Independent coffee shop and café helping to fuel cycling revolution in Birmingham
The independent Coffee retailer, Gorilla Café, will be leasing 1,800 sq ft of space on the ground floor at Foundry in Brindleyplace from June.
The new premises sees the company expand its existing operation in Kings Heath and will offer a range of superb locally sourced food and drinks. Whether it’s coffee and cake or vegetarian and vegan, there is something to tantalise the tastebuds for everyone to enjoy in a relaxed contemporary environment.
In addition, Gorilla will be linking up with x+why (also based at Foundry), the award-winning flexible workspace provider, to offer clients their delicious coffee and excellent lite-bites.
x+why will provide spaces for innovative entrepreneurial businesses who will undoubtedly value the Gorilla proposition while supporting the local economy.
The introduction of a Birmingham-based independent supplier will enhance the range of food and beverage options available at Brindleyplace for workers and visitors and compliments independent pop-up food stands that have been introduced offering a variety of cuisine from around the world.
Environmental benefits are high on the agenda for Brindleyplace as the estate looks to deliver a range of options that help workers and visitors choose green methods of transport. With this in mind, customers at the café can benefit from a fully equipped bike workshop on-site that deals with servicing, consultations and advice through to custom builds and even access to a popular dedicated cycling club.
James Connolly, Owner of Gorilla Café, said: “Being based at Foundry brings our unique café culture to a whole new audience in Birmingham City centre. We will stay close to our core offer – a welcoming club-house, that is a cross between “Cheers” and the best cafe you’ve ever been to. Fantastic food, wonderful beer and great service are at the heart of what we do, it will compliment the ambience of Brindleyplace perfectly. In addition, our bike workshop and volunteer led cycle club will allow anyone who has an interest in cycling to get involved and really utilise the abundance of cycle routes that Birmingham has to offer, combine that with their working day and help the environment.”
Since starting in 2016, Gorilla has benefited from the increase in popularity of cycling throughout Birmingham and the entire UK. The cycle club operated by the café boasts over 250 members of varying standards and experience that head out twice a week with the overall objective being to have fun, keep fit and enjoy time with friends, new and old.
Dan Hart, Asset Management, Hines UK, commented: “Adding another independent business to Brindleyplace gives employees and leisure visitors further choice from a respected local food and beverage retailer in Gorilla Café. The link with x+why is highly complimentary and the additional cycle facilities bring further value to the fabulous transport accessibility available throughout Brindleyplace.”
With easy access to a network of canal towpaths directly from Brindleyplace and new ‘blue cycle routes’ on the A34 and A38 Bristol Road / Bristol Street, cycling to and from Birmingham is actively being encouraged and invested in by Birmingham City Council.
For more information about Gorilla Coffee, visit https://www.gorillacoffee.co.uk
