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!