July 2016 (issue 46)

Birmingham g n i liv

JULYcvr3:Layout 1

27/6/16

21:07

Page 1

July 2016

MIDLANDS MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

LOKI WINE THE PEOPLE’S ORCHESTRA

+

AKTAR ISLAM TONY ELVIN THE BELFRY EL BORRACHO DE ORO NEW TESLA

CARRY ON CAMPING Summer guide under canvas

KARL LOXLEY Life after The Voice

LEE CHILD

Best-selling author on Jack Reacher, Aston Villa and giving back to Birmingham

BHAM_ (Page 02):Layout 1

19/1/15

23:12

Page 02

BHAM_ (Page 03) edsletter:Layout 1

“

22/6/16

10:55

Page 03

EDITOR’S VIEW The unique, wonderful and inspirational People’s Orchestra is an example of the rich and diverse culture of music in this great city of ours. If only I had had a mum like Sarah…

hen I was kid growing up, music was always an important part of family life. My mum set the tone playing the piano, much better than she would ever admit, and I remember my uncle bashing out a neverending stream of sing-along favourites on the old upright in the corner of the lounge. All he needed was a topped-up pint to keep him going…

Naturally, I followed in their footsteps – until I left school, when the music stopped. I wasn’t good enough or, like most teenagers, committed enough to make it at a ‘serious’ orchestra or music school – and there was nowhere else to go. Birmingham girl Amy Marshall had the same problem, the difference was that her mum Sarah decided to do something about it.

The result was the unique, wonderful and inspirational People’s Orchestra – an orchestra which welcomes anyone who can play any instrument to a reasonable level. It doesn’t matter if that means too many trumpeters, flautists or violinists. The orchestra fits around the people, not the other way around. Run by volunteers and self-financing, save for a contribution from the Arts Council, the People’s Orchestra brings joy to all who play in it and hear its performances of modern popular music. It’s yet one more example of the rich and diverse culture of music in this wonderful city of ours.

The orchestra has applied to appear in a new BBC TV series featuring very different groups of musicians across the UK. Fingers crossed they make it on to our screens – that way maybe they will find a sponsor who can give the orchestra the ongoing financial support it so richly deserves.

If only my mum had been as ingenious as Sarah…

W

David Johns

”

Editor: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

Cover image: Lee Child

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

july 2016

/bhamliving

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

birmingham living 03

g n i liv

BHAM_ (Page 04) contents:Layout 1

22/6/16

10:58

Page 04

INSIDE

Highlights

12 16 20 30 44 69

Lee Child The best-selling author on creating Jack Reacher and giving back to his Birmingham school The People’s Orchestra Inspirational and uplifting story behind one of Birmingham’s greatest musical treasures Food and Drink Top chef Aktar Islam talks chips fried in dripping and a debt owed to Gordon Ramsay Style Life’s a beach! Swimwear for every occasion, from all-action sports to poolside posing

Homes Pitching up… our pick of all the latest gear and gadgets whether you’re glamping or camping Up Close With… Steve Ball The Rep’s associate director on the thrill of welcoming the world youth festival to Brum

20 04 birmingham living

12 july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 04) contents:Layout 1

22/6/16

10:58

Page 05

CONTENTS

30

Best of the Rest

24 38 58 62 65 71 78 july 2016

Restaurant Reviews Our critics’ verdicts on The Belfry and El Borracho De Oro, plus this month’s best wine buys Health & Beauty Facing allergy misery of the summer sneeze-on, plus Rose Gallagher’s top beauty buys Young, Gifted and Brummie Talented tenor Karl Loxley on how he’s making the most of his big break on TV’s The Voice Company To Watch How a chance encounter in Florence gave birth to Brum’s cool Loki Wine merchants and bar Spotlight on Business Our pick of the latest news and views making the headlines in the business community Social Scene The pages that picture who’s been out and about networking in Birmingham this month Shows, Arts, Gigs and More What’s on, where and when – all you need to know about the festive entertainment scene

birmingham living 05

BHAM_ (Page 06):Layout 1

22/6/16

11:00

Page 06

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:24

Page 07

NEWS

BIRMINGHAM INSPIRED!

g n i v liTODAY

Iconic buildings across Birmingham were given a dramatic makeover as they were covered in artworks to mark the start of the city’s annual Inspired Festival. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Council House and Town Hall were among locations washed in colour as part of the light projection event created by Birmingham City University students.

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

HOLD TIGHT FOR A PEAKY EXPERIENCE The whole world has gone Peaky Blinders bonkers! Fans of the BBC Two BAFTA-winning cult drama can indulge their passion for the story of a gangster family in 1920s Birmingham thanks to Birmingham Tours’ Peaky Blinders Bus Tour. Set up by entrepreneur and tailor Adrian Barrows, the tour takes visitors back to the city in the 1890s.

NEW LANDING SPOT FOR GALLERY 37 Gallery 37, Birmingham’s long-established youth arts participation programme, is set to return in September with a new look and new home at Millennium Point.

It will provide free creative skills training to more than 50 young people finding themselves outside of education and employment. Gallery 37 is produced by Birmingham-based arts and cultural agency Punch Records, headed by Ammo Talwar, pictured.

july 2016

COUNTESS HAILS LIFESAVERS The Countess of Wessex paid tribute to Midlands Air Ambulance at an anniversary garden party at Hagley Hall. Sponsored by the charity’s corporate partner Pertemps and hosted by radio and TV broadcaster Michael Collie, the Air25 event celebrated 25 years of the charity’s life-saving work.

birmingham living 07

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:24

Page 08

NEWS

ARTY KIDS GO FOR BOLD More than 170 BookBench sculptures decorated by young people in the Midlands go on show around the region for eight weeks from this month. The benches are part of The Big Read arts project to promote literacy development and have been designed by nurseries, schools, colleges and community groups.

GALLERY SHOWCASES

BEST OF BRITISH A contemporary gallery highlighting the best in

British design has opened in the Jewellery Quarter.

Curated by jeweller and gemologist Michele White, Artisan Alchemy brings together for the first time in Birmingham bespoke jewellery and furniture featuring exceptional craftsmanship. The gallery also provides workshops for artisans.

CBBC LIVE FROM BRUM Children’s TV channel CBBC is coming to Birmingham for two days of live broadcasts celebrating Awesome Authors. The channel is partnering with the city council and Library of Birmingham for the event on 16 and 17 July which aims to get children excited about reading and creative writing.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend.

LONGBRIDGE BROUGHT TO BOOK LET BATTLE COMMENCE! Get ready for Spitfire and cavalry displays, cannon fire, stunning fireworks and brilliant classical music! The hugely popular Battle Proms Picnic Concert returns to Ragley Hall on Saturday 13 August. Last year, a recordbreaking crowd of more than 7,000 enjoyed the show which raises funds for the veterans’ Combat Stress mental health charity.

08 birmingham living

A new book looking at the past, present and future of Longbridge has been launched by Gillian Bardsley, archivist at the British Motor Museum. Making Cars at Longbridge, 1905 to the Present Day honours the 110th anniversary of the production of the first Austin car and the 150th birthday of its designer, Herbert Austin. Published

by History Press at £17.99.

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:24

Page 09

NEWS

BRUM BREAKS BALLET STAR’S FINAL DANCE MILLION BARRIER One of the city’s best-loved dancers More than one million foreign visitors came to Birmingham in a recordbreaking 2015. The city is the fourth most-visited place in the UK by international guests, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) with an increase of 163,000 visitors – 17.3 per cent – on 2014.

Those visitors spent £386 million, just eight per cent less than London.

has hung up her ballet shoes after an incredible 13-year career with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Australianborn Elisha Willis, who spent 12 years as a principal dancer, performed her final role as Kate in The Taming of the Shrew.

Picture: Jas Sansi

FESTIVAL ALL SET TO SLIP AND SLIDE Make a date this month with the JQ Festival, the biggest event on the Jewellery Quarter calendar. Last year’s festival weekend saw more than 98,000 people visit the quarter where they were treated to a huge array of family events organised by local businesses and venues. This year’s action runs from 22 to 24 July.

JUST ZIPPING OUT… Brave fund-raisers took on the challenge of zip-wiring across Edgbaston Stadium in aid of two local charities. More than 60 participants took part throughout the day, raising over £5,000 for Edward’s Trust bereavement charity and NICE, which improve the lives of those with neurological movement disorders.

BIG ART SHOW An exhibition revealing five artists’ proposals for the £2million Birmingham Big Art Project has opened in the city. The display runs until the end of August.

The winner will be chosen next January. See Social Scene page 77

GOOD SPORTS Calling all sports fans! To celebrate a great summer of events, Resorts World Birmingham has erected giant outdoor screens showing top class action, including Wimbledon and the British GP.

WILLARD’S GARDEN STRIKES GOLD Birmingham city council scooped a gold award at Chelsea Flower Show for the fifth year running with a display inspired by Birmingham’s worldrenowned miniature needle artist Willard Wigan.

The centrepiece of the display was a five-metre tall needle. Willard, pictured at the show with Dame Esther Rantzen, famously creates his tiny sculptures in the eye of a needle.

july 2016

IN BRIEF

SAFETY FIRST A new campaign, Child Safety First, has been launched in the Midlands

by Busy Bees Early Years Training Academy to improve basic paediatric first-aid among those who care for under-fives.

Training is being given at special workshops.

birmingham living 09

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:24

Page 10

NEWS

A STREET CAR NAMED OZZY He’s done some wild things in his time but we doubt Birmingham rock legend Ozzy Osbourne ever thought that one day a city tram would be named after him! Ozzy flew from his home in the US to Brum to unveil the Midland Metro tram bearing his name. “It’s a great honour, I’m proud to be a Brummie and this means a lot,” he said.

COMPOSER OLIVER’S DOUBLE TRIUMPH Composer and conductor Oliver Knussen, who is artist-in-association with Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, has won two top awards. He claimed the 2016 Ivor Novello Award for Classical Music and was then named as the recipient of the Queen’s Medal for Music, one of the UK’s highest musical accolades.

GOSPEL QUEEN RUBY LAUNCHES DAY OF MUSIC Singer Ruby Turner and a choral flash mob entertained commuters with a special performance at New Street Station. Gospel queen Ruby and her 30-strong choir kicked off Birmingham’s BBC Music Day celebrations which saw a host of unique and surprising musical happenings taking place around the city.

ZOOMING IN ON THE CUBE GET READY TO STRUMBLE!

This is the dramatic picture that won Daniel Sturley the title of The Cube’s Photographer of the Year. Daniel was presented with a trophy during a special exhibition held in the The Cube’s atrium. Amateur and professional photographers had submitted their favourite shots of the iconic building with 12 finalists showing off their images.

Ukulele players from across the UK will descend on Warwick Racecourse for the Spa Strummers’ annual Great Midland Ukefest on Saturday 9 July. More than 2,000 people are expected at the event organised by the Leamington-based ukulele group. The festival is supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Service, the course’s chosen charity.

GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk 10 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 11):Layout 1

22/6/16

16:33

Page 11

BHAM_ (Page 12) leechild:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:25

Page 12

COVER STORY

JACK

OF DIAMONDS

Best-selling author Lee Child talks to David Johns about the phenomenon that is Jack Reacher and why it is important he gives back to the Birmingham school that gave him so much

12 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 12) leechild:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:25

Page 13

COVER STORY

eptember 1st is the date that best-selling author Lee Child looks to each year. That’s the day, without fail, when he sits down at his desk to begin work on his next book. It’s a routine that works pretty well. He’s written 21 Jack Reacher novels this way, the first being on 1 September 1995 – the day he was fired from his job in television, invested in paper and pencil and created the tough, nomadic American ex-military cop that millions of readers have grown to love.

“I always begin the same way, it never changes,” says Lee. “I haven’t even thought about Jack Reacher prior to sitting down. It’s a blank piece of paper, nothing planned, no plot prepared or anything like that. If you spend all your time thinking about it you get too close to the character, and then it can become very difficult to write.”

S

>> JACK FACTS According to Lee, readers love Jack Reacher “because he represents all that we would like to be but are prevented from doing in real life. He doesn’t live anywhere and he doesn’t own anything. He isn’t tied down”.

The first Jack Reacher book, Killing Floor, won awards for being the best first novel by an author. Since then the 21 books in the series have clocked up hundreds of millions of sales and been best-sellers around the world.

The first Jack Reacher film starring Tom Cruise was a box office hit, grossing more than $200million.

The name Jack Reacher came as a result of Lee’s wife asking him to reach goods on top shelves. At 6ft 5ins, she told him he could “always become a reacher in a supermarket if the writing didn’t pan out”.

As an Aston Villa fan, Lee has been known to include the MOVIE PREMIERE names of players in his books.

Apart from writing Book No 22, this September will have extra significance for the BirminghamLee makes Hitchcock-like brief cameo appearances in the educated author. Just a few weeks later will see the movies. He appeared as a desk sergeant in the first film and premiere of the second Jack Reacher movie, starring will be seen again in Never Go Back.

Tom Cruise, and when Lee and I chatted this month he was already Because of huge changes, Birmingham getting excited at the prospect of the new film, entitled Jack Reacher: Never became very defensive as a city when it has no Go Back. He was due to fly to Hollywood to see the final cut, the next need to be. It is a wonderful, creative and day. “While the film is based on my talented place today book, I never get involved in the Lee never forgets how lucky he was to go to scripting – it never works if the author is the person King Edward’s. “If you passed the entrance trying to adapt their book for the screen. I am on set exam back then, that was it, you were in and it all the time watching what goes on, but that’s about was free,” he said. Since the end of the Direct it until I see the finished movie.”

Grant system, the school has been independent Lee was born by the name of Jim Grant in but continued to offer a number of assisted places.

October 1954 in Coventry (he adopted the pen name Lee Child when he wrote his first book).

SCHOOL PROJECT The son of a civil servant, his parents moved him Lee has been at the forefront of a campaign by the and his three brothers – the youngest is also a school to hugely increase the assisted places scheme. thriller writer – to Handsworth Wood when he As one of 12 alumni ambassadors he has contributed was aged four to get a better education. He and promoted King Edward’s AP100 project which attended Cherry Orchard Primary School before has just completed the target of raising £10million passing the entrance exam for King Edward’s over the past six years to fund 100 assisted places at School which at that time was a direct grant the school, doubling the current number. school funded by the Government.

“

july 2016

”

birmingham living 13

BHAM_ (Page 84):Layout 1

23/5/16

23:48

Page 84

BHAM_ (Page 12) leechild:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:25

Page 15

COVER STORY

“

As one of 12 alumni ambassadors, Lee has contributed to King Edward’s £10m campaign to give kids the same opportunities he had growing up

Lee returned to King Edward’s to join chief master John Claughton and the staff in celebrating the achievement. “A lot of money was raised and it will have a huge impact on some children’s lives.

You want every kid to have the chance of the same opportunities you had growing up. What I have done to help means that I have paid for one kid to go through the school, which is great. Although I spend a lot of time at my home in New York, my roots are very much in Birmingham and the place means a lot to me.”

Lee recalls the city of his childhood was “very industrial and very prosperous”. He said: “There was lots of money around. I remember my gran coming down to visit from Yorkshire and she saw people in Birmingham using £5 notes – she’d never seen one before!”

While the demographic of the city has changed since those days, Lee says Brum’s unique DNA is still apparent. “Birmingham has always been about

july 2016

”

energy, talent and creativity and that hasn’t changed even though the place feels very different now.

“Birmingham has suffered from a poor PR image.

In the past you could call it the silicon valley of its time, and then it underwent huge changes. As a result it became very defensive as a city when it has no need to be. It is a wonderful place today.”

While the author spends a lot of his time in his apartment in Manhattan, he also has a home in Sussex which entitled him to vote in last month’s EU referendum. While not revealing if he was a Remainer or Brexiter, he said: “If you have the right to vote, you have to use it.” He’s also a mad football fan, watching all the England games in Euro 2016, and following the difficulties of his beloved Aston Villa.

In another nod to his Midlands roots, he also owns and drives a supercharged Jaguar which was built at the Brown’s Lane plant, just 30 yards from the hospital in which he was born. We’re sure Jack Reacher would approve… I

birmingham living 15

BHAM_ (Page 16) peoplesorchestra:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:26

Page 16

FEATURE

THE PEOPLE’S ORCHESTRA Open to all ages and all instruments, the People’s Orchestra is truly unique – and Birmingham is very lucky to have it

arah Marshall is the first to admit that the People’s Orchestra seemed like a “very mad idea” back in 2012. Basically it all started as a result of Sarah’s daughter Amy wanting to carry on playing the French horn after she left Earls High School in Halesowen. What Amy didn’t want was the strict confines of a ‘traditional’ orchestra. Rather it had to be free and easy and fun, and play modern, accessible music from showbiz and the movies – the kind of stuff everyone knows and can hum along to.

“There were no orchestras like that which Amy could go to,” said Sarah. “So, we said ‘well, why don’t we try and start one of our own?” The People’s Orchestra was born. And today, four years on, it comprises of nearly 80 like-minded playing members who perform upwards of 10 concerts a year.

S

COMMUNITY WORK The People’s Orchestra does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s an orchestra by the people for the people. It’s a diverse mix of talented musicians of all ages who come together as a full orchestra or in smaller groups to create and perform across the Midlands. As an independent charity it has also developed a very successful volunteer programme which helps local unemployed people back into work. So as well as playing wonderful music, the orchestra also achieves much more for the good of the community at large.

Unlike any other orchestra there are no limits on the number or types of instruments people play. “We have held auditions at the Custard Factory,” said

16 birmingham living

Sarah. “We’d advertised in the local press and on social media and by word of mouth and we expected to find people to fill a normal style of orchestra.

Instead, we found we had a lot of flutes. So to let as many people as possible take part, we changed the format of the orchestra to cater for all the flutes. The format is constantly changing, depending on what instruments people who join us are playing.”

The orchestra rehearses every Sunday at Trefoil House behind The Mailbox, but even those are fairly unconventional. “It’s very much a drop-in, drop-out orchestra,” explained Sarah. In fact the only requirement to become part of the orchestra is that you have to have played towards Grade 7, plus sightreading of music is key too.

BAFTA-WINNING Just about everything is different and wonderful about this amazing orchestra. Unlike most amateur groups, the People’s Orchestra has a permanent office manned by three volunteers in West Bromwich Town Hall. Unsurprisingly one of those volunteers is Sarah herself who seems to spend every waking moment planning, scheduling and managing the orchestra and its needs. “I have a very good husband who lets me do all of this for nothing,” she jokes.

The orchestra regularly performs and records world and UK premieres of new music from composers working in the film and TV industry today, including BAFTA and Emmy award-winning John Altman, John Koutselinis and Chris Nicolaides.

In 2014, the orchestra was recognised by the Arts

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 16) peoplesorchestra:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:26

Page 17

FEATURE

july 2016

birmingham living 17

BHAM_ (Page 16) peoplesorchestra:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:26

Page 18

FEATURE

Council who provide a grant to help the project.

And this year, Sarah is hoping the musicians will get further national recognition after applying to be part of an exciting new BBC TV reality competition series featuring five very different and varied orchestras from across the UK. Like most arts organisations, the orchestra’s biggest challenge is funding. While Arts Council help is a vital contribution, it is just that – a contribution. The orchestra has to find ways to raise its own resources to service what is a big group of people. This involves a lot of creative thinking – including outdoor concerts in Dudley’s Priory Park, ‘flashmob’ performances by smaller groups to the likes of commuters on Virgin Trains and playing at corporate events and awards and weddings. They have also collaborated with a local game designer to If you’d like to know more about joining the People’s Orchestra, contact 0121 569 2616 or e-mail music@thepeoplesorchestra.com Shenanigans: The Musical game is £10 from www.kickstarter.com

The orchestra’s next concert is On The Battlefield, featuring war-related film and stage music, on 3 July at West Bromwich Town Hall.

18 birmingham living

produce Shenanigans: The Musical, a speedy game of intrigue in an orchestra setting.

“The concerts help raise some money,” said Sarah.

“But the costs we have to meet are challenging. All our music, whether from films or TV, costs money to buy. You can’t just take it and perform it for free. The cost of music for just one concert can be anything up to £7,000. Multiply that by the number of concerts we do and you can see the size of the challenge.”

SPONSOR SEARCH While most orchestra members supply their own instruments, larger items such as percussion are provided – and maintained – by the orchestra. “And they wear out eventually,” Sarah sighed. The dream is to find a corporate sponsor who wants to get involved in what is one of Birmingham’s brightest cultural and community projects. “The orchestra is continuing to grow,” said Sarah. “We don’t place any limits, we want people of all ages to take part.”

So, what happens when the numbers top 100?

“We’ll have to see then,” said Sarah. “Maybe we have two orchestras instead of one… we will never turn people away.” I

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 49):Layout 1

22/6/16

11:05

Page 49

il ving

BHAM_ (Page 20) chefscorner:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:27

Page 20

FOOD & DRINK

AKTAR ISLAM

The chef director of the award-winning Lasan Group talks cooking with mum, fish and chips with dripping and his debt to Gordon Ramsay Tell us about your cooking I have a very individual cooking style. I celebrate the vibrant flavours from the Indian subcontinent and combine that with some of the best of British produce, delivering a truly unique experience for our guests. Great ingredients really excite and inspire me. Working with passionate producers is also something that’s key to the Lasan group philosophy.

What do you eat when at home?

How did you become a chef?

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

My training started from a very young age. My earliest cooking memories are from spending time in the kitchen at home where I would help my mother cooking for the family and guests. My mother has been one of the greatest influences and things I gleaned in the early years still influence what I deliver on a plate to this day.

20 birmingham living

The key emphasis is on sharing. It’s almost always a very social affair where all my friends gather around the table to eat, drink and generally be merry without too much faff! Whether it be a massive bowl of biryani or a platter of spicy jerk chicken what matters most is that everyone digs in and it’s a hearty meal.

Gordon Ramsay has been a massive player in my life and he’s been instrumental in spreading the gospel about the great things we’d been doing in our early years in Birmingham. In my opinion his success is unparalleled, a truly impressive and talented chef! As a

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 20) chefscorner:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:27

Page 21

CHEF’S CORNER

For the recipe to make Aktar’s delicious Murgh Malai chicken visit our website www.brumliving.co.uk

as it rests on the plate, so usually by the time it’s at the table it will be perfect.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

I’m a mummy’s boy... I love all the amazing flavours that would come from the exquisite dishes my mother would cook. To this day, I often call her and put in requests. Another great favourite of mine is good old-fashioned fish and chips. It’s all about frying in dripping – sadly something we don’t see very much anymore.

Food heaven and food hell?

I’m a fiend for a great piece of beef, so food heaven is steak. I get my fill at Fiesta Del Asado quite regularly... In winter months we do a mutton porridge at Lasan which is really satisfying and hits the spot! As for food hell – I hate mushy fruit. city we’re very lucky as we have so many talented chefs that I’m honoured to call friends – Luke Tipping, Glynn Purnell, Brad Carter and not to mention all the guys within our group.

Is the customer always right?

We always endeavour to try and please all our guests.

Nobody is always right, but what’s important is that everyone is able and willing to accept criticism or be open-minded enough to be educated as often complaints are down to lack of understanding of the product.

Share a cooking tip My biggest complaint is over-cooked fish! I always say leave it slightly under as it will continue to cook

july 2016

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

Lamb’s brain is definitely one of the most unusual. It’s very rich but so good with some wholemeal bread!

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

I guess a producer or grower. I really do love food from farm to fork and would like to be a part of that process.

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

The tasting menu. It allows guests to follow the journey through our current menu paired with great wines. It’s extremely popular and definitely the best way to experience Lasan. I Lasan, 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James Street, St Paul’s Square B3 1SD. Tel: 0121 212 3664 www.lasan.co.uk

birmingham living 21

BHAM_ (Page 22) wine:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:28

Page 22

WINE

BARBIE BEAUTIES Eating outdoors demands something great to drink. Rob Price picks this summer’s best buys he great outdoors – where we light up the fire/BBQ or decide to venture further afield with the canvas and do a spot of camping. As a child my summer holiday was camping with my parents, and for me it was probably the thing I looked forward to most every year. We went with many different families from our local church and put up two massive marques, where all the cooking and eating were done.

Each family had to have a day on cook’s duty, which no doubt stressed my mom, but I just enjoyed every minute. One of my first memories of wine, was when I had just turned 18, so decided I would bring a bottle of wine back (you see I was cultured even as a teenager!) to have with lunch and share with a few of my friends.

All good I thought, but when I started to open the bottle and pour the wine I could hear murmurs of

T

22 birmingham living

discontent. Carrying on regardless we drank the wine.

Only afterwards did it dawn on me that as I was surrounded by some very dedicated Methodists, my wine drinking was not universally approved!

Whenever you’re eating outdoors, whether camping or barbecuing, easy to open and easy to drink wines are a must. So, this month I have selected three excellent ones for you to try, plus a brilliant beer to quaff down.

I also think we should give some wines a try that don’t come in a glass bottle. Heresy I hear you cry, but other formats of wine are quite popular on mainland Europe. Indeed the Scandinavian countries consume more wine from boxes than they do from bottles. And the box does make sense as it contains a collapsible bag that stops any oxygen reaching the wine, so staying fresh for longer. Perfect if you only have one glass per night!

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 22) wine:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:28

Page 23

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

COUNTRY MEADOW If you’re lovin’ summer, you’ll adore chilling out with this cool cocktail

ROB’S OUTDOOR PICKS Delicious Rose sparkling wine from Chile Cono Sur’s Pinot Noir Rose from Bio Bio is a fantastic fizz with strawberry and cherry flavours bursting out. Available at £10 or less at many of the major multiples.

Light and fruity red from New Zealand From my favourite Pinot Noir region, Central Otago in New Zealand. Mud House make a fresh and mouth-watering Pinot, with black cherry and a hint of spice. Perfect with most nonsweet food. Available from Majestic at £11.99.

Good value Malbec Trivento Reserve from Mendoza, Argentina is soft plummy, vanilla, and spicy. Available from most supermarkets at around £8 per bottle. Great with sausages and steak off the barbie.

ere comes summer… and as the (hopefully!)sunny days send us scurrying for T’s and shorts, there’s nothing like a lovely cocktail to cool down. Country Meadow has the ring of an English summer – and the taste to match. The recipe comes courtesy of the mixologists at Chung Ying Central. So pile on the ice… and let’s chill.I

H

To make: In a jar, muddle mint leaves and blueberries. Then add: I 50ml Tanqueray gin I 12.5ml lemon juice I 12.5ml sugar syrup I Crushed ice and stir I Top with 12.5ml Crème de Mure I Garnish with mint leaves and blueberries Chung Ying Central, 126 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3AP. Tel 0121 400 0888 www.chungyingcentral.co.uk

Not forgetting the beer!

Based on an original recipe from 1899, superb Cheshire Chocolate Porter is full-bodied with a ripe malt and velvety smooth chocolate taste. Available from M&S at £2.29 bottle.

Or of course there are PET bottles – plastic to you and me. Again they have their advantages… cheaper, lighter and they don’t break. So off I went in search of good wine in either of these formats, but alas I was very disappointed. The only one I could find that I have tasted and was OK was Parra Alta, a Malbec from Argentina. If you want to try, Tesco sell it in 2.25-litre boxes for £14.50, the equivalent of £4.83 a bottle.

So, sorry but I am reverting back to plain old glass, as inefficient as it is with all its drawbacks. My four to try can all be opened without a corkscrew. I Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine and beer education company that offers fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham, Warwick, Sutton Coldfield and Milton Keynes.

For more information contact Rob Price on 0121 270 7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

july 2016

Don’t miss Birmingham Cocktail weekend, 15 to 17 July, featuring more than 30 top venues with specially priced cocktails. Details at: www.birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk

birmingham living 23

BHAM_ (Page 24) restaurant review:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:34

Page 24

RESTAURANT REVIEW

THE BELFRY Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 9PR. Tel: 0844 980 0600 www.thebelfry.co.uk ’m a bit of a child when it comes to all things golf-related and get the giggles when I’m within 20 feet of a putting green. It must be a nervous thing, a bit like when you just have to cough as a minute’s silence begins. So, when invited for an overnight stay at The Belfry by my thoughtful, but golf-mad husband, I approached it with some trepidation. He assured me he wasn’t taking the clubs and that this would be pure relaxation.

Cruising up the driveway flanked by flags and immaculate lawns, The Belfry felt every inch the serious golfers’ paradise until Mr C pointed out Bel Air, the nightclub we’d be frequenting later. The foyer of the hotel was grand with a glamorous central bar that was already buzzing at 4pm. We checked in and hot-footed it to our room to change and join the party. Incidentally, our room overlooked the Brabazon’s 10th tee (world-class course) which was stunningly beautiful. We shunned the bar temporarily in favour of an alfresco tipple on an

I

24 birmingham living

idyllic terrace to soak up the sun. Two G&Ts cost £27, but the setting and the gin (Bombay Sapphire) and tonic (Fever Tree) were spot on. I’m pretty sure they were doubles too.

There were a few choices for dinner to contemplate.

A friendly, relaxed joint with a pub vibe called Sam’s Clubhouse; the fine dining glamour of the Ryder Grill and newly opened Italian restaurant Roccas. Mr C had eaten at the grill before and we didn’t fancy the pub, so we opted for Roccas. The restaurant had a different vibe. It was light, bright and simple with a pared down Scandi interior. The menu was succinct and focused which is always a good sign. A nice bottle of Gavi was promptly ordered.

CALAMARI FIRST I’d never eaten calamari in England, so thought I’d give it a whirl. Served in a newspaper print with lemon and mayonnaise, the coating was crunchy and salty with a good thwack of pepper and the inside tender. I

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 24) restaurant review:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:34

Page 25

RESTAURANT REVIEW

absolutely loved it. Mr C went for a simple tomato and mozzarella salad which was dreamy. The mozzarella was top drawer and so soft and creamy the middle of it was almost like burrata with tomatoes that were fresh, ripe and full of flavour. Add in basil and balsamic and it was properly good. We were impressed. The staff were impressive too achieving that rare perfect level of attentiveness.

We were pretty excited about the mains and rightly so. The meatballs packed a punch with a hit of chilli in a great tomato-y sauce with fusilli pasta. The pizza Caprina with goat’s cheese, rocket, oregano and tomato had a crisp, thin base ideal for me topped with a gorgeous combination of flavours. The restaurant was fairly quiet for a Saturday, but in fairness it had just opened. I’m sure once word gets out about the food it will be as bustling as the bar.

We sneaked in a moreish vanilla panna cotta with two spoons before more drinks in the bar and onto the club.

july 2016

“I’m not sure people ordinarily go clubbing after a three-course meal,” is what I said to Mr C, but with a cocktail inside him (the gin bramble is gorgeous) there was no talking him down. We could hear much whooping as we got closer to the club. Inside, there was a fun vibe with dry ice aplenty and some serious shape throwing. The sun was almost coming up when we left Bel Air, so ‘pure relaxation’ it was not, but we’d belly laughed a lot and had a blast. I

birmingham living 25

BHAM_ (Page 26) nibbles:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:34

Page 26

FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and

SHORTS

Birmingham has a lively and buzzing bar and restaurant scene. Here, we present our insider guide to what’s going on in your city’s eateries and drinking dens ALL CHANGE FOR TURNERS Top chef Richard Turner has revealed a major revamp of his Michelin-starred restaurant in Harborne. He is ditching elaborate tasting menus to focus on classic, simplified dishes and plans to extend opening hours. “I think it will be liberating to offer a more casual style of food,” he told us.

BURGERS BOOST PRINCE’S TRUST Tasty burgers served in a bun, bap or baguette at the Birmingham Marriott will help the hotel chain raise £100,000 for the Prince’s Trust.

Chefs have created eight signature burgers using beef, boar, lamb, chicken and venison with £1 per dish going to the charity.

TASTE OF THAI FOR STRATFORD Sabai Sabai is opening its third Midlands restaurant this month, bringing its brand of Thai cuisine to the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Award-winning husband and wife team Torquil and Juree Chidwick already run two successful restaurants in Birmingham, in Moseley and Harborne.

FOOD AWARDS PROVE A BIG HIT The inaugural Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards held at Edgbaston Stadium were a big success. Winners included The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel, Fiesta del Asado, Loki Wine and Glyn Purnell, who won best chef of the year.

ALL-DAY DINING ON THE BUTTON The Button Factory has opened in the former Vertu Bar in the Jewellery Quarter, giving guests an all-day dining experience, from brunches and lunches through to dinner and drinks into the early hours.

YOU MUST TRY THE ACAI BOWL, MATE… Kings Heath is welcoming new Australian-inspired café and coffee shop, Madcup. Proprietor Kelly Kuok said: “Madcup features adventurous recipes such as Acai Bowl which is made from healthy acai berries – something that has yet to be widely introduced in Birmingham.”

HOTEL OPENS AT THE MAILBOX The Mailbox is the first location in the UK to welcome Marriott’s AC Hotels brand. AC Hotels is a design-led lifestyle brand currently operating at more than 90 sites in Europe and North America. The hotel features 90 stylish guest rooms.

26 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 27):Layout 1

july 2016

22/6/16

16:15

Page 27

birmingham living 27

BHAM_ (Page 28):Layout 1

28 birmingham living

22/6/16

17:14

Page 28

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 29) lunchspot:Layout 1

22/6/16

11:35

Page 29

LUNCH SPOT

EL BORRACHO DE ORO Harborne Court, Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3BU. Tel: 0121 4545 368 www.elborracho.co.uk

o, when Tom Carroll tweeted ‘if you’ve never eaten @ElBorrachoDeOro you’re a knobhead’ I thought I’d better go. No one wants to be a knobhead. I roped in my other half who had already eaten at said restaurant, so it was just me who was a temporary knobhead.

Firstly, El Borracho is different to other Spanish restaurants in the city in that it feels properly Spanish.

The décor is warm and colourful, with mismatched furniture, great lighting and a bar area perfect for nibbling tapas while perched on a bar stool. Chef Ignacios is thoroughly charming as is owner Emma and they’re both mad about authenticity and quality. They make a great team.

But what of the food? Well, we wanted everything on the menu as is the way with tapas, but managed to whittle it down to five dishes plus fantastically garlicky tomato bread then Ignacios threw a culinary spanner in the works by bringing out two wonderful plates he’d

S

july 2016

been playing around with. Pheasant and pork terrine with rhubarb compote and a kind of rillettes style of pheasant on the side was heavenly. Rich and meaty with the sharp rhubarb it was amazing. Then came deboned pigs trotter filled with mushrooms. Granted that doesn’t sound too sparkling, but it tasted wonderful. The other half isn’t keen on mushrooms, so it wasn’t up his strasa, but I loved it. Neither of those dishes is on the regular menu, but expect them as specials at some point.

From the a la carte we enjoyed rich chicken livers cooked in sherry and sizzling, juicy prawns in a spicy sauce. We loved the flavour packed chorizo and brilliant meatballs mopping up their moreish sauce with tomato bread. Patatas bravas was given a bit of a twist served inventively in a basket with aioli and a tomato sauce on the side and a carafe of Spanish white added to the authentic vibe. We could have seriously stayed all day.

I have a bone to pick with the Birmingham Food and Drink Awards. How did El Borracho not win the award for best Spanish restaurant in Brum? Genuine question, because we are flummoxed. I

birmingham living 29

ing livSTYLE

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

22/6/16

09:53

Page 30

FRILL SEEKER Ditsy peacock one-piece £35, White Stuff, Cannon St

LIFE’S A BEACH

Try before you buy is a useful mantra when shopping for swimwear because whether you’re kitesurfing or lounging by a pool you need it to stay put and flatter

30 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

22/6/16

09:54

Page 31

STYLE

CLUB TROPICANA Strapless one-piece £19.50, M&S, High St

MELLOW YELLOW Swimsuit £29.99, H&M at The Fort Shopping Park

perfect fit that flatters is all one wants from swimwear and while it doesn’t seem like a big ask, it’s not so easy to achieve. We reckon the most important preparation apart from having glowing skin (see Rose Gallager’s Summer Essentials on page 40) is to be organised.

Ask yourself how many sets of swimmers do you need and crucially what will you be doing in them? For instance, kitesurfing in Greece requires a different costume to sipping sundowners in Ibiza.

Here are our four basic must-haves for a happy holiday. Just add a hat, three or four chic cover-ups, some oversized sunnies and you’re set.

• A stylish one-piece that offers a bit of coverage and will stay put despite a barrage of waves, a spot of windsurfing or a vigorous swim in the pool • A flattering bikini that stays put – a bit of a minefield this one as it depends so much on your shape. Try on four or

A

july 2016

five different styles, wriggle around, jump up and down, sit down and check yourself from all angles • A super glamorous bikini or onepiece that makes you feel a million dollars. The only activity this needs to stand up to is looking hot while catching a few rays and strolling elegantly from lounger to bar • A rash vest for protection if you’re feeling a bit sun-baked. I

OCEAN WAVES Swilker swimsuit £55, Seasalt Cornwall www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk

DAZZLE IN TASSLES Khaki green bikini top £14.99 and bottoms £7.99, New Look, Bullring

RIGHT STRIPES Swimsuit £6, Primark, The Fort Shopping Park

birmingham living 31

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

22/6/16

09:54

Page 32

STYLE

CUT IT OUT Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Jungle crossover suit £42, Debenhams, The Fort Shopping Park

RAISE THE BAR Bikini top £16, bottoms £14, M&Co www.M&Co.com

HIGH WAIST

NAUTICAL BUT NICE Tabling tankini £39.95 and bottoms £19.95, Seasalt Cornwall www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk

Leopard print high waist bikini top £14, and bottoms £18, River Island, The Fort Shopping Park

OPTICAL ILLUSION Geo eyelet one-piece £18, Next, Bullring

32 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

22/6/16

09:54

Page 33

STYLE AZTEC DREAMS Blue zig-zag mesh waist swimsuit £35, River Island, The Fort Shopping Park

FINE TAN LINES Gabriella black mesh bikini £18, Pretty Little Thing www.prettylittlething.com

FABULOUSLY FLATTERING Heidi Klein exclusive one-piece £195, Selfridges, Bullring

SUPER CUTE Scallop edge bikini bottoms £9.99 and top £14.99, H&M, The Fort Shopping Park

LESS IS MORE Myleene Klass metallic strap bikini set £37, Littlewoods www.littlewoods.com

BEACH LIFE Bikini top £9.99, bottoms £7.99, New Look, The Fort Shopping Park

july 2016

birmingham living 33

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

22/6/16

09:54

Page 34

STYLE

IT'S A WRAP Swimsuit £36, Topshop, The Fort Shopping Park

SUPPORT ACT Tankini £36, Evans, Merry Hill

GET STRAPPY RI Resort strappy swimsuit £35, River Island, The Fort Shopping Park

STYLE TIP

GREEN GODDESS Floozie by Frost French Bikini top £26.60, bottoms £15, Debenhams at The Fort Shopping Park

BOLD PRINT

When you bikini tha find a t perfectly, b fits you uy it in a few differe nt colourway s

Desert leaf print bikini top £19.95 and bottoms £15, White Stuff, Cannon St

HEIDI HI Heidi Klein Ecuador scallop triangle bikini top £95, bottoms £95, Selfridges, Bullring

34 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 35):Layout 1

july 2016

22/6/16

15:08

Page 35

birmingham living 35

BHAM_ (Page 36) menstyle:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:50

Page 36

STYLE FOR MEN

PRINTS CHARMING Checks, stars, palm trees, full-on landscapes… this summer’s swimmers are adorned with prints big and small

SURF’S UP Palm print, White Stuff, Cannon St

36 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 36) menstyle:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:50

Page 37

STYLE FOR MEN

WILD WEST Cactus print £20, River Island, Bullring

TAKE THE PLUNGE Pool print £18, Next, Bullring

his season’s hottest swimwear comes in a plethora of patterns from subtle stripes to bold statement prints. Top of the tree is the purple star print from River Island. Cool and casual it doesn’t look like you’ve tried too hard. At the other end of the spectrum Dolce and Gabbana’s black dragon print says ‘look at me, I’ve arrived’. The only real dilemma is length and we’d go mid-thigh every time – by far the most flattering whatever your shape. Leave the long board shorts for tanned teenagers with flowing locks and reserve the budgie smugglers for Mark Foster, circa 1990.

FLOWER POWER Floral swim shorts £14.99, New Look, The Fort Shopping Park

T

LAZY PALM Palm print £30, River Island, The Fort Shopping Park

STAR SWIMMER Purple stars £18, River Island, Bullring

july 2016

CHECK MATE David Gandy checked quick dry swim shorts £29.50, M&S, High St

BEACH DUDE Photographic print £15, Burton Menswear, New St

YEAR OF THE DRAGON Dolce & Gabbana dragon print £245, Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox

NO NONSENSE Striped swim shorts £12.99, New Look, The Fort Shopping Park

RED, WHITE AND YOU Striped swim shorts £15, Next, Bullring

birmingham living 37

BHAM_ (Page 38) health:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:45

Page 38

HEALTH

THE BIG SNEEZE The number of people affected by allergies is growing faster than ever. What are the causes, the triggers and the remedies for those itching eyes and noses? ummer is well and truly upon us and while this brings sunshine, barbecues and ice cream in the park, to millions around the UK suffering with allergies it’s the most challenging time of the year.

Allergies affect about one in three people at some stage in their lives – and the number has risen sharply over the last 20 years.

Recent research confirms a significant increase in the incidence of allergies, including food allergies, in the UK. It is estimated that as many as 50 per cent of children are diagnosed with an allergic condition at some point in their childhood. We asked Dr Jonathon North at BMI Edgbaston Hospital, Birmingham to shed light on the reasons why allergies are becoming more common, how and when to get an assessment for diagnosis, and the treatments available.

S

What is an allergy?

“An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system responds to something that to most would be a harmless substance,” said Dr North. “Many people are allergic to pollens and house dust mite and there are various common food allergies to things like peanuts and eggs. However, almost anything can be an allergen.”

For most people these materials cause no problem at all but in those who are allergenic, their immune system identifies the substance as a ‘threat’ and subsequently produces an inappropriate reaction.

When someone comes into contact with an allergen the

38 birmingham living

immune system triggers an antibody response and releases a substance called histamine. Histamine is the chemical that causes the irritating, uncomfortable symptoms associated with allergies – such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and swelling.

Why are they getting more common?

“There is a widely-held belief that people are more likely to suffer from allergies if they have been exposed to fewer germs in childhood,” said Dr North. “This is known as ‘the hygiene hypothesis’ and while it has been talked about a lot recently, it is inaccurate and continues to mislead people to think that modern hygiene standards are bad for our health.”

Main allergy causes include:

Genetics: A child born into a family where parents/siblings suffer from allergies has a higher chance of developing an allergy themselves.

Environment: Current research shows that the allergy genes may be ‘switched on’ or ‘switched off ’ by external environmental factors, such as viral infections.

Antibiotics: Using antibiotics reduces the diversity and frequency of the bacteria on your skin and in your gut, making it more difficult for your immune system to function normally and distinguish harmful bacteria from harmless.

Childhood diet: There is some evidence that the foods you are exposed to as a child can determine whether you

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 38) health:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:46

Page 39

HEALTH

have allergies in later life. Early introduction to common allergenic foods can prevent you from developing an allergy to that food. For example, eating peanuts in the first 11 months of your life can cut the risk of peanut allergy by up to 80 per cent.

How can you get diagnosed if you think you may be allergic?

Tests which measure the presence of allergenspecific IgE antibodies are used to diagnose allergies. The two most common tests are the skin prick test and the specific IgE blood test. However, detecting the antibodies only indicates that you have been exposed to an allergen, and many people will test positive for IgE antibodies even if they have not experienced a reaction. Therefore a reliable allergy diagnosis depends on both testing and on an allergy-focused history. If the allergy history and the allergy tests give a conflicted result a provocation test may be necessary. This is carried out in hospital, and you are exposed to the suspected allergen under closely monitored conditions to see if you have an allergic reaction.

What treatment is available?

“Treatment depends on the severity of the allergy you may be able to manage it by avoiding the allergen, or you may need a form of medication or therapy,” said Dr North. “Most allergic reactions are not extreme and the impact of an allergy can be reduced effectively by reducing exposure. Treatments offered include antihistamines, steroids and emollient creams, which all work by easing the symptoms rather than curing the condition and can make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing.”

A small number of people experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis which is usually triggered by exposure to insect stings, drugs or certain foods. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate emergency treatment using adrenaline. I Dr Jonathon North is a specialist practising at BMI Edgbaston Hospital. For more information contact 0121 456 2000 www.bmihealthcare.co.uk

july 2016

birmingham living 39

BHAM_ (Page 40) beauty:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:44

Page 40

BEAUTY

SUMMER

ESSENTIALS

Beauty expert Rose Gallagher reveals her secrets to glowing summer skin with a top tip from a Kardashian thrown in for good measure

s the weather gets warmer, skin and body care are so much more important. Whether you need something to protect you from the sun or to prepare for your lighter wardrobe choices, I have my favourite sunny essentials in this month’s edit.

A

Frank Original Coffee Scrub £11.95, from frankbody.com If your summer wardrobe has left you revealing a little more skin than usual, ensure that it is radiant and soft with this coffee scrub from Frank. The caffeine in the formula will stimulate blood flow, leaving your skin glowing and helping to combat cellulite.

Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Gold Dust Firming Serum £29.99, from Holland and Barrett I met Kourtney Kardashian a couple of weeks ago and she told me that she loves using the Firming Gold Dust Serum under her foundation to add luminosity and glow.

Everything from Manuka Doctor is derived from honey, making it a great option for those who want a more natural beauty approach.

The Estee Edit Beam Team Hydrate + Glow £34, from Selfridges For plump, glowing skin, I love using the Beam Team. Part moisturiser, part illuminator, this is lovely alone or used under make-up to add radiance. It’s the perfect post-party antidote.

40 birmingham living

Zelens Body Defence Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 £55, from Space NK As the weather gets hotter, a great SPF is essential. Dr Marko Lens, the man behind Zelens, is an authority in suncare and I trust his formulas above any others.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Cream £28, from Debenhams One of the items I haven’t been able to live without this summer has been this new eye cream from Aveda. The rich, creamy formula instantly soothes and comforts the eye area, but it absorbs quickly and easily if desired for use under make-up.

Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self Tan Drops £42, from tan-luxe.com My favourite tanning find this summer has been these little tan drops. I love them because you use them in conjunction with your favourite moisturiser, adding a couple of drops to give the formula added tan.

This way I don’t have to stray from my usual regime when I want to get give my skin a little extra colour.

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 41):Layout 1

22/6/16

11:01

Page 41

BHAM_ (Page 42):Layout 1

22/6/16

11:07

Page 42

BHAM_ (Page 42):Layout 1

22/6/16

11:07

Page 43

ng il viHOMES

BHAM_ (Page 44) homes:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:42

Page 44

CARRY ON

CAMPING Bear Grylls we are not – as a disastrous foray into the world of camping confirmed! But we’re giving it another whirl and we need the latest kit. Are you with us?

44 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 44) homes:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:42

Page 45

HOMES

TOOLED UP Set of barbecue tools £29.95, Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk SPEAKER EASY Portable Kaleidoscope speaker 280 £79.99, www.edifier.com

BE PREPARED Holy Moly poncho, NPW www.npwgifts.com

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD Portable barbecue £54.95, Annabel James www.annabeljames.co.uk

e like to think we’re fairly adventurous, but faced with a recent camping trip – by which we mean one night in a borrowed tent with actual duvets and not much else – we realised we weren’t equipped emotionally or practically. Duvets don’t cut it is the first thing we learned, nor does a dim glow from a Samsung Galaxy, the battery of which lasted half the night in the middle of a field with no power.

So, we’re planning to do it properly over the summer (i.e. longer than 24 hours) which means we need to get some proper gear sorted pronto.

There are oodles of gadgets on the market which should make camping a whole lot more palatable.

So we’ve pulled together a few ideas that’ll make enjoying the great outdoors a bit more… er.. fun…

We’re toying with the idea of hiring a luxurious House of Hud yurt which might be missing the point, but would certainly take the edge off. If you’re

W

ULTIMATE GLAMPING Yurt to hire fully erected and kitted out from House of Hud www.houseofhud.com

july 2016

birmingham living 45

BHAM_ (Page 44) homes:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:42

Page 46

HOMES

LIGHT, PHONE, SPEAKERS, ACTION! Coleman BatteryLock Twist +300 lantern doubles as a charging unit £69.99, www.coleman.eu

POCKET ROCKET Powerful LED Mini Floodlight with magnetic clip £9.99, Go Travel http://gotravelproducts.com

CHILLED VIBE Hanging lanterns, House of Hud www.houseofhud.com

more glamping than camping have a look. No need to lose contact with the outside world. There are a host of effective charging gizmos and state-of-the-art speakers that’ll bring music to your ears.

Torches that charge themselves as well as your other gadgets are de rigour and you can kiss goodbye to tepid beans. Today’s portable BBQs are effective as well as stylish. There’s no need to compromise on your morning brew either with the portable espresso machine pictured from Cuckooland.

A gazebo is a must if staycating and the Charles Bentley version is curved, so it won’t blow away in a breeze.

Happy camping. Fingers crossed!! I

46 birmingham living

BOX CLEVER Festival survival box £37, The Great Gift Company www.thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 44) homes:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:42

Page 47

HOMES

MAKE MUSIC Melbourne speaker offers big sounds and fits in your pocket £59, Urbanista www.urbanista.com

MULTI TASKER aGlow Bluetooth speaker and LED light with powerbank £99, Cuckooland www.cuckooland.com

ATTENSHUN! Grill Sergeant BBQ designed by Paladone £29.99, Temptation Gifts www.paladone.com

LOVE SEAT Charlies Bentley double foldable chair £24.99, www.buydirect4u.co.uk

POWER UP Slim Dual Powerbank £29.95, Red5 www.red5.co.uk ESPRESSO TO GO Minipresso portable espresso machine £43.95, Cuckooland www.cuckooland.com

SERIOUS SOUNDS MiFa F6 speaker £34.95, Red5 www.red5.co.uk ALL THE ESSENTIALS Selfie stick £14.50, NPW www.npwgifts.com

july 2016

LIGHT UP The Luminaid Spectra is waterproof up to one metre £24.95, Red5 www.red5.co.uk

birmingham living 47

BHAM_ (Page 44) homes:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:43

Page 48

HOMES

FESTIVAL FEVER Ultra two-man festival tent £295, Cuckooland www.cuckooland.com

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Speaker Case compatible with smartphones and MP3 devices £19.99, Go Travel http://go-travelproducts.com

MATCH MAKER Matching accessories including vintage-style battery powered hurricane lamp, Dotcomgiftshop www.dotcomgiftshop.com

DRY TROTTERS Plastic shoe covers £4, Tiger www.tiger-stores.com

SMOKIN’ OR NOT Lotus smokeless minigrill and stove £99.95, Cuckooland, www.cuckooland.com

PERFECT THE SELFIE Selfie phone clip designed

by Paladone £6.99, I Want One of Those www.Iwantoneofthose.com UNDER COVER Charles Bentley gazebo £44.99, www.buydirect4u.co.uk

COSY CANDLELIGHT Hurricane lamp £45, Cookes www.cookesfurniture.co.uk NOSTALGIA TRIP Twister picnic blanket £18, The Great Gift Company www.thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk

48 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 51):Layout 1

21/6/16

22:47

Page 51

BHAM_ (Page 50) auction:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:40

Page 50

AUCTIONS

THE WRITE STUFF A century ago Birmingham led the world in the manufacture of pens. A special exhibition previews the opening of the city’s new Pen Museum id you know that at the height of the pen trade, three-quarters of everything written down in the world was with a Birmingham pen? Just over 100 years ago, Birmingham was producing 1.5 billion pen nibs in 100,000 different varieties from more than 100 factories, employing thousands of workers.

These and other interesting facts around the history of the city’s pen trade feature in a special exhibition at the Antiques for Everyone Summer Fair at the NEC from 21 to 24 July. The exhibition is being presented by Birmingham’s Pen Museum ahead of its relaunch in August, funded by a Heritage Lottery grant.

Showcasing the stages of pen production, visitors can see how the final product was put together from scratch and view fine examples of how elaborate and specialised the industry became, adapting to increased global demand.

D

PEAKY BLINDERS A specialist talk given by John Berkeley of Warwick University will focus on the evolution of the pen, its important place in Birmingham’s commercial heritage and will review the pens featured in the BBC drama series Peaky Blinders about the Birmingham Irish gangs in the early 20th century.

50 birmingham living

In addition to the display from the Pen Museum there will be a complementary exhibit of more than 600 pens curated by writing equipment collector and author Jeremy Collingridge. His exhibition includes a number of very special boxed pens all with fascinating individual stories attached to them.

The display includes a rare silver repoussé snail engraved eyedropper pen hallmarked for 1907/8 by Alfred George, Harley Pencil Case Maker of 26 Spencer Street in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

A Waterman pen from June 1917 given as presentation to a William S Silver from ‘The Orphans of New York’ and a pen forming part of the HMS Victory casket also feature in the display.

A leading calligrapher will be present each day to demonstrate the art of calligraphy from high quality style, italic to the art of using the Japanese brush. And each day, visitors will have the chance to practice their writing and discover a new style by trying out a wide range of nibs.

Alongside the pen experts, celebrity speakers Judith Miller, Will Farmer and Marc Allum from the BBC Antiques Roadshow will also be sharing their top tips on what’s hot and getting started in collecting. I For more information visit www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 19):Layout 1

22/6/16

11:04

Page 19

BHAM_ (Page 50) hot property:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:39

Page 52

HOMES

Hot Properties Stunning countryside views, a great city centre pad and a townhouse with swimming pool complex feature this month… so let’s dive in!

LEISURE PLEASURE Ashbrook House, Four Oaks Guide price: £2.75million Agent: Aston Knowles, tel 0121 362 7878 An awesome three-storey, six-bedroomed home that includes a stunning kitchen/breakfast room, dining room with underground wine cellar, leisure complex with swimming pool and steam room, gymnasium and extensive landscaped gardens over approximately one acre.

52 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 50) hot property:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:39

Page 53

HOMES

july 2016

birmingham living 53

BHAM_ (Page 50) hot property:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:39

Page 54

HOMES

BRICKS&BITS BRENDAS HIT THE BIG BUCKS Local property experts took part in a spoof version of University Challenge and raised a whopping £35,000 for disadvantaged children. Rupert Young of Nurton Developments played the Jeremy Paxman role as he gave eight teams their starters for 10 during the quiz at the annual Brenda Awards. The tongue-in-cheek awards, staged at the Burlington Hotel, raise funds for the Property For Kids charity.

INVESTORS GO SHOPPING Birmingham-based Real Estate Investors plc has bought the Market Shopping Centre in Crewe from Scottish Widows for £20million. The acquisition takes total acquired assets so far this year to more than £35million – lifting REI’s current contracted rental income to £15.7million. The shopping centre is home to brands such as River Island, Halifax and Superdrug with retail space at 100 per cent occupancy.

NEW ROLE AT SDL BIGWOOD Due to continuing growth, building surveyor James Simpson has taken a role in the technical and compliance department at SDL Bigwood, moving from the firm’s Colmore Row office to its headquarters in Summer Row. In his new role he will be carrying out property surveys and reinstatement cost assessments for residential buildings managed by the company.

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

54 birmingham living

BRINDLEYPLACE PENTHOUSE Penthouse apartment, Ryland Street Guide price: £375,000 Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520 Right by Brindleyplace is this cracking penthouse apartment with two double bedrooms, open plan living area complete with a large private roof terrace and a secure allocated parking space.

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 50) hot property:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:39

Page 55

HOMES

ROOMS WITH A VIEW Shurnock Court, Feckenham Guide price: £1.8million Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 01905 723438 A gorgeous country house with stunning views over lakes to the surrounding countryside. The main house has been recently refurbished and boasts seven reception rooms and six bedrooms. There’s also a two-bedroom cottage, a further two-bedroom mews apartment, swimming pool, all-weather tennis court and formal gardens.

CANALSIDE APPEAL Beecham Walk, Symphony Court Guide price: £535,000 Agent: Wolfs Property, tel: 0121 396 0364 This superb three-storey townhouse sits in a secluded gated development. Key features are the three double bedrooms and a lovely open plan kitchen/diner with French-style doors that lead out onto a fabulous terrace overlooking the canal.

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

july 2016

birmingham living 55

BHAM_ (Page 56) motors:Layout 1

21/6/16

22:42

Page 56

MOTORING

LOOK, NO HANDS! Tesla is preparing to launch an exciting new cutting edge car next year for the price of a BMW 1-Series. As a preview, Sue Cooke samples the amazing technology and sexy performance of its big and very sporty brother esla CEO Elon Musk says that the software updates to its cars should allow owners to ‘summon’ their vehicles from across the country in the next two years – autonomously. But this company is already way ahead of its competitors in terms of technology. I last reviewed the Model S in 2014 but recently Tesla has introduced the Version 7.0 software to the luxurious sedan which means it is one step closer to autonomous driving.

This technology is amazing but it needs a lot of guts to rely on a car which automatically steers within a motorway lane, changes lanes by indicating and parallel parks on command. And while the very

T

informative lady from Tesla commented that I was more trusting in the technology than some of my journalistic colleagues, it is consumer confidence that will be the main barrier.

Leading market researchers, Juniper Research, highlights the urgent need to invest in consumer education focusing on the capabilities and benefits of electric vehicles. Juniper ranked Tesla as one of the top five electric vehicle manufacturers which isn’t surprising as Tesla has superior mileage range on its cars and is constantly unveiling yet another supercharger location.

FORWARD RADAR

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model: Tesla Model S 70D all-wheel-drive Price: £58,500, including £4,500 plug-in grant Performance: 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph CO2 emissions: Nil Range: 292 miles

56 birmingham living

The Tesla Autopilot technology functions like the systems that airplane pilots use when conditions are clear.

The Model S 70D has forward radar, a forward looking camera, 12 long range ultrasonic sensors positioned to scan 16 feet around the car in every direction at all speeds, and a high-precision digitally-controlled electric assist braking system. So what’s not to trust?

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 56) motors:Layout 1

21/6/16

22:42

Page 57

MOTORING

On the inside lane of a motorway, I indicated and kept my hands lightly over the steering wheel. The Model S checked the surroundings in seconds and then with no input from me, moved over to a gap in the middle lane. Where my confidence wavered was when it moved over to the outside lane and I had visions of it hitting the barrier. It didn’t. The chassis hovers perfectly between the lines which is why the system works best on motorways. If it senses a broken line it doesn’t compute.

There are a couple of other features which you have to get used to, apart from which, it is similar to driving any other automatic car. There is no ignition and no handbrake. I thought the wealth of information on the dash was a little distracting and you have to get used to the fact that if you remove your foot from the accelerator the car instantly slows down. Alternatively press the accelerator and you are driving the fastest four-door ever built. Most of all there is this cotton wool silence.

One of the most brilliant features engaged when I parked next to a big white van. I wanted to reverse

out but couldn’t see round it. I didn’t need to. As I engaged reverse, the large 17-inch touchscreen portrayed the rear view, including the view up the road behind the van!

GORGEOUS LOOKS What sells the Tesla Model S to me is its gorgeous good looks. The metallic door handles sit snugly tucked away until sensors find the key in your pocket and then the handles emerge and as the door opens the radio is playing. The Tesla Model S 70D at £58,500 – which includes a £4,500 plug-in grant – may be out of reach of many pockets but next year Tesla is bringing out a Model 3 at a mouth-watering price of £24,423. That’s the same as your average BMW 1-Series! And apparently 276,000 buyers globally have already put a deposit down on one.

Frankly for anyone looking to buy a smart car with green appeal, the Tesla Model S is great value and by the time the Model 3 goes on sale Tesla will be hard to beat. I

SHOWROOM: Tesla Birmingham, 149-159 High Street, Digbeth, B12 0JU. Tel 0121 368 0645 www.teslamotors.com

july 2016

birmingham living 57

BHAM_ (Page 58) young, gifted:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:33

Page 58

YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

KARL LOXLEY Since making Sir Tom Jones’s final eight on The Voice, the talented tenor has built a loyal following – a far cry from being a young chorister who could ‘just about sing in tune’

arl Loxley is not your average singing contest entrant. Sure, being a classical singer sets him apart, but it’s not just that. When he didn’t make it through to the live shows of BBC’s The Voice – he was knocked out in the battle rounds – Karl began preparing to make the most of the exposure he knew he would receive when the show was aired nearly a whole year later.

He approached it with a business-like attitude, so as well as preparing mentally for the attention Karl created a website, got stuck into building a social media following and did a bit of opera busking, all while holding down a steady job. With his head screwed on about the whole TV experience Karl said: “Nearly 50,000 people entered and 55 were successful, with 45 were televised, so it was a massive achievement. You have to remember that it’s a TV show over a talent contest and you have to keep it in perspective.”

For six months, the auditions and the process dominated Karl’s life, but in total he reckons about halfan-hour was aired. It’s certainly opened doors and Karl is able to sing for a living which was the ultimate aim. He’s released an album, performs regularly across the UK, on cruise ships and in panto which he loves.

K

HAPPY HOMECOMING Recording an album called Everything I Am with a 42piece orchestra at a studio in Digbeth has been a big highlight. Investment through crowdfunding made it possible and the album has been positively received. It was named album of the week by BBC Radio Wales, plus Karl was hailed artist of the week by BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire.

Karl came home to the Midlands last month to perform in Adam Hepkins Magic of the Musicals at Grace Academy in Solihull which has toured the UK to

58 birmingham living

rave reviews. Alongside some big names in musical theatre and joined by a local community choir it was a dream gig for Karl. And he’s about to fulfil another of his goals performing at Symphony Hall this month. “It is a dream come true. Symphony Hall is such a special place,” he said.

Karl discovered he could sing fairly late in life when aged 17 he was cast as the lead in Les Miserable at his old school, Heart of England. Prior to that he’d been a classical chorister who could ‘just about sing in tune’.

After his successful stint in Les Mis he got better and better, confidence grew and he entered a few singing competitions and got the bug. A full scholarship to Guildford School of Acting followed and then The Voice.

BEWARE THE HYPE While the prime-time TV exposure has certainly changed and enhanced Karl’s career, he accepts it wouldn’t suit everybody and the trick is not to get carried away with the hype. “It’s dangerous to enter these things thinking you might win and become a multi-millionaire.

I used it as a platform to build on and it has opened doors. For instance if I go for a musical audition people know who I am.”

Karl felt a lot of love from former contestants from similar talent shows who were super helpful. The day after Karl left The Voice he had a call from Rhydian of the X Factor fame who has carved a successful career in musical theatre. “Rhydian was so supportive and helpful,” he said.

“Everyone has been lovely actually. There are days when I’d like a big record deal, but on the whole I’m doing what I set out to do. Singing is my career and that was the dream.” I Catch Karl at Symphony Hall on 24 July in Bob Brolly and Friends. Visit www.karlloxleytenor.com

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 58) young, gifted:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:33

Page 59

YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

july 2016

birmingham living 59

BHAM_ (Page 60) school report:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:31

Page 60

GROWING PLACES

BUILDING SUCCESS South and City College Birmingham hosted the regional heat of SkillBuild for the tenth successive year. Held at the college’s dedicated construction centre in Bordesley Green, the event attracts students from across the region eager to show off their construction-based talents.

SkillBuild is the longest running skills competition for apprentices and trainees.

The national finals will be held at the Skills Show in the autumn.

SKILLED: SCCB carpentry and joinery student Effy Harle hard at work

SCHOOL REPORT

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

BLUES FAN MACEY OVER THE MOON A football mad 12-year-old from Lyndon School, Solihull was chosen by her PE teacher to lead out Birmingham City Ladies FC at a home game at Damson Park. Macey Holden was picked because of the commitment and effort she displays playing football at school. Sponsors of BCLFC, Eze Group, also gave the school 20 complimentary tickets for Macey’s teammates in the Year 8 football squad.

60 birmingham living

BMET LAUNCHES NEW CAREERS CONCEPT Birmingham Metropolitan College has launched two Career Colleges, a new concept in employer-led education. The project aims to give students real skills to secure jobs while working with employers to design curriculums that meet the needs of businesses. Andrew Cleaves, principal and chief executive of BMet, said: “Our Career Colleges will address the skills gap that firms are experiencing.”

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 60) school report:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:31

Page 61

GROWING PLACES

THE CHICKEN RACES TO DOUBLE VICTORY Bromsgrove School design and technology students achieved a double victory with their electric racecar at the Rockingham Motor Speedway track in Nottinghamshire. The car, called The Chicken, took two spectacular wins in the F24 race series. Now the team – sponsored by Gorillia Glue, Digital Speedos and Bay Plastics – will race in the series’ regional finals.

FAST LANE: Ellie Chan, Harry Fussell, Sam McCabe, Alek Florov and Will Edwards

HAIR-RAISING FUND-RAISER Pupils from St George’s School, Edgbaston sported wigs for the day, raising £500 for young people’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. The day was organised by head of sixth form Josie Stinton. CLIC Sargent supports young people with cancer from birth to 24 years, providing clinical, practical and emotional help using specialist nurses, social workers and youth workers.

EXCEPTIONAL: Principal Fuzel Choudhury with pupils from Rockwood Academy

ACADEMY WINS NATIONAL PRAISE Rockwood Academy in Alum Rock, run by CORE Education Trust, has been recognised by the Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT) for its exceptional performance in 2015. The school is in the top 20 per cent nationally for progress made by its pupils between their key stage 2 SATs and key stage 4 GCSE results. For a school only recently lifted out of special measures and now rated good by Ofsted, this is a remarkable achievement.

SUCCESS FOR ENTERPRISING YOUNGSTERS Students from Saint Martin’s School won Best Presentation and were runners-up in the Best Company category at the Young Enterprise area final. The team of girls established their YE company, Ignitus, last September selling shares to raise start-up capital. They created gifts to sell at Christmas and Easter and attended local and trade fairs, doubling their start-up capital.

july 2016

birmingham living 61

ing livBUSINESS

BHAM_ (Page 62) companytowatch:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:30

Page 62

LOKI WINE Multi-award winning and set to expand into new sites in Birmingham, we look at the innovative and very successful business founded by Phil Innes

Picture: Jonathan Cherry

62 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 62) companytowatch:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:30

Page 63

COMPANY TO WATCH

‘random’ visit to a bar in Florence proved to be a game-changer for Phil Innes. It gave him the idea of how he would translate a love of wine into a business that has become one of the coolest in Birmingham – and which may well have tripled in size by the end of this year.

“I always knew that I’d want to set up my own business,” said Phil, from Harborne, who developed his knowledge of wine while working for the likes of Wine Rack and Oddbins during his time studying at Manchester University. Phil’s ‘lightbulb moment’ came when he spotted a machine tucked at the back of the small bar in the Italian city. It turned out to be a wine sampling machine – a piece of equipment that dispenses several different wines by the glass.

“The Italian culture is very different, traditional, and they like their wine served by hand, but I wondered that maybe it could be different in the UK where younger customers in particular would be more than happy to serve themselves using these machines. Instead of being at the back of the bar, why not at the front as the main focus where people could use them themselves and try lots of different kinds of wine?”

A

RARE SIGHT These sampling machines were such a rare sight in the UK at the time that when Phil founded Loki Wine the only other place to have them was Selfridges in London. In the three years since opening in Great Western Arcade, Phil has seen his unique offering create a huge buzz in Brum. Loki Wine is regularly packed out with customers looking to sample his unusual and varied wines.

Loki Wine is a fine wine merchant/shop and bar dedicated to offering a huge range in diverse and hard-tocome-by fine wines from around the world at affordable prices. It stocks more than 600 wines and spirits. But it’s the wine sampling/preservation machines which are the big draw and talking point. “We started with three machines able to serve 24 wines,” said Phil. “We now have five, serving 40 different wines which are being constantly updated.”

The whole thing works brilliantly thanks to the chipand-pin style Loki Wine Tasting Card which patrons purchase first. You either load the cards up with money or a tab. Once you’re up and running, it’s time to enjoy as many and as varied glasses of wine as you like. Even now,

july 2016

after three years of standout success, there’s nowhere else in Birmingham or the West Midlands selling wine in this way.

The secret to success however isn’t just the novel gadgetry – it’s down to the expertise and knowledge of Phil and his team going out and finding intriguing and exciting wines from around the world. A couple of days after we spoke Phil was jetting off to California on a wine-buying trip. Another member of his team was in Argentina doing the same.

All of which goes to explain why Loki Wine isn’t proving to be a hit just with customers but also industry experts. Loki is the most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham, winning 11 major national awards in the past three years. It was also named Best Drink Merchant at last month’s inaugural Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards.

SEVEN UP You might think all this success would be going to Phil’s head? You’d be wrong. Sure, he has plans to expand: “We have two more sites we are looking at in Birmingham at the moment. At least one will happen. If I get both I will be very, very happy.” But Phil doesn’t believe in getting too big. “Seven outlets would be a really nice number. It’s what I envisaged when I started. Seven is about right for the kind of specialist wines we sell. We have one wine, for example, of which only four cases of 12 bottles were imported to the UK. We had one of those cases. If you get too big in this business you just can’t do that. Everything changes to being large scale, bulk buying. It’s not what we are about. I’ve always believed that with wine the smaller you go in production the better the quality will be.”

The perfect example of this ethos for perfection, is Loki Wine being the first place in Birmingham to use a Coravin – a clever piece of kit that allows the rarest and most expensive wines to be extracted from the bottle without removing the cork… Now that’s attention to detail for you! I Loki Wine is named after the Norse god who delighted in causing as much mischief as possible for the other gods. Phil says Loki Wine shares that same anti-establishment ethos.

“We believe wine should be fun, not stuffy; that wine should offer outstanding value for everyone and that the customer should be able to taste before buying that perfect bottle.”

birmingham living 63

BHAM_ (Page 64):Layout 1

21/6/16

22:12

Page 64

BHAM_ (Page 65) business news:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:29

Page 65

BUSINESS

ROYAL HONOUR FOR FASHION LEADER JESS

BUSINESS

NEWS

HOTEL BOSS: Hyatt Regency’s general manager Mario Flanagan

Birmingham optician-turned-fashion entrepreneur Jess Jeetly is celebrating after being named an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. The founder and managing director of petite clothing brand Jeetly received the honour for her services to entrepreneurship. Having no fashion or business background, Jess started her business in 2013 after becoming fed-up at being unable to find clothes to fit her 5ft 1in frame.

Jeetly uniquely puts customers in control of what gets made. They send in design ideas and Jeetly creates samples which are then voted ‘In’ or ‘Out’ of the next collection on the firm’s website.

HATMAN KACEY BRIMMING WITH IDEAS Meet Kacey Jones, the man behind a Birmingham-based designer label aimed at revolutionising the millinery industry.

Kacey is the founder of Dark Traits, a company focused on producing Fedora hats but with a vision to expand, creating complimentary lifestyle accessories. “Everything we produce is hand-finished with bespoke elements tailored to each customer demographic,” he said. Dark Traits Fedora hats are available in Diffusion Stores and on the company’s website.

WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO WORK… The Hyatt Regency Hotel has been named one of the UK’s best workplaces in the annual Great Place to Work Awards. The award for organisations with more than 500 employees recognises a high trust, high engagement workplace culture which attracts and retains talent and helps drive business success. Hyatt Regency Birmingham was also recognised at the CHS hotel awards 2016 with four nominations and victory in the Best Bedroom – Classical category.

july 2016

BEAUTY BRAND’S BIG UNVEIL Sisters Siobhan, Fiona and Ellie-May Doherty launched their new luxury beauty brand, Madison of London, at an exhibition attended by 27,000 industry professionals. Siobhan said: “The collection was received with great success by professional make-up artists, distributors and make-up lovers alike, as well as major retailers.” The Birmingham sisters also run Madison One Media, which was the Company To Watch in our June issue. birmingham living 65

BHAM_ (Page 65) business news:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:29

Page 66

BUSINESS

HOSPITALITY BOAT LAUNCHES

LAW FIRM TAKE-OVER Midlands law firm Clark Brookes Turner Cary has increased its total number of staff to 75

A Birmingham businessman has launched a new corporate boat charter service, offering firms an alternative to traditional hospitality and events.

Le Creux is headed by Tim Andrews, who is MD of Tyseley-based printing and signage company Hollywood Monster, and who has more than 25 years’ boating experience. His luxury yacht Rum Runner operates out of Lymington.

with the acquisition of Millichips West Bromwich team. The firm will be known as CBTC Millichips and will be located at Guardian House, Cronehill Linkway, West Bromwich. The origins of Millichips go back to the 1870s and the firm was famously the practice of Sir Bert Millichip, former chairman of West Bromwich Albion and the Football Association.

A TRUCK NAMED KATIE Not everyone has a truck named after them – but that’s one of the rewards for Katie Taylor who has been named Employee of the Year by the UK’s largest independent parcel network APC Overnight.

Katie Taylor, from Perton, Wolverhampton, took the title at APC’s annual awards ceremony for the role she plays as acting day operations manager at the company’s national centre in Cannock.

66 birmingham living

FOUND! THE GUIDE TO CITY INDEPENDENTS A new guide has been launched this month to help consumers discover the growing number of great independent shops and businesses in Birmingham.

Titled Found the pocket-sized guide is a joint project between Retail BID Birmingham and leading city centre branding agency Orb, which featured in our Company To Watch pages last year. The independents scene is booming in the city and Found covers everything from quirky coffee shops to barbers and clothing stores to restaurants. Download the guide at www.shoppinginbirmingham.com.

HELEN WINS TOP TRANSPORT TITLE Leading business figures gathered to celebrate the successful women working in the UK transport and logistics industry – and one of the top awards went to a manager from Birmingham. Helen Page, team manager at Mondelez International in Bournville, claimed the Warehousing Award at the FTA Everywoman in Transport & Logistics event.

Helen has managed the company’s largest distribution centre since 2014.

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 65) business news:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:29

Page 67

BUSINESS

HSBC TEAMS UP WITH PRESS CLUB Birmingham Press Club has agreed a three-year sponsorship package with global bank HSBC, which is set to become one of the biggest employers in the city. The tie-up will allow the world’s oldest press club, founded in 1865, to consolidate and improve its flagship events – the Midlands Media and Media Students Awards. HSBC’s existing 2,500 staff in Birmingham will be joined by a further 1,000 relocated from London from mid-2017.

SHAKE ON IT: Nigel Hinshelwood, HSBC’s head of UK, with the Press Club’s Ed James and John Lamb

NHS BOSS PRAISES VILLAGE A senior NHS chairman has hailed a Birmingham retirement village for its ‘outstanding and innovative approach’ to improving the well-being and lifestyle of local people. Ed Smith, chairman of NHS Improvement, visited 212-home Bournville Gardens, which was opened in 2015 by ExtraCare Charitable Trust with partners Bournville Village Trust and Birmingham City Council. The village boasts 18 health and leisure facilities which include a gym, restaurant, café and IT suite.

FIT FOR PURPOSE: Bournville Gardens resident Michael Rickards in the gym with chairman of NHS Improvement, Ed Smith, and fellow VIP guests

BRUM COMES TO POLPERRO Birmingham couple Tracy and Steve Dourass have turned a life-long dream into reality by opening a business – in one of Cornwall’s most famous villages! Vintage gift shop Rosina’s of Polperro launched with a distinct dash of ‘Brummie’ support. The Lord Mayor of Polperro, Abbi Rendell – herself originally a Brummie – performed the ceremony, while guests included TV Apprentice finalist Gary Poulton also from Brum. Aston Manor Cider, based in Birmingham, provided complimentary drinks.

july 2016

NEW NETWORKING GROUP A Midlands networking group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans professionals in the property and building industry is being launched.

OpenLand was formed by individuals from leading organisations within the region, including Rob Hudson of St Modwen, Paul Barker of Higgs & Sons, Anthony McCourt of Court Collaboration, Tim Evans of Gowling WLG and Neil Anderson of Millennium Point. OpenLand will launch at an event sponsored by KPMG on 13 July featuring Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis and chair of Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP.

birmingham living 67

BHAM_ (Page 68):Layout 1

68 birmingham living

21/6/16

22:44

Page 68

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 69) upclose:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:28

Page 69

PERSON TO PERSON

CLOSE WITH…

STEVE BALL The associate director of the REP came to Brum 30 years ago for a job as a clown (yes really!) and never left. Mind you, he has moved on a bit from the big red nose, huge shoes and squirty plastic flower…

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I trained as a primary school teacher and spent four years teaching in Essex and – for want of a change – Barcelona. I then trained as an actor and spent a couple of years working for educational theatre companies across the UK before moving to Birmingham in 1986 for a job as a clown! I’m not sure that I possessed all the qualities needed so developed the role into a one-person educational theatre company known as Language Alive that is still thriving 30 years later. I’ve also worked as a producer for the BBC and was head of arts for Birmingham City Council before joining the REP in 2003.

IT’S WHAT I DO I’m associate director at the REP and I lead our work with schools, young people and communities. The REP is a fantastic learning resource and it’s my job to make sure that as many people as possible can engage with the life of our theatre. We enjoy long-term partnerships with schools, run a network of 15 youth theatres and work with adults in a variety of different ways.

Festival of Theatre for Young Audiences with 81 per cent of the votes. The festival, this year entitled On The Edge takes place in Birmingham from 2 to 9 July and as the event has never taken place in the UK before it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to show off the city to festival-goers from across the world and a chance to share some amazing theatre from across the globe with children, young people and families.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED Look after your family and friends, never turn down an opportunity, speak out when you need to and try to live a ‘real’ life rather than a ‘virtual’ one.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM I love Birmingham. As an adoptive Brummie I never cease to be amazed by the warmth of the people, our heritage and our rapidly changing built environment. I think we need to shout a bit louder about our city and everything it has to offer.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE I’m not sure that I am hugely ambitious in terms of my own career in that I have the dream job I have always wanted. But I am ambitious for Birmingham. Two of the city’s amazing assets are our young people – we are after all the youngest city in Europe – and talented artists and arts organisations. I’m passionate about finding new and exciting ways to bring them together.

DOWNTIME The arts come with a ready-made social life that constantly keeps you entertained. I’m not one for putting my feet up in front of the telly but I do enjoy being with family and friends many of whom complain that I am never in the country! That’s not quite true but I often boast that I never waste a day’s holiday at home. Life’s too short!

BIGGEST SUCCESSES I think my proudest moment was in Warsaw, Poland two years ago when Birmingham won the bid to host the World

FINALLY… Make a date with On The Edge which takes place across Birmingham from 2 to 9 July ontheedge2016.com I

july 2016

birmingham living 69

BHAM_ (Page 70):Layout 1

22/6/16

10:19

Page 70

BHAM_ (Page 71) social:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:27

Page 71

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

3

VIPS SWEET ON BRUM’S DESSERT DESTINATION Launch of Pirlo’s Dessert Lounge brings slice of Big Apple to Digbeth he crème de la crème of Birmingham were at the VIP launch of Pirlo’s Dessert Lounge, Digbeth.

The upmarket venue resembles a New York loft style café experience and is sure to delight dessert lovers everywhere. Guests sampled heavenly puddings wonderful waffles, gelato and crepes. With high ceilings, exposed brickwork and lots of copper the venue looks the ideal place to indulge in all your sugary favourites. I

T

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 Parv Gandham, Jas Sansi. 2 Israr Khaliq, Glynn Pitchford. 3 Ram Chand, Arfan Rehman. 4 Marverine Cole. 5 Rav Sohal, Lisa Rehman. 6 Ophania Sham, Kim Kwok. 7 Hattie and Sacha Brooks. 8 Conor Keane, April Pickersgill. 9 Ifraz Ahmed, Simran Bansal, Anita Chumber, Anita Champaneri.

july 2016

birmingham living 71

BHAM_ (Page 72) social:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:26

Page 72

SOCIAL SCENE

2

1

3

PARTY TIME AS TEAM SAYS BIG THANK YOU 4

5

SimkissGuy Recruitment hosts event for over 100 clients and supporters he SimkissGuy Recruitment team hosted a party to thank clients for their support since the business launched in January 2013. The team has gone from strength to strength, moving into bigger offices in The Colmore Building, opening a new office in Solihull, launching five of the city’s most successful networking groups – and winning a couple of top awards too. More than 100 guests attending the celebration held at Hotel du Vin. I

T

6

7

8

9

1 Beth Owens, Emily Rose, Alex Foyle, Rebecca Simkiss, Amelia Ladbrook, Richard Guy. 2 Charley Burke, Roxanna Railneau, Natalie King.

3 Hattie De Souza, Louisa Grocott, Jenny Dale. 4 Trevor Walker, Kathryn Small. 5 David Pardoe, Laura Davis. 6 Iwan Thomas, Jo Bryce, Anthony Howell. 7 Katherine Morris, Alexandra Paxton, Annabel Morton. 8 Rai Singh, Clair Yates. 9 Jonothan Bryce, Michele Wilby, David Roberts.

Photography by Seven Star Photography

72 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 73) social:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:25

Page 73

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

CHARITY GOLF DAY IS A TEE-RRIFIC SUCCESS Supporters on course to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice ore than 40 golfers teed off at Edgbaston Golf Club for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s annual golf day which raised £5,500. New faces and keen golfers from the city returned to support the local hospice which provides free care and support for terminally ill patients and their families across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Teams taking part also enjoyed a two-course lunch followed by an auction and raffle. To get involved in next year’s event contact Charlotte Anson, the hospice’s corporate partnerships manager, at charlotte.anson@birminghamhospice.org.uk I

M

5

3

4

6

1 Kate Edwards, Pamela Hodgetts, Charlotte Anson. 2 Danny Butler, Robin Land, John Cooper, Patrice LeBleuc. 3 Joe Jordan, John Pogmore, Hugh Edwards, Bill Littler. 4 Ian McPhillips, Paul Curry, Nigel Wood, Keith Haywood. 5 Jackie Newport, Jan Shaylor, Lynn Lyon, Lisa Stockton. 6 Daniel Griffiths, Denver Logan, Jason Briscoe, Ivan Knezovich. Photography by Dale Martin

july 2016

birmingham living 73

BHAM_ (Page 74) social:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:24

Page 74

SOCIAL SCENE

2

1

3

LEADERS ATTEND AIR AMBULANCE EVENT Charity networking lunch at Edgbaston Stadium is a big hit with CEOs and MDs

4

5

6

osses from more than 120 businesses attended Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s corporate networking event at Edgbaston Stadium.

Sponsored by the charity’s corporate partners, solicitors’ firm Wall James Chappell, the luncheon gave CEOs and managing directors the opportunity to network and enjoy a two-course lunch overlooking the stadium’s famous pitch. Sofia Voutianitis, air ambulance corporate partnerships manager, said: “Our events are an ideal platform for enabling our supportive corporate partners to meet and network, which is why they continue to increase in popularity.” I

B

7

1 Jim Hancox, Hanna Sebright, Susannah Griffiths, James Rounsell. 2 Adele Raiment, Richard Smith, Bernard Shepherd. 3 Ian Marriott, John Lowe. 4 Trish Kennedy, Jan Jones. 5 Spencer Slater, Jane O'Malley, Lesley Wilde. 6 Ryan James, Jim Hancox, Sofia Voutianitis, Andy Pearson, James Hodson, Karen Baker. 7 Siobhan Doherty, Marion Doherty, Caroline Millichamp.

Photography by Seven Star Photography

74 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 75) social:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:22

Page 75

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

3

UNIVERSITY HOSTS CHAMBERS EVENT Speakers and guests debate issues facing business in the year ahead reater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce held its Quarterly Business Report event at Birmingham City University’s Curzon Building, where more then 80 guests debated key issues facing businesses in the year ahead. Speakers included Chambers’ president Greg Lowson, Prof Mark Gilman from Birmingham City University, Prof David Bailey of Aston University, Adrian Maxwell, managing director of coffee machine manufacturers Fracino and John Mortimer, co-founder and chief executive of the Angela Mortimer group. The event was sponsored by leading recruitment firm Katie Bard. I

G

6

4

5

7

1 Ann Cain, Sarah Stilliard. 2 Jas Sansi, Stuart Gooderham. 3 Prof Mark Gilman, Adrian Maxwell, John Mortimer, Prof David Bailey, Greg Lowson. 4 Adam Maguire, Alexandra Hutchinson. 5 Katie Keates, Kathy Poole. 6 Neil Bowler, Sue Timms. 6 Ravi Kaushal, Gill Hutchinson

july 2016

birmingham living 75

BHAM_ (Page 76) social:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:21

Page 76

SOCIAL SCENE

2

1

3

BOUTIQUE CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY Special party marks a successful year for retailer Sipsey Lingerie

4

5

ocal independent retailer Sipsey Lingerie celebrated its first anniversary with a special party held at the Solihull store for invited guests. Owner of the boutique store Sukhy Niijar said: “It’s been an amazing first year and we wanted to thank everybody that has supported us. We’re lucky to have some wonderful clients and some lovely friendships and partnerships have flourished over the last 12 months.” Guest enjoyed canapes and champagnes with a raffle held aid of local breast cancer charities. I

L

6

7

8

1 Anisha Pankhania, Sukhy Nijjar, Sandra Clark. 2 Hannah Johnson, Joan Smith, Becky Baker. 3 Diane Webb, mayoress of Solihull Jenny Robinson, Bev Walmsley, Chris Bates. 4 Angie Anderton, Caroline Millichamp. 5 Reena Sanger, Ravita Pannu, Dayal Dhiman. 6 Kelly Kent, Louise Panayides, Alice Jackson, Claire White. 7 Karen McCornick-Wilson, James Derrington, Dan Sanders, Stephanie McCornick-Wilson.

8 Eileen Fagen, mayor of Solihull Mike Robinson, Sukhy Nijjar, Naren Basu, Pat Murphy Wright.

Photography by Jas Sansi

76 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 77) social:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:21

Page 77

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

3

BIG ART SUPPORTERS HAVE A MONEY BALL Fund-raising event brings in the cash as £2m project’s final five go on show masquerade ball was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to raise funds for Birmingham Big Art Project. The ball coincided with the unveiling of five concepts for the £2million public artwork, one of which will be chosen and commissioned in the New Year. The ball brought together the project’s steering group, trustees and supporters for a night of carnival fun and raised more than £3,000. I

A

7

4

5

6

8

1 Ellie and Will Wong, Shelley Carter. 2 Maila Tablizio, Elizabeth Martin, Anita Champaneri. 3 Glyn and Maggie Pitchford, Mayor and Mayoress of Birmingham Carl and Deed Rice. 4 Robin and Suzanne Barnes. 5 Gerry Loughrey. 6 David Jupp, Lee Benson. 7 James Rose, Jo Brain, Mario Flanagan. 8 Pet, Claire and Marc Reeves, Clive Reeves.

july 2016

birmingham living 77

ing ON il vWHAT’S

BHAM_ (Page 78) whatson:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:19

Page 78

WHAT: Elmhurst Dance School WHEN: 14 to 16 July WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Showcasing the vast talents of this fine institution and the associate ballet school to the BRB. A wonderful opportunity to watch stars of the future as the graduates perform everything from jazz and flamenco to Kathak dance in a contemporary context.

WHAT: JQ Festival 2016

WHAT: Zoe Lyons

WHEN: 22 to 24 July

WHEN: 9 July

WHERE: Various Jewellery Quarter,

WHERE: The Old Rep Theatre,

www.jewelleryquarter.net

tel 0121 605 5116

The biggest event of the JQ calendar returns with a full programme including live entertainment, family trails, awesome food and drink stalls… and more.

www.oldreptheatre.org.uk Following her successful 2015 tour Mustard Cutter, Zoe is taking to the road in 2016 with a brand new show packed with trademark high energy and brilliantly observed comedy.

WHAT: Black Country War Weekend

WHAT: Warwick Beer Festival

WHEN: 16 and 17 July

WHEN: 15 and 16 July

WHERE: Black Country Living Museum,

WHERE: Warwick Racecourse, tel 01926 405560

tel 0121 557 9643

www.warwickbeerfestival.co.uk

www.bclm.co.uk Expect a nostalgic journey back to the sights and sounds of wartime Britain as the museum is transformed with vintage vehicles, 40s civilians, army personnel, iconic warplanes and the sound of air raid sirens filling the streets and skies!

78 birmingham living

The keepers of an ancient tradition in Warwick will be welcoming ale and cider drinkers to the town’s annual beer festival which will boast more than 75 beers and ciders from across the UK as well as live music and lovely nosh.

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 78) whatson:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:19

Page 79

WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Knights’ Tournament WHEN: 23 and 24 July WHERE: Kenilworth Castle, tel 01789 260 677 www.shakespeares-england.co.uk Swords will be wielded and helmets battered as these noble knights take on the ultimate medieval contest. Soak up the sights and sounds of daily life in a medieval encampment and why not let your own little knights feel the weight of real armour.

WHAT: Lichfield Festival WHAT: Family Festival

WHEN: 1 to 10 July

WHEN: 31 July

WHERE: Various venues,

WHERE: British Motor Museum, tel 01926 641188

www.lichfieldfestival.org

www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

One of the most eclectic multi-arts festivals in the UK returns bringing together world-class musicians, actors and entertainers. The opening night falls on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and features a special performance from Tine Thing Helseth.

New for this year… a fun-filled day of art and science activities based around the great British car. Includes handson workshops, balloon modelling, drop-in activities and access to the museum.

WHAT: Birmingham and Solihull Jazz & Blues Festivall WHEN: 15 to 24 July WHERE: Various venues, www.bigbearmusic.com

WHAT: Back To The Who Tour 2016 WHEN: 5 September WHERE: Genting Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com One of rock’s legendary and defining bands returns to Birmingham with a tour that celebrates their entire career to date.

july 2016

This annual event brings together some of the world’s finest players for a feast of gigs in various restaurants, bars, public spaces and museums across the city. Really top stuff and loads of it free!

birmingham living 79

BHAM_ (Page 78) whatson:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:19

Page 80

WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Chateau Impney Hill Climb WHEN: 9 and 10 July WHAT: Antiques for Everyone

WHERE: Chateau Impney, Droitwich, tel 0845 017 0637

WHEN: 21 to 24 July

www.chateauimpneyhillclimb.com

WHERE: NEC Birmingham, tel 0844 581 0827

A fantastic weekend ahead where no less than 200 competitors return to sprint their way up a challenging 1,000-yard course against the clock in a high-octane display of power, speed and skill.

www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk More than 200 specialist dealers attend this stunning fair so there’s something for everyone. There’s also an exhibition about pens which is especially relevant to Brummies because at the height of the pen trade, three-quarters of everything written down in the world was with a Birmingham pen. Fact!

WHAT: Chaplin – The Charlie Chaplin Story WHEN: 14 July WHERE: New Alexandra Theatre, tel 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham A heart-warming and powerful musical tale of the first true British icon of cinema. Features Corrie’s Steven Arnold and Rachael Wood from Emmerdale.

WHAT: Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship WHEN: 26 to 29 July WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk The Championship returns to Nailcote Hall which once again plays host to a huge array of big names from the world of golf and well-known celebrities from television, sport and the media.

WHAT: Taekwondo International World Championships WHEN: 16 and 17 July WHERE: Barclaycard Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com See top athletes from around the world competing in all aspects of this exciting non-stop Korean martial art with sparring, traditional patterns, musical patterns and destruction.

WHAT: Mamma Mia! WHEN: Now to 3 September WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com Join the ultimate feel-good party with the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical. Set on a Greek island paradise this is an unforgettable story of love, friendship and ABBA!

80 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 78) whatson:Layout 1

21/6/16

19:19

Page 81

WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Rufus Wainwright WHEN: 15 July WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation.

He’s collaborated with some amazing artists, including Elton John, Boy George, Joni Mitchell and most recently with Robbie Williams.

WHAT: Birmingham Cocktail Weekend WHEN: 15 to 17 July WHERE: Various venues, www.birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk

WHAT: Jessarae WHEN: 19 July WHERE: O2 Academy Birmingham,

A jam-packed celebration to excite cocktail lovers throughout the region. Featuring some of the finest bars in the city, a pre-purchased wristband allows you to enjoy exclusive signature cocktails in each venue for just £4. There’s also free tastings, master-classes and events throughout the weekend.

tel 0121 622 8250 www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk Having shared stages with artists such as Plain White Ts, 5 Seconds of Summer and Matt Corby, the Californian singersongwriter ventures on his first ever UK headline tour.

WHAT: The Palestine Youth Orchestra WHEN: 29 July WHERE: Town Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Bringing a musical programme featuring Arabic songs from Egypt and Lebanon alongside contemporary British music, these young musicians from Palestine will be joined by students throughout the UK for a special concert.

july 2016

birmingham living 81

BHAM_ (Page 82) inthecity:Layout 1

“

21/6/16

19:17

Page 82

IN THE CITY The record is just under two minutes from my desk to the train. The mad bloke in a suit sprinting up Barwick Street at 19.25 is me…

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m Tony Elvin. Essex boy in exile. That hotel manager with the beard. West Ham fan. Wine enthusiast. I live in Shirley with my wife Lucy, who works at Colmore BID, and 14-year-old daughter Isobel who is at school in Solihull. As general manager of Hotel du Vin & Bistro, I take overall responsibility for everything in the hotel. I have an expert team of managers who specialise in their own areas but I get to do a bit of everything. It really is a fun job and ideal for my goldfish attention span.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? After dropping our daughter to school, my wife and I jump on the train at Whitlocks End Station to Birmingham Snow Hill. It’s about a 25-minute journey with work just around the corner. If Isobel is quick enough in the morning Mrs Elvin might even get walked to work!

”

Livery Street or grab a cheeky Burrito from the van outside House of Fraser.

POWERWALKING? Running! At the moment it’s only running to Snow Hill Station, the record is just under two minutes from my desk to the train. The mad bloke in a suit sprinting up Barwick Street at 19.25 is me. I’m a bit out of practice on longer distances but hoping to put that right.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? It has to be the Colmore BID area.

Fantastic architecture, buzzing gastronomic scene and a great camaraderie between the businesses.

AFTERWORK PINT? Probably a glass of wine. And if I wasn’t Hotel boss and Snow Hill in our Bubble Lounge chatting to my sprinter, Tony Elvin HOW’S THE COMMUTE? regulars then I would likely be visiting Easy. Largely reliable service, not too far to walk home friends in the trade – maybe Phil at Loki, Damian at from Shirley if I’ve had a glass of wine.

Malmaison or Will and James at Chung Ying. I’m also looking forward to Prit and Peter making a return with IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? Primativo later this year. We really are spoilt for choice in the We’re really a city on the up. There’s a great buzz about the area with other great places like Purecraft, Bar Opus, Nosh n place and we’ve stopped talking about being a ‘second city’ Quaff, etc. All on my list! because we’ve got enough good stuff of our own going on to bother worrying about what anyone else might be up to.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? It’s improving all the time and very different from the COFFEE BREAK? place I visited 20 years ago as a young lad from Essex. At the Obviously the coffee is very good here but it’s useful to get a time it was never on my agenda to return, but it really is a change of scenery for a meeting and I enjoy popping into different place now and I have fallen in love with it. I am Urban Coffee over the road – great coffee served by a really trying to do my bit too. I’m trustee for the Birmingham Civic friendly team.

Society, a committee member for Colmore BID and part of the events team fundraising for the Birmingham Big Art LUNCHTIME? Project. Improving your environment is everybody's I’m trying to watch my waistline at the moment but if I’m responsibility and I think we’re doing a pretty good job of nipping out for a sandwich then I see the girls at Rustique on that in Birmingham right now. Big up Brum! I 82 birmingham living

july 2016

BHAM_ (Page 66):Layout 1

16/2/16

16:56

Page 66

BHAM_ (Page 84):Layout 1

21/6/16

22:19

Page 84