PADELPOWER BAKEOFF’S
JOHNMINCHER
JACOBBETHELL
BEARSSENSATION
VALENTINE’SDAY
BRADLEY SIMPSON
EDITOR’SVIEW
Thenewsthattwomorelocalauthoritiesinourregion(SolihullandWorcestershire) haverevealedthattheyarebasicallybroke/skint/bankruptisnotwhatanyonewantsto see.Theconfidenceofbusinessesandresidentsdependsonworkinginapositive, successfulenvironmentunderpinnedbycouncilswithleadersandrepresentativestheyfeeltheycantrust. ThecouncilsarenowdependentonsuccessfullyapplyingtotheGovernmentforexceptionalfinancial supporttohelpdealwithbudgetshortfallsthatrunintotensofmillionsofpounds.Theyarethelatestofa growingnumberofauthoritieswhofindthemselvesunableto‘balancethebooks’,themosthigh-profileof whichwas(andstillis)Birminghambackin2023.Morethan18monthson,Birminghamisstillgrappling withtryingtorighttheshipthroughamixtureoflargeGovernment-approvedincreasesincounciltaxand sellingoffpropertyandassets.
Obviously,there’snoeasyanswertotheseseriouscivicproblems,butnationalandregionalgovernment havegottogettheiractstogetherifwewanttoseeourlocaleconomies,businessesandcommunities surviveandthrivethrough2025andbeyond.
Thingsmaybetough,butromanceisintheairasValentine’sdaybeckons.Thismonthwe’refeelingthe lovewithsomespecialfeaturesfromtheheart!Eveninthesedayswhenlifemovesfasterthanever,this remainsthemonthwhenmorecouplesgetengagedormarried.Ifyou’replanningorpreparingforthebig day,ourStylepagesdeliversomegreatadviceandlooksforbridesandgrooms,whileourfoodanddrink expertshavealsochippedinwithsomeawesomeideasforthatromanticmeal…
DavidJohns
EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk
ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS: SueCooke,KatieGardner,AdamKirtland ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn.Imagelibrary:shutterstock.com
TracyDuffy
RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110 ©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560
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Highlights
News
Bringingyouthebrightest,mostcolourful storiesfromacrossthecitythismonth
BradleySimpson
FrontmanofTheVampsisgoingsolowith hisfirstalbum,tour–andedgynewlook
JacobBethell
Theexcitingyoungcricketeronrealisingthe dreamtoplayforhiscounty–andEngland
Food&Drink
News,reviews,recipesandour topwinepicksforValentine’sDay
Health
Whypadelpowerissweepingthe nation–andwhyyoushouldjoinin!
Style
Thecompleteguideforbeautiful bridesandhandsomegrooms
BestoftheRest
40 50 54 59 64 66
Homes
Lookingtoupgradeyourbedroom? We’vegotthelatestlookscovered!
FromthePottingBench
Timetoshakeoffwinterandgetset forthebloomingbusyseasonahead
TheBakeOffExperience
Whatyoudon’tseeoncamera–with TVBakeOffcontestantJohnMincher
BusinessNews
Allthenewyearnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity
What’sOn
Bestofthecity’stopnewyearshowsand gigsinourround-upofmust-seeevents
UpClose
WhytheRevDavidTomlinsonisaiming toraisetheroofaticonicStPaul’sChurch
SET-JETTING SHOWCASE
Birminghamhasbeenchosentohostthe firstWorldScreenTourismSummit–an eventtoshowcaseUKandinternational bestpracticeinthegrowingmarketforsetjetting,thephenomenonoftouristsvisiting locationstheyhaveseenonfilmsandTV. Set-jettingistippedasoneofthetop globaltraveltrendsfor2025.Thesummit attheICCisaimedattourismoperators, destinationandattractionmarketing directors,hotelgroupsandscreenandfilm commissionsfromtheUKandoverseas.
HEATHERINFOCUS
Thisdramaticimageof Birmingham-basedrugbyplayer HeatherFisherhasbeen selectedasoneofthewinners ofthisyear’sprestigiousPortrait ofBritainAwards—a celebrationofstoriesthatlight upthenation.Thepictureby renownedportrait photographerCarolyn Mendelsohnwaschosen fromthousandsofentries. WhileHeatherhasbeen successfulinherrugbycareer, shehasfacedprofound challengesoffthepitch,battling anorexiaandalopeciawhile confrontingseriousstigmaasa result.Theportraitaimsto embodyherstory,balancing bothstrengthandvulnerability.
BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH
HONOURED: Fromlefttoright,BCUvice-chancellorProf DavidMba,VanleyBurkeandBCUchancellorAdeAdepitan
BLACKCHAMPIONHONOURED
Anaward-winningphotographerwho createdanarchiveofBlackBritishlifeand culturehasbeenawardedanhonorary doctoratebyBirminghamCityUniversity (BCU).BorninJamaicabutaBirmingham residentfromtheageof14,DrVanleyBurke sayshisdecisiontopickupacamera originatedfromadesireto“documentthe strugglesoftheBlackcommunityinBritain”. Calledthe‘GodfatherofBlackBritish photography’,Vanleyhasexhibitedhiswork acrosstheworld.
JAMESTVMISSION
AnappearanceonBillBailey’snewMasterCraftersTV showhasconvincedaBirminghamstudenttodedicate himselftorevitalisinganold-schoolformofcommunication. JamesRowleydevelopedapassionforletterpressprinting whilestudyingGraphicCommunicationsandwasoneof 12gueststofeatureontheSkyArtsseriesonendangered heritagecrafts.“Itwasafunandrewardingexperienceand inspiredmetoinvestinahandpress,”saidJames.“Iwant tokeepletterpressprintingalive,topreserveitforothers.”
EXTREMEADVENTURES
Buckleupforanightofnail-bitingadventure–allfromthecomfortofaseatinBirmingham TownHall.TheBanffMountainFilmFestivalWorldTourfeaturesskiinginAntarctica,wingsuit flyingaboveMontBlancandclimbinginPeru,amongotherextremeexpeditionsfromremote cornersoftheplanet.Aswellasthegrippingfilms,theeventon8Marchboastsafreeprize drawforoutdoorsgoodies.DirectorNellTeasdalesaid:“Weguaranteeyou’llleaveinspiredto haveanadventureofyourowntoo!”
PADELPROJECT
PlansarebeingdrawnuptobuildBirmingham’sfirstcentrededicated tooneoftheUK’sfastest-growingsports.IMPropertiesisworking withthePadelClubtodevelopplansfora10-courtpadelvenueat Peddimore,nearSuttonColdfield.Thesitewouldfeaturetwoopen-air andeightcoveredcourts,alongwithaclubhouseandlandscape socialarea.Padelisahybridoftennisandsquash.
•Seehealthpages
TheCityofBirminghamSymphony Orchestra(CBSO)hasappointed CatherineArlidgeMBEasitsnewdirector ofartisticplanning.Attheheartofan impressivecareerasamusician,educator, innovatorandinternationalspeaker, Catherinehasmaintainedadeep connectionwithBirmingham–thecity thatshecallshome.AppointedsubprincipalsecondviolinoftheCBSOin 1990bySirSimonRattle,shehas dedicatedherprofessionalperforminglife toconcertgiving,touringandrecording withtheCBSO,workingcloselywiththe fivemostrecentmusicdirectors.
ICE AND EASY
LookingtoslopeofftoAustriaforatouchofskiing?There’sanew‘easy’way toreachthesnow,aftereasyJetlauncheditsfirstflightstoInnsbruckfrom BirminghamAirport.OperatingeverySundayuntiltheendofMarch,the flightsprovideaconnectiontothepremierskiandsnowboardingdestination, aswellsomeofAustria’sotherworld-famousresorts.easyJetreportsstrong demandforitsever-growingnetworkfromitsnewBirminghambase–recentlyannouncingnewroutestoGranCanariaandMalta.
TRIBUTETO ALEGEND
Tensofthousandsofpounds havebeenraisedforcharity byastar-filledconcertthat willpaytributeto BirminghamandEngland footballlegendTrevorFrancis. TheTrevorFrancisMemorial ConcertatSymphonyHallon 27Marchwillbehostedby hisfriendandcomedygreat JasperCarrott.Moneyraised willgototheTrevorFrancis Foundation,partofthe BirminghamCityFoundation. Thiswillthenfundtwo footballtournamentsin Trevor’snameforboysand girlsaged14andunderfrom theBirminghamarea.
HIGHSHERIFFAWARD
NEWYEARMAGIC
Tensofthousandsofvisitorswillenjoyafeastofmusic,danceand theatreatBirmingham’sChineseNewYearFestival.Organisedby BirminghamChineseFestivalCommitteeandBirminghamHippodrome, theYearoftheSnakekicksoffon1Februarywiththetraditionallionand dragonprocessionsinpartnershipwithBullring&GrandCentral. Celebrationscontinueon2FebruaryontheFestivalStageat HippodromeSquareandthroughoutChinatown.Southsidewillhost craftmarkets,foodstallsandfamilyactivities.Details: birminghamhippodrome.com/chinesenewyear
PicturebySimonHadley
RAISETHEROOFBID
KarenCrowston,chairof theBoardofTrusteesfor SummitLearningTrust, hasbeenawardedthe HighSheriff'sAwardfor heroutstanding contributionstothe community.Karenhas beenanactivevolunteer withthemulti-academy trustofnineschoolsfor over15yearsandhas servedasthechairofthe BoardofTrusteesforthe lastfive.Shehasbeena leadingfigureinthe transformationof educationalopportunities forchildrenandyoung peopleintheWest Midlands,particularlyin areasofhighdeprivation.
OneofBirmingham’smosticonicbuildingsisappealingto Brummiestohelp‘raisetheroof’asitlookstomoveforward withhostingconcerts,theartsandbecomingahubfor communityactivities.StPaul’sChurch,builtinthelate 1700’s,isaimingtoraise£660,000toreplaceitsfailing roof.ItsRaisetheRoofcampaignhassofarnetted £170,000,bringingsignificantgrantapplicationsintoplay… butmorehelpisneeded.Fulldetailsat:stpaulsjq.church/ SeeUpClose,page66
GETCREATIVE!
TheCreativeCraftsShow,SewingforPleasure andFashionandEmbroideryreturnstotheNEC from13to16Marchtoshowcasetheabilitiesof talentedartistsandcraftersacrossthecountry.A newannualevent,theNationalEmbroidery Awards,willbelaunched,invitingentriesto celebratetheartistryanddiversityof embroidery.Thecompetitionisopentoalllevels ofabilityandwillbesplitintotwocategories–ineducationandnotineducation.Visit thecreativecraftshow.co.uk
WEARITREDTIME
Schools,businessesandcommunity groupsare‘seeingRed’tohelpsave lives.MidlandsAirAmbulanceCharityis holdingitsannualWearItRedcampaign between10and14Februarytoraise fundsandincreaseawarenessofitsvital work.Supporterscanhosttheirown eventsduringtheweek,suchasa themedbakesalewitha‘bakeitred’ twist,acreative‘paintitred’activity,or anyotherspecialideatheychoose.To registerandreceiveafreefund-raising pack,visit: midlandsairambulance.com/wearitred.
GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk
PEAKYOFFERING
PassengersflyingfromBirminghamAirportcansampletheShelbysfirst-hand anddinePeakyBlinders-stylefollowingtheunveilingofanexclusiveShelby &CoBarandRestaurant.ThebaristhefirstofitskindforthePeakyBlinders franchiseandhasspacefor290diners.InkeepingwiththeeraofthehitTV show,thebardisplaysthe1920sthroughoutitsdesignandofferslocalfood anddrinkthatprovidesanauthentictasteofBirmingham.
TOPOFTHE SHOTS
Aclubcelebratingitscentenary yearhasbeenbowledoverbythe newsthatithasbeenshortlisted fortwonationalawards. ErdingtonCourtBowlsClubhas beennominatedintheannual BowlsEnglandawards.Theclub isrecognisedfor improvingdiversityandinclusion, whileclubcharitytrusteeand communityaffairsleadRay Woodshasbeennominatedas an‘unsunghero’.Theclubisthe biggestintheareaanduniquefor havingbothanall-weather outsidegreenandalsoafull-size 30-metreindoorarena.
BRADTAKES ITTO THEEDGE
WEPREVIOUSLYINTERVIEWEDBRADLEYSIMPSONASPARTOFTHE VAMPS,BUTTHISYEARHE’SGOINGITALONEWITHASOLOALBUM, ANEXTENSIVETOURANDANEWMOREEDGYLOOK---SOWETHOUGHT
WE’DCATCHUPWITHTHELOVELYBRUMMIEONHISHOMETURF
Thefirstthingtosayisthemusicisabitofadeparture fromTheVampssoundandfeelsvery‘bandy’–Bradley’swordnotours,butweknowwhathe means.Newalbum,ThePanicYearshasarockyedge recordedlivewithagreatbandandparticularlystrongdrums. Bradleysays:“They’rehonestsongs.Writingthisalbumwas likealookbackoverthelast10or11yearsandalltheupsand downs.Hopefullypeoplelisteningcanrelatetothat.”
NewsingleAlwaysLikeThisfeaturesbigdrumsandgritty guitarswhilethelyricscharttheangstofuncertaintyina relationship.ThetrackwasproducedbyBradley’smain collaborators,theGrammywinnerBOOTS(RuntheJewels) andAndrewWells.
NEWAUDIENCE
Testingthenewmaterialoutatahandfuloffestivalslast summerwasnerve-wrackingbutsuccessfulandappealedto newfansaswellasTheVampsfaithful.Bradleysays:
“I’mproudofitandI’venowahugeappreciation fortheworkofsoloartists.”Bradleysaysthesolo journeyhasbeenaseriesoffirsts.“I’veenjoyed theprocessinlotsofwayandinothersithasbeen challenging.Youneedtoworkoutexactlywhatit isyouwant.It’sbeeninterestingtothinkabout whatIwanttosoundlike.”
WhileBradley’srelishingthenew,hemisses hisoldbandmatestoo.“They’remybestmates. We’vebeentogetherfor12yearssoit’sabit different.I’musedtobeingatgigsandlooking leftorrightandseeingcertainpeople.That’s strange,butwemeetupallthetime.”
AMERICANAVIBE
Aswellasthesound,Bradley’sstylefeelsabit moreedgytoowithadistinctAmericanavibe whichhesaysisinspiredbystarslikeJamesDean andBruceSpringsteen–lotsofdenimand leather.ThisisquiteabigchangeasBradleysays intheearlydaysoftheband,hedidn’tconsider hisstyleatall.Herecalls:“IlookbackandI’m wearingtheskinniestofjeanswithstripysocks andDocMartins!Maybeitwascoolatthetime.”
BradleycomesbacktoBirminghamasmuchas hecan.“I’vedonealotoftouringandIwrotethe albuminAmerica.It’sreallynicetocomeback homeandchillout,turnthephoneoffandsee friendsandfamily–abitofnormality.”His commitmenttoBirminghamandhischaritable natureledBradleytobecomeanambassadorat BirminghamChildren’sHospital(BCH).
Heexplains:“IhadissueswithmyearswhenI wasyoungerandwhileIwasn’ttreatedatBCH, thedoctorsandnurseswereincredible.”Headds: “It’sscaryasayoungkidtobeinthat environmentandmusiccanmakeadifference.I cameupwiththebandanddidagiginthefoyer. Thekidscameoffthewardstolistenandbecause ofthewaythefoyerispositioned,lotsofchildren whocouldn’tleavetheirwardswereabletowatch too.”Bradley’soldbabygrandpianonowsitsin thefoyerwhichhesandeddownthenmetsome ofthepatientswhodecorateditwiththeirhand
prints.Healwaysasksthestaffifanyoneplaysit whichthekidsdoregularlyapparently.
Bradleyalsovisitsthehospitalandmeetsthe childrenperiodically.Hesays:“It’sreallytough goinginbutI’malwayssurprised.Thekidsare smiling.Thestaffkeepthemupbeat–they’re super-heroes.IjustwanttohelpwhereIcan.” Bradleyrecentlyvisitedthehospitalwiththe charitySingingMedicinewhowe’vepreviously featuredinthemagazineandwhobelieveinthe healingpropertiesofmusicandthepowerithas toliftthespirits.Bradleywastakenabackwith thepositivereactionofthekids–someofthem non-verbalwhosejoywasobvious.
BITTERSWEET
WhenweinterviewedBradleypre-Covidhe wassoexcitedabouttheginbarhe’dlaunchedin SuttonColdfieldwithhisparentsandhissister whichtheycalledSimpsons.Sadly,they’venow closedthebusiness,butBradleysaysit’sbittersweet.Hesays:“Wehadeightamazingyears,but itwastherighttimetosaybye.Covidwasa struggleforhospitalityandthingsneverreallygot backtonormal.Myparentscanrelaxnowand walkthedog!”Bradleywouldencourage everyonetosupportthecity’sindependents.“Not justbarsandcoffeeshops,butsomanysmall musicvenueshavehadtoclosethankstoCovid. Weneedthem.”
BradleywillprobablybeinAustraliawhenyou readthis,andhe’sdeterminedtoseemorethan theinsideofahotelroomthistimearound.He says:“Weneverreallysawanyoftheamazing placeswetravelledtowiththeband.Iremember goingtoSouthAmericaandwhenIcamehome afriendaskedmewhatBrazilwaslike,andI hadnoidea.ThistimeroundI’mtakingtimeto seemore.” ■
DON’TPANIC
ThePanicYearsisdueouton28Februaryandisavailable topre-ordernowatwww.bradleysimpson.com
JACOB’S LADDER
EXCITINGYOUNGWARWICKSHIRECRICKETERJACOBBETHELLHAS CLIMBEDHISWAYTOTHETOPSINCEARRIVINGASA12-YEAR-OLD WITHADREAMTOPLAYFORHISCOUNTY–ANDFORENGLAND
JacobBethellisEngland’sexcitingnewyoung cricketstarwhoexplodedontheworldscenein thepast12monthsaftercomingto Warwickshireasajunior–andrealisinghisdream. Afteradmittingthathefelt“faraway”fromthe Englandset-upatthestartoflastseason,the talentedall-rounder’sremarkableriseculminated withasurprisecall-uptotheTestpartythattoured NewZealandinNovember.Hisredballdebutsaw himscore50notoutoff37balls–thejointsecond fastestdebuthalf-centurybyanEnglishbatter. Thatfollowedhisfirstappearancetwomonths earlierfortheseniorEnglandsideinthewhiteball seriesagainstAustralia,wherehesmashed44off24 ballsinthesecondT20match,goingontoplayin allfiveone-dayinternationals.
BEARSFIRST
Ofhisrapidrise,Jacobsaid:“Myfirstgoallast seasonwastobefitandcementmyplaceinthe Warwickshireteam.Thatwaspointone.Butdoing thingsconsistentlyandcarryingonthe performancesfortheBearsledtowhereIamnow. Itdefinitelyhashappenedquickly.Iknewtherehad beeneyesonmefromchatsI’dhad,soitwasjusta matterofputtinginperformancestoshowpeopleI coulddoit.”
Barbados-bornJacobmovedtoWarwickshireto pursuehiscricketdreamwhenhewasonly12.He joinedWarwickshire’sYouthPathwayatUnder-14s andquicklyprogressedintotheEmergingPlayer
ProgrammeandAcademybeforesigningasa17year-oldin2021.
LastNovember’stourtotheWindiessawJacob, now21,headbacktofamiliarhauntsandreunions withchildhoodfriends.Hesaid:“Havingacouple ofgameswhereIgrewupinBarbadoswaspretty special.Iwasabletorelaxandcatchupwith people.Mymatescametothematcheswearing EnglandBethellshirtsbutcombinedwithWest Indieshats!”
WINDIESRETURN
England’s2025summerofhomeinternationals startson22MaywithaTestagainstZimbabweat TrentBridge,followedbyafirstwhiteballgame againsttheWindieson29MayatJacob’shome ground,Edgbaston.
Hesaysheexpectstobereadytoplayfor WarwickshireinAprilatthestartoftheCounty Championshipseason.“Iwanttoplayafullpart nextyearforWarwickshire.Atthemomentthat’s whatI’mlookingat.Ifanythingelsedoescomeup itmeansthatthingshavegonewellandI’llhave otheropportunities,whichisalsogreat.But Warwickshireisthefoundationofwheremycricket
gamedevelopedsoIwanttoplayfortheBearsas muchaspossible.”
Jacob’sTestappearancesagainstNewZealandin thewintercamewhilefirst-choicewicketkeeper JamieSmithwasonpaternityleave.Jacobmade threehalf-centuries,includingtop-scoringfor Englandwith76onthefourthandfinaldayofthe lastTestinHamilton.What’smore,hebecameonly thesecondEnglandbatter–afterSirAlastairCook, noless–toreach50threetimesinthesameseries beforetheageof22.
HAPPYHEADACHE
Unsurprisingly,Jacob’sexcitingrecordsofarwith EnglandhasgivenheadcoachBrendonMcCullum aselectiondecisiontomakemovingforward–with theWarwickshireladcompetingforaplaceagainst othermoreexperiencedTestandone-dayplayers. “It’sagoodheadachetohave,”McCullumsaid. “That’swhatyouwant.Youwantthatconversation, youdon’twanttobescramblingaroundlooking fortalent.”
Forourpart,wecan’twaittoseeEdgbaston’s youngbig-hitterinactionbothforcluband, hopefully,countryinthecomingseason! ■
FOOD&DRINK
JAMESEAVES
AfterstartingoutasayoungladwashingupdishesonSaturdaysat aLeamingtonhotel,lifehasturnedfullcircleforJameswhoisback inWarwickshire,nowasthenewheadchefattheRSC
Tellusaboutyourcooking
Ithinkthatmystyleiscookingfoodsimplywithgoodflavour andtextureservedwithgoodflavouredsauces–don’tover complicateit–givecustomerstastyfood.Iamexcitedbytheyoung chefscomingthroughwithnewideasandtechniquesandnew ingredientsfromacrosstheworld,alsoseeingpeoplethatIhave workedwithandinfluenceddoingwell.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
Ibecameachefthroughnecessityasmymotherpassedaway whenIwasyoung,soIlearnedtocookfromwatchingherasa youngboyandfollowingthethingsthatIhadseenbeingcookedat home.Thentryingthemformyselfwithmixedresults!Ithen startedexperimentingmakingsimplefood,cakes,sconesandalso cookingSundayroastdinners.
Thisledtomyschoolformteachergettingmeaninterviewina localhotelinLeamingtonSpa.IbeganwashinguponSaturdays, watchingthechefscookingforlargenumbersofguestsfor weddings,eventsandfunctionsaswellasfoodfortherestaurant. Thisfascinatedmeseeingbignumbersbeingcateredfor.
IthenhelpedintheStillRoommakingteaandcoffeeforlounge serviceandroomserviceandwashingglassesforfunctions. Washingupglassesonweddingswasalwaysatreatastherestaurant managerwouldalwaysgivemeasneakyglassofChampagnefrom theweddingtoast(agreattreatfora14-year-old).Istilllovethe tasteofChampagne.
Thehotelmanagerofferedmeanapprenticeshipwithinthe kitchenandIhadagreatgroundingworkinginallsectionsofthe kitchen,learningaboutfish,meat,poultryandgame,pastryand eventcatering.Iworkedatthathotelforsevenyearsintotal.
IwenttoSouthWarwickshireCollegeinStratford-upon-Avon goingtocollegeonadayreleasecourseforfouryears(alifetime laterIambackinStratford!).
Whatdoyoueatathome?
Athome,Icooksimpletastydishes.Afterabusy dayit’sgoodtoeatsimple.Oneofmygo-todishes istheCaptain’sfishfingers,bakedbeansand creamymash.
Whoisthebestchefintheworldandwhy?
Oneofthebestchefsintheworldformeis RaymondBlanc.Hisfoodisfullofflavourand simplypresentedandheisagreatmentortomany chefs.Iateoneofthebestmealsofmylifeathis restaurantatLeManoirauxQuat’Saisons.Luke TippingandAndreasAntonaatSimpsonsin Birminghamaretwoofthebestintown.Ihave dinedatSimpsonssincetheirearlydaysin Kenilworthmanyyearsagoandthefoodisalways differentandunique.
Shareacookingtip?
Mytipwouldbe,ifwhatyouaremakinggoes wrongkeepatitanddon’tgiveup–practiceisthe keytosuccess.
Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
Myfavouritefoodgrowingwasheartybeefstew, lotsofvegasbeefwasveryexpensiveandbigsuet dumplingsinarichgravy.Perfect!
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
FoodheavenisroastsaddleofEnglishspring lamb,cookedpinkwitharichsauce.
Foodhell–I’mnotafanofcaviar…
What’sthemostunusualthingyouhave eaten?
Crocodile,zebraandhorse.
Ifyouweren’tachefwhatwillyoube?
IfIwasn’tachef,IhavenoideawhatIwouldbe, butdefinitelysomethingworkingwithpeopleina creativeway. ■
TheRooftopRestaurantattheRoyal ShakespeareTheatre,Stratford-upon-Avon: 01789403449rsc.org.uk/rooftop-restaurant
PASTAWITHGENOVESESAUCE
It’sValentine’sday,andthere’splentytoloveinthis wonderfuldishfromItalianheadchefMimmoRuggiero
Let’sfaceit,greatfoodis symbolicoflove.So,for Valentine’sdaywhynotshow thatspecialpersonjusthowmuchyou lovethembyknockingupthisawesome dishfromMimmoRuggiero,thehead chefofLaBellezza. ■
INGREDIENTS
■ 3typesofonions(thisisveryimportant!): 2redonions,1whiteonion,1yellowonion
■ Meat:Porkorbeefcutssuchaspork shoulder,shank,knee,orcheek.Useany fattyscrapsyouhaveonhand.Thisdishis allaboututilisingeverypartoftheanimal.
■ 1glassofredwine
■ ½tablespoonoftomatopaste
■ Saltandpeppertotaste
■ 1bayleaf
METHOD:
Inalargepot,searyourchosenmeatcutsover mediumheatuntilbrowned,pourintheglass ofredwineandletitsimmeruntilreduced, leavingbehindarichflavour.Cuttheonions intolargechunksandaddthemtothepot.Stir well.
Addthetomatopasteforatouchofcolourand mixitinthoroughly,thenreducetheheatto lowandletthemixturesimmergentlyfor5to 6hours,stirringoccasionallytoensureit doesn’tstick.Showitsomelove!Addsalt, pepper,andabayleafduringcookingto enhancetheflavours.Oncethesaucereachesa creamyrichconsistency,it’sready. Nowcookyourfavouritepasta,ideally‘Ziti’, andtossitwiththeGenovesesauce.
LaBellezza,TwoChamberlainSquare, Paradise,Birmingham,B33AX
SHORTS NI BBLESand
BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHGREATVIBES.HERE’S OURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS
STREETFOODATTHE‘RING
AnewstreetfoodvenueisservingupatreatintheBullring.PopStreetfeaturesfour distinctbrands–BurroBurrito,KingKatsu,LuvGreekandBullsStreetBurgers–each offeringdifferentdishes.PopStreetsaysitis“allaboutfast,high-quality,freshand flavourfuleatsthathitthespotwithnocompromise”.
CRAFTBEERFESTIVAL
ABirminghamfestivalcelebratingthebestin craftbeerisreturningforathirdyear.The BirminghamCraftBrewFestivalwillbeheld attheCustardFactoryon12July.Aticket entitlesyoutoabottomlessselectionofbeer, ciderandproseccofrom1-6pm.Therewillbe anopportunitytomeetthebrewersandyou cantakehomeasouvenirglassandfestival programme.Thedog-friendlyeventisforage 18andoveronly.
VIETNAMESEVIBE
FLAVOURS OFCARIBBEAN
Newrestaurantandcocktailbar,Caribbeanand Cocktails,isbringing‘thevibrantflavours’ofthe CaribbeantoBrum.Aswellassignaturedishesand cocktailsfromacrosstheregion,thevenueatJohn BrightStreetfeaturesaChampagneandwinebar withatropicalfeel.Thefoodofferingincludes ‘authenticriceandpeas’–allpartofadding thesmellofCaribbeanhomecooking totheexperience.
RestaurantchainPho–knownforitsnoodlesoupbowlsandcurries–hasopenedanew VietnameseeateryinHarborne.Phoisatraditionalsoupwithnoodlesinbrothtoppedwith eithersteak,chickenbreastortofuandmushroomandservedwithfresh,aromaticherbs.Libby Andrews,marketingdirectoratPhosaid:“WeareexcitedtoopeninHarborne–it’ssuchacool andvibrantneighbourhoodwithagreatrestaurantscenewhichwewanttoaddto.”
‘NEW’COSTA TAKESOFF
CostaCoffeeistaxiingtowardsanewlookat BirminghamAirportnextmonth.ItsArrivals (Landside)outlethasbeenundergoingamajorrefurb whichwillrevealabrighterandbolderlook,plus newmodernfeaturesincludingtouchscreenordering tospeedupservice.TherefreshispartofCosta’s widerongoingstoresenhancementprogramme.
PERSIANOFFERING
AMiddleEasternrestauranthas openeditsdoorsinBirmingham. LocatedatHagleyRoad,Soofi Persianrestauranthasreplaced FogoBar&Kitchenwhichclosed lastyearinEdgbaston.Now specialisinginPersian/Iranian cuisine,Soofi’shalalmenuincludes Iranianteaanddessertsfromthe MiddleEast.
TASTEOF THEMED
Can’twaitforthatsunshinegetaway?The holidayvibeiscomingtotownwiththelaunch thismonthofanewrestaurantinMereGreen. Mediterranean-inspiredWillowisthelatest additiontoParogonGroup’srestaurantsand establishments–anditsfirstinthe Birminghamarea.Itsall-day‘tasteoftheMed’ menufeaturesinnovativeplates–from signaturesaladstochargrilledkababskewers aswellasbrunchfavouritesandlighterlunch options.Thedécorofwhite-washedwallsand boldartworksaddstothetropicalfeel.
BAR‘FIRST’FORBRUM
Say‘cheers’toBirmingham’sfirstalcoholfreebar!ExhaleConsciousBaratSuffolk StreetQueenswayservesnutrient-rich, plant-baseddrinkscraftedtoboosthealth andvitality.Thelaunchcoincideswitha majorshiftindrinkinghabitsastwo-thirds ofUKadultsreportreducingtheiralcohol consumption,resultinginarapidly expandingalcohol-freemarket.Thebar’s founderssay:“Whetheryou’rehereto meetfriends,enjoyaquietmoment,or takepartinoneofourcuratedevents,our barisdesignedforcomfortandinclusion.”
BEARCATSMAGARITA
AnewSpeakeasyBarhasjustopened itsdoors,immersingguestsbackin timetotheProhibitioneraof 1920/30sAmerica.Tocelebrate,barmanager BethanyGauntoftheawesomeHushin LeamingtonSpahascreatedthismarvellous cocktailthat’sinspiredbyandnamedafterthe slangtermusedatthetimeforfeistyandfiery women.Pleasenotetheactualversionofthe cocktailmadeintheHushbarisevenbetter astheAnchoReyesVerdeisinfusedwith Gochujang,butthatrequiresawaterbath andwhohasoneofthoseathome!Asalways, pleaseenjoyresponsibly.
INGREDIENTS:
■ 40mlElJimadorReposadoTequila
■ 10mlCointreau
■ 10mlAnchoReyesVerde
■ 10mlYuzupurée
■ 15mlLimejuice
■ Smokedseasaltrim
METHOD:
Beforemakingthecocktailpreparetheglasswith SmokedMaldonseasaltfortherim.Useafreshly cutwedgeoflimetorunroundtheedgeandpush intothesalt.Useanapkintotidytherimand removeanysaltthathasfallenintotheglass. AddallthewetingredientstoaBostonshaker, plusiceandgiveitahardshake.Doublestrain thecocktailintothepreparedglassandserve withawedgeoflimeontheedgeoftheglass.
Hush,2TheTerrace,LeamingtonSpa, CV313AB.Tel:07958739557 www.hush-bar.co.uk
ANGELA’STRATTORIA
22-24IslingtonRow,Birmingham,B151LD.angelasbirmingham@gmail.comangelastrattoria.com
EarlyJanuary’sGodforsakenweatherhadus cravingcomfortfoodonthedailyandona particularlydismaldaywepulledoutthebig guns,headedforIslingtonRowandnestledinto Angela’sTrattoria.Theinteriordidn’texactlyenvelop usinthecosywaywemighthaveliked.Thenononsensewoodenfurnituredoesthejob–nomoreno less.Isuspectthevibeiscosierbynightwithcandles andfestoonlighting.
Themenuisinterestingandalmosteverything appealed.Welaunchedintobruschettawithroasted peppers,garlic,capersandlittlemoundsofwhipped ricottawhichtastedmuchmoregloriousthanour descriptionsounds.Itwasquiteaheftyportionandin truthitwouldhavebeenadecentlunchonitsown.A plateofthiswithaglassofsomethingchilledwould knockspotsofmostlunchesinthecity,butinthe interestofgivingyouamorecomprehensiveviewof theplaceweorderedmore.Someone’sgottodoit.
Pumpkinaranciniwithguanciale(drycuredpork cheek)andcarbonarasaucehadanicecrispouter withagooeymoreishmiddle–thecomfortfoodwe
craved.Aswasadishfromthespecialsmenuwhich wasaproperwinterwarmerhailingfromthe14th century–Peposo.Essentiallyabeefstewcookedfor hourswithredwine,peppercornsandgarlic,itwas morebrilliantthanwecouldeverconveyhere.Served withcrunchypotatoesandsourdoughformopping uptherichsauce,therewassomuchtolove.Ifit’s stillonthemenuwhenyoureadthiswehighly recommend.
Wealsohadhighhopesforthepastaandordered ravioliwhichwaswaferthinandstuffedwithricotta andsmokedpotatoservedinaparmesansauce.It wasn’tpretty–allabitbeige–butitwasskilfully packedwithanintensesmokyflavour.However,in ourlayman’sview,thesmokinessofthefillingandthe saltinessoftheparmesanmeantwecouldhavedone withsomezingydressedgreensorahandfuloffresh herbstobalanceitoutabit.
Dessertwouldhavebeenasteptoofarinourquest forcomfort,buttheyallsoundeddreamy.Weleftvery happywithourcarbfest,promisingtobebackfor dinnerverysoon. ■
CHEERSTO FEBRUARY
Therearetworeasonstocelebratewithabottlethismonth,saysresidentwineexpert DavidCarne.Ofcourse,it’sValentine’s–butit’salsoInternationalSyrahday!
AsfarasI’mconcerned,therearetwo importantdatesinFebruaryandtheyboth occurwithin48hoursofeachother.Onthe 14thit’sValentine’sday,andjusttwodayslateris InternationalSyrahday.And,whilewetypically associateValentine’sdaywithsparklingorRosé wines,Syrahisactuallyagreatchoicetoaccompany yourValentine’smeal.
ABOUTSYRAH
TheSyrahgrapeislikelyagrandchildofPinot
Noirandhassmallegg-shapeddeeppurpleberries andthickskins.Italsohashighlevelsofbothsugar andacid.Allthismeansthatitiscapableof producingrichfruity,bold,tannicwineswithhigh levelsofalcohol.Typicalflavours/aromastendtobe ofblueberries,blackcurrant,blackberries,black cherry,plum,violets,bacon,chocolate,pepper, liquorice,andtobacco.
Apparently,thisgrapeisfullofantioxidantsand somaywellbelookingafterourheartswhen consumedinmoderation.Whatelsewouldyou
expectfromaValentine’swine?!Anddependingon thestyleofthewine,itisusuallyagoodchoiceto pairwithgame,redmeat,mushroomsandcheeses.It canevenhandlealittlespice.So,ifyourValentine dateincludessteakfrites,roastedmeat,something withmildAsianspicesoracheeseboard,thismight justbeagreatwineofchoice.
BLENDINGIN
Thereisamisconceptionwhichsomepeoplehave thatblendedwinesarelowerqualityones.Whileitis truethatmanypoor-qualitywinesareblends,someof thebestqualitywinesintheworldareinfactblendsas well.SyrahisfrequentlyblendedwithGrenache, Mourvèdreandothervarietiestoproducewinessuchas theinfamousChâteauneufduPape,Côte-Rôtie,and CôtesduRhônewines,aswellaswithSangioveseand othervarietiestoproducetheso-called‘SuperTuscan’ Italianwines.InthiscontextSyrahhelpstoaddbody andstructuretothewine(ormoreweightymouthfeel), aswellasblackfruitflavours.
AGRAPEBYANOTHERNAME
ItmightsurpriseyoutolearnthattheSyrahand Shirazgrapesareinfactthesamegrape.Syrahtends tobemorewidelyusedinFrance,wherethestylesof winesareslightlyacidic,mediumbodiedandslightly savoury.Incontrast,duetothewarmerclimate, Shirazwinestendtoberich,bold,fruitystylesof wine.Generally,whetherawineislabelledSyrahor Shirazwillindicatewhichofthetwostylesithas beenmadein.
SURPRISINGSPARKLE
SpeakingofShirazwines,itispossibletogethold ofsparklingShiraz.Thesewinesareusuallyfrom Australiaandtendtohaveafruity,full-bodiedstyle andoftenhaveaslightsweetness(whilestillbeing dryinstyle)whichbalancesoutthetannin.These winescanbemadeusingthechampagnemethodor theprosecco(tank)methodofwinemaking,which willgivethemslightlydifferentflavourprofiles.
So,whetheryouarecelebratingyourValentine’s daywithsomeonespecialoropttocelebrateSyrah dayinsteadoraswell,whynottakealookatmyTop PicksoftheMonth… ■
DAVID’STOPPICKSOFTHEMONTH
Somethingsparkling: MorrisonsTheBestCrémantDeLimoux–£12,Morrisons. Greenapple,citrusnotesoflemoncurd,biscuit,honeyandsubtlefloral notesofwhiteblossom.Slightlycreamywithanicefeelonthepalette.
Somethingfreshandfruity: VillaMariaReserveSauvignonBlanc–£11,ASDA. ThisclassicNewZealandSauvignonBlanchasnotesofpassionfruit, lemongrass,lime,guavaandmelon.Somewell-balancedacidity, minerality,andagoodlengthfinish.
Somethingbigandbold: Penfolds'KoonungaHillSeventy-Six'Shiraz-CabernetSauvignon 2019/21–£16,99,Majestic. Thinkdarkfruitssuchasplum,blackberry,blackcurrantand blueberry,subtleredcherry,chocolate,vanilla,andspice.Thiswill definitelytickthebigandboldbox.
Somethingclassic:
ChapoutierLesMeysonniersCrozes-Hermitage2022–£22.99,Majestic.
Ifyou’relookingtosplashoutonsomeclassicalSyrah,thisisagood examplefromagreatwinemaker,withouttheveryeye-watering pricesoftheNorthernRhone.Crozes-Hermitagewinestendto representgoodqualitytopriceratio.Thisonehasnotesofblack fruits–cherry,plum,blackberry,withwhitepepperandspicenotes.
SomethingEnglish: ChapelDownBacchus,2023–£13.50,TheWineSociety. Aromasofelderflower,herbaceousnettlenotes,greenapple,lime, melon,pineapple,grapefruitandgooseberry,freshacidity,anda lightdelicatefinish.FansofcrisprefreshingSauvignonBlancmay welllikethisone.
Somethingdifferent:
Jacob’sCreekSparklingShirazNV–£8.99Waitrose
ForthosewhowanttotryaredsparklingShiraz,thisisatypical exampleofthestyle.Thisoneisaprosecco(tank)methodwine. Thinkredfruitflavourssuchasraspberry,citrusnotes,hintsofspice andpepper,withaslightlycreamyflavourbutwiththesensationof bubblesandaberryflavouronthefinish.
DavidCarneisaWinesandSpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwineexpert andauthorofthealottowineabout.comwebsitewhereyoucanfindmore articlesonwine.
TofindoutmoreaboutfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com
PADEL POWER
Padeltennisisrecognisedasoneofthe fastestgrowingsportsintheworld.It’sa mixbetweentennisandsquashthat’s greatsportforplayersofallagesandskillsasit’s bothquickandeasytopickup.Mostplayersget thebasicswithinthefirsthalf-an-hourofplaying sothattheycanreallyenjoythegame.
Padelcourtsareusuallydesignedforfour playersandareroughlyonethirdofthesizeofa tenniscourt.Thespeedofthegame,combined withthesmallersizeofapadelcourt,makes singlesplaydifficult,andmostpadelmatches featuretwopairsofplayers.Theenclosedcourts aresurroundedbywallsofglassandmetallicmesh andthegameisplayedwithashort,stringless racquetandalowcompressiontennisball.
HOWTOPLAY
Oneofthemaindifferencestotennisisthatpadel beginswithanunderarmserveandtheservermust allowtheballtobounceoncebeforehittingitandthe ballmustbehitbelowwaistlevel.Theballscanthen beplayedoffthebackandsidewalls,inasimilarway tosquash,allowingforlongerrallies.Playerscan bouncetheballoffawallontheirownsideofthe courtandyoucanalsovolleytheballduringarally, howevertheballisdeterminedas‘out’shouldithita walldirectly.
Liketennis,asetiswonwhenateamwinssix gamesandthereisatleasttwogamesdifference–failingthatthesetisdecidedbyatie-break.Matches arebestofthreesets.
MAJORBENEFITS
■ Padeltennisisforallages.Youngorold,it’sa greatsportandeasytofindsomeonetoplayofa similarstandard.
■ It’sgreatforde-stressing.Switchoffyourworries foranhourorsowithafewfriends,smacktheball aroundabitandproperlyunwind.
■ Itimprovesco-ordination.Padeltennissharpens upyourreflexesandeye-handco-ordination.
■ It’snotweatherdependent.Thesportcanbe playedindoorsoroutdoors,sothere’snoworriesifit’s toohotorraining.
■ Itincreasesstrengthandmuscletone.Padel tennisisespeciallygoodforthelegsandglutesbutit’s alsoacrackingall-bodyworkout,burningupto400 caloriespergame.
■ It’sgoodforyourheart.Likeallaerobic exercises,padeltennisimprovesthecardiovascular system,reducingtheriskofheartattacksorfailure.
■ It’ssocial.As90percentofmatchesaredoubles, it’sagreatwaytomeetpeople.
■ It’sfun.Regardlessofhowgoodyouare,padel tennisisguaranteedtoputasmileonyourface. ■
WhynotgivepadeltennisawhirlatEdgbastonPrioryClub. Formoredetailsandticketinginformation,visit: edgbastonpriory.comorcall01214402492
JOINTHE CYCLE REVOLUTION
FSOMETOPTIPSBEFOREYOUHITTHEPEDALS
romyoungchildrenonstabilisers,through toadultsgoingforlongcountrysiderides, cyclingisforeveryone.Andit’soneofthe easiestwaystofitexerciseintoyourdailyroutine.
BENEFITSOFCYCLING
There’splentyofhealthbenefitsfromcycling:
•Lowimpact,highintensity–Cyclingisperfect wayofraisingyourheartratebutbeinglowimpact there’slessriskofinjury.
•Social/therapeutic–Cyclinggivesagreat opportunitytoexerciseatthesametimeasagoodnatter. Anddon’tforgetthecoffeeandcakestopstofuelup!
•Senseofachievement/fulfilment–There’snobetter feelingafterconqueringyourfurthest,hardestride.
•Exploretheworld–Cyclingisagreatopportunity tofindnewplaces.Andratherthantravelaloneyou canalwayshookupwithalocalcyclingclubwhowill nodoubtbeverywelcoming.
STAYSTATIC
Nervousaboutcyclingoutinthewild?Ifyouwant tobuildyourfitnessupanddon’tfancygoingoutonto theroad,whynotgetonboardastaticbike.There’s plentyofappsouttheretosupportyouandthere’s someaddedbenefitsformcyclingindoors.
•Itissaferexerciseinyourownhome.
•Youcanridewithpeopleacrosstheglobe24hours-a-day.
•Youcanrace.
•Ordoorganisedtrainingprogrammes.
•Andit’sany-weather!
It’sworthinvestingingettingastaticbikesetup
properlyasit’llbealotmoreenjoyable.Itmakessense tospeaktoabikefitspecialistpriortopurchasinga machineastheycantellyouwhichbestsuitsyourbuild andrequirements.
TOPTIPS
So,you’reonboardwithgettingintocycling.Here areafewmoretipstomakeitplainsailing:
•Useyourlocalbikeshoptopurchaseyour machine.It’snotonlygreattosupportlocalbusinesses butalsotheyareusuallyhappytodoadeal.Youcan pickupawell-speccedbikeforlessthan£1,000.Don’t forgetyoucansaveupto42percentonanewbikeif youusethe‘biketoworkscheme‘.Seemoredetailsat cyclescheme.co.uk
•Girls…don’tgetsuckedintotopurchasinga ‘ladies’model–itactuallymaynotsuityourbodytype andyoumayevenfindyourselfpayingapremiumfor female-specificbikes!
•Investinagoodtyre.ContinentalGrandPrixGT FoldingRoadTyrearegeareduptopreventpunctures asmuchaspossible.Youcouldalsoaddatyresealant whichwillhelpyougethomeifyoudogetapuncture andcan’tfixit.
•There’snoneedtogocrazyonlotsofexpensive kit.Buyawell-fittingcyclinghelmet,setoflights–evenifyoudon’tplantogooutafterdarkalwayshavea rearlightontomakeyoumorevisible–makesureyou getagoodtool-kitandawindproof/waterproofjacket. Thebrighterthebettertobeseen!
•DownloadthefreesocialappStravatoyourphone. Itwilltrackyourrideandyoucancompareyourprogress aswellasseehowyourfriends’trainingisgoing.
STATEMENT DRESS
SuzanneNevilleDelphinium fromtheWeddingClubat
HarveyNichols
WEDDING DAYSTYLE
CONTEMPLATINGWHATTOWEARONYOURBIGDAYCANBEBAMBOOZLING, BUTWITHABITOFRESEARCHANDPLANNINGITCANBEMAGICAL
HAND BEADED
CoutureLilianby
JunePeonyBridalCouture
PEARL ENCRUSTED
Dropearrings£10, Accessorize SLING BACK
BlackheelMaryJane £80,OliverBonas INTHE BAG
Peralbag£39, JohnLewis
ITWINKLE TOES
Silverpatent pointedmule £40,RiverIsland WELL HEELED
ChristianLouboutin HotChick100patent leatherpumps£690, HarveyNichols
nmanywaysyou’vemuchmorefreedomthan previousgenerationsofbridesintermsofwhatyou wear.Whilemostbridesstillchooseatraditional whiteorivorygown,intruthanythinggoes.Atrouser suit?Whynot?It’syourday,yourstyle.Evenwithin theivorygownmarket,thechoiceofcut,silhouette, fabricandstyleisvastwhichiswhysittingdownwitha designer,oradedicatedbridalspecialistremainsthe ideal.
Choosingadesigneryouloveisthekeytoa successfulandstress-freeexperience.Doyourresearch, getfamiliarwithdesignersthatshareyourstyleand lookthroughexamplesoftheirwork.Agreatdesigner willoffercreativesolutionsthatsuityouandwon’tbe offendedifyoudismissacoupleofoptions.Allowsix monthsfortheprocessalthoughifyou’regetting marriedsooner,askthequestion.Ifyoudon’taskyou don’tget.
Inthecity,you’veplentyofoptions.June PeonyBridalCoutureinEdgbastonproduce originaldesigns–somepictured–aswellas bespokegowns,whiletheWeddingClubat HarveyNicholsandtheBridalShopat Selfridgesstockarangeofdesigners.Ofallthe shoppingtripsyoumightgooninyourlife, thisistheonethatshouldbememorableforall therightreasons.Ifyou’reevergoingtobe pampered,makeitnow.
Abigadvantageofthedesigneroptionisthe fitting,particularlythefinalversionjustafew daysbeforethebigday.Lotsofbridesloseafew poundsintherun-uptotheweddingeither throughexcitementorstress–hopefullythe former–sothosefinaladjustmentsare important.
SHOPAROUND
Ifyourbudgetdoesn’tallowforthepersonal touchofaspecialist,don’tpanic.While trawlingtherailsisn’tasmagicalassipping Champagnewithadesigner,therearesome greatoff-the-pegoptions.CheckoutNeedle andThread,SelfPortrait,JennyHoo,Whistles andevenMonsoon.Shoparoundandtrylots ofdifferentstylesbeforesettlingontheone.
Also,considerrenting.It’snotforeveryone, however,we’vehadsomeexperiencewithHurr andit’sgame-changing.It’sacompromisebut ifyou’reonatightbudget,it’sawinner.The breadthofdesignersisincredible,andyoucan rentagownforhundredsofpoundsrather thanspendingthousands.
FANCYFOOTWEAR
Weallknowtherightshoecanmakeyou feelamilliondollarsandcaninjectabitof confidence.CheckoutManoloBlahnik, ChristianLouboutin(pictured)andJimmy Chooatthetopendandonthehighstreet,visit Duneforsomebrilliantexamplesthatdefy theirreasonablepricetag.
Avoidanylast-minutemishapsbytrying everythingontogetheringoodtimeandmost importantlyenjoytheexperience. ■
Clothingfrom Monsoon
RELAXED VIBES
ACE LACE
SuzanneNevilleFlorescence fromtheWeddingClubat
HarveyNichols
SLEEK LINES
EleanorbyJunePeony BridalCouture
FLOWER GIRL
Silverbag £150, Dune
BOW BEAU
Fauxpearlbow barrette£16, OliverBonas
BELT UP
Ivorylinen belteddress £59,Lipsy
GREATSHAPE SAINT
BridalMarceaufrom theWeddingClubat HarveyNichols
ARM CANDY
MARY JANE
Ecrupatent leathershoes £89,Dune
HIGH STREET
Embellished dress£79,M&S
Ivorypearlhandbag £40,Accessorize
MIDI DRESS
AdriannaPapellfloralembroidered organzadress£276,JohnLewis
EFFORTLESSLY CHIC
LauraVannIsobelle PearlNecklace£345, HarveyNichols
KITTEN HEEL
Momentskittenheel £169,Dune
DISCO DIVA
Closedbackstrappy sandal£40,RiverIsland
BUDGETBEAUTY
Theoldmantra,yougetwhatyoupayfor,doesn’talwaysringtrueandthebeauty industryisnoexception.Wethoughtwe’dtakealookatthemorereasonably pricedbutstilleffectiveendoftheskincaremarkettoseehowitfared. Hereareourtoppickswitheachproductcostinglessthan£25
1.BEAUTYPIESUPERRETINOL–
£16FORBEAUTYPIEMEMBERS
AswithallBeautyPieproducts,yousacrificefancypackaging tokeepthecostlowbutwhat’sinsideisasgoodasbrandsthree timestheprice.Thisserumispackedwithgoodiesthatyour skinwilllapup,suchasretinol,lacticacid,hyaluronicacidand ceramides.
2.PIXIGLOWTONIC–£18,BOOTS
Therearelotsofproductswithahigherpercentageofglycolic acidthanthePixiversionbutatfivepercentit’sgentleenough nottoirritateyetisstillhighlyeffectiveatsmoothingand creatingayouthfulglow.Gentleisagoodthing.
3.GARNIERAMBRESOLAIRESUPERUVANTIDARK
SPOTSANDANTIPOLLUTIONFACEFLUID–£8,BOOTS
ForaneverydaySPFwhichnaturallywe’reallusing,thisisa fantasticoption.Asidefromthepricebeingincredibleit’s exceptionallylightandfeelslikeamoisturiser.There’sno tackinessorchalkyfinish.We’reconverted.
4.LAROCHEPOSAYTOLERIANESENSITIVE–£22,CULTBEAUTY
WithnoirritantsthewholeTolerianerangeisawinnerifyou’ve sensitiveskin.Themoisturiserfeelsmuchmoreexpensivethan itisandispackedwithceramidestoboosthydrationandsupport theskinsbarrier.
5.CERAVEFOAMINGOILCLEANSER–£14,VARIOUSSTOCKISTS
Ceravewon’twinanyawardsforpackagingdesign,butputting thattooneside,itdoeswhatitsaysonthetin.Whilethewhole rangepacksapunch,it’stheoilcleanserthatcameoutontop forus.Itfoamsupsatisfyinglyandleavesyourskinfeeling cleanandhydratedbutcruciallynotdry.Bargain.
1
2
3
4 5
SUMMERVIBES
Loafers£180, Dune
MAKE ROOM FORTHE GROOM
DINTHENAVY
PaulSmithtaperedlegwoolsuit indarknavy£890,Selfridges
TIETHEKNOT
Minispot jacquardlinen blendtie£120, HarveyNichols
IFTHESHOEFITS
Leatherloafer
£60,M&S
CLASSACT
Sheltonfitsingle-breastedwoolblend suit£3,640,TomFord
ressingforyourweddingishighlydependent onwhattimeofyearyou’regettingwedand where.Ifyou’rehavingalaid-backsummer do,goforlightfabricandthinkaboutpastelsora neutralecruteamedwithalightloaferorevenan espadrilleifyou’reonabalmybeach.Sandandformal footweardon’tmix.Thinkaboutditchingthetietoo. Youwanttoberelaxedandcoolnotasweatymess.
Awinterweddingallowsforamoretraditionallook whichinmanywaysissimpler.Ifyou’reinvestinginatwo orthree-piecesuit,investifyoucantogetthetailoringspot on.Goforversatilenavyratherthanblackorgrey.You’ll getmuchmorewearoutofitbeyondthenuptials.Keep footwearclassicwithanOxfordorabrogue.
Ifyou’reoptingforblack-tieensureyoulooksharp notsloppybyfocusingonfabricandfit.Checkout TomFordfortheultimateversion.Teamwithgreat footwearsuchastheJimmyChooFoxleythat’llinject abitofswagger.Ifyourguestsareallwearingblack-tie too,youwanttostandoutfromthecrowdinthevery bestofways.Ifyourbudgetissqueezed,therearedecent optionsonthehighstreet–justensureyougetthefit rightandacceptthatitprobablywon’tlast.
Addtouchesthatstampyourpersonalityonyour outfitlikeashirtwithatwistsuchasthetieneckversion picturedfromJohnLewisorsomestatementcufflinks forafinalflourish,butmostofallenjoyyourbigday! ■
LESSISMORE
HIGHSTREET
TaylorandWright navysuittrousers
£26andjacket
£53,Matalan
SIMPLESTYLE
BobbiesStanley loafer£144, HarveyNichols
KEEPCOOL
GreggoleatherOxfordshoe £875,ChristianLouboutin
Single-breasted wovensuit
£1,730, Corneliani
RAZZLEDAZZLE
JimmyChoo Foxleytassel loafer£750, Selfridges
FLAIRENOUGH
Shirtandsuit fromJohnLewis
IT’SPERSONAL
Ofallthespacesinyourhome,thebedroom isthemostpersonal.You’renotimpressing anyoneorkeepingupwiththeJones’, you’recreatingahighlyindividual,personalspace thatshouldfeellikeasanctuary–yoursanctuary. Veryfewpeoplewillbemoochingaroundyour bedroomwhentheyvisit–you’renot accommodatinganyoneelse’stastes,you’renot thinkingaboutwhereyourfriendswillsitand whetherit’scomfortableforthem.Thisisaboutyou.
Ifyoufindcolourandboldpatternoverstimulating, stickwithcalmneutralcolours.CheckoutBoConcept foramasterclassinScandicoolaswellasCousins(see pageXX).Addinterestwithtexture,naturalmaterials andartworkratherthanlargeswathesofcolour.
STAGGERINGCHOICE
Conversely,ifyoufindcolourandpatternpleasing anditmakesyousmile,you’reinluck.Frompaint colour,wallcovering,rugs,bedding,lamps,furniture andaccessories,thechoiceisstaggering.We’vepulled togetherlotsofdifferentlooksincorporatingflorals, geometrics,stripes,primarycolours,dramaticnavyand everythinginbetween.Ifyou’reparticularlybold,try clashingprintswhichcanbeverychic.Theonlydesign dilemmayouhaveiswhatmakesyourelaxedand happy.Simple.
Ifyou’retentativelyembracingcolour,addinsome accessories,acosybedspreadorbrightrugratherthan radicallyoverhaulingyourentireroom.
Whateveryourjamintermsofaesthetic,it’s importanttogetthepracticalstuffrightfirst.Once you’vegotthebonesofthebedroomsorted,gocrazy–ornot–withthedesignelements.
GOODBONES
Noamountofcolour,patternandtexturewill compensateforasubstandardbed,soshoparound. Spendasmuchasyoucanaffordonyourbed/mattress combo.Notallmattressesareequalandyoursleeping positionmightaffectwhichtypeworksforyou.
Memoryfoamconformstoyourbodytypeencouraging properspinealignment.It’sidealforsidesleepersandfor thosewithbackpain.Latexislikememoryfoambut slightlyfirmerwithlessofasinkinginfeeling.
HOMES
Innerspringismadefromsteelcoilsandisaharder mattress.Ifyou’reastomachsleeperyoucould benefitfromthisastheincreasedfirmnesskeepsthe spinealigned.Considercoilcountandgauge. Hybridcombinesfoamorlatexwithcoils.Coils sitonthebottomforsupportandfoamsitsontopfor pressurerelief.Theyfeelverysimilartofoambutare moreexpensiveandheavierthanall-foamversions.
SUPERSTORAGE
Declutterbeforeyoustartplanningwhatsortof storageyouneed.Beruthless.Donateunwanted itemsorsellonprelovedsites.Weembraced Vintedlastyearandhavemadeadecentamount ofmoneyoutofwhatwasessentiallyclutter.The thingsyoudecidetokeepneedahomeinorderfor yourbedroomtofeelrelaxing.Realisticallyplan howmuchspaceandwhatsortofstorageyou
need.Utiliseunderbedstorageandconsider built-inwardrobesifyourbudgetallows.Builtinwillgiveyoumorestoragespacewhilea standalonemightlookmoreclassic.Ifyour roomissmallmaximiseeveryinch.The smallestofspacescanbetransformedinto excellentstorageorevenawalk-inwardrobe withsomevision.
BLACKOUT
Makesureyourwindowcoveringblocksall lighttoensureyougetadecentsleep.It’snot currentlyanissue,butasspringapproachesand thesunrisesearly,you’llthankus.Madeto measureisobviouslybestintermsoffit,but therearesomeexcellentready-madeversions tooifyourwindowsareastandardsize. Whicheveryougofor,optforfullylined. ■
MOREISMORE
LIGHTENUP
GOODMORNING
FurnitureandaccessoriesfromHabitat
SophieRobinsonbeddingandaccessoriesfromDunelm
FurnitureandaccessoriesfromDunelm
NEUTRALTONES
Escanakingsizebedfrom£1,499.95,Cousins
SCANDIVIBE
Houstonstoragebedfrom£2,111,BoConcept
BESTCHEST
Joylenethree-drawerchest
£379,Dunelm
TOPTIER
SophieRobinson two-tierwavy lampshade£55,Dunelm
SHOWSTOPPER
Embroideredcushion
byMargaretSelby £20,Habitat
TOUCHES FINISHING
GETYOURBEDROOMFEELINGJOYFUL WITHTHESEMOOD-BOOSTINGBRIGHTS
COLOURPOP
HayPinocchiorug
£271.20(was£339),kin
MIRRORMIRROR
Iridescentwallmirror
£160,OliverBonas
TERRIFICTERRAZZO
Tuftedmulti colouredrug£75, Habitat
MELLOW YELLOW
Edinavelvetcushion
£60,OKA
BUTTONUP
MINIMUM FUSS Cancuntable
£299,BoConcept
Greenupholsteredbench
£179.99,HomeSense
FANCYFLORAL Cushion£25, NationalTrust
THINKPINK
Fauxmohairthrow£45, NationalTrust
OHFOROCHRE
Smallribbedlamp
£6,B&M
HIGHQUALITYCAREINEDGBASTON
AtEdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorinEdgbaston,ourhighlytrainedteamsare expertsinprovidinghighqualitycare,fromresidentialanddementiacaretoshorttermcare.WhilstEdgbastonManoralsoprovidesnursingcare.
Alifestyletailoredtoyou
Atour‘good’CQCratedhomeourteamsare passionateaboutsupportingyoutoenjoyafulfilling life.We’lllearnallaboutyourinterestsand preferencessowecancreateafullypersonalised lifestyleplanthatyou’llenjoy;whetherit’s gardening,cheeseandwinesocialsorplayingchess.
Luxuryliving
EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManoroffer luxuriousfacilities,includingacoffeeshop,hair salonandapub/bar.Ourchef-ledkitchenteamsare passionateaboutprovidinghigh-qualityfoodand there’salwaysachoiceofnutritiousanddelicious dishesateverymeal.
Hearwhatrelativeshavetosay
Werecognisetheimportanceoffriendsandfamily stayinginvolvedintheirlovedone’scareandlifestyle planandourregularrelativemeetingsarepopular.In ourrecentrelativesurvey,93%offamiliesatEdgbaston Manorwereimpressedwithhowthestafftreatedtheir relativewithkindness,dignityandrespect^.Whilstat MetchleyManor91%werehappythatthestaffknew theirrelativeasanindividual.^
Trustustocare
EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorin EdgbastonarepartofCareUK,thecountry’smost awardedlargecareprovider.We’vebeendelivering high-quality,person-centredcareforover40years. That'swhyover9,000familiestrustustocarefor theirolderlovedones. ■ ^CareUKrelativesurveyApril&September2024.Study operatedbyQRSMarketResearch,anindependentsurveyagency.
TofindoutmoreaboutEdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorcall03301346257EdgbastonManor, SpeedwellRoad,Edgbaston,WestMidlands,B57PR MetchleyManor,5ChurchRoad,Edgbaston,Birmingham,WestMidlands,B153SHCareuk.com/Birmingham
FromthePottingBench withAdam
FEBRUARYFEELSLIKEAREALTURNINGPOINTINTHE GARDEN,SAYSADAMKIRTLAND.THEDAYSAREGETTING LONGER,TEMPERATURESARECREEPINGUPANDYOU
There’sasensethatspringisjustaroundthe corner,withwildlifewakingupandthe gardenslowlycomingbacktolife.Itmightstill bechillybutthere’splentytogetstuckinto,both indoorsandoutside.Fromsowingseedstotidyingup beds,thisistheperfecttimetoshakeoffthewinterand geteverythingreadyforablooming,busyseasonahead.
GetPrepared
Gettingorganisedwithyourseedsnowwillsave youheapsofstresslater.Startbysortingyourseed packetsbysowingdate–it’sasimplebutbrilliantway tokickoffyourgardeningyear.Allyouneedisabox withdividers(anoldshoeboxorbiscuittinworks perfectly).Labeleachsectionbymonth,thenfileyour seedsaccordingtowhentheyneedtobesown.It’san easy,satisfyingjobforarainyafternoonanditmakes suchadifferencewhenthingsgethecticinspring.
WhenMarch,April,orMayrollsaround,you’llbe sogladyoudon’thavetorummagethroughpilesof packets,franticallysearchingforwhatneedsplanting next.Everythingwillbereadyandwaiting,makingit mucheasiertostayontopofyourgardening schedule.It’spractical,it’ssatisfyinganditgivesyou aheadstartforasuccessfulgrowingseason!
SplitandShare
Dividingsnowdropsafterthey’vefinished floweringisabrilliantwaytospreadthemagic aroundyourgarden.Ifyou’vegotbigclumpsofthese
lovelylittleflowers,it’stimetogivethemabitof attention.Oncethebloomshavefaded,gentlyliftthe clumpwithagardenfork,beingcarefulnotto damagethebulbs.Separatethebulbsintosmaller groups–trytokeepafewtogethertohelpthem settlequickly–andthenreplantthemwherever you’dliketoseeanewpatchofsnowdropspopup nextyear.
Choosespotswithdappledshadeorundertrees wherethey’llfeelrightathome.Watertheminwell, andbeforeyouknowit,they’llestablishthemselves andstartcreatingnewcolonies,givingyouevenmore ofthosedelicatewhitebloomstoenjoy.It’salittle effortnowforabigpayoffnextspring–yourfuture selfwillthankyou!
PotsofWinterJoy
Giveyourgardenorpatioasplashofcolourby pottingupcontainerswithhardyspringbedding plants.Primroses,wallflowersandforget-me-notsare perfectchoices–they’retoughenoughtohandle unpredictablespringweatherwhilestilllooking gorgeous.Startwithadecent-sizedpotandsome good-qualitycompost,thengetplanting.
Youcanmixandmatchcoloursforacheerful, vibrantdisplayorsticktoasimplecolourschemefor somethingmorerefined.Theseplantsloveabitof sunlightbutdon’tmindpartialshade,sothey’llwork inmostspots.Oncethey’rein,givethemagood watertohelpthemsettleandkeepthecompostmoist
–butnotsoggy–overthecomingweeks.Thegreatthingabout springbeddingishowinstantlyittransformsaspace.Whether it’sadulldoorsteporanemptybalcony,thesehardyplants bringlifeandbrightnessjustwhenweallneeditmost!
StartyourSpuds
Getaheadstartonyourspudsbychittingfirst-earlypotato tubers–it’saneasyjobthatpaysoffwithearlier,healthier crops.AgreatvarietytotryisRocket,knownforitsreliable harvestsanddeliciousflavour.Tochityourpotatoes,standthe tubersintraysoremptyeggcartonswiththe‘rose’end(theone withthemosteyes)facingup.
Popthemsomewherebright,cool,andfrost-free,likea windowsillinashedorporch,andletnaturedoitsthing.Over thenextfewweeks,you’llseesturdylittleshootsforming, whichgivesyourpotatoesaproperheadstartoncethey’re plantedout.Iaimtochitthemforaboutsixweekssothey’re readytogointhegroundassoonastheriskoffrosthaspassed. It’sasimplestepthatmakesallthedifference,especiallywhen you’reafterthoseearly,butterynewpotatoes! ■
FollowAdamonInstagram @viewfromthepottingbenchorlistentohis podcastTalesfromThePottingBenchfor moregardeninginspiration.Youcanalsoread Adam’sblogatviewfromthepottingbench.com
HAVINGAFIELDDAY
StudentsfromSolihullSchoolareamongthefirst learnerstotrialaseriesofcoursescreatedbythe FieldStudiesCouncil,theUK’sexpertleaderin urbanandenvironmentalfieldwork,basedaround theredevelopmentofBirmingham.Theproject whichusesreal-lifeprojectsandcasestudiesfrom acrossthecity,aimstohelpGCSEandA-Level geographystudentsbetterunderstandurban growthandregeneration.Itcoincideswithplans fortheareatobecomeaworldclasscityoverthe next20years.
TIMETOSHINE
TheNationalYouthTheatre(NYT)hasannounced datesforitsbiggest-everroundoffreenationwide auditionsacross14UKcitiesin2025–andthey’re comingtoBrumon10FebruaryatBirmingham BOAStageandScreenAcademy.TheAcademy boastsNYTalumnithatincludesBirmingham Livingcoverboy,actorDavidHarewood.Auditions areopentoallyoungpeopleaged14to25and disabledandneurodivergentyoungpeopleuptothe ageof30.Moredetails:nyt.org.uk/auditions.
BELFRYONBOARD
TheBelfryHotel&Resort,knownforitsworld-famousgolf courses,isturningitshandtorugbyunion–bybecoming themainsponsorofTamworthRugbyUnionFootballClub under-15steamfortheseason.GailAldridge,theBelfry’s marketingdirector,said:“Supportingourlocalcommunity isattheheartofwhatwedo,sopartneringwiththeteam wasanaturalchoice.Theirdedication,passion,and commitmenttoexcellencereflectthevaluesweupholdat TheBelfry.”Theteam’snewclubshirtsnowcarryThe Belfry’slogo.
SCHOOL REPORT
INSPIRATIONFROMJESS
Year10learnersatLyndonSchool,SolihullwelcomedBirmingham YardleyMPJessPhillipstoshareinsightsabouttheworkingsof Parliament,responsibilitiesofMPsandtheimportanceofactive citizenship.AQ&AsessionwiththeHomeOffice’sMinisterfor SafeguardingandViolenceAgainstWomenandGirlscoveredtopical issueswhichhaverecentlybeendebatedinParliament.Thissparked otherdiscussionsaboutcurrentissuesandthesignificanceofyouth involvementinpolitics.
PicturebyJohanPersson
FRENCHFLAIR
AprimaryschoolteacherfromEdgbaston HighSchoolhaswonaninternationalaward runthroughtheInstitutFrançais.Competing againstsomeofthetopeducatorsfrom acrossthecountry,MFLco-ordinator, MadameHennous,wonthePrimaryFrench TeacherAwardandwashighlightedfor innovativeFrenchteachingideasand inspiringpupilstolearnthelanguagethrough diverseandengagingmethods.Theseinclude introducingtheJuniorLanguageChallenge andinventivegamessuchasFrenchCluedo, whilehercatchysongshavebecome legendaryamongpupils.
STEMSTARSEARCH
Birmingham-basedcharityMillenniumPointhaslaunchedits 2025Scholarshipprogrammetoawardafreedegreetothe luckywinner.Continuingitsmissiontoempoweryoung peoplewithopportunitiesinSTEM(science,technology, engineeringandmaths)industries,MillenniumPointis lookingtoawardafullyfundeddegreeatBirminghamCity University’sFacultyofComputing,EngineeringandtheBuilt Environment.Studentscanchoosefromawiderangeof coursesincomputing,digitaltechnologyandengineering. ApplicationsareopenuntilFriday7Marchwithdetailsat www.millenniumpoint.org.uk
PRIZEGUY: 2024scholarshipwinnerPatrickMezzanowithMillenniumPoint CEOAbbieVlahakis
HONOURFORGIAN
AnAstonUniversityalumnus wasawardedanOBEfor servicestomentalhealthinthe NewYearHonours.GianPower, CEOandfounderofTLCLions, graduatedfromAstonBusiness Schoolin2014.Thefollowing yearhisfatherwasmurdered overseas,followedbythe suicideofacolleagueatwork. Giansawtheneedtodomore toaddressmentalhealthissues inworkplacesandcorporate organisationsandfoundedTLC Lionswhichdesignsand deliverslearningprogrammes formorethan300global companies,includingAmazon, Rolls-RoyceandGoogle.
BAKEIT’TIL YOUMAKEIT
GREATBRITISHBAKEOFFCONTESTANTJOHNMINCHERMIGHTHAVE MADEANEARLYEXITINWEEKTHREE,BUTHE’SJUSTGETTINGSTARTED. WECAUGHTUPWITHTHETALENTEDBAKERTOTALKPESKYBREADWEEK, KEEPINGSCHTUMANDAPOSSIBLEBOOKDEALONTHEHORIZON
JohnMinchercreditshisNanforgettinghimintobaking asaboy.Fastforwardacoupleofdecadesandwho’d havethoughthe’dberustlingupfive-tiershowstoppers onChannel4andbeingrecognisedinthebreadaislein Morrisons?
AuditioningforBakeOff2024wasn’tJohn’sfirstrodeo havingbeenareserveinapreviousseries.Theauditioning processisintense,butsecondtimeroundJohnnaileditand gotthecallup.Keepingitasecretwasn’teasyandinordernot toblab,Johndistancedhimselffromfriendswhichhesaysis veryunlikehim.Normallyhe’ssociableandhasfriendsround fordrinksoftenbutJohnwentmysteriouslyquiet.Hesays:“I hadakitchenfullofrandombakingobjectsandstuffwhichI couldn’thaveexplainedsoIjustavoidedseeingpeople.”
AuditionstookplaceinJanuaryandfilmingstartedinApril withannouncementsregardingthecontestantsmadein September,soitwasalongoldtimetokeepschtum.There wasevenamomentwhenhisfriendsbecameabitconcerned abouthiswelfare!WhenJohnwasfinallyabletorevealhis involvementintheshow,hegothisnearestanddearestround tospillthebeans.Herecalls:“IputtheBakeOffmusiconand justsaid:‘Herewego.I’monBakeOff!’”
FRIENDSFORLIFE
John’sdayjobintheNHSisbusywhichfeelslikea tremendousunderstatement.Wecaughtupwithhiminthe newyearwhenhospitalswereunderimmensestrain–afarcry fromthefluffinessoftheBakeOfftent.Thewholesomenature oftheshowisrealandJohnsayshe’smadefriendsforlife.“I knowit’shardtobelieveandpeoplethink,‘theycan’tpossibly
alllikeoneanother’butit’strue.Theother contestants,crew,productionteam–friendsforlife. Weallstayedinapartmentsandhaddinnertogether everynight.Wewerelikealittlefamily.”
ThecontestantsWhatsAppgroupisgoingstrong, andtheychateveryday.Johnalsobondedwiththe show’spresenterAlisonHammondwhichheputs downtotheirMidlandsroots.“Therewasdefinitely alittlebondbetweenus.Theaccentwasan immediateconnectionandwejusthadasortof shorthand.Shewasreallysupportive.”
PRESSURECOOKER
Onleavingduringbreadweek,Johnsayshe bakesbreadsuccessfullyallthetime,soitwasan annoyingwaytoexittheshow.Heputshisunderparperformancedowntothepressureofthetent plusthenovelgadgetssuchastheprovingdrawer thathe’dneverusedbeforebutalsoaccepts,‘agood workmanneverblameshistools!’Hesayswhatyou don’tseeonTVisthebehindthesceneschaos. Thereareroughly100peopleinthetent–aseries ofcamerasdownthemiddleaisleplusrunners, crewandhomeeconomists,soit’sabitofa pressurecooker.
WhileJohn’srootsareinWolverhampton,he spendsalotoftimeinBirminghamandin particularbrunchingatGasStreetSocialwhich
inspiredoneofhisbakes.TheMailboxbarhas namedacocktailafterhimsinceJohnrevealedthat oneofhisshowstoppersontheshowwasinspired byoneoftheirdrinks.Suchisthemutuallove,John tookacakeintothebarforthestafflastweek.
OfBirminghamgenerally,Johnlovesthecity’s ‘greatenergy’.“It’ssuchametropolitancitynow.As wellasGasStreetIloveFumoandAlbertSchloss whichhasagreatvibe.Icanspendacoupleof hourspeoplewatching.”
SWEETTREATS
We’rekeentoknowwhereJohnmightgethis sweettreatsfromwhenhe’sinBrum.Hesayshe largelybakesathomeanddoesn’ttendtobuycakes andpastriesbutifpushedtheSelfridgesfoodhall ticksalltheboxesaswellasMedicinewhichhesays isreallygoodandwhichstartedlifeinhishome townbeforeexpandingintoBirmingham.
Life’schangedinsomewayssinceBakeOff. Johnsays:“Littlethingshavechangedlikebeing recognisedinMorrisonsinmyjoggers.Everyone’s lovelythough.”Alwayswritingrecipes,wewonder ifJohnmighthaveaspirationsofpublishinga book.Hesays:“Ican’tsaytoomuch,butthere mightbeabookinthepipeline.”We’lltakethatas ayesandlookforwardtoseeingwhatthetalented bakerdoesnext. ■
TOUCHWOODRADIO
TouchwoodSolihullhaslauncheditsownradio station.TouchwoodRadiobroadcastslive acrossthecentre,deliveringamixofmusic, announcementsandessentialinformation tailoredtoshoppers.Itspresenters–Pete Sherriff,MatBullockandPeteGibson–boast yearsofexpertiseinbroadcastingandDJ’ing. Matsaid:“TouchwoodRadioismorethanjust backgroundmusic–it’sadedicatedplatform toconnectwithvisitors,enhancetheir shoppingexperienceandsharethepersonality ofthecentre.”Listenerscantuneinduringtheir visitorstreamthestationonlineat www.touchwoodradio.co.uk.
OFFICEMOVE
Leadingaudit,accountancy,taxand advisoryfirmBishopFleminghasopeneda newofficeinBirmingham.Basedinthe ColmoreBusinessDistrict,itisthefirm’s ninthoffice–spanningfromWorcesterin theWestMidlandstoTrurointheSouth West.ManagingpartnerAndrewSandiford said:“OurnewBirminghamofficeispartof anexcitingvisiontoaccelerateourgrowth asoneoftheleadingmid-tierbusinessesin theUK.”BishopFleminghasdraftedin MarkTaylor,picturedwithAndrew,as Birminghamofficelead.
BUSINESS
ANNA’STHEBEST–PARNONE!
ThedeputyheadgreenkeeperatTheBelfry’s world-classBrabazonGolfCoursetoppedthe leaderboardattherecentWomeninGolf awards.AnnaNilsson,thefirstwomanto managesuchalegendarychampionship course,tookhomethecovetedWomenin Turfcareaccolade.Anna,whojoinedThe Belfryin2019asseniorgreenkeeper,uses socialmediatoinspirewomentoengagewith golfandsharesherexperiencesofbeinga womanintheindustryatevents.The BrabazoncourseisthehomeoftheBetfred BritishMasterschampionship.
TRUSTINLISA
SuttonColdfieldCharitableTrust (SCCT)hasappointedLisa MartinaliasitsnewCEO. CurrentlyCEOofStPaul’s CommunityDevelopmentTrust, Lisahasexperienceofcommunity regenerationwithacareer spanning30yearswithinthenotfor-profitsector,includingsocial housingandcharities.Shewilltake uptherolenextmonth.Lisa volunteersaschairofBirmingham VoluntaryServicesCouncil, alongsidebeingaparentgovernor foraprimaryschool.
COMINGANDGOING: LisaMartinali withoutgoingCEO,TinaSwani
PEDALPOWER
HousebuilderDavidWilsonHomesissponsoringthe CameronGrantMemorialTrust’sHampton-in-Arden toAmsterdambikeride.Thementalhealthcharity, basednearDavidWilson’sAshtreeGrove development,wasfoundedinmemoryofCameron Grantwhotookhisownlifein2014,aged21.The four-dayridetakesplacefrom16to19May,andthe TrusthasjoinedforceswithHamptonHealthand FitnessClubtohelporganisetheevent,whichwill celebrateits20thanniversaryatthesametime.
ARCADEADDITIONS
PropertycompanyHortonshassecuredtwonewtenantsatPiccadillyArcadein theheartofBirmingham.HarbinAcupunctureClinichastakenafive-yearlease onUnit9,whilebeautysalonBrowBoxhassignedasimilarleaseonUnit7. ThelettingsfollowtherecentarrivalsofResiliencyTattooStudioandinteractive claypigeonshootingexperienceClays.HarryYoungofHortonssaid:“Theinflux ofnewtenantsishelpingre-energisethespaceasaleisureandretail destinationofferingevenmorechoiceforshoppers.”
CHARITYLANDMARK
ABirminghambusinessoutsourcingspecialisthasmarkedakeymilestoneinits long-termfund-raisingforBirminghamChildren’sHospitalCharity.Sigma Connected,whichprovidescontactcentreservicesfortheutilities,retail, telecommunicationsandfinancialservicessectors,hasraised£100,000forthe hospitaltohelpsupportthecareitprovidesforhundredsofthousandsofsick childreneveryyear.Thelandmarkcomesasthecompanybecomesoneofthe charity’sChangemakerswhosefund-raisinggoestowardspurchasingstate-of-theart,life-savingequipmentaswellasinspiringchildfriendlyspacesatthehospital.
ALLCHANGEONTHEBUSES?
Aconsultationoverthebiggestshake-upof regionalbusservicesindecadeshasbeen launchedbyWestMidlandsmayorRichardParker, pictured.Thepublicisbeingaskedtogiveits viewsonhisplanforafranchisedbusnetworkto replacethecurrentprivateoperator-ledsystem. Underfranchising,TransportforWestMidlands (TfWM),whichispartoftheWestMidlands CombinedAuthority(WMCA),willsetthefares, timetablesandroutesofbusservicesandaward contractstoprivatebusoperatorstorunthem.
Theteamatamentalhealthclinichascelebratedoneyearofsupporting Birminghamresidentsandbusinesses.ClinicalpsychologistDrDanielleGrey openedthedoorsofPurpleHouseClinicBirmingham,Coleshillwithavisionto helppeopleofallageswitharangeofdifficulties,suchasdepression,anxiety, ADHDandautism.“IdecidedtostartmyownclinicafterworkingintheNHSfor manyyears,”saidDanielle.“Thereisasignificantdemandformoreaccessible mentalhealthsupport,whichisonlygrowingaswaitingtimesincrease.”
PETPROJECT
AleadingbusinessfigureinWarwickshire hasbeenfindingouthowaschemeinthe areaishelpingarecordnumberofpeople intowork.CorinCrane,picturedright,chief executiveofCoventryandWarwickshire ChamberofCommerce,visitedPET-Xi’s recentlyopenedofficeinLeamington’s Parade,whereitrunsthegovernment’s RestartSchemeforLeamington,Kenilworth andWarwickonbehalfofJobs22.The RestartSchemeseespeoplereferredfrom theJobcentretotheteamatPET-Xiwho offerarangeofsupport.
MARATHONMANBEN
LocalbusinessmanBenTrusloveraisedmore than£1,500forMidlandsAirAmbulanceafter takingpartintheAltonTowersHalfMarathon. Therunwasthelatestinalineoffund-raising effortsbythejointMDofcommercialproperty agencyJohnTruslovethathavenettednearly £20,000inrecentyears.Hehasalsoraised moneyforPrimroseHospice,Bromsgrove,while JohnTruslovesponsoredthePrimroseHospice SantaFunRunaroundArrowValleyPark, Redditchwhichraisedmorethan£18,000.
MUTUALBENEFIT
NFUMutual’sagentandbranchofficesacrosstheMidlandshavenominated 41localcharitiesintheregiontoreceiveacombineddonationofmorethan £182,000fromtheinsurer’snational£1.92millionAgencyGivingFund.One ofthecharitiestobenefitisWarwickshireandSolihullBloodBikes,whichwas nominatedbyNFUMutualCentral-SouthWarwickshire&PershoreAgency, andreceivedadonationof£3,250.BloodbikerSimonQuantrellsaid:“The donationhashelpedtowardsfundinganewmotorbikeforthecharity.”
ARISESIRANDY!
BirminghamRep’schairoftheboard,Andy Street,isgettingusedtohisnewtitleafter beingknightedintheNewYearHonours.Rep chiefexecutiveRachaelThomassaid:“Weare thrilledforAndy.Heisapassionateadvocate fortheworkofalltheregion’sculturalriches.”
STEPPINGUP
Rotarianshavejoinedforceswithtwolocal charitiestohelpthehomelessgetbackon theirfeet–literally.Membersfromacrossthe UKaresupportingaprojectwithSIFAFireside inBirminghamandForgottenFeetin Bromsgrovetorunachiropodyclinicheaded upbyCoventrypodiatristGaryDancer.
COMMUNITYCASH
Acommunityfundsetupin2021by Worcestershireindependentestateagency Nicol&Cohasraisedmorethan£77,000for localcharitiesandorganisationsacrossthe county.Thefirmdonates£100fromevery propertyitsellstothevendor’schoiceof school,charityorlocalcommunity organisation.
DIGITALDEAL
OneoftheWestMidlands’fastestgrowingmanaged IT,communicationandcloudsecuritysolutions providershasscoredalandmarkfootballdeal. IntercityhasbecometheofficialITsupportpartnerfor BirminghamCityFCinapartnershipthatwillenhance thefootballclub’sdigitalinfrastructure.Thethree-year collaborationwillinvolveupgradingITsystemsand cloudservers,matchdaystadiumsupport,enhancing networkconnectivityatBlues’KnightheadTraining andAcademyGrounds,ITtransformationadviceand deliveryofthelatestcybersecuritytraining.
AUSTRALIA’SFINEST UNVEILEDINBRUM
BrandTapBrandsbringMotherofPearl SpiritstoUKatexclusivelaunchevent
Midlands-basedBrandTapBrandslaunched Australia’sMotherofPearlSpiritsintheUKatan exclusiveeventheldatBirmingham’sOyster Club.TheunveilingofVodkaoftheSeaandGinoftheSea wasattendedbyfounderNicolaThompsonHancockand guestsfromFrugalpac,BrandTapBottlingandmembersof thehospitalityindustrywhoenjoyedcaviarblinisand cocktailscuratedbytheOysterClub’sChrisFikeis.Crafted fromthefinestAustraliangrapes,MotherofPearlVodkais particularlyaimedattheburgeoningfemaleaudience,witha neutral,palatableprofilethatallowsmixologistsand bartenderstocreateexceptionalcocktails. ■
1 AlevDervish,EmmaHowden,RubyBansal,AnitaChampaneri. 2 KantaVentura. 3 NicolaThompsonHancock. 4 RosealindFan-Smith, GarySmith. 5 IoanaMatache. 6 AsterSadler,NicolaThompsonHancock. 7 MalcolmWaugh,ChrisSadler.
PAUL’SALUNCHTIME HITWITHPRESSCLUB
ComedianPaulSinhaofTheChasegets thebuglecallwithlifememberhonour
Stand-upcomedianPaulSinha,knowntomillionsfor hisappearancesonITV’squizshowTheChase,was guestspeakerataBirminghamPressClublunch, wherehereceivedtheClub’straditionalgiftofabugle (craftedinBirmingham’sjewelleryquarterbyAcme Whistles)andwasmadeanHonoraryLifeMember.Guests includedGaryHudson,formerBBCMidlandsTodaychief reporterandbigmoneywinnerontheshowtwoyearsago, andSaidKhan,whogetsamentioninPaul’sautobiography, OneSinhaLifetime,asafellow-quizenthusiast.Thelunch atParkRegisBirminghamraised£700fortheJournalists’ Charity,withprizesdonatedbyCosmoRestaurant Wolverhampton,DigbethDiningClub,ParkRegis, WorcestershireCountyCricketClubandPressClub directorsAdrianKibbler,JohnLambandPeterBrookes. ■
4 5 3 2 1
6 7 8
1 JohnLamb,AnitaSharma-James,BobWarman. 2 HazelHorton-Peppercorn,GrahamYoung,MartaDuda. 3 JohnDuckers,BillGood, DerekandDaisyInman,LeeBenson. 4 JoyceCoakley,SandraRhodes,RadcliffeShields. 5 BobWarman,LlewelaBailey,AdrianKibbler, FredBromwich,PeterBrookes. 6 PaulSinha. 7 SarahWhitticase,AdrianKibbler. 8 ClaireWolfe,PaulSinha.
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: AnEveningofClairvoyance
WHEN: 23February
WHERE: NailcoteHall, nailcotehall.co.uk
Amysticaleveningasrenowned BritishmediumMarkBrandist bringshisextraordinaryclairvoyant abilitiestothestage.
WHAT: FourWeddingsanda FuneralwithFizz
WHAT: Hamlet
WHEN: 8Februaryto29March
WHERE: RSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111
Griefcanplaytricksonthemind,evenconjureghosts. ButwhenHamlet’sdeadfatherappearstohimone night,hesignalsmurder,notmadness.MultiawardwinnerRupertGoolddirectsLukeThalloninthetitlerole ofthisnewproductionofShakespeare’sfamilysaga.
WHEN: 22February
WHERE: CrescentTheatre, thewineeventscompany.com
JointopwinegeekTonyElvinatthe CrescentTheatreforauniqueshowing ofthisRichardCurtis90’sclassic alongsideapairingoffivesparkling wines
WHAT: ElkieBrooks:TheLongFarewellTour WHEN: 28February
WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk
Havingstartedinthemusic businessin1960,the remarkableElkieBrooks embarksonthiscelebration ofanillustriousawardwinningcareerperforming someofherbiggesthits.
WHAT: BarcelonaGypsyBalkanOrchestra
WHEN: 21February
WHERE: TheCrossingDigbeth, thecrossingdigbeth.co.uk
Afterapassionatejourneyof12years,BGKOhasestablished itselfasaworldclassreferenceintheglobalBalkanmusic scenewithauniqueblendofdifferentmusicaltraditions.
WHAT: AmyDowdenandCarlosGu WHEN: 10March
WHERE: SymphonyHall,bmusic.co.uk
HavingmadeastunningreturntotheStrictly dancefloor,AmyDowden,accompaniedby fellowStrictlystarCarlosGu,willsharean intimateportraitoftheirlivesandjourneysin thisinspirationalshow.
WHAT: Aswad WHEN: 12February
WHERE: TheJamHouse, thejamhouse.com
AchancetoseeoneofBritain’sbest-loved reggaebands,withtheirrichmelodiesand compellingharmonies,wovenoverhard rhythmtracksandinspiredhornriffs.
WHAT: Crufts2025
WHEN: 9March
WHERE: BPPulselive, bppulselive.co.uk
Getyourticketstotheworld’sgreatest dogshowandwatchtalentedpooches showofftheirskillsinexciting displays…andsomuchmore.
WHAT: BirminghamRoyal Ballet–Cinderella
WHEN: 19Februaryto1March
WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com
Praisedbyaudiencesandcriticsalike thisawesomeproductionisasure-fire mixofwonderfuldance,spectacular scenery,andacastofcharactersthat willcaptureeveryimagination.
WHAT: TheCaravan,Campingand MotorhomeShow
WHEN: 18to23February
WHERE: NECBirmingham,ccmshow.co.uk
OneoftheUK’slargestcollectionsofnew motorhomes,campervans,caravans,tentsand campingaccessories–allunderoneroof!Parking included,andchildrenunder-16arefree
WHAT: ComingtoEngland
WHEN: 19to22February
WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk
Aninspirationalstoryofhope,determination andtriumph.Returningwithanewlook, FloellaBenjamin’saward-winningandiconic bookcomestolifeinthisjoyfulstage adaptationwithmusic.
WHAT: SonrisaArts:DanceinTheDark
WHEN: 15to17February
WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre,macbirmingham.co.uk
Acaptivatingdanceandmusicshowforagesthreeto sixandtheirgrown-ups.ComeinyourfavouritePJsfor aslumberpartyinagiantsleepoverdenandan adventureintoaplayfulworldofimagination.
WHAT: NinaConti
WHEN: 23February
WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com
Thevirtuosoventriloquist,BAFTAnominee andBritishComedyAwardwinnerisbackon tour!Anunparalleled,unscriptednewshow thatdelvesdeepintowhoweare,hijacking facestosparkabold,hystericalrealitywarp.
WHAT: UKAthletics IndoorChampionships
WHEN: 22and23February
WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk
TheUK’sbestathletesareheadingtoBirminghamfortheseincredible championshipswithprestigiousnationaltitlesonthelineandplaces onTeamGBupforgrabsaheadoftheEuropeanAthleticsIndoor Championships.
CLOSEWITHÁ
THEREVDAVID TOMLINSON
THECYCLING,FOOTIE-MADVICAROFSTPAUL’SCHURCH–WHOARRIVEDINTHE JEWELLERYQUARTERVIAWHITEHALL,UGANDAANDESSEX–ISLOOKINGTO‘RAISE THEROOF’OFTHEICONICBUILDINGWITHAVITALRESTORATIONCAMPAIGN
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
Inmytwenties,IwasacivilservantinWhitehall, ateacherinNorthLondonandinUganda.Workingina remotevillageinthisbeautifulEastAfricancountrywasa formativeexperienceandastepping-stonetomyordination.As anordainedministerintheChurchofEngland,Ihaveworked inSurrey,EssexandnowBirmingham.IammarriedtoJenny andwehavetwogrown-upmarrieddaughters.
IT’SWHATIDO
IamvicarofStPaul’sintheJQandchairThriveTogether Birmingham,theChurchofEnglandcommunitygeneration armwithamissiontotacklepovertyandbuildcommunity.My roleasvicaristoconnecttheChristiancommunitythat worshipandpraysatStPaul’swiththebusinesses,residents andinstitutionsoftheJQ.Iamalsocustodianofthishistoric andiconicchurchbuilding,thejewelinthecity’scrown. Urgently,weneedtoreplacetheroofbeforeitfailsandresults incatastrophicwaterdamage.TheRaisetheRoofcampaign hasbeenrunningfor14monthsandhasraised£170,000, bringingsignificantgrantapplicationsintoplay,butthereisstill somewaytogotoreachourtotalof£660,000.
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
ForStPaul’s,Iwanttoseethechurchgrowinnumbers andinfaithandtofindnewwaystoservethepeopleofthe JQ.Oncetheroofisreplaced,myambitionistomodernise theinteriorwhileretainingitskeyheritagefeatures,sothatit canbeanevenbettervenueforconcerts,theartsandahub forcommunityactivities.Onapersonalnote,Iamworking towardsaccreditationasacoachandthedraftofmyfourth book.YoucanfindtheotherthreeonAmazon!
BIGGESTSUCCESS
Iammostproudofmytwodaughters!Intermsofwork,Iam motivatedbyshapingandleadingchurchesthatarelovingand fruitfulcommunities.Whenitcomestoleisure,Ihavecycled fromLand’sEndtoJohnO’Groatsin15days,climbedMount KilimanjaroandtrekkedtoAnnapurnabasecampinNepal.
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
Mutualsupportiverelationshipsarewhatmakelifeand workenjoyable.Thatmeansthatwhenitcomesto recruitment,qualitiesofcharacter,collaborationand colleagueshipwouldhavemoreswaynowthaninthepast.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
Itsrichdiversityanddown-to-earthfriendliness,alongwith itsart,musicandheritage.TheEdwardianTeaRoomsinthe MuseumandArtgalleryinthecitycentreandEdgbaston CricketaretwoofmyfavouriteplacesoutsideoftheJewellery Quarterwhichissovibrant.Iamalsoaimingtogettoallthe footballgroundsonmatchdaysintheWestMidlands–sofar, I’vebeentotheHawthornsandVillaPark.
DOWNTIME
IamakeenWestHamfanandwasatVillaParkforthe recentFAcuptietoseethemlose!Ihaveenjoyedplaying footballandcricketinmyyoungerdaysbutnowfocuson cycling.Thisyear,IamcyclingfromMinsteronSeaonthe ThamesEstuarytoWeston-super-MareinJune.Besides pedalling,Ilikecooking,reading,walkinginthecountryside, goingtothetheatreandwatchingdramaonTV.Iamcoming totheendofthesevenseasonsofTheWestWing,the Americanpoliticaldramaforthesecondtime. ■
FormoredetailsaboutStPaul’sRaisingtheRoofcampaignandhowyoucanhelp,visit:https://stpaulsjq.church/
