Harborne High Street buzzes with a familiar rhythm of charity shops and cafes in 2026. Amid this lively scene, Paul at No 41 stands out, treating every visitor like a VIP. The service strikes a perfect balance—warm without being overbearing.
A Firsthand Visit to the Cosy Spot
During a recent visit, owner Paul Gilbert personally serves a lemon pistachio cake, sharing that it’s his mom’s recipe. Customers disrupt foam hearts on their lattes while chatting at packed tables. One group features a 90-year-old woman with striking blue hair and sunglasses, exuding effortless style.
“This is the best thing I’ve ever done,” Paul says. He opened the shop six-and-a-half years ago, originally from Selly Oak but now rooted in Harborne. Regulars, especially retirees, visit twice weekly for conversations. During Covid, Paul delivered unannounced coffees to check on them, providing comfort in isolation.
Navigating Economic Hurdles
“It cost me an absolute fortune to survive it,” Paul recalls. He secured a bounceback loan, which he is finally paying off. Despite the struggles, the shop remains full even on quiet Thursdays.
The secret lies in personal connections. Paul juggles service and chats, urging customers to “sit down and get comfortable.” He explains, “I want to feel proud when I walk down the High Street. That’s why I put my name above the door.”
Paul’s hospitality roots trace back to Dudley Chiquitos, where he learned from Mario, whose section drew hour-long waits. He later worked at McDonald’s and Frankie & Benny’s, where he met Lee Seeney, now handling counter duties.
Standing Strong Against Chains
New chain openings draw initial crowds, but feedback favors Paul at No 41. “There’s no huge queues to stand in, our doors are always shut up so it’s cosy. My relationship with customers is fantastic,” Paul notes. Customers often meet solo but form lasting friendships here, turning individual visits into group gatherings.
“Everyone has a life that no one has a clue about,” he adds. Busy times energize him, while quiet periods bring challenges. Rising costs exacerbate issues: “The cost of living, the cost of everything, is getting to the point where it’s ridiculous. The electric bill alone has doubled.”
Paul resists sharp price hikes to avoid pricing out pensioners. “There’s only so much of that you can pass on to the customer… Their visit means more to me.”
Regulars Share Why They Return
Paul introduces loyal patrons: Pauline Knowles, 77, her husband David, 80 (married since 1971), and Gillian Benham, 90. They meet twice weekly, their group forming over time at the shop.
“He pays us!” David jokes. Pauline chimes in, “It’s just a nice place! It’s not too big, it’s friendly, coffee is nice.” Gillian contrasts it with newer spots: “The new one up the road is dark. This is just a nicer place to meet. Paul always acknowledges us when we walk in the door.”
They rarely venture into central Birmingham anymore, preferring Harborne’s familiarity. “We’ve seen loads close over the years,” Pauline says. “But with Paul and Lee you can come in and have a natter and a laugh. You can’t do that anywhere else.”
“We get to know so many people here,” Gillian adds. “It’s nice and small and friendly.” As the visit ends, multiple voices bid farewell, highlighting the shop’s welcoming vibe. In Harborne’s constellation of spots, Paul at No 41 shines brightest.
