Tucked away in a courtyard just off Matilda Street, not far from Sheffield station, Birdhouse Tea Bar & Kitchen is a new nesting place of Birdhouse Tea Company. The Sheffield-based mother and daughter company has become a prominent presence in the independent coffee shops and eateries of the city, and whilst they’ve retained their tea shop in Nether Edge, their focus here is on the full dining experience.
The space is a reason to visit in itself. Two-stories of exposed brick, full of unusual levels and cosy corners. Upstairs, light streams in from two parallel sets of windows, under a beamed ceiling. On the menu are brunch classics, with plenty of veggie and vegan options as well as waffles, granola and more substantial sandwiches. The create-your-own buddha bowls are a tasty, more filling alternative to salad.
As you might expect, tea is given a starring role. From salad dressings to cocktails, their carefully created blends infuse almost every element of the menu, but in a considered rather than contrived way. Of the tea for drinking, our personal favourites are the rhubarb tisane for a caffeine-free fruity kick, and the warming, berry flavoured blend by the name of Dressed Well.
Along with a well-stocked tea shop and dedicated takeaway coffee bar, Birdhouse is a delightfully relaxed meeting spot that’s very much in step with the wider regeneration of Sidney Street.
- Words by
- Lucy Holt
- Images by
- Nigel Barker
