BOOBS out for VEGed Out! A superb community cafe in Birmingham City Centre

Since I moved back to my original hometown of Birmingham (though I must confess my heart still resides by the sea), I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the large but subtle changes that have taken place in this gloomy city over the last 10 years. Perhaps partially to do with the fact that the Vegan Society relocated here* in 2006, a number of veggie- and vegan-friend places have sprouted up in the Midlands. When I was growing up here, there was very little to convert me to animal-friendly living, although I was fiercely anti-cruelty even as a young child, and loved my cat Tigger very much.

Veged Out cafe, Fletchers Walk

*Funnily enough, The Vegan Society also moved here from besides the sea in St Leonards in Hastings- which is the precise location we relocated from!

My first foray into ethical ventures in Birmingham, then, led me to  VEGed Out Community Cafe in Birmingham City Centre. The cafe is hidden away in Fletchers Walk and is less than 5 minutes from Central Library, which is handy as I love to take Arwyn to the children's section there. The cafe closes at 3pm on weekdays, but if you get there before 2pm you can have a hearty, home-cooked, tasty meal for the fantabulous price of only £4. The cakes and drinks are £1 each, and there is always a good range of vegan desserts and beverages available. I have frequented Veged Out cafe several times now since discovering it, so you really can take my word for it. The food is also sourced locally and fairtrade where possible.

As the cafe is run as a co-op, the volunteers are always happy to help, and the service and food is always exceptional. In my experience, they really listen to what you have to say. I have changed Arwyn's nappy, sat her in the sturdy highchair, and breastfed her in the cafe at least 6 times now, and each time it has been a breeze. My husband and I have even nattered over steaming mugs of chai as volunteers have amused baby. The baby changing space out the back often has boxes and things stacked onto it, due to the small size of the cafe, but these have always been removed swiftly and without a fuss by the staff, when I have approached them about nappy changing. The changing mat is always clean and of good quality.

Breastfeeding symbol sticker already on display

The cafe has a leather-free sofa ideal for breastfeeding comfortably, and hard-backed chairs set at wooden tables for dining. The cafe is peaceful, the toilets are clean, and there is art for sale on the walls. Veged Out is also planning to branch out and host evening openings and events soon.  Personally, I can't wait! Unsurprisingly, Birmingham Sling Meet often meets at the cafe, as do various other local community groups.

And to top it all, Veged Out already sports an international breastfeeding symbol sticker in its front window. So I can't say anything other than 5 stars for this gem of a cafe -- and I advise that you get yourself down there, and VEG OUT!

Peace Out! at Veged Out Community Cafe