shop. It turns out it’s just a few tables and chairs but I still thought I could work from there in short stints. Then the aforementioned coffee shops arrived and now I have plenty of choice as to which one I visit each day.
However, Machans does have everything you need as far as a corner shop is concerned. Not a huge selection but I’m sure the block of flats above it appreciate it more and I imagine (not seen) like the idea of popping downstairs for a coffee if they don’t want to stray too far. The offices on this street will account for some of the business too but as a resident, I wish the local shops would open longer hours, ideally till 11pm in case we locals have forgotten to buy milk for the morning.
Especially as they compete with the mini Tesco’s (many of them) that are the alternative for a late night snack.