Freshers Guide: Study Spaces and Quick Bites

Welcome to Harborne!

Whether you’re brand new to Birmingham, or returning to the city you may not be familiar with one of Birmingham’s best suburbs. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to Harborne’s high street! Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, you’ll find everything you need in our suburb, including the best places to get together for a laid back study space and quick bites that’ll keep you going throughout the day without breaking the bank!

STUDY SPACES

A new semester does unfortunately mean essays and exams are on the way. We don’t always want to be on campus or back at housing to study. A new space is refreshing and puts you in that mindset to knuckle down and get to work. Harborne’s study spots have all the essentials you need: good coffee, brain food, plenty of space, seating, wi-fi and outlets too.

Arco Lounge

Bigger tables and later closing hours make Arco a good choice for friends to get together in the thick of exam season. It’s a popular spot for families and friends and the music creates a relaxed atmosphere, so it may not be for the easily distracted at busy hours. Still quieter weekdays, morning and later hours provide the perfect time to move-in and get studying!

Coffee Tales

Come exam season, you’ll see Coffee Tales full of fellow students that know this is a tried and true remote working spot. Bright, spacious, with good wi-fi and a selection of outlets – it’s the top choice for a reason.

182-184 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9PP

Boston Tea Party Harborne

Colourful, laid back with a rustic feel (and a great menu!) Boston Tea Party is a student staple. Outlets are a little sparser, but the friendly team will be able to help you find the table you need. And if you’re not concerned about keeping your devices charged, the outdoor spot is a lovely space to study in good weather.

The School Yard, 106 High St, Birmingham B17 9NJ

Caffe Nero

Caffe Nero is another popular study spot! While it doesn’t offer as much space as other venues, the study spot toward the back of the shop is a perfect comfortable space for remote working or a study group session. Cap that all off with top quality coffee and it’s easy to see why it’s a competition to get a space sometimes. We recommend showing up early to bag yourself the best spaces.

143-151 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NP

 

Harborne Library

You can’t forget your local library! Harborne Library is better for individual study or a small group – we all know how libraries feel about too much noise! Wi-fi, outlets, simple study spaces and computers available to those without a laptop – it’s a simple spot for a simple, hardworking study session.

193 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9QG

 

QUICK BITES

Whether you’re making a quick pit-stop, or taking a study break we’re always looking for somewhere that can provide a bite that’s satisfying, packed full of flavour and doesn’t break the bank. These quick lunch spots will do just the job!

Lebanese Munch

If you ask the local community for a lunch spot, nine out of ten times they’ll say this place! The Lebanese Munch menu includes falafel wraps, shawarma, halloumi and ever reliable french fries. Recently renovated, it’s a nice spot to stop and eat-in but of course offers take away too. With prices coming in at £5 – £10, make it a priority next time you’re looking for a quick bite on the high street!
83a High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NR

 

Rosetta Lounge

The coffee lounge isn’t just for baked goods and breakfast food, along the counter you’ll find a range of freshly made sandwiches too – baguettes that pack a ton of flavour and can easily be picked up along with your morning coffee for an easy lunch!

93a, Rosetta Lounge, Harborne, High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NR

 

Damascena

Another community favourite, if you’re looking for a relaxed lunch spot that’s as tasty as it is affordable, you’ll most likely be recommended Damascena. Right in the middle of the high street, it’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee and some Middle Eastern cuisine. If you’re looking to make a quick visit, you can pick up a wrap or sandwich to take away – chicken shawarma flatbreads, chicken baguettes, vegan falafel wraps, tuna ciabattas, salmon and soft cheese bagel are all customer favourites with plenty more options to choose from too.

103 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9N

 

Looking for somewhere more familiar, you’ll find M&S Food Hall and Waitrose at either end of the high street, both with a wide variety of breakfast/lunch pick-up options. We recommend taking a trip to Waitrose toward the end of the day when you’ll find excellent reductions on everything from sandwiches to sushi to overnight oats.

See more of our guides to Pubs & Bars, Shopping, Breakfast & Brunch and Health & Beauty!