February 2016 (issue 41)

Birmingham g n i liv

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February 2016

MIDLANDS MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

BRIDE & JOY WEDDING STYLE AND BEAUTY

CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR

NO SWEAT! Ironman workout for everyone

IAN TAYLOR

VILLA LEGEND’S NEW GOAL

HELEN GEORGE

CALL THE MIDWIFE STAR ON STRICTLY – AND BLACK EYES!

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ANDERSON’S, BISHAL RASAILY, REBECCA SIMKISS, KIM SHANNON... AND MORE

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EDITOR’S VIEW The Birmingham Big Art Project aims to give the city a very visual, clear sense of identity and civic pride – our own Angel of the North, if you like!

ur regular What Business Needs From Brum column taps into the thoughts of the people who help create and generate our city’s wealth and generally make the place tick. The recurring theme among these ‘movers and shakers’ seems to be that Birmingham is growing apace and becoming a true powerhouse of the economy. But hang on a minute, are we still missing something – perhaps a sense of civic pride?

This thought is highlighted in this month’s WBNB (page 70) by Rebecca Simkiss, MD of leading local recruitment consultancy SimkissGuy. Her comments got me thinking about how we identify Birmingham to ourselves, the rest of the country and beyond. Civic pride is about basic things like making sure the city looks smart, has excellent transport links, and so on. But it goes beyond that, to how we project ourselves – what ‘brand Birmingham’ stands for. This is where the Birmingham Big Art Project, which we are proud to support, comes in. The project is in the process of pulling together £2 million through business and private fund-raising to commission a stunning piece of art which will mark the gateway to Birmingham.

It’s important because it aims to give the city a very visual, clear sense of identity and pride. A great example, I guess, is the Angel of the North which clearly says Tyneside and the North-East.

Thanks to the Big Art Project, Birmingham will get its own ‘Angel’… with its own ‘wow’ factor. I’d love to know your ideas on what form this landmark should take.

Email me at david@brumliving.co.uk and I’ll aim to print the best ones…

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David Johns

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Editor: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk

Features editor: Shelley Carter shelley@brumliving.co.uk Designer: Tracy Duffy

Contributors: Rob Price, Sue Cooke, Lisa Melvin, Rose Gallagher, Hywel Davies

Account manager: Jane Morris jane@brumliving.co.uk Photography: David Morphew, Andrew Llewellyn Publishing director: Jonathan Carter

Rock Hopper Media Limited Burleigh House, 23 Tagwell Road, Droitwich WR9 7BN tel 01905 771110 © Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Birmingham Living is published monthly by Rock Hopper Media Ltd and printed by Buxton Press. Views and opinions expressed by authors and services and products offered by advertisers are not specifically endorsed by Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part of the contents of Birmingham Living without written permission is strictly prohibited.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The subscription rate (post paid) is £24 for one year (12 issues).

Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

Cover image: Helen George

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

february 2016

/bhamliving

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

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g n i liv

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INSIDE

Highlights

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Helen George Call the Midwife actress comes home to Brum and talks Strictly on tour – and getting a black eye!

Ian Taylor Pitch Perfect: The Midlands football legendturned-entrepreneur Food and Drink Pushkar chief chef Bishal Rasaily on Indian food and his heroes Style – Weddings Special Everything the fashion-conscious bride – and groom – need to know Homes Trends and tips to give your bedroom an exciting new look for 2016 Company To Watch Blue Monday, the local TV and film company that puts community first

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CONTENTS

42

Best of the Rest

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Restaurant Review Critics’ verdict on Anderson’s Bar & Grill, plus food and drink scene news No Sweat!

The Ironman workout that’ll help you shed the pounds – on your daily commute to the office Motoring Built right here in the Midlands, what’s not to love about the new Jaguar XE… Young, Gifted and Brummie Florence Harper, a teenage dance champ with a bulging trophy cabinet Spotlight on Business The latest news and views from Birmingham’s business community Social Scene The pages that picture who’s been out and about networking in Birmingham this month Shows, Arts, Gigs and More What’s on, where and when – all you need to know about the festive entertainment scene

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NEWS

DO YOU FEEL THE FORCE?

g n i v liTODAY

Organisers of the hugely popular Spring Fair at the NEC have revealed what this year’s ‘most wanted’ products will be with buyers – and it’s Star Wars products and faux plants and flowers! More than 80 per cent of the top high street brands will attend the UK’s biggest retail show from 7 to 11 February.

Interest on the event website shows that the number one product is a Darth Vader wall light for the kids’ bedroom.

Bringing you the brightest and most colourful stories from across the city each month

NEW MUSEUM REVS UP Prepare to start your engines! The allnew British Motor Museum re-opens to the public on Saturday 13 February following a £1.1 million refurbishment.

Formerly known as the Heritage Motor Centre, the new museum is designed to appeal to current fans and new audiences. Also opening is the new Collections Centre, featuring 250 cars from the reserve collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust.

HUNT ON FOR BEST YOUNG CHEF The search has begun to find the Young Chef of the Year. Backed by leading Oriental grocer, Birmingham-based Wing Yip, the competition is open to chefs and catering students aged 18 to 25 from across the country. The contest culminates in a live cook-off at University College Birmingham on 13 April. Judges include local Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell, pictured.

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SAM’S RIO BOOST Local judo star Sam Ingram has been given a boost on the road to Rio, thanks to a leading snacks company. Mondeléz International has signed up the athlete as one of its official ambassadors. Sam aims to go one better in Rio by adding a gold medal to the silver he won at the London Paralympics.

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NEWS

YAMINATION PREMIERE

GARETH’S GASTRO TREAT

A film made by a Birmingham animation company featuring a puppet who dreams of being a Hollywood star, has hit the TV screens. Entitled At-issue, the film is the work of Yamination Studios of Digbeth and was commissioned by Sky Academy’s Arts Scholarship Scheme. Yamination was founded by Drew Roper and featured as our Company To Watch in August 2014.

One of the country’s most exciting new chefs dropped into Birmingham as Hampton Manor hosted an exclusive dining experience as part of a series of gastro pop-up events planned for 2016. Michelinstarred Gareth Ward of Ynyshir Hall Hotel, Powys served a 12-course tasting menu to guests who included other top chefs, A necklace with a place in the history of royal infamy restaurant critics and business leaders. was the star of a sale of antique and modern jewellery

SOLD: A REAL ROYAL GEM

at Midlands auction house Fellows. The garnet and seed pearl demi-parure was owned by Edward VII’s famed ‘favourite mistress’, Alice Keppel, in the late 1890s. The

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piece was valued at around £3,000.

SHAKESPEAREAN

SHOWSTOPPER

SENSATIONAL SEPTUAGENARIANS

Music fans have been celebrating the life of Midlands rock legend Lemmy of Motorhead, 70. Here’s three other great septuagenarians with links to the region.

SIR PAUL SMITH: The fashion designer is 70 in July. He is known for his idiosyncratic take on traditional British styling having coined the term ‘classics with a twist’.

TIMOTHY DALTON: Most famous as James Bond, the actor worked at Birmingham Rep in the Sixties and has returned regularly ever since. He is 72 in March.

NODDY HOLDER: Hard to believe the Walsall-born lead vocalist of Slade who gave us hits such Cum On Feel The Noize, Cos I Luv You, and Merry Xmas Everybody is 70 in June.

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Leading actor Paapa Essiedu is returning to the Midlands to mark the start of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. He plays the title role in the RSC’s new production of Hamlet, directed by Simon Godwin. Previews begin on Saturday 12 March.

MATTHEW CUTS IT ON TV Local hairdresser Matthew Curtis is setting the style on the new TV series, Britain’s Next Top Model. Matthew, who owns salons at Stratford-uponAvon, Burton-on-Trent and Hoar Cross Hall hotel spa, is involved in each of the shows backstage but has also appeared front of camera for the first time. Each week Matthew oversees the hair styling for fashion’s future stars, joining the show’s celebrity judges, including model Abbey Clancey.

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NEWS

POP IN AND SEE MARY Families are set for an Easter treat with the award-winning musical Mary Poppins returning to the Hippodrome. The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production stars Zizi Strallen in the title role and Matt Lee as Bert. The show runs from 9 March to 26 April.

READY TO SHOCK? IN BRIEF Next time you switch the light on, stand back and take a good look – it might be a future work of art! If you want further inspiration, a visit to Ikon will provide it when the gallery presents a major exhibition of fluorescent light works

by Dan Flavin, one of the most important post-war American artists. The display runs from 13 April to 26 June.

JEFF’S SOCCER MARATHON TV’s ‘Mr Football’ is embarking on a city walk for charity which will see him visit Birmingham. Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling will visit Wolves, Walsall, West Brom, Aston Villa and Birmingham City grounds on 26 March, followed by Coventry City the next day as part of walking 10 marathons in 10 days.

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia takes centre stage at Symphony Hall in an evening celebrating classic balletic highlights. David Bintley comperes and there will also be a performance from students of Elmhurst School for Dance.

HONOURED Pioneering cancer doctor Prof Charlie Craddock of Queen Elizabeth Hospital was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours.

Catherine Arlidge, a violinist at the CBSO, and actor Goldie received MBEs.

PEDIGREE PAMPERING If you’re a humble hound, nothing is guaranteed to get the old tail wagging more than a lovely soft bed, filled food and water bowls and tasty biscuit treats!

So, we reckon man’s best friends will be queuing up to stay at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham where they’ve launched the new Very Important Dog programme. It costs guests £20 per dog per night.

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CLASSIC DATE

BARD’S GIFT Looking for a Valentine gift that’ll last forever?

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is offering sonnets engraved on white bronze ribbon to take pride of place in a garden created on the site of the Bard’s family home in Stratford.

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NEWS

TOP TWEETS FOR BRUM Our pick of what’s been said about Brum this month Mason Noise @itsmasonnoise Today, is the first blank page of a 366 page book. Write a good one. #HappyNewYear Ozzy Osbourne @OzzyOsbourne Can't believe I'll never see Lemmy again. See you on the other side, my friend.

Friendly Fire Music @Robin_FF Big up @LadyLeshurr for everything she is doing for #birmingham #music and for dental hygiene :) #brum Big Cat @BigCatGroup Great news for our City as #Birmingham is named best city in the UK to invest money! #proud Liftarella @lizmissfit At the beautiful #skybar #resortsworld it smells lush! Lovely chilled bar.

WEIGHTY WOES Nearly half of Midlanders have received negative comments about their weight or appearance from strangers, says a new survey. It’s the third highest percentage of any UK region, behind the North East and Northern Ireland. The Fat Shaming Britain 2016 poll was conducted for diet company LighterLife.

BRUM HOSTS OLYMPIC WARM-UP

NIGEL’S STRING-ALONG Iconic violinist and possibly Aston Villa’s second most famous fan, Nigel Kennedy, came home to Birmingham when he performed at a packed Symphony Hall. With a typical and traditional Kennedy twist he played an acoustic version of his ground-breaking Four Seasons, entitled The New Four Seasons.

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Britain’s top athletes are coming to Birmingham this summer – just weeks before jetting off to the Rio Olympics. They will be competing in the Diamond League meeting at the Alexander Stadium. Tickets start at £15, with a huge crowd expected to be cheering on our home-grown hopefuls. Visit Ticketmaster online or call 08000 556056.

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NEWS

DANCE HUB’S CASH AID A new multi-million pound dance centre in Birmingham has won Government funding.

Chancellor George Osborne announced central government is to give £4 million to Birmingham Dance Hub.

LOCAL WINE TOP OF THE TREE Birmingham-based Indian wine maker, Soul Tree Wine, has won a top award at the International Wine Challenge 2016 in London.

The company provided the only Indian wine to claim an honour – taking a bronze medal – in the competition. Soul Tree was founded in 2011 by Alok Mathur and Melvin D’Souza and featured as a Company To Watch in Birmingham Living in 2014.

ANYONE GOT A TENOR? Birmingham’s oldest choir is throwing down the gauntlet to would-be singers across the city. Icknield Male Voice Choir is marking its 116th anniversary with a concert on 23 April at the University of Birmingham. It is also inviting men of all ages to join a 12-week course in Picture: Ian Yates singing running until April. Details at www.bimvc.org.uk

CROWDS CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR Birmingham’s Southside is getting ready to welcome the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations. More than 20,000 festival-goers will descend on the area from 12.30pm to 5pm on Sunday 7 February to celebrate the Year of the Monkey. There’ll be traditional Chinese music, lion dancers, acrobats, martial artists and more on the main stage in The Arcadian. Hurst Street and Inge Street will be lined with street food and traditional market stalls, while a fairground will provide fun for all the family.

CHILD SINGERS RAISE THE ROOF More than 20,000 local children performed at the Genting Arena with the world’s largest children’s choir – Young Voices. Soprano singer Laura Wright led the concert, part of a 20-date UK tour to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Young Voices which has involved 1.5 million UK children.

GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk february 2016

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COVER STORY

GEORGE

BY , IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME! Actress Helen George is in no doubt about the highlight of her Strictly Come Dancing Tour, says David Johns. It’s being back in Birmingham – and showing off her moves!

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COVER STORY

© Ian Yates

he last thing Helen George expected on her return to Birmingham was to be dancing her way home. The Call the Midwife actress was one of the standout stars of the last series of Strictly Come Dancing – many of us thought she should have gone all the way to the final and won the thing!

But Helen wasn’t too down after going out in the quarter finals, as her quick step, jive and pasodoble impressed the judges so much she was quickly signed up to do the Strictly Tour, which kicked off right here in Birmingham.

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EMOTIONAL MOMENT Not surprisingly, taking to the dance floor of the Barclaycard Arena was an emotional moment for 31year-old Helen. For starters, she was reunited under the glitterball with her partner from the TV show, professional Aljaz Skorjanec. (The duo have an obvious chemistry…) And then there was the pride of showing off her ballroom and Latin moves to her home fans.

Helen, who these days lives in London for her work, was ‘swept away’ by the reception she received in Brum, while admitting that the tour is a lot less stressful than competing for votes each week in front of millions of TV viewers. “It is TV and it is a show and I enjoyed my time on it. But I was quite tired as well. It was nice to go home and sit on the sofa for a couple of days,” she says.

“There isn’t the same pressure with the tour. It is so much fun, a real laugh and I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. It’s amazing to dance in front of an audience at a

february 2016

huge arena such as the Barclaycard. The audience makes you feel really at home on the dance floor.”

Helen is best known for playing 1950s midwife Trixie Franklin in the BBC series set in London’s East End. With viewing figures of 11 million, the show has become a Sunday-evening smash hit. The success is something which Helen, originally from Harborne, could only ever have dreamed about as a child.

The daughter of a politics professor and a social worker, the stage was far from a young Helen’s mind in her earlier childhood. She was into athletics and wanted to be a long jumper, but then went off that idea and instead set her heart on becoming the first female football manager of her beloved Aston Villa (she is still an avid fan).

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It’s amazing to dance at a huge arena such as the Barclaycard – the audience makes you feel so welcome

A pupil at Edgbaston High School, she says her career path changed when she decided as a 15-yearold that she wanted to become a musical actress after appearing in a production of Les Miserables. She had attended regular lessons at Brockway Morris School of Dance and become a junior associate at Birmingham Royal Ballet – she had posters on her bedroom wall of her hero and Strictly judge, ballerina Darcey Bussell.

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COVER STORY

She worked in a local florist to earn money so she could go to Birmingham School of Acting and then the Royal Academy of Music, where she trained in musical theatre.

Some singing engagements followed – performing at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena, singing backing vocals on tour with Elton John.

Moving on to acting, her credits include appearances in Hotel Babylon, The Three Musketeers, Scar Tissue, Doctors and Hollyoaks, and theatre roles in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White, Into The Woods, and High School Musical.

BLACK EYE

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Her hero is ballerina and Strictly judge Darcey Bussell – she had posters of her up on her wall

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But then came her really big break with Call the Midwife. She admits she was “petrified on the first day”. She says: “I turned up and there was Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris and Miranda Hart. But they were all so kind and generous and took the younger actors like me under their wing.”

There’s no need for such panic on the Strictly Tour though – Helen’s got it well and truly sorted thanks to lots and lots of practice in the rehearsal room – although she did admit that she ended up with a black eye after “trying to rugby tackle” fellow Strictly Tour celebrity and TV series winner Jay McGuiness of The Wanted.

Other famous faces taking part in the tour, which runs until 14 February, include EastEnders star Jake Wood, Georgie May Foote, Frankie Bridge, Countryfile’s Anita Rani and chef Ainsley Harriott.

Helen said: “I had a brilliant time on Strictly, so I’m very excited to continue my journey and have the chance to show off some of my favourite dances to audiences on the tour.” Looks like there’ll be plenty of tens from Len then… I

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FEATURE

PITCH PERFECT Football legend Ian Taylor talks to David Johns about the challenges of carving out a new career with music at its heart

LISTEN UP: Ian Taylor introduces fellow legend Paul McGrath to his world of sound

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FEATURE

he Beautiful Game could do with one or two Ian Taylors right now. Certainly his beloved Aston Villa could. A great professional born and bred in Birmingham who played for the team he went and watched as a kid in the Holte End. A fine player giving everything to the cause. And a bit of a character to boot. In fact a legend in the truest sense of the word.

“Football’s my life, still is, always will be,” he says. “But once the playing’s over, you have to commit just as much to finding new challenges and goals.” Ian has done just that over the past five years using his football and sport contacts to make quite a name for himself as an entrepreneurial businessman. The pitch he used to play on has given way to a focus on a very different kind of pitch – one provided by sound.

“I’ve always been into my music, so I couldn’t be doing anything better with my life right now,” says the boss of expanding audio business IT7 (named after his initials and football shirt number).

Over the past four years, IT7 has gone from a fledgling operation to a brand that’s worn by the nation’s leading sports stars, including Wayne Rooney and the England football and cricket teams, as well as celebrities on entertainment shows such as The X Factor. The range of headphones, speakers and audio equipment is stocked in some of the UK’s biggest retailers and has received bucket-loads of five-star reviews from music critics.

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Once the playing’s over, you have to commit to finding new challenges and goals

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COVER GIRL Ian’s wares have even appeared on the front cover of Birmingham Living! “One of your issues last year featured Suzi Perry on the cover and she was wearing a pair of IT7 headphones,” explained Ian. “When I saw the magazine I thought to myself… YES!!!”

Ian’s passion for his products takes him all over the country, and the world for that matter, promoting IT7 goods and pitching them to retailers large and small. “I’m 80 per cent of the brand,” he explained. “So, I am very hands on and I will contact retailers myself and go along and meet them. I’ve met with Argos recently to talk about launching a new range.”

Ian retains very close ties with Aston Villa as a club ambassador.

“I go to every game, home and away. I’m in the boardroom and get involved with the marketing and PR side.”

The audio business came as a direct result of his links with the club when he travelled to Hong Kong with the team and bumped into mad Villa fan and MD of a leading telecoms tech firm. “We got chatting and I started going on about my love of music – I’ve got a nice collection – and he told me that he’d had an idea in his head for a while about making some headphones and would I be interested in getting involved. It all started from there. My contacts have meant that I haven’t had to spend a fortune on promo or anything. The business has grown by word of mouth and the

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FEATURE

endorsement of people like the FA and so on.”

Ian is hoping for more of the same moving forward. “I’m looking at growing exposure for the brand with sales hopefully really going through the roof as we get into more and more outlets. We sell ourselves as a British brand that is known for really good, quality products.”

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ As well as his audio business and Villa club duties, Ian has his own sports consultancy business and he also has interests in the US. “I’ve become involved in a project in California,” he explains. “I found some land and I’m putting together the funding needed to build a state-of-the-art sports complex, and hopefully we will grow from there.”

He’s also playing a key role in setting up a football tournament between the American MLS, English Premier and Chinese leagues promoting the growth of academies developing young talent for the future.

As Ian himself admits: “I guess you could say that I’ve got my fingers in lots of pies!” I

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FOOD & DRINK

BISHAL RASAILY The executive chief chef at Pushkar and Praza reveals his hero of Indian cookery and why he believes in ‘Athithi Devo Bhawa’ Tell us about your cooking My style is simple food from my heart, my mind and my memories. Understanding the ingredients to produce great taste and flavours is important, followed by the presentation of the dish.

I hate any wastage in the kitchen as I believe that things need so much precious time, care and space to grow. What excites me is keeping the traditional dish as the base, then mixing and matching the spices with the understanding of what it does to the taste, flavour and the body until you get something interesting and playful that makes sense.

How did you become a chef?

Back in India, my aunty would cook things that were not normally prepared in the household. As a small boy I was intrigued and happy to be her assistant. I’d help my mum prepare dinner and when I was older I tried different dishes at every opportunity.

When I finished school I enrolled onto a three-year diploma at the Institute of Hotel Management to pursue a career in food production. This led to work in various five-star hotels in India and I learned from some of the greatest chefs of Indian cuisine.

What do you eat when at home?

I am lucky to have a lovely wife who is an extremely good cook.

As much as cooking is my passion, I love to have someone cook food for me.

Who’s the best chef in the world and why? And who’s the best in Brum?

I admire chefs like Alain Ducasse who runs dozens of restaurants without compromising on quality. I also admire Pierre Koffmann and the Roux family. However in my own experience the best chef in the world is the legendary grand master chef of Indian cookery Imtiaz Qureshi who I had the good fortune to work under. He is in his mid-80s now and still has the passion and hunger for his craft. He has preserved the food of the kings and Nawabs with much integrity. In Birmingham, I think Glynn Purnell is one of the most exciting chefs.

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Is the customer always right?

‘Athithi Devo Bhawa’, meaning ‘The Guest Is God’ – that is what was taught in Indian culture and I believe it was the observation of some wise ancient folks. Also according to hospitality standard, the customer is always right… But some of them are not always! It’s natural that some people are not satisfied, no matter what you do.

We should try to understand them and handle with care.

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CHEF’S CORNER

For the recipe to make Bishal’s Apricot Chicken, served with courgettes, corn and green pepper sabzi go to www.brumliving.co.uk

pastry then steamed. It’s a Tibetan influence in Nepali cuisine eaten with ‘dalle’ chilli (a type of chilli found in the Himalayan range near Nepal and Darjeeling) and tomato chutney.

Food heaven and food hell?

Heaven is fresh home cooked food especially vegetarian dishes, eaten with loved ones around. Hell would be something overcooked, stale and reheated a couple of times – food that has no life (prana) left in it.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten?

To date the most unusual for me would be goat testicles.

Share a cooking tip While preparing rice it is important to wash it two or three times in running water until all of the free starch has been washed away, then soak it in enough water to cover the surface for about half-an-hour.

This will prevent the grains breaking up during cooking and keep them light and fluffy.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

Momo – a meat dumpling encased in a plain flour

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If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

Maybe a schoolteacher in my hometown of Kalimpong in Darjeeling or a painter as my portrait and abstract work won awards at school, regional and state competitions.

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

The chingri malai curry which is a simple, flavourful prawn dish with a creamy, coconut gravy spiced with yellow mustard. It is a speciality from Calcutta, a state in India known for its fine food. I Pushkar, 245 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HQ. Tel: 0121 643 7978 www.pushkardining.com

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

ANDERSON’S

BAR & GRILL 30 Mary Ann St, St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1RL. Tel: 0121 200 2515 www.andersonsbarandgrill.co.uk ust as the new year abstinence was beginning to get tedious, an invite to Anderson’s pinged into the inbox. Well, it would have been rude not to wouldn't it? “The raw kale will still be there tomorrow,” we reckoned. It was my first trip to Anderson’s much to the disbelief of the Chosen One (CO) who, incredulous at my virgin status continued to bleat on about how wonderful the rib eye was and how I must sample one.

Indeed famed for its steak, Anderson’s has a good reputation in the city for its grilled meat.

The first thing that struck me about the room was the cosy vibe. Downstairs under the exposed brick arches the lighting was warm, as were the people. A Monday night in January isn’t typically buzzing on the restaurant scene, but this was good. Work colleagues enjoyed a tipple at the bar, young couples looked like they were falling in love, mates celebrated birthdays and families were having a cosy supper as we giggled like naughty schoolkids busting out of new year’s resolution detention.

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The wine list was mighty fine. I managed to maintain a modicum of abstinence and sipped mineral water meanwhile the CO was in for a penny in for a pound and a glass of Chenin Blanc. Warm bread and sticky roasted garlic was a welcome sight along with plump green olives.

SILKY SMOOTH Anderson’s didn’t strike me as an amuse bouche kind of place – it was so relaxed, so I was surprised by a silky smooth and hugely tasty carrot ‘soup’ – much more appealing than my vague description implies. It was a fantastic start to proceedings.

As the name suggests the grill was a big part of the menu and the array of cuts of meat on offer was impressive. The rest of the menu was like a whistle-stop tour of world cuisine flitting between hearty British fare to flavours of the Orient, Indian spicing and a Greeksounding cheese dish.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

The waitress described said cheese, Kefalotyri, as having the texture of mozzarella and the flavour of cheddar. She was spot on. Encased in breadcrumbs and fried, the cheese was served with delicate leaves and tzatziki. It tasted great, but was so large it felt like a tapas dish to share rather than a starter for one.

Asia was the next stop as I tried glazed belly of pork with sesame and a honey and chilli glaze. Sticky, sweet and moist with a heck of a crunch on the skin, it was lip-smackingly good. Again a whopper of a portion that probably could have been halved.

As strongly suggested, the friend cracked on with his sirloin on the bone cooked as recommended medium rare with a glass of Jump Stump to wash it down. The steak was a beast of a thing that was in our humble opinion most definitely rare – almost blue in its thickest parts. The flavour was top notch almost inducing a case of food envy as I continued my whistle-stop tour with tandoori salmon. It was perfectly cooked and spiced,

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served with a wonderfully flavoursome deconstructed saag aloo and a cooling yoghurt dressing.

Every main on the menu came with either chips or crushed new potatoes with a creamy finish. Neither of these suited my dish, but I opted for the crushed variety out of curiosity while the friend plumped for chips. The crushed didn’t do it for me and the chips were OK. The Jump Stump however was dreamy and rich.

CREAMY FINISH Dessert was a dark, dense wedge of chocolate tart with a very cute and tasty chocolate and orange macaroon with two spoons. It was grown-up, naughty and we loved it. What New Year resolutions?

The restaurant had got even fuller and more lively. I suspect that by daylight the room might be in need of a bit of TLC, for instance the toilets are on their last legs.

However we’d had a great time and despite the odd niggle, a cracking meal. A Happy Monday all in all. I

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NIBBLES and

SHORTS

Birmingham has a lively and buzzing bar and restaurant scene. Here, we present our insider guide to what’s going on in your city’s eateries and drinking dens GRAND DESIGNS FOR ALCHEMIST AND GUSTO An exclusive bar and a popular restaurant are set to open at the historic Grand Hotel when work completes next year. The Alchemist plans to open its first venue in Birmingham at the landmark Colmore Row development. It will be joined by Italian restaurant Gusto, which has 12 locations in the North and Scotland.

NEW BAKERY IN THE MIX AT HARBORNE The Soul Food Project is planning a new community bakery in Harborne. Founded five years ago, Soul Food runs the Church pub and Peel & Stone Bakery in the Jewellery Quarter. The bakery supplies specialist shops and restaurants with artisan bread.

Co-founder Carl Finn said: “There’s a way to go in terms of the planning and licensing before we know what we can do.”

ADAM’S OPENS UP IN STYLE Here’s an absolutely must-visit new eatery – the stylish new premises for Birmingham’s Michelin-starred Adam’s Restaurant. The restaurant, which operated as a ‘pop-up’ for more than two years in Bennett’s Hill, has moved just round the corner to New Oxford House in Waterloo Street, overlooking Victoria Square. The 35-seater restaurant also boasts a 16-seater private dining room.

YES OFFICER… BEER’S ON TAP AT THE COP SHOP! A historic Birmingham brewery is looking to breathe new life into a former city police station by launching its first new bar in more than 30 years. Davenports, founded in Birmingham in 1829, is hoping to open a new craft beer and cocktail café on the ground floor of the Big Peg in the Jewellery Quarter. The new bar will be called Dares Café, named after Davenports’ craft beer brand.

WHO’S FOR A FULL LATIN TO START THE DAY? If you like the sound of a Full Latin American rather than a Full English breakfast, we suggest you make an early morning stop at the Cuban Embassy Moseley! They’ve launched their new breakfast menu with tasty offerings, such as the Embassy Breakfast – a combo of bacon, chorizo, poached eggs, mashed avocado and mild salsa served on toasted cornbread. Yummy!

WRAPPERS RULE AT MERRY HILL We hear the new Wrapchic – the healthy fast-food outlet which combines authentic Indian food with the convenience of a Mexican wrap – is proving very popular at Intu Merry Hill. Rob Pickersgill of Intu Merry Hill reports: “This new addition to the Food Court is creating a massive buzz among consumers who now look for something unique, healthy and interesting to eat.”

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LOVERS’ DISH Head chef Tom Robinson reveals his perfect recipe for romance ooking for that special dish to romance to on Valentine’s Day? Tom Robinson, the head chef at The Forest at Feckenham, has put together this perfect, light offering which we know you’ll just love. Enjoy with a glass or three of your favourite wine… and cue soft lights and sweet music! I

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ROASTED WHOLE SEA BASS Ingredients

I I I I I I I I

300/400g sea bass (whole – canoe cut) 3 cooked new potatoes, cut in to quarters 30g courgette, largely diced 4 quarters marinated globe artichokes, quartered 20g garden peas I 6 surf clams 50ml vermouth emulsion (to make, see below) 75g butter, cut in to 3 cubes I Watercress tips Salt I White pepper

Method To make vermouth emulsion: Boil 60ml of vermouth. Once rapidly boiling, make a thick buttery sauce by slowly whisking in 125g of cold butter so that it doesn’t break down (buerre monte).

To make dish: Line a tray with greaseproof paper and place the fish on top.

Season the inside of the fish. Place the potatoes, courgette, artichokes and peas in to the cavity of the fish. Top with the clams, butter and drizzle of vermouth emulsion. Tin foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from tray and place on a serving plate. Drizzle with vermouth emulsion. Garnish with watercress tips.

The Forest at Feckenham, 1 Droitwich Road, Feckenham, Redditch B96 6JE. Tel 01527 894422 www.theforestatfeckenham.co.uk

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THE NEW MOONSHINE Expert Rob Price investigates a growing trend in wine that has its roots in the planets ou may have heard of biodynamic wines? There is wine, organic wine and biodynamic wine! All wine is made from fermented grape juice. Organic wine means not using any synthetic fungicides, herbicides or fertilisers. The principle is one where the environment is respected and biodiversity encouraged, the vines grow in a living soil, full of worms and bacteria. This enables them to draw upon the optimum levels of minerals from the soil.

In turn, these healthy vines develop better resistance to disease and go on to produce fruit for years to come. Biodiversity is encouraged by planting cover crops between the rows of vines that bring a host of beneficial visitors. For instance, plum trees are planted in organic

Y

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vineyards in California to attract Anagrus wasps that then eat the destructive vine leafhoppers, which can cause massive crop damage if not controlled.

For warm dry climates like California or South America this is much easier than say France where damp humid conditions can cause many more issues for the vineyard owner to contend with. However organic viticulture is increasing everywhere with the numbers of these vineyards more than doubling in the last five years.

COSMIC RHYTHMS So what is different about biodynamic wine? It started back in 1924 when Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, began talking about the principles of life as a pattern of lunar and cosmic rhythms. We have to perform vineyard tasks according to the phases of the sun, moon, and planets. The vineyard is a living organism that can be maintained in a selfsustaining way. A bit like being organic with astrology wrapped around the whole thing. Here’s an example, of what is required when you prepare a biodynamic spray for your vineyard…

Find some cow dung (I kid you not!) from a nearby friendly organic farm, and empty into a cow’s horn, then bury for six months. Hold your nose and retrieve and put the mature dung in a bucket and mix with water – but, and this is important, you must stir the water in a particular way. First one direction and then the other so the cosmic and earthly rhythms that result from the water being in chaos are captured into what is being stirred. You then wait for the moon to be in Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn – all Earth signs of course! And then spray your vines. Healthier, stronger, vines ensue.

You follow the same guidelines when producing the wine.

For example, bottling the wine when the sun is in Leo helps, because the fruit in the wine is at its most concentrated, so sealing with a cork (or screw cap) at this time locks in the best flavours.

MATTER OF TASTE All sounding a bit far-fetched? Well, many vineyards are pursuing these noble aims and while some of the activities seem bizarre, it’s beginning to gain a real foothold with some large wine producers taking biodynamics very seriously.

Does the wine taste better? That’s a matter of opinion – and, as with all things in the wine world, there are plenty of views going around. My take? Wine producers that follow

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BIODYNAMIC WINES T O T RY FINE ENGLISH FIZZ Sedlescombe Premier Brut 2013. Made like Champagne, aged on its lees for nine months. Quite light, low alcohol, but with text book yeasty aromas and creamy texture. Available direct from Sedlescombe, £35

SUPERB SANCERRE La Reine Blanche, Domaine Vacheron. A crisp dry Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. Lovely minerality and racy acidity. The Wine Society sells the 2014 vintage for £15.50

NEW ZEALAND ZING Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2014. Felton Road is one of the very best New Zealand wine producers and this pinot noir from the most southerly wine growing region in the world, Central Otago, is superb Not cheap at £30.95, but gives Grand Cru Burgundy a run for its money. Available from Slurp.

MARVELLOUS MALBEC 2010 Alpamanya Estate from Mendoza. A really good example of a top Argentinian Malbec. Ten months in French oak and it’s smooth, wellbalanced and full-bodied. A bold wine, great with Argentinian steak! £12.95 from Berry Brothers.

biodynamic principles certainly care about the product they are making, and if nothing else the care and attention they show translates into a higher quality wine that does reward the efforts put in.

And it doesn’t end there. Biodynamics also comes into play when you’re drinking wine. There are four different kinds of day – fruit, flower, leaf and root – that determine how good the wine is going to taste, irrespective of how it is made, so this also includes the vast majority on non-biodynamic wines. It seems that our major supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose take this biodynamic calendar into account when tasting wines and there are many professionals that really believe it makes a difference. By the way, fruit is good, root is bad.

So is it important which day you drink your wine? Barometric pressure and moon phases well may have an impact, but many other aspects will also influence how the wine tastes. Temperature, how well you feel, food, setting/environment, company and your state of mind will also have an impact. So for me, every day is a wine day. Too many wines, not enough days! I

Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine and beer education company offering informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham and Milton Keynes city centres. More information from Rob Price 0121 270 7359 www.birminghamwineschool.com

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PRINCESS TALES Your wedding dress is probably the most exciting fashion purchase you’ll ever make. Here’s our guide to getting it right this spring

SHEER CHIC Scarlet by Suzanne Neville www.suzanneneville.com

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SIMPLE ELEGANCE Serenity necklace, Fei Liu, Jewellery Quarter

THE RIGHT SMALL Racerback bra and knickers £37.50, M&S, Pavilions Birmingham

IF THE SHOE FITS

HAPPY DAYS

Bodine shoe £89, Dune, Bullring

Anya by Sassi Holford http://sassiholford.com

ridal designers will treat you like royalty from consultation to final fitting, so embrace your inner goddess. Shop around confidently before you commit because if your gown is being custom made you’ll see a lot of your designer. Choose one you like and that gets you. If you sense a less than happy or attentive vibe at your consultation, go elsewhere.

Most designers need six months notice, so respect this, but if you’re planning a speedier wedding ask the question. I got married within three months of my other half popping the question and had a custom made dress thanks to top designer, Sassi Holford. Ask the question, but don’t assume.

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HIGH STREET The high street has upped its bridal game, so if you’re on a tight budget and happy to forgo the personal touch check out some off-the-peg options. If you’re not a sweeping gown type of ‘gal try a body skimming silk jumpsuit or a sharp tuxedo for an edgy vibe. Remember you want to look like the best version of yourself not like someone your other half doesn’t recognise.

SIGNIFICANT SMALLS Word of warning, don’t leave underwear to the last minute. It needs to be practical as well

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as gorgeous. Once you know the cut of your gown, go and visit the lovely Sukhy and her team at Sipsey Lingerie in Solihull. They stock an array of stunning pieces and will measure and fit you perfectly. If it’s a racerback style you’re after M&S at Pavilions has a version that’s worth checking out too (pictured).

HEAVENLY HEELS Once your outfit is sorted, choose some killer heels. Nothing ruins a stunning gown like a pair of satin bridal shoes with a comfy heel – you know the ones. Rock a Gina mule or a Sophia Webster pump instead. On the high street Dune has some fantastic examples that won’t break the bank.

LOCAL TALENT It’s a nice touch to wear a family heirloom on your big day, but failing that choose timeless accessories wisely. I urge you to make the most of the world class talent on your doorstep and get down to the Jewellery Quarter. The likes of Fei Liu, Alice Stewart and James Newman are worth a look. Very different in terms of design and technique, they are masters at what they do.

Try everything on together well in advance to avoid any last minute wobbles and most of all, enjoy! I

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GO WITH THE FLOW Scarlet by Suzanne Neville www.suzanneneville.com

ATTENTION TO DETAIL Malawi by Ian Stuart www.ianstuart-bridal.com

WE HEART THIS Floozie By Frostfrench Pearl circle heart clutch £30, Debenhams

HEAVY METAL Charlotte Olympia geometric sandals £575, Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox

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STYLE FIFTIES VIBE Rizzo by Ian Stuart www.ianstuart-bridal.com

PEARLY QUEEN White Round pearl drop earrings £35, Lustrous Jewellery

SWEEPING LINES Verona by Pronovias from The Wedding Club www.thewedding-club.co.uk

LOCAL TALENT Fiori collection cluster ring £1,200, James Newman, Jewellery Quarter

PICTURE PERFECT Thea by Sassi Holford http://sassiholford.com

HEAD CANDY Fascinator £189, Pretty Eclectic

BORN AGAIN Chiara ice sandal, Sophia Webster

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STYLE FLIRTY SKIRT Selma lace dress £275, Phase Eight

SOMETHING BLUE Jenny Packham £160, Debenhams

CLASSIC BEAUTY Savannah dress £399, Monsoon

BEST OF THE HIGH STREET

STRAIGHT LACED Willow lace dress £199, Monsoon

VINTAGE VIBE Springfield dress £225, Pretty Eclectic

CUTE AS A BUTTON

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

Bridal jacket £160, Phase Eight

Cassidy dress £225, Ghost, House of Fraser

JUMP TO IT White jumpsuit £55, Wallis, The Fort Shopping Park

SATIN DREAM Ivory satin skirt £75, Debenhams, The Fort Shopping Park

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RAZZLE DAZZLE Hope dress £595, Phase Eight

IN THE FOLD Bora Aksu dress £850, People Tree

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WELL GROOMED The bride quite rightly gets all the attention on wedding day … but don’t let’s forget the guys completely tyle for grooms has relaxed in recent years with some snubbing a tie completely. Coloured suits are still popular for summer nuptials and footwear ranges from the traditional dress shoe to a more relaxed loafer or even barefoot on a beach. Personally we think that your impending nuptials are an ideal excuse to buy the best suit you can afford and one that’s wearable way beyond your wedding day.

Check out talented locals Clements and Church, Tweeting Tailor Adrian Barrows or Tim Nash at Norton and Townsend for the bespoke treatment.

S

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SUITS YOU Blue suit from House of Fraser

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STYLE PLUM ROLE Wool jacket, Steel & Jelly

TOP HAT Grey Ascot top hat £239, Moss Bros, Pavilions Birmingham

SHARP SHIRT Covent Garden Victorian collar dress shirt £55, Moss Bros, The Fort Shopping Park

LOAFING AROUND Jimmy Choo tasselled loafers £450, Harvey Nichols

WORK OF ART Longleat photographic jacquard silk tie £40, House of Fraser

ROYAL BLUE Montague Burton trousers £60 and waistcoat £50, Burton Menswear, The Fort Shopping Park BLUE SUEDE SHOES Derby shoe £45, Next, The Fort Shopping Park

COOL HAND LUKE Pale blue and navy jacket, Luke Roper

STAND OUT Blue and orange Bristol tie, Clements and Church

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REAL ‘WORK’ OUT World record holding Ironman and triathlete champion Hywel Davies explains how to turn the daily rat race commute into a fun run month in and things are already starting to slip. That resolution made just weeks ago with so much promise and optimism to get fitter has been swamped by the demands of everyday life – from work, family and a burgeoning social diary.

At least one of those commitments – work – can actually be turned into a fitness positive according to Hywel Davies. And as a multi-world record holding ironman and triathlete, Hywel knows what he’s talking about!

“Commuting to work by running is a fantastic way to build fitness and to have a positive start to the day,” he says. “If it’s the most difficult thing you have to do each day, then it is an early win to set you up for a winning day. Imagine arriving at work energised, stress free, refreshed and ready to tackle the day, knowing that you have already completed the hardest challenge.”

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A 30-minute slot is all that’s needed and you can use the time to listen to music, audiobooks, language courses or podcasts. Or prepare and practice a presentation, think through a problem, or just take in the environment around you. Here are Hywel’s key points to make that commute as hassle-free as possible: WHAT TO WEAR Trainers – The best advice anyone can give about running shoes is to get the ones that fit. You can only

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do this by going into a specialist running shop, getting your gait analysed and choosing a pair that will suit your running style. Avoid running in gym shoes, football shoes or cross-training shoes as they are unlikely to support your feet enough.

Clothing – Always dress for the middle of your run, not the start. While it’s better to have too much clothing than not enough, you do not want to overheat.

Choose a base layer that’s lightweight and made of synthetic fibres, not cotton, a mid layer of merino wool, lightweight fleece or long sleeve running top and an outer layer that’s a windproof jacket, cycling jacket or running gilet. If choosing leggings there are lots of variations with different degrees of compression – just make sure they are not too thick or baggy.

Running rucksacks – Like trainers, they need to be tried for size first. A chest and waist strap is essential to stop the bag bouncing around and external pockets are useful for quick access to keys, phone and money and also look for somewhere to attach a flashing light. A 30-litre pack should be enough for a full change of clothes and shoes.

PERSONAL HYGIENE A quick change of clothes can be left at the workplace, but you still need to get rid of the sweat and smell. Use a workplace shower. You may not even know they have one! If there isn’t one, it might be time to discuss with management about getting one installed. Worst case scenario, have some baby wipes handy for a quick freshen up.

MANAGING EQUIPMENT Taking ‘stuff ’ into work is what puts a lot of people off a self-powered commute. Carrying a laptop or tablet, getting documents crumpled and wet and being able to carry a change of clothes are standard excuses. Try to leave as much as you can at work. If you need data, copy onto a memory stick or look into remote access. Find out whether digital copies of documents can be e-mailed or transferred so you don’t have to carry big files. If running to work three times a week, try to use the Monday and Friday as equipment days.

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NUTRITION & HYDRATION Most run commutes are less than an hour and you can get by without anything in the way of nutrition or hydration. Once at work, get immediate energy replacement in the form of fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, porridge or oat bars – all better than diving straight into the coffee, biscuits and cooked breakfast! (For the sake of your tummy… avoid eating at least 30 minutes before setting off on your run.)

PLAN YOUR ROUTE Visit a mapping site such as www.gpsies.com and either drive or cycle your route first.

If you can run 5km in 30 minutes, assume the run will take around 45 minutes or at least 50 per cent longer due to stops and starts, running with extra kit and the fact that it’s not a race.

FITNESS Not being fit enough should never be the excuse, as once started getting fitter will happen very quickly. Before starting any physical activity you should consult your doctor for advice and a check up to get the all clear to go. As these are actually training sessions, you should take time to stretch before and after the run. The key is to progress slowly by only increasing one thing a week such as the distance, the pace and the number of runs.

WHAT NEXT? Once up to speed you might want to take running to the next level. Try entering an event such as the local park run. It’s free but will be a link to local running groups and clubs, other events and challenges. Who knows, today’s commute to work could lead to your first half or full marathon in a few months! I Hywel Davies is a multi-world record holder, multiple European and British age group triathlon champion, UK Double Ironman record holder and five-time UK Ultrafit champion. For a full training plan contact him at www.tri-becoaching.co.uk twitter @tribe_coaching

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BEAUTY Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, £38 from Space NK in Harvey Nichols When it comes to bridal makeup, striking the balance between something fresh and long-lasting is key. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder seals everything in place for a long day of photos and dancing but looks luminous and light.

BRIDE

& JOY

Ole Henriksen Nurture Me, £41 from Selfridges Looking after your skin in advance of the big day will help you feel your best. Ensure that you use a great cleanser twice a day and a nourishing moisturiser like Ole Henriksen’s Nurture Me so that your skin feels plump and soft. Nurture Me is great because it is gentle enough for even sensitive skins but hydrates and calms.

Beauty supremo Rose Gallagher is a seasoned pro at ensuring brides dazzle through their nuptials and beyond. But this time it was personal…

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £17.50 from John Lewis Weddings are emotional and tears are sure to follow, so prepare with a brilliant waterproof mascara. Clinique’s High Impact is one of the classic mascara shapes and doesn’t take lots of harsh scrubbing to remove.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £36.50 from Selfridges The best foundation for a bride is something that gives a glowing finish but still enough coverage to look flawless in the photos. Look no further than Armani’s Luminous Silk.

Another great thing about this foundation is that it contains no SPF, meaning no unflattering white patches after flash photography.

Last month, Rose’ s best friend Bridg et said ‘I do’ and who better to ensure a glowi ng, youthful complexion that stayed put throu ghout her big day? If you’re no t blessed with a bestie like Rose, fear not. Here sh e imparts her top tips and products that’ll ha ve you glowing all day long.

Eylure Pro Lash Individual Lashes, £5.50 from Boots Individual lashes are an ideal choice for brides because the finish is entirely bespoke; you can use a few small inserts to add volume or work with lots of inserts to build a full, fluttery look.

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SWEET DREAMS We spend 16 years of our lives in bed, so let’s make the boudoir a joyous place to be whether we’re sleeping or not

GEOMETRIC ORDER Accessories, Debenhams

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NEW ENGLAND Camden white range, Cookes in Erdington

e’ve become almost obsessive about sleep thanks in part to the FitBit phenomenon which informs us the minute we’ve cracked open our weary eyes precisely how poor our snoozing is – another thing we’re not getting enough of along with green veg and coconut oil! Anyway back to sleep… If only. The bedroom should be a sanctuary, so here are some top tips for creating a relaxing sleep inducing space.

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BUY CHEAP, BUY TWICE The mattress is king. Expect to spend up to £500 on a decent mattress. Go for pocket sprung, latex or memory foam. They all have different qualities and densities, so trying them out is a must. Open spring is the cheapest option, but the least comfortable. You get what you pay for. If the base has seen better days replace it. It’s obvious, but there’s no point spending a ton of money on a top-notch mattress and then plonking it on a substandard base.

NATURAL BEAUTY Dickens & Jones bedroom, House of Fraser

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TRY THESE GREAT LOCAL SUPPLIERS ON YOUR DOORSTEP I I I I I I

Leekes www.leekes.co.uk Cookes www.cookesfurniture.co.uk Laura Ashley at Pavilions www.pavilionsshopping.com Cousins www.cousinsfurniture.co.uk Lee Longlands www.leelonglands.co.uk Guthrie and Ghani www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk

MOROCCAN MAGIC Furniture and accessories, HomeSense

AVOID THE LARKS Invest in some heavy lined curtains or blinds. It might be dark in the mornings for now, but in a few weeks you’ll kick yourself. They’re more expensive than ready-made lighter versions, but worth it. As well as keeping the room at optimum darkness, bespoke gives you the creative freedom to go mad with fabric.

Check out the wonderful selection at Guthrie and Ghani in Moseley or John Lewis at Grand Central.

DE-CLUTTER Be ruthless and bin anything you haven’t used or worn in the past 12 months. Only then can you see how much storage you actually need. You might be amazed.

Know how much and what sort of storage you need before you go shopping otherwise you’ll fall for that antique wardrobe that’s too short for your long dresses when what you actually need is five, deep drawers, three rails and a shoe rack. Make a list and shop wisely. With the practical bit in the bag let your creative side take over with the décor and accessories. And sleep tight… I

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TRADITIONAL CHARM Living by Christiane Lemieux, House of Fraser

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THINK PINK Accessories, M&S

CALMING INFLUENCE Linea Ceremony collection, House of Fraser

CRISP SHEETS Yves Delorme Cocon bed linen collection, Houseology

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HOMES VINTAGE VIBE White carved bedside table, M&S

GOOD MORNING Set of suitcases £30 to £75 and copper lamp £70, Oliver Bonas

BED HEAD Eichholtz boudoir coco headboard £990, Houseology

FINISHING

TOUCHES

RIGHT LIGHT Crystal table lamp with faux silk shade £65, Cookes, Erdington

Fill your bedroom with these beautiful accessories

CHAIR AWARE EASTERN PROMISE Duresta Amelia armchair Red and white chest of drawers £249.99, £1,239, Cookes, Erdington HomeSense HAPPY LAUNDRY DAY RJR John Rocha laundry bin £60, Debenhams RAIL BLAZER Normann Copenhagen clothes rail £232, Houselology

ART DECO Star by Julien Macdonald hinged mirror £40, Debenhams

SUN BURST Sunshine mirror £149, M&S

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HOMES

Hot Properties New developments in the city dominate this month with some great examples worth a peek. To balance, we’ve also thrown in a rural home for a quieter life

HANDSOME HAMLET Lower Barrow House, Suckley Guide price: ÂŁ1.2m Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 01905 723438 Lower Barrow House is a handsome home with an immaculate interior and bags of space. The kitchen in particular is a winner with a stylish country feel and beautiful flooring. Period features are plentiful with sash windows, oak floors and cast iron radiators. Outside, the gardens are pretty and the views are stunning. The hamlet of Suckley is highly desirable and perfectly commutable to the city.

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BRICKS&BITS SDL SNAPS UP PROPERTY FIRM Birmingham-based property and auctions business CPBigwood has been bought by Shepherd Direct Ltd. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent property groups, SDL’s financial strength will enable CPBigwood to build nationally. CPBigwood senior partner Rory Daly, who remains as chief executive, said: “This marks the next step in the evolution of CPBigwood, enhancing our position as a major player in the auctions and residential service charge management sectors.”

GRAND PLANS FOR PAVILIONS Primark has won unanimous support from the city’s planners for its refurbishment of Pavilions shopping centre. The company acquired the centre in 2014 and will now carry out an extensive four-storey regeneration, including a Primark store and a pedestrian link from Moor Street to High Street. The views that will greet visitors arriving at Moor Street station particularly impressed the committee.

BRUM CLIMBS EURO LEAGUE Birmingham has climbed 14 places, up to sixth, in the rankings of the top European cities for property investment, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute and PwC. Overseas property investors looking for bargains and put off by London’s inflated prices are turning to our city.

Meanwhile, London fell five places to tenth.

From the industry’s movers and shakers to the latest groundbreaking developments… email your property news and pictures to shelley@brumliving.co.uk

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SUMMER LIVING Honduras Wharf, Summer Lane Guide price: From £135k Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 0121 200 2220 Honduras Wharf is a development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments including five penthouses that are now available to buy. It’s an exclusive collection of apartments designed to the highest standard with some enjoying outside space and parking.

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LIGHT FANTASTIC The Minories, Jewellery Quarter Guide price: £450k Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520

The Minories is a Grade II listed development of townhouses on Warstone Lane, bang in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. With 1400sq ft laid out over three floors, the quality is obvious. While finished in a contemporary style with a minimalist Scandi vibe it packs a punch in the character stakes too featuring reclaimed brickwork and cast iron gutters. The living/dining area is particularly special with three windows bathing the space in light.

SIX OF THE BEST Elizabeth Place, Jewellery Quarter Guide price: from £494.5k – £539k Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520 Six houses are up for grabs in this exclusive development of 14 townhouses. Offering up to four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, balconies and roof terraces, plus secure parking in a courtyard area, Elizabeth Place is an attractive proposition.

The houses vary in size and style, so it’s worth a look.

Don’t miss Property of the Week on our Facebook page every Thursday www.facebook.com/bhamliving

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ANTIQUES

WHAT A GIRL WANTS… Adrian Hailwood reveals what every man needs to know about buying jewellery for a loved one – and saving a packet into the bargain! uying jewellery for a loved one in your life is a surefire way to earn brownie points. If you want to build your points faster with larger or more frequent gifts you may have to shop a little smarter which means avoiding glamorous boutiques with their high prices! Head instead to the auction room – after all, if this is where the ‘trade’ often buys, why not help yourself to trade prices?

Buying at auction, while requiring a little more work, strips away the initial VAT, the retailer’s mark-up and reveals the bare ‘open-market value’, which in most cases means a huge saving. Not only that, but the competitive aspect can bring a surprising level of fun to the process.

The first question is: Are you buying as a surprise? If the answer is ‘no’ then you have many more options. You can discuss preferences, find out what is already in the jewellery box – and more importantly what she has that never gets worn (don’t buy more of this).

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LIVE BIDDING To add rings to the list of potential purchases you need to get fingers measured. Remember to try both wide and narrow bands as they will come up differently. Get a jeweller to do this for you but don’t get distracted while you are in there.

Once equipped with this information it is time to hit the catalogues and get bidding.

If you choose a commission bid (a maximum bid left with the auctioneer prior to the sale) you can limit your budget and err on the side of caution. Live bidding is for those who want control, who would hate to miss out for the sake of one more

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increment. To bid live you still don’t have to visit the saleroom, just pick up the phone or fire up the Internet and you can participate as if you were there. However you bid, bear in mind the buyer’s premium (a percentage added on top of the hammer price), but don’t worry you will still be getting a great deal.

Buying as a surprise is much more difficult, but the brownie point rewards may be greater. Unless jewellery is a constant subject of discussion between you, you may need a few pointers: 1. Go with the colour of metal she already wears, a surprise gift will not force a change of wardrobe, it will just go unworn. As said before, check the jewellery box for what lies ignored at the bottom – don’t buy that.

2. Earrings make a more versatile statement piece than a necklace as they restrict neckline choices less – a basic check, most ladies have pierced ears but don’t assume.

3. Rings can be a tricky choice if you don’t know the size and beware the repercussions of the sudden presentation of a ring if you are not married. That said, a slim plain ring shank can be resized at minimal cost, so if you know she loves a little (or large) sparkle on the finger don’t be put off.

4. Pieces from either designer brands or the well-known high-end jewellers will always go for higher prices, although a significant saving from what you would pay at retail. If you can bear to buy the look without the name, prices will tumble even further. I Adrian Hailwood is the director of watches at Fellows Auctioneers.

Visit http://www.fellows.co.uk

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MOTORING

THE LOVE MACHINE Jaguar’s brilliant new XE is a sports saloon that pushes all the right buttons for Sue Cooke

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MOTORING

hat I needed on this dismal February morning was exactly what the month of romance suggests – to be cherished, indulged and pampered. So instead of looking longingly at the Jaguar sports saloon road test car sitting on my drive I decided to ditch the computer and work and, what the hell, go have some fun! And from the moment I got behind the wheel of the XE I was in love…

Whichever Jaguar model you drive, the heady aroma of leather, deep comfortable seats and the plethora of gadgets provide luxury and prestige. What’s more, for me more than anything, this great car is made right here in the Midlands.

The aluminium-intensive XE is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant. The body consists of more than 75 per cent aluminium content which far exceeds any other car in its class and is predominantly from recycled material. What this means for owners is a lightweight, mid-sized saloon, the first in its class, which helps to provide exceptional fuel consumption and emissions figures.

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EYE-CATCHING Good figures are also boosted by a refined and efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium diesel engine which is made in Wolverhampton. I found it quiet and very powerful, launching forward with the lightest touch on the accelerator.

My road test car arrived with an eye-catching Polaris White exterior paintwork and 17-inch alloys, both at no extra cost. When behind the wheel, the bonnet rises and elbows its way into the line of sight making the Jaguar feel and appear large, but it’s a pussycat to drive.

The XE is just the companion for venturing out in the variety of weather which February brings. Jaguar All Surface Progress Control makes its world debut on the XE. The system maximises low-speed traction in adverse conditions and will electronically gain traction in seconds, so the XE is ideal on low-grip surfaces such as snow-covered driveways, ungritted winter roads and even wet grass.

In the quality cabin, the entry trim SE which I drove

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FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model: Jaguar XE SE Price: £31,525 otr Engine: 2.0-litre i4 Ingenium turbocharged engine with 163PS Performance: 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 132mph CO2 emissions: 68.9g/km Combined fuel consumption: 106mpg

includes a host of other useful standard technology. The stop start button has a pulsating red backlight to start the ignition and the ‘key’ stayed in my pocket. The eightspeed automatic transmission control rises up from the centre console and I selected Drive. Jaguar screams its presence in words and pictures on the black glossy dash and on the large eight-inch touchscreen, which sort of made me feel honoured to be in such company. There is also a six-speed manual gearbox.

COMMITMENT DAB digital radio, cruise control with automatic speed limiter, hill start assist and an electric parking brake are all standard equipment. There is a long list of safety technology and automatic everything, including autonomous emergency braking and hazard lights which come on when heavy braking is detected. For our unpredictable weather there is also a choice of Eco, Normal, Winter and Dynamic modes.

Jaguar has made a commitment to grow its fleet and business operations and the XE with class-leading residual values up to 45 per cent is exactly the kind of company car that holds a certain stature in the office car park. The Jaguar XE sports saloon has a lot to live up to as a contender to the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class, but it has that one dose of Britishness which none of the German automotive manufacturers can rival. I You can follow Sue Cooke on Twitter @cookecars

SHOWROOM: Listers Jaguar, 639 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4BA. Tel: 0121 745 0777 www.listers.solihull.jaguar.co.uk

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

FLORENCE HARPER The teenage dance champ with the bulging trophy cabinet has her sights set on flipping her way to the ultimate Disco Kid prize

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t 12-years-old Florence Harper started dancing relatively late after being wowed by a girl performing a dynamic routine in a school show. Although her mum wasn’t keen, Florence ‘begged her’ and she relented. Once enrolled at Steptoes dance school in Quinton under the inspirational tutorship of principal Donna Shepherd the extraordinary journey into the unique world of freestyle dance began.

Firstly, put all thoughts of Strictly from your mind because the style of dancing Florence excels at is nothing like it. Imagine the most insane show dance and times the energy and tricks by 10. Team that with the bold and highly expensive outfits that are like something out of futuristic Bruce Willis film Fifth Element and you’re somewhere close. As our picture of Florence, now 15, suggests her style of dancing is highly acrobatic. Florence competes in two categories – Freestyle which is fast and furious performed to hyper techno beats. Then there’s Slow – Florence’s favourite – which is more elegant and lyrical.

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BEATING INJURY Florence trains for 10 hours a week and although she was athletic before she began dancing (she was on the gym squad at school so definitely no slouch!) she admits dancing pushed her further having to work hard on flexibility and strength. That said, she started to show promise straight away and some of the hardened dance mothers would say to Florence’s novice mum, “she’s going to be really good. You can tell”.

Most girls start dancing way before they reach double figures, but late starter Florence began catching up to the highly experienced girls and

doing well in competitions. So much so that she caught the attention of a sponsor, designers of the dancer’s elaborate outfits, A Bizarre Obsession run

by Karen Whelan. They began sponsoring Florence 15 months ago and it’s proved a good move.

Although plagued by injury for a few months – she’s broken metatarsal bones in both feet – Florence came back stronger and more determined and started winning trophies.

The moment people realised that Florence had something special was last year when she was crowned winner of the intermediate category at the Eurodance championship in Burnham-on-Sea beating 90 other dancers to the title. Now promoted to the highest and hardest level, Prem Champ in the under-16 category, Florence has stepped up a gear.

With GCSEs in the summer and choices to make about A-Levels, Florence’s school, Edgbaston High School for Girls, has been very supportive of her dance commitments. Accepting that training might take a slight backseat while she navigates her way through her exams successfully, Florence has her head screwed firmly on. Given that generally freestyle dancers retire at the age of 23, education is all the more important. Florence is studying dance at GCSE naturally and probably will at A-Level too, so it’s part of life on multiple levels.

Her ultimate dance ambition is to win the biggest competition in her chosen discipline, Disco Kid at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom which is a huge championship. Competing at Eurodance at Breen Sands in April first with Disco Kid in December and GCSEs in between, it’s going to be a busy year for the talented teen.

We’d invest in a bigger trophy cabinet. Just saying. I Photography by funkyfoto.co.uk

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GROWING PLACES

BACK TO THE FUTURE Solihull School has buried a time capsule to be opened in 2060 – the year of its 500th anniversary. The capsule, buried outside the new Cooper Building, was donated by the Old Silhillians’ Association Trust. It contains more than 50 items from the school year, including a ceramic poppy to mark 100 years of remembrance, message from the headmaster, summer term diary and school ID tag.

MARKING TIME: Evie Townend, Ben Northam, Leticia Salmon and Moses Fakatou bury the capsule

SCHOOL REPORT

Birmingham Living is co mmitted to highlighting the best of our schools and colleges. Here’s ou r round-up of the latest stand-out news and ev ents

WHAT PACKED LUNCH? Abbey College has opened a modern new dining facility and communal areas for its students to enjoy.

Dubbed the Hub, it’s part of an extension which also includes student support services. The catering service is provided by Brookwood Partnership with the emphasis on locally sourced, wholesome food. Upper sixth student Tajasvi Dhar said: “Last year I had to go off-site for lunch so it is great now that we have a catering facility at the college.”

THESE GIRLS MEAN BUSINESS Moreton Hall students were crowned winners of the region’s Business and Professional Women’s public speaking competition. The contest saw six teams from schools compete at a very high standard. Moreton entered two teams, with the Upper Five girls being crowned champions and team member Martha Stewart named best speaker. They now go through to the north-west finals.

SYMPHONY HALLFIELD Hallfield School pupil Astrid Gibara has successfully auditioned for the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain, achieving a place in the under-10 orchestra as a clarinetist. The country’s top symphony orchestra for children will give Astrid the opportunity to play in regional orchestras that feed into the national orchestras.

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GROWING PLACES

OUSTANDING

BROMSGROVE

Bromsgrove School has again been awarded the title of ‘outstanding IB school’ by Best Schools UK. This follows another successful year for the IB where results hit a record high.

A third of its pupils scored an impressive 40 points or more. Headmaster Peter Clague said: “It is further affirmation of our high academic standards, calibre of our teaching staff and our commitment to the principles of the International Baccalaureate.”

WRITE STUFF: Cerian Richmond Jones, Pratiksha Saha, Laura Stevens and Maha Salman

YOU COULDN’T

WRITE IT! It’s been a good few months in the creative writing department at King Edwards VI High School for Girls. Cerian Richmond Jones, 16, won an award in the Sunday Times’s Write Stuff national short story competition. Pratiksha Saha, 15, was among the winning entries in a Foyle’s poetry competition.

While Year 8 pupil Laura Stevens and Maha Salman, 13, both took top prizes in the NASUWT Arts and Minds competition.

TV DEBUT: The stars of Our School 2

FLY ON THE WALL STARS A documentary for CBBC charting the journey of pupils starting ‘big school’ was filmed at Greenwood Academy in Castle Vale. Our School 2 follows the ups and downs of a group of youngsters as they make the important transition between primary and secondary school. The 15-part series follows Year 7 pupils as they navigate their way around their new school, make friends and learn lessons inside and outside the classroom.

OSCAR THE BUILDER IN PARADISE A construction-mad five-year-old has been treated to a special tour of the £500 million Paradise regeneration scheme after contacting the team to find out more about the project. Caroline Rudge, of Paradise development manager Argent, and Steve Fisher of contractor Carillion, treated Oscar Robinson from Hagley to a sneaky peek at the site where major clearance work is well underway. Delighted Oscar was presented with personalised protective gear, a certificate and toy excavator.

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UNSUNG HEROES

Teacher who packs a punch in the boxing ring and hopes

UNSUNG HEROES

to compete in the Olympics is also a knockout in the classroom, inspiring kids to overcome behaviour issues

KIM SHANNON alented boxer and probably the coolest teacher in town, Kim Shannon has a lot on her plate. She’s in the running for a place at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and in order to make the grade Kim commits to a punishing training schedule six evenings a week. By day the boxing champ inspires the city’s youngsters in a different arena – the classroom.

The Values Academy in Hockley is no ordinary school and Kim is no ordinary teacher.

Values is a small independent school specialising in providing children at risk of social exclusion with an education and vital life skills. Removed from mainstream education for a variety of reasons, pupils come to Values with behavioural issues – many are confrontational and have emotional problems. Kim has taught biology at the academy for six years straight from university and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

She said: “The pay is perhaps lower than in mainstream education, but the experience I’ve gained here makes me a better teacher. The job is 40 per cent teaching and 60 per cent inspiring. We ensure that as well as giving them an education, the pupils leave here as good people too.”

The pupils are aware of Kim’s boxing, in fact she uses it

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to emphasise that if the youngsters want something badly enough they should go for it and follow their dreams. At home many of the pupils don’t have the support that most children take for granted, so Kim’s encouragement gives them a boost.

“It’s great to know that you’re making a difference and opening up the students minds. It’s very rewarding,” she says.

Values alumni have gone on to do well and there are many success stories. Kim recalls: “One pupil, whose social skills were so poor he could hardly speak, has gone on to university and has turned into a lovely young man.”

A lot of the kids at the school haven’t had any experience of sport so Kim has set up a scheme with a local gym where they are able to go once a week to use the facilities. As well as the obvious health benefits of exercise, the kids also learn self-discipline.

Currently without funding or sponsorship, Kim is incredibly disciplined too. She has a 30minute rest between the end of her school day and boxing training. This begins with a run from the Academy to the gym followed by two hours of intense training. On two nights per week Kim then runs a women’s boot camp session that ends at 9pm. She doesn’t grumble though. She has her sights firmly on the prize. Currently going through England contract and Team GB assessments, Kim is determined to get the call-up. I

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BLUE MONDAY Good friends Chris Cove and Rory Barber turned their passion for inventive video and film into a production company that’s going places – just ask John Lewis! hen retail giant John Lewis wanted a film made to celebrate coming to Birmingham, it turned to a highly creative and young local independent production company to deliver the goods. Blue Monday TV, video and film was set up just a couple of years ago my close friends Chris Cove and Rory Barber. The pair’s initial mission statement was pretty loose and laid back – to be their own bosses, to enjoy creating the kind films they are passionate about and believe in… and to have a decent space they could relax in with their friends and have lots of parties! While that doesn’t sound like the greatest business plan for success, the opposite is true as the duo’s undoubted talent and creativity has been spotted by a number of leading clients, including JL. Recommendation and word of mouth is what it’s all about!

“When we were invited to pitch for John Lewis they said they wanted a top-notch video produced ahead of the launch of their new store in Grand Central,” said Rory, 27.

“We told them that it had to reflect the city and its community. If you want to place yourself in Birmingham,

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you have to really engage with the people here.”

Rory and Chris had definite and distinct ideas about how that should be achieved on film which impressed the store’s hierarchy, which was just as well as they are adamant that they would rather walk away from a project than compromise their beliefs. They have their own values on the kind of productions they make – it’s about telling the story of community and people.

VISION AND VALUES As Rory put it: “Say, just for argument’s sake, John Lewis had offered us the contract to make their glitzy TV ads for Christmas, we wouldn’t do it – even though it would mean turning down a lot of money. It’s not what we are about.”

The final video, entitled Forward Birmingham, features an array of people who live and work in Birmingham – medics, musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs – as they go about their daily lives, capturing their passion and pride in the city that they call home. Chris and Rory are both proud

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COMPANY TO WATCH

>> WHAT’S IN A NAME? Rory and Chris based the name of their company on the book Goodbye Blue Monday by American author Kurt Vonnegut, one of their favourite writers. The title reflects their ethos that work shouldn’t be a grind. “We truly believe life is what you make it and coming into work on a Monday morning should be exciting and a joy,” said Chris.

MEN IN SUITS: Rory, left, and Chris, right, with the rest of the team

Brummies born and bred. They came together through a chance encounter when Chris came for an interview at the company where Rory was working.

Both were freelancers – Rory had made lots of documentaries around the world while Chris was a photographer who wanted to become an editor. “I came in off the streets, completely unqualified for the role,” Chris, 25, remembers. “Rory helped show me the ropes of what it was all about.”

The pair quickly found they had a lot in common.

Both had dropped out of uni for a start – Rory claims that he pretty much had dropped out of school before that! They were also on the same page when it came to a passion for the kind of films they wanted to produce.

“All the people we work with have degrees and stuff,” said Chris. “We are the least qualified of everyone, but we think our passion has had real benefits in helping to make us unique and successful.

“The normal route into what we do is to come from uni and then try and get a job at the BBC. That’s what most people do. But we wanted to be in complete control of what we are doing and do things we believe in our way.”

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The pair started up the business in one of their apartments before moving to a studio ‘the size of a shoebox’ in the Jewellery Quarter. Six months ago they moved to their current home – ‘a massive space’ – in Jubilee Centre, Pershore Street which allows them to shoot and produce their own in-house work, while also letting friends use the space too. “We got our break in business, so it’s nice to be able to help them get theirs too,” said Rory. “It’s also a great place to relax with friends – it’s got its own bar!”

BIG CITY PLAN Current projects include working with the council on the Big City Plan, the blueprint which aims to revitalise the heart of Birmingham over the next 20 years. Over the next couple of months Blue Monday will be producing the first of a series of docu-videos about the scheme. Chris and Rory have drawn up a 12-month production plan for the city council which features blogs, news, publications and more on BCP. “It will be very much all about the community and people,” said Rory. “It’s a perfect example of what we do and what we love doing.” I

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BUSINESS

PLAY IT LIKE RORY! Fancy yourself as a golfing legend like Rory McIlroy? The Belfry Hotel and Resort is building on its Ryder Cup heritage by opening a mini golf course featuring some of the most iconic holes from courses to have hosted the famous matches between Europe and the USA. The 12hole Ryder Legends layout has nine holes from Ryder Cup history and three bonus holes to bring even more fun to the experience.

BUSINESS

NEWS

SAY HELLO TO THE CLASS OF 2016 Meet the latest group of young talent assembled by property specialists CPBigwood as part of their apprenticeship programme. Launched three years ago, the project is now delivering a conveyor belt of talent. Most of the apprentices are offered on-going employment at the end of their term. CPBigwood operates the scheme in partnership with Protocol Consultancy Services.

LEADERS HONOURED Two leading figures in Birmingham’s Asian Business Chamber of Commerce were awarded MBEs in the New Year Honours. Chairman Nasir Awan was honoured for services to business and international trade while vicepresident Aftab Chughtai was recognised for his work with business and community relations in Washwood Heath and Saltley.

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LISA NAMED UK TOP DESIGNER Midlands designer Lisa Melvin has been included in the inaugural edition of the d-list, a new initiative naming the UK’s top 20 brightest and best kitchen and bathroom talent.

Lisa, who is a regular expert contributor to Birmingham Living, has worked in the industry for more than 20 years and also publishes her own annual interiors magazine.

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BUSINESS

DOUBLE TRIUMPH FOR SIGMA

FIRST ELECTRIC CAR POWERS UP

Birmingham business outsource specialist Sigma

Drivers can now ‘unplug and go’ with the arrival of Co-wheels Birmingham’s first fully electric car. The community car club’s Nissan LEAF is based at Bournville Community Hub and costs £5.25 an hour to hire. It is the city’s first shared electric vehicle. Launched by Stirchley mumpreneur Sandra Green, the Birmingham-based social enterprise has grown from one car – Sandra’s own – to seven in two years with more than 70 members.

Financial Group has won two major industry awards for its work with the energy sector. A team of 90 specialists from the firm was named Energy Team of the Year at the Utilities and Telecoms Awards – beating the likes of British Gas and NPower. Sigma also won Outsourcing Partnership of the Year at the

ANGELA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Midlands Contact Centre Forum Awards.

TENNIS CLUB SMASHES RECORD Tennis lovers at Edgbaston Priory Club are emulating the exploits of Andy Murray and the British Davis Cup team with some mighty successes of their own. Six of the club’s tennis teams have won Aegon titles with a record number of promotions in local and regional leagues.

Sponsored by Calthorpe Estates, the club fields more than 80 teams from under-eights to over-60s.

Former commercial accountant Angela Yip has been cooking up a successful new business after swapping finance for food two years ago.

Angela from Sutton Coldfield set up Yipsy Macarons and has quickly established an impressive clients list which includes companies such as Apple, Malmaison, Pandora, Swarovski and HP. “There is nothing like opening the oven and finding you have made the perfect macaron,” she said.

BOSS JIM PROVES TEACHERS WRONG The Birmingham boss of budget brand Poundland revealed that teachers said he would “never make anything of his life” as he picked up a top university honour. Jim McCarthy was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham City University recognising his achievements in business at a ceremony at Symphony Hall. His 40-year career includes 10 as chief executive of operations for Wilehnhall-based Poundland.

MADE IT!: Jim McCarthy, centre, with university vice-chancellor Cliff Allan and chancellor Cllr Raymond Hassell

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BUSINESS

COCKTAIL KINGS RULE The owner of a restaurant in Kings Norton is celebrating two years of excellent trading by opening a new lounge cocktail bar – and promising further expansion in 2016. Bahar Ahmed launched Mahfil in Kings Norton in 2013. “Working with top mixologist Andy Hyman we’ve created a fantastic cocktail menu which works superbly with Indian tapas,” he said.

MIXING IT UP: Bar crew Telmo Luz, Hamed and Andy Hyman

LAW FIRM CHEQUES IN Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell presented cheques to its chosen charities – the Maria Watt Foundation and Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity – after raising more than £7,000. The firm has also expanded its commercial team with the appointment of Stewart Coles as an associate. He specialises in property transactions involving pension schemes.

HAND OVER: Div Singh, senior partner of Sydney Mitchell, with Eileen Rock of Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Diane Watt of the Maria Watt Foundation

HOSPITAL DEAL SIGNED A deal to build the new £430 million Midland Metropolitan Hospital has been signed by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. The contract with the Hospital Company – a Carillion Joint Venture – will see the hospital open in October 2018. Trust chairman Richard Samuda said: “This is a landmark day for the people of Sandwell and West Birmingham.”

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AIRPORT WINS NEW ROUTES Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, is launching a new route from Birmingham to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. The route starts on 28 March with two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays. The new service will be Wizz Air’s sixth route from Birmingham, joining Bucharest, Budapest, Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw.

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BUSINESS

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WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM BRUM Birmingham is evolving at an incredible pace. We must build on the great work started by developing collaboration between existing initiatives and supporting new growth

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Please introduce yourself I am Rebecca Simkiss, co-founder and joint managing director of award-winning recruitment firm SimkissGuy Recruitment. Birmingham born and bred, I’m passionate about supporting city talent and am also chair of BPS Birmingham Future and an ambassador for LoveBrum charity.

How do you feel your clients see the city?

With a number of head offices relocating here and strong social, retail and cultural offerings we’re interviewing more and more people from across the UK looking to make a permanent move to Birmingham. They see it as a dynamic and highly progressive place to do business.

What does your company do?

Does Birmingham offer any particular advantages as a destination for business?

We have five fantastic universities and a plethora of outstanding colleges on our doorstep. These bring a huge wealth of talented young people into the city with many choosing to stay and work after they graduate. As chair of Future, I’ve recently launched the Future Mentoring Academy to connect students and young professionals with senior leaders within the city.

SimkissGuy Recruitment is an independent office support and graduate recruitment consultancy based in the Colmore Business District. We work with a range of clients from professional services and SMEs to iconic local artsbased organisations.

Is Brum a good place to do business?

Definitely! It’s such a diverse and dynamic place. I’ve been working in Colmore Business District for 12 years and am amazed at how much it’s evolved during that time. I also believe it’s the people that make it such a good place to do business. Most are really supportive and keen to encourage positive growth. That’s one of the reasons SimkissGuy founded our four Colmore Clubs, to give people the chance to connect and build their own Rebecca Simkiss, supporting city talent networks of contacts within the city.

What are your biggest gripes with it?

I don’t believe we’re good enough at banging our own drum on a national scale. The recent architectural and retail developments have helped but I think many overlook the amazing things being done by organisations such as LoveBrum, BPS Birmingham and the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). With the expansion at Birmingham Airport we’re now competing with a global market, so we need to get better at not only shouting about our successes but also looking at ways in which we can all better collaborate.

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What should our priorities be as a city?

Birmingham is evolving at an incredible pace and we must continue and build on the great work already started. Good examples of this are developing an atmosphere of collaboration between existing initiatives and supporting new business growth, and the continued investment in infrastructure. We also need to create a real sense of civic pride.

If you had £1bn to spend on improving Brum what would you do with it?

Continue building on the street cleaning initiatives the BIDs have begun – it helps to create a sense of pride among the people who work here. Anyone who knows me knows that I love my shoes and there’s nothing more frustrating than tripping on uneven pavements! On a more serious note, I would also continue investment in creating a transport system to be proud of – enabling people to move around the city easier – whatever their footwear! I

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RECEPTION LAUNCHES LANDMARK EXHIBITION Enchanted Dreams at BMAG features works of art by Edward Robert Hughes irmingham Museum and Art Gallery hosted a special reception to mark the exhibition of the work of Edward Robert Hughes.

Enchanted Dreams runs until the end of February and includes masterpieces such as Midsummer Eve and Night with her Train of Stars as well as paintings, drawings and photographs by Hughes, his family and friends from public and private collection around the world. I

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1 Serena Trowbridge, Charlotte Newman, Anna Lawrence. 2 Graham Allen, mayor Cllr Ray Hassell, Jo Smith. 3 Henrietta Lockhart, Jane Howell, Sarah Hayes, Robert Neil. 4 Deborah Rose and band. 5 Colin Simpson, Charles Nugent, Rupert Maas.

6 Chris Maher, Gemma Hadley. 7 Cllr Carl Rice, Dee Currys. 8 Toby Watley.

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SPLASH AND DASH FOR MEN IN THE FAST LANE 4

Historic Morgan teams up with Gruhme to launch new fragrance egendary Midlands car company Morgan launched a new fragrance in partnership with local premier men’s brand Gruhme at an event held at the Hotel du Vin. Guests included fashion model Harry Rowley, Leacy Classics, Britain’s Got Talent finalists The Neales and classic car enthusiasts from across the region. Morgan is world famous for its handcrafted cars while Gruhme has been making a name for itself since being launched by entrepreneur Rob Hallmark in the Jewellery Quarter.

Gruhme was Birmingham Living’s Company To Watch in September. I

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1 Robert Hallmark, Jonathan Ratcliff, Jon Wells. 2 Anita Champaneri, Lara Darby, Leah Naipaul. 3 Laurie and Joanne Neale, Dan Neale.

4 Mr Z Gig, Harry Rowley, Frankie Tsang. 5 Bryan Manley-Green, Jonathan Carter, Jenny Ratcliff. 6 Alan Sharman, PJ Ellis, Jenny Eason.

7 Matt Roden, Gary Cardin, Selwyn Rowley. 8 Lisa Barrett, Ryan Dean-Corke, Tom Collen.

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TOP DUO LEADING FROM THE FRONT Chief execs in creative conversation as guests enjoy BRB’s The Nutcracker irmingham Hippodrome’s chief executive Fiona Allan and her counterpart at Birmingham Royal Ballet, Jan Teo, came together in creative conversation enjoyed by a gathering of guests at the Leading Ladies. The reception was followed by a performance of BRB’s The Nutcracker. Guests were given beautifully presented treats from Yipsy Macarons in thanks for their support for Leading Ladies throughout the year. The evening raised £1,000 for Hippodrome CREATIVE, the education, access and outdoor arts programme, bringing the annual total raised

by Leading Ladies to a fantastic £15,000. I

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1 Gill Hibberd, Karen Dodd, Polly Brookes, Zoe Allen. 2 Beth Rose, Surbjit Balu. 3 Jane Teo, Fiona Allan, Helga Henry. 4 Sonia Hall, Helen Dyke.

5 Jackie Bullock, Claire Beedon. 6 Katie Smart, Sarah Riding, Victoria Hall-Sturt, Gemma Walker, Lesley Wilde. 7 Anita Hennessey, Keeley Howard, Tracey Howard, Kimberly Kong. 8 Gemma Campbell, Saba Iqbal, Natasha Walkden, Ruth Pipkin, Emma Davenport, Eman Al-Hillawi.

9 Stacey Batigan, Preetika Parekh, Danielle Hook, Tammy Paleari, Kate Clarke, Michelle Lister . Photography by Vivienne Bailey

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LORDS LIFT-OFF FOR CITY DANCE FESTIVAL 4

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Birmingham’s signature event will be bigger and better than ever for 2016 he 2016 Birmingham International Dance Festival was officially launched by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome at a reception at the House of Lords. The event was hosted by the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Rev David Urquhart, in his capacity as a trustee of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust. Since its launch in 2008, the festival has become a signature event for Birmingham.

This year’s festival from 1 to 22 May will feature leading international dance companies on the city’s stages and in civic squares and streets. I

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1 Rosie Kay, David Massingham, Aakash Odedra, Fiona Allan, Corey Baker. 2 Carnette Richardson-Jacquet, Piali Ray, Hannah Sharpe.

3 Jon Bentley, Judith Greenburgh. 4 Aakash Odedra, Jeanette Siddall. 5 Bishop of Birmingham David Urquhart. 6 Dawn Prentice, Rosie Kay, Roxana Silbert. 7 Neil Webb, Corey Baker, David Massingham, Clare Lewis. 8 Kevin Johnson, Val Birchall, David Mead.

9 Martin Guest, Joanne Malin, Carnette Richardson-Jacquet, Malcolm McGivan, Louise Teboul.

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‘MR RADIO’ RECEIVES LIFETIME ACCOLADE Club bestows highest honour on champion of airwaves Ed roadcaster Ed Doolan of BBC WM 95.6FM was inducted as an Honorary Life Member of Birmingham Press Club at its 150th anniversary lunch. The event, sponsored by Hollywood Monster and supported by Deliveroo, was attended by 130 guests who were shown a video tribute to Ed by Brummie comedian Jasper Carrott. Ed earned a reputation as the ‘People’s Champion’, pioneering social action broadcasting, becoming one of the most-listened-to presenters and a member of the Radio Hall of Fame.

Entertainment came from comedian Andy White of Birmingham’s Glee Club. I

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1 Kay Alexander, Brian Conway, Melissa Dickinson. 2 Chris Mair, Wayne Taylor, Jo Jeffries, Matt Roberts. 3 Llewela Bailey, John Lamb, Lord Mayor Cllr Ray Hassall, Ed James, Fred Bromwich. 4 Ed James, Tim Andrews. 5 Ed Doolan, Ed James. 6 Clive Reeves, Llewela Bailey, Sonya Bell, Kevin Pashby. 7 Jerry Johns, John James, Terry Field, Gerry Armes. 8 Jenny Wilkes, Helen Stevens, Neil Pountney, Matt Taylor, Dawn Roberts. 9 John Duckers, Peter Mathews, Hazel Horton-Peppercorn, John Lamb, David Dunckley.

Photography by Ian Tennant

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PARTY TIME AS MAHFIL UNVEILS COCKTAIL BAR 4

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Restaurant marks second birthday in style with help of loyal customers ahfil in Kings Norton celebrated its second birthday with the opening of a new cocktail lounge bar and a party for loyal customers.

Restaurant owner Bahar Ahmed said: “The launch of the first-floor cocktail bar is such an exciting expansion for us. The local community has been incredibly supportive since we first launched and I’m delighted so many were able to join us at the opening party.” I

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1 Jo Williams, Hellen Rosser, Tracy Nightingale, Lindsey Webb, Rachel Fraser. 2 David Andrews, Mani and Chan Aujla.

3 Roy and Caroline Tyler, Cathy Hudson. 4 Ken and Barbara Wood. 5 Monty and Lima Powell. 6 Ann and Allan Walmsley, | Francis and Jane Healy. 7 Brian and Serena Burns, Richard and Tracy Mason. 8 Allan Hudson, Sarah and Tony Perrott.

9 Stuart Yorke-Brooks, Bahar Ahmed, Tony Chowla.

Photography by Andrew Llewellyn

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PLENTY OF YO-HO-HO ON SHOW AT THE REP Pirate-themed reception previews theatre’s Treasure Island production washbuckling buccaneers, pirates and buried gold were the order of the day at a special event to celebrate Treasure Island coming to the Rep. VIPs, press and bloggers were invited to enjoy the production of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, as well as being treated to a pirate-themed welcome reception with food, drink and entertainment. I

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1 Jonnie Turpie, Toby Salt, Colin Diamond, Maisie Turpie. 2 Ruth Pipkin, Philip Singleton, Lara Ratnaraja. 3 Chris Sudworth, Scott Ritchie, Tony Blackburn, Gaynor Cheshire. 4 Henrik Court, Marta Hostynska. 5 Linda and David Firman. 6 Martyn, Michael and Jayne Wakeman. 7 Adrian Gibbs, Lisa Williams. 8 Grantley and Serena Arthur. 9 Jennie Dale, Ryan Green.

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WHAT: Lady Leshurr – Queen Of The Scene Tour WHEN: 6 March WHERE: O2 Academy Birmingham, tel 0121 622 8250 The Queen of the new skool rap game and Birmingham Living cover girl is setting the net ablaze and raising the bar for female rap artists.

WHAT: Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty WHEN: 9 to 13 February WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel 0844 338 5000

WHAT: Jim Davidson: Charlton Nil

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

WHEN: 19 February

A dazzling production with sumptuous sets and costumes. Combined with evocative lighting and masterly storytelling this is a truly wonderful show.

WHERE: Palace Theatre Redditch, tel 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk The people’s favourite and one of Britain’s most popular comedians takes to the road with his brand new show.

WHAT: Crufts 2016 WHEN: 10 to 13 March

WHAT: Half Term Fun

WHERE: Birmingham NEC, tel 0844 338 0338

WHEN: 15 to 19 February

www.crufts.org.uk

WHERE: Botanical Gardens, tel 0121 454 1860

Celebrating 125 years of Crufts – the world’s biggest dog event returns with more than 400 stands and a packed arena programme that honours the very finest examples of man’s best friend.

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

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Story time, craft activities, trails and more. Super fun for all the family as well as the awesome glasshouses and beautiful gardens to enjoy.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Heather Small WHEN: 17 February WHERE: The Jam House, tel 0121 200 3030 www.thejamhouse.com Millions of record sales, two Brit Awards and a Mercury Music Prize. Add an unofficial national anthem into the mix and you have one of the most successful female recording artists of recent years.

WHAT: The 39 Steps WHEN: 29 February to 5 March

WHAT: Davis Cup, GB vs Japan

WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel 0121 245 2024

WHEN: 4 to 6 March

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

WHERE: Barclaycard Arena, tel 0844 338 8000

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller is brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the stage as this smash-hit, Olivier Award-winning comedy comes to The Rep after nine years in London’s West End.

www.theticketfactory.com Having secured Davis Cup victory for the first time in 79 years, team GB kicks off the 2016 campaign with a mouth-watering tie against Japan.

Nishikori vs Murray in front of 9,000 screaming fans. Awesome.

WHAT: Ed Byrne: Outside, Looking In WHEN: 19 February WHERE: Town Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk The Irish comedian that we all love (no, not the bald one; the other one) returns with a new show full of anecdotes and observational humour that will tickle you pink.

WHAT: CBSO Shostakovich’s Fifteenth WHEN: 9 March WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk An opera that launched a pop song, a symphony out of time, and a new rhapsody in blue… The young Birmingham conductor Alpesh Chauhan has a flair for fantasy, and this concert is drenched in it.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: George Benson & Stevie Wonder Party with Nat Augustin WHEN: 26 February WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk An amazing tribute night to two iconic artists with a celebration of all their top hits. The Greatest Love of All, Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely.... oh my word! Includes an after-show disco.

WHAT: Russell Howard Round The World Tour WHEN: 17 March

WHAT: Flashlight: Hearts & Crosses

WHERE: Genting Arena, tel 0844 338

WHEN: 11 February

8000 www.ticketfactory.com

WHERE: The Old Rep Theatre, tel 0121 605 5116

His previous sell-out international tour saw him entertain 285,000 fans at 40 shows across the UK and Ireland as well as sold-out runs in the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Now he’s back with a cracking new show.

www.oldreptheatre.org.uk An exciting evening of eight short stories told by eight storytellers, full of real life love and loss. Hosted by the lively Gavin Young, this troupe is defining the real art of true life telling so prepare to get emotional.

WHAT: The ELO Experience WHEN: 3 March WHERE: New Alexandra Theatre,

WHAT: Southside celebrates Chinese New Year

tel 0844 8713011

WHEN: 7 February

www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

WHERE: The Arcadian www.enjoysouthside.co.uk or

The world’s foremost tribute to ELO pop into Brum with a sensational string section and a stunning light show as they perform some of the finest tracks every recorded.

www.cnybirmingham.org.uk

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Southside will once again play host to the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations with traditional music, lion dancers, acrobats, market stalls and a fairground.

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WHAT’S ON WHAT: Roachford WHEN: 16 March WHERE: Glee Club Birmingham, tel 0871 472 0400 www.glee.co.uk/birmingham Fresh from supporting the Mike & The Mechanics Tour, the fantastic soul singer/songwriter hits the road with his new Encore album.

WHAT: Black Country Voyages at the Black Country Living Museum WHEN: 13 to 18 February WHERE: Ikon Gallery, tel 0121 248 0708 www.blackcountryvoyages.org This awesome joint venture between Ikon and BCLM takes place on board a canal boat and provides an inspirational art programme for local people, involving members of the Ikon Youth Programme. Contact either Ikon or BCLM for more details.

WHAT: Morgan & West’s Utterly

WHAT: Mary Poppins

Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show

WHEN: 9 March to 23 April

WHEN: 21 February

WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome,

WHERE: mac Birmingham, tel 0121

tel 0844 338 5000

446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Also very suitable for childish grown-ups.

Time-travelling Victorian magic duo Morgan & West unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility with a mountain of mysterious magic.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh present the multi award-winning musical – the magical story of the world’s favourite nanny. Starring Zizi Strallen and Matt Lee.

WHAT: Hamlet WHEN: 12 March to 13 August WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, tel 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk Hamlet has the world at his feet. Young, wealthy and living a hedonistic life studying abroad. Then word reaches him that his father is dead. Simon Godwin directs Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare’s searing tragedy.

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IN THE CITY I love the way that some areas of the city are totally reinventing themselves, with Digbeth being the classic example. Loads of interesting, independent traders giving the place a completely new identity

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I am Chris Connolly, managing director of Connollys Wine Merchants, an independent wine merchants carefully selecting and shipping wines from all over the world to Birmingham. We have been family owned and run since 1976 and are located near St Paul’s Square in the famous Jewellery Quarter and on Dovehouse Parade, Solihull.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? As a long-term cycle commuter, I am now, tragically, finding myself driving into work far too often. But 2016 will definitely see me back on my bike, dodging the traffic again.

No, really…

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write, rumours abound regarding its re-opening – so we’re keeping fingers crossed!

LUNCHTIME? We are really fortunate to have Peel & Stone just around the corner which is brilliant for a sandwich or salad ‘al desko’. Alternatively, a quick stroll down to the Pickled Piglet is always to be recommended.

POWERWALKING? Why walk when you’ve got a bike?

Some of my best ideas have been dreamed up as I’m cycling home at night.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? HOW’S THE COMMUTE? I love the way that some areas of the Driving is tedious and frustrating, city are totally reinventing themselves, cycling is fun and sets you up for the with Digbeth being the classic day – so the sooner I’m back in the example. Loads of really interesting, Wine merchant Chris Connolly saddle the better! independent traders giving the place a completely new identity.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? Connollys has been keeping Brummies well-watered AFTERWORK PINT? since my great grandfather set up shop in what is now We’ve recently moved to Moseley so we’re a bit spoiled Supercuts on the corner of New Street and Pinfold Street. for decent watering holes. Being within walking distance I’ve never really worked anywhere else, and in all my time of The Prince is actually quite dangerous! here I have never known the city to be as vibrant as it is currently. There is such a buzz about the place and in HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? terms of eating and drinking it really has been a complete The bombsite car park opposite our Livery Street store has transformation. been crying out for development ever since Herbert Manzoni took his wrecking ball to the city in the 1960s. If the current COFFEE BREAK? plans for the site come to fruition it will link up the city and We were saddened to lose Brewsmiths recently which the Jewellery Quarter and breathe life into a much neglected was always our first port of call on the coffee front but, as I part of the city centre. (Fingers tightly crossed!) I

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