We’re all about independents and now it’s more important than ever to boycott the big brands and spend what you’ve got supporting small businesses. Especially those that make Birmingham a little more vibrant
In many cases, small businesses closed their doors last week for the foreseeable future under the advice of the government and are doing whatever they can to minimise financial damage. Whilst there’s no doubt the whole economy will need care in the coming months, these independents need our support now in order to make it through and continue to support the communities that surround them.
Here are just a few independent Brummie-owned businesses that we think deserve your attention.
Café Artum
177 Corporation Street, Birmingham
Café Artum is supporting creatives across the city and simultaneously re-fuelling Birmingham’s love of vinyl. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, the owners set up the artisan café, vinyl store and event venue back in 2018. The multi purpose space was really building momentum, but have now moved entirely online. You can buy a voucher to use in store in the future, or dig through their online record shop on Discogs from the comfort of your own home.
Pop in when we’re allowed out again and try their tasty offerings of; grilled sandwiches, focusing on seasonality and high quality produce, a range of different teas and coffee and good music.
The Clean Kilo: Zero Waste Supermarket
249 Mary Vale Rd, Bournville & 1 Gibb St, Digbeth
The Clean Kilo is the largest zero-waste supermarket in the UK and it’s based in Digbeth! The supermarket sells the vast majority of produce you would expect to find in an ordinary superstore, but they have taken vital steps to eradicate individual packaging. Instead of walking in to see a plethora of produce wrapped in single-use plastic, you’ll find bulk dispensers housing cupboard necessities and fresh, unwrapped fruit and veg. And the cherry on top? The company source their produce as locally as possible.
“To further our impact, we pioneered the growth of zero-waste shopping by expanding our product range to include a frozen section, delicatessen counter, fruit and vegetables, orange juice/coffee machines and chilled milk dispensers.”
Although The Clean Kilo have had to close their Digbeth store for the time being, their Bournville store is still open for click and collect orders, so you can support local, save the planet and guarantee there will be food in your fridge!
HONEST
No 34 Poplar Road, Kings HeathHONEST offers its customers a range of handmade, 100% natural skincare for face, hands and body from their store in Kings Heath. Though the HONEST shop may be closed, their website is still stocked with various products to pamper yourselves with.
The independent brand has a similar ethos to the Clean Kilo, sharing; “there’s no need to pack products full of synthetic ingredients when a few, carefully chosen, natural ones are far more effective. We also believe that if nature is taking care of us, we should be looking after nature too, so our packaging is simple, biodegradable and reusable. Our waste is minimal and our products are only tested on people, never on animals.”
During this anxiety-inducing time, why not treat yourself or a friend some organic, pamper-night products in the post. HONEST are offering free delivery to those in the B13/B14 postcode as well!
Baked in Brick
Custard Factory, Digbeth
Perhaps the Custard Factory’s most famous resident, Baked In Brick, started out with a hand built, wood-fired pizza oven in a shed at the bottom of a garden. They now have a restaurant, located in Digbeth, and continue to trade at street food events around the country. BIB have a huge pizza menu offering everything from the simple Margarita to the Aubrey Allen Beef Shin Ragu to the Wild Mushroom Calzone to vegan options.
The independent pizzeria are doing home deliveries throughout lockdown. Offering a variety of meals as well as a fruit and veg mystery box – they’ve even thrown some alcohol in there – email lee@bakedinbrick.co.uk to place your order.
*Baked in Brick do 2-4-1 on all pizzas and selected drinks every Thursday* You’re welcome.
Only Jerkin’
Bromford, B24 9QR
Everyone’s favourite jerk fried chicken shop has made the move into corona times too! They’re now offering contactless delivery service from their Bromford kitchen. Deliveries are full for this weekend, but place your order through the Jerkin’ hotline (07709844443) to get the chicken you’ve been missing.
Small businesses reflect the culture and needs of the areas that surround them. These businesses work to improve the livelihood in their communities in a way that big, corporate companies just can’t achieve. Help support these businesses, artists, creatives and over independents now so they can continue to support us in the future.