Café with 'living room feel' opens in old Birmingham Sainsbury's store after locals snubbed Greggs

A new coffee shop has opened in an old Sainsbury's supermarket in Birmingham - more than two years after it closed. The large unit in Moseley's Alcester Road has lain empty since the supermarket giant left the suburb in February 2022.

After struggling to find a new tenant to occupy the huge unit, owners sought permission to divide the space into three last year, with the hope to create a new bakery, a pizzeria and café. Then, in November, bakery giant Greggs showed interest in the site, but some locals argued that Moseley, which is predominantly made up of independent shops and cafes, didn't need 'yet another ubiquitous high street chain'.

Now, a well-known coffee shop has popped up in the prominent lot, occupying the space from 158 to 162 Alcester Road. Coffee#1 opened its doors to the public on Friday morning, May 3 and bosses are confident it will 'fit right in'.

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The café chain was founded in 2001 and prides itself on serving great coffee, made by talented baristas, in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Having since opened 119 stores across England and Wales, the brand became part of the Caffè Nero Group in 2019.

The Moseley opening has created ten new jobs in the area and the shop is offering free drinks to welcome new customers. Area Manager Diane said: "We are delighted to be opening our next coffee shop in Moseley. It's in a great location with a warm community feel and I am sure Coffee#1 will fit right in.

"We pride ourselves on creating a cosy space where customers can relax and take their time where they are served great food, delicious cakes, and of course great coffee."

The Moseley shop has been designed with a 'living room feel', with artwork depicting the area's local history and folklore and shelves packed with books, while providing enough space to seat 90 customers. Local community groups are welcome to host regular coffee and catch-ups in the store and dogs are welcome.

Store manager Chris said: "My team and I are really looking forward to getting to know our new neighbours and serving our local community. If you belong to a community group, then why not host your coffee & catch-up sessions in our coffee shop.

"To celebrate the opening, we are offering a free drink when you download the Coffee#1 app. Enter the promo code MOSELEY into the promo code section of the Coffee#1 loyalty app to claim the free drink voucher."

The coffee shop is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm, on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm and Sundays 9am to 5pm.