Iconic Red Phone Box Converted Into Britain's Smallest Coffee Shop
- 5 years ago
An iconic red phone box which has been left disused for more than 20 years has been converted into one of Britain's smallest coffee shops.
The classic K6 phone booth has been standing idle in the heart of Birmingham ever since demand for their usage declined in the 1980s.
But next Monday (3/8) the old BT call box in Eden Place in the city centre will reopen as a small coffee stand selling beverages to thirsty commuters.
Businessmen Eddie Ottewell, 38, and Steve Beeken, 51, came up with the idea last year and managed to get planning permission to strip out the phone and install a coffee machine.
Yesterday (Mon) Eddie, who runs the Red Kiosk Company, said the 8ft by 3ft structure has also had locks and vandal-proof windows fitted.
He added: "These iconic red phone boxes are both a great piece of engineering and architecture.
"Our aim is to redefine the usage to suit modern day needs and requirements without compromising their external appearance.
"Once we had BTs support the project was underway last year. It has been a journey of many twists, turns and obstacles.
"We are extremely proud of the project."
Jake Hollier, 23, from Kingstanding, Birmingham has quit his job as a care assistant to become full-time manager of the coffee pod.
He added: "It is iconic to our nation, a British institution at its best.
The classic K6 phone booth has been standing idle in the heart of Birmingham ever since demand for their usage declined in the 1980s.
But next Monday (3/8) the old BT call box in Eden Place in the city centre will reopen as a small coffee stand selling beverages to thirsty commuters.
Businessmen Eddie Ottewell, 38, and Steve Beeken, 51, came up with the idea last year and managed to get planning permission to strip out the phone and install a coffee machine.
Yesterday (Mon) Eddie, who runs the Red Kiosk Company, said the 8ft by 3ft structure has also had locks and vandal-proof windows fitted.
He added: "These iconic red phone boxes are both a great piece of engineering and architecture.
"Our aim is to redefine the usage to suit modern day needs and requirements without compromising their external appearance.
"Once we had BTs support the project was underway last year. It has been a journey of many twists, turns and obstacles.
"We are extremely proud of the project."
Jake Hollier, 23, from Kingstanding, Birmingham has quit his job as a care assistant to become full-time manager of the coffee pod.
He added: "It is iconic to our nation, a British institution at its best.