I visit the chic Birmingham neighbourhood cafe with a French toast twist and rose & pistachio latte

Sitting on the edge of one of most historic neighbourhoods in Birmingham, Colanzo gleams with style and beauty.

It’s not just the exterior of the new chic cafe that shines in this ancient urban village, which has somehow managed to retain some nostalgic charm amid modernity.

The first thing that catches your eye as you enter the recently opened venue on The Green in Kings Norton is the beautiful cakes adorning the glass counter inside. It’s a cosy spot - there were around ten other people seated inside when I visited late-ish on a Saturday afternoon.  

There is also a fetching garden terrace, lined with benches and tables overlooking the 500 year old green - although we haven’t quite got the weather for them yet with all the winter storms of late!

But I wasn’t here for cake - despite the pretty pastries seemingly calling out to me with their gorgeousness. Today, I was on a mission to discover what the Colanzo twist on a classic dish of French Toast was all about!

Traditionally this eggy bread is soaked in eggs, milk and cream then pan-fried. I’ve not eaten it too often, but it sounded like the sweet treat I needed. At Colanzo you get to choose your own filling - with a choice of pistachio, nutella and bischoff up for grabs.

The dish (£8.95) is served with a scoop of madagascan vanilla ice cream and fresh blueberries and strawberries - so I was getting some of my five a day along with all the sugar, a bonus!

Well I can happily tell you that this feast of sweetness was worth every calorie. The gentle, warm and tender bread, smothered in caramelised goodness was utter joy. It oozed with deliciousness.  The cool ice cream refreshed my mouth in between bites - and the fresh fruit kept me on the straight and narrow amid my naughty but nice brunch.

It was a solo trip and after I had ordered my food from the most friendly and helpful waitress I was shown to one of two single tables in the cosy cafe which are next to the windows looking out onto The Green. It’s a perfect spot for a hospitality venue - and great to see the back of the former Lloyds Bank being put to such good use.

For my drink, I was verily tempted by the Rose and Pistachio Latte - served hot or iced (£4.50).But instead decided to go for a Mint and Honey tea (£2.95). Served nice and hot in a teapot with a cup and saucer and a little jar of honey to add in myself it was a perfect accompaniment to my French toast - nice and refreshing with the honey bringing a touch of sweetness, rounding off the flavours.  

I can’t wait to return to try more of the Colanzo wonders - maybe I’ll try a savoury brunch next, or a cake. There’s afternoon tea as well as bubble tea. So much to choose from for such a bijou venue. Well worth a visit if you haven’t been already.

Here's a few of my pictures from my visit to Colanzo at The Green, Kings Norton: