Birmingham's newest independent coffee spot, CURBSIDE coffee co., opens its doors tomorrow (Wednesday 30 September) inside the University of Birmingham Business School, and to mark the occasion every hot and cold drink on the menu - from classic cappuccinos to butterscotch brûlée lattes - will cost just £1 for the entire day.
The 'small and independent' café, founded by Josh Thomas, is making the leap from its original tuktuk operation to a permanent site. Customers can take advantage of the promotional pricing from 8am to 3pm on opening day, with the full drinks range including coffee, matcha, and chai available at the bargain rate.
From tuktuk to business school
Josh Thomas started his coffee venture in a tuktuk outside University (Birmingham) train station in January 2024, after quitting his job in 2023. Initially told by staff that he could not park there, he was eventually permitted to trade outside the university's accommodation instead. By 2025, he had been allowed to move back to the train station, and the mobile café will continue to operate alongside the new opening.
The new café's coffee blend has been created in collaboration with Ithaka Roasters in Digbeth. Thomas emphasised the thought behind the menu, telling BirminghamLive: "Our products on offer are well thought-out. We've designed the taste profiles to what we believe is great coffee. And all the ingredients we use are genuine too."
Local suppliers and seasonal menu
Thomas highlighted the use of local suppliers, including Craig Finch butchers in Harborne, Silvertree Bakery in Sutton Coldfield, and Ithaka in Digbeth. The food offering is described as 'fairly simple', focusing on 'good quality, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients'. The staple menu includes breakfast and lunch sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and fresh salads.
Next week, CURBSIDE will launch its seasonal menu, which Thomas promises will bring 'a bit more fun' to the table. The current autumnal drinks menu already features butterscotch brûlée lattes and pistachio praline hot chocolates.
Open to everyone
Thomas expressed his ambition to create a 'genuine space' offering 'well sourced items', adding: "And then just delivering that in a way that creates a positive experience for everyone. It sounds cheesy, but hospitality touches everyone's lives." He also praised the university's Food Fellows team for supporting his tuktuk venture, and the University of Birmingham Business School for enabling the café's growth.
CURBSIDE is open to all and aims to be a 'great place to come and work'. Customers should note that parking nearby is limited, but the café is a 12-minute walk from University (Birmingham) train station or a nine-minute walk from Selly Oak high street. The café is located at University House, 116 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2TY.
