I discover the best jacket potato of my life at a hidden gem cafe in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham

The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham isn’t just home to hundreds of jewellers, it’s also home to plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars that can cater to every taste and mood.

One of them is Soda Bread Cafe, which is a charming little place located in St Paul’s Square, on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. 

The owner, Elisabeth, has been running the cafe for seven years and sources all of the food locally, including milk, bread, and meat. “I want to offer my customers the best quality food that is fresh, natural, and sustainable,” she tells me. 

Elisabeth prides herself on serving quality food that satisfies her customers, who come from all walks of life, from construction workers to solicitors.

She says: “We get so many people walking in who are from all kinds of backgrounds, from local businessmen to couples who are looking for wedding rings.” 

The menu at Soda Bread Cafe is simple but satisfying, with a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. You can choose from sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, and homemade cakes, all made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. 

The cafe also serves breakfast and brunch, with options such as scrambled eggs, bacon and much more. It even has a selection of wine and beers to choose from.

I sat down and had what was perhaps the best jacket potato of my life

The potato was cooked to perfection, it came with cheese, beans and salad and tasted heavenly. The beans were hot and the salad was fresh. It was a perfect lunch for a cold day.

Elisabeth told me that despite the cost of living crisis, her business hasn’t reduced. However, her costs have increased, but she hasn’t passed them onto her customers because she feels she can’t justify it. She said she wants to keep her prices affordable and fair for everyone. Soda Bread Cafe is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays, and from 9 am to 3:30 pm on Saturdays.