BOHOCHIC JASSANSI
KATHERINEPRIDDY
EDITOR’SVIEW
Glasshalffull,orempty?Iliketothinktheformer,despitethechallenging fewweekswe’vejusthad.Yes,EnglandlostintheEuro24footiefinal,but twoofour‘locallads’–JudeBellinghamofRealMadridviaStourbridge, andOllieWatkinsofAstonVilla–showedwhatthefuturecouldholdforournationalteamwithstandoutmomentsofgoal-scoringmagic.TheMidlandsboysdonegood!
TheMidlandsisalsoleadingthewaywithahostofathletesaimingforgloryaspartofTeamGB’srecordbreakingsquadattheParisOlympics.Whilewemaybeenduringmiserablesummerweatherhereat home,ourboysandgirlsaresettobringsomesunshineintoourlivesastheybidforgold,silverorbronze inwhatpromisestobeacrackingGames.
Andfinally,there’sthehopethatanewgovernmentbringsafterwhatfeelsliketoomanychallenging years.Brexit,Covid,risingenergybills,inflation,theNHS,etc.Nomatteryourpoliticalbeliefs,itfeltlike wewereallinneedofachange–bethatasindividualsorbusinesses.
Hopefully,wecanlookforwardtoamorepositivefuturewithmorelocalsupport,andspecifically somethingtangibletohelpinparticularthehard-pressedhospitalitysectorwhich,alongwiththearts,has takenafearfuleconomicbeatinginthepastfiveyearsorso.
MaybeI’mlookingatmyhalffullglassthroughrosetintedspectaclesbutI’mbackingBrumandthe widerregiontopullthroughandleadthenationtogreatersuccessnowandinthefuture.
DavidJohns
EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk DESIGNER: TracyDuffy
CONTRIBUTORS: SueCooke,KatieGardner,AdamKirtland ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR: JonathanCarter RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110 ©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560
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Highlights
IssyWong
BirminghamcricketstaronTheHundred andincreasingequalityinthegame
CharlesPedone
Fromworkingoncruiseshipstobecoming oneofBrum’smosttalked-aboutartists
Food&Drink
PastrychefJohnAlmeidaofTV’sBakeOff: TheProfessionals,plusnews,recipesandwine
Health
Inspiredbythegrasscourtseason?Tenreasons whytennisisanacewaytoboostyourfitness
Style
Boho’sback!Butbeware–it’salltooeasytolose yourstylechicinsearchofthatbohemianlook
Homes
Thekitchenmightbetheheadline-grabbingheart ofthehome,butdon’tforgettheutilityroom!
BestoftheRest
48 50 52 57 64 66
FromThePottingBench
ChelseaChop?HamptonHack?AdamKirtland explainswhentoprune–andwhennotto!
Motoring
Theelectionhasbeenandgone,butSueCooke revealsthenewLexusSUVthatgetshervote
Young,Gifted&Brummie
TheproudBrummieandchart-topperKatherine PriddysettothrillMoseleyFolkandArtsFestival
BusinessNews
Newsandviewsfromthecommercial community,plusSocialScenepages
What’sOn
Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigsin ourround-upofthemust-seeevents
UpClose
NSPCCWestMidlandsBusinessBoard memberandphotographer,JasSansi
TAYLORSWIFT BYCANDLELIGHT
Thelightfrom3,000candles,music hitsfromthelikesofTaylorSwiftand Coldplayperformedbyatalented stringtrio,andtastygoodiesfrom yourfavouritepicnicfood.Ifthat soundslikeyourideaofaperfect summereveningtheLumosLive SunsetCandlelightExperienceisfor you!Thethree-houroutdoorconcert experiencetakesplaceatCoughton Court,Warwickshireon24August.If youdon’tfancybringingyourown snacksanddrink,abarandfood vendorswillbeonhandallevening.
CAROFCLAY
Here’saLandRoverlikeyou’veneverseen!ThesplitpersonalityDefender isaclaymodelshowingoneofthedesignstagesthatnewcarsgo throughbeforetheyhittheroad.Theprocessfeaturesinanew exhibition,FromSketchtoStreet,attheBritishMotorMuseum showcasingthecreativeandtechnicalprocessesbehindiconicand innovativevehiclesacrossBritain'smotormanufacturingpast.Highlights includedesigners’sketches,itemsfromluxurycarbrandsandhands-on interactives.TheexhibitionrunsuntilApril2025.
BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH
COMEFISHING NEWS
Wanttotryfishing?Now’syourchanceasa programmeofanglingeventsisbeingrunacross theMidlandsoverthenextfewmonthswith supportfromtheCanalsandRiverTrustandlocal anglingclubs.Offeringthousandsofyoungpeople theopportunitytohaveacrackatfishing,thereare 80eventstakingplaceacrosstheMidlands includinginWalsall,PelsallandDudley.Formore detailsvisit:canalrivertrust.org.uk
ABBEYROADDATE
TwelveyoungpeoplefromB:Music’sB:andTogetherprogramme enjoyedaspecialtriptoAbbeyRoadStudiosandtheRoyalAlbert Hall.Themusicians,aged11to19,alltakepartinfortnightly SaturdayworkshopsatSymphonyHallwheretheylearngospel andjazzmusic.Thetripgavethemthechancetolearnmore aboutmusic-makingandperformance.RachelCranny,headof developmentandimpactatB:Musicsaid:“Wehavebeenthrilled toworkwiththebrilliantteamsatAbbeyRoadStudiosandthe RoyalAlbertHall.”
ALBATROSSONTHEMENU
Anexperimentalrestaurantwiththeintriguing,somemightsayscary,title AlbatrossDeathCulthasopenedinNewhallSquare,Birmingham.The eateryisthebrainchildofAlexClaridge,chefpatronofthecity’s‘rockand rollfinedining’restauranttheWilderness.HousedinaGradeII-listed JewelleryQuarterwarehouse,Albatrossseats14guestsarounda monolithickitchencounter,servinganever-changingtastingmenuof mostlyseafoodandcoastalingredients.ThekitchenisledbyPiotrSzpak, partoftheWildernessteamforsixyears.
ARENA’SNEWNAME
Birmingham’sResortsWorldArenaistoberenamed‘bp pulseLIVE’aspartofanewsponsorshipdealbetween theNECGroupandtherapidelectricvehicle(EV) chargingnetwork.The15,600-capacityarenawilladopt itsnewnamefromthebeginningofSeptember.NEC GroupCEOMelanieSmith,said:“Wearedelightedto partnerwithbppulse,providingelectrifying experiencesinthevenueaswellassupporting audiencestomakethetransitiontoelectricvehicles.”
JUNIORBEARS GRANDDAY
Warwickshire’sJuniorBearsschemehas topped1,000membersforthefirsttimeas theclub’schildmembershipprogramme continuestoexpand.Thelandmarkwas celebratedwiththeJuniorBearsTakeover Daywhenyoungfanstookonavarietyof rolesincludinggroundsstaff,stadium announcersandmediainterviewers. WarwickshireheadofmemberservicesDan Clarke,said:“Ourcoachesreached38,000 pupilsinschoolslastyearandourJunior Bearsschemeisanotherwaythatwe’re reachingouttoyoungsters.”
FUN-TASTIC FORKIDS
Playinginagiantinflatablefoampitandexploringanamazingmaze…sounds likeakid’sideaofsummerheaven!BothexperiencesarepartoftheGreatSummer Adventurerunningthroughtheholidaysfrom20Julyto2SeptemberatHatton AdventureWorld.Foamparties,whichareoneofthelatestcrazeswithchildren, takeplacetwiceaday,whilethebigMaizeMazeismadefromcornand challengesexplorers’orientationandnavigationskills.
LESTOPSTHEBILL
ComedianandTVhostLes DennisiscomingtoBrumto playoneofthenation’s favouriteauthors.Thestarof FamilyFortunes,Coronation StreetandWestEndhit shows,willplaythetitlerole inBillBryson’smemoir, NotesFromASmallIsland,at theAlexandratheatre.The stageadaptation,which celebratesoneofthe nation’sfavouritebooksby oneofthecountry’sbestknownauthors,willrunfrom 29Aprilto3May2025.
YULIAACESIT
AvisittothegrasscourtsatEdgbastonPrioryClubprovidedYulia Putintsevawithashock–foralltherightreasons!TheKazakhstani tennisstartookthewinner’strophyattheRothesayClassicandsaid: “Iwasn’texpectingthisatall.It’sconfusingbecauseI’vealwaysbeen goodonclay,butnowallofasudden,I’mgoodongrass.It’sgreat!” YuliabeatAustralianAjlaTomljanovicinthefinal.
WANTED:CHOCTASTERS
Cadbury'sisonthehuntforchocolatetastersinBirmingham. MondelēzInternational,theparentcompanyofCadbury chocolate,isrecruiting48sensorypanellistjobrolesatits BournvillesiteinBirmingham.Thepart-timeroles,alsoknownas chocolatetasters,willplayacrucialpartinproductdevelopment bytastingandprovidingobjectiveandhonestfeedbackonnew chocolateproducts.AfshaChugtaiofMondelēzInternational, said:“Previouslyoursensorypanellistshavehelpeddevelop consumerfavourites,includingCaramilkandTobleroneTruffles.”
BBQFEST
AdaycelebratingmouthwateringBBQfromstreet foodvendorsacrossthe WestMidlandsissetto fireupthetastebuds. SeasonalMarketsis bringingBBQFesttoThe Bond,Digbethon3 August.Greatfoodwill comefromthelikesof StreetSouvlaki,Broke‘N’ Bones,BuddhaBelly, FireawayGrill,the SmokehouseUK,Kingof BBQ,BakedinBrickand BraaiPlate.Therewillalso belivemusicandDJs, kidsentertainmentand localindependentmarket traders.
Picture:GettyImagesforLTA
HISTORICFIND
Giantstonesfiredfromacatapultduringanattack in1266byKingHenryIIIhavebeendiscoveredat KenilworthCastleinWarwickshire.Varyinginsize upto105kg,thestoneswereuncoveredduringa projecttoimproveaccessibilityaroundthecastle forvisitors.DrCathyCoutts,principalhistoric buildingsofficeratArchaeologyWarwickshire said:“Oncecontractorshadfoundonecatapult shot,ourarchaeologistonsitewasthenableto uncoverafurthersevenastheworksaroundthe castleprogressed.”
MACWELCOMESROS
MidlandsArtsCentrehasannouncedanew chairoftheboard.RosRobinshasmorethan 40years’experienceofworkinginthearts sectorandhassupportedtheatreanddance companiesacrosstheWestMidlandsand nationallyasanadvisorandmentor specialisinginorganisationalchangeand development.Rossaid:“MAChasplayeda keyroleinmylifesincebeingastudentin thecityinthe1970s.Theorganisation’s commitmenttoenablingcreativitytobepart ofourlivesistrulyinspiring.”
ONTHEBALL
BurtonAlbionFootballClubhasnewownersaftertheEnglishFootballLeagueclearedthe saleofchairmanBenRobinson’smajorityownershipstaketoNordicFootballGroup(NFG). InamessagetosupportersNFGsaid:“Wearealreadythinkingaheadtonextyearandthe 75thanniversaryoftheclub’sformationandhowwecanmarkthismilestone.Onthe pitch,wewanttodevelopteamsthatthefansandtowncanbeproudtohaverepresent them.”Theclub’snewboardisheadedbychairmanOleJakobStrandhagen.
Holdontoyourhats–CalamityJaneiscomingto Brumtocelebrateaspecialanniversary.Marking 10yearssincetheshowhittheroad,theteam behindthehitmusicalhasannouncedthat BirminghamHippodromewillbe thevenueforitsbirthday performancesinMarch2025. Award-winningactressCarrieHope, whowillplaythetitlerole,said: “CalamityJaneisoneofthoseroles thatdoesn’tcomearoundtoo oftenandIcan’twaittotakeonthe challengeoffillinghershoes!”The showwillrunfrom18to22March.
BirminghamRephaslaunchedLGBTQTeeHee!toprovide asafespaceformembersoftheLGBTQ+communityto developcomedyandpublicspeakingskills.The10weekprogrammeisincollaborationwithBirmingham LGBTCentreandsupportedbyprofessionalcomedians, includingeducatorandcomedycoachAngieBelcher. Theprojectwillhelpsuccessfulapplicantscreatea routinewhichwillbeperformedliveattheRepin November.TheRepishostingafreecomedymasterclass onSaturday3AugustattheLGBTCentrewheremore detailswillbeavailable.
BOWLED OVER
WechattedtofastbowlerIssyWongasshe preparedtopullonthedistinctive BirminghamPhoenixshirtforthefourth time.Kickingoffon23July,TheHundredhas becomeafirmfavouriteinthesportingcalendar attractingrecordcrowdsandgivingthesporta massiveboostaswellasraisingtheprofileofthe women’sgamethankstoitsuniquedoubleheader format.Issyexplainsthattheformatwasn’tpartof theoriginalplansforthetournament,andwehave Covidtothankforthat.
ThepandemicmeantthatthelaunchofThe Hundredwasdelayedforayearallowingformore timetogetitright.Thedoubleheaderformatwhich seesmenandwomencompetingback-to-backwas onlymootedthen.Womenplayfirstfollowedbythe menintheeveningslotwhichisoneofthemost successfulpartsofthetournamentinourview.
Itmeansthewomenhaveequalbillingwiththe menandbothgamesaretelevisedontheBBC.The starsofthewomen’sgameincludingIssyhave becomehouseholdnames.Ofthepackedgrounds Issysays:“There’snobetterfeelingthanthose crowdsparticularlyatahomegame.Nooneknew whatit(TheHundred)wouldturninto.It’s amazing.Also,TVcoverageontheBBCismassive makingitaccessibleformorepeople.”
GOODVIBES
Issygotaninklingofthetournament’spotential earlyonwhenshedidastintcommentatingonthe openinggameattheOvaljusttwodaysbeforethe Phoenix’sfirstgameatEdgbaston.Shesays:“The crowdwasroughly12,000strongandwhenMady Villiershitasixtheywentnuts.Ijustthought, ‘wow!’”Inspiringyoungstershasbeenabrilliantbyproductoftheriseofthewomen’sgameandIssy pointsoutit’sjustasimportantforboystoseestrong femalerolemodelsinthegameasgirls.Shesays: “Boyslookinguptowomenisjustaspowerfulas inspiringyounggirls.”
WhenIssygotintocricket,therewerenohighprofilefemaleplayersasidefromtrailblazerRachael Heyhoe-Flint.Issyremembersbeingsuper competitiveasasmallchildandintheplayground. Shealwayswantedtobehittingtheballthehardest
orthrowingaballthefurthest–whateverthesport shewantedtowin.Anafter-schoolclubwasIssy’s firsttasteofcricketwhichshetooktostraightaway.
Sheprogressedtolocalclublevelandagednine wasencouragedtotrialforWarwickshirewhichwas successful.Aswellasatcountylevel,she’senjoyed successregionallyandnationallyforteamsincluding SouthernVipersandCentralSparks.Issyfoundout aboutherCentralSparkscontractonhereighteenth birthdaywhichmeantsheleftschoolandbecamea professionalcricketer.
WORLDCLASS
Generally,IssythinksBirminghampunchesabove itsweightintermsofsport.Shesays:“The connectiontosportinthecityisstrong.We’vegot worldclassathletics,footballclubs,Warwickshire cricket.”Shealsorecallsthemagicofthe CommonwealthGamesin2022atwhichT20cricket debuted.Issysays:“WalkingintoAlexanderStadium
PHOENIXRISING
TheHundredrunsfrom23Julyto18August. ThePhoenixfirsthomegameatEdgbastonStadiumis 3AugustagainstSouthernBrave. Forticketinformationvisitthehundred.com
whichI’dregularlybeentoasakidwatching DiamondLeagueathleticswasamazing.”Playingas partofTeamEnglandattheGameswasapinchme moment.Issyrecalls:“AtonepointSophieEccleston whisperedtome,‘You’llrememberthisfortherestof yourlife.’”
WhenIssy’snotplayingcricket,she’swatching footballinthefleshoronTVandinparticularher belovedLiverpool.It’safamilythingwhichshewas introducedtoatjustsix-months-oldwrappedupin thestands–hersportingheroistheclub’sformer striker,FernandoTorres.Crickethasmeantshe’s missedtwoChampionsLeaguefinalswhichher familytravelledto.
WINNINGWAYS
AmbitionsforthePhoenixthisyeararehigh.Issy says:“ThevibeatPhoenixisgood.We’regoingintothe tournamentgivingitashotatwinning.Lastyearwe didn’twinagamebutlostthemiddlefivebyjust15 runs,soclose.”Inourview,thebiggestwinnerinThe Hundrediscricket.Ifyou’veneverbeentoagame, you’remissingatrick.Theatmosphereiselectricand thepaceofthegameislivelyandexplosive.We’vebeen everyyearsincethelaunchwithourkidsintowand we’llbedonningourtangerinecapsagaininAugust willingthePhoenixtowin. ■
CREST OFA WAVE
Fromthehighseastohighacclaim–CharlesPedone’scareerjourneyhas transportedhimfromworkingonacruise shiptoproducingstunningexamplesof contemporaryabstractartgracingleading independentgalleriesandfamouslandmarkssuch asthebeautifulGrandhotelinhishomecity.
BorninBrumtoaBritishmumandItaliandad, Charlesremembershowhespenteverymomenthe could‘gettinglostintime’justsketching.Artwashis favouritesubjectatschool,althoughhesayshenever muchenjoyedthetraditionalstill-lifeclasses–drawingabowloffruitframedbyafancybackdrop wasnothisbag,evenatsuchayoungage.
Aftercompletingfoundationsinartanddesignat collegehiscareerpathtookabitofadetourwhenhe decidedtostudyforadegreeinGraphicDesign, believingitwouldbemoreemployable.Employable maybe,butenjoyablecertainlynot,asCharlessayshe foundthelimitsofgraphicdesigntoorestrictive.
WORLDOFINSPIRATION
“AftergraduatingIknewIwantedtotravel,soI madejustoneapplicationinthecruiseshipindustry andendeduponaworldcruisesoonafter.Salesand managementrolesonboardtookmetoover80 countries,intheprocessgainingawealthof inspirationfromthearchitecture,coloursandculture ofthemanylocationsIvisited.”Charlesalsocredits theworkingenvironmentwherenodayisthesame
CHARLESPEDONETRAVELLEDTHE WORLDONCRUISESHIPSBEFORETHE NEEDTOFURNISHANAPARTMENT, ANDLOCKDOWN,STEEREDHIMINTO THECAREERHE’DALWAYSBEEN DESTINEDFORSINCECHILDHOOD
andisnon-stopashelpinghimunderstandhow muchyoucanactuallyaccomplishin24hours. “IthinkitpreparedmewiththeworkethicIhave appliedtomycreativeprofile,”heexplained.
Charlessayshisartisticjourneyreallybeganin2019 whenhewaslookingforsomeartworkforhis apartmentanddecidedhecouldcreatehisownpieces –withthedualbenefitsofminimalcostandmaximum satisfaction.Thenasthepandemicandlockdown struck,Charlessharedhisworkonlineandwas delightedbytheresponsefromfriends,encouraging himtodomore.That’swhenhefirstrealisedthat maybethiscouldleadtosomethingbigger!
GRANDDISPLAY
“Iwasmotivatedbythefeedbackfromotherson myworkandIsawspaceinthemarkettointroduce mywork,thatIfeltwasbothuniqueandcouldalso placewithintheluxuryendofthespectrum,”he said.InNovember2021hetookasmallstandat ManchesterArtFairandamongthe10,000visitors wasLondongalleryownerandphilanthropist GeorginaDhillon,wholovedhisworkandoffered himaplaceinhershowcaseforemergingartistsand thenasignificantmonth-longdebutshowin London’sFitzrovia.
Today,Charles’scommissionsincludefinancial investmentfirm,HeliganGroup,withoriginalworks displayedinitsBirminghamheadquartersandnew officesinMayfair,London.Commercial
commissions,includingtheGrandhotel,areavital partofCharles’swork.Hehas15piecesinstalledin thehotel,includingintheGrandPenthouse,while themostobviousandstrikingexampleismounted proudlyabovethefireplaceintheMadelinebar.
“Balancingcreativeintegritywithprivate commissionsinvolvesmaintainingclear communicationwiththeclientabouttheirvision whilestayingtruetomyartisticstyle,”saidCharles. “Ihavetwodistinctstyles,andIensurethateach commissionedpieceorcollectionreflectsboththe client’sdesiresandmyuniquetouch,creatinga blendofbothperspectives.Trustisfundamentalin theprocess;it’sessentialthattheyhaveconfidencein myabilitytobringtheirvisiontolifewhile maintainingmycreativeintegrity.”
Ofhiscreativeprocess,hesays:“Inspiration generallystrikesinmomentsofcalm,whetherduring longdrivesorevenafterayogasessionforexample.I strivetoachieveatimelessqualitywithinmywork, soinsupportofthisIoftenabstractlydraw inspirationfromnature,thecosmos,evenheirlooms andantiquefinejewelsandarchivalimages,for examplecolourpalettesorcomposition.Motivation alsocomesfromadesiretocreatepiecesthatevokea
NOWSHOWING
CharlesisrepresentedbyOwen@Luxgallery,Edgbastonwherehehas alimitednumberofpiecesavailable.HealsoworkscloselywithSeventh CircleAestheticsinMoseleywhohaveaspecialcollectiveofartists.
senseofescapismandwonder.”
Charlesisalsoabigbelieveringivingbackand encouraginglocalup-and-comingcreatives.Earlier thisyear,piecesofhisworkwereauctionedatthe Grandhotelraisingmorethan£10,000for BirminghamHippodrome’syouthprogramme.
DUBAIAMBITION
“ThecreativesceneinBirminghamandthewider regionisfullofpotential,”saidCharles.“Butthereal valueofthecreativeeconomyofBirminghamcouldbe acknowledgedevenmore.Independentgalleriesstrive toaffordbuyersuniqueoriginalworks,something specialthat’snotmass-producedandtheywillonly existwithsupportfromthelocalcommunity.”
Whatofthefuture?“Well,Ihaveavarietyof projectsI’mcurrentlyworkingon.Bespoke commissionsincludeafullinstallationatthenew officesofHeliganGroupinMayfair,abarandeatery whichIcan’tsaytoomuchaboutrightnow,andan incrediblenewnarrowboat.InSeptember/OctoberI havecommitmentsinLondon,withasecondshowat ZariGalleryFitzrovia,aprivatelaunchinMayfair andmydebutattheAffordableArtsFairinBattersea withtheBarkerGallery.”
Lookingfurtherahead,Charlesaimstoexpand intotheluxuryMiddleEastmarket.“Iameagerto buildmyaudienceinDubai–wheremybrotherlives andwhereIhaveanewagent–giventhefastpaceof developmentandopportunities.” ■
©StefanRapacz
©StefanRapacz
JOHN ALMEIDA
Tellusaboutyourcooking
Forme,it’sallaboutshowingrespectfortheingredients. Beforetheproductscametome,someonehadtoworkvery hardtoproducethem.It’saboutshowingrespectnotjustfor theingredientsbutalsofortheirproducers.Iliketomix differentstylesofcooking,pickdifferentingredientsfromthe placesItraveltoandjustexperiment.Ultimately,it’sabout well-balancedfoodpackedwithflavour.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
ItallstartedwhenIwas14-years-oldandIknewIwould needtoknowhowtocooktofendformyselfonceImoved outofmyparents’home.LittledidIknowIwasabouttofind mypassionfortheculinaryworldandbecomeaddictedtoit. Understandingthehardworkthatgoesintoeachproductto achievethebestalwaysfascinatedme.That’showitall startedforme,watchingmygrandparentssustainablygrow andnurturingeverycroptoprovideforthemselvesandthe familybackinPortugal.Suchachildhoodopenedthedoors tocreativitywhichledtoexcitingnewbeginnings.
IwentthroughculinaryschoolinPortugalandworkedin diverseplacestodiscoverwhatrouteIwantedtofollow.Fine diningwasalwaysinthebackgroundofwhatIwantedtodo. WhenImovedtoEnglandtodomydegreeinCulinaryArts ManagementatUniversityCollegeBirmingham,Icame acrosssomegreatopportunitiesinthefinediningworld. PlaceslikeTheWildernessandOpheemwereprobablythe highlightsuntilIstartedtoworkatSokoPatisserie.
Whatdoyoueatathome?
Iliketovary–anythinglikecurry,stirfryorsomegood traditionalPortuguesedishes.AcheekyRamenandsushi Deliverooonceinawhile.Ialwayskeepsomeicecreamin myfreezer.
Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?Andwho’sthe bestinBrum?
TherearetoomanygreatchefsintheworldthatIlookupto. Currently,formeinthepatisserieworld,Iwouldhavetosayone ofthemisAmauryGuichon.InBirmingham,Ican’tanswer that–butinPortugal,noonebeatsmygrandma’sormother’s cooking.However,Iwillhavetomentionmypastrymentor BharatChandegrawithhisworkethicandamazingproducts.
Shareacookingtip
Alwaysseasonyouricecreamsorganacheswithabitof salt.Saltisaflavourenhancerandtrustmeitwillmakeall thedifferenceintheworld.
Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
Iwouldn’tbeagoodPortugueseifIdidn’tsayagood PasteldeNata.However,eatingafreshlypickedtomatofrom mynan’sfarmwithasprinkleofsaltwithmysisterevery summerwillalwaysbeafondmemoryofmychildhood.
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
Foodheaven–Petiscos!Portuguesetapasonalate afternoonwithanicechilledbottleofwhitewinewithatable fulloffriendsandfamily.Foodhell–Anythingthatinvolves Marmite!
What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?
NotsounusualinPortugal,butoneofmyfavourites wouldbechickengizzardsslow-cookedwithbeer,wineand portandloadsofpiri-piriandaromatics.Anicecoldbeerto gowiththat,please.
Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?
Idon’tseemyselfdoinganythingelseapartfrombeinga chef!Ithinkit'ssomethingthatjustrunsinmybloodand willalwaysbesomethingthatwillinfluencemylife.Butif notthat,maybethenextCristianoRonaldo...haha!
Giveaniceeasyrecipeforourreaderstomakeathome usingthoselingeringitemsinthestorecupboard
Thisrecipeisoneofmyall-timePortuguesefavourite dessertsandsupereasytodoathome.It’scalledLeitede CrèmeandconsistsofanicePortuguesecustardthatyoucan flavourwithanything.Makesuretocaramelisethetopwith someDemerarasugarforthatextratexture. ■
1,000gwholemilk,170gcastersugar,40g cornflour,120gliquideggyolk,2vanillapods
Bringthemilkwiththevanillapodstoaboil(scrapethe pods).Mixthesugarwiththeeggyolkandcornstarch.Add abitofmilkintothemixwhilemixingtotemperthemix. Poureverythingbackintothepanandcookituntilit thickensandtheflavourfromthecornstarchisgone.Leave inthefridgetoset.Sprinklesomesugarontopandpass theblowtorchtocaramelisethesugar.
Happyeating!
SokoChocolatier&Pâtisserie,Unit14,RadwayRoad, Shirley,Solihull,B904NR.sokopatisserie.co.uk
TOMAKELEITEDECRÈME,YOUWILLNEED:
SHORTS NI BBLESand
BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHEXCITING,NEWVIBES. HERE’SOURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS
TRAVELLERS’ TOP PICK
ParkRegishasreceivedaTravellersChoiceAwardfromTripAdvisorfollowingtop-performingreviewsfromitsguests. Theawardrecognisestheexcellentguestexperienceandplacesthehotelamongthetop10percentworldwide. BahmanAbbasiyan,guestrelationsmanagersaid:“ToreceivethisTripAdvisorawardisahugemilestoneforusasa hotel.We’redelightedtoberecognisedforourexceptionalcustomerserviceandguestexperience.”
SUNDAYTEAROAST
CoombeAbbeyHoteliscombiningSundaylunchwithafternoontea!Thenewtwistonthe famousSundayroastseesanewthemedafternoonteaservingupsomeofthekey ingredientsofthenation’sfavouritemealasindividualhand-pickeditems.TheSundayLunch ThemedKnightsAfternoonTeafeatureseverythingfromaduckfat‘roastpotato’truffle throughtoaYorkshirepuddingstuffedwithroastedbeefandcreamedhorseradish.
UNSUNGHERO
TalentedyoungsouschefHenry Thornhasbeenhonouredwiththe UnsungHeroawardinthe2024 BoutiqueHotelierPowerList.The awardrecognisesindividualswho, whilenotalwaysinthespotlight, arecrucialtotheirbusiness’s successandoperations.Nick Davies,ownerofTheCottagein theWood’shotelinMalvern,said: “Henry’srelentlessdedicationand hardworkbehindthescenesare pivotalindeliveringoutstanding diningexperiencestoourguests.” Thehotel’s1919restaurant recentlyachieved3AARosettes.
SWEET SPOTFORSHIRLEY
PremiumdessertfranchiseHeavenlyDessertshas openeditsnewestrestaurantinShirley,Solihull. LocatedinParkgateShoppingCentre,therestaurant replacespartoftheoldPizzaExpressunit.Thelaunch bringsHeavenlyDessertstonearly60sitesaroundthe UK,withmorerestaurantssettoopennationwide inthecomingmonths.Themenuofclassictreats includesthebrand’ssignaturecheesecakes, cookiedoughsandcroffles–thepopular croissant-wafflecombination.
BOILING POINT
MAXPOWER
TheBelfryHotel&Resort’schefdepartie, MethusSawangseang(Max),haswon theprestigiousChaînedesRôtisseurs’Young ChefoftheYearaward.Maxwillnow representtheUKintheworldfinalsofthe competitioninBudapest,Hungaryin October,aswellasreceivingexperttraining atvariousestablishmentswithintheChaîne desRôtisseursnetwork.RobertBates, executivechefattheBelfry,said:“Maxisa risingstarintheindustryandwecan’twaitto seewherehistalenttakeshim.”
ALLEYESONPOPEYES
PopeyesUKissettoopenanewflagshiprestaurantin Birminghamthissummer.Theopeningfollowsthe successfullaunchofitslocaldeliverykitchenearlierthis year.Themoveispartofthebrand’swiderplantoopen 30locationsin2024.ThemenuincludesthePopeyes ChickenSandwichandoriginalSouthernbiscuitsandgravy, alongsideitsrecently-launchedBrekkiemenuthatboasts BritishbreakfastclassicswithaNewOrleanstwist.
TheteambehindVietnameseStreetKitchenhaslaunchedanewseafoodboilrestaurantcalled SeafoodCityintheArcadian.Theconcepttakesinspirationfromtheoriginalsouthern‘seafood boil’madefamousinLouisianainAmerica’sDeepSouth,whichusesatraditionalcooking methodtolockinthetasteofthesea.Sincethen,thecookingstylehasbeenadoptedbythe Vietnamesecommunity.The1,700sqftvenueisintheunitonceoccupiedbyRozuandboastsa cocktailbarasthecentrepiece,plusoutdoorseating.
SENSATIONALSTRAWBS
Fewthingstasteasgoodassweet,juicyBritish strawberries.Whynotcombinewiththis easy-peasyrecipeforshortbreadfora delightfulsummerdessert?Goon,you knowyouwantto… ■
INGREDIENTS
Fortheshortbread
■ 250gplainwhiteflour
■ 200gunsaltedbutter(chilled)
■ 100gicingsugar
■ 2eggyolks(freerange)
■ 1tspvanillaextract
Forthecoulis
■ 300graspberries
■ 300gstrawberries
■ 2tbspicingsugar
■ 1lemon
Forthedecoration
■ 300gstrawberries
■ 300gdoublecream
METHOD:
Preheattheovento180°C(160°Cfan,350°F,gasmark4).
Lineabakingtraywithbakingpaper.
Inabowladdthebutter,siftedflourandworkthemixturewithyour fingertipstoformcrumbs.Makeawellandaddsiftedicingsugar,theegg yolksandthevanillaextract.Mixtheingredientstogetheruntilcombined andformsintodough.Wrapinclingfilmandleavetorestinthefridgefor atleast30minutes.
Afterthedoughhaschilled,removefromthefridgeandkneadfor5 minutes.Rollthedoughoutto5mmthicknessandusingacircularcutter, stampoutthebiscuitshapes.Placeonthelinedbakingtrayandchillagain inthefridgefor30minutes.Bakethebiscuitsinthepreheatedovenfor10 to12minutesthentransfertoacoolingrack.
Forthecoulis,puttheraspberriesandhalfofthestrawberriesintoafood processorandaddtheicingsugarandjuiceofthelemon.Processuntil pureed.Passthroughasieveintoabowl. Whipthedoublecream,thenonaservingplateplaceashortbread, whippedcreamandslicedstrawberries.Topwithanothershortbreadand ifyouwanttobereallyindulgent,repeatwithstrawberriesandcream. Otherwisefinishwithadollopofcreamandastrawberry.Dustwithicing sugar,spoonsomecoulisaroundtheshortbreadstackandgarnishwith morefreshstrawberries.
SummerandBritishstrawberries.Isthereafinercombination?
QAVALI
IfyouevervisitedCoasttoCoastonthecorner ofBroadStreetandBrindleyplace,you’ll knowhowexpansiveandsoullessitwas.Far fromtheAmericandinerblandnessisnewkidon theblock,Qavaliwhichhaspoppedupinitsplace andwhoseownershavetransformedthe restaurantintoadramatic,darkIndo-Persian restaurantwithbagsofcharm.
They’vekeptthecurvedbanquetteseatingand upholsteredtheminracinggreenaswellasaddinglots ofstrikingartandgreenery.Eventheladiesloohashad theQavalitreatmentwithornatebasinsandgorgeous taps.Whilethedécor’sworthalook,thefoodanddrink arethemaindraw.
Wevisitedatlunchtimesostayedoffthebooze,but thereareplentyofnon-alcoholicoptions.Weslurpeda punchylittle–andwemeanthimble-sized–mocktail calledAkbarandAlphonso.Thecomboofmangoand gingerwasathingofbeauty.Ifwe’rebeingpickywe’d increasethesizeslightly.
Themenuisvaried–yes,you’llfindyourbutter chickenandtikkafavesbutalsomoreinventivedishes. Firstuptheusualdrillwithpapadumsservedwiththree chutneys–oneheadywithcoriander,onespicynumber andastickysweetversion.
There’satemptingQavaliGrandPlatterfor£94 whichwouldbeagreatwaytosamplelotsofdishes,but werefrainedthistime.Instead,weateastarteroffalafel whichsoundssimple,butnotallfalafelsareequal
apparently.We’veeatensomedry,tastelessversionsinthe past,butthesesphereswerepackedwithflavour,herbs andabitofheatserveddrizzledwithyogurtwithsome trulygreathoumousontheside.Wedidn’texpecttobe wowedbyfalafelbutthereyougo.
PeshwariChaplikebab,althoughnice,didn’tgetus excited.Thelambtastedlambyandazingysaladonthe sidewasfreshandlively.Butterchickenontheother handdidgetusexcited.Thesaucewasanabsolute triumphthatwescoopeduphungrilywithawarmnaan andthensmotheredonaMultanipaneertikkadish whichwasseriouslygoodinitsownright,butwiththe addedsauce,perfection.
Intruth,theplacefeelsmoresuitedtodinnerthan lunch–havingsaidthattheservicewasspeedysoyou couldeasilyhaveaverygoodlunchinunderanhour.It justfeelslikeanafterdarkplaceinthebestofways–glamorousdécor,greatlightingandawell-stockedbar. We’llbeback,there’saplatterwithournameonit. ■
FRENCHWINE’S SPECIAL‘TT’–TOUR&TASTE!
FormerUniversityCollegeBirminghamwineteacherWendyGedneyheaded tourismbusiness.Here’swhyshechoseLanguedoc-Roussillon…
HISTORICCARCASSONNE: TheheartofLanguedocandwinetourfavouritewithitsswathesofvinespepperedwithancientvillages
InFrancewinetourisminBordeaux,Burgundy andChampagnehasalwaysbeenpopularand duetoChateauneuf-du-Pape’sfametheCôtesdu-Rhôneisalsoafavourite.So,whenWendyGedney, onceawineteacheratUniversityCollege Birmingham,decidedshewantedtostartawine tourismbusinesswhydidsheheadtothelittle-known Languedoc-Roussillonregion?
ForcenturiesLanguedoc-Roussillonhadbeenthe bulkproducerofrusticandofttimespoorlymade winedestinedtoquenchthenation’sthirstwhen waterwasunsafetodrink.Itwasn’tuntilthe1980’s thatthewinemakersofLanguedocstartedtowakeup tothejeweltheyheldintheirhandsandwehave AustraliaandCaliforniatothankforthat. AtthetimeNewworld‘varietalwines’werebeing
releasedontotheEuropeanmarket.Untilthenwewere usedtobuyingwinebyprovenanceratherthangrape variety.YouboughtaChablisnotaChardonnay,a BordeauxnotaCabSavbutovernightthe‘newkidson theblock’hadfoundawayofmakingwineaccessible andthatwasthekissthatwokethesleepingprincess.
WINE-MAKINGRUSH
LosingmarketshareFranceintroducedtheVinsde PayscategoryandLanguedoc-Roussillonembracedit tomakethefirstVinsduPaysd’Ocin1987.Whereas AOCrulesrestrictandprotectnameandstyle,Vinsdu Paysismuchmoreflexibleallowinginnovationand creativity.ThinkTerroirvTerritory.Thereleaseofthis labelcoincidedwiththerushofpeoplefromallover theworldwantingtobecomewinemakers.Mostwere
OURTOPTASTEPICKS
■ BaronDeBadassiereCarignan–LokiWine£10.99
Thisredmadefrom100percentCarignangrapesisarich andfull-bodiedwine,sourcedfromtheestate’svineyards inthePaysd’O,anditperfectlycapturestheessenceof theLanguedoc.Ithasbeenagedfor12monthsinoak barrels,whichimpartasubtlehintofvanillaandtoasted oakflavours.Intheglass,BaronDeBadassiereCarignan hasadeeprubycolourwithpurplehighlights.
■ GérardBertrand'HamptonWater'Rosé 2022/23,Languedoc–Majestic£17.99
HamptonWateristheresultofacollaborationbetween rockstarJonBonJovi,hissonJesseBongioviandiconic winemakerGérardBertrand.Thiselegantrosecombines thewinemakingskillofBertrandwiththeglamourof America’sfavouritesummerretreat.Everyyearitreceives ravereviewsfromtopwinecritics.Itsfreshberryand citrusflavoursmakethisaperfectpairingforafreshgoat’s cheesesaladorseafoodplatter.
■ KatieJones,Me&MonsieurJonesBlanc–NakedWines£11.99
KatieandherMonsieurJonesweresetonshowingAngels thatwhitescanholdtheirownhereandboyhavethey goneanddonejustthat!SheaddedasmidgenofMuscat totheirtraditionalGrenacheandMacabeoblend–but don’tbefooled,there’snoneofthesweetnessthatusually comeshandinhandwithMuscathere.Thisisan aromatic,fresh,fruityandseriouslyeasy-drinkingwine.
lookingforaplacewheretheirvisionofwinemaking couldbeexpressed,wherethelandwasaffordableand whereorganicfarmingwouldbeeasier.Forlotsof peopleLanguedocwasthatplace.
Followingtheirdreamandbringingpassionand commitmentwiththemtheyboughtupsmallparcels oflandandresurrectedoldvinesthathadfallenoutof favoursuchasCarignan.Manyofthemalsomade newplantingsandalmosteveryFrenchgrapevariety youcanthinkofwasplantedthere.Somemade simple,‘cheapandcheerfulquaffers’appealingtothe pricesensitivemarketandthosewholikethefamiliar nameofaninternationalgrapevariety.Others sensitivelynurturedthetraditionalLanguedoc varieties,coaxingthebestwinestheycouldfromthem. TodayLanguedoc-Roussillonisthemostdiversewine
regioninFrancewherejustabouteverystyleofwine canbefound,muchofitorganicallygrownina beautifullandscapeandmadebyimpassionedpeople.
LanguedocistheundiscoveredFranceeven thoughit’sthelargestvineyardinthecountry.Many peoplegotheretovisitCarcassonne,atownRyanair fliestofrommanyUKcities.Theytastethewine, meetthefriendlypeopleandlookoutacrossthe rampartsofthemedievaltowntotheswatheofvines pepperedwithancientvillageswishingtheycould discovertheplace.ThisiswhyWendystartedher vineyardtourbusinessVinenVacanceshere15years ago.Sherunsdaytripstoallofthewinedistricts thatsurroundCarcassonneaswellasatourthat includesawinetastingcruisealongtheCanaldu Midi.Alongsidewineryvisitsmanyofthetours includetastingsofoliveoil,artisanalvinegarand vermouthsaswellasvisitstobeautifulvillages,an abbeywithawineconnectionandacoupleofthe Catharcastles.
TOUROFDISCOVERY
Ofcourse,wineisattheheartofeverytourwhichis agreatwaytodiscovertheregionandthewinesstyles. Ingeneral,theredwinesarefullbodied,spicyand oftenpepperywithflavoursofblackfruitswhereasthe whitesaremoredifficulttopindownasthereisn’ta typicalstylemadehere.Youwillfindeverythingfrom rich,fullbodied,oakfermentedwines,tomineral, deeplycomplex,leanstylestosimplefruityones.Rosé drinkerswhopreferitbonedryandfruitywith refreshingaciditywillloveaLanguedocroséandfizz lovershaveCrémantdeLimouxorthemoresimple styleofBlanquettedeLimouxtochoosefrom. Ifyou’reintosweetwineyou’vecometotheright place.VinDouxNaturelisawinemakingmethod inventedinLanguedocinthe1400’sandWendy’s favouriteisMuscatdeSaint-JeandeMinervois.The flavoursoffreshgrapes,thenoseofrosesinbloomand itscrispaciditymakeittheperfectmatchforachunk ofbluecheesedrizzledwithhoney.Somethingto enjoywhilstsittingintheLanguedocsunshine. ■
Ifyou’replanningatriptoCarcassonnethisyearcheck outwww.vinenvacances.com
10 TENNIS WINNERS
INSPIREDBYTHEGRASSCOURTSEASON?WITHITSUNIQUECHALLENGES,EXCITINGMATCHES ANDBEAUTIFULSETTINGS,IT’STHEPERFECTINSPIRATIONTOSTARTYOURTENNISGAME!
Whetheryou’reaseasonedplayeror beginner,tennisistheperfectwayto keepfit,havefun–butalsogetthose competitivejuicesflowing.Withthegrasscourt seasoninfullswing,now’stheperfecttimetotaketo yourlocalcourts.Hereare10reasonstokeepyou playingyear-round.
■ CardiovascularFitness
Tennisisasportfuelledwithhigh-energy,that getsyourbodymovingandyourheartrateup. Constantquickmovementsstrengthenyourheart andenhanceyourcardiovascularhealth.We recommendagameofcardio-tennisifyouhaven’t yettriedityet–plusitcanburnaround600-800 caloriesperhour-longsession.
■ FullBodyWorkout
Tennisisanexcellentwaytoexerciseallofyour musclegroups.Engagingyourlegs,arms,coreand backprovidesacomprehensivefullbodyworkout whilehavingfun.
■ Stamina
Whetheryou’replayingdoubles,singlesoron yourownusingareboundwall,tennisisafast-paced andadrenaline-filledsport.Regulargameswillhelp youimproveyourstaminaandleveloffitness.
■ Agility&Coordination
Fromdropshotstobackhands,eachshot requiresprecisehand-eyecoordinationandquick reflexes.Theseskillsarejustasbeneficialoffcourt astheyareon,enhancingyouroverallphysical dexterity.
■ StressRelief
Tennisismorethanjustacompetitiveand enjoyablesport,it’sapowerfultooltoreducestress andtension,aswellasreleasingendorphins–your naturalmoodlifters.
■ MuscleTone
Engagingvariousmusclegroupsandrepeatedly performingadiverserangeofmovementshelpsto buildtoneandstrength.
■ Resilience
Forthecompetitiveplayer,resilienceandproblem solvingisahugepartofthegame.Buildingastrong mindsetiskeytoallowingyoutothink,planandnot freezeupifyoumissapoint.
■ TeamSpirit
Tennisisoftenplayedinpairsorgroups,providing ampleopportunitiesforsocialengagementand interaction.Buildingfriendshipsandconnections throughcourses,coachingorclublifecanenhance emotionalwell-being.
■ Flexibility
Twisting,turning,andreturninganaceinvolvesa rangeofmovementsandpromotesincreased flexibility.Werecommendyoualwaysstretch regularlybeforeandafteragametoreducetheriskof injury.
■ QuickThinking
Tennisrequiresahighleveloffocusand concentration–workingoutwheretheoncoming ballisgoingtoland–perfectforyourhand-eye coordination.Tennisencompassessomanydifferent aspects,fromphysical,technicalandmentalability, butmostimportantlyit’sfun,andit’sasportyoucan playforlife!
So,laceupyourtennisshoes,grabyourracket, takeadvantageofcourtslocaltoyouandexperience allthehealthbenefitstennishastooffer.Yourmind andbodywillthankyouforit! ■
EdgbastonPrioryClub,SirHarrysRoad,Birmingham,B152UZ. Tel:01214402492,edgbastonpriory.com
BOHO’S BACK
STYLISH SLIP
Khakisatindress
£25,F&F
INO SHADE
Lagoongreen
£60,IOLLA
IFYOU MUST Hunteroriginalshort wellies£105,Very CUTE
Pruepineapple embroideredtop
£59,Monsoon
t’seasytoloseyourstylenouswhendressingforafestivalorindeed goingforanysortofbohemianvibe.KateMossintinyshorts, fringingandHunterwelliesisfineifthat’swhoyouare.Awkward happenswhenyoustarttryingtoforceabohemianvibe,butyournatural sartorialhomeisRalphLauren.Ithinktheproblemisitfeelsabit teenageandunlessyou’reateenitcanfeelforced.
SHARPEREDGE
Ifyouwanttotestthewater,doitwithasharperedge,sotryasleek slipdressteamedwithanarmyjacketandbigshades.SiennaMiller steppingoutinParisdonningalacetrimslipdress,croppedleather bomberandplatformsisaperfectexampleofmixingelementsofboho chicwithmoreedgypieces.Itminimisestheriskofthefancydressfeel. Speakingofwhich,theM&ScollaborationwithMillerisadreamymixof boho.Whetherworntogetherforanentirelybohemianfeelor incorporatingtheoddpiece,it’sseriouslyworthalook.Atthetimeof writingthereareonlylimitedsizesleftinsomeofthecollection,butkeep youreyespeeledforarestock.
MAXIMUMIMPACT
Maxidressesaretheeasiestwaytoinjectsome bohowithoutgoingoverboard.Wornwithsharper accessoriesand/orabeltandglamorousshadeswill giveyouthedesiredeffectwithoutsuccumbing entirelytohippieterritory.Therearesomegorgeous versionsthisseasonwhichteamedwithajacketand bootsorsneakersthey’lltakeyouwellintoautumn.
FAIRYWINGS?
Ifyou’renotfeelingthebohovibe,letthisfashion momentpassyouby–betterthatthantoshoehorn yourselfintoatrendthatdoesn’tsitpretty.Conversely, ifyou’renaturallyaflowercrownandfairywingsgal, wellgoforit.Ifyoubelieveit,you’lloozeconfidence andfun.That’sthekeytoallgreatstyle–comfort, confidenceandbelief.It’snotaboutfollowingtrends, it’saboutworkingoutwhatworksforyou,whatgives youaspringandyourstepandmakesyouhappy. Fashionshouldbefunafterall,right? ■
BEST VEST
Stitchybuttonvest
£49.50,OliverBonas
BOLD PRINT
M&SXSienna
Millertrousers
£39.50,M&S
INSTAGRAM FAVOURITE
M&SXSiennaMiller rufflemaxidress
£89,M&S
BOHO ROYALTY
Jewelleryfrom FableEngland
CHEAP FRILLS
Whiteembroidered frilltieredmidi dress£28,George
WORK OFART
Coolbreezeribbon waistcoat£59, JoeBrowns
CUTIT OUT
Whiteskirt £18,F&F
ClothingfromtheM&S XSiennaMillercollection
COOL COLLAB
FESTIVAL VIBES
Clothingfrom Scamp&Dude
FRINGE BENEFITS
Tanfringebag£35, Accessorize
ARM CANDY
Broadway£120,Dune
HATS
OFF
Cowboyhat
£29.50, OliverBonas
WAISTCOAT
Bluedenimwaistcoat
£18,F&F
YEEHAW
M&SXSiennaMillerleather westernmule£65,M&S
SLIDE AWAY
Lumas£75, Dune
CROSS OVER Flatformanimalprint
sandals£75,OliverBonas
SHORT SHORTS
PrimarkXRitaOraPufestivalshort£16,Primark
ROLL WITHIT
Clothingfrom Scamp&Dude
BEAUTYUPDATE
WE’VEPICKEDTHETOPTHREEBEAUTYPRODUCTSWE’VESAMPLED THISSUMMERTHATHAVEMADEASIGNIFICANTDIFFERENCE.IFYOU FORCEDUSTOPURCHASEJUSTONE,ITWOULDBETHEJONESROAD BEAUTYFOUNDATION–ANABSOLUTEWINNERINOURBOOK
1.DEEPPURIFYINGMASK£155(50ML),LAMER
Obviously,thisiswildlyexpensivebutsometimesyougetwhat youpayfor.We’veprobablytriedhundredsofporeminimising products,butnonehasmadeabigdifference.TheBenefitpore minimiserisprobablythebestvalueformoneyproductwe’ve tried,butnotapatchontheLaMermask.It’scooling, clarifyinganddefinitelytightenspores.I’matry-before-youbuygirlwithaproductatthispricepoint,ifIwereyou,I’d hoveraroundtheLaMercounterinSelfridgesandseeif there’sasamplesachetavailable.
2.WHATTHEFOUNDATION(WTF)£42, JONESROADBEAUTY
Thisisabitofagamechangerparticularlyif,likeus,youmight beinthemiddle-agedcampgrapplingwithageingskin.
Normalfoundationsitsinthecreasesandcrevicesresultingin olderlookingskin,butmake-uplegendBobbiBrownhas createdthismousse-liketexture–ortintedmoisturebalmas Bobbicallsit–that’slightasafeather.Personally,welikea teaspoon-sizedslickofitwhichgivesayouthfulglowrather thanfullcoverage.Buildupslowlyifyoupreferamore‘done’ look.Wedidtheshadequestionnaireonlinewhichwasspot-on andhighlyrecommend.
3.LIVINGPROOFSCALPDENSITYSERUM£54, LIVINGPROOF.COM
1
2
GiventhatLivingProofclaimsittakes90daystoseethefull effectoftheserum,we’reimpressed.Tendaysinandthere’sa differenceinthicknessalready.Italsopromisestominimisegreys whichwehaven’tnoticedyet,butwe’llgiveitthefull90days beforejudging.It’sreallyeasy,twoorthreedropperfulsmassaged ontodryordampscalpdailyandnoneedtorinse.
3
THEEYESHAVEIT
Sunnies£69,Iolla
DRESSING DOWN
PANGELWINGS
RepresentReborn graphicprinttee£100, HarveyNichols
SHORTIT
Sandroregularfitside pocketcottonshorts £209,Selfridges
SUBSTANCE&STYLE Bumbag£69,Rains
lanningyourfestivalwardrobetakesabitofinventive thinking.Youwanttolookcoolbutnotgroomed,so withthatinmindwe’vepickedoutahandfulofpieces that’llhelpwiththepacking.Someareessentialratherthan frivolouslikeaseriouswaterproofcoatandsturdyfootwear, butbeyondthepracticalities,havefunwithit.
Waterproofcoat– theStormBreakerfromRainswhich willstanduptotheheaviestofdownpourswithoutmaking yousweat.
BUCKETLIST
JACKETIN
OriginalTruckerjacket £100,Levi’s
Boots– thetrustyHunterChelseabootwillseeyouthrough anyfestivalwhatevertheweather.
Tees– ahandfulofstylishteesareagiven.Checkout Represent,NorthFaceandifyou’refeelingflush,Valentino. Bougieshirt– packasilkbowlingshirttoaddabitofvava-voomincaseyou’refeelingfancy.
Shorts– evenonarainyfestivalsiteweprefershorts.It’s easiertodrybarelegsthantrousers.Goforneutralshortsand addinterestwithyourtophalf.
Jacket– adenimjacketisalwaysawinner,andyoucan’tgo wrongwithLevi’sTrucker.
Jeans– idealforchillynightsbutcompletelyimpracticalin therainsokeeponeeyeontheweatherforecast.
Sunglasses– achicwaytohidethelatenights.
Bum/beltbag– anessentialthat’llkeepyourstuffinorder whileyouparty.
Hat– Abuckethatwilltopoffthelookprotectingyourheadas wellasyourstylecredentials.
LeBobOvaliebrandembroideredshellbucket hat£210,Jacquemus
LESSISMORE
Anydayx
TheSimpsonsKrusty tee£20, JohnLewis
BEPREPARED
StormBreaker jacket£95,Rains
HAPPYFEET
OriginalChelsea boots£115, Hunter
TOPTEE
Pacificot-shirt £10,Matalan
PRINTSCHARMING
Fortunegraphicprint silkshirt£100(was £790),Selfridges
HOMESliving
WORK HORSE
THEKITCHENMIGHTBETHEHEADLINEGRABBING HEARTOFTHEHOME,BUTIT’STHEUTILITYROOM THATSHOULDBETHESTAROFTHESHOW
CLEANLINES
UtilityroomsfromClassicInteriors,startingfrom£5,000www.classicinteriors.co.uk
Withoutadecentutilityspace,ahomedoesn’tworkas efficientlyasitcould.Itallowsyoutohidethe dullestbitsofyourhouseholdandkeepsome semblanceoforder.Iwritethisatthebeginningoftheschool holidaysandcanconfidentlysay,neverhasaroomdeserved morepraise.Soggyswimwearandsportsparaphernaliahave addedtotheusualdetritus,sotheutilityisworkingextrahard–notaproblemifeverythinghasaplace.
Thinkcombinedwashingmachine/driercupboard,storage forthevacuum,mop,bulkykitchenappliancesandcleaning products–anythingyoudon’twantondisplay.Storageiskeyto achievingcalm.
REALISTICBUDGET
Ifyourbudgetstretchestoit,matchyourutilityroomtoyour kitchenforapolishedfinish.Ifyourbudget’stight,gosimple andspendless.Theroomisn’tonshowandaslongasthespace isfunctionalandworksforyou,itwillstillimprovethequality ofyourlifeevenifthecupboardsdon’tmatchyourkitchen.
PLUMBINGPLACEMENT
Askyourselfafewquestionsbeforeyoustartplanningsuch as,whatdoyouneedtoincorporateandcruciallywhat’syour realisticbudget?Youmightbelimitedbyplumbingunless
RUSTICCHARM
ProductsfromMatalan
SPACESAVER
you’rerippingeverythingoutandstartingagain,so it’sagoodplacetostartanddetermineswherethe washingmachineandsinkcango.Ifyoucanmake thespaceworkbynotmovingplumbingaroundit’ll saveyousignificantmoney,messandtime.
You’llneverregretalargesinksoifyou’vespacego forabig,deepBelfastversionperfectforfilthybootsand pets.Aplacetotakeoffyourbootsisawinnertooso considerincorporatingabenchwithstorageunderneath.
HAVEAPLAN
Also,doesthebudgetstretchtounderfloorheatingso youcanbintheradiatorgivingyouanextrawallfor storage?Ifso,great.Ifnot,workarounditsensiblyand lookatwallmountedcupboardsabovetheradiator.
Measureyourbulkyitemssoyoucanproperlyplan drawertocupboardratioandworkouthowdeepyour drawersandshelvesneedtobe.
Ifyouhaven’tenoughspaceforanentireroom devotedtothebitsandpiecesyoudon’twantonshow, butyou’dlikemorestructureandorder,thinkabout whetherthere’sanydeadspaceinyourhome–an unusedcorner,acorridor,anunderthestairs cupboardyoucouldsetasideandredesigntomake work.Alargewellplannedcupboardcouldworkand iscertainlyanimprovementonshoehorningthings intoyourkitchen. ■
CUTEACCESSORIES
MINIMUMFUSS
AppliancesandproductsfromJohnLewis
BAGFORLIFE
Hessianpegbag
£5.50,Matalan
NOTANY OLDIRON
Stiffenup starch£3.99, HomeSense
TOUCHES FINISHING
DUSTBUSTER
Microfibreduster
£3,Matalan
WHATEVERTHE WEATHER
Dry:Soonthreetierheatedairer
£219.99, Lakeland
BASKETCASE
RattanMandalaystorage basket£150,OKA
NOWFORTHEFUNBIT–PICKOUTSOMEUSEFULACCESSORIESAND STORAGESOLUTIONSTOPOLISHYOURUTILITYSPACETOPERFECTION
LAUNDRYDAY
CLEANSWEEP
JosephJosephClean Storedustpanand brush£15, JohnLewis
PRACTICALLYPERFECT
Scentedclothespegs
£5,HomeSense
CADDYLIFE
Tincaddy£9,B&M
GardenTrading clothesdryerin charcoal£145, Cuckooland.com
PASTELPOWER
Haylaundrybasket
£35each,Nest
FromthePottingBench withAdam
THOSELONGER,WARMER,BRIGHTERDAYSAREHERE…BUT ASMANYPREPARETOPACKTHEIRCASESFORAWELL-EARNED BREAK,OURGREEN-FINGEREDEXPERTADAMKIRTLANDSAYS HE’LLBEGETTINGAWAYFROMITALLANDDE-STRESSING AMIDTHESUMMERRIOTOFCOLOURINHISGARDEN
We’reatthetimeoftheyearthat’sa gardener’sparadise.Long,sunnydaysand warmweathermakeeverythingburstinto life.Yourflowersareinlikelyinbloom,andtheveggie patchisthriving–that’siftherainhasstopped?
Whilelotsofyoumightbethinkingaboutpacking yourbagsandjettingoffsomewhereexotic,manyofus willbeheretendingtoourplots,gardensandwindow boxes.Personally,Ilovethistimeasweenjoythe gardenforhowitlooksandhowitmakesusfeelwhile we’reoutthere.Butwhichjobscanyoubedoing duringthismonth?
ChelseaChop?HamptonHack!
Whilewe’vehadarealmixtureofwarmweather andpouringrain,ourgardenshavereallyburstfully intolife,butwiththisperfectstormofweathercan comeonenegative!It’sfantastictohavelush,green gardensbutthisearlygrowthfromourperennialscan sometimesmeanthattheypeaktoosoon,ortheycan putononealmightyshowandthendisappear.This firstwaveofgrowthdoescomewithbigblooms,but notalwaysthatmany.
Onemethodthatgardenersadoptissomething calledtheChelseaChopwhereyoucutbackmost perennials(suchasPhlox,Achillea,Asters, Campanulas,Rudbeckia,Sedums,Heleniumsand more…)inMay,aroundthetimeoftheChelsea FlowerShow.However–ifyoumisseddoingthisthen, youcouldalsodoitinearlyJulyatthesametimeasthe HamptonCourtFlowerShowandthisisknownasthe HamptonHack.It’sassimpleascuttingtheseplants backbyabouthalf,andyourrewardwillbemanymore flowers!Theflowersyou’llgetwillbesmallerbutthere willbemoreofthemtocutandbringindoors.
Sowbiennials
Nowistheidealtimetogetaheadinyourgardenby sowingbiennialseeds.Thesecleverplantsgrowtheir rootsandleavesinthefirstyear(thisyear),thenflower andseedinthesecond.It’slikesettingupalittle surpriseforyourgardennextyearandit’stheperfect waytothinkabouthowyou’dlikeyourgardentobe thistimenextyear.
Startbypickingyourfavouritebiennialseeds–
foxgloves,sweetwilliamsandwallflowersareallfantastic choices.Findasunnyspotinyourgardenandgivethe soilagoodraketomakeitniceandcrumbly.Sprinkle theseedsthinlyonthesurface,thencoverthemlightly withabitofsoilorcompost.It’seasy–noneedtobetoo precise.Youcanalsodothisinpotsandseedtraysif you’renotsurewhereyouwantthemtogoyet.
Keepthesoilmoist,butnotsoggyandinafew weeksyou’llseelittlegreenshootspoppingup, whichisalwaysexciting.Whentheseedlingsarebig enoughtohandle,usuallybylatesummer,youcan transplantthemtotheirfinalspots.Chooseplaces whereyouwantasplashofcolournextyear.Bynext springandsummer,yourbiennialswillrewardyou withstunningblooms.
Wet,wet,wet!
Withthewetweatherwe’vehadyou’dbeexcused forthinkingyourpotsandcontainersarewatered thoroughlyenough,butthatsometimesisn’tthecase. Often,therainwaterwillrundowntheinsideofour potsandnotreachthemiddle,wheretherootsusually are,thoroughlyenough.
Firstthingsfirst,rememberthatcontainerplants needmorewaterthanthoseinthegroundbecausethey dryoutfaster.So,keepaneyeonthem,especially duringhot,sunnydays.Thebesttimetowaterisearly inthemorningorlateintheevening.Thisway,the waterhasachancetosoakinbeforethesungetstoo fierce.Whenyouwater,makesuretosoakthesoil thoroughly.Alightsprinklewon’tdo–youwantthe watertoreachtheroots.Keeppouringuntilyousee watercomingoutofthedrainageholesatthebottomof thepotandthenstop.
Speakingofdrainage,makesureyourpotshave gooddrainage.Ifthewatercan’tescape,yourplants couldendupwithrootrot,whichisabigno-no.If you’reusingsaucersunderyourpots,emptythem regularlysotherootsdon’tsitinwater. ■
CHECKINWITHADAM
FollowAdamonInstagram@viewfromthepottingbenchandlistentohis podcastTalesfromThePottingBenchformoregardeninginspiration. YoucanalsoreadAdam’sblogatviewfromthepottingbench.com
THISSUVGETSMYVOTE
Theelectionhascomeandgone,andIdon’t knowaboutyoubutI’msogratefulthatthe weeksofhearingwhatpoliticalparties wouldoffermeinreturnformyvotearewelland trulyintherear-viewmirror!Unlikeelection candidates,Lexusdoesnotneedtoaddincentivesto encouragebuyerstopurchaseitsluxuryRZallelectricSUV.Itissuchabeautifulcar,witha gorgeousuniquedesignandalonglistofdriver’saids thatmademyreviewweekbehindthewheela pleasure.
Despiteallthis,Lexussaysithasacommitmentto
providethebestpossibleownershipexperienceforits customers.So,ifencouragementisneeded,thecar makerisofferingnewownersthefirstmileage-based insurance,designedspecificallyfortheRZ450eSUV andwhichoffersthepotentialforanend-of-year refund.ThereisalsoanewLexusReserve programmewhichgives42dayscomplimentaryuse ofanadditionalLexushybridvehicleoverathreeyearperiodifyouareplanningalongEuropeanroad tripinareaswithalimitedcharginginfrastructure. Thefrontdesignofthisall-electricSUVis luxuriouslydifferentasitdoesnotneeda
conventionalgrille.Advancedpainttechnology contributestoadeeper,morelustrousfinishandthe newbi-tonedesignhasacontrastblackfinishwhich extendsfromthefrontofthecar,overthebonnet, pillarsandroof.
Thequalityinteriorhasverycomfortableseats. Thelarge14-inchcentredmultimediadisplaysitslow andholdsalltheusefulinformation,whichIfound easytoreadandtoaccess.Ahead-updisplayhelps keepthedriver’sattentionontheroadahead.The layoutandshapeofthecockpitalsoguidesthe driver’slineofvisionforward.
Onthepracticalside,therearetwolargebottle holders,ausefulwirelesschargingtrayandalarge storageboxwithalidthatishingedtoopentotheleft orright.Alongwithmyrearpassengers,Ienjoyedthe hugenewheat-shieldingpanoramicroof,whichwill dimatthetouchofaswitch.Andhowrefreshingto findacabinenvironmentthatisappropriatelycalm andquiet.Engineersanddesignersworkedtocontrol thenoise;preventingitfromenteringthecabin, payingparticularattentiontorearseatpassengers.
CHOOSEYOURMODE
Drivingiscomfortableorexhilaratingdepending onwhichmodechosen.ThereisaNormalmode.In Ecomodepowerispreservedbygeneratingalesser amountofdrivetorqueinresponsetoaccelerator inputsandsuppressingtheair-conditioning.Sport modegivesastrongersteeringfeelandtheaccelerator responseissharpened.TheRZisalsoequippedwith anexclusiveveryusefulRangemodewhichreduces powerconsumption,restrictspoweroutputand vehiclespeedandturnstheair-conditioningoff.
Thelithiumionbatteryispositionedbeneaththe cabinfloorandcontributestothevehicle’srigidity anditslowcentreofgravity.Thebatteryunithas96 cellswitha71.4kWhgrosscapacityandiscontained inasealed,reinforcedstructuretoprotectitinthe eventofcontactwiththeroadsurfaceoracollision.
Whendrivingalone,Iwokeupthe‘HeyLexus’ assistant,whichcanchangemultimediacommands, adjustsomevehiclefunctions,suchastheairconditioning,openorclosethewindowsanddetect whetherthecommandscomefromthedriverorfront passenger. ■ july/august2024
FACTSATAGLANCE
Model: LexusRZ450eall-electricluxurySUVPremiumPlusPackwith bi-tonefinish
Price: £64,695otr
Batterycapacity: 71.4kWh,drivingrange272mileswith18-inch wheels(WLTPcombined)
Performance: 0-62mphin5.3secondsandontoatopspeedof99mph CO2emissions: Zero
SHOWROOM
LexusBirmingham,FortDunlop,4WingfootWay,Birmingham,B24 9HF.Tel:01212227681www.lexus.co.uk/centres/birmingham
KATHERINE PRIDDY
WECAUGHTUPWITHTHEPROUD BRUMMIEANDCHART-TOPPERAHEAD OFMOSELEYFOLKANDARTSFESTIVAL TOTALKALLTHINGSBIRMINGHAM, ANUNEXPECTEDE-MAILFROMELBOW ANDLOCKDOWNDILEMMAS
PhotographybySamWood
Whetheryou’reafanoffolkoryour introductiontoKatherinePriddywas herhauntingappearanceonLater… withJoolsHolland,you’reabouttoseeandhear moreofher.Katherinewillbeperformingat MoseleyFolkandArtsFestivalinAugustwithan hour-longsetonthemainstagefeaturingtracks fromhernewalbum,ThePendulumSwingplus someoldertunes.OfthefestivalKatherinesays: “It’sagreateventwithbigfamilyvibesandahome crowdforme.Itfeelslikethelasthurrahofthe summer.It’sspecial.”
Katherine’sdebutalbum,TheEternalRocks Beneathwasreleasedin2021tomuchcritical acclaimwithafive-starreviewinSonglinesandradio playonBBC6MusicandRadio2aswellastopping theofficialUKfolkchart.Thesecondalbum,The PendulumSwingrecordedinBirminghambySimon JWeaverwasadifferentexperiencefromthefirst. Katherinesays:“Withthefirstalbumtherewere noexpectationsandnotimeconstraints.The songwritinghasmatured,it’smorepersonal.Soundwise,it’sbiggerwithabroaderspectrumof instrumentation–cinematicI’dsay.”Covid lockdownsinsomewayinspiredThePendulum Swing.Katherinelostallherwork,movedbackin withherparentsandwaslivingoffsavings.Shesays: “Iwastornbetweendesperatelywantingtomoveout andtreasuringthattime.PendulumSwingisperhaps abouttheurgetoleaveandtheurgetostay–striking thatbalance.”
PINCHME
OverthelastcoupleofyearsKatherinehas enjoyedsome‘pinchme’moments.Sheplayedatthe RoyalAlbertHallaspartoftheBBCProms accompaniedbytheBBCconcertorchestraaswellas performingontheacousticstageatGlastonbury.She hasperformedinAustralia,theUSandHollandand appearedasaspecialguestatGuyGarvey’sshowat theRoundhouse.Guyhasbeenachampionof Katherine’smusicsincetheget-go,givingherairplay onhisBBC6Musicshow,somuchsothatKatherine recentlyreceivedane-mailaskinghertoperformat anElbowgigatLudlowCastlewhichshedescribes as‘amazing’.
KatherineperformedagorgeousversionofABoat OntheRiverfromthenewalbumonLater…with JoolsHollandwhichwethoroughlyrecommend watchingoncatchup.Shesaysitwas‘utterly terrifying’adding:“It’saprestigiousthing.Ialways watchedHootenannywithmyfamily,soitwasquite bizarrebeingthereandtalkingtoJools.Therearen’t manyopportunitiesforfolkmusicianstogetthat kindofexposure.”
GAMECHANGER
Talkingofexposure,socialmediahasbeena gamechanger,butKatherineiskeentokeepthings authentic.Shesays:“Whetherwelikeitornotit’sa bigpartofbeingamusician.Thewaytodealwithit istobendittosuityou.Keepitpersonal–genuine. It’sabrilliantwaytoreachaglobalaudiencewhich wouldn’thavebeenanoptionbeforesocialmedia. Justdoitonyourterms.”Katherine’smanageris herbestfriend–someoneshetrustscompletely whichshesaysisa‘wonderful’arrangement. Birminghamhasalwaysbeenhomeandofthe cityKatherinesays:“Iloveit.Someofmyfriends havemovedtoLondontogetintomusicbutI don’tthinkit’snecessaryanymore.Youcandoso muchfromwhereveryouarenow.Birminghamhas agreatscene.TheKitchenGardenCaféisthe perfectsizewhenyou’restartingout,aswellasthe HareandHounds.TheopenmicnightsatThe Yardbirdweregreat–it’ssadlynotthereanymore. Thecityandthecultureareencouragingand supportive.”
Katherine’sdreamgigwouldhavebeen headliningUnionChapelexceptshe’sjusttickedthat offthebucketlist,sonextupwouldbeherownshow atSymphonyHallwhichshesayswouldbe‘great’. Also,aduetwithlocallegendRobertPlantwouldbe Katherine’sultimatecollaboration.Robert–ifyou’re readingthis… ■
FEELGOODFOLK
FormoreinformationonMoseleyFolkandArtsFestivalwhichrunsfrom 30Augustto1Septembervisitmoseleyfolk.co.uk TolistentoKatherine’slatestalbum,ThePendulumSwingvisit https://katherinepriddy.bandcamp.com/album/the-pendulum-swing
YOUNGCARERS
Ninestiles,anAcademyandYarnfieldPrimarySchoolhave beenawardedtheYoungCarersinSchoolsAwardforthe firsttime,whileSolihullSixthFormCollegehasalso receiveditsre-accreditation.Youngcarersarechildren under18responsibleforthecareofafamilymember affectedbyillness,disability,mentalhealthconditionor addiction.TheawardispartoftheYoungCarersinSchool programmerunbytheChildren’sSocietyandCarersTrust. Theprogrammeprovidesschoolswithguidancetogain thepracticaltoolstheyneedtohelpyoungcarers.
BCUSHINESWITH1,000THREADS
AnoutdoorfashionshowbystudentsfromBirmingham CityUniversity(BCU)washeldatOozellsSquare, BrindleyplaceincelebrationofBirmingham’screative industries.Theshow,titledBCUPresents:1000 Threads,featured36outfitsfromthecollectionsofa diverserangeofBCUfashiondesigners.Theshow formedthecentrepieceofBCU’sannualInspired Festival.ItemscreatedbystudentsfromBCU’sSchool ofJewellerywerepairedwiththefashionpieces, highlightinghowthecity’sheritageindustriesremain animportantpartofthedesignprocess.Studentsfrom ElmhurstBalletSchool,wearingcostumesdesignedby BCUstudents,alsoperformed.
RIGHTTOREAD
TouchwoodSolihullhasdonatednewlibrarybookstothevalueof £1,500toStAugustine’sCatholicPrimarySchool.Thedonation, incollaborationwithExpectAmazing’s‘ARightToRead’initiative, tiesinwiththerefurbishmentoftheschool’slibraryandgives childrentheopportunitytoimprovetheirliteracyskillswhile encouragingreadingforpleasure.ExpectAmazingaimstoensure allchildrenintheUKhavetheopportunitytolearntoread throughtheinitiativewhichseescorporateorganisationshelp schoollibrariesintheirlocalcommunity.
SCHOOL REPORT
BOUNCINGTOSUCCESS
BirminghamHospice’sBunnyHopschoolfund-raiserhitarecord-breaking£14,500. ThehospiceinvitedschoolsandnurseriesacrossBirminghamandsurroundingareas tohop,skipandjumptheirchosendistancetoraisevitalcashforthecharity.This year’sBunnyHopcashtotalsawanincreaseof132percenton2023’sfigureof £6,250.Sixschoolsandsevennurseriestookpart,withWalmleyInfantSchool raisingmorethan£5,000–athirdofthefinalamount!
CELEBRATING110YEARS
TECHOFTOMORROW
MillenniumPointwelcomedmorethan1,000local schoolchildrentoitsfreeSciTECHShowcaseevent featuringlivescienceshows,interactiveworkshops andguesttalksfromtechnologyleaders. Prominentorganisationstakingpartincluded Thinktank,BirminghamCityUniversity,Kelia, UniversityofBirmingham,FootprintstheSilicone Centre,andtheUniversityofWarwick.Abbie Vlahakis,CEOofMillenniumPoint,said:“Itis excitingtoshowcasethewondersoftechcareers tolocalschoolgroupsandhopefullyinspirefuture techpioneerstochangetheworld.”
MoretonHallSchoolcelebrated its110-yearhistorywitha promenadepieceoftheatre highlightingsomeofthe pivotalmomentsandinfluential figuresfromitspast.Setinthe picturesqueareaofWeston Rhyn,surroundedbyhundreds ofacresofparkland,Moreton Hall’scurrentgrandeurbelies itshumblebeginningswhenit initiallyopenedwithjust13 pupils.Thecelebratory performancefeaturedMoreton Hall’stalentedpupilsand professionalactorsand performersfromdiverse backgrounds.
NEW CHANCELLOR
AstonUniversityhas appointedBirmingham entrepreneurandbusiness leaderDrJasonWouhraas itsnewchancellor.Dr Wouhra,whowasawarded anhonorarydoctoratebythe universityin2014,isthe university’sfirstchancellorof Asianheritageandalsothe youngest.Hesaid:“Taking onthisroleisaprivilegeand honourasmyconnection withtheuniversityruns deep.Iamlookingforward tohelppropeltheuniversity towardsits2030strategic goalsofbecomingaleading universityofscience, technologyandenterprise.”
SONNY’S TRIUMPH
Family-runJewelleryQuarterretailer,Sonny’s Jewellers,wasnamedJewelleryRetailerof theYear2024attheUKJewelleryAwards. ManagingdirectorManishJogiaacceptedthe trophyinthecategoryforjewellerswith underfivestoresattheLondonceremony attendedby500oftheUKindustry’smost influentialretailers,suppliersandassociation leaders.Jogiasaid:“Wewereblownawayto hearournamecalledattheawards.The JewelleryRetaileroftheYearcategoryisthe pinnacleofachievement.”
WALKINGFORCHARITY
AteamfromSyensqoinOldburycompleteda25-milesponsoredwalktoraisecashforCure Parkinson’s.TheteamchosethecharityforthetrekalongthePembrokeshireCoastPathinSouth Walesafteroneoftheirengineers,GaryBlackham,wasdiagnosedwithParkinson’sayearago. Tomakesurehewasupforthe25-milechallenge,Garypreparedwitharigorousexerciseregime includingridinganexercisebike,TaiChiandjoininghislocalParkinson’swalkingfootballteam.
RACHEL’SREPJOY
ComedianRachelBaker–whohasfeaturedin BirminghamLiving’sYoungGiftedand Brummiepages–isamongsevenartistsand creativeswhohavewonbackingtogrowtheir careersaspartofBirminghamRep’s2024 FoundryCohort.Rachel,pictured,isjoinedby AdjeiSun,DanWalsh,ImaaniPhillips,Jenny Escott,RobertGeorge-LaneandSarahColein theartistdevelopmentprogramme,which featuresaneight-monthintensiveprogramme ofpaidtrainingbeforebecomingcommunity facilitatorsinoneofthesevencommunitybasedcreativeprojectspartneredwiththeRep.
JOELANDSSPACEROLE
Affordablehousingspecialist LivingSpaceHousinghas appointedJoeGildayassenior landmanagertotargetfurthersite acquisitionsintheWestMidlands. TheSolihull-basedbusiness currentlyhassevenlivesitesacross Bedfordshire,Herefordshire,West Midlands,Wiltshireand Worcestershirewithagross developmentvalueofmorethan £90million.Theexpansionofits in-houselandteamisinlinewith LivingSpace’sambitiousgrowth planstodeliver400homesayear.
july/august2024
YASMINZIPSIN
TheUK’slargestalterationsandrepairsbusiness hasopenedanewBirminghamstore.ZipYard BirminghaminPinfoldStreetisownedand operatedbyYasminAli,anexperiencedseamstress withapassionforsewingandinteriordesign.The storeoffersawiderangeofservices,including professionalgarmentalterations,specialised repairsandcustomtailoring,alongsidesimple repairssuchasbuttonandzipreplacementsand uniqueserviceslikevintagegarmentrestoration andalterationsforleatherandsuedeitems.
LEGALPROMOTIONS
BirminghamlawfirmSydneyMitchellLLPhasappointedanewpartner aspartofseniorpromotions.MitraMannbecomesapartner,while MelissaSouthallisseniorassociate,andJayneGreggandCharlotteJones areassociates.MitrajoinedSydneyMitchellin2023anddealswithcases involvingwilldisputes,claimsforreasonablefinancialprovisionsfroman estate,professionalnegligence,restoringavulnerableperson’sestate andarangeofCourtofProtectionapplications.
TOPESTATEAGENCY
MidlandsestateagencyNicol&CowasnamedResidentialEstateAgentsof theYearbytheCorporateLivewireInnovation&ExcellenceAwards,which werejudgedafternominationswereinvitedfrommorethan90,000businesses andcorporateprofessionals.MattNicol,managingdirectorofNicol&Co,said: “Weaimtoleadinembracingchange,newideas,andthelatesttechnology whiledeliveringexcellencetoourclients.Wearedelightedtoacceptthis awardinrecognitionofourinnovationandexcellence.”
BLACKCOLLECTIVE
Anewbusinessnetworkchampioningthe growthanddevelopmentofBlack-owned companieshasbeenlaunchedbyGreater BirminghamChambersofCommerce(GBCC). TheGBCCBlackBusinessCollectiveisafree subscribernetworkofferingBlackbusiness ownersandprofessionalsaplatformtomeet, learn,stayconnectedanddiscovernew opportunities.Theinitiativewasproposedby Blackbusinessleaderswhowillsteerits activities.LeadingtheCollectiveischairAlex Cole(CEO,TINVentures)andhonorary presidentKarlGeorge(headofgovernanceat RSMandGBCCboardmember).
KatrinaCookehasbeenappointedasthefirstpermanentCEOforKids’ Village–thecharitywhichisaimingtobuildtheUK’sfirstholidayvillage providingfreebreaksforchildrenwithcriticalillnesses.Katrinajoinsthe charityfromGreaterBirminghamChambersofCommercewhereshewas chiefcommercialofficer,havingpreviouslybeenthedirectorofmarketing andcommunications.Hercareeralsoincludesaspellinmarketingand communicationsatAstonVillaFC.
WONDERWOMANJO
ThemanagerofoneofBirmingham’sbestknownhospitalitycentreshasbeennamed SouthsideWomanoftheYear2024.JoKinsella oftheArcadianwontheawardforher leadership,dedicatedcommitmentandhard workestablishingSouthsideSafeSpace,which hashelpedmorethan5,000peoplesinceit waslaunchedin2019bySouthsideBusiness ImprovementDistrict(BID)andArcadian ownersLCPManagement.SafeSpaceis staffedbytrainedparamedicsandoffers supporttoanyoneneedingitfrommidnight until5ameveryFriday,SaturdayandSunday.
RISINGSTARJACK
JackEdmonds,adirectorinthebusinesssolutions teamatnationalaudit,tax,advisoryandriskfirm Crowe,hasbeennamedinAccountancyAge’s national‘35-under-35’list.Thelistshowcasesthe accountingindustry’srisingstarsagedunder35who havemadegreatcontributionstothefieldandtheir individualfirms.Jack,whoisdirectorofaccountsand outsourcingatCrowe’sOldburyoffice,joinedthe team13yearsagowhentherewereonlyeight membersofstaff.Today,it’s50-strong–andgrowing!
FOODAID
DavidWilsonHomesdonated£1,500toHopeFoodNorthBirmingham,a charitysupportingthoseexperiencingfoodpovertyduetofinancialhardship. ThecharitywasfoundedbyvolunteerstosupportlocalpeopleinSutton ColdfieldandErdington,andcurrentlyhelps500peopleeachweek.The donationwillallowthecharitytobuymorethan3,500tinsofbeansover 17weekswhichwillbehandedoutatitsthreelocalfoodbanks.
CHARITYCHAMP
PertempsNetworkGrouphasbeen namedProfessionalServicesBusinessof theYearattheLordMayor’sCharity BusinessAwards,whichshowcasethe outstandingcontributionsoflocal businesseswhileraisingawarenessand supportforimportantcauses.Pertempsis basedinMeriden,Solihull.
CASHFORKIDS
Birminghamrealestateprofessionals raisedarecord£77,400forlocal children’scharitiesatanannualspoof awardsevent.Nearly400guests gatheredtocelebrate21yearsofthe BRENDAs(BirminghamRealEstateNovel DevelopmentAwards).
SHOWCENTRE
CraneGardenBuildings,aUKleaderin theproductionofhigh-qualitygarden buildings,openeditslatestshowcentrein Solihull.ThenewsitestrengthensCrane's partnershipwithNotcuttsGardenCentre andshowcasesgardenstructures,from relaxingsummerhousestoWFHsheds.
HEROESHAILED
Fifty‘localheroes’fromBirminghamhavebeen honouredatacelebrationofcommunityand volunteering.TheBigThankYouBashevent,heldat theUniversityofBirmingham,waspartofthe 50forWM50campaignlaunchedbytheWest MidlandsLieutenancy,supportedbyUnitedby 2022,tomark50yearssincethecreationofthe county.Duringtheevent,20-year-oldAmman AhmedfromDudleywasalsorevealedasthe volunteerselectedtohaveatramontheWest MidlandsMetronamedinhishonour.
CALTHORPEHOLDS BUSINESSBRUNCH
CalthorpeBusinessCommunitygatheredat EdgbastonGolfClubforthequarterly networkingbrunchandtohearthelatestfrom CalthorpeEstatesalongsideguestspeakers HandelsbankenandModaLiving.Thefirstresidents areduetomoveintoModa’sLoudon’sYard developmentinJuly. ■
PhotographyMikeKelly
Networkershearfromguest speakersatquarterlyupdate 3 2 4 5 7 6 7 8
1 HannaGhemari,HannahWebb,LindaMcBride,KellySangha. 2 AnnaCrabbe,RalphMinott,AdelePogmore. 3 SimonTrimmer, EmmaDavenport,LewisRobert. 4 SabinaStorrod,JamesMayo. 5 LucyPearson,NikkiThomas. 6 JulieHarris,DonnaCormack. 7 CarolineMarsden,KevinWilks,RosWilson. 8 DanielSalinas-Cordova,GabbyRhodes,HaydnCooper. 1
NEWOCTANEBAR REVSUPINSTYLE
F1Arcade,theofficialFormula1simulator racingexperiencebar,welcomedmorethan 150gueststocelebratethelaunchofthe OctaneBar.TheParadiseBirminghamvenuesaw guestsenjoyanewspringmenuandselectionof drinks,whileaDJplayedhousefavourites throughouttheevening. ■
F1Arcadewelcomes150gueststo celebratelaunchatParadisevenue 6
4 5 7 8 3 2 1
1 JamesBovill,MatthewO'Dell. 2 RichardO'Gorman,IanRussell. 3 TomBillingham,SamPerry,ConradBrunton. 4 SashaHumphreys, LaurenGreen-Leonard. 5 JessicaBrabant,JasRohel. 6 SerinaSunder. 7 ShahKarim,YasminPatel. 7 ElliotHolman,MatildaNewthorpe
Glitteringeventcelebratesbusiness successwhileboostingvitalcharity 3 2 4 6 5 7
1 ArtiHalaiandDaveSharpewiththeYoungFutureFirstwinners. 2 JoMeakin,PaolaSpiga(Start-upoftheYearAward),AnjaKozerski. 3 JasThiara(ProfessionalServicesAward),TracyEvans. 4 RobButler(BusinessmanoftheYearAward),CharlotteBird. 5 LisaDevine, JohnStreet(CharityoftheYearaward). 6 TraceyMcAtamney,KarenMassey. 7 TrishAduduwithfamilyreceivingtheawardforLifetime AchievementInMediafromColleenFletcher. 1
LADIESFIRSTAWARDS HONOURACHIEVERS
InspirationalachieversfromBirminghamwereamong thosecelebratedatthesixthLadiesFirstProfessional DevelopmentNetworkBusinessAwards.Four hundredpeoplegatheredatDallasBurstonPoloClubin Southamfortheglitteringceremony.Theeveningalso raised£8,000fortheGilesTrustBrainTumourFund,the charityestablishedin2015byformerEnglandcricketer AshleyGilesandhiswifeStine,whichsupportsresearch, pioneeringequipmentandpatients. ■
PhotographybyEverybodySmilePhotography
RETIRINGSUZANNE’S SPECIALSEND-OFF
Partners,staffandguestscometogether forreceptiontomarksolicitor’s27years
M
orethan100guestsfromacrossthe regionjoinedpartnersandstafffrom mfgSolicitorstomarktheretirementof nationally-respectedsolicitorSuzanneLee.Guests weretreatedtoacanapesanddrinksreceptionat 18th-centurystatelyhome,HagleyHall.Suzanne waswiththelawfirmfor27years,havingjoinedas atrainee.Shewasmanagingdirectoruntil2022 beforebecomingthefirm’schair.Speecheswere givenbymfgchairmanIainMorrison,partnerTom Esler,formerchairmanMaynardBurtonand longstandingclientPaulCrane. ■
6
4 5 7 8 3 2 1
1 AmeliaEdwards,LorraineHenry,VictoriaEdwards. 2 Will,Jacob,RebeccaandIsabelleRoberts. 3 TomEsler,PaulCrane,SuzanneLee, MaynardBurton,IainMorrison. 4 MarkPardey,ShelbyLloyd,GarethLloyd,DavidPardey,PaulCrane. 5 IsobelandChrisDale,SueShilvock. 6 AndrewDavies,ClareLang,ElaineMason. 7 AngelaMadigan,AndrewHedley,RossPrince. 8. SharonLerry,ElizabethArmstrong,AlexPhillips.
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: ChrisIsaak WHEN: 13August WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk
With13criticallyacclaimedstudio albumsand12chart-topping singles,thePlatinum-sellingand Grammy-nominatedsingerhas performedtosold-outcrowds acrosstheglobeandthismonth hepopsintoBrum.
WHAT: Rewind–Queensofthe90’s
WHEN: 21September
WHERE: ResortsWorldArena, resortsworldarena.co.uk
FeaturinglegendaryplaybacksingersAlisha Chinai,KavitaKrishnamurti,AlkaYagnik andAnuradhaPaudwal.Thesepowerhouse femalevoicesofferafusionofchart-topping anthemsandinfectiousenergy.
WHAT: BeyondVanGogh
WHEN: 1Augustto1September
WHERE: NECBirmingham, beyondvangogh.com
Thisabsorbing,immersiveexperience blendsmorethan300ofthepostImpressionisticon’spaintingswithcuttingedgetechnologyandaspeciallycurated musicalsoundtracktotellthestoryofone ofhistory’smostinfluentialartists.
WHAT: JustinTimberlake WHEN: 7August WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk
TherenownedmusicianisintheUKwith hismomentousTheForgetTomorrowWorld Tourperformingallthefan-favouritehits alongwithsongsfromhisforthcomingnew album,EverythingIThoughtItWas.
WHAT: EdgbastonArtisanMarket
WHEN: 10August
WHERE: GreenfieldCrescent,Edgbaston, calthorpe.co.uk
Amust-visitasBirmingham’slargestartisanmarket boastsevenmorenewandvariedtradersfromsomeof thefinestindependentbusinessesacrosstheMidlands.
WHAT: GreenFutures: DenDaywithAmpersand WHEN: 27July
WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk
LedbyForestSchoolleaderKatieAndrews, familiesareinvitedtogatheratCannonHill Parktobuilddensusingreclaimedmaterials. Create,climbandplayinthewoods,learn shelter-makingskillsandswinginahammock!
WHAT: TheMerryWivesofWindsor WHEN: Nowuntil7September
WHERE: RSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111
Lies,jealousyanddirtylaundry–Shakespeare’s uproarioustaleofmischiefanddouble-dealing wherethewomengetthelastlaugh.
WHAT: PrettyWomanTheMusical
WHEN: 20to24August
WHERE: TheAlexandra, atgtickets.com
Theaward-winningmusicaliscomingto Birminghamsomakeadatetosee Hollywood’sultimaterom-comliveon stage!StarringAmberDaviesasVivian.
WHAT: BoyOutTheCity WHEN: 4to7September
WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk DeclanBennetttakesusona raw,brutalandoftenfunny journeyintothemessy, turbulentworldoftoxic masculinity,homophobiaand men’smentalhealth.
WHAT: VincenGarcia
WHEN: 17August
WHERE: O2Institute2Birmingham, academymusicgroup.com
TheSpanishbasssensationreturnstotheUKwithhis compleximprovisation,rhythmandgrooveand incredibleliveshow.
WHAT: Hamilton
WHEN: Nowuntil31August
WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com
Lin-ManuelMiranda’smulti-award-winningcultural phenomenontellsthestoryofAmerica’sfounding fatherAlexanderHamilton,animmigrantfromthe WestIndieswhohelpedshapethefoundationsof theAmericaweknowtoday.
WHAT: TheHundred
WHEN: 3,6,12and15August
WHERE: EdgbastonStadium,thehundred.com
ThethrillingHundredcompetitionreturnswith BirminghamPhoenixmen’sandwomen’steamstipped forsuccess.There’sfewthingsmorespecialthana summernightatEdgbastonwiththeHolliesstand rocking–socomeandjointheparty!
WHAT: SoulandMotownParty WHEN: 27July
WHERE: NailcoteHall,nailcotehall.co.uk ApartynightfullofyourfavouriteMotownand ClassicSoulhitswithColin‘Sugarfoot’Mills, thesoulsingerwhowonTV’sStarsinYour Eyes.Includesthree-coursemeal,live entertainmentandafter-showDJ.
WHAT: DiscosForGrownUps
WHEN: 10August
WHERE: TownHall, bmusic.co.uk
Thelegendarypop-uppartyis comingforanincrediblenightof disco!Getglitteredupforafun,fab andfeel-goodbonanzaofdancing withpeopleyourownagetothe bestever70’sdisco,80’spopand 90’sdanceclassics!
CLOSEWITHÁ
JASSANSI
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
I’maphotographerspecialisinginconference photography.ForthepasttwodecadesI’vebeen documentingandcapturingeventshereintheWest Midlandsandnationally.I’vebuiltanetworkof clientswithwhomI’veforgedstrongworking relationshipsinunderstandingwhattheyneedto delivertheirobjectives.
IT’SWHATIDO
Icaptureimagesinthehopeofcapturingpeople’s attention.Thepowerofastrongimageisthepotential totellastory.Itcanalsosupportastory,suchasapress release,bydrawingpeoplein.Therolebringsmeinto contactwitheveryone,frombusinessandthought leaders,politicians,musicandsportsstarsandRoyalty, tothepeoplewhoattendtheeventsIshoot.Iwouldlike tothinkmyworkhelpsmyclientsintheirwork.Itake prideinseeingsuccessfuljourneysandhavewitnessed individualstransitionfromundergraduatesontheirfirst stepintotheworldofworktodevelopment,growthand conqueringtheirworld.
BIGGESTSUCCESS
Thebiggestprofessionalsuccesswasbeingableto growabusinesstoprovidethemeanstogivemy childrenawonderfulchildhood.It’swhyIsitonthe NSPCCboard–it’saprivilegetohelpotherchildren whothroughnofaultoftheirownhavebeendealta poorhand.
TheNSPCCWestMidlandsBusinessBoardhoststhe140thNSPCCanniversary ballattheICCBirminghamonFriday11October.Formoredetailsontickets andhowtohelpraisevitalfundse-mail:nspccwbmm@gmail.com
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
Giventhespeedoflife,it’simportanttofind whatmakesyouhappyanddoit.Iwantedtosee theworldandnotwaituntilIretiredtorealiseit. So,Itookthefamily.Travelisafabulouswayto investinyourself;youhavememoriesthatmake yousmile,storiestoborepeoplewithandaworld viewthatteachesyouthatyouareapartofahuge planetwithdistinctbeliefsandtraditions,andjust becausetheyaredifferentdoesn’tmakethem inferiortoyourways.
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
I’veachievedmypersonalambition,Ialways wantedafamilyandithappened.Imarried,we boughtahouse,hadadaughterandtwoyearslater ason.Wewatchedthemgrowanddevelopinto thoughtfulandkindindividuals.Theyboth graduatefromuniversityinthesameweekina fortnight.
Professionally,I’vealwayswantedtobethe‘goto’ snapperintown.Soundslikeastrangeambitionbut itshapedthewayIgrewthebusiness.Iimaginedan eventsplannerteamaroundatablewhoneeda photographerandIwantedtheexpression‘getSansi in’tobethemantra.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
I’mnotgoingtosay‘it’sthepeople’,that’sagiven asfarasI’mconcerned.Brummiesarepuregold.My favouritethingaboutBirminghamisthetrees,we havemorethanamillionofthem,oneforevery citizen.There’shardlyaplaceinBrumyoucanstand andnotseeatree. ■ THEBIRMINGHAM-BASEDPHOTOGRAPHERONWHYHISROLEASAN
