InSolihull Magazine Spring 2023

Every 1st Sunday of the month from 10am-4pm

The Solihull Market

the finest food, drink, art and craft producers from across the region.

In side

Welcome to the Spring/ Summer edition of the InSolihull Magazine.

The burst of colourful flowers on our front cover epitomises the level of activity here in the wonderful Solihull, everything’s coming up roses!

This edition focuses on the home – our retreat, haven and occasional headache that we return to every day to recharge. This year, whether you plan a complete renovation or new move, or you are just looking to update the cushions, this edition will hopefully inspire.

Mill Lane in Mell Square has the home experts you are looking for, including Sugar Bum Sofa advisers at Loaf, colour aficionados at Farrow & Ball, kitchen heaven at Tom Howley, and those all-important furnishings and must haves at Liv’s. Practical designs and brilliant staff at Dunelm, and some quirky designer delights at TK Maxx mean that Solihull is the home design destination of choice (and that’s before I’ve even mentioned the stunning home selections at John Lewis).

Our new openings continue to flourish and we’re delighted to welcome international clothing brand Mango to our retail stable.

Whether you are shopping or simply enjoying the vibrant community of our wonderful town, we welcome you with sunny hearts and smiles.

Mel x

Melanie Palmer Chief Executive melanie@solihullbid.co.uk

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Editor in Chief Steven Coney steven@solihullbid.co.uk

For more information on shopping, entertainment and what’s on in Solihull visit: www.solihullbid.co.uk or call: 0121 285 1370

ZARA women

Sandals With Thin Straps

Black Price £49.99

Two global fashion big hitters became neighbours in February with the addition of the brand-new opening of Mango. Iconic ZARA and Mango are pillars of innovation, design and sustainability and both are now trading in Touchwood, enhancing the already award-winning shopping experience.

ZARA

The ZARA brand are working toward a circular economy model that permits lengthening the life cycle of their products. Their brilliant reuse and recycling programmes allow their customers to return their worn clothing, helping to reduce waste and the consumption of virgin raw materials.

Leather Shoulder Bag

Taupe Grey

Price £89.99

Top

White Price £17.99

Mango, one of the leading fashion groups in Europe, is a global company with design and creativity at the heart of its model and a strategy based on constant innovation, the search for sustainability and a complete ecosystem of channels and partners.

We’re delighted to welcome Mango to Solihull town centre, further cementing us as the region’s must-visit retail destination.

Visit the brand new store on Crescent Arcade and be ready to be whisked away to the Mediterranean by their vast range of Spanish-influenced fashion.

Regular Fit Suit Blazer

Navy Blue

Price £44.99

Straight Suit Trousers

Navy Blue

Price £29.99

Hooded Cotton Parka

Straight design Price £35.99

Essential Cotton-Blend Shirt

100% Cotton Price £14.99

Mango Store Touchwood Solihull, B91 3QE shop.mango.com

Vintage College Varsity Bomber Jacket

Bomber Jacket

Price £89.99

Organic Cotton Carpenter Jeans

Absolute Classic

Price £74.99

Spring has sprung so now is the perfect time to discover Superdry’s new season picks and update your wardrobe.

You can now look good as well as feel good, knowing you’re doing your bit for the planet with Superdry’s extended organic cotton range including the jeans to the left as well as their Vegan trainers, below.

Whatever the Great British weather has to throw at you, Superdry have all you need to look fashionable this Spring.

Superdry Solihull

Crescent Arcade

Touchwood Shopping Centre B91 3GJ 0121 704 0659 | www.superdry.com

Vegan Basket High Top Trainers

Sports Trainer

Price £74.99

Iconic Backpack

Price £39.99

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SUPERDRY

Vintage Logo

Narrative T-Shirt

Vintage T-Shirt

Price £26.99

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be

Miele Experience Centre Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GJ www.miele.co.uk

KF 2982 Vi Fridge

Price from £11,799

John Lewis & Partners Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RA 0121 704 1121 www.johnlewis.com

Culinary Concepts

Price £240

Price £190

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Liv’s

BY MELANIE PALMER

Green Airplant in Cement Pot

Price £8.99

elcome to Liv’s, a beautiful homewares, gifts, and furniture store that makes shopping an absolute joy.

If you are having a refurb, refresh or simply having a bad day, then step through the threshold of Liv’s where you will feel the zen like calm and joy take over as you browse the stunning ranges and decide what you simply can’t live without.

This independent Solihull business is a true expert in the art of lifestyle.

Mug - Mojave Glaze, Yellow

Price £10

Palm Free Soap

Price £4.99 (each)

MEDIUM Pudding

Sofa Bed

Price £1895

Perfectly risen and totally moreish, this spoonful of sofa sugar is just yummy. You’ll never want to sit anywhere else.

here aren’t many better feelings in life than heading home after a long day at work, kicking off your shoes and hurrying into the living room before collapsing excitedly onto your sofa for a few hours of much-needed relaxation.

We use them every single day so picking the right sofa is a pretty important decision and Loaf know a thing or two about all things

Solihull is blessed to be the home of a Loaf shack, based on Mill Lane in Mell Square. They’ve got oodles of squishy goodness for you to try out and it won’t be long until you’re planning just which of their amazing furniture items to take home!

Price £22

Remember wondering how beekeepers could possibly be so brave? Risking it all in the name of honey.

Large Bagsie Sofa in Rosewater

Clever Vintage Linen

Price £2,925

Loaf’s very own version of the classic chesterfield, this deep-buttoned beauty is one sumptuous sofa.

Clever Velvet

Price £2,245

This has an ever so slightly more upright sit. But is still absolutely packed with loads of Loaf’s signature squish. Sit up and sink in.

We’re champions of serious quality

We make laid-back furniture for people to really kick off their shoes and lead happier, more relaxed lives. We’re champions of serious quality and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. And we only make stuff that we’d enjoy in our own homes... preferably with a cup of tea and a great big slice of chocolate cake!

Mowing Lawns Smelly Wax Drops

Price £20

Remember the sound of lawnmowers signalling the start of summer? Aaah, the smell of cut grass and the promise of picnics.

LOAF SOLIHULL

Website: www.loaf.com

Company: Loaf Solihull Shack

Visit Us: 59-65 Mill Lane, Solihull, B91 3AT

Beekeeping Smelly Wax Candle

Large Squisharoo Sofa in Butterscotch

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BY MELANIE PALMER

Farrow & Ball IN SOLIHULL

Farrow & Ball have turned the practice of decorating into an art form and their iconic ranges of paint and handmade wallpaper are unrivalled in the marketplace.

The quality of their unique product is stunning. The depth of pigments in the wide ranging colour palette reflects and absorbs the light throughout the changing hours of the day, something other paint companies strive to copy and sadly fail.

Fans of the paint can chat for hours about the quirkily named colours such as Elephant’s Breath, Mizzle and Mouse’s Back. The new range has the addition of the most delicate pink named after the sewing tacks used in Haute Couture. I am a particular fan of Hague Blue but don’t get me started.

The small collection of stunning wallpaper literally begs to be hung in any space you can find. Handmade using traditional block printing in their own paint allows you to extend your creative designs from door to floor to wall, trust me it’s addictive. The traditional styles such as Wisteria and Bumble Bee have now been joined by new exciting metallic finishes to drool over.

Solihull has a wonderful Farrow & Ball showroom on Mill Lane (near to Liv’s and Loaf, make a day of it!) where you can chat with the dynamic and knowledgeable team, who will steer you in the right direction and inspire you with their advice. Have a quiet word with your credit card before you go, it may feel the heat, but trust me it’s worth it.

Jason and Joss from the Solihull showroom are always happy to help!

Ball SOLIHULL

The Maldives: natural beauty with no filter

The Maldives is the kind of place you have to see to believe. Fortunately, travel expert Mary Janiec has been several times. Mary is the Store Manager of Kuoni Solihull and has spent 37 years travelling the world to unearth extraordinary destinations and experiences to share with her customers. We caught up with Mary to talk all things Maldives and find out what this trending holiday hotspot is really like.

It’s true what they say. The Maldives is a photogenic island paradise (except the photographs don’t do it justice). Every island has its own distinct vibe and character, but one thing they all have in common is their eye-popping good looks. Think pure white sands as soft as icing sugar and topaz-blue lagoons that hide striking coral gardens and exotic marine life. It really is out of this world.

The Maldives is a very special place for Kuoni, as we were there when the first resort opened its doors way back in 1972. That was more than 50 years ago now, and we’ve been love-struck ever since.

How to choose your island

One of the best things about the Maldives is that every resort sits on its own private island, but that does make choosing where to stay a big decision and one you don’t want to get wrong. Doing your own research is great, but it’s best not to risk it when it comes to the planning and booking stage. Instead, come and see us at Kuoni Solihull and we’ll help you find the right match. But first, let’s spark some ideas. Here are five of my favourite islands and the reasons why you should visit.

KUONI SOLIHULL 3 CRESCENT ARCADE, TOUCHWOOD SHOPPING CENTRE, SOLIHULL, B91 3GZ 0121 711 8848

STORES.KUONI.CO.UK

Create a perfect holiday with Kuoni Solihull – For an adventure that’s as individual as you are.

Our in-store personal travel experts can tailormake a holiday of any type, almost anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re looking for a tailor-made trip to the Maldives or an Arctic cruise adventure, make an appointment at Kuoni Solihull where you can relax with Nespresso coffee or a glass of Champagne as one of our Personal Travel Experts craft a one-of-a-kind holiday just for you.

If you’re after… the feel good factor

Self-care is the order of the day at Kagi Maldives Spa Island. This cutting-edge boutique resort is all about nourishing meals, reenergising yoga sessions and spa treatments with an ocean view. Hands down the best hangout spot on the island is Baani Spa, where you can indulge in musclemelting massages and sound therapy or try an underwater meditation. At Spa Corner restaurant, nutritious dishes are whipped up to help you recharge your body and mind. I also love that the resort only has 50 villas and they all have a private infinity pool. My top tip? Bag an Ocean Villa for golden sunset views and direct access to the water.

If you’re after… all inclusive for less

Four-star Sandies Bathala has been a favourite for years. It’s simple and laidback, giving you all the key Maldives ingredients for less – which is why we’ve secured it exclusively for Kuoni guests in the UK. It draws divers from all over the globe, with its spectacular house reef (look out for turtles and reef sharks), and its all-inclusive package is great value, with all meals, wine and beer, evening cocktails and a daily snorkelling tour included.

If you’re after… relaxation & adventure

If choice and variety are high on your holiday wish list, I’d go with Kuramathi Maldives. It’s one of the biggest islands in the Maldives, with lots of space to wander and explore. You can go snorkelling along the house reef straight from the beach, try diving for the chance to see rays, or lounge by the pool. There are three on the island, including one freshwater pool and two ocean-view infinity pools. If you’re into your food, I’d recommend going for its Select All Inclusive package for the full choice of its nine à la carte restaurants, as you’ll get to try somewhere new each night.

If you’re after… beach club vibes

Finolhu doesn’t take itself too seriously. At this five-star resort, vintage phones have a ‘press for Champagne’ button, villas are decked out with retro record players and bubble tents grace the beach for glamping. Days can be spent strolling along the powder-white sandbank (it’s the longest one in the Maldives) and stopping for lunch at Crab Shack. And when night falls, the Beach Club is where you’ll want to be. Expect acrobats, stilt walkers, DJs and dancing.

If you’re after… romantic luxury

Tiny Kandolhu is repeatedly voted one of the world’s most romantic hotels. There are only 30 villas on the island, so the mood is intimate. My favourite rooms here are the Ocean Pool Villas. You’ll have sunset views, your own private infinity plunge pool and a lagoon-facing bathtub. Kandolhu also has an astounding house reef where you’ll often find turtles chomping on coral. And don’t forget to make the most of your in-room Go Pro to snap life underwater.

Mary Janiec Kuoni Solihull, Store Manager

sushi masterclass

master the art of sushi

want to try something fun for a special date, party or corporate event? our sushi masterclass is a great way to learn a new skill. it also makes the perfect experience gift!

your session will begin at 9am with a japanese breakfast of unlimited miso soup and green tea.

you’ll then go through a stepby-step guide led by our very own master of sushi. you will learn how to prepare different types including nigiri, sushi rolls, temaki hand rolls and sashimi, as well as maki and futomaki rolls.

all tools and ingredients are included and this session will last around 2 hours.

all the sushi you prepare is yours to devour. enjoy it at the masterclass and take any leftovers home with you to share with friends and family.

you can then enjoy a shot of sake to finish!

scan QR code, call 0121 709 2132 or email solihull@yakinori.co.uk to find out more and book

Yakinori

WIN A SUSHI MASTERCLASS FOR TWO!

at one of Solihull’s best restaurants!

We’ve teamed up with brilliant independent Yakinori in Touchwood to offer a lucky winner a sushi masterclass for two!

Japanese food lovers can enjoy sushi, ramen, bento, katsu curry, teriyaki, donburi, teppanyaki, tempura, noodle dishes and sake in a fun and vibrant setting at Yakinori.

Their restaurants all feature an exciting open kitchen where you can watch your dishes being prepared from fresh!

And if you’ve ever wanted to do it yourself, we’ve got the perfect thing! Yakinori’s sushi masterclass is a great way to learn a new skill and also makes the perfect gift for sushi lovers!

How to enter

To be in with a chance of winning, visit the Solihull BID website and fill out the competition entry form, answering the following question:

What is the name of the famous Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice?

Competition closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday, May 31st. Only one prize available, and only one entry can be counted per person. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash value. You must answer the question correctly to win. The competition entry form can be found at www.solihullbid.co.uk/insolihull. The winner will be contacted on the week beginning 5th June 2023.

A night out at the cinema watching the latest blockbuster before enjoying some live music and a delicious cocktail sounds like heaven to us.

Or maybe you’d prefer something a bit livelier and music bingo sounds more up your street?

Taste Collective and Green’s in the heart of Mell Square host regular events, you can make your own cocktails at Fridays in Touchwood or satisfy the culture vulture in you and visit our stunning theatre The Core.

TASTE COLLECTIVE

Thursdays - General Knowledge Quiz Night

First Wednesday of the Month – Music Bingo

www.tastecollectivesolihull.co.uk 0121 725 8809

GREEN’s

Wednesdays – Live music every week from 8pm

Thursdays – Date Night/Mate Night, 2 glasses of wine and cheeseboard for just £20 per couple

www.greens-solihull.co.uk 0121 716 3222

FRIDAYs

You might already be well acquainted with the iconic Fridays cocktails but imagine being able to be your own master mixologist and create your own with the help of their expert bartenders.

Grab your party, pull up some chairs, ring the bell and put your cocktail-making skills to the test as you learn how to make one of Fridays’ favourites during your own interactive 90-minute Cocktail Masterclass filled with surprises and sharing towers to feast on!

www.tgifridays.co.uk/restaurants/solihull/ 0330 460 5569

THE CORE

The Core Theatre is Solihull’s premier arts venue, boasting a calendar of events that has something for everybody.

The Core continues to be a thriving, successful venue and has plenty going on over the next few months.

Our picks are:

Romeo & Juliet (by Ballet Theatre UK) – April 15th

The Opera Boys 2023 – May 5th

The Muslims are Coming! (comedy special) – May 27th

The ELO Experience – June 23rd & 24th

www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk 0121 704 6962

April

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Release date: 07 April 2023

A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find Mario’s brother, Luigi, and to save the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopa named Bowser.

Cast: Fred Armisen, Jack Black, Charlie Day, Chris Pratt, Seth Rogen, Anya TaylorJoy, Kevin Michael Richardson, Sebastian Maniscalco, Keegan-Michael Key.

Director: Michael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath.

What’s coming up at Cineworld…

Monday – Thursday – Get Student Rates with your Solihull BID Card

Make it a special night out and watch on Cineworld’s Superscreen. Every movie is spectacular with Superscreen, especially the blockbusters!

The breathtaking multidimensional sound powered by epic Dolby Atmos speakers will make you feel like you’re right there in the film.

This combined with state-of-the-art projection and huge screens means every second is a beauty to behold. Superscreen is made for seeing films as they were meant to be seen.

To book, go to www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/solihull

may

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Release date: 05 May 2023

Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.

Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki

Director: James Gunn

JUNE

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Release date: 02 June 2023

Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.

Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac

Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

Dates For The Diary

Solihull BID have been delivering key landmark events in the town centre for the past 12 years and our expertise and knowledge of the events industry has helped us to deliver these events to the highest standard.

In our post COVID world, events and festivals are more in demand than ever as we all want to come together to celebrate with music, food and great entertainment.

We have our usual line-up of hallmark events for 2023 planned out including the Solihull Jazz Festival, Solihull Food Festival and Solihull Festive Feast.

Our Solihull Spooktacular was such a roaring success in 2022 that it will be back again!

Take a look at our full list of events and start putting those dates in the diary. We’ll see you there!

Monthly Solihull Artisan Market

First Sunday of every month

King’s Coronation Trail

April 29th - May 7th

Solihull Jazz Festival

July 13th to 16th

Solihull Food Festival

September 29th to October 1st

Solihull Spooktacular

October 28th

Solihull Jingle Bell Jog

December 10th

Solihull Festive Feast

TBC

Check out our Facebook page for full albums from every event to see if you can spot yourself! Scan the QR code and give our page a Like

BLACK ORANGE feature

lack Orange is one of the newest additions to the eclectic café scene in Solihull town centre. But your run of the mill coffee shop this is most certainly not.

Specialising in Asian drinks and cuisine, you can treat yourself to a Dalgona coffee or Thai red milk tea and then bite into a delicious Hong Kong-style crispy bun before finishing off with a decadent New York cookie. Yum!

BLACK ORANGE 24 MILL LANE, SOLIHULL, B91 3BA WWW.BLACK-ORANGE.CO.UK

BLACK ORANGE interview

ou can’t help but feel relaxed and ever so welcome when you step foot into Black Orange, one of the newest independents to open their doors in Solihull town centre.

The chic décor pays homage to the far east and especially Hong Kong, the home of owners Marcus Lee and Amy Chen.

You only have to speak to the pair for a couple of minutes to see their enthusiasm and passion shine through – two essential ingredients for any independent business to succeed. It is a Wednesday afternoon in January but during our time in the café, we witness a constant stream of visitors with many already regulars.

“You’ve come to the right place,” one extremely happy customer enthuses to us. “This is the best cup of coffee you can get in Solihull!”

Despite only being open since November, it’s remarkable how quickly Black Orange has become engrained in the fabric of Solihull town centre. Marcus and Amy themselves have only been in the UK since June 2021 but their new venture is attracting plenty of locals as well as the growing Hong Kong community in the local area.

“Due to the political and system changes in Hong Kong, the UK government generously offered the Hongkongers a BNO visa scheme so that those Hong Kong born citizens could apply to stay in UK,” Marcus explained.

“One of the reasons we chose Birmingham/Solihull is that this is the second largest city in the UK, with lots

of Hongkongers staying here which means it is great for us to do business here.

“We have had a lot of support from the local community, especially Mell Square, Birmingham Live, Solihull BID and our neighbours which has helped us with promotion and marketing.”

The couple had no previous experience in the hospitality industry but look like naturals after going through some intense training before opening up.

Marcus added: “I have a very good friend in Thailand, she is a very successful coffee / bubble tea chain stores owner. She invited me to go to Thailand and taught me how to run a cafe. So, we decided to have our own cafe in the UK after the three months training in Thailand.”

If you still haven’t visited, what are you waiting for? Perfect for a break whilst shopping, a fantastic lunch spot for you and a friend or if you fancy trying out some new delicious cuisine.

“We’re an independent cafe run by a couple from Hong Kong hoping to bring in delightful flavours of food and drinks from Asia,” Marcus said.

“If you haven’t been here before and tried the food, we’d recommend the crispy bun with butter. It’s a traditional Hong Kong street food with a sweet and crispy crust on top of a brioche which makes it unforgettable!

“For drink, definitely try our signature iced drink the ‘Black Orange’, it is a drink with orange juice and espresso, a new coffee flavour which is refreshing and tasty.”

I have a very good friend in Thailand, she is a very successful coffee / bubble tea chain stores owner. She invited me to go to Thailand and taught me how to run a cafe. So, we decided to have our own cafe in the UK after the three months training in Thailand.

We have had a lot of support from the local community, especially Mell Square, Birmingham Live, Solihull BID and our neighbours which has helped us with promotion and marketing.

We’re an independent cafe run by a couple from Hong Kong hoping to bring in delightful flavours of food and drinks from Asia.

New year, new you? A hairstyle can completely change your look so it’s important you choose the right one for you.

If you’re looking to stay on trend, you’re in luck. We spoke to Jamie Newton, Salon Manager at James Bushell Hair on Mill Lane in Solihull town centre.

The luxurious salon is the perfect place to come to for a relaxing pamper, you’ll be in very safe hands!

hair salon JAMES BUSHELL

We are focusing on softer, warmer tones for 2023. Beige and bronze are key colours for brunettes this year. Blondes are still focused on ashy/beige tones with a subtle sun-kissed vibe.

- Jamie

BALAYAGE

Not all trends are new and neither is Balayage. But there’s a reason why it’s still so popular. Balayage is a French word that means ‘to sweep’ and refers to the way the highlights are ‘swept’ on the surface of the hair.

Rather than being a look itself, Balayage is a process of adding highlights without foil like traditional highlights. The advantage is that Balayage gives you a lighter look with more natural depth.

FRINGES

There’s so much you can do with a fringe so it’s no surprise that it is shaping up to be a major look throughout 2023.

If you don’t want to take the plunge by going for a short cut, you can opt for prominent bangs to really switch-up the look.

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?

Microblading is a semi-permanent make up method where individual hair strokes are hand drawn to create your perfect eyebrow shape and thickness with a very natural look.

Your perfect brow shape is unique to you and determined by your facial proportions and dimensions. Using the golden ratio of your facial features is a technique exclusively taught at the world-renowned Phi Academy.

THE TREATMENT

Your microblading journey starts with an initial consultation where we analyse your facial structure, skin and health to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. A skin test is also carried out to check for allergies.

At your first appointment time is spent mapping your perfect eyebrow shape. Once you and your brow artist are happy with the shape, then the procedure will begin. This appointment will last around 2 hours. A second appointment is required 4-6 weeks later to top up any areas that may need it. Some skin types may require a third top up appointment.

Your Phi brows will then last on average 1012 months. They will then need to be topped up annually.

We cannot guarantee how long it will last. Over 18s Only.

The hair in the photos was blow-dried using Olaplex No.6 and Kerastase

Resistance Ciment

Thermique.

The hair was then tonged and brushed out for softer curls.

James Bushell Hair in Solihull offer complimentary consultations for colour and 20% off for all new clients.

JAMES BUSHELL HAIR

BROWS HAIR

“Once you learn to read, you will be FOREVER FREE.”

-Frederick Douglass.

Iconic Waterstones on Solihull High Street has an amazingly friendly team of booksellers who are on hand to guide you to your next brilliant read. Here are some favourite picks from Bookshop Manager Jo and some of her bookseller superheroes.

Such an inspiring true life tale of a couple, forced into leaving their former lives behind, and, whilst navigating life with a terminal illness, finding that the life that they stumbled upon was so much more than they ever could have imagined it being.

Bookworms unite! This is essential reading for anyone who has had a lifelong passion for books. Mangan marks the different eras of her childhood by the books she read at the time, it’s a journey of nostalgic delight.

Jo’s Picks

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

Jo’s Picks

Bookworm by Lucy Mangan

by Ava Reid

Yasmine’s Pick

When Evike is taken from her Pagan village by the Woodsman as sacrifice to the king, she become an unlikely heroine in a much darker plot torn between her loyalty to her village and her quest to reconnect to her father and find out where she came from. A richly imagined exploration of faith, folklore and staying true to our own beliefs.

Clanlands by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish

Marie’s Picks

Take two of ‘Outlander’s’ finest, place them in the Highlands, mix in a campervan, (un) healthy amounts of whiskey, a big dose of banter, humour and friendship – and what do you get? This book! Plus, it has Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish on the cover in kilts!

The Hidden Life of Trees

by Peter Wohlleben

This book blew my mind, even as a lifelong tree lover. We all now know that trees communicate and interact with each other; Wohlleben takes this to a whole new level. By personifying trees, the woods and forests, using bang-up-to-date data and research, he allows us into the incredible and complex lives they lead and shows us why we need to protect and preserve them more than ever. Absolutely amazing!

This Is How You Lose The Time War

by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone

Meg’s Picks

A beautifully co-written, hauntingly lyrical ride through time and space, chronicling the blossoming relationship between two agents on opposing sides of an epic war, This Is How You Lose The Time War is one of those books that you’ll finish, and then immediately re-read.

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

Meg’s Picks

A Memory Called Empire is an elegant, complex and intelligent space-opera which ruminates on the effects of empire and the importance of cultural identity. Wellpaced, full of twists, and with excellently comprehensive world-building, I devoured it within two days!

Marie’s Picks

The Wolf and the Woodsman

Nuna Mixx Next Pushchair

& partners JOHN LEWIS

Trust John Lewis Solihull to help you give your little one the best start in life.

Spring is traditionally the time for fresh beginnings and new life, so what better time to think about All Things Baby? Whether you’re planning, expecting or have already welcomed your little bundle of joy, John Lewis & Partners Solihull has everything you need.

If you are a parent or a parent-to-be, you can book in for a free All Things Baby appointment during which a qualified and experienced Nursery Partner will guide you through the wide range of products on offer and help you choose which are right for you and your growing family.

The top three products many parents invest in as an essential purchase are a pram or pushchair, a crib or cot and a car seat.

John Lewis Solihull’s Nursery Specialist Joe McElligot said: “It’s so important that parents find the right sleep and travel solutions to keep their little ones safe and comfortable. It’ll also make

John Lewis & Partners Solihull, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RA | 0121 704 1121

Don’t miss out… All Things Baby Event on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April

Join us at our All Things Baby event on 29th-30th April at John Lewis Solihull and meet the in-store experts.

Become a My John Lewis member today to receive personalised offers and be the first to hear about events in store.

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he Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May – and Solihull will be celebrating the event in style.

The Coronation event is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate with our friends and family.

Solihull town centre will have lots of fun activities in place and we hope you will accept your VIP invitation to join us!

Scan the QR code to find out more!

What’s On.

Between April 29th and May 7th, families will be able to take part in our fun Coronation Trail, learning facts about Royals over the years whilst picking up stickers from businesses across Solihull town centre to complete their Trail booklet.

You’ll also be able to enter our competition to win a £250 Touchwood gift card so you can treat yourself and really feel like royalty!

ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA CELEBRATION

We are shining a light on the brilliant venues we have serving afternoon tea, the quintessential British treat!

Whether you prefer a traditional afternoon treat, like a bit of fizz with your sandwiches and cakes or want to go for something new (we’re talking Italian or Japanese themed!), Solihull town centre has something for all tastes.

Check out our Coronation Trail booklet or our website for the list of venues offering afternoon tea over the Coronation weekend.

GO BACK IN TIME

On the day of the Coronation, Saturday 6th May, we will welcome some vintage vehicles, made right here in Solihull, from Transport Museum Wythall.

Saturday is the fun day to do the Coronation Trail. Take a look around the vintage bus in Mell Square and then have a ride on one with the free bus tours taking you from Mell Square to Solihull train station.

Whatever your plans, Solihull is the place to be to celebrate the Coronation of our new King.

6th May 2023

Coronation

KING’S CORONATION TRAIL

Local business National Grid Metering funds life-saving defibrillator in

Solihull Town Centre

oston Tea Party has become the latest Solihull town centre business to have a life-saving defibrillator installed on site.

The new unit was funded by National Grid Metering through their Community Budget, aiming to leave a legacy in Solihull.

Solihull Business Improvement District helped to find the prime spot on Herbert Road, just off Homer Road and Station Road, and Boston Tea Party were happy to have the new defibrillator installed on their outside wall. It provides public access to the vital kit 24 hours a day. The West Midlands Ambulance Service and FastAid have also been involved in the project from the outset.

National Grid Metering have since been honoured with a Community Initiative and Partnership Award for working collaboratively to support and assist the WMAS with the wellbeing and safety of those in the local community.

Ant Stokes and Chantelle Bogira, of National Grid Metering, said: “We are extremely proud and pleased to be able to provide this defibrillator to the local community.

“We would like to thank Boston Tea Party for agreeing to have the defibrillator installed outside their café. Hopefully, the new defibrillator will one day save a life.”

WMAS Community Response Manager, Andy Jeynes, said: “The chance of a person surviving a cardiac arrest falls by ten per cent for every minute that passes without a defibrillator being used. That is why this is such a fantastic initiative from National Grid to install a defibrillator in a public place, as it can only help to save lives.

“Obviously, we hope there is never a need to use it, but should the time happen, the machines are extremely easy to use, meaning people of all ages and walks of life can provide emergency care to those who need it quickly, prior to the arrival of the ambulance.”

Less than one in ten of people that suffer a cardiac arrest survive through to being discharged from hospital.

CPR and defibrillators are key to increasing survival rates. Performing CPR doubles the patient’s chances of survival and use of a defibrillator within the first five minutes, doubles it again.

Only two thirds of the adult population in the UK know how to do CPR. For more information on CPR and how you could potentially save a life, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/first-aid/cpr/

There are several defibrillators in Solihull town centre, some within businesses, and some publicly accessible like the one installed at Boston Tea Party. In an emergency, always call 999 who will be able to help locate your nearest device.

We would like to thank Boston Tea Party for agreeing to have the defibrillator installed outside their café. Hopefully, the new defibrillator will one day save a life.

LIFE SAVING DEFIBRILLATOR

ith so many bank branches disappearing from the High Street due to the ever-growing digitalisation of our finances, it’s refreshing to see HSBC’s commitment to their home on Poplar Road in Solihull town centre.

The Solihull branch was closed for two weeks at the start of the year for a machinery refit but with the nearest full service branch seven miles away, HSBC wanted to keep serving the local community through a variety of different ways.

They set up a pop-up branch in the nearby Touchwood Shopping Centre, helping customers with enquiries and helping them with online banking.

The Solihull team also gave up their time to assist local causes, litter picking in and around the town centre and helping out at charity shops.

The Poplar Road branch is now back open and fully operational, assisting Solihull residents with all of their banking needs.

HSBC SOLIHULL

34 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AF 03456 040 626 www.hsbc.co.uk

Monday – Friday | 9.30am – 4.30pm Saturday | 9.30am – 1pm

New Look HSBC

lend a hand

By Melanie Palmer

Dan Sanders

erspective Opticians is a thriving, professional independent business nestled into Drury Lane, Solihull. The practice is celebrating its 18th birthday this year and has a busy bustling environment, looking after clients old and new. So what is the secret behind their success? I took time out to interview the owner optometrist Dan Sanders.

Dan explained firstly that it’s certainly not been easy since COVID, people have taken their time to return. “They had almost forgotten how to shop,” said Dan. “The added constraints of the cost of living crisis has also had an impact but we have such a loyal client base that we are now seeing things getting back to normal.”

It’s clear to see the experience that Perspective and their knowledgeable (and super friendly!) team offer, it means that after your first visit you will never go anywhere else. It has the feeling of quality as soon as you cross the threshold, the range of frames are stunning, with many brands only granted to opticians deemed worthy of their status. There is absolutely no compromise on the product.

I asked Dan what else stood them apart from others? “Our eye tests take on average an hour per client (High Street opticians on average give a 20-minute appointment), and we are unrestricted in the amount of care we give. My wife Sam is a fellow optometrist, who also has over 20 years’ experience, so between us and our additional two optometrists who also work in hospitals, there is very little we haven’t seen and dealt with before. We invested in OCT scanners over 10 years ago, so we all have the knowledge and experience in this area to assess our clients, and recognise any problems early that require treatment. Many High Street practices have only just started using this equipment.

“Time is the biggest difference we offer; nothing is rushed throughout the whole journey during your visit to us.”

We discussed the health aspect to the eye test too, and Dan told me about a client case recently. He had found indicators of a potential brain tumour during the test and thankfully once investigated and confirmed, it was caught early enough to save the customer’s life. “Things like this are rare,” Dan reiterates, “but the eyes give such an insight into your general health. Things such as Glaucoma, Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure are just a few of the conditions we can spot.”

Finally, we chatted about the client base he has grown at the Solihull practice. They have clients who have been with them for 10 to 15 years, even those that move out of the area make the trip back for their test and new glasses. Clients travel from Cornwall, France and even Dubai!

Give them a visit, you won’t look back.

Our motto is ‘making life look better’. I am confident that my team will translate your prescription into the most perfect eyewear, something that you will enjoy wearing with confidence and pride.

Dan Sanders

T

Starting a business? Let us help!

During this exciting time, let us take the pressure off you and help you take the right path.

Use our business mailbox service: retain, scan and forward all incoming post. Use our business call service: It is convenient to use when you are unable to take calls. Messages will be taken and forwarded to you via email.

Use our dedicated meeting/conference rooms: For those imporant meetings, you can book a room. It’s the same

Use us for related services:

For a helpful, friendly and expert approach, please get in touch.

This keeps your personal life away from work, and protects both your privacy and data. frances.beard@aitbusinesssolutions.co.uk 0121 740 0658

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