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.<br /><br />The classic K6 phone booth has been standing idle in the heart of Birmingham ever since demand for their usage declined in the 1980s.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Yesterday (Mon) Eddie, who runs the Red Kiosk Company, said the 8ft by 3ft structure has also had locks and vandal-proof windows fitted.<br /><br />He added: "These iconic red phone boxes are both a great piece of engineering and architecture.<br /><br />"Our aim is to redefine the usage to suit modern day needs and requirements without compromising their external appearance.<br /><br />"Once we had BTs support the project was underway last year. It has been a journey of many twists, turns and obstacles.<br /><br />"We are extremely proud of the project."<br /><br />Jake Hollier, 23, from Kingstanding, Birmingham has quit his job as a care assistant to become full-time manager of the coffee pod.<br /><br />He added: "It is iconic to our nation, a British institution at its best.
