Birmingham's newest café has opened offering customers the chance to buy original artworks with their coffee.

Diplomats Barista at Two Snowhill opened its doors for business this month and a unique deal with the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) means it is an official exhibition space for the society.

The new venture, which follows the opening of Bar Opus at Two Snowhill, is being run by couple Mike Horry and Joanne McCarthy, who formerly ran a coffee shop at Moreton-in-Marsh railway station.

Ms McCarthy said: “We are an independent café run by people who love their coffee but wanted a different style from the usual sofas.

“Knowing one of the artists from RBSA, we have forged links with them to use our wall space for the artists’ work and our venue as advertising for the society.”

Mr Horry added: “We have got some stunning stuff to look at.

“Although some of the works cost up to £3,000, we are also going to be exhibiting the work of artists for a lot less, including prints between £150 and £250.

“One of the aims is to get the idea of owning quality art out to a greater demographic.

“The idea is that people who might not normally think of owning a genuinely unique artwork will realise it is something they could actually purchase.

“We’re delighted to be in Birmingham in what is going to be a really vibrant area and the art aspect is something that is good for us, some very talented artists and RBSA too.”

Diplomats Barista is currently exhibiting works by painter Kevin Lines, sculptor Don Ratcliffe and RBSA president Robert Neil.