June 2019 Complimentary
Worcestershire Edition
FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE OUR TOP PICKS
e i d o Fo
FESTIVALS ACROSS THE REGION IN CONVERSATION WITH
CHEF
BRAD CARTER ON HIS DEBUT BOOK ‘STAFF’
The
FOOD & DRINK
Issue
Welcome
28
Our Editor chats to Carters of Moseley’s Brad Carter about his debut cookbook, ‘Staff’, and the philosophy of his Michelin-starred restaurant.
22
We round up the best food and drink festivals heading to the region in the coming months.
46
Find al fresco dining inspiration and ideas for hosting summer parties your friends and family will love!
The Food & Drink Issue Welcome to our first summer edition of the year! Our Food & Drink issue is packed full of foodie news from the region, delicious seasonal recipes, al fresco dining ideas, and more! The cover story star for this month is Brummie chef, Brad Carter, who gives our editor the inside scoop on his debut book ‘Staff’ and chat’s about the ethos behind his Michelin-starred eponymous restaurant, Carters of Moseley. We’ve also rounded up our favourite gift ideas for Father’s Day, along with a peek at the must-have new cookbooks we think everyone should own. Featuring beauty and hairstyling advice from our expert columnists, advice on how to ‘grow your own’, and a regional food and drink festival guide, our June issues are packed with scrumptious content for you to sink your teeth into. Happy reading,
From The Cornfield Team x www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk
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Contact Us Tel: 0121 796 6800 Email: info@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk Web: www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk Cornfield Publishing Ltd, Wythall Business Centre, May Lane, Birmingham B47 5PD
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this magazine is accurate, the Cornfield Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine. The Cornfield Magazine cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from any material supplied. Published monthly by Cornfield Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission from the publisher.
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BEAUTY
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Monthly Hair Care Column
With Celebrity Hair Stylist
Jay Birmingham DINNER DATE HAIR For The Food & Drink Issue, Jay reveals the perfect way to achieve flawless dinner date hairstyles. For date night I always suggest keeping your hair soft and simple to achieve a confident, sexy feeling. One of my go-to styles for a dinner date is a loose, low bun tied at the nape of your neck. This works really well as it keeps the majority of your hair out of your face, allowing your date to see you and ensuring you give off an open and relaxed vibe throughout. Take a small section, loose at each side, to frame your face. To give this look a softer feel, use your curling wand to gently wave these pieces of hair away from your face. For a super modern feel, you could add a jewelled hair accessory to your low bun and gently tease pieces of hair from the bun to give your look that ‘undone’, chic finish. If you prefer to wear your hair down I would suggest a relaxed blowdry to give your look a romantic twist. To achieve this at home, try to add volume to your roots using a large round brush. Dry your hair in sections to make this step a little easier for you and remember: patience is key. Once your hair is dry with volume at your roots, add a soft and subtle bend to the ends of your hair. You can use your straightening iron to do this, or your curling wand. You just want to add movement to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, so hold the iron on your hair for less time and experiment with the direction you are styling in to create a multi-dimensional finish. For a dinner date, it is important that your hair lasts in case dinner turns into drinks afterwards. To make sure your style is locked in place all night long, it is crucial to use hair spray to set it in place. I love L’Oreal Techni Art Fix Design Hairspray and you only need a small amount of product. Top tip: mist this over your hair from a height and use your fingers to position you hair as the product sets into place.
Jay Birmingham Hair Highfield Wellness & Beauty, 23A Highfield Rd, Birmingham B15 3DP @JayBirminghamHair www.jaybirmingham.co.uk
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BEAUTY
Look Good Enough
to Eat!
Professional Makeup Artist, Naomi Halliday, shares her favourite products to leave you looking (and feeling) scrumptious this summer. For this month’s foodie issue, I have rounded up 5 of the tastiest products on the market to keep you looking and feeling good enough to eat. Give in to the temptation, completely guilt free!
Sweet Treat Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Lip Scrub, £12.00 (beautybay. com) is a gentle, sweet scrub that preps the lips for a flawless colour finish and the best thing is that it’s safe to taste! Available in 10 delicious sweet flavours, including Blue Raspberry Sucker, Strawberry Gum, Mojito, Orange Soda, Marshmallow and Peach Popsicle, the hardest bit will be deciding which one to go for!
Tempting Toffee Caramel Melange Highlighter Palette by Zoeva, £11.50 (beautybay.com) - inspired by toffee confectionary. These velvety smooth highlighters flatter all skin tones, with ‘Everything is Coated’ creating a gorgeous butterscotch sheen and ‘Tasting Experience’ which will give you a golden honey bronze shimmer. Your skin will be left looking rich and warm, just like caramel!
Fruit Cocktail Pinch of Colour Healthy Lips Waterless Lip Oil, £18.00 (cultbeauty.co.uk) is an amazing lip moisturiser created without a trace of water, replacing this precious natural resource with skin-friendly natural oils, balms and butters. An effortless way to nourish lips while imparting a hint of uplifting colour, this is perfect both day and night, applied alone or on top of your favourite lipstick – simply choose from sheer raspberry red ‘Berry Bite’, sheer guava pink ‘Pink Crush’ or sheer caramel ‘Cream Dream’.
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Intense Coffee Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening Mask by The Body Shop, £17.00 (thebodyshop.com) is enriched with a powerful blend of coffee bean particles and gently warms and exfoliates your skin, leaving it feeling awakened, cleared of impurities and looking more radiant, with pores looking refined. The rich coffee smell is divine!
Sweet Like Chocolate Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Palette by Storybook Cosmetics, £40.00 (beautybay.com) is an incredible palette featuring 12 gorgeous eye-shadow colours suitable for creating a multitude of dreamy eye looks, bringing your wildest imagination to life! It’s packaged in a hardcover storybook and it is even chocolate scented – just try not to eat it!
Words by Naomi Halliday For makeup booking enquiries info@naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk / 07912 646363 www.naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk @naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk
HEALTH
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At Paul Lowe Dentistry in Solihull we believe that everyone should enjoy excellent oral health. We want you to experience the remarkable benefits to health and well-being that first class dental care can deliver. Our welcoming environment combines friendly, personal service with the professional expertise of a highly accomplished dental practice. • Family Care Plans • Quality Treatments • Affordable Dentistry
Meet our Dentists
If you join a Denplan payment plan this June 2019, you’ll receive a FREE Sonicare EasyClean Sonic electric toothbrush - RRP £45* *Terms and conditions apply
We are first and foremost a family general dental practice providing high quality dental care and advice for those of all ages. Each member of our team will always treat you as an individual and put your needs and expectations first.
Paul Lowe
BDS Ncle MMedSci - Dentist GDC Reg No. 56612
Paul has over thirty years’ experience in both dental and general hospitals and general practice. He has a particular interest in dental implants, having obtained a Masters degree in 2005. In addition to being part of the Practice team he is also a clinical lecturer at Birmingham University and a specialist in oral surgery at Birmingham Dental Hospital.
Gilly Mackenzie
BDS - Dentist GDC Reg No. 63946
Gilly is a highly experienced dentist who has been with us for over 20 years. Her gentle and caring approach makes her highly popular with her patients. She has completed advanced training in restorative dentistry and has a particular interest in crown and bridge work and cosmetic treatments.
Iain Roe
BDS MSc MFGDP(UK) - Dentist GDC Reg No. 78090
Iain has a wealth of experience and has been awarded a Masters degree in Advanced General Dental Practice, during which he was awarded the prize in Periodontology. He is also a clinical tutor at Birmingham University. His gentle and caring approach is much appreciated by his patients.
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In Review
The Barber House Pioneers of Birmingham’s throwback to traditional men’s grooming
Our Director Richard Cornfield checked out The Barber House following their relocation to Neville House on Water Street, and we review it here… After initially hearing The Barber House had undergone a £120,000 revamp, Rich was very keen to check out the new venue and services on offer. The Barber House is well known throughout the city as one of the best spots for men’s grooming, fusing traditional techniques with a modern mindset. The independent barbers (as seen on Peaky Blinders) has previously hosted famous faces such as Cillian Murphy, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, comedian Al Murray, footballer Rudy Gestede, boyband The Vamps, and Birmingham’s very own Glynn Purnell and Lenny Henry. Upon arrival, Rich was greeted with a friendly and enthusiastic welcome from the experienced team – now up to 11 qualified barbers – before being seated and attended to by owner and proprieter, Dale Sampey. Following a steam preparation treatment, Rich was provided hot towel application, a precise beard trim, soothing soaps, moisturisers and oils, and finished off with a splash of aftershave. The experience left Rich feeling, “Pampered, relaxed and fresh,” having received “the best precision beard sculpting treatment, quite possibly, ever!” As well as offering first-class haircuts and traditional shaves, the team provide shoe-shining services and have an in-store bar (where, yes, you can grab a beer), leaving them a cut above the rest. Rich said, “There’s just something about having a traditional shave that makes you feel really good. Whether it’s the attention to detail, the impressive razor cut, or maybe it’s just the retro surroundings…my experience at The Barber House has been unparalleled – I will definitely be returning!” He went on to say, “The care and attention I received was amazing, and the products used were clearly of very high quality. It’s pure luxury, and you leave not only looking better, but smelling great after a splash of their aftershave.” So, blokes, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a grooming experience like no other!
Give your dad a Father’s Day Gift a cut above the rest this year! Give your Dad a little R&R with a grooming experience that will bring the most important man in your life shear joy. Whether you Dad is a classic clean-cut or traditional short-back-andsides kinda guy, The Barber House caters to everyone modern man’s needs. The Barber House, which pioneered the city’s throwback to traditional men’s grooming, is offering the ultimate treat this Father’s Day with their gift vouchers. Gift cards can be purchased in store and online, offering up three options for the Father’s Day gift that’s a cut above the rest; Precision Beard Sculpting £25.50, Haircut and Finish £28.50, Traditional Cut Throat Shave £32.50.
The Barber House, Neville House, 14 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5TX Traditional walk-ins plus pre-booked appointment services available. To find out more and meet the expert team of barbers, visit www.thebarberhousebirmingham.co.uk
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HEALTH
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BEAUTY
Henley Lash House Eyelash Extension Specialists Anna Cornfield, owner of Henley Lash House, has been in the beauty industry for 15 years and has perfected her lash treatment technique over the last five years. Specialising in Russian Volume eyelash extensions, Anna is an expert technician in semi-permanent lashes, achieving fantastic results for all clients. What are Russian Volume lashes? Designed to give the ‘wow-factor’, Russian Volume lashes are applied to match the natural curvature of the eyelid. Their ultra-fine, lightweight design allows technicians to apply multiple synthetic extensions to each natural lash, creating more volume than classic lashes and often lasting longer. How are they applied? Anna carefully applies individual extension fibres to a single natural eyelash, building up both volume and length in the process. Depending upon her clients’ desired outcome, Anna can apply two to eight extensions on a single natural lash. The Russian Volume lashes are applied in a ‘fan-like’ shape, giving an eye-catching, impactful look. Are Russian Volume lashes safe? It’s important to book a specialist technician for all eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions can only damage your natural lashes if applied incorrectly. Untrained, amateur technicians may not have the skills and equipment to correctly isolate individual natural lashes and safely apply extensions. When it comes to your beauty and health, always go professional. Anna guarantees all clients are given aftercare advice and receive patch tests before any appointments take place.
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Hampton Clinic A doctor led medi-spa, in the luxurious setting of Hampton Manor, offering advanced aesthetics and beauty treatments Hampton Clinic is a hidden gem of aesthetics, nestled in the 45 acre woodland estate of Hampton Manor, a boutique hotel which boasts its own Michelin starred restaurant. The Clinic was awarded “Commended” at December’s Aesthetics Awards in the category of Best Clinic in The Midlands and Wales.
beauty treatments and holistic care. In support of healthy lifestyles, the team are proud to stock the high quality ZENii supplements.
The team comprises of Dr Lorraine Hill, Aesthetic Doctor and Medical Director, Dr Sally Bell a GP and lifestyle medicine specialist, Sarah Smith a functional medicine therapist. Melpo Economou offers counselling and life coaching, and Matt Chinn is our new podiatrist. There is a clinic manager, CoolSculpting nurse, one aesthetician and two Beauty therapists. With such a comprehensive team we are able to not only offer rejuvenation with injectables and fat freezing but also relaxing
Hampton Manor in partnership with Hampton Clinic make for an alluring destination for clients wanting pampering, rejuvenation and a luxurious stay. Clients relax during their treatments and can expect to see thriving wildlife in the woods. Clients comment on the tranquil setting and how they look forward to returning. We are proud of our high standards of safety and hygiene whilst delivering a cosy, rustic, home from home appeal.
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FOOD & DRINK
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Summer
Cocktail Recipes
Featuring Kokoro Gin’s New Japanese Flavoured Liqueurs Kokoro London Dry Gin, the British Gin with a Japanese heart, has recently launched three premium gin liqueurs with authentic, natural flavours from Japan: Kokoro Blueberry & Lemongrass, Kokoro Yuzu & Ginger and Kokoro Cherry Blossom. Impress your guests at any summer garden party with these delicious cocktail creations! Kokoro Blueberry & Lemongrass Liqueur
Blueberries are a relatively new addition to Japan, first cultivated in the 1950’s. Kokoro Blueberry & Lemongrass Liqueur is made using the finest blueberries from Nagano Prefecture. Recipe: Afan Bramble • 50ml Kokoro Gin • 25ml lemon juice • 10ml sugar syrup • 15ml Kokoro Gin Blueberry & Lemongrass Liqueur Shake first three ingredients and strain over ice. Drizzle Kokoro Blueberry & Lemongrass liqueur on top. Garnish with a lemon fan & blueberry.
Kokoro Cherry Blossom Liqueur
Cherry Blossom, Sakura in Japanese, has a uniquely floral flavour and the softest hint of sweet cherry. Recipe: Sakura 75 • 20 ml Kokoro Gin • 20 ml Kokoro Cherry Blossom Liqueur • 10ml lemon juice • 125ml Prosecco/Champagne Shake first three ingredients and strain into a long flute. Top with Prosecco/Champagne. Garnish with a cherry.
www.kokorogin.com Instagram: @kokorogin Twitter: @GinKokoro Kokoro Gin Liqueurs: 20cl - £12.50, 50cl - £20.50, Gift set - £36.00 with 3 x 20cl expressions, ABV 20%
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Wines of the Month Local sommelier Abi Connolly recommends the perfect wines to enjoy this summer with her personal tasting notes – all available to drink, enjoy and purchase at Arch 13 throughout June. 1. Something Fizzy: Bibo Riesling Sekt This is methode traditionelle Rheingau Riesling, barrel fermented and with three years on the lees, making it a pretty rare beast. It’s a wine with fantastic depth of flavour. It has all the elegance and complexity you would expect from big-name Champagnes, but the use of Riesling rather than the traditional French varieties has left it with a character all of its own.
2. Zesty White: Oliver Zeter, Sauvignon Blanc Fume, 2017 A beautiful expressive sauvignon that’s been fermented in oak barrels to add a touch of smoke. Gorgeous stone fruit, with citrus and herbs. A great wine to have on its own in the sunshine (British weather permitting) or with food.
3. Summer Rosé: Chateau Montaud, Provencal Rosé, 2015 Classic Provence rosé, expressive and aromatic, blending fresh cherries and floral notes alongside more exotic fruits then finishing with a soft round palate packed with peach and raspberry.
4. Light Red: Bouchon, Pais Viejo, 2016 País Viejo is made from vines that are over 100 years old, planted in the dry coastal region of Chile’s Maule Valley. Loads of bright wildflowers, rosehips, cherries and wild strawberries - very fresh and juicy style. A super light wine that is perfect for drinking chilled.
Pay Abi and the team a visit at Arch 13 – located at the front of Connolly’s Wine Shop, nestled underneath the arches in Livery Street in the Jewellery Quarter. Arch 13, 220 Livery Birmingham, B3 1EU
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Street,
20% off
A-La Carte menu with this voucher during June
FOOD & DRINK
Loxleys
Restaurant & Wine Bar
Popular Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant Loxleys has just launched a brand new menu and it’s already proving a hit with customers. The family-run restaurant on Sheep Street offers modern British cuisine in a recently refurbished, stylish restaurant in the heart of one of the most famous towns in the world. The new menu, launched in May, is the products of weeks of work by Loxleys’ team of chefs, who have kept some of the restaurants’ customers’ fond favourites but added plenty of new delicious dishes - all showcasing a passion for local produce and freshly-prepared ingredients. From top quality steaks to fish dishes, small plates to share, new vegan options and everything in between, the menu has already garnered praise from guests, with one customer saying: “I love the new menu, so many scrummy things to eat means lots of return visits.” “The new menu was only launched a few weeks ago and it’s already proving a real hit,” says General Manager Jonathan Lea. “We were careful to keep some of the dishes that our guests know and love but we’re also confident that the dishes we’ve added will be just as popular. The new dishes keep our focus on local produce, marrying classic flavours with our own, innovative Loxleys approach. We’ve also added some vegan dishes as well as some vegan wines. It’s the perfect menu to take us into summer and we can’t wait to welcome our regulars as well as plenty of new visitors over the coming months.” Once a much-loved clothes shop, Loxleys is now one of the top dining venues in Stratford, welcoming guests for lunch and dinner seven days a week and breakfast on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Sponsor of the Stratford Town Centre Food Festival and a finalist in the Best Restaurant category in the Muddy Stilettos Warwickshire Awards 2019, Loxleys is just a stone’s throw from Stratford’s famous theatres and tourist attractions. The restaurant, which is set across two floors of the historic building also offers private dining and a covered courtyard for al fresco dining in the summer. This unique setting provides the backdrop for excellent food, an extensive wine list, great cocktails and excellent service - all brought together for a fantastic dining experience.
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Have you been to a
micropub? What is a micropub? Although there is no official definition of a micropub, as the name suggests, they are a small version of a pub. But where a micropub differs from what most consider to be a ‘regular’ pub is that most micropubs will have no music, television, sports, pool tables or fruit machines. The result is you find yourself in a place where you can meet friends and socialise. You’ll find you can walk into a micropub on your own and be having a conversation with someone you’ve never met in minutes! Another common feature is the absence of big brands and lager. A micropub will not usually offer the well known, advertised brands, which in turn supports other independent businesses – microbreweries. The UK now has over 2000 microbreweries and cider producers with an amazing range of beers from light pale ales to robust stouts and porters. Ciders aren’t restricted to cloudy scrumpy types either. These too have taken on flavours from standard apple cider to mango or rhubarb and vanilla. With around 350 micropubs up and down the country, there’s probably one near you, so why not drop in, get a great beer or cider and enjoy spending time with friends? Jeff Berry. Jeff is the owner of the award winning micropub The Pup & Duckling in Solihull.
01789 292128 www.loxleysrestaurant.co.uk 3 Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EF
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FOOD & DRINK
Upcoming Food & Drink Events We round up the best food and drink events coming to the Midlands this summer! Eat, drink, and soak up the sunshine – what better way to spend time with friends and family?
BEER CENTRAL FESTIVAL 5-6 July 2019
Offering the best in beer, food and music! Here’s what to expect… Celebrating local and international breweries, Beer Central Festival offers world-class beer from over 20 local legends such as Neon Raptor, Glass House, and Dig Brew Co. alongside top UK breweries including Siren, Deya, Wild Beer and Thornbridge. The festival will also showcase International breweries, including Dugges, Lervig and Stone & Wood. Festival goers will get the chance to explore, taste and indulge in the festival’s huge selection of beers! The ‘festival goers all-in’ ticket means all beer is covered during the event, with attendees getting the chance to explore, taste and indulge in a vast selection of beers, from both local and international breweries.’ over the 2-day festival, and food from a selection of Birmingham’s top restaurants and chefs. Brad Carter of Carters of Moseley will join the food line-up for the inaugural festival that will bring the best in beer, food and music to 119 in Digbeth. Festival goers will enjoy the chance to experience Brad’s Michelin-starred food alongside street food giants Original Patty Men and Baked in Brick. Live music and DJ sets are also set to entertain crowds – see the full line-up online at: www.beercentralfestival.com. WIN TICKETS TO BEER CENTRAL 2019 – to enter, head to the competition page on our website at www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk now!
Brad Carter at Beer Central Festival Our cover star, Birmingham-born chef Brad Carter, will be on hand to bring his inimitable style to Beer Central Festival, demonstrating the culinary skills that earnt him a prestigious Michelin Star in 2016 at Carters of Moseley. On Friday and Saturday night, Brad will be grilling and smoking a variety of meat, seafood and other seasonal ingredients using two specially created grills. The ingredient-led menu has been carefully designed to pair perfectly with beers from two of his favourite breweries, The Kernel and Braybrooke. Read our interview with Brad in this issue!
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FOODIES FESTIVAL 21-23 June 2019
Foodies Festival is heading to Cannon Hills Park this June! Get your culinary fix during this family-friendly event… With a line-up of live music, workshops, masterclasses and appearances from top chefs (including our cover star Brad Cater), Foodies Festival 2019 is set to be a corker. Taste sweet treats with Bake Off winners, sample new wines and cocktails, devour delicious street food from around the world, and delve into new flavour sensations! The brand new extended Kids’ Zone has tons for the whole family to enjoy, including a Kids’ Cookery theatre, slime challenges, and even a Dog Arena! Live performances from Scouting For Girls, The Specials favourite The Neville Staple Band, Flash – a Queen tribute act, and Boyzlife will be on-going throughout the event. Grab your tickets online now at: www.foodiesfestival.com/birmingham.
BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SUMMER 13-16 June 2019
The ultimate summer day out returns to the NEC! Find out how to get involved… Fresh seasonal flavours, high-class entertainment and two Shows with one ticket! The biggest summer food festival to hit the Midlands. Packed with seasonal produce, ideas for al-fresco entertaining, the UK’s top chefs cooking up fresh recipes live on the numerous stages across the Show. Plus - unique to this Show – your ticket includes FREE entry to BBC Gardeners’ World Live, providing a variety of seed to plate inspiration, a vast range of grow your own ingredients and plenty of ideas to get your garden entertaining-ready! Again, our fab cover star Brad Carter will be making an appearance, along with several familiar faces - head to: www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com/birmingham-summer to get your tickets now, and don’t forget to check out our interview with top chefs at: www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk.
COLMORE FOOD FESTIVAL 5-6 July 2019
Returning to Victoria Square this summer, Colmore Food Festival will once again be filled with food, drink, music and entertainment! As always, the Festival aims to celebrate the best of the district, collaborating with and showcasing the sensational venues that call Birmingham home. Try taster portions from foodie favourites for up to just £4! This year, Colmore BID have partnered with First Mile to work towards achieving their most sustainable Food Festival to date. Find out more at: www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com.
BIRMINGHAM COCKTAIL WEEKEND 11-14 July 2019
Four days of sampling the best of Birmingham’s cocktail scene – sound good? Here’s how to get your wristband… For just £10, wine enthusiasts can access signature cocktails offered by tons of venues for just £4 across the weekend – these delicious tipples have been created exclusively for #BCW2019 wristband wearers! The nature of the festival allows visitors to dip into venues for just one evening, or enjoy all four days of cocktail fun – whatever your schedule. Attend masterclasses, exclusive events and learn all about the spirits behind your favourite cocktails. Find out more about the exciting event online now at: www. birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk.
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FOOD & DRINK
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Seasonal
Recipes
Perfect for summer garden parties and al fresco dining
Watermelon, feta and onion salad Serves 4 - 6
Ingredients: - 400g of watermelon flesh - 200g of feta - 1 red onion - 2 handfuls of mint - 1 bag of rocket - 30g of mixed olives (pitted) - 2 glugs of olive oil - 150g of cherry tomatoes Method: Cut the watermelon flesh into chunks, removing the hard skin, before placing into a large bowl. Cut the feta into roughly 2cm squares, before chopping the onion into thin slices. Half the olives and tomatoes, then add them along with the feta and red onion to the bowl. Roughly chop the mint leaves and toss them into the salad, and then drizzle over the olive oil, season, and serve.
Pasta with spinach, pine nuts and Parmesan Serves 4 - 6
Homemade hummus with flatbread Serves 4 - 6
Ingredients: - 400g of chickpeas - 1 clove of garlic - 1 tablespoon of tahini - 1 lemon - 2 glugs of extra virgin olive oil - 1 pinch of paprika - 2 pinches of salt - 4 – 6 rounds of flatbread Method: Drain the chickpeas and rinse them, placing a few whole chickpeas to the side for serving. Add them to a food processor along with the tahini, salt and garlic. Slice the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the processor. Blend the ingredients into a thick paste, (adding water if the mixture is too thick) and then add to a small bowl. Drizzle over olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and the whole chickpeas. Serve the hummus with warm flatbreads.
Ingredients: - 500g of Rotini pasta - 200g of spinach leaves - 2 handfuls of fresh basil - 2 glugs of olive oil - 3 cloves of garlic - 150g of sundried tomatoes - 100g of Parmesan - 100g of toasted pine nuts Method: Bring a pan of lightly salted water to boil, before adding the Rotini pasta. Roughly chop the spinach leaves, basil leaves and sundried tomatoes, before adding to a large bowl. Chop or mince your garlic cloves and stir them in. Drain your pasta and allow it to rest for a minute, before stirring it in with the other ingredients. Add the pine nuts to a saucepan and toast them until lightly brown. Then add to the bowl, along with two big glugs of olive oil. Grate your Parmesan over the dish and allow to melt slightly before serving.
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Foodie News Award-winning Chef Cooks Up Opportunities for Young Talent Mike Bullard, awardwinning chef at The Butchers Social has recently spoken about his initiative to grow and retain talent in the industry and passion for nurturing aspiring chefs.
Do you want us
to review
Since opening The Butchers Social in 2016, Mike has employed many apprentices and has dedicated his time to personally investing in training the next generation of chefs. Oliver Aston is one such aspiring chef that has benefitted from Mike’s commitment to supporting young talent.
your bar, café,
or restaurant?
Having discovered Olly’s passion for cooking, Mike encouraged Olly to train as an apprentice chef under the HIT Training Scheme, which will result in a Professional Cookery Qualification to a Level 2 standard. Once Olly has secured his qualification, Mike intends to continue providing the professional development he needs to become a chef – no matter the time it takes. To book your table at The Butchers Social and to try out the new menus, call the team on 01564 792135 or visit www.thebutchers. social.
Taste of the Med Heads to Brum with Brand New Bar and Restaurant Noel’s Bar and Restaurant has recently opened at 22 Waterfront in Birmingham city centre, just in time for summer! Combining traditional Mediterranean recipes with a delicious cocktail menu, the new waterside venue offers customers an exotic dining experience. The 90-seater restaurant features an open kitchen and charcoal grill, allowing diners to become fully immersed in the sophistication and flavours of the Med. Traditional cuisine created using only the finest and freshest ingredients will invite guests to explore new tastes and authentic recipes. Bringing the Mediterranean to Birmingham, Noel’s celebrates the very best of authentic cuisine, carefully crafted cocktails, and beautiful interior design. Visit www.noelsbar.co.uk to book your spot, or find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Drop an email to content@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk to be featured in an upcoming issue!
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Interview
Chef Brad Carter
of Carters of Moseley By Evie Kissack
Brad Carter, the Birmingham-born chef behind the eponymous restaurant, Carters of Moseley, is known for his commitment to sustainability and British ingredients – a commitment that influences the entire ethos of Carters. The restaurant aims to stay sensitive to the seasons, support the rare breed movement, and focus on minimal intervention to get the most out of the UK’s indigenous produce. Celebrating his debut ‘cookbook with a difference’, ‘Staff’, Brad chats to Evie about the friends, family members and influencers that have inspired and supported him throughout his personal life and career. For those that haven’t been lucky enough to visit Carters of Moseley yet, how would you describe your restaurant and cooking style? At Carters we are primarily focused on everything British, so we try not to import anything. That means that each season, and for each menu, we are thinking three or four months ahead about preserving seasonal ingredients like fruit. For example, soft fruit season in England is short. We have to preserve ingredients ahead of time otherwise we would have to look at importing things from France - then we become like everybody else. We are very strict on our philosophy and what we believe; what we cook. Chefs often say their menus are ‘ingredient-led’, but I always say mine is ‘product-led’. The people that we work with make up who we are. We are very specific when it comes to the suppliers we work with and what we put on the plate for our customers. We are trying to work with the very best produce from the UK and not mess about with it, in order to let the products speak for themselves and be the stars of the show. I’m fascinated by how you select your suppliers and source your ingredients. Can you tell me a little about this process? Each course we serve at Carters represents an ingredient and a place in the UK - we sing and dance about that. For example, we use one specific oyster from Porthilly in Cornwall and we also use specific pork from Paddock Farm Butchery in Brailes, Warwickshire - it’s an old rare hand-reared breed of British pig called a Tamworth. There will be no compromise. If there isn’t any of that specific pork available we will just change the meat completely. I never wanted to have a high-end restaurant that was stagnated and served the same dishes all the time. I wanted to have somewhere that was very open to the supply chain and the products, chopping and changing based on what was the best of the week or the month and cooking like that. We try to reflect the whole philosophy of the restaurant in every way we can. The soft drinks on the bar are all made in-house, and the ones that aren’t are Kombucha made by a friend of mine (Happy Gut Hut). We don’t have any commercial brands, because for one we don’t really like them ourselves, but the other reason is that it’s in keeping with what we do. We make our own dandelion and burdock drinks out of the roots from foragers we work with – our philosophy brings us into the wild a lot as well. For us, to replace a lemon is challenging, so the
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foragers come up with things like using pine needles that have a big citrus flavour from a tree called grand fir. So, instead of dropping a slice of lemon into a gin and tonic, we will add the needles. This is just in our DNA, and it’s something we think will make a change and make us individual. We only serve wines that reflect the same philosophy of celebrating the natural side of things that our restaurant does. The wines and winemakers we work with do similar things in the vineyard as our farmers do on the farms. Winemakers are farmers, at the end of the day. They don’t spray their vines with pesticides, which goes perfectly with our food because there are no ‘nasties’, no unnatural things. The wines and our food work together in synergy. We use 100% organic, biodynamic and natural wines, and the winemakers have become really good friends of ours because we support their product so much. It is a full time job having a wine list like we do, because these guys only make 1000 bottles instead of 10,000. This means our wine list has to change frequently. But, we’d rather do that than use a product just because it’s easy. It’s not price orientated - it’s all about the best products we can give our guests in every possible shape or form.
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Our menu really reflects the best products of the week rather than the technical flair of me as a chef.
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The techniques you use to cook and prepare your food are often very unique – where do you draw your inspiration from? I find that I have put myself into a corner by only using certain ingredients – it’s forced me to be a lot more creative, and the end result of that we are more individual as a restaurant. Our menu really reflects the best products of the week rather than the technical flair of me as a chef. The technical side comes later. We find the best way of serving products after we’ve picked the products we are going to work with. Normally it’s really simple, traditional ways of cooking. We use a lot of charcoal to cook the meat in the restaurant; we cook meat and fish over fire. We work with day boat fishermen too they’re very specific about what they catch and will send me a list of what they’re getting every day via text message, then in the night they drive it up from Cornwall. We work really closely with some Scottish guys who supply us with seafood, things like diver scallops that are all graded and hand-harvested, so everything is done properly. No big nets – it’s not a case of, ‘Oh this was in the net so we are going to serve it’. It’s very specific, and if what we want is not available (like I mentioned earlier) we just pick something else. That’s the absolute nature of the restaurant. We are very conscious about the environment. Because we don’t import our ingredients, it makes us think a lot more about the sustainability of the restaurant. Our recycling system is very complex; we try to recycle all of the plastic bags used in the kitchen. I recently won Sustainable Chef Award with Olive Magazine for the work we have put into that side of things. It’s really nice when people recognise that. It’s not all about stars and rosettes; it’s about our lifestyle as well. I think all restaurants should be like that – but I can’t run everyone’s unfortunately. [Laughs] You also work with lots of independent businesses and chefs for special one-off events – how did this innovative idea come about? The reason that I do these special events on Sunday (our close day) is to try to give Birmingham something that we can’t normally get food-wise. I’ve got a lot of friends in the industry that are at the top of their game, and they might not necessarily have a Michelin star, or they might not have their own restaurant, but who they are and what they cook is stand out stuff. I just decided to use these events to support them and introduce their food to our city. For me, it’s a lot of fun. We all get to learn! People get to try the unique food we create – food that they can’t necessarily get elsewhere. Recently, we had a friend of mine from Holborn Dining Room join us for an event - he’s a pastry specialist called Chef Calum – these events tend to sell out in under 20 minutes! They’re really popular because people want to try new experiences – it’s great for the city, really.
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It’s not all about stars and rosettes; it’s about our lifestyle as well.
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A congrats is in order too, because you’ve recently launched your new book, ‘Staff’, which was inspired by Carters’ famous Instagram stories! Can you firstly tell me a little about the regular #staffdinners you host, and the intention behind these meals? Thank you! The way the staff dinners came about was that we wanted to fill our Instagram page with ever-changing content. We didn’t want it to be repetitive, so Alex (our assistant manager) had an idea to put the food our staff
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FOOD & DRINK
were eating onto our story because they were eating so well! My philosophy here is that if we eat well; we cook well; we work well. I’ve always spent a little more on staff dinners because of my experiences not having good staff dinners when I was working in other kitchens - it was always an afterthought, it was always lazy, and it was always a case of really amazing food for customers and not the team. I thought, ‘I should live that life as well. I shouldn’t eat badly because it’s one rule for the guests and one rule for us – that’s not right’. I’ve always implemented a policy of making sure our team are eating the same things as the customers, but in a ‘family style’. We will eat the same pork, but we might just eat a cheaper cut.
grown up with him – he would be a chef if he weren’t a barber because he’s so into food. I put in my other friend that designs clothes (Provide Birmingham) because he makes everyone look sharp – I wanted to make the book as proBirmingham as possible. There’s a little bit about my own story because it should reflect me as a person as well. We’ve been calling it a really functional cookbook - the last thing I wanted to do was create something that would just gather dust on a table. It’s a book that I want to see in people’s kitchens. I want to see what people make and the recipes they’ve tried at home; I want people to use it – I think it’s a home cookbook with a difference.
We started videoing our staff meals about three years ago - just a couple of little preparation techniques and then the final dish. We got a really good following and we were getting loads of messages. Since then, we’ve started getting really in depth with each stage of the process when creating dinner – we get 1500 to 2000 people watching our stories a day minimum. It’s really informative. It’s a really big part of our day now, and it’s another job on the list! People find a lot of inspiration in our stories, and I think that is a really good thing so we are happy to do it.
It seems like it’ll be a really cool, interactive way for people to get involved with the restaurant and be an ongoing project – would you encourage people to send in pictures of recipes they’ve made from ‘Staff’?
The way the book came about was because the publisher I worked with had come to eat at my restaurant and said he thought it was great, and wanted to do a cookbook with me. I have always promised myself I’d never do a cookbook of my food, because I think my food evolves every year and cooking is a momentary thing. I actually don’t feel like I’ve finished evolving as a chef yet. The last thing I ever do will be a book on the restaurant and everything that I’ve ever cooked. We asked people on Instagram to vote for their favourite dishes, and then documented them all, and that’s what went in the book - all the recipes that everyone flagged up as their favourites. I wanted to feature guest chef recipes so we did a profile on each of those guys as well. We also did a little ‘influencers’ section too – I stuck my mum in there because my mum has been a huge influence on me. My barber is in there too! I’ve
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It’s a book that I want to see in people’s kitchen. I want to see what people make and the recipes they’ve tried at home. I want people to use it – I think it’s a home cookbook with a difference.
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Honest to god that is what we want. We are open to that. On social media we reply to everyone and if someone is cooking our dishes and send us a video or whatever, we will be absolutely buzzing about that, we will be all over it. [Laughs]
Order your copy of ‘Staff’ now at: www.cartersofmoseley.co.uk/shop Pay Carters of Moseley a visit at: 2c Wake Green Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9EZ
Home and Garden section, Sponsored by
M & J Mahoney + Sons Ltd Builders Merchants and DIY Centre M & J Mahoney + Sons Ltd is an independent family run business, established in 1975. Mahoney’s have a network of branches in Solihull, Birmingham & surrounding areas. Serving the Trade and Public with quality products for over 40 years! We have a wide range of goods to enable you to be able to complete any project from building a house, or tackling those odd jobs around the home or garden. Our experienced and friendly staff are always on hand to help and have the necessary knowledge to assist you with any DIY task, advise on materials, quantities and costs. We also offer a free cutting service on all timber and sheet metal, with a speedy delivery service available 6 days a week. We are committed ensuring our cutovers get great value for money and a second to none service. Joinery Shop - Free Timber cutting Service at our Solihull Branch Delivery Service - 6 days Everything you need under one roof - A one stop shop! Follow us on twitter@mahoneysdiy all the latest news and offers!
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Hoods Flooring
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A trusted name in carpet fitting services and supplies As a long-established, family-run business, Hoods Flooring can offer you an exceptional wealth of experience and high-quality service.
Breathe life into your home this summer with a professional floor renovation Creating a fresh new look for your home is the perfect way to start summer. Why settle for out-dated carpets and worn down floorboards, when you can have more? Together with Hoods Flooring, you can create a bespoke, practical living space by installing high quality flooring to suit your personal style, budget and taste. Founded in 1939 by Hilda Hood, Hoods Flooring was established with the aim to provide a first class flooring supply and fitting service to customers throughout Birmingham and Solihull. Now in its third generation, Hoods Flooring continues to fulfil this ambition. Over the years, we have established long and happy relationships with hundreds of valued customers, both
commercial and private. Our large two-storey showroom stocks a huge range of flooring product options, allowing customers to select the perfect floor covering to suit their needs. We supply a wide range of carpets and hard flooring, including Karndean designer flooring, Marmoleum tiles and rubber flooring.
Transform your interiors – trust in Hoods Flooring Award-winning and certified team members Hoods Flooring’s award-winning team are all NICF (National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers) certified. We receive on going, inhouse training and attend regular manufacturer training courses to ensure we stay up-to-date with industry standards and maintain our high standards of service. Our team are fully trained and qualified to handle flooring projects, specialising in providing excellent carpet fitting services and expert advice for our clients.
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INTERIORS
Kooky
Kitchenware
Brighten up your kitchen this summer! The Food & Drink Issue celebrates the very best of all things culinary. Here’s a few of our favourite utensils to deck out your kitchen and add style to your interiors so you can cook to your heart’s delight. Colourworks Display of 24 Kitchen Scissors KitchenCraft These multi-purpose scissors feature precision stainless steel blades and non-slip handles for secure grip as well as a built in bottle top remover and a protective sheath for safe storage. Available in the key Colourworks colours, the scissors can be co-ordinated with a range of other items in the Colourworks range, allowing you to mix, match and co-ordinate your kitchen in a striking array of colours.
Living Nostalgia Metal Kitchen Compost Bin - English Sage Green KitchenCraft Put the waste in your home to practical use with the Kitchen Craft Living Nostalgia Kitchen Compost Bin. It’s specially designed for use indoors, with a special charcoal filter that keeps odours to a minimum. With its attractive vintage look and compact footprint, it’s ideal for your kitchen worktop.
Egg Kitchen Timer, Gold Pheasant Kitchen Gauntlet Sophie Allport Sophie Allport’s ‘Flying Pheasant’ collection. The collection includes a wide range of homewares. Tea Towels, Aprons and Oven Gloves to fine bone china Mugs, Jugs, Plates and also new Placemats, Coasters, Melamine Trays, Wrapping Paper, Notebooks and more! This wonderful cotton fabric features flying pheasant birds on a stone green coloured background.
Cult Furniture This stylish egg timer in gold will keep you on track of your cooking. Small and portable to place in your kitchen, it includes an adjustable dial up to 1 hour just turn clockwise to set your desired time!
Gold Kitchen Utensil Sieve Set Beaumonde Gold set of 3 sieves, of various sizes, by Bloomingville. One of a collect of attractive kitchenware with a golden finish, in an Art Deco style. Suitable for a whole host of uses, from tea to baking.
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Present Time Metal Kitchen Dish Rack - Gold Cult Furniture What’s gold, eye-catching and sure to update your kitchen in an instant? This metallic dish rack from Present Time of course. Simply constructed with room for big and small plates, this piece comes with a side attachment to let cutlery dry and a sturdy base. Doing the dishes have never been the most stylish activity until now, at least!
Stag Kitchen Tidy Red Candy Transform your kitchen clutter into a magnificent stag with this novelty utensil pot from Suck UK! The Stag Kitchen Tidy is a ceramic deer head with two openings behind his ears. These will not only store your kitchen gadgets, but also turn them into antlers in one fell swoop!
Evening Grey Kitchen & Wash Cloth The Find Store Organic cotton throughout, including the thread and the label from The Organic Company. Use it in the kitchen as a kitchen cloth or in the bathroom as a small guest towel or washcloth for face and hands.
Hector Kitchen Stool in Cool Steel HR Swoon Combining modern clean, contemporary lines with a touch of Far Eastern flair, the Hector barstool is a fusionstyle piece. With a wooden frame with and slightly distressed edges and a contrasting steel top, this is a hugely popular design, adding a pop of colour and a touch of chic to an interior.
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HOME
Kavanagh’s Kitchens and Bathrooms is an established supplier of leading manufacturers of bathroom and kitchen products, providing a full design and installation service. The family-run business has been delivering exceptional workmanship to clients for over 28 years. Specialising in complete bathroom and kitchen refurbishments, Kavanagh’s will create bespoke expert designs to bring clients’ dreams to life, managing the whole project from start to finish. With excellent workmanship, Kavanagh’s are able to mange the entire installation of a project including plastering, electrics, worktops, doors, wet rooms, shower panelling, tiling, and under floor heating. The company’s up-front quotations mean there are no hidden costs, and customers can rest assured their homes or businesses are in safe, expert hands. For enquiries, please call 0121 604 6464 or email mark@kavsbathrooms.co.uk or beckykavanaghs@gmail.com www.kavsbathrooms.co.uk 32 East Meadway, Tile Cross, Birmingham, B33 0AP
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Al Fresco Dining:
Must-have Accessories
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The essential products that will impress your dinner guests this summer – from eclectic rugs and quirky lanterns, to chic cutlery and patterned crockery, we’ve hand-picked our favourite items that will transform your outdoor space into an al fresco haven.
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17 1. Surprised Tiger Deck Chair, The National Gallery, £120 2. Mortimer 4 Seat Dining Set, Wyevale Garden Centres, £899 3. Buddha Solar Garden Light, Lights4Fun, £22.99 4. Citronella Large Terracotta Pot, Price’s Candles, £4.20 5. Fiji Apple Day Bed, The Garden Furniture Centre, £3499.99 6. Warm White Festoon Lights, Lights4Fun, £35 7. Green Glass Vases & Candle Votives Set with Tray, Beaumonde, £35 8. Regular Mesh LED Solar Lantern, Lights4Fun, £18.99
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9. Katie Alice Festival Folk Glass Tumbler Navy, Creative Tops, £7
16. VonShef Set Of 2 Brushed Gold Wine Glasses, Domu Brands, £16.99
10. Marseille Outdoor Chiminea Fireplace, Lime Lace, £399.99
17. Julius Set of 2 Large Velvet Cushions, Teal Blue, MADE, £39
11. Large Natural Willow Cheese Dome, Gisela Graham London, £42
18. BBQ Tool Set, MenKind, £24.99
12. Drift Set Of 3 Canape Plates, KitchenCraft, £14 13. Tassel Single Garden Hammock, Beaumonde, £105 14. Gold Hammered Placemats (set of 2), AUDENZA, £24.95 15. Bronte by Moon Merino Lambswool Parquet Throw Blanket - Coral, Hurn & Hurn, £56.95
19. Drift Acrylic Jug, KitchenCraft, £10 20. Drift 16Pc Cutlery Set, KitchenCraft, £26 21. Twin Pheasant Jam / Condiment Jars with Spoons, At Home In The Country, £52 22. Terracotta Wine Coolers, Printer + Tailor, £37.50 23. Cerise Forest - Front And Reverse, Vintage Cushions, £155
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Interior Design
Summer of Prints These bold printed wallpapers that will give maximum impact to your interiors! If oversized tropical plants are your thing, or if you’re a sucker for geometric shapes, then current wallpaper trends will leave you feeling very, very happy. Go BIG with your home décor and delve into the current maximalist trend this summer. Whoever said a wall decorated with hundreds of zebras is ‘too much’ was lying.
Summer Garden Charcoal Wallpaper ARTHOUSE £9.99 per metre
Style meets oversized vibrant floral patterns with this eyecatching wallpaper from ARTHOUSE. Liven up your interiors and bring the warmth of summer into your home by featuring this bold design on one statement wall.
Black Panther Wallpaper by Majvillan Bobby Rabbit £75 per metre
If big cats are your thing, you’ll love this amazing wallpaper by Swedish brand Majvillan. Created by artist Charlotta Sandberg, the design is inspired by the natural world and combines blackened pastels with grey and creamy whites to create a striking feature in any room.
Zebra and Cactus Wallpaper Jessica Russell Flint £22 per metre
This made-to-measure wallpaper ensures no wastage as part of the company’s commitment to sustainability. This quirky design works perfectly in a nursery or child’s room, bringing vibrancy and fun through colour and pattern.
Tropics Turq Wallpaper Petronella Hall £95 per metre
Lush greens, deep blues, and vibrant turquoises make up this beautiful matte wallpaper that is as bold as it is beautiful. Run with a botanical theme this summer and infuse your room with tropical zest!
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HOME & GARDEN
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From Garden to Kitchen
Grow Your Own
Sow, plant, and harvest this June
Rewarding, environmentally sustainable, healthy and cost-effective, growing fruit and vegetables in your garden or allotment allows you to enjoy fresh produce packed with vitamins and minerals that you can proudly say you raised and harvested by hand.
To Sow Beetroot Sow beetroot seeds directly into soil throughout June and July (every two weeks) to produce a harvest for the autumn months. Plants sown during these months do not require added protection, and harvests can be stored for winter if desired. Runner Beans This quintessentially British plant can be sown directly into the ground until late June – if you have started off your runner bean plants indoors, sow them outside once they reach 3 inches tall in June. Crops should be ready to harvest for the autumn months. Salad Leaves Sow a variety of salad leaves throughout June, including rocket, chard, kale, and summer purslane. Salad leaves can be gown in containers or sown lightly on top of soil surface before being sprinkled with compost. These types of plant are cut-andcome-again crops, meaning you can cut salad leaves usually up to four times. Sowing salad leaves several times a few weeks apart will allow you to enjoy salad crops all summer long.
To Plant Tomatoes This month, it’s essential to move any outdoor tomato plants to your garden. These plants seek warmth and sunshine, and you may wish to give them added protection with cloches in their earlier stages. Canes should also be planted next to certain varieties to provide extra support once they grow.
deep pots with loam-based compost (such as John Innes). Waiting to plant your herbs outside until after the last frost will ensure more tender herbs will survive, as they prefer warmer soil. Chillies Be sure to harden off chilli and sweet pepper plants that you have raised from seedlings. Be sure to wait until after the last frost to plant chillies outside. Directly plant them into the ground, giving each plant enough room to grow, and cover with cloches.
To Harvest Broad Beans Crops planted last autumn outdoors, or in the New Year under cover should be ready to harvest this month. Pick pods once they are around 3 inches long, waiting until the beans are clear to see through the pod. Before cooking your beans, make sure the scar is not black as this indicates the beans are tough. Strawberries When the fruit looks ripe, and red all over, pick the strawberries before they go soft. Eat strawberries ideally very soon after they have been picked (with cream for a treat) or place them to one side to use in a delicious jam. Potatoes Early crops should be ready to harvest in June – certain varieties will be ready to lift around 100 days after planting. Flowers should be open, or buds dropped, before the potatoes are ready to harvest. To store, ensure foliage has turned yellow in colour before removing it and leaving the crops to dry.
Herbs June is a great month to transport any herbs grown inside into containers outside. Certain herbs will grow year-round outside – herbs like mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage will thrive outdoors in containers. Choose
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HOME & GARDEN
Al Fresco
Dining
Hosting a dinner party in the summer months is the best time to embrace the al fresco way of dining – make the most of your outdoor space and enjoy a casual meal with friends and family in the sunshine. Whether you live in the countryside and have a big garden area, or are a city dweller with cosy balcony space, dining al fresco style is a wonderful way to enjoy time with loved ones and host a unique feast in comfortable surroundings. For any al fresco dining party, it’s useful to have a plan of action before guests arrive – here are a few simple tips to ensure you create an amazing atmosphere and an unforgettable experience for all.
1. Serve easy seasonal recipes and small sharing plates
The beauty of al fresco dining is that you can make it as simple as possible cooking-wise (a brilliant notion for those of us that aren’t very experienced in the kitchen). Serving guests a variety of ‘nibbles’ or tapas plates means everyone can dig in at their own leisure – this way of dining makes hosting relatively stress-free, and often guarantees food doesn’t go to waste. Salads, cold meats, cheeses, breads, dips and oils, mezze platters, fresh fruit and seasonal soups are the perfect dishes to serve up on a warm summer evening – check out some of our al fresco recipe ideas in this month’s issue too!
2. Choose an eclectic mix of accessories, cutlery and crockery Again, the casual nature of al fresco dinner parties means that you can forget the fancy stuff – accessorise your outdoor table with an assortment of crockery, crockery, candles and flowers to create a wonderfully relaxed vibe! Matchy-matchy place settings and fine china aren’t necessary for this kind of culinary experience – in fact, the more mixed your decorations and accessories are, the better! Adding splashes of colour, patterned tablecloths and serving dishes in quirky pots will create a feast for the
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eyes – not just the tastebuds! Create a unique, tranquil space for you and your guests to bask in the sunshine whilst grazing on delicious food. Check out our al fresco dining accessory picks in this edition.
3. Select tasty cocktail recipes and refreshing beverages
Sangria, jugs of cocktails, or bottles of chilled wine are perfect to serve at an al fresco dinner party. We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite summer cocktail recipes in the food and drink section this month. Giant jugs of refreshing drinks are an easy way to serve a multitude of guests without rushing back and forth to your kitchen. Invest in a good ice cooler to keep bottles of beer and wine chilled on warm summer days. If you have little ones attending your party, make sure you have plenty of fruit juice and water to keep them hydrated in the sun. Having a smaller table for children gives them the freedom to eat and play together, away from any burning candles or jugs of alcohol!
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Cornfield Recommends
Three pages of local businesses, offering excellent services Henley Lash House Anna Cornfield, owner of Henley Lash House, has been in the beauty industry for 15 years and has perfected her lash treatment technique over the last five years. Specialising in Russian Volume eyelash extensions, Anna is an expert technician in semipermanent lashes, achieving fantastic results for all clients. What are Russian Volume lashes? Designed to give the ‘wow-factor’, Russian Volume lashes are applied to match the natural curvature of the eyelid. Their ultra-fine, lightweight design allows technicians to apply multiple synthetic extensions to each natural lash, creating more volume than classic lashes and often lasting longer. Call or text to book on: 07769 206 389 Henley-in-Arden B95 5FE
Steaming Sam Steaming Sam has been trading for over 20 years, specialising in the professional cleaning of carpets, rugs, upholstery and more. Services include: deep van mounted carpet cleaning; stain removal; fabric protection; specialist oriental rug cleaning; hard floor, tile and grout cleaning; upholstery cleaning; leather restoration; end of tenancy cleaning. Work is carried out by fully trained, trustworthy technicians to ensure clients’ peace of mind. Using the latest Truck Mounted Soil Extraction Unit, Steaming Sam rejuvenates carpets with the heaviest soiling, from tar-covered nightclubs to heavily soiled domestic dining rooms, lifting the pile and heightening the colours. Differing from portable cleaning systems, the Truck Mount system is not governed by size or weight and being totally contained is unlimited in its cleaning power, allowing cleaning to be carried out in half the time of a portable clean. Steaming Sam does not rely on soapy shampoos, which leave a sticky residue in the carpet fibres causing ‘rapid re-soiling’; meaning a Steaming Sam clean will last longer and save you money in the long run. Steaming Sam are members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association and a Which? trusted trader. info@steamingsam.co.uk 0121 733 6307 or 07917 442 790 Steaming Sam, 4 Ardendale, Harwood Grove, Solihull, B90 4AW
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RECOMMENDATIONS
The Wasp Man Are you looking for help in resolving your wasp nest problem? Then you need look no further as damaging a wasps nest yourself can be a dangerous task, without the professional expertise. There is only one main pest that can make enjoying the warmer weather rather unpleasant, which is why in order to prevent wasps from invading your home or garden during the summer months, it is highly advisable to seek professional help. You should never remove wasps yourself, especially when using a D.I.Y method, such as fire or water, which is not an effective or successful procedure to use for the removal of wasps. That is where we are on hand to help with a professionally trained specialist pest control technician, who is trained to handle and remove the wasps nest safely and efficiently using safety equipment and professional products. The trained technician also has the expert knowledge on wasp behaviours and instincts, plus is also able to work in smaller locations, including attics. If you are in need of a friendly and skilled wasp technician, call Richard for a FREE quotation on 01564 330 994.
Fitcap Bootcamp Do you want to improve your fitness and well-being, but don’t know where to start? Experienced trainers, Sam and Lee, have been running Fitcap Bootcamp in Sheldon for over 7 years, helping people of all ages and abilities to enhance their health. Work through a range of exercise routines and workouts in a supportive environment, and build up your strength, lose weight, and boost your fitness levels. The friendly Fitcap instructors ensure everyone feels welcome, safe, and comfortable, and tailor group exercises to suit the abilities of the class. Sign up today and start your journey towards achieving your fitness goals! Mondays 7.30 - 9.00pm. Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm FITNESS FOR ALL LEVELS. ONLY £3 A SESSION. 07501 097388 www.facebook.com/fitcapbootcamp Sheldon Heath Rd, Birmingham B26 2RU
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Mid-England Barrow A unique countryside funeral venue. Mid-England Barrow is a rural modern-day Round Barrow for the storage of cremation ashes as an alternative to Natural and Woodland Burial. In the heart of English Countryside, on the borders of Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire is an amazing structure created entirely from natural resources by skilled craftsmen. Niches, nestled into the walls, offer spaces for up to 5 urns (sets of ashes) which are then secured by completely personalised covers, made from stone, glass or other material. What’s more, you can hold a funeral, celebration or ashes placement ceremony at the Barrow, incorporating as much or as little in the way of religion as you choose, taking as much time as you want to. Why not celebrate a life with a picnic, hog roast, or a traditional afternoon tea. Fenny Compton Road, Farnborough, Banbury, OX17 1EJ 07791 807970 - www.mid-englandbarrow.co.uk. info@mid-englandbarrow.co.uk
Barretts Roofing & Building Barretts Contractors was established in 1984 and has since grown to be a strong local business working with local tradesmen. We provide commercial and domestic work, with an extensive portfolio of previous projects. We offer a range of services, including roofing and extension building. Our dedicated tradespeople specialise in roof repairs and lead work, flat roofs, tiling and slating, guttering and fascias, porches, conversions, renovations and much more. If you have noticed any damage to your roof space, repair it as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. Barretts Contractors can assist you with any urgent needs to improve your home with our reliable, quality services, and ensure your comfort and peace of mind. Call us now for a free survey and quotation! All work carried out comes with a full written guarantee, to ensure our clients are protected. Contact: 0121 733 7776 / 07968107603 Email: james@barretts-contractors.com
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ROOFING SERVICES MIDLANDS LTD
Trust in our expertise and reputable services Our Philosophy We believe that our customers should only have to do their flat roofs once in a lifetime. Following this belief, we will only allow fully trained tradesmen with vast experience and knowledge in their fields of expertise onto your property. We only use the best possible materials that we have researched, tested and used many times, to ensure strength, durability and a quality finish that will stand the test of time.
Your Protection We are proud to announce we are members of the Confederation of Roofing Contractors. This accreditation enables us to supply every customer with an automatic 10-year insurance back guarantee on all of our work carried out by our highly trained staff. We also have full public and employment insurances, exceeding 20 million pounds, including all fire risks, so you will always feel protected.
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The best thing I ever did was to contact Mark to build my studio - what an amazing job, with no time wasted what so ever! To say I was chuffed to bits would be an understatement. I highly recommend him for all builder work. 50 | Cornfield Magazine
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FATHER’S DAY
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GIFT GUIDE 13
Our selection of quirky and unique gifts to give you a little inspiration for Father’s Day!
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1. For the lazy dad Karlsson Six In The Mix Alarm Clock, Red Candy, £49.50
6. For the sentimental dad Family Collage Photo Frame, The Range, £4.99
11. For the rocker dad Silver ‘Rock On!’ Hand Ornament, AUDENZA, £16.95
2. For the “I’ll handle the BBQ” dad Barbeque Tools, Annabel James, £29.95
7. For the bookworm dad Bicycle Bookends, Melody Maison, £14.95
12. For the gardening dad Fatty Box, Boxwild, £25
3. For the eco-conscious dad Reusable Bamboo Travel Mug, Wearth London, £12
8. For the brainy dad Umbra Wobble Chess Set, Red Candy, £230
13. For the pampered dad Gentlemen’s Hardware Face Wash, Wild & Wolf, £9
4. For the egg-cellent dad Hubert & George Beard Egg Cup Set, Red Candy, £10
9. For the active dad Loft 7D Men’s Matte Indigo 7 Speed Bike, Electra Bicycle Company, £450
14. For the travelling dad Black Pepper and Ginseng Weekend Away Travel Bag Gift Set, Baylis & Harding, £40
10. For the coffee-obsessed dad Coffee Lover’s Jigsaw Puzzle, Annabel James, £15.95
15. For the relaxed dad Flotation Therapy (Silver), The Floating Spa, £150
5. For the vein dad Ted Baker Grooming Room Barbers Comb and Case, Hurn & Hurn, £24.95
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BOOKSHELF
New Cookbooks
to Sink Your Teeth Into
Our Editor rounds up the must-have cookbooks published this summer that you’ll want to add to your collection – featuring breakfast traditions from around the world, sustainable cooking methods, and home-cooked family recipes.
Staff
Time To Eat
By Brad Carter
By Nadiya Hussain
As mentioned in our cover story with local chef, Brad Carter, the Brummie entrepreneur’s muchanticipated debut book, ‘Staff’, will be released this summer. Showcasing recipes that have featured on Caters of Moseley’s highly followed Instagram #Staffdinner stories, Brad introduces readers to the ethos of his Michelin-starred restaurant in a quirky and unique way. ‘Staff’ not only gives insight into the workings of the Birmingham-based restaurant that has climbed its way to the top of the city’s best establishments list, but lovingly pays homage to the people and places that have served as Brad’s producers, influencers and suppliers over the years.
From Bake Off’s most popular alumni comes an all-new cookbook delivering recipes for readers with busy schedules seeking family-orientated meals. Nadiya Hussain’s dishes are quick and easy to prepare, providing a little insight into how to make secondary dishes without any additional effort – a parent’s dream! Tips, tricks, hacks, and shortcuts galore can be found within the pages of Time To Eat, placing minimal meal prep at the forefront of the content. Learn how to make the most of leftovers without losing any of the flavour, and discover how batch cooking doesn’t have to be ‘same old, same old’.
Signed Edition - £30 Available from www.cartersofmoseley.co.uk/shop
Signed Edition - £20 Available from www.nadiyahussain.com
Breakfast: The Cookbook By Emily Elyse Miller The most important meal of the day is uniquely celebrated in Emily Elyse Miller’s triumphant cookbook, ‘Breakfast’, which explores how dishes from around the world are prepared lovingly in kitchens in the morning. A collection of hundreds of home-cook recipes provides readers with easy-to-follow methods on how to reproduce mouth-watering plates of goodness. Following years of travelling and note-taking, Emily offers cultural context, culinary insight, and information on how breakfast is made, eaten and enjoyed across the globe. Hardback Edition - £35 Available from www.emilyelysemiller.com
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EVENTSG uide Art/Adult day Classes at the Core Courtyard Gallery, The Core Solihull Thursdays 10am-12pm and 12.30-2.30 pm starting in September Fridays 10-12.00. Join a friendly group of artists and watch Artist Vicki Gorman demonstrate drawing and painting techniques then try them out yourself, and develop your own style. Beginners to advanced, all abilities are welcome. To book a place and to get more details you can contact the box office on 0121 704-6962 or contact Vicki on 07940483320 or email vicki_kilgour@ yahoo.co.uk. Art classes are also on Tuesdays 1pm-3pm at Central England Arts, Hampton in Arden and Mondays South Yardley Libray call Vicki for more details.
Shirley Carnival The annual Shirley Lions Carnival takes place on Saturday 13th July in Shirley Park, Shirley, Solihull. All the usual attractions and sidestalls including two performances from the Misselchalke Gun Dogs, The Carnival officially open at 12.00 noon and carries on until 4.30 pm. Entry is £2 per person and if you would like a stall please download and complete an application form from our website https:// www.shirleylions.co.uk/events/ shirleycarnival.html
Warwickshire Watercolourists
Annual Art Exhibition, August Bank Holiday Weekend, Saturday 24th Monday 26th August 2019, Open 10am -5pm Berkswell Reading Room, Meriden Road, Berkswell, CV7 7BE [Berkswell is a small village between Solihull and Coventry.] Free entry with disabled access and easy car parking. Refreshments with home made cakes with proceeds to nominated charities. We are one of the leading watercolour societies in the MIdlands with more than 200 items of artwork on display, most of which will be for sale together with a wide range of prints and notelets. WarwickshireWatercolourists@gmail. com
Blossomfield Players
invite you to “JOIN OUR TEAM” - and become part of a very successful Solihull based Drama Group. On stage, backstage, upstage, downstage, any stage!! Actors, Techies, Prompts, Chorus, Crew or Set Painters We’re holding an open evening on MONDAY,
17th JUNE 2019 from 7.30pm onwards - chat to existing members - and learn all about us. We’ll also be reading extracts from scripts, including our forthcoming Christmas Show. We’re a very friendly group so ... please come along for a fun and creative evening. In the meantime, to find out more there’s: Our email address: blossomfieldplayers@hotmail.com Text messages/phone: 07746 636745 (mobile) The Blossomfield Club, The Wardens, Widney Lane, Solihull B91 3JY We look forward to meeting you on 17 June.
Summertime Quiz Night
The Knowle Village Hall Association is running a Summertime Quiz Night on Thursday, June 13th .Venue : Knowle Village Hall at 7.30p.m. Bring your own drinks and “nibbles” - Tea/Coffee available. Good prizes. No more than 6 in a team and tickets are £6.00 per person. Tickets from Stephen Yeomans : 01564 778163 Carolyn Abbott : 01564 779898. Keith Williams at the Knowle Village Hall Friday Coffee Club 10a.m - noon. This a Hall Refurbishment Fund event.
Saturday Night social Dance Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday Night social Dance, supporting the Midlands Air Ambulance & Prostate Cancer at Lickey End Social Club, Bromsgrove on Saturday 22nd June. Ballroom, Latin & Social Sequence Dancing to live music by Graham Darby - Doors open at 7.30pm Dancing from 8pm - 11pm - pay on the door £5 per person. For further details please call 01543 502722 or visit www. grahamdarbysmusic.com
Craft in Action
REDESDALE HALL, HIGH STREET MORETON IN MARSH, GL56 0LA. FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY. 14th, 15th, 16th JUNE 2019 LIFFORD HALL, LOWER GREEN BROADWAY, WR12 7BU SATURDAY & SUNDAY 22nd, 23rd JUNE 2019 THE TOWN HALL, HIGH STREET CHIPPING CAMPDEN, GL55 6HB SATURDAY & SUNDAY 29th, 30th JUNE Craft in Action is a non profit making organisation. They established in 1973 and their aim is to offer a friendly atmosphere where the exhibitors are happy to talk about and where possible, demonstrate their craft. So why not come along and see what is on offer. Craft in Action pride themselves on having handmade crafts available, no bought in goods are allowed, so you will see genuine crafters on show. Entry is free, open from 10am until 4.30pm
If you would like to add your info for FREE on this page, then please email the details to: sam@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk If you would like your event in a black box, it’s a minimal charge of £20 per month. Then please call our sales team on 0121 796 6800 for more info.
PLAY BOWLS
Come and give Bowls a try - find us off Eldorado Close in Studley at B80 7HJ from the end of April - you can be sure of a warm welcome at our Club sessions on Tuesdays 2 - 4pm and Thursdays 6 - 8pm or come to our Open Day on Sunday 19 May 2019 from 10 am. For further details visit our website: www. entacobowls.com
Have I got news for you
Centre Stage in Balsall Common are performing ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’, written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman at the Heart of England School, Balsall Common at 7.30 on the 14th & 15th June. Picked for the Royal Film Premier in 2008 the play sees a fading Hollywood actor arriving in England to play Lear in Stratford; not however the birthplace of Shakespeare but a sleepy Suffolk village where he has to lodge in a B & B and rehearse in a barn. His monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit but he slowly discovers some truths about himself and looks at life in a whole new way. Tickets are priced at £8 (£7 when 5+ are bought, £6 when 10+) and are available from:- The Box Office on 01676 534220, by e-mail susan@ zahran2.plus.com or online at www. centrestagebc.com.
Solihull Embroiderers
We meet 1st Tuesday monthly 7.30pm at Solihull Methodist Church Hall for talks on creative textiles and hold Saturday workshops. Open to everyone interested in stitch - regardless of ability. For info: www.solihullembroiderersguild. blogspot.co.uk or email: solihullsec@ embroiderersguild.co.uk
group sketching exercises inc. Still Life, Portraiture, Landscapes and Life Drawing (clothed) adding to the mix. Contact Colin Fisher 01564 794339. Or just simply stroll on up and have a chat and a cuppa.
KNOWLE CAMERA CLUB
Interested in Photography? Want to improve your skills? We are a friendly club who meet at Dorridge Methodist Church, Mill Lane, Dorridge. Meetings take place fortnightly on Thursday evenings at 7.45 pm. Meetings comprise of visiting speakers, training evenings and member competitions. The first two meetings are free, so why not come along and see for yourself? For more info please contact Tony on 01564-782175 or visit our website www.knowlecamerclub.co.uk
WYTHALL COMMUNITY CHOIR
We are a community choir, with 60 regular attendees. We have a professional musical director and accompanist though the rest of us have varying abilities in singing. We meet Monday nights, during term time, 7.15pm - 9.30pm at the scout hut in Wythall Park. Generally, we are rehearsing for a concert or performance. Come and join us. No audition necessary. Just turn up from Monday 10 September onwards or contact wythallcommunitychoir@gmail.com
Parlez-vous francais or Hablan espanol?
Small group meet in Henley. More infos about, feel free to contact me at 07891390947
Archery Music Promotions and Concert Productions
Supporting British composers and the artists who perform them * artistic and programme co-ordination * concert promotion and management * media campaigns * publicity * launches * event support music societies - trusts - festivals - artists. archerypromos@btinternet.com www.archerypromotions.co.uk t: 07973 175 588
Henley Art Group
Craving artistic company? Look no further than Henley Art Group. A mixed group of artisans meeting every Thursday 1.30-4.00. At Henley Baptist Church Hall. Paint/sketch/ whatever takes your fancy, or just sit and have a convivial chat. £3.00 per session paid 4 weeks in advance with coffee/tea/biscuits included. With occasional relaxed mini tutorials and
Due to the popularity of this page, we are now having to limit the amount of words for each post. If the post is too long, it may be edited by us or not included at all. We will also only keep a post for a few months to make space for new events etc. So, please keep it short and to the point!
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EDUCATION
Local Tutor Launches
World-first Teaching and Revision Aid
A pioneering Warwickshire entrepreneur is breaking down the barriers around Maths education by launching what is believed to be the first teaching aid of its kind in the world. Mathematician Sophie Parker’s new postal Tutor In A Box learning and revision aid is the first to be geared to GCSE-aged students. The boxes, which are aligned to the National Curriculum, are designed to complement classroom learning and contain fun resources including stationery, games, badges and even confectionery. They are also tied in to a virtual learning programme, which gives access to on-demand webinars and an around-theclock Facebook community group. With exams season looming, Sophie has already seen the difference her concept has made to young people across the country who have traditionally struggled with the subject at school. The 27-year-old Maths tutor, from Leamington Spa, said people liked the ‘positivity’ and ‘fun’ element of the box; which breaks from the norm. So much so that she has this month also introduced three primary school versions, each covering a broader subject of Maths, Science and English. She said: “Maths should be fun, engaging and interactive. A lot of students think they can’t do it and they’re afraid to pick up the pen and have a go because they worry they’ll get it wrong. It’s a confidence issue more than anything. When students get those light bulb moments it’s amazing! They’ve understood it and feel good about the subject. I designed the resources to help everybody, everywhere to have those light bulb moments and realise they CAN do Maths.” She added: “A lot of the students I saw were doing fine in their lessons at school but didn’t have structure around homework and I ended up creating a lot of resources to help them. “I also realised that there were other students who could benefit from the resources - students who were already motivated but didn’t necessarily need a tutor and students whose parents couldn’t afford a tutor but needed some work to be getting on with outside of the classroom that was enjoyable.” There are nine Maths topics covered by the boxes, which can be ordered as one-offs or via a six- or 12-monthly subscription:¬ Algebra, Angles, Compound Interest, Correlation and Sampling, Fractions, Graphs, Indices, Probability, Pythagoras and Ratios. Each contains relevant worksheets along with complementary fun and engaging resources.
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“All of the exercises are designed to be fun - such as eating marshmallows to learn about interest, or matching up magnetic fractions to learn about proportions.” Sophie said. A former statistician, Sophie was named Educator of the Year at this year’s Pride of Stratford Awards, organised by Touch FM. If her business takes off Sophie has plans to roll it out to other subject areas by collaborating with tutors in the fields of English and Science. She said: “It’s a brand new concept. There is nobody that does what we do out there for GCSE-aged children. Just a revision guide on a piece of paper is long gone – students need something fun and engaging with online content and that’s where we come in. “There are some great Maths teachers out there changing the way Maths is being taught. The issue is teachers don’t have the time or resources to make every single lesson more engaging and relevant to real life – so that’s where Tutor In A Box comes in. It’s designed to support all the good work teachers do – at an affordable price and a convenient time.” The Primary School boxes, available on a minimum six-month subscription, were introduced due to parent demand. “Parents kept telling me they liked Tutor In A Box but had a child that was in primary school,” said Sophie. “There’s a lot of evidence showing that students who do well at primary, do better at secondary and I think parents are wanting to give their child the best support they can from an early age. Tutor In A Box Primary has been developed to help them, by providing information and questions in a clear, fun and easy to understand way.” Visit: www.tutorinabox.co.uk
Aspi Specialist Cars Sales and Service | Est. since 1990 Finance Specialists The strong relationships we hold with trusted high street lenders and motoring finance houses ensure our customers secure the best deals possible for their budget. Worried about your credit rating? Our dedicated team can help to source a finance solution for you.
We do the hard work so you don’t have to. Sourcing | Buying | Financing With over 25 years of trading experience, Aspi Specialist Cars is an established premier independent dealer of pre-owned vehicles, offering a wide range of vehicle services. Situated on the A439 Warwick Road, between Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick, our Showroom and Service Centre is run by a team of vehicle and finance experts, delivering the very best in customer care.
We offer a wide range of services, including: Used Vehicle Sales | Batteries | Warranty | Finance | Part Exchange | MOT | Servicing | Diagnostics | Tyres Call the team on 01789 739 950 and secure your low rate finance package today! Aspi Specialist Cars, Warwick Road, Blackhill, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0PZ
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Toyota Camry
2019 review
By motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay - Twitter @carwriteups Instagram @tbarnesclay
The Toyota Camry is a bit of a legend - 19 million have been made and sold since 1982. It’s been away from the UK for 15 years, though – and we’ve missed it. Toyota’s also missed selling it here, so the Camry’s finally coming back – and this time it’s in hybrid guise. The Japanese motor-maker reckons the Camry’s petrol-electric powertrain and attractive styling make it the ‘right vehicle at the right time’ to return to these shores. Is it? Well, the Camry is costly - but look a little closer, and the £29,995 price-tag on the basic model seems less of an issue when you realise how inexpensive it will be to run. Depending on the way you drive and where your drive, the Toyota’s ability to manage short distances on electricity only could save you forking out at the pumps. It’s stress-free to drive, with agreeable visibility and light steering. Whisk things up, and there’s enough pull from the Camry’s 218ps that you seldom need to go full throttle. Regrettably, it’s common for hybrids to disappoint when it comes to refinement at motorway speeds. The subdued powerplant in the Toyota means your ears become sensitive to other noises. Tyre roar begins to become irksome, as does the persistent wind whistle. But it still doesn’t make the Camry bad company at 70mph - you just need to turn the music up more. There’s no dodging the fact that the latest Camry is going to appeal to taxi firms and private hire businesses. But that’s no bad thing - it’s roomy enough for five adults and, at 524 litres, the boot is large. The Toyota’s Achilles’ heel, however, is its infotainment system. It is uncooperative, and the glass touchscreen on the dashboard is maddeningly insensitive when you touch it. The automaker says it will fit Android Auto and Apple CarPlay soon, but it won’t be obtainable at launch.
If you can ignore the Camry’s convoluted fascia, you won’t be let down by the factory-fitted equipment. There’s lots of it - and only two trims to go for. The ‘Design’ version retails for £29,995, and the top ‘Excel’ model will reduce your bank account by another £1,300. The Design has dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry and LED lights. It also comes with 17-inch alloys. Progress to the Camry Excel, as test-driven at the model’s media launch in Croatia, and you will find LED fog lamps, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a Blind Spot Monitor and wireless phone charging. Fast Facts (2019 Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid Auto Excel) • Max speed: 112 mph • 0-62 mph: 8.3 sec • Combined mpg: 50.4 • Engine layout: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol hybrid • Max. power (PS): 218 • CO2: 101g/km • Price: £31,295
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SPORT & FITNESS
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Local Woman Successfully Raised Funds for Charity at the Great Midlands Fun Run Sutton Coldfield resident, Joanne Wilcox, entered the Great Midlands Fun Run in aid of raising funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association this May. Jo chose the charity close to her heart in memory of her father Ron and brother Paul, who sadly passed away, aged just 51 and 45 years old, from the disease.
What is Huntington’s Disease? Huntington’s disease is rare, but it’s a terminal illness for those who have it. It involves the gradual breakdown of nerve cells, causing the person to lose control of their muscles, speech, and cognition.
Jo’s Journey Jo joined SE Fitness in September with two friends through a Couch-to-5k group, before signing up for the Fun Run - SE Fitness is a friendly ‘RunTogether’ group offering regular walking and running sessions in Sutton Park. Her JustGiving page successfully raised funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association, after she completed the Fun Run last month.
About the Great Midlands Fun Run The Fun Run is staged over an 8.5-mile all-tarmac route. The start is in Royal Sutton Coldfield town centre from where, after 2.25 miles, runners enter Sutton Park at Boldmere Gate. After running approximately 4.5 miles on park roads including ‘Cardiac Hill’, runners exit at Four Oaks Gate after 6.75 miles before returning to the finish in the town centre. To get involved and raise money for a charity of your choice at next year’s event, visit the Great Midlands Fun Run website at: www.greatmidlandsfunrun.org For more information on the Huntington’s Disease Association, visit: www.hda.org.uk
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SPORT
Upcoming
Sports Fixtures By Alex Dudley
Pimms at the Ready
The best male and female players once again ascend on the United Kingdom to do battle at Wimbledon. Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are all likely to be in contention for the major honours. The action kicks off on 1st July, and there could be more shocks as there was last year. The leading British hopeful will be Johanna Konta, as she will look to go one better than her semi-final attempt in 2017. Last year’s winner Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber will be hoping to regain their title. But, it will be a thrilling two weeks of tennis action on show, with the BBC covering every day of the event.
MLB Takes Over
For the first time, there will be a Major League Baseball fixture in Europe, and it will take place at the London Stadium over the weekend of the 29th June. It will see two famous foes come head to head, as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will attempt to broaden the fan base of one of the USA’s most popular sports. The London Stadium, which is typically a football stadium for West Ham United, will be transferred into a 60,000-seater ballpark. This will be the first of two series to be played in England over the next two years, with the teams for the 2020 event still unnamed. If the early signs are anything to go off, then it will likely be a roaring success. The event sold out in less than four hours after the tickets had gone on sale. It looks like the UK could be adopting the sport as a new favourite.
Women’s Rugby Hitting The States
The USA is slowly warming to rugby as a sport, and they will be hoping that all the stars show up for the upcoming World Super Series. New Zealand, England, Canada, France and the USA will be taking part in what is sure to be an exciting competition. England will open their account against the USA on the 28th June, before facing Canada, France and New Zealand over the next week beginning on the 6th July. The world’s best will face off, and it will be enthralling viewing for rugby fans. UK viewers can watch all the action from San Diego live on Sky Sports.
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Modern Luxury, Classic Feel
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www.buildland.co.uk info@buildland.co.uk • 01527 519 444 • Oxleasow Road, Redditch B98 0RE