Do you feel festive yet? The Birmingham Yelpers certainly do! The Birmingham Elite Squad (and honoured guests) had a Christmassy treat last night at Urban Coffee Company. With all of the best "C" words (cocktails, crafting, cake and coffee); it really was an evening to lighten up even the most scroogiest of hearts!
Although many of the Yelpers were coffee fans, many of them had never been to the beautiful Jewellery Quarter branch of Urban Coffee before. The gorgeous surroundings were festively Yelped up, the antique crockery was laid out and the crafting supplies were on the table ready for the entrance of the most important people, the squad!
After each recieving their individually wrapped Christmas gifts, each guest grabbed themselves a hot drink and a cheeky cake before finding a comfy seat to settle into. Kate W. particularly enjoyed her choice of a Caramel Salted Brownie, but also loved the location; "The venue was ideal, it was light and relaxed and allowed us to have a good catch up with each other."
After scoffing and quaffing the cake and coffee, the drinks got a little bit harder with some "Mothers Ruin" (courtesy of Bulldog Gin), expertly mixed by the wonderful Melanie G. of Devenishgirl Bakery. With a fabulous choice of 4 different bespoke cocktails (served in gorgeous vintage crockery), it was a difficult decision to make! Would you prefer a "London Cider" (Warmed Gin and Cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slice) or many a Yelpers favourite over the night, the "Chealsea Rose" (Gin, Elderflower, Cloudy Apple and a Raspberry Garnish)? Caroline B. rather favoured the "Floradora" (Gin, Lime, Raspberry and Ginger beer) herself!
After everyone had chosen their first cocktail, the serious buisness of the crafting began! Working with Francine and Nellie from C.O.W. (Creative Open Workshop), the Yelpers cut, stitched and sequinned their way to Christmassy victory! Making everything from festive Oranges (Bryn P.) to glam Robins (Katy R.), everyone got stuck in and gave it a go.
Obviously, Crafting it thirsty work! The cocktails kept coming over the course of the event with everyone (including the staff at Urban) having a wee drinkie to welcome in the festive season. By the time the call went out for 5 minutes left, the resounding chorus of "NOOOOOOooo!" showed the Yelpers approval for the felty festivities!
The end of the event came with an almighty "BANG," as the crackers were pulled and the winner of the festive jumper competition was announced. Manoj K. recieved his well deserved prize with a smile and declared the evening "Awesome".
A huge thank you to all the staff at Urban Coffee Company, Melanie (Devenishgirl Bakery), Bulldog Gin and of course, Nellie and Francine from C.O.W. The night was a real treat for all, even for the Yelpers who weren't quite the crafters they would have liked to been (as illustrated by Dan G.) "My Christmas present/ravioli/Danish flag tree decoration may not be the most aesthetically pleasing item to adorn our tree this year, but it will remind me of a great evening."
But don't take our word for it – read what all the yelpers had to say right here, write your own review, have a look at all the photos, talk about it and find Urban Coffee, Devenishgirl Bakery, C.O.W and Bulldog Gin on Twitter!
Have a Very Yelpy Christmas!
Birmingham Yelp Community Manager
