Six Eight Kafé

Looks pretty small from outside but there is a much bigger downstairs area with seating and sofas. WiFi available throughout the café and a good selection of cakes especially for people looking for gluten free. Coffees are delicious and worth the wait as sometimes it can get pretty busy during peak hours.

My new favourite coffee house. Good Americano and Latte, and really good service. No messing around in here.

One of the best independent coffee shops in the city, situated a short walk from Colmore row, and snow hill station along with Birmingham cathedral it has a fantastic location but can get busy at peak times. The coffee is fantastic and there is a lot of thought and time put into each drinks. However this can lead to a slightly longer wait time than your traditional coffee shop.

Such a great little café. It’s really convenient for me-​situated just off the cathedral square. They do delicious cakes and pastry’s and porridge in the morning. Their selection of coffee is the real calling card though! Not like all the chains where you know what the board will say before you even go in! This morning however, I just went for a latte, but it was delicious! Only £2.90 for a large cup to take out, which I thought was pretty good! Also, unlike all the other shops, I only had to wait a couple of minutes, despite two people being in front of me-​again unlike certain chain coffee shops where you wait for what seems like an age!
They do events here and are some times open in the evening. They also open up downstairs for special events such as the Flatpack Festival and show short films and have small bands playing. Great atmosphere:)

Unfortunately When I went here it almost to close so I decided to take out. The master was really nice！he made a scene of special cup of coffee for me ！i shall come back to test these cake

Good choice of teas

I don’t know much about coffee, but I know when I taste some damn good coffee. I had a latte at Six Eight today which was reminiscent of the delicious coffee I loved so much in Portland. Accompanied by a slice of gluten free lemon drizzle cake, which is not only the best GF cake I’ve ever had but also the best lemon drizzle, GF or otherwise. So soft and saturated with a tangy lemon flavour. Utterly delicious. I will be dragging my husband along here on one of our many tea (followed by cocktails) crawls through the city. Great café and so conveniently located in the city centre. Loved it — staff were super friendly too. York’s now has a contender for winning my heart ;)

Best coffee shop I’ve ever been to. Main thing is, that a lot of coffee shops somehow miss, is that the COFFEE is really nice. The staff are always friendly, and good cakes there too.
Top place!

My favourite coffee spot! Every cup is spot on. Perfect for a relaxed atmosphere and a catch up

I travel a lot and have to rely on a coffee chain for my caffeine fix usually. When in Birmingham ⁶⁄₈ is where I head off too, excellent coffee and a tempting selection of cake!

We have lots of independent coffee shops to choose from in Birmingham and ⁶⁄₈ is definitely one of the best. This is the original ⁶⁄₈ site, just by the Great Western Arcade. There are seats inside and out.
Inside is clean and stylish, with window seats as well as a long bench with lots of individual tables.
On the counter there is a wonderful display of cakes. I’ve had cakes here a few times and they are always delicious and good quality.
The coffee is for coffee lovers and enthusiasts. I love the flat whites– this was probably the first place I had a really good flat white! The espresso is a tad strong for me, I found it too bitter on its own. I know lots of people like that but it’s not for me.
You can buy Independent Birmingham cards here too.
An excellent place to while away an afternoon with coffee and cake.

So this is embarrassing.
I go here quite a bit. In fact, I’m currently the duke. The staff know my order when I walk in and I’m constantly recommending it to people, so this review is well overdue. I apologise to ⁶⁄₈ and to Unilocal,but mainly to those of you who decided not to go here, when one review would have tipped the balance. You, my friend, missed out on great coffee.
I always say how I’m new to coffee. I don’t think I can really use that excuse any more; I’ve been drinking it a fair while. And now I’ve got snobby about it. The coffee in Six Eight is great. The awards say it’s the best in the city and I wouldn’t argue with that. With coffee like this, it really is going to be personal preference if you like somewhere else more. For me, it’s my go-​to place (sorry everyone else!).
The cake selection here is also brilliant. It’s small but they are all good. And at times, baked by the staff themselves. Six Eight isn’t afraid to give new things a go; I picked up a one off batch of chocolate truffles in January. When I asked, they just wanted to see how they went.
The staff here are a treasure; really knowledgable and passionate, and really friendly. No awkward silence whilst I’m waiting for my Flat White to go. I’ve also sat in here to do some work and some reading and it was great for both. The wifi is, of course, free.
If I was picking holes, I’d say the range of savoury food on offer is small. But I go there for the amazing Chocolate Guiness cake…
So yes, looking for a coffee (or a tea, if you’re one of those types!) then head here. We’re lucky to have some great coffee shops in Birmingham. However, this one, for me, takes the crown.

The interior is so cute! You can tell that the drinks are crafted with care as well. Had a lemon cake and it was delicious. Would totally recommend this place and I am definitely going back!

I have always been a fan of Six Eight and, I think, I always will be. In my opinion it’s still one of the best cups of coffee in the City (as well as some of the best cakes). I still maintain that it’s not the cheapest place to visit for a cuppa in the City Centre, but I definitely think you get what you pay for in this ace little venue.
I have used this venue as an occasional office throughout this year. I find it’s a great place to catch up with a friend or have a casual low-​key meeting. I tend to find the seating isn’t all that comfortable for a long term stay, but if you are popping by for an hour or so — it’s the place to go!
They’ve recently extended their tea selection and it’s divine! On my last visit I enjoyed a couple of different varieties, but the clementine spice (which was very Christmassy and perfect for Winter) was a stand out for me.
As a top tip, check out the little selection of goodies to the right hand side of the venue (as you walk in the door). There are some great little gifts to purchase made my local artists. I’ve delighted a lot of friends with some of the super cute hand drawn badges, books and comics on offer.
2015 brings a new chapter to the Six Eight story… A second permanent branch at Millennium Point. Only time will tell if it will be as much of a winner as the original, but I am looking forward to checking it out.

Had 30mins till my appointment. Decided to go to this café. Been a regular and my fav recently. Orderd tea and cake. Waited for over 20mins for the tea. Different staff from the ones I see. There were two people before me. Other customers came and got their drinks and left. I sat for long time till I had to leave to go to my appointment. Guy came after me got his drink really quick instead of making mine first, was brought only cake after that and finished it before my drink.
I lost track of time reading news on my phone and realised It was almost time for my appointment did not get my tea. Got really upset I went up to counter and told her I did not get my drink having been there waiting for over 20mins and now I have to go. All I got was «sorry». Did not try to give me my refund (forgot I had paid) or atleast make me to-​go cup. I left and that is last time I ever go to this café. Not like they care or losing anything but I’m never going there again.

Everyone who knows me will admit I’m very particular when it comes to coffee shops. I’m not impressed by pretentiousness, preciousness or trendiness. I want great coffee, comfy surroundings, attentive staff who care (but not in your face) and the all important and yet somewhat unquantifiable vibe! I’m pleased to say Six Eight Kafe ticks the boxes.
I was probably one of their very first customers. I think during the first day or two of opening they were giving away free sample coffees so i popped over. The staff were lovely but kinda didn’t have much clue (either did I back then, but I knew what I liked!) What impressed me then was their attention to the customer and the desire to be great. Without that any coffee shop will fall down one way or another.
When I opened my own shop a few months later I kept in contact and it was clear from the owner down that they believed in the best. I’ve been back several times but it’s a bit off my normal routes so it’s never been a first choice; plus the small size makes me less likely to hang out there to work — I’d feel I was taking space!
Their choice of bean blend wouldn’t be mine, but that doesn’t make it bad: coffee runs a whole range and one blend (or single origin or estate) will be remarkably different to another. It’s about preference. At Brewsmiths I went chocolate, nutty, rich roast when I designed the house blend, because that’s my preference. Six Eight take a different road and that’s cool — I can still tell a well prepared cup.
I ordered a flat white. Right sized cup, rich, creamy milk and on the cooler side. All great as a basis and it tasted very good: mild acidic and fruit style, but impressive. My second cup was a bit under-​extracted and the milk less smooth, but as good as most local indi places I’d rate.
What makes the difference is who makes it: their skill, understanding and own quality control. In the ‘old days’ this place was almost obsessive. Now I’m not so sure. But it’s a fine line: obsession can easily become preciousness and pretension. I’d rather have an ⁸⁄₁₀ brew but an informal, engaging vibe! The ideal of course is a ¹⁰⁄₁₀ 100% of the time and a wonderful atmosphere — the holy grail!
Food … I’m not much of a coffee shop food fan and Six Eight only really offers the usual, so hopes were not too high. However, the panini I ordered was tasty: just the right amount of ingredients in the mix; not too much or too little of any one thing. It’s clearly prepared with care. It wasn’t quite melted enough (mature cheddar another couple of minutes under the press) but on a very warm day maybe not too bad. Would scoff it again another day — most coffee shop food in Brum I can pretty much leave, so a big plus mark here!
The cake … we each had a slice of Gavin’s, aka Tobizzytobake, Guinness/​Choc indulgence. It has rightly won a reputation to envy and over the years he’s stuck to the same recipe because it’s a winner. I could say pricey at £2.75 (and seems there’s no special coffee and cake deal, or none was mentioned, which is a shame and maybe a bit mean!) but it’s about par for the course these days. I also know margin on quality cake like this isn’t massive, especially as the amazing cream cheese topping doesn’t have much shelf life.
I could grumble about some of the other cakes being left uncovered and so liable to people touching, flies, and other nasties, etc. Not best on the hygiene scale in my opinion! I don’t think it’s acceptable but there are other shops who do the same. Disappointing. At least the panini’s are wrapped these days.
On to the all important (to me at least!) vibe … Six Eight is pretty relaxed. The staff are very nice. They have personality. They want to do well. There is nothing to irritate or make you feel less than welcome and comfortable. This I like.
The place is clearly well managed. You see it right away when you’ve been responsible for a shop yourself. All the signs are right: the fine line between informality and attending to what needs to be done and taking care of customers.
So, it’s been a long time since I ventured over to the Six Eight side of town but I enjoyed my visit and stayed much longer than planned as a result. Highly recommended whether you’re a coffee geek or someone who just likes a relaxing place to hang out with a good cup!

I had a lovely lemon cake and a very nice hot chocolate today!
Staff are friendly polite and the place feels very relaxed. Ideal for a catchup.

Best toast in the world. And it’s not just the bread — but how it’s toasted and covered with drippy salted butter. Out if this world — and I know my bread. This is also the best coffee place in Birmingham. I pronounce it to be so by royal decree so don’t argue (please). This might apply for all of England but I don’t feel qualified to say that yet given my realm and my limited travels on this little island.
The staff are all super nice and enthusiastic about coffee and the things you can do with it if properly equipped. They are happy to chat about different beans and how to make various coffee drinks and even get into the chemistry behind roasting. The beans they use come from a well renowned independent coffee roaster called Has Bean and the house blend is always changing and very delicious. There is also a broad selection of teas and the bring out your own pit with a sand-​timer to let you know when the steeping is done.
They have free wifi that works great and a very nice setup for seating with good background music and there is even an event space in the basement.
I don’t feel like a trip to the Brum is complete without at least one visit here.

I’ve heard so many good things about this place from my friends that I had to try it. A friend and I went recently for the first time and as soon as you walk into the café you’re hit with the smell of gorgeous coffee and gorgeous cake!
We both tried a chai latte (my first time trying) and now this is definitely on my «craving» list. I returned with my other half a few days ago and we had a lovely corner seat to ourselves, beautifully presented and beautifully tasting chai lattes and since we mentioned sharing a slice of cake the kind staff even brought us over two forks so we could share at the same time — very considerate!
And also free wifi! What’s not to love!

A great coffee shop that is located directly North Western Arcade and is popular with the locals. It has also been voted as one of the top 50 coffee shops in the UK!
Wow wee!
I have been in here a couple of times, more recently for a Unilocal Swishing event. It was nice to be recognised by one of the baristas, that had previously worked in another coffee shop which provided a personable service.
I have only sampled hot drinks here, so the food options must be tried soon! The customer service is great, and drinks are bought to the table.
They also have a basement area that hosts live music events, storytelling and film nights. Just contact Sal if you would like to hire out the basement area —
Oh and there is also free Wi-​Fi here too — password is on the black board behind the main counter.

Seriously, you must visit this place.
So, even though I wrote the directions on my phone to get here from New Street station, I still managed to get lost (I’m really dorky that way). But I managed to find my way around and there I was, in front of the café! The place is very cosy and intimate (well for me anyhoos), as cafes should be, without any sort of pretentiousness.
As evidenced by the photo, I opted for a mocha and a salami panini. Both were satisfying but I caved in to the temptation of a brownie and topped up with another cup of java (note: «long black=» Americano). Can we say «yummy in my tummy?» If it were possible, I’d mack on all the food in the place: P
Is it pricey? I’m not gonna lie, ’tis a tiny bit, but you can take comfort in knowing that you’re supporting a local business and quality beverages and food. And the baristas are super-​duper nice and helpful.