I’ll admit it upfront—I’ve been a bit of a grump when it comes to Birmingham Bullring cafes in the past. I grumbled about Cinnabon’s closure, balked at the pricey Oakberry acai bowls, and didn’t even dare try Snowflake’s nearly £8 ice creams.
So when I approached Vyve, the Bullring’s newest café kiosk, I did so with a skeptical eye. Located downstairs near the large Costa—which is currently undergoing renovations—Vyve brings acai back to the spot after Oakberry’s departure.
Matcha, still wildly popular in 2026, is everywhere here, and Vyve offers it too. But this Yorkshire-born brand stands out with unique flavors like banana pudding and strawberry shortcake.
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Expecting to pay around six pounds for a fancy drink, I was stunned to see blueberry shortcake and banana pudding lattes priced at just £3.75, with an iced Americano going for £2.75 on the self-service machine.
“Are these opening week prices?” I asked a staff member near the till. No, these prices are permanent.
It was a refreshing shock. A frappé at Costa sets you back over £5, while a premium cold coffee at Starbucks can be nearly £7. Here, I was getting change from a fiver!
There’s something special about strolling through the Bullring with a stylish iced coffee in hand, the clink of ice cubes accompanying the buzz of shoppers. I felt like a million bucks walking away with a decaf blueberry shortcake oat iced latte.
The drink was very sweet and indulgent; the decaf coffee flavor was subtle but enjoyable. The brand exudes northern charm—not just in its prices but in the warm, friendly welcome from staff. They were cheerful without being over the top.
Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded even if the prices were a few pounds higher given the quality and vibe. Vyve may be new to Birmingham, but on this first visit, it’s all about great vibes and great value.
It’s high time we got a café that not only looks and tastes special but also won’t send our wallets into a panic.
Cheers, Vyve. Welcome to Birmingham!
Vyve is located downstairs in the Bullring near Costa, Greggs, and Pop Street.
This review was independent, conducted at random, and all products were paid for by the reporter.