Asian Chic Magazine Issue 6

Inside:

Akbar’s Restaurants Founder Shabir Hussain Lets Us in on His Secrets to Success

Plus we meet Kalim Rashid of Kings Madina Dates Venture / Health / Insight / Beauty / Travel / Motoring

Issue 06

free

Asian Lifestyle, Asian Living, Asian Chic

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Contents

Issue

06 Kings Madina Dates | Page 18

Editor’s Letter

Kings Madina Dates import the most delicious, fresh dates from Saudi Arabia to treat us here in the UK - we catch up with head honcho, Kalim Rashid

Here at Asian Chic, each month we strive to highlight the most creative, influential and entrepreneurial individuals within Sheffield’s Asian community; we feel that this month’s issue is our best yet.

Venture | Page 22 A quick glance at some of Sheffield’s hottest businesses

Asian Health | Page 26 The ever helpful Health Detective, Penelope Crawford teaches us to eat ourselves healthy

Insight | Page 30 Inside:

Akbar’s Restaurants Founder Shabir Hussain Lets Us in on His Secrets to Success

Plus we meet Kalim Rashid of Kings Madina Dates Venture / Health / Insight / Beauty / Travel / Motoring

Issue 06

free

Comic book adaptations are set to dominate the box office this summer once again, but it’s not all superheroes and damsels in distress right?

Not one, but two very busy businessmen have kindly managed to take time out of their schedule to chat with Chic this month; Akbar’s founder Shabir Hussain reflects on the growth of his chain and lets us in on future plans, while Kalim Rashid, founder of Kings Madina Dates gives us his insights on the secrets of a successful business. This month’s Insight tackles something close to my heart; Comic Books have for a long time been regarded as a culturally valid art form in the far east and we take a look at some of the best examples of “serious” graphic novels in the western world. I hope you enjoy exploring them as much as I did.

We do like to take care of you here at Asian Chic, with that in mind, we’ve called in local health and well-being specialist Penelope Crawford to give us her hottest tips to feeling your best - this month we’re eating green and staying healthy, and no - green Jelly Babies don’t count.

Of course we have all our regular features, including a glance in at some of Sheffield’s most promising up-and-coming-businesses.

Our itchy-footed traveller pays a visit to the birthplace of modern thought, Athens, and gives us his tips on the best way to mix recreation with education. Plus resident rev-head Tim Barnes-Clay talks us through the quirky, electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV – what more could you ask for?

Asian Lifestyle, Asian Living, Asian Chic

Your editor

Kieran Smith

Local Businesses | Page 06

The Team

We take a look at two of Sheffield’s most exciting new entrepreneurial endeavours; Eutopia Travel and Arooj Banqueting

Managing Director

Shabir Hussain | Page 08

Travel | Page 35

Hussain Shafique

We talk to Shabir Hussain - owner of Akbar’s food chain about his ever expanding business endeavours

This month, we come from the birthplace of modern thought, Athens

Kieran Smith

Editor

Design Director Shane Gilmartin

Junior Designer Rebekah Cohen

Web Designer Francesca Cirillo

Sales Manager Melanie Jackson

Accounts

Kelly Markell

Contributors

Tim Barnes-Clay, Joe Davis, Penelope Crawford, Kate Hobson

Wedding Season | Page 12

Motoring | Page 40

With an average cost of around £30,000, count yourself lucky you’ve got Asian Chic here to help make this wedding season very much “recession-friendly”

Our resident rev-head Tim Barnes-Clay gives us his take on the electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV

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Our policy

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Not connected with any other company or group. All material is copyright of Chic Promotions Marketing LTD and is not to be reproduced without permission. The placing of an order for an insertion of an advert in this publication shall amount to an acceptance of our terms and conditions.

We aim to produce a high quality, up to date magazine for your pleasure.

We strive with every care possible to ensure the information published is correct. However on occasion some material may be altered after the magazine has gone to print. Therefore we cannot accept any responsibility for these changes and can only offer our sincerest apologies in such an event.

Asian Chic Magazine 25 Leigh Street, Sheffield, S9 2PR Tel: 0114 261 07 07 Email: info@asianchic.co.uk

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Local Businesses Sheffield Eutopia Travel 118 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, S7 1FF . 0114 258 0950/ 07817 032 002 . eutopiaworldwide@yahoo.co.uk Fancy jetting away to sunnier climes? Look no further than Eutopia Travel, who can provide all overseas travel services from holidays to air cargo.

Offering a worldwide delivery service, Eutopia specialise in cargo by air to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, with flights leaving from Manchester to Islamabad every Sunday.

Whatever you need delivering - personal items, clothes, TVs, household goods etc – drop them off at the Eutopia office and they’ll be sent on their way.

Dealing with all international airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Air India, KLM, Air France, BA, Air Blue, Air Canada, Royal Jordanian, Afghan Air, Egypt Air, Syrian Air, Jal, Iran Air and Malaysian Airlines, Eutopia is offering special prices on PIA family packages – give them a call for more details.

Eutopia also transfer money worldwide, with top daily rates paid and some of the best rates in Sheffield. Dealing with all major banks in Pakistan and worldwide via Western Union, providers include MCB, ABL, UBL, JS Bank, BOP and Dollar East.

Umrah packages are available now, and get in touch for Hajj 2012 packages.

Arooj Banqueting

249 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2GZ

Looking for the most perfect venue for your wedding?

The answer may lie with Arooj Banqueting; purpose built to host stunning events, Arooj offers an amazing space to accommodate 20 to 168 guests for sit down dining or hundreds for a reception. Having established itself as a premier venue, Arooj offers the highest standards in all areas of event service.

PJ Taste are Sheffield caterers who use the best locally sourced ingredients from Sheffield, Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

The massive banqueting hall will undoubtedly wow your guests, with plenty of space for a beautiful stage and exquisitely decorated tables, and colour changing lights twinkling in the high ceiling. Guests can also be entertained in the Drawing Room, and separate halls are available for ladies and gentlemen.

Offering in-house catering, the team at Arooj can serve tantalising culinary delights and tailor-made banquets to suit your tastes. Outdoor catering and delivery is also available, meaning Arooj’s events services are available at venues across the region. Not just for weddings, Arooj is also a perfect venue for engagements, receptions, mehndi and manian, birthday parties, anniversaries, conferences, corporate events and business meetings. The impressive space needs to be seen to be believed, so give the team at Arooj a call to arrange a viewing.

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PJ Taste

286 Attercliffe Road, S4 7WZ . 0114 275 7786/ 07951 943 395 . www.aroojshadihall.co.uk

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Not only do they have their outlet on Glossop Road where you can grab a healthy breakfast or a fabulous lunchtime bite, but PG Taste are masters of outdoor and event catering.

The team pride themselves on personal attention, service and the ability to tailor each menu to your own requirements and budget.

In fact one of Chic Lifestyle Magazines staff just used these guys for her wedding and highly recommends them. For enquiries: ask@pjtaste.co.uk or call them on 0114 275 59 71.

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Shabir Hussain

Akbar’s has grown into a huge, recognisable brand with 11 restaurants throughout the UK – but where and how did it initially start?

I started on Leeds Road in Bradford, that was my first restaurant. I started in the restaurant trade when I was a student.

As a part-time waiter at college, I knew this was what I wanted to do and one day have my own restaurant.

Was the restaurant business something you particularly wanted to focus on?

Yes, I started doing a BTech National Diploma at college, then a year later switched to a Hotel and Catering course.

When did you open your first restaurant?

In November 1995.

What made you want to expand from this to create the Akbar’s chain?

My restaurant in Bradford was constantly overflowing, so I started buying shops next door to make it bigger. When I couldn’t do this anymore, I was forced to pick another site – I went for Leeds as it is the neighbouring city, so for all the trade travelling to my restaurants from Leeds, I thought I’d give them their own restaurant.

Did you encounter any difficulties during the progression of the business?

I had very good, loyal staff who shared my vision, so no.

Having tasted the incredible food at Akbar’s, you never look back. With 11 restaurants in the UK, the chain is ever expanding, its popularity being the result of founder Shabir Hussain’s hard work, dedication and sheer love of the business. We managed to grab a few minutes with Shabir to discover just how Akbar’s has become the amazing success it has and ask about his plans for the future.

Glasgow – what made you expand into Scotland?

I have a list of the 20 largest cities in the UK, and open restaurants in those places.

What do you think makes Akbar’s the business it is and sets it apart from other restaurants?

The drive, enthusiasm and I enjoy what I do.

Each of the restaurants has a luxurious, unique feel to the interior décor – where did you take inspiration for this and what impact do you feel this has?

Each restaurant has a unique and different look, I generally tend to take bits from the city to add to the design.

I sit outside when I start a new restaurant, and inside, I get a feel of the place which takes about half a day. Then I know I want it like this, I want this colour, this material, this lighting, this feel.

What do you think is the secret to maintaining a successful business?

To continue working hard, to not become complacent and keep your eye on the ball.

Which is your favourite restaurant?

Rotherham, I like that one, but I like them all, they’re all my babies.

What’s next for Akbar’s? Any plans to go global?

No, there’s enough going on in England, I plan to stay national. I’m planning to open restaurants in Liverpool, Nottingham, Leicester, Milton Keynes and London.

Akbar’s isn’t just about the food – you regularly host fundraising events and raise money for charity – is this something important to you?

Very important, it’s important to put things back into the community.

Which achievement are you most proud of so far in your career?

I have managed to forge a great friendship with my children, as well as building an empire, that’s the achievement I’m most proud of.

www.akbars.co.uk

Do you feel that the recent tough economic times affected you at all?

Well, when did these tough times start?

About four years ago? I’ll tell you how this affected me – in 2008 I opened my café in Bradford, which employs 35 people. In 2009 I opened a restaurant in Middlesborough, employing 40 people, then in September 2009 I opened the biggest restaurant in the chain in Birmingham, which seats 350 people.

Then in January 2011, in the thick of the recession, I opened a restaurant in Newcastle, with 43 employees, and in March this year I opened a restaurant in Glasgow. Coming next is another restaurant on Leeds Road in Bradford, I have two there and am opening a third.

So that’s how the recession has affected me!

You’ve recently opened Akbar’s in

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Romance, celebration, splendour - your wedding day should be the most beautiful day of your life and something to treasure forever. It’s a once in a lifetime experience so you have every excuse to be your most extravagant and impress guests with a day to remember.

A time to unite family and friends and celebrate the union between two families, a wedding is a joyous celebration which deserves to be extra special. Wedding season is upon us, and with the average Asian wedding costing £30,000 in the UK (smashing the national average by an extra £12,000), planning a wedding is a serious business. Luckily, Sheffield is filled with wedding venues, caterers, photographers, DJs, entertainers, designers, make up artists and henna artists all on hand to make your dreams become a reality. In our wedding special, we’ve brought together some of the best to hopefully help you celebrate your love in style.

Finding the most gorgeous venue to suit your needs is vital in making your wedding day just as special as you dreamt it could be. A blank canvas can be transformed into a magical space with the right decoration, filled with twinkling lights, exquisite table arrangements and a stunning stage in pride of place.

To complement the venue is the theme, making your wedding specially tailored to you. Avoid clashing with a mismatch of elements. A specific theme like Bollywood or Moroccan can be tricky to create so most couples opt for traditional (colourful and flamboyant), western (elegant, minimalist chic) or fusion (a mixture of east and west). Match everything from your outfits to centrepieces, napkins to seat covers.

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Your colours will match the theme and set the tone for the entire wedding, a reflection of your personality and tastes. Imagine how a rich red and gold would look, or perhaps something a little more contemporary like ivory and pale green.

Create a wow factor within your venue – aim to mesmerise your guests from the moment they walk in. The stage is the where most of the photographs will be taken so ensure this looks stunning.

The element of the wedding most guests will remember and talk about is, of course, the food!

At an Asian wedding, most couples allocate 40 per cent towards the catering, so you’re well within your rights to create an utterly delectable spread. There’s some real talent in the sea of Sheffield’s caterers, so whatever your taste, there’s someone out there with the ability to dish up a wonderful feast.

For the bride, her wedding day is her time to shine, with a radiance that shines through. Make up is flawless, hair is glowing, and the outfit sparkles drawing all eyes to her beauty. They say a woman looks the most stunning on her wedding day and it’s true.

After the incredible celebrations, relieve any stresses with a gorgeous honeymoon. Imagine an exotic break away from it all with your new husband or wife, lazing away the sun-soaked hours on white sandy beaches and spending balmy evenings dining beneath the stars.

Uma Cakes

07814 575 724 rudhabakazi@gmail.com The recently launched Uma Cakes is steadily gaining a reputation for creating beautiful, perfectly decorated cakes.

Based in Sheffield, Uma Cakes specialises in the finest homemade cakes, be it for a birthday, christening, engagement or Asian wedding. Adjusting to the personal style and desires of the customer, Uma Cakes achieves the highest expectations, with mouthwatering flavours ranging from Victorian sponge to chocolate to marble cake, all topped with a delicious layer of icing.

Tempted by the sound of this, we popped down to meet cake maestro, Rudhaba Kazi to see how she transformed eggs, sugar and flour into a fully fledged cake design business.

What compelled you to start your own business?

My passion for the craft and I was after a new challenge.

What do you feel gives you the edge over your competitors?

My creativity and style. I’m inspired by vintage designs and this makes me unique.

How have you and your business dealt with these tough economic times?

Economic inflation has affected the way I price my work.

What is your attitude towards business?

I always strive to deliver new innovations and styles, and never let anyone under-price my work. My advice is to be strong willed to reach your potential, and let customers enjoy your work.

What actions did you take to make it a reality?

I invested in the business, and I used marketing to increase the awareness of what I was doing.

What do you believe is the secret to maintaining a successful business?

New styles and designs, and understanding the needs of customers, without forgetting the importance of customer satisfaction.

How long have you been trading?

One year.

Would you do it all again?

Definitely, 100 per cent!

How did your business arrive at the place it’s at today?

With the support from my family, friends and colleagues.

What difficulties (if any) have you faced during its progression?

There’s been some cost implications.

How have you used advertising to your advantage, to set up and expand your business?

I’ve featured in the Sheffield Star and word of mouth has helped. The most important tool I use is social networking,

Orient Express

Is there a wedding you have done which really stood out from the rest?

There are few weddings which I think stand out from rest, but The Old Masborough Railway Station, Shahzad and Farhana’s wedding is one I would like to mention here.

Princes Street, Rotherham, S60 1HX They came to us through recommendation. We did every possible 01709 555 527 thing to come up with ideas to make their day as smooth as possible.

I’m so pleased to say that they really enjoyed their big day - stage Home to some of the finest Indian cuisine in Rotherham, the menu at decoration, hall decoration, food and service, they complimented Choudry’s Orient Express is packed with a tantalising selection of delieverything. Their thank you letter really brought tears to my eyes, it cious dishes. Offering the all-you-can-eat Buffet Banquet and a la carte was a beautiful hand written letter. Thank you, Shehzad and Farhana. menu daily, the venue also hosts a banqueting suite for 500 plus people, perfect for weddings, birthdays, parties and meetings, and outside What advice could you pass on to any of our readers getting marcatering can be delivered to your home, business or function. ried this year?

Our advice to readers who are getting married is not to compromise We took a few minutes with owner Attiya Choudry to find out how the on quality. Take your time when choosing your venue and catering, restaurant became the success it is today. after all it is your big day.

What compelled you to start your own business?

Passion to bring a change in the food industry was a major driving force to take a leap and open a restaurant on such a large scale. We were the first Pakistani/ Indian restaurant to introduce a buffet in Rotherham.

What action did you take to make it a reality?

It was very long journey from dream to reality. We started with first Halal mobile catering unit from which we successfully traded for years. When the old railway station building went up for sale, we bought it to convert into the largest Pakistani/ Indian restaurant and wedding venue. Converting an old derelict building was not an easy task. It took us three years to covert five industrial units back into one building as restaurant and wedding hall.

How long have you been trading?

Orient Express opened its doors to the public on 1st February 2005.

We have been successfully trading for seven years.

advertise on radio, like Radio Ramadan Sheffield and Rother FM. We have previously advertised on one of the Asian TV channels as well.

All of these medias are very good at getting people to know about what you do and where are you based etc. But I must admit biggest advertisement is by word of mouth, as when one person enjoys their experience at our place, that person will go and tell another, and advise them to give it a go.

How have you and your business dealt with these tough economic times?

Economical crisis has meant less business than usual, which we have dealt with by reducing staffing and reducing expenditure, but no compromise on quality.

What do you believe is the secret to maintaining a successful business?

The secret to success lies in providing quality products with great What is your unique selling point for Orient Express? service with smiles. And treating your customers in a way you’d like Here at Choudhry’s Orient Express we treat our customers with pride to be treated yourself. and respect. Each customer is unique and special, they have their own needs and requirements, and we meet their needs and make it possible. Our wedding halls can be segregated to meet individual families’ requirements. We also provide female staff. We never compromise on quality, we use top quality fresh ingredients in our cooking and everything gets cooked fresh on the day.

How did your business arrive at the place it’s at today?

We are here due to continuous hard work and our reliable good customers. A major part of our custom is through word of mouth and recommendations, we value all our customers and this brings it back us.

What difficulties (if any) have you faced during its progression?

Whenever you set up a new business you have to be ready for problems. Our problems started from day one when we applied for planning permission.

What is your favourite part of being in the wedding business?

My favourite part is when the bride and groom or their family come How have you used advertising to your advantage, to set up and to us and say, ‘Thank you very much, we have enjoyed every moment expand your business? of our time here’.

We regularly advertise in local papers and magazines. We also

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Kings Madina Dates Kalim Rashid Interview

Dates are an important part of Muslim culture; the Hadith tells us that the Prophet Mohammed is said to have eaten of the Ajwa date, and spoken of their healing properties. Iftar should begin with the eating of dates following Ramadan fasts in accordance with the Prophet’s teachings. Kings Madina Dates, based in Rotherham, specialise in importing the highest quality dates from Madina, Saudi Arabia. Kings Madina offer a wide selection of the sweetest, juiciest dates throughout the year, sourced directly from Madina’s finest date orchards before being transported to the UK in refrigerated containers that retain the flavour and freshness of each date. With Ramadan fast approaching us, we caught up with King Madina’s founder, Kalim Rashid, to talk about his business, the cultural significance of dates, and of course his favourite date.

Can you explain to the readers what it is that Kings Madina Dates does?

Basically we are dry fruit importers specialising in dates from Saudi Arabia, that’s our core business. We started in 2008 with a small shipment of about four and a half tonnes, we’re in our fifth year, and we’re now among the top three importers of Saudi dates in the UK. So we’ve done remarkably well, considering we didn’t have any experience when we started and how small the initial shipment was.

Looking back, it’s been an eventful five years, but it has gone relatively quickly.

What compelled you to start the business?

Basically, my business partner and I were looking for business opportunities that we felt were undervalued in the market. We looked at conventional fruit and veg but that’s already a saturated market.

I was travelling to north Africa quite a lot at the time, I’ve always eaten dates and they’re in abundance in northern Africa, so initially we thought about bringing them from north Africa, but the quality wasn’t as good, so we changed our focus to Saudi Arabia. We felt that as a commodity, dates were undervalued in the market place and that it still had a way to go, and we felt we could help it reach its potential; using modern marketing and branding techniques we could get it into shops, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

Why dates?

Any dry fruit, but dates in particular, is very good for you. They have an abundance of natural sugar, so if you’re feeling peckish and you have to choose between having a handful of dates and having a Mars bar, I would strongly recommend you have the dates. The sugar is a great energy source and it doesn’t damage your teeth like chocolate does. It’s also great for the digestive system, it’s a good laxative so if you have stomach problems and you get constipated, dates are a wonderful item to get that problem solved. They have obvious health benefits.

What is the cultural significance of dates?

Rather than cultural, I would say they have a religious relevance, particularly for Muslims, and that’s because, during the month of Ramadan, when you break your fast, you are highly encouraged to so by eating a date and having some water. So your liquid would be water, naturally, you’d be thirsty after ten hours, and you’re hungry also, dates are a great energy source and very filling. Their religious significance is because the Prophet Mohammed ended his fast by eating a date. All Muslims try to copy the Prophet; his lifestyle, the way he carried himself, the way he spoke with people and so forth. So that’s the main religious significance, you are encouraged to put a

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date in your mouth at the end of Ramadan, one month a year, every year. With the influx of Arab speaking nationalities coming into the UK over the last twenty years, now you have an availability of dates all year round, but still, from our data, we’ve found that ninety percent of consumption in the UK is in the holy month of Ramadan.

Why would I pick Kings Madina Dates over a standard supermarket brand?

What we have, is a wide array of variety, we have nine or ten different types of dates, all different tastes, textures and sizes. And the quality is very good. We’re very careful in the way we source our products; I’m the head buyer so I travel every year in the buying season, towards the end of August and hand pick our range personally. We have outstanding cold-storage facilities in Saudi Arabia, all our dates rest at a set temperature, we don’t put them in normal dry storage in a warehouse, the moisture is kept inside the dates to prevent them from getting too dry. When we transport them into the UK from the Middle East, we do it in reefer containers - special containers which have a refrigerator system inside. We also have a nut range, which is a dates range with an almond inside as well. We offer a great variety of dates, at a sensible price and a very high quality, which is why you should choose Kings Madina Dates.

Which is your favourite date?

That’s a difficult question to answer, because for all Muslims, when it comes to Saudi dates, the king of them all would be the Ajwa - it’s black in colour and a circular shape - and the reason for that, is that the Prophet Mohammed’s followers wrote in their writings that the Prophet always ate Ajwa dates, because he said that they would kill most illnesses. So the Ajwa is one of my favourites, my other favourite is a date known as Medjool, it’s very chunky and sweet and it has a light brown colour with a gold rim at the end, it’s quite expensive, but it’s very succulent and extremely fresh and it’s lovely to eat.

Do you have a specific work ethic or an attitude to business that you feel has contributed to your success?

Yes, of course. I think a great interest in what you do is the most important thing for anyone in business, particularly working in an international dimension like we are. I think you have to believe in what you’re doing, a belief and a great interest are the two most important elements. I eat, sleep, breathe dates, twelve months of the year, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do; I get to see parts of the world that I wouldn’t do otherwise. Ultimately I think it comes down to perseverance and stamina, nothing happens over night, it’s taken us five years to become an overnight success, we’ve been learning as we go. You have to learn from your mistakes, and stick at it.

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“These are moments that last with us forever.” With meticulous attention to detail, Exposure 1st captures your special moments, leaving you with beautiful images to treasure always.

Offering a range of photography services including family, creative children, wedding, engagement, anniversary, partner portraits, fashion and glamorous portrait photography, the team can skilfully create the perfect look for your particular requirements. Not solely based in the studio, Exposure 1st can come to you on location, at your home or favourite setting.

Producing stunning model portfolios, Exposure 1st take care of everything from professional make up application to digital retouching, in a Fashion, Glamour or Editorial style. Exposure 1st’s photographers can even attend professional events to produce a perfect set of photos to record the event, or even photography for company literature. Your wedding is something to remember forever, and with the photography skills of Exposure 1st, you can fondly treasure your special day.

A fabulous balloon display can make all the difference to an event. The Balloon Room launched in 2003, offering balloon decorations for all special occasions in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

Working to the customer’s individual needs, the team at The Balloon Room aims to make the best use of balloons to provide value for money to any budget. Catering for all types of venues, ranging from a small room to full function, the team strives to create the wow factor to your event.

Offering a huge range of designs including Spirals, Rising Stars, Straight 3s, Door Columns and Floor Bouquets, The Balloon Room can create everything from tabletop displays to door arches, or even a balloon bride and groom! Burgundy, gold, blue, silver - whatever your colour scheme, the team can provide the perfect display, using various shapes, sizes and designs of balloons to add a burst of style and creativity to your special event.

Looking for a new set of tyres? Look no further than newly opened Supa Fit, the Number One for tyres, with all sizes in stock from 12’s to 22’s.

The team at Supafit will beat any price for the same quality of tyre, offering customers a superb service without the cost, with free fitting and balancing with every purchase. Supafit also offer a huge range of garage services, including diagnosis mileage correction, MOT pretests, MOT bookings, bodywork, batteries, brakes, exhausts, annual servicing and alloy refurbishments.

Supafit is also giving unbeatable discounts for taxi drivers, car sales and garages, with a mileage correction service available. Pop down with your cab or give them a call to discover how they can help you.

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Venture About Town Unforgettable Tears of Gaza Families Relief Interview The devastation caused by the unrest in Gaza remains a crisis, with many families and individuals suffering in poverty and relying on aid and food handouts. In support of Gaza charity, Families Relief, a charity dinner and auction is taking place at Arooj on Saturday 16th June. The event includes an eyewitness account of the Gaza Crisis, light entertainment, a three course meal and documentary, with various speakers and entertainment from internationally renowned Nasheed group, Shaam.

Trustee of Families Relief, Abdool Kadir, talks to us about his recent humanitarian trip to Gaza.

What’s the current humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza?

Over 75% of Gazans are reliant on aid and food handouts, over 90% of the water from the Gaza aquifer is unfit for human consumption and the Ministry of Health has supplied only 20% of Gaza’s medicinal needs, this is the factual reality of life in Gaza.

What did you witness during your visit in Gaza?

With the help of the donors, I was able to visit the schools where our water filtration systems were installed, providing safe, clean water for the school children. I watched as our water tank vehicles went from house to house, and I personally delivered food parcels to several families living in the rubble where their homes once stood. I visited the hospitals in Beit Hanoun and Gaza City which we have supported over the past decades. But yet it is still not enough, as whilst visiting the hospital, a dozen of casualties were rushed in with severe injuries. One five year old child passed away with severe blood loss whilst within the same hour a previously admitted seven month old baby died from renal failure, as he required specialised treatment that was unavailable in the hospital.

How long has Families Relief been working in Gaza?

Gaza has been at the heart of Families Relief since 1994 until today, when we are one of the most recognised charities delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. With our full time office in Gaza, we are able to work directly with the impoverished people on a day-to-day basis, providing vital assistance such as food parcels, clean water and medical aid.

What has Families Relief achieved in Gaza since it opened its office in 1994?

Families Relief ’s office in Gaza has achieved various accomplishments; over the past years we have been there during the bombardments providing essential aid to thousands injured during the 1990s and 2009, with our staff risking their lives

to distribute essential medical aid and food parcels. We have provided thousands of families with food parcels, hundreds of homes with home water tanks, dozens of schools with water filtration systems and hospitals with key equipment and medical supplies.

How do you to access those most in need in Gaza?

With 1.1 million of Gaza’s 1.6 million residents relying on food aid, it is proving a real challenge for Families Relief to meet such demands of the population. But we continue to provide families with food parcels on a monthly basis, carefully accessing each family’s situation and their individual needs.

How does the ongoing conflict on the ground affect humanitarian operations?

Families Relief has worked through all the major conflicts in Gaza, and with our office in Gaza we are able to work directly with the people on a day to day basis. The commitment of our staff is second to none, with them risking their lives to provide much essential aid through the donations received.

What is next for Families Relief?

Families Relief has launched a special £365K medical project to provide the Beit Hanoun district of Gaza with a brand new hospital wing to take care of the many casualties they receive on a daily basis, and essential medical supplies to take care of the patients needing ongoing care. In addition, we aim to continue our existing projects to reach more families and individuals.

We simply rely on Almighty Allah and on the donations of our donors to enable us to continue our humanitarian aid effort. Yet there is so much more needed to be done to help sustain our aid projects. I personally ask for the help and support of the readers to help us make this project a reality in Gaza and ultimately help save the lives of the hundreds of casualties that the hospital receives on a weekly basis.

www.familiesrelief.org.uk Tickets Hotline: (0114) 4388 047

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Asian - CHIC -

Penelope Crawford The Health Detective For more more information on how you can lose weight easily contact The Health Detective on 07734961242 wwww.hydrodetox.net

Dandelion greens are one of the richest sources of vitamin A around and are known to neutralize excess acids in stomach and intestines. The healing properties of the leaves and root range from treating a variety of liver and gallbladder issues, breast diseases and water retention to easing joint pain, fever and skin diseases. In 1984 the USDA ranked dandelions in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. This power packed green makes a wonderful healing addition to a yummy summer salad.

Kale is a fairly tasty vegetable with a rich array of nutrients and can be found as lacinato kale and purple kale in addition to the curly kale common to most stores. The lacinato and purple varieties have a sweeter taste. Before you turn up your nose at this tasty delight, check out the nutrients in one cup of steamed kale. Note that one cup of steamed kale requires two to three cups of fresh kale so the following numbers are approximates. * A little over 50 calories * 10g carbohydrate * 3-4g of protein * 2-3g of fiber * less than 1g of fat *nearly 8000 IU’s of vitamin A * between 150 and 200 mg of calcium * 30 mg of magnesium * 2mg iron * 300mg of potassium * vitamin C comes in between 100-150 mg * traces of manganese, copper and zinc * less than 50mg of sodium * with 40mcg of folic acid Here are a few more tidbits. Cabbage is a nutritious anticancer cruciferous vegetable that is low in fat and can even help reduce body fat levels. Red cabbage is higher than green in vitamins A and C, but lower in folic acid and chlorophyll.

Fermented cabbage, called sauerkraut, is loaded with digestive enzymes and is a key player in killing off candida from the body.

Chard is a rich source of vitamin A, and has fair amounts of vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Regular or rainbow chard is good hot with a bit of melted butter or flaxseed oil. One of my favourite breakfast meals is 2 cups of steamed chard with 6 egg whites and a teaspoon of flaxseed oil. I feel very satisfied after eating this breakfast.

Steamed Collard greens are wonderful with sauteed onions. Collards are strong in folic acid, vitamin C and another rich source of vitamin A. Collards make an excellent fiber source and contain the minerals calcium, potassium, iron and zinc in plenty. Another wonderful recipe combination is sauteed onions + steamed collards + ground turkey + flaxseed oil on top. Yummy!

Green leaf, red leaf, butter lettuce and romaine make for wonderful salads. Remember those dark green in color are richer in chlorophyll, vitamin A and folic acid. Lettuces also contain some calcium, potassium and iron and are good fiber foods.We can toss spinach into this dark green leafy family as well. The Popeye tale brought spinach to the forefront with the saying that “Spinach makes ya strong!!!” One cup of uncooked spinach has nearly 2 mg of iron; 4500 IU’s of vitamin A and a healthy dose of vitamin C. The B vitamins are low except for folic acid. Potassium, magnesium and calcium are high with copper, manganese and zinc saying a healthy hello. Raw spinach does contain oxalic acid, which may bind some of the calcium and other minerals. Spinach is a good addition to a salad or can be used as a substitute for lettuce.

Note: once fresh spinach is cooked or a can is opened, it should be consumed within the day and not stored, due to the potential oxidation of iron.

Watercress is a spicy green from the mustard family and used to purify the blood. Known as an anticancer super food, watercress can significantly reduce DNA damage to blood cells, when eaten on a daily basis. This spicy green makes a lovely addition to salads and contains high quantities of vitamin A and calcium. Traces of nearly all the B vitamins are present along with vitamin C, potassium, iron and magnesium.

My intention at this point was to add in a few recipe ideas. Google opened a huge portal of possibilities. I found Watercress Soup; Thai Grilled Watercress Salmon; Rainbow Chard with Pine Nuts, Parmesan and Basil; Mushroom, Kale and White Bean Skillet…. and the list keeps going. So rather than pop in what is making ME hungry, head to your computer and do a search for what YOU are wanting.

Be creative as you explore these wonderful, healthy, healing greens that bring vitality to your plate. www.asianchic.co.uk

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Go Green

Health awareness is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s body-conscious society. Sadly it too is becoming more and more essential, with levels of obesity, cancer and mental illness rising anually. People are often uneducated on how best to care for their body and, without knowing the facts, can do more harm than good.

Penelope Crawford runs Hydrodetox, a colonic hydrotherapy and health screening service based in Sheffield. An expert in all things good for you, Penelope is also a health and wellness coach. She has been kind enough to offer her expert advice to our lovely Asian Chic readers, in order to help keep you looking and feeling your best.

This month, The Health Detective shows us all how we can go green and eat ourselves healthy!

Fresh raw vegetables have life force - this can fuel our own health and vitality. Vegetables allow us to wake up and move both our body and brain.

Most vegetables are very high in water and necessary vitamins and minerals. They are a perfect compliment to animal protein meals, helping supply the nutrients that aid in the digestion and utilization of those foods. Most vegetables are predominantly carbohydrate, with important fibre bulk to assist the bowels. But that is not all, vegetables are loaded with vitamins C and A, along with some B vitamins, trace minerals, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The dark leafy greens, yellow or orange vegetables, such as squash, carrots and peppers, are all high in beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A in our body. Vitamin A helps to protect tissues during infections, repair tissues after injury or surgery, and promote rapid recovery. One important function of vitamin C is in the formation and maintenance of collagen, the basis of connective tissue, which is found in skin, ligaments, cartilage, vertebral discs, joint linings, capillary walls, and the bones and teeth. Vitamin C is also used to aid those withdrawing from drug or substance addictions like sugar, nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. There is so much more to share, however for now we can simply say‌ GREENS HAVE IT! Chlorophyll which is part of most plants and especially high in the dark green vegetables, has special healing properties. Where blood is the most basic component of the human body, plants have their basis in chlorophyll. Many studies have shown that chlorophyll extracts provide intestinal nourishment and a soothing or healing effect on the mucous linings. Chlorophyll has been found beneficial to help detoxify or purify our system, the liver in particular, as well as healing skin. Anticancer effects have been given to broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

The most nutritious way to eat vegetables is fresh and raw. However, raw vegetables such as broccoli are harder for some people to chew and digest as they produce intestinal gas – grating veg like carrots and beetroot or light steaming will soften them without depleting much of their nutrients. Baked vegetables will also hold their nutrients. If we boil vegetables, many of their nutrients go into the water, so unless you will be drinking the water or making this into a soup, boiling is not ideal.

Fresh, organic and raw leafy greens are probably the richest in nutrients of any foods in the animal kingdom. The greener they are, the more nutritious they are.

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Palestine (2001)

Persepolis

The Sandman

Joe Sacco

Marjane Satrapi

Neil Gaiman/Various Artists

Taking place over a two month period in December 1991 and January 1992, Joe Sacco’s Palestine is perhaps the best example of the niche genre of gonzo-journalistic comics.

Sacco recounts his experiences of a visit to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, emphasising the plight of the Palestinian people. Consisting of a series of conversations with individuals encountered on his trip - through his busy, striking artwork Sacco breathes life into their stories, focusing on the minutia of everyday life and exploring the frustrations and struggles encountered on a regular basis in a volatile part of the world. Clearly positioning himself as a Westerner in a foreign land, Sacco makes no qualms of his influence over proceedings, and the effect Palestine has had on him. Palestine is an honest, unsettling and uncompromising piece of work, and a testament to the power of the artist’s hand.

Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis is a wonderful piece of work, capable of evoking the entire spectrum of human emotion throughout the course of its three hundred and fifty pages.

An autobiographical tale, Persepolis traces its author’s life from childhood, growing up in a middle class Iranian family amidst the Islamic revolution, through her life as a young adult, travelling and studying in Europe. With bold, simple black and white images, Satrapi draws the reader into the inquisitive mind of her younger self; an intelligent, rebellious child, forced to grow up too fast because of the fractured state of her homeland. The level of detail and intimacy in Satrapi’s storytelling forges such a bond between artist and reader as we too grow to love her family and friends and, of course, Marjane herself.

At its simplest, The Sandman is a fairy story for grown-ups, it also happens to be an exploration of the power of story telling, the evolution of myth, and a treatise on family and the human condition. Originally published over seventyfive issues between 1989 and 1996 and now collected in a series of ten paperbacks, The Sandman chronicles the adventures of Dream, one of seven siblings that make up The Endless, a group of beings more powerful than gods who dictate certain aspects of the universe.

Throughout the series, Gaiman draws from a history of literary traditions and characters; Shakespearian, Grecian and Roman myth, British and American history and of course oral folkloric storytelling. The Sandman is at once, compelling, dark, and often very funny, a particular highlight being Dream’s chirpy older sister, Death. The scope and depth of The Sandman mean that it’s easy to get lost in Gaiman’s mythology – unfortunately at around £15 per book, getting drawn in can be a costly business, it’s well worth the price tag though. Interestingly, The Sandman is one of the few western comics to have attracted a larger female readership than male.

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Not For Kids An Introduction to Comic Books This year, once again, cinemas are set to be dominated

by masked vigilantes; Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises is guaranteed to be a big box-office hitter, the Spider-Man franchise will be rebooted with Mark Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man, whilst Avengers Assemble will unite the most successful Marvel comic heroes to have hit the big-screen thus far. Since the release of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man a decade ago, comic book movies have been Hollywood’s most reliable money-makers, also creating a huge boost in the sales of their source material, heaving the comic industry out of a rut it had been stuck in since the early nineties.

Along with cinema and animation, the comics industry started proper in the early twentieth century, but using words and pictures to forge a narrative is a technique that, arguably, stretches back to the cave paintings of prehistoric man. Despite the rise of the medium over recent years, many misconceptions still remain; comics are only for children, comics are all about superheroes, comics are insubstantial. In the far east comics have a long established history as a valid art form, whilst in France comics, or bandes dessinées, are regarded as “the ninth art”. And while the UK and USA have been seriously exploring the diverse, powerful and profound possibilities of the graphic novel since the 1980s, it can still be difficult to convince anyone over the age of thirty that a comic book can match the literary weight and significance of a traditional novel.

With such a sprawling selection of styles, themes, artists, writers, publishers and genres, it can be difficult to know where to start, and it doesn’t help that the comics fraternity can sometimes be a little elitist, particularly when it comes to Superhero books. Here, we aim to share with you just five comic books that offer an alternative to the Marvel/ DC latex-clad crime-fighters that dominate the medium, which, although they have their place, certainly aren’t for everyone – these comic books represent a small selection of the medium’s most ambitious and engaging work, they changed my perception of comics, hopefully they will you too. Having said that, lets start with a superhero comic . . .

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Watchmen (1986) Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons Alan moore is the most important and influential comic book writer of the past thirty years; along with Frank Miller, his work at DC transformed the superhero genre indefinitely, creating morally ambiguous and totally human characters where there were once only demigods.

Watchmen is Moore’s magnum opus, and the definitive “comic-book-for-people-not-into-comic-books” comic.

Set in an alternative 1985, with the cold war looming heavy and Nixon in a third term of office, Watchmen tells the story of a group of masked vigilantes who have faded into obscurity following forced retirement eight years prior.

When the Comedian - a former member of the Watchmen - is killed in his Manhattan apartment, his erstwhile comrade, Rorschach sets out to uncover the events leading to his murder, exposing in the process a twisting web of conspiracy that stretches beyond the powers of government, potentially forecasting the end of the world.

Moore’s superheroes are all too human, they drink, screw, break-down, even kill, while Gibbons’ art brings to life the author’s sickening vision of cold-war terror. Moore’s work is always reflexive; above anything Watchmen is a critique of thatcher era Britain and 80s opulence. Essential reading.

A Contract with God, and Other Tenement Stories (1978) Will Eisner Some people erroneously claim A Contract with God to be the first ever graphic novel, it is certainly the medium’s first masterpiece. Born in 1917 Brooklyn to Jewish immigrants, Eisner worked in comics all of his adult life, building up a catalogue of action and crime comics. He was in his sixties when he wrote A Contract with God, a semi-autobiographical snapshot of life in a Bronx tenement, recounted over four short stories; “A Contract with God”, “The Super”, “The Street Singer” and “Cookalein”. Ranging from the laugh-out-loud funny to the heart wrenchingly sad, A Contract with God, and Other Tenement Stories, is a work of sheer beauty. The titular story explores man’s relationship with God, through the eyes of a Hasidic Jew whose adopted daughter has died; based on Eisner’s own experience losing a daughter, the work is representative of the comics medium at its very best. The painful honesty of Eisner’s work and the warmth of his characters cannot fail to move.

Asian - CHIC -

Travel Guide

Athens

Wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilisation, law and justice. In the days of Ancient Greece these concepts were the domain of the Ancient Greek goddess Athena. It is in her honour that the city of Athens was named.

The legend goes that in the early days of the city, both Athena and Poseidon, god of the seven seas, competed for the patronage of what became the most renowned city throughout the Hellenistic world. Wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilisation, law and justice. In the days of Ancient Greece these concepts were the domain of the Ancient Greek goddess Athena. It is in her honour that the city of Athens was named. The legend goes that in the early days of the city, both Athena and Poseidon, god of the seven seas, competed for the patronage of what became the most renowned city throughout the Hellenistic world. To curry the citizen’s favour both deities presented the city with a gift. Poseidon gifted the city with a salt water spring, produced from the ground, to symbolise his promise to provide Athens with naval power.

Athena gifted the city with an olive tree, to symbolise peace and prosperity, her promise to the city if they should accept her patronage.

The Athenians chose the olive tree, giving rise to the great city. It would prove to be a choice

that came to symbolise the history of the Athens itself - it became the centre of Hellenistic thought and philosophy, the birth place of what would become the framework of western democracy and famed for its courageous spirit and the wisdom of its citizens in the face of adversity. A trip to Athens is a journey into the birthplace of the modern western world.

“ majestic ghosts ” A world away from the famed warships that symbolised Athenian naval power, In the twenty first century you only need to get on the next flight out of your local airport and you can be surrounded by the majestic ghosts of entire civilisations past, in just three hours.

From as little as £49 with low-cost airline Easyjet and currently on offer at £39 from certain specialised websites such as www. edreams.co.uk, it’s a trip that only decades ago would have only been affordable for the more moneyed members of society. From there instead of having to pay an extortionate amount to get a Euro Taxi into the city, you

can simply travel to the heart of this historic metropolis by shuttle bus. For only 3.20 Euro you can either get x95 shuttle bus which drops you off at Syntagma Square, a gathering place for many of the citys more upmarket hotels, or the x96 shuttle bus which runs to Piraeus, the central ferry point from Athens to the nearby Greek islands.

Get off the x95 into Syntagma Square and you will find yourself amongst the best hotels in all of Athens. If youre looking for luxury, proximity to the cultural heart of the city and world class service then book yourself into the King George Palace Hotel. With rooms starting at £154.35 a night, a stay at the King George Palace is value for money. A stay in a King George Palace room will provide you with richly coloured wall hangings, majestic furnishings and gorgeously embroidered bedspreads. Along with rooms fit for King George himself, the hotel boasts a variety of facilities including a world class restaurant, 24 hour bar, terraces and non-smoking rooms, faciliwww.asianchic.co.uk

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ties for disabled guests, safety deposit boxes, sound proofed rooms, free wi-fi, room service and air conditioning. As a bonus, the hotel caters to those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with leisure activities including a sauna, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre and Turkish steam baths, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Should you wish to be away from the activity at the heart of Athens then get the x96 shuttle bus into the heart of Piraeus, the central port of Athens, which provides ferries to the Greek islands. With beautiful port side views, a stay in Piraeus is to witness the natural beauty that provides an oasis in the heart of a bustling metropolis. To get the true Piraeus experience book a stay at the Hotel Niki Piraeus, which lies only 200 metres from the main port.

Away from the finery of the citys heart, the prices reflect the more relaxed atmosphere, with suites at the hotel starting from £50 out of the main June-September season. Boasting a more modern style of décor than the King George, the rooms of the Hotel Niki Piraeus embrace the post modern. They are littered with beautifully coloured glass vases, mosaic style glass partitions, minimalist wall art and warm tones to its richly painted walls. Along with this the hotel’s facilities are top notch, providing in room TV and radio, free wi-fi, hot tubs, terraces, sound proofed rooms, room service, car hire and private parking.

branch of the Hard Rock Café. Complete with rock and roll memorabilia, classic tunes and a plethora of alcohol to suit all tastes, it really is the place to get a taste of western rock and roll in the Hellenist heartland.

“ ancient temples ” After your drinks, to soak up the history of this monumental city a visit to the Acropolis is a must. One of the most famous monuments to grace our blue planet, the Acropolis houses ancient temples to the gods, the most famous of which is the iconic Parthenon, which was used to honour the city’s patron goddess Athena. Aside from this famous temple the Acropolis offers a view of stunning ancient architecture and is a must for all, not just history buffs. You cannot go to this city without visiting the temples that for many define its very heritage. It is called the Jewel of Athens and one visit will leave you in no doubt why.

If you want to take a break from the heat of the city, but still explore its history then climb down from the heights of the Acropolis and visit the National Archaeological museum; as Greece’s flagship museum, it houses an extensive collection of Greek art. A particular

highlight is the museum’s smiling Aphrodite statue, which depicts the goddess preparing to slap a satyr with her sandal. The statue showcases the famed Greek goddess of love’s ethereal beauty, along with her fiery temper, in the process displaying her in all her glory.

If you decide to soak up more ancient Greek history, but want a break from city life, take a trip to the mythical mount Olympus. Located near Thessalonica, the country’s second largest city, Olympus is the country’s highest peak. However it played a much more celebrated role in Ancient Greek culture as it was believed to house at its upper most echelons, the gods themselves. To visit Olympus is to feel the presence of the Ancients. Aside from this, the peak is part of the mount Olympus National Park. It boasts truly amazing flora and fauna that will leave you reeling from the true Grecian beauty.

Athens was the centre of the known world for centuries. A trip to the iconic city takes you back to the days of benevolent heroes, wise philosophers and meddlesome deities.

However Athens has embraced the modern world and caters to both the history buff and the tourist who simply wants good food and even better wine!

“ hearty taverna style ” After checking into your hotel you might want to get a bite to eat. If you want to stay in the central Syntagma square then head to nearby Alatsi. Located behind the Hilton hotel, this restaurant was named after the Greek word for natural sea salt and specialises in fresh sea food from the local Athens area. Famed for their kaltsounia, Alatsi caters to those who love rich food at affordable prices. All this in a classically modern environment looking out over the hustle and bustle of the main city makes for a unique dining experience. If you prefer to dine in peace and quiet, then head off to the secluded Psaras restaurant in the more remote, Plaka area of the city. A taverna of typical Greek style, complete with platethrowing waiters and traditional dress and décor you are treated to the Hellenistic experience. With hearty taverna style dishes such as mousaka, at affordable prices, this restaurant is definitely off the beaten track, but well worth the effort it takes to seek it out.

Once you’ve dined, head to more familiar pastures for a drink. Athens has a heaving night-life and nowhere is more lively and vibrant than Baba Au Rum, a cocktail bar off the Ermou area of the city centre. Boasting a menu with every traditional cocktail you can dream of including mojitos, champagne cocktails and Black Russians, as well as a playlist full of thumping chart topping hits, if you want to be the life and soul of the party then this is the place to be. For a more classic drinking experience, head to the Athens www.asianchic.co.uk

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German Marques

Unit 1, Fell Road, Sheffield, S9 2AL Phone: 0114 327 2027

Even if your ride is exclusive, the repair costs needn’t be at German Marques, with their rates easily bettering that of the dealers’.

Having only been open since July 2011, German Marques is fast becoming the principal place to take your luxurious set of wheels to.

For a top notch service, look no further than German Marques to treat your exclusive vehicle with the respect it deserves.

The business specialises in German makes, including BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche Volkwagen, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Mini and Maserati, although all cars are welcome. Highperformance cars need high-performance treatment, and the team at German Marques have the passion and attention to detail needed to provide your vehicle with the care it deserves.

Owner Gary is more than qualified to handle any motor, having been a mechanic for several years, as well as having worked at the Mini factory in Oxfordshire. After leaving his previous job last May, Gary decided to use his impressive auto experience to open his own business with German Marques. Highly trained technicians, Gary and his team undertake all work with care to produce perfect results.

Offering all service, repairs and maintenance, including diagnostics, engine tuning, modifications, body repairs, resprays, restorations, wheel refurbishments, paint-free dent removal and stone chip repairs, German Marques pride themselves on their extensive knowledge, quality customer service and competitive rates.

Asian

You Drink We Drive

Tel: 0114 239-39-39 www.sheffieldcitytaxis.com Sheffield’s No1

- CHIC -

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk

Max speed: 81 mph 0-62 mph: 13 secs Engine: Electric Max. power (bhp): 66 at 8000 rpm Max. torque (Ib/ft): 133 at 2000 rpm CO2: 0 g/km Price: £ 28,990 on the road

Tech Spec

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Motoring Car Review

THIS TINY electric car terrified me. I was so stressed driving it at first - not because it was a pig to drive or anything – I was just so paranoid I’d run out of power and not find a socket to charge the little i-MiEV up.

- Mitsubishi i-MiEV -

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It’s fine if you live in London - the trendy heart of green transportation. There are bikes and city cars to hire and electric sockets to plug your vehicle into all over the place. Birmingham has even got a few charging points now and, I dare say, so have some other major cities. But if, like me, you live in a fairly nondescript town somewhere in Northamptonshire then your options, aside from your electricity supply at home, are fairly limited.

decided to lift my foot off the accelerator pedal. This lets the motor operate as a power generator and the car’s motion energy is converted to electricity which charges the traction battery. This is known as ‘regenerative braking’. The feeling is similar to the one you get when you engine brake going through the gears in a manual ‘normal’ car. It’s clever stuff.

And it’s needed. It got me home – just!

it feels the best. It zips from here to there with ease, and parking the i-MiEV is a piece of cake.

At first, it takes a little bit of thought about the best gear to be in. The car has a few drive positions, you see: D (for city driving); B (for going downhill) and C (for comfortable driving). B is a good mode to be if you live in undulating surroundings because it increases the Mitsubishi’s usability on hills, and gives stronger regenerative braking than the D position.

“ cool looking ”

“ suprisingly spacious ”

“ pretty cute ”

Take this week. I needed to drive from Kettering (oops, I’ve let the cat out of the bag) to Leicester for a meeting at a radio station. Everyone clucked over the “cool looking” i-MiEV in the car park. I couldn’t disagree – my test vehicle was cloaked in matt black with a cream leather interior - but what really unnerved me was the trip back home. You see, I’d stuck my foot down on the 20 mile trip there, and on the return leg my right foot was pretty heavy again. I soon lifted it off the gas (I mean electricity), when I noticed the ‘fuel’ gauge, or in this case the charge gauge, was down to one bar – and then, all of a sudden, it was flashing zero. Help! At this point I

You see, the i-MiEV has only got a maximum range of 90 miles – and that’s if you drive it like a granny. That’s the downside if you venture too far from home without checking if there are any public charging facilities en route. But the upside is that it has zero emissions, so you don’t pay any road tax and the car is London Congestion Charge exempt.

It’s also very cheap to run – obviously!

Yes, all in all, despite the initial worry of running out of power, I enjoyed my time with the i-MiEV. It looked pretty cute sat on my drive hooked up to my garage’s power socket – and, on the road, I soon got used to the eerie silence of not having an internal combustion engine under the bonnet. I can certainly say that Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV is a world away from the first electric vehicle I ever clapped eyes on - the once familiar, but now increasingly rare, milk float!

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Inside, the mini Mitsubishi is surprisingly spacious and the boot is not bad either. Behind the wheel, the electric car is nippy and fun. It can handle 70 mph easily on the motorways, but around town is where

Tim Barnes-Clay Twitter @carwriteups www.carwriteups.co.uk