Watch: I visited the 'most Instagrammable cafe in the world' to find out if it lives up to the hype

Everyone loves a new cafe opening. But this is no ordinary cafe, no – EL&N claims to be the world's 'most Instagrammable cafe'. Curiosity got the better of me, and I RSVP'd to an invite to have a sneak peek just in time for the official opening this week.

Tourism company Big 7 Travel made a list of 50 of the 'most Instagrammable cafes in the world' and EL&N topped it in 2021, but has since gained some competition pushing it into 13th place – which is still pretty impressive.

Forget everything you thought you knew about croissants – the ones here are cubical. Cube-shaped. Totally cubular.

On a grey, drizzly day, EL&N stands pink and proud at the top of the bustling high street. With huge windows, passersby couldn't help but stop and admire the stunning cake displays and decor – it really is one of a kind.

Inside is more pink, pink, pink. If you don't like the colour, this place is not for you. It has an art deco style seating area, flooring and lamps, which make the cafe look truly glamorous and picture-perfect.

When I visited there was also a live DJ, who was playing high-tempo – but very loud – music. If you prefer a more relaxing cafe experience, again, this place is not for you, but if you want to enjoy some unique sweet treats and drinks whilst having a little party in your seat, visit right away.

Whether you're trying to be good or just want to truly indulge yourself, there is something for everyone. The menu includes all-day brunch, with dishes such as acai smoothie bowls, Dutch baby pancakes, and croissant bread and butter pudding. The sandwich menu includes some tasty options, like mozzarella on focaccia bread, a wild mushroom toastie, or chicken club sandwich. On the main menu, diners can choose from chicken caesar salad, a variety of pasta dishes, or a gourmet burger and fries.

Alexandra Miller, founder of the brand, said: "It's an environment space which is beautiful, has really amazing cakes and delicious food and nice drinks, and the setting that you're in is more special than your average coffee shop. In our sites we always try to do something that is a feature moment, or an area that is a photo opportunity for people. What is special about the Birmingham site is that we have made the whole space feel that way."

The drinks menu is immense – it includes speciality lattes, hot chocolates, and those over-the-top frappes topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, as well as some healthy smoothies, fruit teas, Turkish coffee, mocktails, and your regular hot drinks too.

I went for the raspberry mojito which was deliciously sweet and tart, not to mention beautifully presented. One thing that'd make it even better is if the glass container came on a cork coaster to soak up the water, as a puddle began to form around the glass after a few minutes – this did not, however, detract from the fact that it was a very tasty and refreshing mocktail.

For food I was served smashed avocado on sourdough toast with a poached egg. The other option was a spicy tomato and burrata rigatoni, which I should have chosen, as the avocado was disappointing. Again, the presentation was beautiful, but the poached egg was cold and it was all a little bland. As I went to reach for the salt and pepper shakers, I noticed there weren't any. Anywhere that serves food should really offer seasoning on the table for those of us who enjoy a trip to tang town.

For my sweet course, I was brought a raspberry and pistachio macaroon and it... was... amazing! Not too sweet, a crispy shell with a soft cake-y centre, and pistachio cream and fresh raspberries sandwiched in between – this really was a delicious treat. I would definitely return for another of EL&N's baked goods – if they are all as delicious as this macaroon, which they certainly look like they are, they have a great thing going.

EL&N has brought something that was missing in Birmingham city centre – a stylish, one-of-a-kind cafe experience with beautiful cakes that you really only see on social media. I would recommend anyone to visit for a fun and glamorous experience that is as far as you can get from your regular Starbucks.