Black Orange in Solihull

We visited Black Orange on the strength of the reviews on Google and Trip Advisor when searching for the “best places for coffee in Solihull”, and I’m pleased to report that the reviews are accurate! It’s just off Mell Square, almost opposite where the street entrance to M&S used to be. The website looks like it’s under construction as it doesn’t have much information, which is a shame, as having a few photos on there would certainly encourage more people to find it, but don’t let that put you off. We were both impressed with how pleasant it is in there. There are a couple of tables outside on the pavement, where I sat and waited for my friend to arrive, and then we ordered and sat upstairs and the drinks were brought up to us. All staff members were smiley, very polite, friendly and helpful. There is a wide selection of hot and cold drinks, including some bottled drinks in the fridge, and they have a range of fruit teas including peach tea and even some more unusual Thai flavours. We had a latte and a decaf flat white, both were well presented in glass cups, served on cork mats. Both the caffeinated and the decaf coffees looked and tasted lovely with no bitterness and no need for sugar. We were so comfortable that we stayed for a second drink, and this time I had the frappe matcha latte and a traditional bun with butter, which was served warm. It was nice, like a sweet tasting bread and the butter had melted inside. There is a nice selection of savoury snacks and desserts and I have already decided that I will try the mango cheesecake next time. The reviews are right, it is immaculately clean, the atmosphere is busy but chilled, and it was a very pleasant place to spend a couple of hours. There was some tasteful background music, which added to the ambience without being obtrusive, being played on good quality speakers which sounded great. There was a steady stream of customers, of mostly young couples with one or two well behaved children. I could be mistaken, but there doesn’t appear to be a lift to access the upper level, and there are some bar stools in the window downstairs, and so it’s not particularly pushchair- or wheelchair- friendly, unless you sit at the tables outside. I like to support independent businesses and this one does a great job of looking after its customers. I definitely recommend it and will happily return. Thank you!

Best coffee in Solihull. And a lovely selection of pastries including the far east favourite “red bean bun” …. Love it. Well done!

Amy & Marcus are so welcoming and consistently great coffee and food so we are regulars. Even spotted comedy icon Joe Lycett getting his coffee there and he knows a thing or two.

What a wonderful coffee shop. This morning was my first visit and won’t be my last !!!! Piping hot coffee and an amazing crispy bun !!! I won’t say too much. Go eat one with butter yummy !!!!

This was such a cute little cafe a real hidden gem. Nice and quiet, no screaming kids as its all upstairs seating which is a bonus these days. Chai latte was lovely and the staff were so friendly and welcoming.

I love this coffee shop, amazing Chinese Treats. I love the sweet crispy bun with butter, it's a sweet dough with crunchy sugar on top, soft fluffy and soooo good. The satay beef is amazing and I'm just going to try the pork chop bun. I could stay here all day!