We went to the latest vegetarian cafe & bar in Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham & it had the most chill vibe

St Paul’s Square in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter features a host of amazing cocktail bars like The Rectory which has counted Prince William and Princess Kate among its guests.

Then there’s 40 St Paul’s which has won the accolade of being the best gin bar in the world - no less.

And the latest addition in this historic neighbourhood is a vegan & vegetarian bar & cafe which we visited recently after it opened.

Located on 30 Mary Ann St, this cafe and bar replaces Anderson’s Bar & Grill. It’s modestly called Somewhere in Brum. The venue is housed in a massive basement with several comfortable corners for big and small groups. Whether you want to find a quiet cafe to work or just read your book, this is a great venue for both - it’s also a restaurant and bar if you fancy something a little livelier.

After trying to entice a friend to come along, my trusty partner in life, my husband agreed to be my plus one for the launch of the restaurant where the doors have been opened full swing with refreshing drinks at their fully-stocked bar.

We walked past St. Paul’s Church to reach Somewhere in Brum on a weekday evening. The entrance is a simple one with a small board with the place’s name on top. We went down a spiral staircase to reach the basement to find that the entrance was decorated with knick knacks that gives it a laid back vibe.

Right after you enter the lobby for the cafe, there is a little nook on the left that has been dressed up as a selfie corner. There is a tripod to set up your phone and once you set up your timer, you get a beautiful little backdrop with the photo booth.

Dim light, softly played live music, and a murmur of conversation welcomed us - all of which gave it a lounge-like ambience.

Owner Guarav Choraria, who was born and raised in Mumbai, India told me that he moved to the UK nine years ago to study food science and technology.

He went on to open the street food company Notty Bites, which started doing the food at the Queens Arms pub on Newhall Street. Eventually, he bought the Queens Arms pub as the previous owner was looking to sell.

Choraria grew up vegetarian and wanted to serve the great plant-based options that he enjoys as well.

He added that the opening of Somewhere in Brum was delayed several times - once because the basement flooded - and they still don’t have a kitchen up and running.

However, they made up for it with the great tartines, cheese boards, and cocktails. I ordered a margarita that had mango flavour in it and felt like a refreshing take on the drink - bringing together India’s love for mangoes and a Mexican origin cocktail.

While not everything is vegan, you can find a good selection of plant-based dishes and meat is definitely off the table.

We grabbed some olives, cheese and crackers and were later served with avocado tartines that were wonderfully creamy and savoury.

The place was decorated by Choraria and his friends with handmade paintings, fairy lights, and dried flowers. While it may look a little rough around the edges, it reminded me of beach shacks in Goa, India - visited by travellers from all over the world to have a relaxing vacation.

Also, this place is now on my top list to meet up with friends because I will be able to hear what they have to say. Something about being on the other side of 30 makes it harder to hear when the speakers are turned up all the way.

It’s a must-visit for people looking for a vegan cafe in Birmingham city centre - especially after the sad closure of The Warehouse Cafe in Digbeth.