Birmingham Living February 2022 (issue 109)

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February 2022

CELEBRITY CHEF

ALDO ZILLI

MAMMOTH STAR

DARRYL MUNDOMA

LOVESTRUCK STYLE

BEAUTIFUL BRIDES

EDGBASTON PRIORY’S

MATT RAWNSLEY

BEHIND THE MASKS

VAMOS THEATRE COMPANY

STEWART LEE

Snowflakes, tornados and the making of the 'world’s greatest stand-up’

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EDITOR’S VIEW

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here are places around the world that hold a special personal magic in the lives of people. The first memorable trip abroad as a child, a getaway where a friendship blossomed into something more (it is Valentine’s month after all!), a sunny destination which brought the family together, a city café watching the world go by. I certainly have one or two such destinations held in my heart which I try to go back to when I can. I’m sure you do too.

The pandemic put an end to all that, of course. Ever-changing, draconian travel restrictions here in the UK and around the globe made it all but impossible to revisit those favourite haunts – or discover new ones. Many industries have been hit during the past couple of years since Covid arrived, but none more so than the travel and airline businesses.

But, finally there seems to be light at the end of the runway. The recent easing of travel restrictions announced by the Government linked to the drop in Covid case numbers is encouraging a rush in halfterm and summer holiday bookings and seeing families return to the departure halls of airport, such as Birmingham. A number of holiday companies are even reporting bookings are returning to pre-Covid levels, rising by as much as 200 per cent week-on-week. That’s great news all-round, none more so than for our airport and its workers.

At the height of the pandemic, airport CEO Nick Barton saw the bottom fall out of the passenger business, with volumes dropping by more than 99 per cent over one, three-month period. The result was unavoidable cuts to the airport’s workforce and a knock-on effect to the regional economy.

Let’s keep fingers crossed that this is all now behind us and we can travel the world again with growing confidence. Now… where did I put that French phrase book?

s n h o J d i v Da

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

Cover image:

/bhamliving

FINALIST

Stewart Lee by Idil Sukan

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, 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

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INSIDE

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Highlights

Stewart Lee

Dubbed ‘the greatest living stand-up’, Solihull’s finest talks comedy in Brum

The Masked Actors Telling stories that need to be told, Rachael Savage and the Vamos Theatre Company

Food & Drink Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli reveals his food secrets, plus news and romantic wine picks

Health Chill out and get fit the Pilates way, plus join the campaign to beat a killer disease

Style for Brides Love is in the air, so our buyers have been out and about looking for ‘The Dress’ for you…

Homes Trends, tips and toppers! All you need to turn your bedroom into a super sleeping beauty

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CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

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Motoring

There’s a new kid on block by the name of GENESIS. Sue Cooke discovers what all the fuss is about…

Young, Gifted & Brummie Meet actor Darryl Mundoma from the film Christmas Number One and BBC1 comedy Mammoth Company to Watch A top UK award is just the latest highlight for an independent adding sparkle to the JQ

Business News News, views, comings and goings from the commercial community, plus Social Scene

What’s On News from the city’s top shows and gigs in our round-up of events taking place this month

Up Close With Matt Rawnsley, the former professional cricketer, now CEO of Edgbaston Priory Club

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NEWS

IT’S CARNIVAL TIME!

Harborne Street Carnival – the UK`s second largest behind Notting Hill – will be making its long-awaited return on Sunday 26 June, marking its 25th anniversary. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions. The carnival attracts crowds of up to 70,000 visitors who enjoy a day of family fun with live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, fairground rides, local community and charity stalls and more.

NEWS

BRINGING YOU THE BRIGHTEST AND MOST COLOURFUL STORIES FROM ACROSS THE CITY EACH MONTH

BEYOND BEYONCÉ

THE GREEN LINE Trains on the new HS2 line will be powered using 100 per cent zero carbon electricity generation. The commitment from day one is part of a pledge to make the project net zero carbon from 2035, with targets of diesel-free construction sites and major reductions in carbon emissions from the steel and concrete used to build the railway. Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said: “HS2’s vital role in reducing carbon emissions is often overlooked.”

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A dramatic new artwork has been created by the Royal Shakespeare Company to mark the upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing. Created by Àsìkò, a leading UK-based Nigerian conceptual artist, the artwork features Michael Balogun and Akiya Henry who play Benedick and Beatrice, pictured in costumes designed by Melissa Simon-Hartman whose West African and West Indian-inspired designs recently featured in a Beyoncé music video. Much Ado About Nothing is at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 4 February to 12 March.

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CITY OF FOOD Offering so much more than just a Balti, Birmingham has been named one of the best holiday destinations for foodies. The accolade comes from the authoritative Condé Nast Traveller magazine which notes that the city is bursting with top eateries, boasting the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in any UK city outside of London, including Simpsons, Purnell’s and Carters of Moseley.

WE’RE SO SLYTHERIN… NOBODY IN MOTION Birmingham Hippodrome Associates Motionhouse will perform its criticallyacclaimed production of Nobody for two shows only on Friday 4 February, marking the company’s first performances at the theatre since 2018. Nobody world premiered to packed houses in London in September with Motionhouse’s high-energy dance-circus style. Louise Richards, Motionhouse’s executive director, said: “After such a difficult time with the pandemic, it’s great to be back on tour and to be getting such an amazing response to our work.”

How Harry Potter do you feel? A UK map has been drawn up to reveal which Hogwarts House we belong to – and for us Brummies our city has been designated as Slytherin, whose characteristics included resourcefulness, leadership ambition… and cunning! The results were achieved using data obtained by Lost Universe, the online film and TV merchandiser, which looked at more than 58,000 average monthly Harry Potter House searches. So, now we know!

TIGER TIME

The Chinese New Year is set to be greeted in style with a day of free performances to mark the Year of the Tiger in the city on Saturday 5 February. The traditional lion dance will feature in processions through the Bullring and Grand Central, as well as a packed programme featuring fan dancers, shaolin monks and face-changing dancers. The events are being produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and supported by the Chinese Festival Committee and Chinese Community Centre. More details at: www.bullring.co.uk

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NEWS

AIRBASE CHALLENGE People of all ages are being asked to get active in the New Year by signing up for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Airbase Challenge. Hundreds of supporters took part in last year’s event which was launched as part of the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations. They ran, walked, cycled and swam their way to fundraise more than £65,000. The event runs until the end of May, with participants able to complete the challenge in any 30-day period. Details: midlandsairambulance.com/airbasechallenge

TAKING ROOT Bar Zero Environmental Group in Barford has planted a native hedgerow for its community, providing a visual barrier and shelter for wildlife and capturing CO2 from emissions. The hedgerow is on land at Oldham’s Bank between the A429 and the river Avon. The Group was given a grant towards the cost of planting by Warwickshire County Council’s Green Shoots Fund, while J and A Growers, Wasperton supplied the young hedging plants free of charge.

COLLECTIVE EFFORT

PASSING THE BATON The search is on to find 2,022 batonbearers to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay at this summer’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Organisers are looking for nominees aged 12 and over who have a unique and inspiring story. To mark the batonbearer launch a special mural by street artist Gent 48, aka Josh Billingham, was unveiled by Paralympian Kadeena Cox and local ‘Hometown Heroes’, boxing coach Haseebah Abdullah and Asian women’s cricket team founder Salma Bi at Navigation Street.

THE NEW OSMONDS

BMet is supporting the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as Official Further Education College Provider. The partnership will see BMet provide space for the training of more than 13,000 volunteers, the Commonwealth Collective, helping to ensure the Games run smoothly. Pat Carvalho, principal and CEO at BMet, pictured with Games mascot Perry, said: “We pride ourselves on being very much part of our city and this partnership builds on our links with the community.”

Crazy Horses, Puppy Love, Long Haired Lover From

Liverpool… if these hits from the 70s get your feet tapping, a world premiere at the Alexandra theatre is a must-have ticket. THE OSMONDS: A New Musical with story by Jay Osmond tells how the five young brothers from Utah went on to create smash hits, selling more than 100 million records worldwide and winning 59 gold and platinum awards. The dates for your diary are 25 to 29 October.

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NEWS

FABULOUS 40

Phoenix Dance Theatre is celebrating 40 years with performances of a range of work from across the company’s illustrious history. Touring from February to May, including local dates at the Forum Theatre, Malvern on 15 February and Birmingham Rep on 12 March, the programme includes Heart of Chaos which captures the spirit of a colossal boxing figure who challenged segregated sport and white America in the era of Jim Crow and the Jazz Age.

DANCE CHANCE A project which has provided free training to thousands of children with a talent for dance celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022. And Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Dance Track is inviting everyone who has been through its programme to a special spring celebration.

Nine-year-old Joshua McKenzie, pictured with seven-year-old sister Kimora, was five when he was offered a place on Dance Track and has now danced in BRB’s latest production of the Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Contact dancetrack@brb.org.uk

SPECTACLE OF LIGHT

A night of wonder and magic is set to light up the Midlands. Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park is hosting a Spectacle of Light from 11 February to 6 March, featuring an illuminated woodland trail, stunning light installations, a walk through a changing Light Curve, a Carpet of Colour on the main lawn and sparkling light beams across the lake. All while sampling mulled wine, hot chocolate and hot food. More details at: www.comptonverney.org.uk

FOLLOWING FLOELLA

Birmingham Rep has announced revised dates for the world premiere of Coming to England, the stage adaptation by David Wood of Baroness Floella Benjamin’s awardwinning book. The show, originally scheduled before Christmas but delayed by the pandemic, will now run from 31 March to 16 April. The production follows the true story of Floella’s life after leaving Trinidad as a 10-year-old for England and her journey to becoming a TV personality, successful businesswoman and Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.

BEAT THE DRUM Drum roll please… Japan’s world-famous drummers are beating a path to Brum.

Celebrating their 40th anniversary, Kodo brings the spectacular Taiko drumming troupe to Symphony Hall on 13 February.

Kodo One Earth Tour 2022: Tsuzumi features a breath-taking, choreographed exploration of the traditional Japanese drum to

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

february 2022

commemorate the milestone year. The programme features iconic pieces coupled with compositions created in recent years.

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COVER STORY

Photography by Idil Sukan

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COVER STORY

STAND-UP AND BE COUNTED STEWART LEE GREW UP IN SOLIHULL AND DISCOVERED HIS LOVE FOR

COMEDY IN THE THEATRES, HALLS AND CLUBS OF BIRMINGHAM. DAVID JOHNS CAUGHT UP WITH THE MAN DUBBED ‘THE GREATEST LIVING STAND-UP’ AS HIS LONG-AWAITED NEW SHOW HITS THE HIPPODROME f you’re lucky enough to be in the audience of the man who The Times calls “the world’s greatest living stand-up” on Sunday 13 February, you might just be in for a sweet surprise!

Solihull’s finest, Stewart Lee, is making his longawaited appearance at the Hippodrome after delays and postponements due to Covid, and he says he is tempted to shower the audience with confectionery. “Thoroughly sterilised, of course!” he adds.

Crazy? Maybe! But Stewart is looking forward to returning to the place where, as a kid, he watched panto and enjoyed all the wacky treats that come the audience’s way from some of theatre’s most colourful characters. (Mind you, we’re pretty sure that the idea of lobbing a pick ’n’ mix of Quality Street, Heroes, Celebrations or whatever into the stalls was said with tongue firmly in cheek!)

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WOMBLES OF BINGLEY HALL What is certain is that Stewart’s Snowflake/Tornado show, delayed from last year, will delight fans and bring back memories of early years in Brum when his love of both music and comedy were formed. “The first music I ever saw was all in Birmingham, obviously,” said Stewart.

“I saw the Wombles live at Bingley Hall in about 1973, which was where Symphony Hall is now, and it turns out years later that inside the suits were some pretty amazing musicians – Chris

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Spedding for Colosseum and the Sex Pistols, Clem Cattini from the Tornados, Robin Le Mesurier, and the bassist from Lou Reed's first solo album. The first gig I ever went to under my own steam was Madness at the same venue in 1981, which was brilliant, although when I met Chas Smash from Madness he said all he could remember was loads of Nazi skinheads Sieg Heiling! Strange times to be a teenager.”

The comedian, writer and director, who was one half of the radio duo Lee and Herring, alongside Richard Herring in the mid-90s, says he first knew he wanted to be a comedian after seeing Ted Chippington, an early anti-comedian, at the old Powerhouse in Hurst Street. “He made me think stand-up could be whatever you wanted it to be and I would never have thought I could do it if I hadn’t seen him.” He added: “I also saw lots of pantomimes as a kid with my gran in Birmingham and was lucky enough to catch the final outings of lots of old music hall and variety stars doing their bits in pantos – the Crazy Gang, and Jimmy Jewell’s stooge Eli Woods. I even saw Max Wall doing Krapp’s Last Tape at the Mac. “Most of the comedy I saw was opening for bands, as the early alternative comics did in those days –Phil Jupitas supporting Billy Bragg, and Peter Richardson from the Comic Strip opening for Brum legends Dexys Midnight Runners at the Hippodrome. Dexys just get better with age and I am going to see them in 2022, 40 years and one day

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COVER STORY

after I first saw them. It was very brave in those days for a Brum band to so conspicuously own its Irish connections.”

Stewart went on: “A big thing for me was somehow seeing a performance artist called Anthony Howell at the Art Gallery in about 1984.

He moved furniture around for an hour, first with the lights on, and then in the dark. I started off thinking it was stupid and by the end thought it was brilliant. I think it was a big influence on my own work to this day. It was called Table Moves.

Maybe one day I will get fit enough to move furniture and ask him if I can revive it!”

TAKING THE X50 BUS Stewart says his love of theatre beyond comedy also came as a teenager “taking the X50 bus to Stratford-upon-Avon for the £5 standing seats and seeing loads of Shakespeare that really inspired me”. And an interest in art was born from seeing Nicholas Monro’s statue of King Kong in Manzoni Gardens – both of which are gone now. He says: “I wrote a film about the statue and Birmingham punk band the Nightingales, called King Rocker, which is out on DVD soon. I liked Trewin Copplestone’s relief bull sculptures on the old Bullring but I think they are now lost too. And the Ansells sign in Digbeth that filled up with illuminated beer. Now I realise Birmingham is full of amazing public art – the Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows in the cathedral for example.

I don’t think I really appreciated the city properly when it was my home.”

MENTAL FISSURES Like all of us, Covid has proved a huge challenge to Stewart and his comedian wife, Bridget Christie with his scheduled 2019/2020 tour on hold for two years. “I lived off savings, now disappearing,” he says. “Hopefully it will all be up and running in 2022. We were lucky. We had a home and weren’t in immediate jeopardy. I did the home-schooling in the first half of lockdown and Bridget actually achieved a lot with various writing jobs she has never had time to finish properly before.

“But although we were all physically ok,

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lockdown, for everyone I think, exposes a lot of mental fissures that none of us have properly made sense of yet. And I think everyone is dangerously disillusioned with the government, even people that voted for them.”

Stewart has a reputation for going into areas which can be challenging and controversial but he makes no apologies. Asked if it is important that any of his projects make a statement of some kind, he says: “Increasingly, yes, as it seems an incredible privilege to be allowed to talk, against the odds, and I am increasingly aware that people do find a degree of comfort in the work, although I understand that sounds like a messianic delusion.

“Lots of comedians can’t afford to ‘say’ anything and the current culture secretary Nadine Dorries has made explicit her opposition to comedy that comments on politics. It would be problematic for someone’s career to say liberal things in the current climate. I have huge admiration for a lot of young online comics – Rosie Holt, Alasdair Beckett-King – who do liberal political stuff even though currently it represents a mild form of career suicide.”

REDUCED TO TEARS So, what makes Stewart laugh and who are his personal heroes? “The comedians that can reduce me to tears are Northern Ireland’s Kevin MacAleer, Harry Hill and unsung genius Simon Munnery, but Daniel Kitson, Nish Kumar and my wife Bridget also switch my brain on and make me laugh,” he says.

And what gives him the greatest enjoyment and satisfaction – comedy, writing, music?

“Stand-up comedy is the best,” he says.

“Something where there is the least amount of other people to deal with, where you can make changes in the moment in a reactive way, where the transactional relationship with the audience seems honest and immediate and uncontrived, and where the rewards are instant. But who knew that basing your career on people coming to a room would end up being so difficult!” I

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COVER STORY

For more details about Stewart Lee’s Snowflake/Tornado at Birmingham Hippodrome on 13 February, go to: birminghamhippodrome.com

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FEATURE

NO WORDS VAMOS FOUNDER RACHAEL SAVAGE ON TELLING THE TOUGH STORIES THAT NEED TO BE TOLD THROUGH THE POWER OF MASKED THEATRE

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FEATURE

he latest production from Midlands-based masked theatre Vamos is called Dead Good, the theme of which is end of life. ‘Chirpy’ you might think, but actually after much research – literally years – the result is a wonderfully empathetic celebration of life and choice. The theatre’s founder, Rachael Savage has never shied away from tough topics previously tackling subjects such as PTSD and forced adoption along with many others.

During the pandemic a show titled Love Through Double Glazing was performed through 3mm of glass to ‘the most cruelly treated humans in our society’ by which Rachael means staff and residents in care homes.

The work was full of engagement, love, tears and laughter and Rachael describes it as one of the most important shows she’s made in her decades-long career.

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CULTURE IN QUARANTINE Full mask theatre isn’t a new idea – in fact Rachael took her first steps into the genre 33 years ago at Trestle Theatre. Sixteen years ago, she launched her own company and Vamos was born. The shows are entirely wordless and highly visual, making them accessible to the deaf community as well as being truly global – there are no language barriers to consider, so Vamos performs all over the world.

Covid restrictions sent some productions online, performing to audiences in China via Zoom for example, but generally as a company Vamos has been lucky during the pandemic says Rachael. As well as being able to perform online, Rachael applied for a BBC Culture in Quarantine commission in 2020 which was successful.

Twenty-five projects in total were selected in the BBC’s mission to bring the arts to UK homes despite venue closures and strict lockdowns. Beating off 1,600 applicants, the Vamos project was based on a collection of shorts posted on social media at the beginning of lockdown titled Ryan In Isolation which were expanded to create a 21-part series.

TOP TALENT I wrongly thought you wouldn’t necessary need top actors to perform fully masked. Rachael says quite the opposite is true: “If you’re a poor actor, the mask magnifies it. You need particularly strong naturalistic actors to get the message across. Mask technique such as economy, clarity of thought and sharing of thought are

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FEATURE

Rachael spent time in two local hospices – Mary Stevens and St Richard’s which were ‘hand on heart surprising and life changing’. Rachael recalls: “I walked in and it was noisy, there was laughter and a drinks cabinet with every kind of gin.” The nurses and doctors Rachael met were generous and genuine and there was a feeling of anything’s possible. For instance, one patient loved horses, so in his final days, horses were brought to his window. Another patient wanted to get married on Valentine’s Day and the staff made it happen.

LIFTING THE MASK: Vamos founder Rachael Savage has never shied away from tough topics

essential.” Despite being wordless there is a script, but the actors are running through it in their head. Rachael adds: “The audience works hard to interpret and meets the actors halfway. It’s intellectual and engaging.”

When Dr Maggie Keeble suggested end of life as a theme for a show which ultimately became Dead Good, Rachael’s initial reaction was ‘no way’. Having lost a friend aged 27, Rachael felt she didn’t want to go there and certainly didn’t need to research grief. But the more she explored the idea with Maggie the more she felt it was a story that needed to be told. Rather than a depressing tale of death and grief, Dead Good is about choice and love and relationships.

DEAD GOOD For information and tickets visit Vamostheatre.co.uk

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ON A MISSION At St Richard’s there was a group called Men’s Space – a bit like ante-natal classes where female friendship based on a shared situation blossom. Rachael met Nick and Pete who had bonded at the hospice and who became involved with the show. Nick helped with the script and they both came to rehearsals. “Nick and Pete had an outrageous sense of humour and wanted to be involved. They added warmth. It’s positive, funny and poignant.” Sadly, Nick and Pete died before seeing the final show, but they always asked if that happened could they have two empty chairs at a performance.

Vamos’s mission states ‘we aim to transform lives through the empathy and connection of full mask theatre’ and ‘mask theatre taps directly into the power of empathy and encourages awareness of our shared human experiences in an increasingly isolating world.’

It feels so relevant. In times of hardship the arts come into their own – we’ve seen that throughout the pandemic, and we need the escape and entertainment more than ever. If you get an opportunity to see Dead Good, well happy days. I

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FOOD & DRINK

ALDO ZILLI The celebrity chef has just been named the new brand ambassador of Lucarelli, the restaurant in the Mailbox carving out a reputation for truly authentic Italian cuisine. So, we got up close and personal…

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CHEF’S CORNER

Tell us about your cooking

What do you eat at home?

There are two key things for me in my cooking.

Seasons are important and freshness is important.

Simple methods are what Italian food is known for, but to achieve great Italian food you must have the very best, freshest ingredients. My style is very regional as ‘Italian food’ actually doesn’t really exist in Italy.

I love to sit round with the family and my kids, and I like my wife to cook – ideally on a Sunday. We eat a lot of fish and sea food. My kids favourite though is my macaroni cheese. They love to tuck into that!

How did you become a chef?

I started learning to cook when I was very young as a small boy with my mum. I loved to watch and learn and help my mum cook and once I was old enough, I went to catering college in Pescara, a city which is on the Adriatic Sea. After my studies were complete, I then went to France and Munich to work. I came to England in 1978 and opened my first restaurant in 1986. My influences are from Southern Italy where I grew up in a fishing village – hence my love affair with fish.

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

That’s difficult as I have met so many. But for me it is my mentor Luca Parosi, a Sicilian chef who cooked French food. He was the most talented person I have met in my life. He inspired me to carry on in this business at 18, and I learned so many techniques from him. In Birmingham, I think Glynn Purnell is an exciting chef.

How has your restaurant been adapting to the current crisis?

Training and service is so important, service is more important than ever. We must give diners a good time when they decide to venture out. They are not going out so much now, so when they do we must give them the best experience possible.

Share a cooking tip Always put pasta to sauce, never sauce to pasta.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

I am the youngest of nine children, so food was scarce and we didn’t get a chance to have a favourite.

However, I will never forget the gnocchi my mother made. It was so good I am planning to introduce that in Lucarelli.

Food heaven and food hell?

My heaven is shellfish or lobster thermidore. Hell for me is tripe.

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

Insects in a restaurant in China. That was interesting!

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

An actor.

Lucarelli Restaurant, Mailbox, 117 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RF. Tel: 0121 665 6762, lucarellirestaurant.co.uk

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

THE CAMELLIA

Let’s drink to love with this romantic little tipple from the mixologists at Lulu Wild, Brindleyplace egend has it that the Camellia represents the union between two lovers. The delicate petals of the flower represent the woman while the green leaves that hold the petals together represent the man who protects her. It is said that even after death, the two components stay intact and fall away together, representing eternal love.

Aaahhh...makes you feel all warm inside, doesn’t it! I

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INGREDIENTS: I 30ml vodka

I 15ml rose liqueur

I 15ml blue Curacao I 20ml lychee juice I 15ml lemon juice

I 10ml vanilla syrup

METHOD: Combine all ingredients into a shaker, top your shaker with fresh cubed ice, seal the shaker and shake vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are mixed properly. Open your shaker with care and using a Hawthorne strainer; strain into an old-fashioned tumbler filled with fresh ice. You’ll then top your drink with a crushed ice cap for presentation and garnish with edibles or gold leaf and an edible viola flower.

Lulu Wild, Unit 7 and 8, The Water’s Edge, Brindleyplace, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HP. Tel: 0121 631 1739 info@luluwild.co.uk

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NIBBLES and SHORTS

BIRMINGHAM’S BARS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ARE LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK. HERE’S OUR INSIDER GUIDE TO THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE CITY’S EATERIES AND DRINKING DENS

PIZZERIA ‘BEST EATERY IN BRUM’

Tripadvisor reviewers have snubbed the city’s five Michelin Star restaurants and named a pizzeria in Grand Central the best in Birmingham. Of 1,700 restaurants listed on the travel website, @Pizza is top of the list, with a stack of five-star reviews.

What’s more, the rating is no fluke as in 2021, @Pizza was given a Travellers’ Choice Award – putting it in the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide. The eatery above New Street station can cook a pizza in only 90 seconds…

VEGAN TWIST’S YANKEE DOODLE DANDY! ARE YOU READY TO American classics were given a vegan twist at Isaac’s Restaurant in the Grand Hotel, Barwick Street. The New York-inspired eatery kicked off its special menu with Roasted Butternut Mac & Cheese and Isaac’s Dirty Dog meat-free sausage dish, plus slow-braised chilli con carne, topped with sour cream. Korean Spicy Fried ‘Chicken’ features plant-based chicken coated in a hot and spicy sauce, topped with sesame.

NEC PULLS OFF BEER DEAL

The NEC Group has signed a multi-year deal with Molson Coors Beverage Company, whose drinks portfolio includes Pravha, Staropramen, Rekorderlig and Coors. The deal sees Pravha – Molson’s premium continental-style pilsner – named as the official beer of Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena with bars across both venues carrying Pravha branding.

Guy Dunstan, MD Arenas at NEC Group, said: “Molson Coors join us at an exciting time with a return to live events”

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HOTEL TAKES A BREAK TO HELP STAFF After a turbulent couple of years for the hospitality industry, a local hotel temporarily closed its doors – to help boost staff morale. For the very first time, Brockencote Hall Hotel on the A448 in Chaddesley Corbett, shut as part of a new Wellbeing Week.

Staff could join special wellbeing events, including an exercise session from a personal trainer. Owner, the Eden Hotel Collection, says the initiative delivered a deserved break and a refreshed start to the New Year.

INDIAN GRILL ARRIVES AT WINNING POST A new Indian grill restaurant has arrived on the local scene. Paragon Grills and Curries, featuring two grill chefs and a curry chef from popular eateries in Walsall and Wolverhampton, has replaced the Royal Balti restaurant at the Winning Post in Argyle Street, Amington. The menu includes a range of tasty starters and small, medium or large grills featuring chicken, lamb and fish.

BE BOWLED OVER?

Hollywood Bowl Group has opened its new £2.4million Hollywood Bowl entertainment centre at Resorts World. The 26,500 sq ft ground floor venue features 17 state-of-theart bowling lanes, including two special VIP offerings. The centre’s Hollywood Diner and bar serves a range of food and drink options, including American classics such as hot dogs, burgers and shakes, plus there’s a new amusement area to enjoy, too.

IVY UNVEILS NEW MENU OFFERING The Ivy Temple Row celebrated the start of 2022 with the launch of a new set menu.

Guests can enjoy two courses for £28.95 or three courses for £34.95, with classic dishes such as Ivy cured salmon, blackened cod fillet and chocolate bombe. As the perfect accompaniment, the restaurant’s new Stress-free Sipping drinks offering includes low or no-alcohol beverages infused with natural CBD adaptogens, designed to boost the mood, enhance relaxation and reduce stress levels.

See Restaurant Review, page 23.

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SEASON’S EATINGS

ROMANTIC BROWNIES Wear your heart on a plate and make these little beauties for the one you love

ish and chips, salt and pepper, Ant and Dec. Some combinations are just meant to be. Just like chocolate and Valentine’s Day – so why not indulge with this awesome recipe for chocolate brownies And it’s not just hype. According to a whole bunch of studies, chocolate contains two chemicals, Phenylethylamine and Serotonin, that help trigger the brain to release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that are associated with heightening romantic urges.

For a few extra ‘brownie’ points, why not go the extra mile and shape these little beauties into perfect heart shapes.

Delicious when served with some fine vanilla ice cream… I

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INGREDIENTS:

I 350g unsalted butter I 250g dark chocolate I 250g golden caster sugar I 3 eggs

I 135g plain flour I 30g cocoa powder I 40g white chocolate, chopped I 40g milk chocolate, chopped I 50g roasted hazelnuts

METHOD: Place butter and dark chocolate in a pan over a bainmarie on a low heat and allow to melt completely until butter and chocolate are well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Sift flour and cocoa powder together. In a large mixer, place sugar and eggs, whisk until thick and pale (double in size). While still whisking, pour in melted chocolate mixture until just combined, remove from mixer.

Fold in flour and cocoa powder with a large whisk, do not over-fold mixture. Add chopped chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, fold in gently. Cook at 175C for 20 minutes (even crust will form on top). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

THE IVY

Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5LS. Tel: 0121 725 2110 theivybirmingham.com e’ve spent a lot of time at The Ivy recently. It’s become a fun lunch that rolls into an evening type of spot for us, generally fuelled by its cracking wine list. When we caught wind of a new set menu, we thought we’d better check it out.

The new menu, available from 6.30pm Sunday to Thursday, is short with three options for each course, but oh so sweet. Wild mushroom with a crisp potato rosti, a perfectly runny quail’s egg generously showered in grated truffle all brought together in a rich creamy sauce was absolutely gorgeous – just a winning, classic combination. Wafer thin delicate smoked salmon was super, but on balance we’d have preferred something other than rye bread. I’m sure if we’d asked for different bread, the staff would have been obliging – they were faultless as always, but it really wasn’t a biggie.

Blackened cod is a constant at The Ivy. It’s so popular that with every menu change, it apparently stays. A chunky piece of cod was cooked beautifully with a salty soy flavour served with a punchy chilli and yuzu mayonnaise, zingy citrus pickled fennel and grilled broccoli. The combination of strong flavours had the potential to be a mess, but it was actually brilliant.

A side of baked sweet potato with harissa coconut yoghurt, mint and coriander didn’t sound like a dish that would blow our socks off – we ordered more out of intrigue than desire, but it was utterly brilliant. We’d have been

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delighted with a plateful. A sirloin steak was perfectly cooked served with crunchy thick cut chips and a flavour packed bearnaise. A classic done well.

Desserts were seriously showy. We’ve had some terrible melting chocolate bombes over the years made with what tastes like cheap chocolate, but The Ivy version was a long way from that. The chocolate tasted quality, honeycomb added a sweet crunch and a light, milk foam topped off a cracking pud. An apple tarte fine was theatre – thin crisp pastry topped with finely sliced apple and vanilla ice cream was flambéd at the table with calvados. What’s not to love?

The only thing about the menu that didn’t wow were the CBD infused drinks. They weren’t bad at all, just not as appealing as the food. We’d recommend going off the regular menu for liquid refreshment. The set menu (two courses £28.95, three courses £34.95) is available until 10 February. I

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FOOD & DRINK

CHEERS TO LOVE KATIE GARDNER OF BIRMINGHAM WINE SCHOOL TAKES A

ROMANTIC LOOK AT THE BEST WINES TO SHARE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, WITH SOME DIFFERENT AND ORIGINAL OPTIONS

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o you go for a grand gesture on Valentine’s Day? Or do you think it’s a load of rubbish?

Either way there’s no escaping 14 February, so we are here to help you with some wine recommendations to impress your loved one this year. The first wine that comes to mind is Champagne, a big splashy celebration drink to be shared on special occasions. Often cited as an aphrodisiac because the bubbles absorb into your blood stream more quickly and make you giddy! However, not all Champagne is created equally. You may have seen the big brand names with their colourful labels jostling for space on the supermarket shelves, but if you look beyond the famous houses and seek out grower Champagnes, you can often find something quite special.

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COOL CHAMPAGNE A lot of the big houses source their grapes from various producers and make their wines on an industrial scale, but grower Champagnes tend to do everything themselves, with traditions passed down through generations of the same family. They own and cultivate the vineyards and produce, bottle and market their own wines. Champagne Gaston Chiquet has been in the same family since 1746. The current owners, brothers Antoine and Nicolas have done great work in driving the label forward, making their vineyards certified sustainable, while still respecting their heritage in the winery.

ROMANTIC ROSÉ What could be more romantic on a cold evening in February than a glass of rosé? A little like love itself, rosé can be the perfect compromise. One of you loves red, the other will only drink white. Rosé can give you the best of both styles. It’s sumptuous pink colour and soft berry flavours make it easy on the palate as well as the eyes.

Forgot the cheap, sweet stuff of your youth and make sure it’s nice and dry in style and preferably from Provence.

MAGICAL MUSCADET If you are planning to serve the ultimate food of love – oysters – then you need the perfect wine to have with them. The traditional pairing is Muscadet from the Loire Valley. It is often true that a wine matches well with its local cuisine. Muscadet is predominantly grown around the Atlantic coastal city of Nantes. The style is dry with high acidity and a salty lick of minerality – just what you need with raw seafood. Serve the oysters with just a squeeze of lemon and voila! A match made in heaven. february 2022

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KATIE’S

FOOD & DRINK

FOR LOVERS

Gaston Chiquet Rosé 1er Cru Champagne NV, Champagne, France – Salmon pink in colour with notes of blackberry and cherry with a smooth finish. It is made from a blend of 40 per cent Chardonnay which adds freshness and lemon flavours, 30 per cent Pinot Noir which gives the wine its structure and 30 per cent Pinot Meunier to provide the juicy red fruits – £36 from the Champagne Company.

Love by Leoube Cotes de Provence, Provence, France – This is a quintessential, dry Provence rosé made using organically grown grapes. Pale pink and with attractive fruit flavours of strawberry and white peach, it has fine overall balance. Packaged in a very beautiful bottle, it would make the perfect gift for a rosé lover this Valentine’s Day – £16 from Ocado.

Domaine de la Tourmaline ‘Sur Lie’ Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France – The ‘Sur Lie’ means that the wine has been rested on its lees (or dead yeast to be exact!) This gives the wine a richness and complexity while still maintaining its fresh flavours of green apples and lemons – £9.99 from Majestic.

The Chocolate Block, Swartland, South Africa – An opulent style of red made from a blend of grapes. It has very fine tannins and a smooth finish.

The wine is named for its distinctly chocolatey notes – £21.99 from Waitrose.

CULT CLASSIC Why give chocolates when you could give The Chocolate Block? One of my favourite wines from South Africa is a cult classic from maverick winemaker Marc Kent. The exact blend is kept a secret and changes from year to year but is a Rhône-style blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. It comes from the region of Swartland.

Winemakers in the 90s who were priced out of buying vineyards in the traditional winemaking regions of Paarl and Stellenbosch travelled north to this arid, semi-desert region and made it their own, now known as the Swartland Revolution. Most winemakers use dry farming, which means they don’t irrigate the vines, which leads to rich, complex and concentrated wines. If you are looking to show off your culinary flair, this wine goes brilliantly with steaks. I Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company that offers fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses online, in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and Warwick. For more information contact Katie Gardner on 0121 270 7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com.

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HEALTH

BE AWARE! OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AIMS TO ALERT MORE WOMEN TO THE DANGERS OF ONE OF THE UK’S BIGGEST KILLERS

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HEALTH

he news that former Wimbledon tennis champion Chris Evert has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer has put this disease firmly in the media spotlight. The 18-time Grand Slam winner is undergoing treatment, but her case throws into focus why all women need to be critically aware of the early warning signs of this cancer. To reinforce the message, March is officially Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ovarian cancer is the biggest gynaecological killer of women in the UK – and the survival rates here are among the worst in Europe. It’s the fourth most common form of cancer death in women, after breast, lung and bowel cancer. Yet, the average GP will see only one case of ovarian cancer every five years.

More than 7,000 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year (that’s about 140 women each week) and the disease claims 4,000 deaths annually. Worrying statistics which should focus all our minds as we approach Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March. During the month fund-raising initiatives across the UK will link with a big publicity push to help fight the disease and to make more women aware of the dangers.

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WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER? The ovaries are two small glands that form part of the female reproductive system, which is also made up of the vagina, cervix, uterus (womb) and Fallopian tubes. Ovaries have two main functions: Produce, store, and release eggs for reproduction and produce the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer occurs when there are abnormal cells in the ovary which multiply, creating a tumour. Tumours will either be benign or malignant. Benign tumours are noncancerous and do not usually spread to other parts of the body. They may require some treatment but are rarely life threatening. If the tumour is malignant it is cancerous and when left untreated may spread to other parts of the body.

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Treatment will depend on the type, stage and grade of ovarian cancer diagnosed.

Three-quarters of women are diagnosed once the cancer has already spread, making treatment more difficult. The current five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 46 per cent. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, up to 90 per cent of women would survive five years or more. This is why awareness is so important, to drive forward improvements in diagnosis, treatment and survival.

The two most important aspects affecting a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer during her lifetime are age and family history. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, and particularly after the menopause.

Most cases of ovarian cancer are ‘sporadic’ or one-offs.

This means that close female relatives of someone with ovarian cancer do not necessarily face an increased risk of developing the disease themselves.

However, in around one in every 10 cases, a family link can be identified.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Symptoms are frequent (they usually happen more than 12 times a month) and persistent.

The four main symptoms are – persistent pelvic or abdominal pain; increased abdominal size/persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes); difficulty eating/feeling full more quickly; needing to wee more urgently or more frequently.

These can also be symptoms of other, less serious, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome so if you’re experiencing them it doesn’t necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer.

Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, change in bowel habits and extreme fatigue.

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, and that’s not normal for you it is important that you see your GP. If you are 50 or over and have symptoms that are new for you which are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your GP should offer you tests to check for ovarian cancer. It is worth noting that unlike cervical, bowel and breast cancers, there is still no reliable, effective screening method for ovarian cancer. I For more information, guidance and support visit Ovarian Cancer Action at ovarian.org.uk/

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PERFECT PILATES IF YOUR RESOLVE TO GET FIT AND HEALTHY IN 2022 IS WANING ALREADY, PILATES COULD BE THE GATEWAY TO THE NEW YOU

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HEALTH

ow’s the New Year resolution to get fit and healthy in 2022 going? Some research suggests that two-thirds of us will give up by the end of January, which is all rather shocking. Maybe you’re in that happy 33 per cent who succeed but if not, it may be that diving into some HIIT has proven to be just too taxing. But have you thought about Pilates as a gateway to the new you?

Pilates has become a popular form of exercise to change the way we look, feel and function. However, in its popularisation many of the underlying principles have become diluted with exercises becoming simplified and sanitised in order to be safe enough to deliver in large groups, often in the form known simply as Mat-work.

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TRUE PILATES The true home of Pilates is in a studio equipped with both large and small apparatus, the inventions of Joseph Pilates who originally devised the system of exercise for mind and body.

These include the Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Tower, Electric Chair, Armchair, Wunda Chair, Pedipul and numerous smaller devices such as the Neck Stretcher, the Breath-a-ciser, and Foot Corrector. Much of this apparatus uses springs of varying size and tension attached to poles, handles and bars at varying heights and angles.

Ideally Pilates should be studied one-to-one. There is often close interaction between student and teacher with assisted stretches and additional resistance. The teacher’s guidance will include touch and precise verbal cues to help each student get the best out of themselves. In group classes numbers should be small (no more than six) or be supervised by more than one teacher.

A typical one-to-one session or group apparatus class falls into three parts. Students will expect to get a workout on (a) the Reformer and (b) on the Mat. In part (c) particular attention is paid to the body’s needs and imbalances. Here the teacher can select specialised exercises and the most appropriate pieces of apparatus to help rehabilitate or re-educate the body.

BENEFITS OF PILATES Mind-Body Connection Through regular Pilates practice you gain a heightened awareness of what is happening to your body as you move.

You learn to improve your breathing and to integrate breath patterns with everything you do. You learn about improved postural alignment and how to incorporate these improvements in your everyday life.

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Strength and Flexibility Getting the balance right between stretching and strengthening is where many exercise programmes fail. With Pilates you will be stretching almost as much as you are strengthening. A Pilates workout is intelligently thorough, working right through all the muscle systems. The result, a body which is lengthened as well as strengthened.

Back Problems People with low back problems can benefit from a Pilates regime that helps build strong deep abdominals. In a one-onone or small group class you will practice an individually tailored programme which may also involve strengthening the paraspinal muscles, gluteal muscles and inner thighs, together with a series of stretches appropriate to your particular needs.

Body Conditioning and Injury Prevention If you are a sports or dance enthusiast, a Pilates programme will boost your current regime ensuring the whole of your body is trained in a balanced and efficient manner.

Rehabilitation Pilates is the perfect, gentle way to keep your body in shape during rehabilitation following an injury. It is also a safe way to strengthen and prevent re-injury until your doctor or therapist gives you the all clear. Pilates can also help those with MS or Parkinson’s Disease as the retraining of neuro-muscular pathways is at the centre of Pilates work.

Stress Management Deep relaxing breathing as well as flow and concentration are at the heart of Pilates philosophy. You learn to be mindful of the moment and immerse yourself in the movement you are making.

Pilates in Pregnancy For someone experienced in Pilates continuing to attend a Pilates studio is perfectly safe. The apparatus provides support for your body and the baby while you continue to get a workout. Someone new to Pilates should wait until the 16th week of pregnancy before joining a studio. I

HOW TO GET STARTED

Be bold – check out your teacher’s credentials. They should have trained full-time for a year or more and, through CPD, be maintaining high standards of professional practice. Having chosen your studio book a 1-1 before signing up for a block of classes – this will enable you to determine if you like the studio environment and are satisfied with the teacher.

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BIG DAY

WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING IS AN EXCITING YET STOMACH-CHURNING EXPERIENCE THAT CAN FEEL AS OVERWHELMING AS IT DOES DREAMY. THE TRICK IS TO SHOP AROUND AND TAKE YOUR TIME

DREAM DAY

Shoes from Dune

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STYLE

FAB FLATS

Minah crystal embellished woven ballet flats £417, Jimmy Choo

VINTAGE VIBE

Ophelia blush ivory shoe £240, Rachel Simpson Shoes

PINK SAPPHIRE

18ct yellow gold pink sapphire and diamond cluster ring £1,795, Deakin and Francis

SHORT AND SWEET

Bridal gown £299.99, TK Maxx

BOW DOWN

Jimmy Choo Aveline 100 asymmetric leather sandal £750, Selfridges

he jeopardy of planning a wedding in the shadow of Covid is unwelcome. Big days have become small days, summer weddings morphed into winter wonderlands and vice-versa, but whatever happens, there’s one constant and that’s the dress. Probably your most significant fashion purchase ever, your wedding dress is worth some serious shopping around.

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SPOT ON

Gillian embellished spot mesh dress £499, Monsoon

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DREAM DESIGNER A bridal designer should make the whole experience joyful and finding the right one for you is key. Visit lots and chat through your vision. Check out their style and make sure you’re on the same page. While we don’t condone bridezilla behaviour, you are the client and you’re spending a lot of money, so don’t rush it. Even if you end up with the first designer you met, you’ll feel happier with the decision knowing you’ve done your homework. Having said that, bear in mind most designers need a six-month turnaround. If you’re getting married sooner, don’t panic, just ask the question.

Also, if you have a favourite designer that doesn’t specialise in bridal, ask them if they’ll see you to discuss creating something just for you.

You’re only planning to get married once, so do it your way. If you don’t ask you don’t get is a good mantra.

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STYLE

OFF THE PEG Off the peg might not seem as exciting, but if you can handle less Champagne and flattery, there are some brilliant options. Free People, Needle and Thread, Self Portrait, Jenny Hoo, Whistles and Monsoon are excellent. They offer different vibes – for instance, Free People ticks the boho box while Needle and Thread is all delicate and romantic.

Again, shop around and try lots of different styles.

FOR HIRE You might not have considered renting a wedding dress and it’s not for everyone, however we recently tried designer rental brand Hurr and now we’re annoyingly evangelical. If you can bear to say ta-ta to your gown after the big day, it’s a great option.

Currently, you can hire a Roland Mouret bridal gown worth £2,400 for £213 or a show-stopping Christie Nicole worth £4,100 for £317. It’s the ultimate in eco-friendly fashion.

SHOE HEAVEN Consider footwear carefully. We all know the right shoe can change the way you walk and instantly add a great big welcome hit of confidence.

SQUARE NECK You’ll probably be wearing your shoes for a fair old Embellished square stretch, so comfort, as well as style is key. Check out neck dress £499, Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo at the top end.

Monsoon Jimmy Choo does a beautiful ballet flat (pictured) as well as stunning heels.

If you’re looking for an edgy vibe, the Valentino Garavani Rockstud is still a winner as is Christian Louboutin’s Follies Strass heel (pictured). For a BE THAT vintage vibe take a look at local designer Rachel GIRL Simpson for flats as well as heels – if we were getting Mini Sia Baroque married again that’s where we’d be heading. On the pearl hoop earrings £42, high street, Dune is winning with some excellent Kiri and Belle pieces that defy the reasonable price tag. I

WELL HEELED

Bluebell £170, Dune

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FAB FRILLS

True Decadence low back dress £90.30, Harvey Nichols

CLEVER FEATHER

Stiletto with feather detail £24.99, TK Maxx

USE YOUR HEAD

Padded headband £18, Accessorize

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STYLE

Picture courtesy of Shutterstock

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STYLE

WINNING MIDI

Needle and Thread Seren embellished tulle midi dress £435, Selfridges

SHINE ON

Nude embellished mesh gown £79.99, TK Maxx

CLEAN LINES

Bardot dress £309, Monsoon

SIMPLE STYLE

ARM CANDY

Monsoon scallop pearl clutch £60, Very

TWINKLE TOES

Willow Platinum £250, Rachel Simpson Shoes

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FANTASY FOOTWEAR

Tiffany & Co diamond and sterling silver necklace £485, Selfridges

Follies Strass 100 rete/suede £895, Christian Louboutin

ON THE EDGE

Valentino Garavani Rockstud in blush £650, Harvey Nichols

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STYLE

PREP TALK

Quilted flats £75, Dune

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BEAUTY

IN WITH THE NEW… As always with a new year comes a

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raft of beauty launches, so we’ve spent the last few weeks sampling a

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handful and here’s our pick of the best 1. SISLEY PHYTO ROUGE SHINE, £39, SISLEY-PARIS.CO.UK A lipstick that nourishes like a balm, this is brilliant. Sheer, glossy and moisturising, we love it and it’s refillable so you’re doing your bit for the planet too.

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2. AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH DEEP MOISTURE TREATMENT MASQUE, £45.50, AVEDA.CO.UK Developed for dry hair and ideal for thick hair, this masque is rich with butters and oils to soften and put some shine back into your locks. There’s a lighter version for fine-medium hair that goes easier on the rich stuff in favour of a gel cream texture. We’re in the deep moisture camp which works wonders and as with all Aveda products it’s packed with natural goodies and free from chemicals.

3. JO MALONE CHARITY HOME ELDERFLOWER AND GOOSEBERRY CANDLE, £50 WITH 75 PER CENT (LESS VAT) GOING TO CHARITY, JOMALONE.CO.UK As well as smelling gorgeous, the sale of each Charity Home candle supports people and families affected by mental health issues through a number of different charities and projects. It’s as feel-good as it gets.

4.THE INKEY LIST SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER 150ML, £10.99, CULT BEAUTY A really reasonably priced way to try salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) as it’s also known, this leaves skin squeaky clean and genuinely reduces enlarged pores which is often promised and rarely achieved.

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5. TOM FORD COSTA AZZURA PERFUM 100ML, £150, TOMFORD.CO.UK Describing perfume is a mug’s game and so subjective that it’s almost worthless. All we’ll say in layman’s terms is this is delicious and well worth considering. The official line is: ‘breathes an air of freshness through crisp Italian lemon, while the dense coastal forest is felt with magnified oakwood extract and cypress.’ So, there you have it…

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STYLE FOR MEN

FORGET ME NOT Pink suit from River Island

WELL GROOMED

CONGRATULATIONS YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED. WHAT NOW?

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STYLE FOR MEN

WHITE OUT Alexander McQueen white harness shirt £470, Harvey Nichols

MATERIAL GAINS Navy velvet blazer £40, Primark

CLASSIC CUT Grey three-piece from TK Maxx

ou want to look knock-out on your big day and gaze at your wedding snaps in years to come to see the best version of you smiling back – so it’s worth spending time and, let’s face it, money on getting it right. Decide what kind of vibe you’re after. If it’s a morning dress affair there’s no sartorial wiggle room apart from nailing the cut and buying or more sensibly hiring the best suit you can afford.

If you’re more relaxed and you just want a really great suit that fits like a glove and gives you a bit of a swagger that you can wear again and again, shop around. Fit and fabric are king here, so it’s important to shop in person. Don’t be afraid of colour. Stamp your personality on your outfit – it doesn’t have to be a uniform.

Buying tailoring online can be a bit of a flop so whether you’re after a bespoke number or off the peg, get out there and don’t forget accessories. Cufflinks, great shoes, a tie if you’re wearing one and a hankie because the chances are your eyes may leak at some point in the proceedings. I

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OUT THERE Red checked jacket £79.99, TK Maxx

BIT OF BLING Gold oval signet ring £925 (9ct), £2,930 (18ct), Deakin and Francis BEST FIT Burberry slim fit wool suit £1,590, Harvey Nichols

BABY BLUE Paul Smith Kensington-fit wool and mohair blend suit £845, Selfridges LOAFING ABOUT Magnanni Diezma leather penny loafer £325, Selfridges

COOL CUFFLINKS Sterling silver black and white enamel cufflinks £285, Deakin and Francis

SPOT ON Liam silk tie £48, Reiss

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MODERN TAKE Oscar cane and oak bedroom by Soho Home Retail

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HOMES

BEAUTY SLEEP

WE’RE NOT LECTURING ANYONE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING EIGHT HOURS SHUT-EYE, BUT WE DO RECOMMEND CREATING A BEDROOM YOU LOVE SPENDING TIME IN – ASLEEP OR NOT! calm bedroom that makes your heart sing is good for the soul and provides ultimate relaxation. According to specialists at mattress brand Sealy, a cluttered bedroom results in a worse night’s sleep than a tidy one, so a bit of an overhaul of your boudoir, even if it’s just adding a bit of storage, is no bad thing.

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BOHO CHIC Bedroom from Dunelm

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HOMES

MINIMUM FUSS Bedroom by LuxDeco

MAXIMISE STORAGE Along with a bed you want to sink into, storage is the main thing that will make the most difference to your space. The best place to start is to pull everything out of your wardrobe and count the items splitting them into short and long not forgetting shoes and bags. Decide what type of storage you need. Is it a fitted system or a stand-alone wardrobe?

Fitted will give you more storage space particularly if it’s designed around your needs incorporating drawers and shoe shelving, while a standalone might look more classic. It depends on the space you’re working with and the style you’re after. If your room is small go for fitted and maximise every inch. The smallest of spaces can be transformed into excellent storage or even a walk-in wardrobe with some vision.

GOOD WOOD Ercol Terramo range from Lee Longlands

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COMFORT IS KING It’s possible to combine your bed and storage if you’re really short on space. Useful for bulky items like bedding and bags or even shoes, an Ottoman bed can help hugely with hidden storage, but make sure you don’t compromise on comfort. We spend a third of our lives in bed, so comfort is king. Once you’ve chosen your base/frame and we urge you to make sure it’s solid, invest in the best mattress you can afford. Shop around. Try

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HOMES

CUX HOTEL VIBES Sotomura from Lee Longlands

CRISP LINEN Bedroom from Dunelm

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HOMES

COLOUR POP Studio bedroom from Habitat

before you buy even if you feel a nitwit. Lie down and don’t just lie flat on your back with your arms by your sides. Get into your usual sleeping position and ask yourself how it feels. Your mattress is the most important bedroom purchase and not one you’ll refresh that often, so leave your dignity at the door. It might be worth trying one of the 100-day trial offers – we can recommend Eve – but they’re probably pretty similar. Do your research.

CURTAINS OR BLINDS? Darkness kick-starts melatonin production which makes you feel naturally sleepy, so window coverings are worth giving some attention to in terms of functionality as well as aesthetics. Invest in fully lined curtains or blinds that fit perfectly.

Bespoke is more expensive, but worth it in terms of quality and fit.

Once the main functional items are sorted move onto beautiful bed linen, gorgeous lighting, colour and all the accessories that’ll make you smile when you wake up. I

MELLOW YELLOW Camden bed, now £940, Sofas and Stuff

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HOMES

GOLD RUSH Design Turner table from DelightFULL

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PENDANT POWER Ribbed Wellington pendant £295, Fritz Fryer

COTTON TOP Recycled cotton bedding, Dunelm

FAB FLOOR Lorena Canals washable trace round rug wood rose £139, Cuckooland

BRIGHT SPOT Frandsen Lyss wall lamp £132, Nest

FINISHING TOUCHES

AND RELAX Cowshed large candle (700g) £80, Soho House Retail

GEO RUG Ferrando 100 per cent wool hand tufted geometric rug £119, Cult Furniture

NOW FOR THE FUN BIT… SOME DREAMY ACCESSORIES TO COMPLETE YOUR LOVELY NEW BEDROOM! LIGHT UP Lexington chandelier £995, Soho Home Lexington

MIRROR MIRROR Hay Strap Mirror Army £195, Nest

SIMPLE STYLE Oslo bedside table £149, Cult Furniture

TOP DRAWER Vox vintage tall chest of drawers £345, Cuckooland

ROUND UP Side table £329, Bo Concept

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GET COSY Otterburn throw £190, Neptune

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MOTORING

BORN WINNER?

SUE COOKE WAS AMONG THE FIRST UK MOTORING JOURNALISTS TO TEST DRIVE THE GV80 SUV FROM NEW LUXURY KOREAN BRAND GENESIS. SO, WHAT’S HER VERDICT? new automotive brand was launched to the Midlands motoring press in Sutton Coldfield at the end of last year. GENESIS is a luxury brand from South Korea and following success in the US, Canada, Russia, Middle East and Australia it has set its sights on Europe. Its winged logo might remind you of a luxury brand based in Crewe. Unsurprising as the designer of that brand’s first SUV, is the designer of the GENESIS range.

At the launch, I drove the GV80 (V stands for versatility), a large SUV with all-wheel drive. The design is distinctive with a front crest grille and double lined quad lamp arrangement. All the exterior light units are said to be inspired by orchids and the G matrix pattern is repeated in the styling throughout.

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PURE HEDONISM The interior is pure hedonism. Quilted knee pads line the lower sides of the console and there is a glass topped rotary gear selector. The G Matrix pattern is sewn into the quilted finish of the nappa leather seating. Front seats are heated as standard. In Comfort mode, the seat self-adjusts so the side support is less pronounced. In dynamic sport mode the side bolstering becomes firmer. There are five seats or optional powered folding seven seats.

I found the cabin a very tranquil place to be which is enhanced with the use of the world-first road active noise cancellation system. Ambient lighting not only helps set the mood but increases safety by changing

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colour depending on which eight-speed automatic transmission gear is selected. Red denotes reverse and owners can choose their own ambient colour in drive and neutral. Euro NCAP has awarded the GENESIS a five-star safety rating and it is the first in class to have a front centre airbag.

Out on the road, around the Belfry Hotel using the combination of winding country lanes and the Lichfield Road dual carriageway, the GV80 did not feel unwieldy to drive, despite its size and I found steering is precise. There is a choice of two turbocharged engines – a 304PS, 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol and an all-new 278PS 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel. I briefly drove the G80 saloon and look forward to road testing more of this luxury range with state-of-the-art

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MOTORING

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: GENESIS GV80 SUV five-seater, all-wheel drive Price: £59,600 for road test model Engine: 2.5 turbocharged petrol engine with eight-speed automatic transmission Performance: 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph CO2 emissions: 241-248g/km (WLTP combined) Combined fuel consumption: 25.3-26.1mpg (WLTP combined)

technology, advanced driver assistance systems, exceptional quality and class-leading driving excitement.

ONLINE ONLY Don’t go looking for a dealership though. GENESIS says “we come to you” and all sales are done online. New owners take delivery from their Personal Assistant who continues the relationship with the five-year care plan. That’s a five-year warranty; five-year servicing; five-year roadside assistance; five-year courtesy cars; five-year maps and OTA updates.

Don’t go looking for a GENESIS hybrid, either. Allelectric vehicles will join the GENESIS stable this year.

The GV60 is a high-performance coupé crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and the GV70 is an all-wheel drive SUV. GENESIS has its own finance arrangements, too. I

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SHOWROOM Interested in buying or finding out more about the GENESIS range? It’s all online-only at www.genesis.com

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

Picture by YellowBelly

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

DARRYL MUNDOMA THE TALENTED YOUNG ACTOR TALKS AUDITIONING, NEW PROJECTS AND FUTURE GOALS tarting out as an actor while the world is in the grip of a pandemic is not the best idea, but if that’s how life pans out, what can you do but crack on? Darryl’s introduction to a TV set was wearing a mask, keeping your distance and regularly hand sanitising. He says: “It was weird, but fun.” Over the last couple of years Darryl has filmed A Christmas Number One, Mammoth for BBC1, This Sceptred Isle for Sky Atlantic and the third series of Band of Brothers. Not bad.

Darryl was never a drama school kid growing up and aside from teaching himself street dance and a secondary school teacher introducing him to contemporary dance, he wasn’t really used to the stage. However, he was interested enough to consider Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) as an option for his A-Level studies and talented enough to bag a place.

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FREE SPIRITED BOA specialises in performing arts alongside an academic curriculum and is the only school of its kind in the Midlands and as such it’s competitive.

Darryl’s route in was slightly different to the other year 12 starters. For one reason or another he wasn’t able to make the group audition, so had to go in on his own and workshop with existing BOA students which was a bit nerve-racking.

Darryl’s specialism was acting, but he found being around other creative people specialising in perhaps music or dance really beneficial. He explains: “It was a free-spirited school. My best friends specialised in music and we were able to create together and learn from each other. It’s a beautiful thing. I love meeting different people just as passionate as me.”

Darryl signed up to an agent while at BOA which he says wasn’t the norm, but the teachers

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were supportive and helped him prepare for auditions. Not sure about going on to drama school after BOA, Darryl was keen to get started on his career. However, he took some advice from his teachers and applied to a handful of schools.

He was offered a place at Drama Studios London, so he upped sticks and moved to the capital.

THEATRE SCENE Having said that Darryl doesn’t believe you have to be in London to get ahead in the acting world and admits the “cost of living is ridiculous”. Having filmed BBC1 comedy, Mammoth in Wales he was really impressed with the studio facilities and the projects being made there. He says: “Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham are all doing great things too. The theatre scene in Birmingham in particular is something to be really proud of.”

While Darryl’s natural home is TV and film, he loves a bit of theatre too. “I do love screen but the thing with theatre is you just throw yourself in to it with a one shot mentality. You put your faith in rehearsals and practice but something new could happen at any point. It’s daunting, so you need to channel that.” Darryl’s focus is the type of work he wants to make. He says: “I want to make impactful work that has a deep meaning ultimately.”

Covid has scuppered coming home to Brum as regularly as he’d like, but Darryl makes the trip as often as he can. Just before Christmas he went back to BOA to do an alumni talk to the current students and was blown away. He says: “Seeing the students with so much potential and full of hunger and burning questions was so nice.

They’re just as hungry and hard working as I was.

It was a pleasure.” I

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GROWING PLACES

COOL COLLAB

STATE-OF-THE-ART COOKING LAUNCH Hallfield School teamed up with Andreas Antona of Michelin-starred Simpsons Restaurant to launch its state-of-the-art food technology classroom. During a special assembly Andreas, along with Simpsons executive chef Luke Tipping and Rachel Tokitsu, teacher at Simpsons Eureka Cookery School, talked about the journey to becoming a Michelin-rated chef. Following the assembly, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held before the first lesson in the new classroom.

Europe’s largest music education provider BIMM has partnered with Spotify in a bid to accelerate diversity in music education and the creative industries. BIMM Institute Birmingham, the newest BIMM campus, will benefit from the partnership across eight colleges in the UK, including fully funded scholarships, masterclasses with artists and industry insiders and mentoring. BIMM Institute Birmingham already attracts some high-profile speakers including the likes of Tito Jackson, MNEK and Arlo Parks.

SCHOOL REPORT

GIFT FOR HERO MAURICE Pupils from Balsall Common Primary School gave local World War Two veteran Maurice Bennett a special surprise gift to celebrate his 100th birthday.

The children presented the former pilot with the results of a school competition to write about his experiences in WWII. Maurice, a resident at nearby Harper Fields care home, had previously answered pupils’ questions about his time as a flier via virtual link to support their studies of the war.

ORCHESTRA BOOST

A new partnership has been formed to help break down barriers for young disabled musicians. Midlands Arts Centre has teamed up with the National Open Youth Orchestra to become one of four regional centres running rehearsals with the disabled-led music group. Rehearsals for the inclusive ensemble are taking place once a month in preparation for Birmingham’s first NOYO concert at Symphony Hall in June. The partnership is part of MAC’s wider MAC Makes Music campaign.

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GROWING PLACES

STEM OPPORTUNITY

SPONSORSHIP DEAL A junior football team is celebrating having a new sponsor. Shirts and training tops worn by Coleshill Colts under-13s now carry the logo of the Belfry Hotel & Resort – famous for hosting golf ’s Ryder Cup multiple times. Peter Halfpenny of Coleshill Colts said: “The whole team are extremely proud. We are wearing our new kits with pride.”

And Adrian Evans added: “It is fantastic to have such an iconic sponsor for our team.”

One local student will have the chance to have their STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) degree tuition fees fully paid through the Millennium Point Charitable Trust Scholarship competition in partnership with Birmingham City University (BCU). The closing date for this year’s online applications is 11 March after which a number of successful applicants will be invited to a final assessment in May. Now in its eighth year, previous recipients have described the scheme as life-changing and offering financial peace of mind.

KNOCKOUT DONATION

Priory Park Boxing Club has received a £10,000 donation from the Richardson Brothers Foundation charity to help establish an innovative new school in Dudley. Priory Park Community School – the first of its kind in the country – will support youngsters facing social and mental health difficulties or at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream education. The school will initially take in 35 pupils and provide a broad curriculum as well as mentoring through sport delivered by the boxing club.

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SONNY’S JEWELLERS A top UK award is just the latest highlight for an independent which is delivering added sparkle to the Jewellery Quarter

n independent jeweller in Birmingham is sparkling in style on the national stage. Sonny’s based in Vyse Street, has just claimed one of the UK’s most coveted accolades after winning the Retail Sales Team of the Year title at the UK Jewellery Awards.

The honour is the latest high point for Manish ‘Sonny’ Jogia, who aged just 27-years-old, borrowed money from friends, family and any other finance available to open his first jewellery retail store in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter in 2015.

Sonny’s Jewellers started out as a brother and sister team and in six years they have grown to be a team of 25. Sonny says his dream, vision and passion has always been to be the best in the Jewellery Quarter – and now he has a UK Jewellery Award to prove it!

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COMPANY TO WATCH

“My father and grandfather were jewellery manufacturers in the Jewellery Quarter, and I grew up playing in their small workshops,” said Sonny.

“Back then it was a very different world, and we are allowed access to all areas. Health and safety would never allow that these days. This gave me my first buzz for the industry. Seeing designs sketched out, models made and heading out on the road selling these items during my holidays to retailers was incredible.”

DREAM After graduating from university studying Business Economics, Sonny says he always had a dream of putting his life lessons into action. “This is how I started Sonny’s, as a jeweller that married together the manufacturing of fine jewellery direct to the public.” With the support of a few suppliers, Sonny slowly filled his store with stock and then set up an in-house workshop. As the business developed and grew, Sonny’s opened a sister store, JQ Diamonds in the midst of the 2020 lockdown.

Sonny admits opening the new outlet during the worst of the pandemic restrictions was ‘a bit of a gamble’. He said: “When I first heard about the lockdown, I was terrified, Once I knew we could weather the storm we started planning our next steps.

During the 2020 lockdown, between January and April, we refreshed the store at Sonny’s, made it safer for the customer during Covid and opened more floor space, increasing the amount of stock on display.”

Sonny says his businesses concentrate on delivering the three P’s – products, people and passion. “We carry one of the widest ranges of jewellery, available immediately in the Jewellery Quarter,” he explained.

“Using the knowledge and expertise of our people – highly skilled diamond experts, gemmologists, designers and goldsmiths – Sonny’s offer a completely bespoke service that takes the clients ideas from concept to reality. And our passion is that everything we do is centred around the customer experience.”

BESPOKE While the big chains have their place in the industry, Sonny says they don’t pose a big threat. “We pride ourselves on our customer service and being

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able to bring a wide variety of products direct to the customer. We also offer a bespoke service so if we don’t have what you want, we can make it or source it for you. By being independent, we are also able to pivot and alter our strategies when we are faced with challenges, such as the pandemic.”

Looking to the future, Sonny says: “In the short term I would like to see Sonny’s become the family jeweller for everyone in the Midlands and over time expand and grow to be the nation’s family jewellers.

We are always looking for how we can improve and grow. We are aiming to continue our year-on-year growth from £500,000 four years ago to £2million last year which beat our 2019 figures. We achieved this despite being in a pandemic and losing three months of trading. Furthermore, we will continue to grow and expand in other areas of Birmingham in order to expand as a business.”

So, as we continue to experience difficult economic effects from the pandemic, what words of advice does Sonny have for others looking to set up in business?

“Plan and look at the data,” he says. “I have made a lot of mistakes and I am sure I will make more, but over time I have learned that by using the data which is out there and by planning, the difficulties you face will be easier to overcome. Also, don’t be afraid to give it a go. What is the worst that could happen? You will just end up back where you started – and many entrepreneurs will tell you, they all failed once.” I

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BUSINESS

AID FOR CHILDREN Rotarians in Kinver and Bewdley have helped transform the lives of Ugandan orphans with a £14,000 fund-raising campaign to build a new dormitory. Forty-eight children have moved into the dorm in Kititi following a five-month building project run by the Planting for Hope Uganda charity, led by Kate Oakley from Caunsall. “Kinver and Bewdley Rotary Clubs have supported the charity from the beginning with two members visiting the project on several occasions,” said Kate. Donations to the Rotary’s PfHU fund-raising can be made at: http://goto.gg/51324

BUSINESS

SWEET ARRIVAL

A new dessert shop is serving up a range of sweet treats. Bakes & Shakes is the latest venture from

NEWS

local businessman Farhan Khan, who secured the lease on the ground floor and basement of four-storey 2 Unicorn Hill, Redditch via commercial property agents John Truslove. “I’ve been running a mobile coffee business for the last few years but I decided to start something a bit more ‘bricks and mortar’,” said Farhan.

HIPPODROME HEAD Birmingham Hippodrome has a new

HOMELESS LINK Birmingham homeless support charity SIFA Fireside is launching the next stage of its life improvement programme for homeless adults over 25 through an innovative employability programme. The Building Employability Project will provide a link between organisations pledged to improve their approach to socially responsible recruitment and work-ready individuals who are looking to rebuild their lives.

Melissa Roche of SIFA Fireside said: “We’re looking to increase the range of the roles that we can offer individuals.”

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artistic director and chief executive. Jon Gilchrist, currently executive director of the multi-arts HOME venue in Manchester since 2018, will take the reins in late spring. Glenn Howells, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust chair, said: “We are delighted that Jon will be leading Birmingham Hippodrome as it embarks on the next chapter of its evolution and particularly as we look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth Games to the region.”

Jon was recently elected joint president of UK Theatre.

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BUSINESS

CHARITY CHEQUE

A homelessness charity has received a donation of £1,000 from Barratt Homes as part of its Community Fund scheme. St Basils, Birmingham works with more than 1,000 young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness each year. Sian Dhillon of St Basils said: “The pandemic has greatly impacted our fund-raising. Having the support of businesses such as Barratt Homes means we can continue to provide vital accommodation and support services to those that need it most.”

US SPORT FIRST

Oaks Consultancy, the Birmingham-based specialists in fund-raising and strategic planning for socially-minded organisations, has announced the first groups shortlisted to take part in its inaugural North American Sport for Development Fund-raising Accelerator. Rahul Bissoonauth, director of business development at Oaks, said: “We’ve selected six successful North American sports organisations that will benefit from 12 weeks of tailored professional mentoring.” The programme provides more than $10,000 worth of value-in-kind support for each member.

ANNA’S GREEN DREAM The Belfry Hotel & Resort has promoted Anna Nilsson to deputy head greenkeeper of its Brabazon

PHOTO DEVELOPMENT

course – the first time a woman has managed such

Work is progressing to transform the site of a former photo processing

Ryder Cup four times – more than any other course

building in the Jewellery Quarter into 50 new homes. The scheme by developers Hatchbury has seen the demolition of the existing building in Camden Street and a new four-storey development take shape as steelwork is craned into place. The site was home for more than four decades to Munn’s Brothers photographic processing works. The first residents are due

an iconic golf venue. The Brabazon has hosted the in the world – and a number of DP World Tour events. Anna, previously senior greenkeeper, will be preparing the course for the Betfred British Masters in May. “I hope my story will inspire more women to join this industry,” she said.

CHAMPION MOURNED

to move into the Photographic Works development in the summer.

Tributes have been paid to Jack Dromey, the MP for Erdington who died in January. Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “He was a champion for his constituents, workers’ rights and for business during the pandemic.” Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood said: “Jack was a man of the people”, while Yardley MP Jess Phillips said the city would “not be the same without him”. West Midlands mayor Andy Street added: “Birmingham has lost a dedicated servant and friend.”

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BUSINESS

ENGINEERING DEAL West Midlands engineering firm Parker

BUSINESS BITES TOFFEE HOMES

Precision is expanding after acquiring

UK property Group SevenCapital’s

the precision grinding department of

housebuilding arm, SevenHomes, has been

Kepston Ltd, formerly based in Aldridge.

given planning permission for 108 new

The deal will allow the firm to grow into

homes on the site of the former Blue Bird

new sectors, including motorsport and pharmaceutical engineering as well as food packaging, with the aim to increase turnover by up to two-thirds.

The deal safeguards the jobs of the department’s existing employees who will be based at Parker’s recently

V FOR VICTORY extended manufacturing site in Bilston.

The founder of a business that creates stylish vegan clothes has won a top entrepreneur award. Lorri Delahunty, boss of Worcester-based VEGAN Happy Clothing, was named Entrepreneurial Spirit Winner for the Midlands at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The brand recently launched in the US and has also developed a new VEGAN Happy Urban range with edgier designs.

All of the business’s items are 100 per cent vegan with 10 per cent from net profits going to animal rescue centres.

RECORD MOVE The British Motor Museum has appointed Imogen Watts as its new senior archivist, looking after the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust’s nationallyrecognised collections of records, documents, film and photographs, as well as the Heritage Certificate service. Imogen qualified as an archivist in 2016 and most recently worked for Gloucestershire County Council as corporate and digital records manager. “I’m looking forward to unlocking more of the archive’s hidden gems and making the collections more visible to visitors,” she said.

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Toffee factory in Hunnington, Halesowen. The Grade II restoration and conversion will feature 22 apartments and townhouses, plus a further 86 new-build homes.

AGENCY WINS

Birmingham PR agency WPR has added four new B2B clients to its roster, including the WJ Group, the UK’s leading road marking business. WPR will help promote the business’s abilities as a major implementer of Active Travel Schemes for local authorities.

GAMES NEWS

Sport Relief has been announced as an official charity partner of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The tie-up will feature fund-raising, high-profile events which will be broadcast on the BBC in the run-up to and during this summer’s Games.

TOURISM CHIEF The boss of the Black Country Living Museum is the new head of the West Midlands Regional Board for Tourism.

Andrew Lovett, a member of the organisation’s board, takes over as chair from Fiona Allan who stepped down in November to become chief executive of Opera Australia. Andrew also chairs the Association of Independent Museums and Dudley Town’s Fund Board.

He is on the National Museums Directors Council Executive Committee and the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Cultural Leadership Board.

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SOCIAL SCENE

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PRESS CREW ENJOY A REALLY ‘NICE’ LUNCH

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Comedy favourite Mrs Barbara Nice makes special date with Press Club

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oronavirus failed to dampen the spirits of Birmingham Press Club members who attended their annual festive lunch at Edgbaston Golf Club.

Entertainment came from Mrs Barbara Nice, the alter ego of stand-up comedian Janice Connolly, whose caricature of a middle-aged housewife from Kings Heath has been wowing the comedy circuit for the last two decades. The lunch was sponsored by Birmingham-based signage specialist Hollywood Monster, whose chairman Tim Andrews also cofounded local charity LoveBrum. Proceeds from the raffle – prizes for which included donations from Park Regis Birmingham, Digbeth Dining Club and Drayton Manor Theme Park – were in aid of the Journalists Charity. I

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1 Mandy Markell, Hazel Horton-Peppercorn, Mrs Barbara Nice, Radcliffe Shields, Joyce Coakley, Sandra Rhodes. 2 Adrian Kimberlin, Deborah Harries, Helen Toomey Hesk, Lesley Wilde. 3 Chris Mair. 4 Mrs Barbara Nice. 5 Angela Podmore, Fred Bromwich, Hazel Horton-Peppercorn. 6 Beryl Williams, John Lamb, Angela Podmore. 7 Derek Inman, Daisy Inman, Hazel Horton-Peppercorn, John Duckers. 8 Richard and Jayne Grimes. 9 Terri Smart-Jewkes, Jo Jeffries, Karen Gittins, Nicole Durbakova Jupp, Becky Green.

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Photography by Andrew Kibbler and Steve Evans

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SOCIAL SCENE

ALBERT’S SCHLOSS HOSTS SPECTACULAR LAUNCH Cocktails, canapes and cabaret marks venue’s opening at Paradise Forum lbert’s Schloss hosted a launch party to celebrate its arrival in Paradise Forum. The 500-strong cover venue is run by Mission Mars, the awardwinning hospitality group that also operates Albert Hall (a 2,500-capacity gig/club venue), Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza and Zumhof Biergarten in Digbeth.

Guests were treated to the full Albert’s Schloss experience, including a variety of Biers, specialty cocktails and canapes sampling their Alpine-inspired menu. There were cabaret acts and live performances while the Haus band performed throughout the evening. I

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WHAT: Don Quixote

WHEN: 10 February to 19 March WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, brb.org.uk Director Carlos Acosta promises entertainment for all ages with this new production created especially for Birmingham Royal Ballet. An explosion of Spanish sunshine, spectacular dance and vivacious comedy – what’s not to love?

WHAT: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast WHEN: 3 to 26 March WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com Birmingham, Be Our Guest! One of the most enchanting musicals of all time returns to the stage for a new, completely reimagined tour that features all of the spellbinding music and lyrics of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

WHAT: Craig David WHEN: 10 April WHERE: Resorts World Arena, resortsworldarena.co.uk The British R&B singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ and producer’s last tour sold out in seconds and received stunning reviews and critical acclaim across the board.

WHAT: Carlo Crivelli: Shadows on the Sky WHEN: 23 February to 29 May

WHAT: Friends! The Musical Parody WHEN: 6 March WHERE: The Alexandra, atgtickets.com An hilarious, good-hearted romp through our favourite moments from the hit TV show in an uncensored, fast-paced, music-filled production.

WHERE: Ikon Gallery The first UK exhibition dedicated to bringing Crivelli’s lavish Renaissance masterpieces from 15th century Italy.

With many paintings loaned from major institutions for the very first time, the exhibition casts a new light on an unsung hero of art history.

*All information accurate at time of going to press, but please check in case of changes or cancellation

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Paul Draper WHEN: 6 March WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute, academymusicgroup.com The former Mansun frontman is touring his second solo album Cult Leader Tactics and will be performing some stripped

WHAT: Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show

back versions of his favourite tracks as

WHEN: 22 to 27 February

well as some Mansun classics and rarities.

WHERE: NEC Birmingham, ccmshow.co.uk The UK’s biggest showcase of motorhomes, campervans, caravans, caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges. Plus, tents of all shapes and sizes, trailer tents and folding caravans – all under one roof!

WHAT: Jason Fox: Life at the Limits WHEN: 16 February WHERE: Town Hall, bmusic.co.uk The ex-special forces soldier, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins and Inside The Real Narcos is on stage and on tour for the first time with his remarkable story of daring exploits as an elite operator in the UK Special Forces.

WHAT: Coming to England WHEN: 19 February to 6 March WHERE: Birmingham Rep, birmingham-rep.co.uk Bursting onto the stage with music, storytelling, humour and pathos, this world premiere production brings Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book to vivid life on stage.

WHAT: Shazia Mirza: Coconut WHEN: 27 February WHERE: The Old Rep, oldreptheatre.co.uk Strap in for a laughter-filled and uplifting joyride into the art of survival in a world of crocodiles, coconuts, solitary confinement and alpha males. Shazia once again takes on the burning issues of our time.

WHAT: UB40 featuring Ali WHAT: Formula 1 Fun WHEN: 19 to 27 February WHERE: British Motor Museum, britishmotormuseum.co.uk There’s a host of exciting racing themed family activities with a chance to discover some muchloved British sports cars, design and make a LEGO Formula 1 Racing Car, and of course meet Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin.

february 2022

Campbell – in memory of Astro WHEN: 5 March WHERE: Utilita Arena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk The Brummie legends have dedicated this upcoming tour in memory of their departed friend and bandmate of more than four decades, Astro. This should be awesome as well as emotional.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Miss Clara and the Celebrity Beast in Art WHAT: 100 Years of Movie Magic

WHEN: Now until 27 February

WHEN: 25 February

WHERE: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Latest of the acclaimed

WHERE: Symphony Hall,

masterpiece-in-focus

bmusic.co.uk

displays, this exhibition spans three centuries featuring ceramics, paintings and prints by some major artists. And, of course, the small bronze sculpture of Miss Clara, the famous 18th century rhinoceros.

Whether it’s Gone with the Wind or La La Land and from the deserts of Tatooine to the towers of Hogwarts, a classic movie is nothing without a great score. But no cinema sound system comes close to the thrill of hearing the full 80-piece City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra live.

WHAT: BoatLife Live WHEN: 17 to 20 February WHERE: NEC, boatlifeevents.com Obviously, this cracking show’s main attraction is the boats, with more than 100 on display, but it doesn't stop there as you’ll also find holiday and equipment companies, live talks from experts and a chance to dip into the Virtual Reality feature to

WHAT: Bree Runway

get your thrill of the day.

WHEN: 11 March WHERE: Birmingham O2 WHAT: Brand New Heavies

Institute,

WHEN: 16 February

academymusicgroup.com The fast-rising, pop phenomenon

WHERE: The Jam House,

cemented herself as one of the

thejamhouse.com The pioneers of the London Acid Jazz scene are known for some of the UK’s biggest R&B/Soul tracks, having had 16 top 40 singles, including Dream On Dreamer and Midnight at the Oasis.

breakout stars last year when she was nominated for the BET Award for Best New International Act and shortlisted for BBC Sound of 2021.

WHAT: British Art Show 9 WHEN: Now until 10 April WHERE: Wolverhampton Art Gallery, britishartshow9.co.uk Widely recognised as a significant marker of recent developments, this is the biggest touring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK with more than 40 artists on show, exploring three overarching themes of healing, togetherness and imagining new futures. *All information accurate at time of going to press, but please check in case of changes or cancellation

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february 2022

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Jamie Flanagan WHEN: 18 February WHERE: Nailcote Hall, nailcotehall.co.uk One of the UK’s top Michael Bublé tribute artists, Jamie Flanagan has perfected the style and sound of his idol and is magnetic on stage.

A great night’s entertainment also includes three-course dinner and after-show DJ.

WHAT: Crufts WHEN: 10 to 13 March WHERE: NEC Birmingham, crufts.org.uk Watch more than 20,000 dogs

WHAT: Jabala & The Jinn

compete for the world class title

WHEN: 26 and 27 February

of Crufts Best in Show, enjoy fantastic displays

WHERE: Midlands Art Centre, macbirmingham.co.uk

and competitions and shop at over 550 trade

Using physical theatre, original music and vivid design, the

stands with special show offers and exciting new

new play by award-winning writer Asif Khan is a funny and

products for you and your best friend.

endearing story for the whole family.

WHAT: Black Sabbitch WHEN: 23 February WHERE: The Mill, themilldigbeth.com This all-female tribute to Black Sabbath has been selling out shows and wowing even the most difficult to please Sabbath worshippers for years, gaining an avid fan base and the respect of musicians and critics alike.

WHAT: Elkie Brooks WHEN: 27 February WHERE: Town Hall, bmusic.co.uk

WHAT: BE Festival

Enjoy and evening with Elkie as she

WHEN: 10 to 19 February

performs some of her biggest hits,

WHERE: Various, befestival.org

including Pearl’s a Singer, Fool (If You

An exciting and innovative programme celebrates

Think It’s Over) and Don’t Cry Out Loud,

all aspects of music, dance, visual and performing

as well as many more featured on her

arts turning theatre’s rarely seen backstage into a

recent album.

den of creativity to excite audiences.

february 2022

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PERSON TO PERSON

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CLOSE WITHÁ

MATT RAWNSLEY

The former professional cricketer carved out a successful career

in business before returning to manage the club he played for and then switching sports to become the CEO of Edgbaston Priory Club BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I was a professional cricketer for nine years for Worcestershire CCC. After finishing playing in 2003, I went into sales of capital machinery which eventually took me to Caterpillar. I had various roles in sales and account management, ending up being responsible for Caterpillar distributors across the Middle East, North Africa and the CIS. I got my first managing director position in Evesham at Barnes Group, who specialise in the manufacturing of automotive, aerospace, and medical components, before becoming a group managing director with the same company, overseeing businesses in UK, France, Spain and Germany.

Then I got the call from Worcestershire CCC to go back to the club as CEO. It was great to be involved back in sport again and while we had some significant success it was time to move on in late 2020 and take up the position at Edgbaston Priory Club. There have been challenges in the last two years in the shadow of the pandemic but being a members’ club has meant that loyalty has been very high and we are now at the stage of preparing our development plan for the future.

and our work with the Heart of Birmingham Vocational College to provide workplace opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. On a personal level, I really enjoy sports and to be a bit better at tennis would be great.

IT’S WHAT I DO As chief executive I’m responsible for the delivery of the board strategy, while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club. Our board is elected to serve the 3,300 members, working alongside the executive team. We have world class sports and racquets facilities on our 14-acre site and host international tennis, squash and racquetball tournaments.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM I grew up in Selly Oak and the city has changed a lot since the 80’s and 90’s. Birmingham has a big city appeal but in a more compact environment that larger cities like London.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE The club is seen as a prestigious venue but we need to do more to promote the impact we make in the community.

That’s both in using sport to develop the younger generation through our schools and community outreach programmes 66 birmingham living

BIGGEST SUCCESS I’ve obviously got a few highlights from my cricket career but if I think back over the last decade or so, hosting an event with the British Ambassador to Russia at his residence opposite the Kremlin was pretty cool. Also, setting up an engineering company in Germany, when I don’t speak German and I’m not an engineer was also something that pushed me to my limit. I completed an Ironman triathlon in my 20’s and have no desire to ever do that again!

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED I think it’s good to be in a state of ‘positive paranoia’ when you’re leading an organisation. It means you’re aware of the opportunities and the risks and the capabilities of your team to deliver. Also, trust your gut. It’s likely that you’re right, so don’t delay in making decisions.

DOWNTIME I still play cricket at weekends, albeit slower and the recovery usually stretches to the middle of the following week! I’m a fan of never going somewhere twice. Travelling with work used to take me to the most wonderful places you would never go to on a traditional holiday, so I like to take my family to as many new places as much as possible – and that doesn’t have to be abroad. I february 2022

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