Gorilla Coffee, Birmingham’s first fully-licensed cycle cafe, has opened in Kings Heath following a successful launch last week. Whether it’s watching cycling events on the big screen, using it as a handy stopping point on your favourite Strava route, or having your ride serviced or repaired in the fully-equipped bike workshop, Gorilla Coffee is set to be the place to push your pedals.
Opening its doors for the very first time to those who are barmy about bikes, Gorilla Coffee’s launch party brought in the city’s cycling VIPs; with everyone from Birmingham’s sustainable transport consultants to BAFTA-award winning directors of ‘BICYCLE’ in attendance. The new venue, located on Drayton Road, served up a selection of antipasti, with locally sourced breads, cheeses, and charcuterie on offer.
Celebrating local producers sits at the heart of Gorilla Coffee; the coffee served is created by Worcestershire-based Coffee Masters, and the craft beer on offer celebrates the best of Brum. A firm favourite on the drinks’ list is the collection of beers from Black Heath’s Fixed Wheel Brewery: No Brakes IPA, which is perfect after a hard day in the saddle.
Gorilla Coffee’s co-owners James Connolly and Stacey Jarvis have been working on the project for two years. James commented:
“It’s great to finally have the doors open and be able to welcome people in! This has been a dream of mine for 10 years and we really wanted to do it justice. I couldn’t be prouder of what Stacey and I have created, and I hope that people enjoy coming to Gorilla Coffee as much as we have enjoyed making it.”
Located above the café and operated by highly-experienced cycle mechanic Damian Towers, Gorilla Coffee’s pièce-de-résistance, the bike workshop, is fully equipped to undertake everything from minor adjustments through to full servicing. There are two service packages available: the Domestique service, which is an interim service to keep your bike running true, and the King of the Mountain service that sees the bike fully stripped down and rebuilt.
With both services, you receive a free drink to enjoy while the experts get down to the nitty-gritty. What’s more, in the new year, Gorilla Coffee will offer a collection and delivery service within five miles of the shop. Whether it’s your work place, home, or train station, the team will come and find your ride.
“We want to offer somewhere with a community feel, where people who enjoy an active lifestyle can meet for coffee and cake, or when they aren’t training, great food, beer, and premium wine. Having been a competitive triathlete, I know how few places welcome cyclists or runners: we want to change that by being an establishment that is comfortable with an upmarket edge. We will have specialist events and community activities, as well as running and cycling clubs, all operating in the heart of Kings Heath. ” James continued.
Alongside co-owners James and Stacey, Gorilla Coffee has employed bike-technician Damien, two expert baristas and one front of house host. Over 350 applications were received during Gorilla Coffee’s recruitment drive, so the team selected is the best of the bunch.
Gorilla Coffee is now open for business and 8am-8pm on Monday to Saturday, as well as 8am-4pm on Sunday. What’s more, if you book in your bike before Christmas, Gorilla Coffee is offering you £10 off the Domestique and King of the Mountain packages. To find out more about its menus and events, visit the website, like the Facebook page, or ride by and say hi!