Birmingham living
DAVIDBALDWIN
SQUAREEYES
JOYFULJUMPERS
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
AWESOMEADVENT CALENDARS
IEDITOR’SVIEW
t’sadrumthatwebangonthismagazinefrequently,andwemakenoapologiesforit.Support independentsandlocalbusiness!It’samessagethat’sevenmoreimportantoverthecoming weeksastheChristmasshoppingandentertaining‘rush’getsintofullswing.
IgetthefeelingfrompeoplewhoItalktothattheyareundertheimpressiontheworstofthechallengesare over,fouryearsafterCovidwreckedthelocalandnationaleconomy.We’veallseenplentyoffamousHigh Streetnamesgounderinthattime,andevenmoresmaller,individualbusinessesgotothewall.Marrythatwith thesqueezeonhouseholdincomesandtherisingcostoflivingandthethreattoourcitycentresandhighstreets isstillatdangerlevel.
ThelatestcasualtyisoneofBirmingham’smostfamous–andaward-winning–eateries,Purnell’s.Yummy Brummie,GlynnPurnellopenedhisrestaurantin2007andwonacovetedMichelinstarayearlater.Along withSimpsons,it’sfairtosaythatPurnell’swaspivotalinhelpingtolaunchBirminghamasthepremierfood destinationitistoday.We’veinterviewedGlynnmanytimesforourpagesandheisoneofthemostoptimistic andpassionatechefsthereis,butwhenannouncingPurnell’sclosureevenhehadtoadmit:“WhileIam heartbroken,inthiscurrentclimatenooneisbulletproof.”
So,here’smyearlyfestivewish.Whileobviouslypeoplewill,quiterightly,gototheChristmasmarkets,ice skatingandotherseasonaloutdooreventswhichallopenthismonth,pleasetryandspreadthelovearoundto thelocalshops,restaurants,barsandcafesthatdependonoursupporttosurvive. Becausewhenthey’regone,they’regone.
DavidJohns
Coverimage: Goldenwonder KittyScott-Claus,by MattParkerandJackAlfie
EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk
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
living
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Highlights
News
Bringingyouthebrightest,mostcolourful storiesfromacrossthecitythismonth
KittyScott-Claus
BrummieDragRacestarongoingglobal, Masterchef&stunningweightlossjourney
PlayingtheProms
Agroupofyoungmusicianspreparesfora veryspecialnightattheRoyalAlbertHall
Food&Drink
News,reviews,recipes–andraising aglasstoBeaujolaisNouveauDay
Health
Bewarethe‘SilentThiefofSight’–the worryingriseinthecasesofglaucoma
Style
JoyfulJumpers!Chicknitwearisahappy consequenceofthemercurytumbling
BestoftheRest
Homes
Settingthesceneonhowtogiveyour festivetablethatreal‘wow’factor
FromthePottingBench
AdamKirtlandtalkswinterbedding andplantingterrifictulipsforspring
Young,Gifted&Brummie
MatthewBrotherson,theillustratorwhose artworkisdisplayedinanewcitydevelopment
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BusinessNews Newsandviewsfromthecommercial Community,plusSocialScenepages
What’sOn Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigsin ourround-upofthemust-seeevents
UpClose
DavidBaldwin,themanbehindthismonth’s MidlandsArtsCentreSquareEyesTVFestival
CHRISTMAS CRACKER
YouknowChristmasiscomingas BirminghamRoyalBalletreturnstoits homebaseatBirminghamHippodromethis monthwithSirPeterWright’sannualfestive treat,TheNutcracker.Theacclaimed production–whichenjoyeditsbest-ever seasonatthetheatrelastyearwithmore than40,000ticketssold–hasbecomea must-seesinceitsworldpremierein Birminghamin1990.With27 performancesfrom22Novemberthrough to14December,itmarksthestartof ChristmasforseasonedBRBfansaswellas attractingnewaudiencesacrosstheregion.
FESTIVEFAVOURITES AREHERE!
BirminghamisgearingupforacrackingChristmas withthereturnofmega-festivefavouriteattractions inthecitycentrethismonth.ThefamousFrankfurt ChristmasMarkethasopenedforits24thyear, featuringstallssellinganarrayoffoodanddrink, traditionaltoys,ornamentsandgiftsdailyright throughtoChristmasEveatVictoriaSquare andNewStreet.Ifyou’refeeling energetictheIceSkateBirmingham rinkisopenatCentenarySquare until5January(exceptChristmas Day).MeanwhiletheBigWheelis alsobackofferingstunningviews ofBirmingham.
BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH
MAYAEYESTVFESTIVAL
Aline-upoftelevisualtreatsisbeing promisedwiththereturnoftheSquareEyes TVFestival–abigcelebrationofthesmall screen.Nowinitsfourthyear,SquareEyesis spreadacrossMACandfestivalpartner MockingbirdCinema.FromRedDwarfto theSopranos,TriggerHappyTVtoPrisoner CellBlockH,there’ssomethingforeveryTV addict,alongwithacelebrationof homegrowntalentfromBirminghamandthe WestMidlands–includingChai&Chatwith LineofDutyactressMayaSondhi,pictured. Thefestivalrunsuntil10November.
BAZAROPENING
AninnovativeculinarybrandblendingtheflavoursofPersian andLebanesecuisineissettolaunchanexcitingnewconcept atHarveyNicholsBirminghamthismonth.Withafocuson freshingredients,boldflavoursandartisticpresentation, BAZARwillofferamenuthatreimaginestraditionaldishes withacontemporaryapproach.SaharRezazadeh,co-founder andmanagingdirector,said:“Theconceptreflectsthe culturaldiversityofBirminghamwhileshowcasingtheartistry ofourchefsincreatingamoderncuisine.”
SELFIESWITHPADDINGTON
HIGH-FLYINGUNI
RUGBYPIONEERS
Everyone’sfavouritebearhastakenaseatinBirminghamaspartofatrailofstatuesspanning theUKandIreland.PaddingtontuckedintohismarmaladesandwichonabenchatMedicine TerraceatSelfridgesaspartofthePaddingtonVisitstrail,andaheadofthenewPaddingtonfilm arrivingincinemasthismonth.Birminghamisoneof23locationstakingpartinthetrailincities, towns,andbeautyspots.SamWatson,ChairofCentralBID,said:“Itgiveseveryonethechance tocomeintoBirminghamandhaveaperfectselfiewithPaddingtonfromnowuntilChristmas.” BirminghamBullsRUFC,thecity’spioneeringinclusiverugby club,haslaunchedanewtouchrugbyteam,theLonghorns. Theteam,whichtrainsatYardley&DistrictRFC,offersafully inclusiveenvironmentforeveryonetoenjoyrugbywithno limitationsandisparticularlywelcomingmembersofthetrans communityandothersseekinganon-contact,accessibleversion ofthesport.ChairofBirminghamBulls,DavidCumpston,said: “TheLonghornsallowpeopletoengageinafun,competitive sportwhilefeelingsafeandsupported.”
BirminghamNewmanUniversityhasbeen rankedasthehighestclimbinguniversityin thelatesteditionofaninfluentialguide.The TimesandSundayTimesGoodUniversity GuidesawNewmanmoveup35placesto 90th.Inindividualcategoriestheguideranked theuniversityfifthintheUKforbothteaching qualityandsocialinclusion.Thenewscomes aftertheGuardianUniversityGuidesaw BirminghamNewmanclimbto71stplace, firmlywithinthetop75,andalsothebiggest risebyanyUKuniversity.
Nowthat’swhatyoucallasupersizesausage!TheMidlands’longest-ever bratwurstwasservedupinstyletocelebrateOktoberfestatalocalpub.Seared Pubscookedthe12.12-metrebratwurstcompletewithcrispyonions,mustard, andcurryketchupattheCastleinDroitwichtorepresentthe1,212kmbetween thepubandTheresienwiese,Munich–thehomeofOktoberfest.Thebratwurst wasmadeusinganauthenticGermanrecipeandservedfreetoluckylocals.
SKYHEROSALLY
AnurseatBirmingham Children’sHospitalandsinger withExCathedrawasnamed thewinneroftheArtsHero AwardattheSkyArtsAwards. SallySpencercollectedthe awardwhichcelebratespeople workingbehindthescenesto supportandenrichthearts.Sally hasworkedasaspecialist leukaemianurseatthehospital for25yearswhilealso performingwithExCathedra since2000.Herpassionsfor musicandhealthcarecame togetherinthecreationoftheEx CathedraSingingMedicine project,whichsheco-leadsand bringsthehealingpowerof musictosomeofthehospital’s mostvulnerablepatients.
SANCTUARYINSANDWELL
BRUM’SARTSWIN
BirminghamandBirminghamCityUniversity(BCU)havebeenchosen tohosttheSerendipityArtFestival’sfirstinternationalcelebrationof thearts,whichissettobeoneofthebiggestcelebrationsofcreativity everseenintheregion.Thefestival–whichshowcasesSouthAsian culturethroughperformance,visualarts,culinaryarts,fashionand more–willoffermostlyfreeeventsinBirminghamfrom23Mayuntil 1June2025atvenuesandoutdoorspacesacrossthecity.Brum overcamecompetitionfromDubaiandLondontohosttheevent.
WONDERWALK
AwaveofbluetookoverSuttonParkwhenhundredsof Alzheimer’sSocietyfund-raiserswalkedtohelpendthe devastationcausedbydementia.MemoryWalk participantscompletedeithera3.5kmroutewhichtook themonagentlestrollaroundtheparkoralonger5km routearoundthelakeside,moorsandwoodlands.More than£103,000hasbeenraisedsofarbythosewalkingin Birmingham,helpingtofundthecharity’svitaldementia supportandground-breakingresearch.
Aseriesofshortfilmsis givinganinsightintothe storiesoffourindividuals whohavefoundasylumin Sandwell.TheSanctuaryin Sandwellfilmsfollowpoet BohdanPiaseckiashe speakstoSozan,Jose,Ali andLazoabouttheir experienceofmovingtothe UKandhowtheyhave madeSandwelltheir home.Sanctuaryin Sandwellisacollaboration betweenBlackCountry Touring,SandwellBorough ofSanctuaryandBearwood CommunityHub.Thefilms canbeseenat https://www.bctouring.org. uk/our-productions/ sanctuary-in-sandwell
PicturebyAnthonyUpton/PAMediaAssignments
Pleaseraiseaglasstothefirst-everlegalwhiskey madeinBrum.SpiritofBirminghamistheworkof siblingsAnthonyDillonandJoanieDoylewho foundedtheirdistilleryjustaftertheCovid pandemicbegan.Theduohasspentthelast three-and-a-halfyearshand-craftingawardwinningspiritsandtheirfirstcasksrecently passedthethree-yearmaturationmarkrequired forthelandmarkwhiskey.Anthonysaid:“Thishas beenalabourofloveandwecouldn’tbeprouder tobringBirminghamitsfirstlegalwhiskey.”
RSC’SWRITEMOVES WHISKEYGALORE!
WHYISSY’S BOWLEDOVER
EnglandbowlerandBirminghamLiving covergirlIssyWongsaysshe’sexcited aboutthefutureaftersigningatwoyeardealtoplayforBearsWomen.Issy –aWomen’sPremierLeague(WPL) winnerinIndiawithMumbaiIndians–isthelatestadditiontoanexcitingBears Womenpacebowlingattackwhichalso includesfellowEnglandseamerKatie GeorgeandEmArlott.“WhenIwas growingupplayingfortheBearswas alwaysthegoal,”saidIssy.“Doingthat asaprofessionalwithBearsWomenis prettyexciting.”
GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk
TheRSChasappointedZoeCooperandStewartPringleasthecompany’s newWriters-in-Residence.Intheirnewroles,theplaywrightswillleadthe NewWorksteamattheRSCanddeveloptheirownwriting.Theirworkwith theteamwillincludementoringplaywrights,developingnewideasand establishingfreshwaysofsupportingwriters.Co-artisticdirectors,Tamara HarveyandDanielEvanscommented:“StewartandZoewillbekeyto forgingmeaningfulandinclusiverelationshipswithnewandestablished artists,whilstunlockinginnovativeapproachestohowwemakework.”
TECHTIME-OUT
AtechbossfromtheWestMidlandsisencouragingpeopletounplugfor TechtimeoutTuesdayon3December.Techtimeoutwaslaunchedin2020to encouragepeopletohaveahealthierrelationshipwithtechnology.Lastyear businessesrepresentingmorethan1.6millionpeoplegloballytookpartin thefreeawarenessday.FounderStephanieHenson,pictured,said:My experienceoflongdaysandnightsgluedtomyscreensimpactedmymental healthandproductivity.Puttinginplacedigitalwellbeingpracticesturned thatallaround.”
BRUMMIE ALLSTAR
THISMONTHWECHATTEDTOBIRMINGHAM’SOWNKITTYSCOTT-CLAUSON GOINGGLOBALONDRAGRACEALLSTARS,COOKINGUPASTORMINTHE MASTERCHEFKITCHENANDANINCREDIBLEWEIGHTLOSSJOURNEY
WhoknewRuPaul’sDragRacewouldbecomeascareer definingasithasforsomanyofthequeensinvolved? MaybeRuPaulhadaninklingbutstill,it’sbeena remarkableworldwidehit.OneofourfaveBrummieentrants, KittyScott-ClausisridingtheRuPaulwavestarringintheGlobal AllStarsversionoftheshow.
AllStarsinvolves12oftheshow’sfavouritequeensfromaround theworldrepresentingtheircountriescompetingfortheQueenof theMothertuckingWorldtitleanda$200,000prize.WhenKittywas askedtobepartofit,shewasthrilled.Shesays:“Itwassoexciting.I loveditsomuchthefirsttimearound.Ijustdidn’twanttojinxit.It’s liketheMissWorldofthedragworldandthetimingwasjustright.”
TheshowwasfilmedinOctober2023,soKittyhasforgotten someofwhathappenedwhichmeansshe’swatchingitalmost likeaviewer.“Ican’tremembereveryepisodeandI’venoidea whathappensintheconfessionals.”
LOSTINTRANSLATION
Workingwithqueensfromacrosstheglobeandtherefore gettingtogripswiththenuancesofdifferentlanguageswas challengingattimes.Kittyexplains:“Ilearntthatsomewords don’ttranslate!Icalledsomeoneacowandpeoplewereso offended.TheythoughtIwascallingherfat!ThenIcalled someonethick,andtheythoughtImeantfat.NelleniafromItaly calledmeapig!ApparentlyinItalyitmeanssexy.”
OfRuPaul,Kittysaysshe’sinawe:“RuPaulislikeGod–the biggesticonandtheshowhasopenedsomanydoors.”TheeighttimeEmmyaward-winninghostandexecutiveproducersays:
PhotographybyMattParkerandJackAlfie
“TheworldisnotreadyforRuPaul’sDragRace GlobalAllStars.Twelvequeensrepresentingtheir homecountriesraisesthestakestoawholenew level.Plus,theinternationalmixofcharisma, uniqueness,nerveandtalentwill,pardonmy French,blowyourfuckingminds.”Quite.Resident judgeMichelleVisagefeaturesalongwith choreographerJamalSimsandarotationofstars fromacrosstheinternationalfranchise.
COOKOFF
AswellasDragRaceyoumighthavewitnessed Kitty’ssuccessfulstintonMasterchefwhichwasa surpriseforallinvolved,notleastKitty.Shesays: “Igotthecallfrommyagent,andIsaid,‘what? Havetheygottherightperson?’Igottothefifth
GIVINGBACK
CatchuponRuPaul’sDragRaceGlobalAllStarsonParamount+ IncelebrationofAllStars,MTVandWorldofWonderhave partneredwithAllOut–aninternationalorganisationthat fightsforLGBTQ+rightsaroundtheworld.Tomakea donation,lookfortheDragSavestheWorldQRcodeatthe endofeveryepisode.
round,andI’veneverfeltpressurelikeit.I’dmuch ratherbeontherunwaythanbegivenhalf-an-hour tocookadishfromwhateveritmightbe–indragas well!Itwassohot.”
Despitetheoutfitsbeinguncomfortablyhot,Kitty reckonsthementalityofdressinguphelped.She explains:“IfeellikeBarbie.IputontheoutfitandI canbeanything.So,forMasterchef,I’mnotacook butputontheoutfitandapronandIcanbe.”
BIGBONED
Livingadragqueen’slifemeanslatenights workinginclubswhichisnotthehealthiestof routines.Kitty’swelldocumentedweightlossofa staggeringeightstonewaspromptedbyachance meetingwithapersonaltrainer.Sherecalls:“Imet himatmyhairdresser’s40thbirthdayparty.Hemade fitnessseemeasy,accessible.”Kittystoppeddrinking alcoholwhichwasabigstep.
Shesays:“Ithoughtitwouldbedifficult.Working inclubsIjustcouldn’timaginedoingitwithout drinking.I’dgetdrunkandeatMcDonald’s,consume about4,000caloriesandfeelrotteninthemorning, butithasn’tbeendifficultatall.”Kittyhascompleted ahalfmarathonandhasjustsigneduptoamarathon. Shesays:“Iwasachubbychild.Iwaschubbyat theatreschool.Ijustthoughtthatwasme–bigboned, butno.Nowmysize30-inchjeansarebaggy!”
THEATREKID
KittygrewupinSuttonColdfieldinafamilyofsix childrenandwasalwaysperformingandmakingpeople laugh.Theatreandperformingwasnotwhatthefamily wasabout,andKittysayshersiblingsallhave‘normal jobs’likeaccounting,constructionandhersisteris trainingtobecomeamidwife,soshewasaone-offat home,alwayswantingtomakepeoplelaugh.Kitty studiedmusicaltheatreatMountviewAcademyof Theatreandwhiletheresheneverwantedanyofthe malerolesalwayshankeringafterthepartofChicago’s RoxyHartorElleinLegallyBlonde.
OfherhometownKittysays:“IloveBirmingham somuch.Thequeersceneisthebest,fullofloveand support.WhenIperformedatBirminghamprideit waslikecomingfullcircleandIjustlovetheBrum senseofhumour.” ■
PLAYING THE PROMS
AGROUPOFYOUNGMUSICIANSFROMBIRMINGHAMISABOUTTOGIVE THEPERFORMANCEOFTHEIRLIVESANDBRINGTHEIRUNIQUESOUND OFMUSICTOAVERYSPECIALNIGHTATTHEROYALALBERTHALL
It’sgoingtobeoneofthoseunforgettablemomentsinthelivesofa groupofyoungBirminghammusicians.TheRoyalAlbertHall,a packedaudienceandabuzzofexcitementlikenoother.Takingthe stageattheMusicforYouthPromswillbetheRagaandTalaGroupfrom BirminghamServicesforEducation’sWorldMusicdepartment.
Thegrouphasbeenselectedfromthousandsofapplicantsacross theUKtoperformatwhatistheacknowledgedshowcaseforthe country’sbestyoungmusicians.Theywillbringtheiruniqueenergy, enthusiasmanddistinctiveperformancetothePromswhicharebeing heldovertwonightson27and28November,andfeaturingamazing youngmusiciansplayingdiversemusicfromclassicaltofolkandjazz torockandpop.
PIONEERING
RagaandtalaaretwofundamentalelementsofHindustaniand classicalIndianmusic.ThegroupispartoftheWorldMusic Departmentwhichhaspioneeredtheplayingandteachingofmusic instrumentsfromaroundtheglobeinBirminghamschools.
Notsolongago,itwasrareforsuchinstrumentstofeaturein Birmingham’smusiceducationbutinrecentyears,participationhas soared.Eachweek,3,500Birminghamchildrenattendsmallgroupand one-to-onelessonsinworldmusicandnearlyone-in-fivearefromnonBAMEbackground.TheyplaythelikesofdjembedrumsfromwestAfrica, sambadrumsfromAfricaandSouthAmerica,sitars,tablatwin-hand drumsanddholdouble-headeddrumsfromtheIndiansub-continent, harmoniumsfromWestBengalandsteelpansfromTrinidadandTobago.
LEADINGTHEWAY: HarjitSingh,SFE’sheadof worldmusic
TheWorldMusicDepartmentwasestablishedin 1997withinBirminghamMusicService,nowpartof ServicesforEducation(SFE)followingthecharity’s founding10yearsago.SFEemploys24worldmusic tutorsworkingwith132Birminghamschools teachinggroupsandclasses–usingupto35world musicinstrumentsatatimesoeverychildinaclass canparticipate.
HarjitSingh,SFE’sheadofworldmusicand percussionanddirectorofBirminghamSchools’ AzaadDholgroupsaid:“Fromtheoutset,ouraim wastodeliverworldmusictoallchildrenregardless oftheirethnicityorbackground.Wewantedevery
KNOWYOURINSTRUMENTS
Dhol– Anyoneofanumberofsimilartypesofdouble-headeddrum widelyused,withregionalvariations,throughouttheIndiansubcontinent. TheServicesForEducationteamhasalsocreatedaminiDholto accommodatelargegroupteachingandfortheyoungeragegroups.
Djembe– Arope-tunedskin-coveredgobletdrumplayedwithbare hands.OriginallyfromWestAfrica.
SteelPan– OriginatingfromTrinidadandTobago,themodernpanisan instrumentmadefrom200-litreindustrialdrums.
Sitar– ThepluckedstringedinstrumentoriginatedfromtheIndian subcontinentandiswidelyusedinHindustaniclassicalmusic.
Tabla– ApairofhanddrumsfromtheIndiansubcontinentandisthe principalpercussioninstrumentinHindustaniclassicalmusic.
childtogainabetterknowledgeofdifferentcultures andtheinfluenceofmusicworldwide.”
Headded:“TheoriginalfocuswasonIndianfolk musicfromthePunjab.Wefirstapproachedschools inareassuchasHandsworthwherethepopulation’s ethnicmixwasmoreappropriate,butitwasnotlong beforewebecamemoreuniversalandmainstream.
CULTURES
“Throughmusic,childreninBirminghamhave abetterunderstandingofdifferentcultures, traditionsandheritagesandappreciatehowmusic influencesusall,nomatterthecolourofourskin orwherewelive.”
TheupcomingperformanceattheRoyalAlbert Hallisthelatest,high-profileappearanceby Birminghamschoolchildrenwhohaveplayedat musicatfestivalswithIslamiccommunitygroups andinmosques.TheyhaveperformedIndianand AfricanworkswiththeBandoftheRoyalMarines,as wellaswithBollywoodBrassBandwithwhomSFE hasestablishededucationpartnerships.
Harjit:“Wewillcontinuetoreachasmany childrenaspossibleinBirminghamandincreaseour partnershipswithlocalcommunities.Thejobisnot yetcomplete.Wearestilltryingtoeducatethatmusic anddrummingareimportant.” ■
KIRAN SUVARNA
MeettheexecutivechefatOrelle,whichwas recentlynamedBestRestaurantInBirmingham attheBritishRestaurantAwards2024
Tellusaboutyourcooking
Myculinaryjourneyreflectsaprofoundconnectionto mothernature,respectfortopqualityproduceand commitmenttowardstheartofcooking.Itrulybelieve thatifyoucookwiththebestingredients,you’llproduce thebestdishandprovideagreatculinaryexperience. Mydishesareclean,modern,lightandfreshandIlike tousetechniquesthatwillextractmaximumflavour fromthekeyingredients.Knowingwhereproduce comesfromisimportanttome–wherepossibleIliketo sourceingredientslocally.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
IwasborninMumbaiandmyearliestfood memorieswerevisitingthecoastaltownofMangalore eachsummer.WeusedtocookfreshfishontheBBQ andweresurroundedbylushgreenpaddyfieldsfilled withcocoa,vanilla,andpeppercorntrees.Itwasa familyefforttoharvestalltheseingredientsanditwas hereIfoundmypassionforfresh,high-qualityand seasonalproduce.Mymotherhadahugeinfluenceon mydecisiontopursuecookingasacareer.Ihavefond memoriesofhercookingdeliciousdishesathome fromhumbleingredients.
AftermovingtotheUK,Icompletedadegreein hospitalityandhavenowworkedintheindustryfor21 years.IfirstjoinedD&DGroupin2009,workingasa chefdepartieatLondon’sLaPontdelaTour.Itrained underLeeBennet,whoiscurrentlyglobalculinary directorfortheGordonRamsayGroup.Ihonedmy craftunderchefLee,alsomovingtoSingaporewith himtolearnaboutAsiancookingstyles.
Icompletedstintsinrestaurantsandhotelsin SingaporeandMumbai,beforemovingbacktoLondon andre-joiningD&Din2022.Iranrestaurants includingGermanGymnasium,Skylonandreturned toLePontdelaTour,beforemovingtotheWest MidlandstotakeuptheroleofexecutivechefatOrelle.
Whatdoyoueatathome?
Simplemealsbasedonrice,pulses,andlegumes.Idoa lotoffermentationathome,includingculturedmilk, kombuchaandfermentedsavourycrepes,whicharereally goodforyourgut.Ilovetobakemyownbreadsathome,I havehadasourdoughbreadcultureforover12yearsthat I’vepreserved,IbringitalongwhereverImove.
Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?Andwho’s thebestinBrum?
IwasveryfortunatetoworkalongsidechefJason Athertonwhohasachievedthepinnacleinculinary gastronomyandcurrentlyholdstwoMichelinstars. IalsoadmiremymentorchefLeeBennett–westill travelaroundtryingnewrestaurantstogethertoday. IthinkthebestchefinBirminghamisLuke TippingfromSimpsons.Iwasluckyenoughtocook forhimatOrelleandhewelcomedmeto Birmingham.Itwasgreattochattohimaboutthe region’sfoodscene.
Shareacookingtip
Brineyourmeatorfishtoimprovetheflavour andtexture.Makeupabrineusinga10:1ratio (1litrewaterto100gsalt)andthenyoucanadd flavourssuchasgarlic,spicesorstrongherbslike thymeorrosemary.Anotherimportanttipistotaste everything!
Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
Mum’shomecookedSundayroastlunches werepartofchildhood.Weusedtohavesavoury crepes,chickencurries,seafoodandricepudding. Ialsohavefondmemoriesofherpreserving deliciousjamsandjelliesandmakingsorbetorice cream.
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
Heavenisadishcookedwiththesimplestand freshestofingredients.Hellisanythingwithmock meats–tomeplant-baseddietsshouldbemadeof ingredientsintheirfreshestforms.
What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?
BugsinThailand.It’sadelicacythere,soIhadto trythem.Ialsohadcodspermonmytastingmenuin Singapore.
Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?
Icouldn’tthinkofbeinganythingbutachef! ■
Orelle,103ColmoreRow,Birmingham,B33AG. orelle.co.uk
NEWSTREETSTRAWBERRYSUNSET
Theawesomemixologistsfrom1565 Bar&TerraceatParkRegis Birminghamhavecreatedaunique newrangeofsignaturecocktailsinspiredbya loveofBirmingham.Fromourgloriouscanals andrichhistoryofchocolatetoOzzytheBull atNewStreetStation,thenewmenupays tributetoBrum’smosticonicspots. So,fromPlatformOne,whynotcheckout thischeekytequila-basednumber,with orangeandfreshstrawberrypuree.Butdon’t goofftherailsandgettoocarriedaway–alwaysenjoyresponsibly.Toottoot… ■
INGREDIENTS:
■ 50mlTequilaReposado
■ 15mlCointreau
■ 15mlSimplesyrup
■ Freshlysqueezedlime
■ Strawberrypuree
■ Forthegarnishyou’llneedcrushed strawberrypowder,sugarandastrawberry
METHOD:
Usingapintglassandacocktailshaker,fillpint glasstwo-thirdswithice.Addallingredients, coverwithcocktailshakerandshakeuntil mixedandsmooth. Createamixofcrushedstrawberrypowder withfinesugar.Dampentherimofashortglass withlimejuiceanddipintothepowderand sugarmixtocovertherim
Carefullypourthecocktailmixintotheshort glassusingastrainer.
Makeasinglecutintoawholestrawberryand addontotherimasgarnish
1565Bar&Terrace,ParkRegisBirmingham, 160BroadStreet,Birmingham,B151DT. Tel:01213695555,parkregis-birmingham.com
FRENCH MACARONS
Brightenupawintereveningwiththis simplerecipeforadelicioussweettreat
Thenaturalcolourforthese macaronswillbeacreamybeige butgobananasandmakethem ascolourfulasyoulike.Thenjustfillyour shellswithyourfavouriteganacheor buttercreamfillingandtrynottooverindulge! ■
INGREDIENTS
■ 5eggwhites
■ 150gcastersugar
■ 150ggroundalmonds
■ 150gicingsugar
■ Optionalfoodcolouring
METHOD:
Addthecastersugartotheeggwhitesinthree partsandwhiskuntilstiffpeaksform.Atthis stage,slowlyfoldinanyfoodcolouringyoumay beplanningtouse. Next,sievetogetherthegroundalmondsand icingsugar. Foldthemeringueintothealmonds/icing mixtureinstagesuntilaribbontextureforms, beforepipingyourroundshellsontoalined bakingtray.
Leavetorestfor20/30minutesandthenbakeat 135degreesCelsiusfor17/18minutesbefore removingandallowingtocool. Pairyourshells,fillwithyourfillingofchoice–andenjoy!
SHORTS NI BBLESand
BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHEXCITING,NEWVIBES. HERE’SOURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS
TASTEOFTHEESTATE
TheteamatHamptonManorinSolihullhaslaunchedTasteoftheEstate –adiningjourneyincludingelementsfromacrossitsrestaurants.The experience,whichisopentonon-residentsalongsidehotelguests,begins witharrivalsnacksintheLibraryBarbeforemovingtotheTastingRoomforfive platedcourses.Throughoutdinner,guestswillbeabletoseeandinteractwithchefs preparingtheirnextcourse.TasteoftheEstateispricedat£125perperson.
MEXICANMAGIC
Iffresh,boldMexicanflavourstickle yourtastebudsaward-winning Boojum’snewBirminghamrestaurant iswinkingatyou!The54-cover eateryatNewStreetisintheformer SecondCupCoffeeunit.Withan emphasisonfreshproduce, generousportionsizesandpunchy flavours,allatanaffordableprice, thebrandhasacult-likefollowing withmorethan162,000socialmedia followersandisafirmfavouriteofthe studentcommunity.There’saloyalty schemeavailableontheBoojumapp anddeliverythroughallthemajor deliveryplatforms.
HIDDEN GEMWINNER
ApopularMidlandstapasrestauranthas beennamedoneoftheUK’sbest‘hiddengem’ eateriesintheTripadvisorTravellers'ChoiceAwards, BestoftheBestRestaurants.Bromsgrove’sCasa MedTapastookthesixthspotbasedon12months’ reviewdata.CasaMedisanindependent, family-runrestaurant,witha‘lovefor Mediterraneancuisine’since2015.Italso offersanextensivecocktaillistingas wellasatakeawaymenu.
COOKERYSCHOOL
State-of-the-arttrainingfacility,XceleratewithEdgbaston,haslaunchedits newcookeryschoolofferingarangeofclassesledbyculinaryexpert,Steven Lamb.Withnearlytwodecadesofexperience,Stevenhasbuiltareputation asanaward-winningauthor,consultantandpresenter.Hesaid:“Locatedin theheartofEdgbastonStadium,it’safantasticsettingforbuddingchefsand foodiestopullonanapron,rolluptheirsleeves,andgetstuckin.”
KIRANTAKESCHARGE
YORKSINPARADISE
Yorkscoffeeshopandall-daycaféhasopened inParadiseBirmingham.Theopenplanvenue whichfeaturesfloortoceilingwindowsand twofull-servicebarsacrosstwofloors,will serveitsfamousin-houseroastedcoffeeand brunchalongsideaneweveningmenuand curatedlistofnaturalwines,cocktailsand localbeers.SimonFord,founderandowner ofYorksCafé,said:“We’reonanexciting journey.Ournewvenuewillbetheperfect reasontovisitYorkseveryhouroftheday.”
JESTERRUMFIRST
Warwickshireindependentspiritproducer,ShakespeareDistillery, haslaunchedaJesterRumCreamLiqueur–thefirstinanexciting newproductrange.ChocolateCreamLiqueurisacollaboration with1683ChocolatePlace,alocalchocolatierwhoproduceits artisanGinandRumchocolates.Thenewliqueurisablendofthe Distillery’sCaskAgedJesterRum,luxuryBelgianchocolateand freshlocalcreamfromCotteswoldDairy.Therichflavoursofcocoa andrumbalancewithsubtlehintsofvanillaandbutterscotch.
OrelleinColmoreRowhaswelcomedanewexecutivechef.KiranSuvarnahasmorethan21years’experienceinthehospitalityindustryhaving previouslyrunkitchensatGermanGymnasium,Klosterhaus,SkylonandLePontdelaTour.HisCVincludescookingalongsidetwo-starMichelin chefJasonAthertoninSingaporeandhewasappointedtheyoungestexecutivechefatLeMeridien,MarriottInternationalinhisnativeMumbai. Hisexpertisepromisestoinjectafreshexperienceandmenustoenhancethecity’srestaurantscene.SeeChef’sCorner
B:EATS
Intheshadowoftheicerinkconstructionsitewe nestledintosampleB:Eats’snewdaytimemenu. Otherthanapre-showglassoffizz,we’re newbiestotherestaurant.Floortoceilingwindows offerupagorgeousviewofCentenarySquareandthe décorisdevoidofchintzinfavourofsimplicityand modernitywhichsumsuptheplaceactually.It’snot fancyinthebestofways.
Themenu’ssuccinctandappealing–fussfreefood donewellwehoped.Brunchisservedalldaywhich feltverycivilised.Weveeredfromourusualeggs benedictinfavourofapunchierchorizoharissa versionoftheclassic.Toastedciabatta,spinach, mushrooms,chunksofchorizoandtwoperfectly poachedeggswithpimpeduphollandaisesaucehitthe spot.At£12it’sreasonabletoo.
Inacityspoiltforchoiceintheburgergenrethe BostinBrumBurgerwasokay–twosmashedpatties, sesameseedbun,greatburgersauce,pickles,onion andlettuceservedwithfriesfor£14.50.Itwasn’tbadat all,justdon’texpectMeatshackersorOPM.However, theunexpectedstarofthisshowweretheloadedfries whichweorderedasanextra–don’tjudge.Agenerous portionofcrunchyfries,coveredinthekindofnacho cheesesauceyouwanttohate,butwouldbatheinif youcould,teamedwithastickysweetBBQsauceand crispSouthernfriedchickenfilletswassuperb.At£8.50 itwasasteal.
SituatedinSymphonyHall,B:Eatsisn’tthefirst spotthatspringstomindunlessyou’revisitingthe venueforanotherreason,butit’sworthpoppingon yourradarparticularlyasthechaosoftheGerman marketgetsgoing.Ratherthanspendingasmall fortuneonsub-standardstreetfood(bahhumbug), you’lldowelltofueluponatastyplateofloadedfries beforeenteringthefray.HappyChristmas! ■
ThismonthseesBeaujolaisNouveauDayfeaturingtheracetogetthefirstbottles tomarketaroundtheglobe.KatieGardnerofBirminghamWineSchoollooksat whatmakesagreatBeaujolais
BREAKOUTTHE
BeaujolaisNouveauDayisanannualevent celebratedonthethirdThursdayofNovember, markingthereleaseoftheyear’sfirstwine.The traditionbeganinthe1950swhenwinemakersinthe Beaujolaisregion,eagertoselltheirnewlyharvested wine,promotedthereleaseofafresh,lightredwine madeusingcarbonicmaceration—awinemaking techniquethatproducesfruity,low-tanninwines,ready todrinksoonafterfermentationandhastypicalflavours ofbanana,candyflossandbubblegum!
Theeventgainedinternationalattentionas GeorgesDuboeuf,akeyfigureinpromoting BeaujolaisNouveau,transformedthecelebration intoaworldwideracetogetthefirstbottlesto marketsacrosstheglobe.Parties,parades,and celebrationsaccompanytherelease,especiallyinthe UK,France,Japan,andpartsoftheUnitedStates. DespiteremainingsignificantinJapan,it’sfairto saythatthepopularityofBeaujolaisNouveauhas wanedovertheyearsandhassomewhatdamaged
thereputationoftheregion,whichproducessome fantasticandaffordablewines.
Thetrendnowadayshasshiftedtowardmore refinedandexpressivewinesfromtheregion, focusingonthehigherqualityappellationslike BeaujolaisVillagesandtheBeaujolaisCrus.The stargrapevarietyoftheregionisGamay,which unusuallyforsuchapopularwine,hasnotmadeits wayoutsideFrancelikeothergrapessuchasMerlot andPinotNoir.Itmakeswineswithfreshacidity andsoftredfruitflavoursbutalsohasthepotential tobeage-worthyandcomplex.Italsooffersgreat valuewhencomparedtothewinesofneighbouring BurgundyvineyardsmadefromPinotNoir.
QUALITYLEVELS
Beaujolaiswinesarecategorisedintothreemain qualitylevels,eachrepresentingastepupincomplexity, terroirexpression,andageingpotential.
■ BeaujolaisAOC: Thisisthebroadestappellation andaccountsforthebulkoftheregion’sproduction. BeaujolaisAOCwinesaretypicallylight,easy-drinking redswithfreshfruitflavoursofstrawberry,raspberry, andcherry.Thesewinesarebestconsumedyoungand areoftenenjoyedslightlychilled,makingthemperfect fordrinkingasanaperitifandforsocialoccasions.
■ BeaujolaisVillagesAOC: Representingastep upinquality,BeaujolaisVillageswinesareproduced in38designatedvillageslocatedinthenorthernpart oftheregion,wherethesoilsandclimateprovide morecomplexityandstructure.Thewinesarestill fruityandfreshbutoftenexhibitdeeper concentrationandalongerfinish.Theycanagefora fewyears,developingsubtleearthyandspicynotes overtime.BeaujolaisVillageswinesareagreat middlegroundforthoselookingforsomethingmore substantialthanasimpleBeaujolaisAOCbutnotas demandingasaCru.
■ TheCrusofBeaujolais: Atthetopofthequality pyramidarethe10BeaujolaisCrus.Thesewinescome fromspecificvillagesinthenorthernmostpartofthe region,eachwithitsownuniqueterroir.TheCrusare knownforproducingmorecomplex,structuredwines withsignificantageingpotential.UnlikeBeaujolais AOCandBeaujolaisVillages,theCrusdonotinclude theword‘Beaujolais’onthelabel–justthenameofthe
KATIE’S4BEAUJOLAISPICKS
■ JeanLoronBeaujolaisNouveau–£13.95, FraziersWineMerchants Partakeinthisyear’sNouveautraditionwiththis award-winningwinefromatraditionalproducer.
■ ChosenbyMajesticBeaujolaisVillages–£11.99,Majestic PartofMajestic’supdatedown-brandrange,thisisa textbookexampleofthestyle,juicyandfruitywith softtannins.
■ GeorgesDuboeufFleurie–£13.50,Tesco Aclassicandelegantfloralstylewitharomasof violets,iris,rosesandredberries.
■ RegnieCuveeTim–£14.99,Waitrose Afuller-bodiedfruitystylefromoneofthelesserknowncrus.Trywithroastedmeatorgame.
village.Hereareafewofthecrulabelstolookoutfor andtheirstyles…
■ Saint-Amour: Oftenlightandfloral,SaintAmourwinesareapproachablebutcanalsoshowsome spicinessanddepthwithafewyearsofaging.
■ Moulin-à-Vent: ConsideredoneofthemostageworthyCrus,Moulin-à-Ventwinesarefull-bodiedand structured,withdarkberry,spice,andmineralnotes thatdevelopcomplexityovertime.
■ Fleurie: OneofthemostpopularCrus,Fleurie produceselegant,aromaticwineswithfloralnotesof violetsandroses,makingitaquintessentialexpression ofBeaujolaischarm.
■ Morgon: Knownforitsfullerbodyandearthy, mineral-drivenprofile,Morgonwinesoftenhave flavoursofdarkfruits,cherries,andplums.Thesewines canagewell,developingmorecomplexitywithtime.
■ Brouilly: ThelargestoftheCrus,Brouillywines arelighttomedium-bodied,withjuicyredfruitflavours andalivelyacidity.Theyareperfectforearlydrinking. ■
BirminghamWineSchoolisanindependentwine educationcompanythatoffersfuninformalwine tastingeventsandWine&SpiritEducationTrust (WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwick. FormoreinformationcontactKatieGardneron0121 2707359,orvisitwww.birminghamwineschool.com
BEWARETHE‘SILENT THIEFOFSIGHT’
Morethan700,000peopleintheUKhave glaucomaandhalfofthemdon’tknow theyhaveit.Ifglaucomaisleftundetected andnottreatedearly,itcanleadtolossofvision.In fact,youcouldloseupto40percentofyourvision withoutevenknowing
Glaucomaisacommoneyeconditionwherethe opticnerve,whichconnectstheeyetothebrain, becomesdamagedandit’ssometimesreferredtoasthe ‘silentthiefofsight’.It’susuallycausedbyfluid buildingupinthefrontpartoftheeye,which increasespressureinsidetheeye.
Itcanaffectpeopleofallagesbutismostcommon inadultsintheir70sand80s.It’salreadytheleading causeofblindnessworldwideandthenumberof peoplelivingwithglaucomaintheUKisexpectedto increaseby44percentoverthenext20years. Itrunsinfamiliesandthere’satleastafour-times higherriskofdevelopingglaucomaifyouhaveaclose bloodrelativewhohasit.Andevenhavingamore distantrelativewithglaucomacangiveyousome increasedrisk.Thismeansit’sevenmoreimportantto haveyoureyestestedregularly.
Typesofglaucoma
Thereareseveraltypesofglaucoma:
1.Primaryopen-angleglaucoma:Thisisthemost commontypeofglaucomaandoccurswhenthe drainagechannelsintheeyebecomecloggedover time,causinggradualpressurebuild-up.
2.Acuteangle-closureglaucoma:Thisisaless commonbutmoreurgenttype.Itoccurswhenthe drainageanglebetweentheirisandcorneabecomes suddenlyblocked.Thiscanleadtoarapidincrease ineyepressure,causingseverepainandsudden visionloss.
3Secondaryglaucoma:Thistypeofglaucoma developsasaresultofanothereyecondition,suchas inflammation,traumaorperhapsduetomedication.
4.Developmentalglaucoma:Thisisarareformof glaucomathataffectsinfantsandyoungchildren.
Symptomsofglaucoma
Thesymptomsofglaucomavarydependingonthe typeandstageofthedisease.Initiallytheremaybeno noticeablesymptomsbutasthediseaseprogresses,the followingsignsmayappear:
■ Blurredvision
■ Ringsorhalosaroundlights
■ Reading,drivingormovingaboutbecoming moredifficult
■ Severeeyepain
■ Headaches
■ Nauseaandvomiting
Treatments
Whileglaucomacannotbecured,treatmentsare availabletoslowtheprogressionofthedisease,protect theopticnerve,andpreventvisionloss.Themaingoal oftreatmentistoreduceintraocularpressure(IOP).
Thesetreatmentmethodsincludemedication,laser therapyandsurgery.Earlydetectioniscriticalbecause timelytreatmentcanpreventirreversiblevisionlossin mostcases.
Themostimportantaspectofmanagingglaucoma isearlydetectionandtheonlywaytotellifyouhave mosttypesofglaucomaisthroughaneyetestatan optician’s.So,whatareyouwaitingfor? ■
FormoreinformationvisitGlaucomaUK,glaucoma.uk
JOYFUL JUMPERS
CHICKNITWEARISAHAPPYCONSEQUENCE OFTHEMERCURYTUMBLINGANDWEARE HEREFORITWHOLEHEARTEDLY
PREPPY PEPLUM
Loewecontrast collarpeplumhemmohair blend£1,400,Selfridges
CHERRY ONTOP
OliviaRubinMajacherries intarsiacottonjumper£200, HarveyNichols
LA-DIDAH
AliceandOliviaGleeson embroideredstretchcotton jumper£455,HarveyNichols
ANIMAL MAGIC
Tigerstitchjumper £60,OliverBonas
Redsweater£75, JohnLewis
GREEN DREAM
Strathgreenlambswool jumper£195,Sims
GREY DAYS
WWOW WAISTCOAT
Greenbuttonupwaistcoat £50,OliverBonas
Funnelneckgreyjumper£25,Very
e’vebeentrawlingrailsfullofgorgeousandnotso gorgeousknitwear,soyoudon’thaveto.We’vepulledout thebestpiecesranginginpricefrom£13to£1,400toget youstarted–butfirstthing’sfirst,lookatwhatyoualreadyown!Ifyou haven’talready,debobbleyourcurrentknitweartogiveitanewleaseof lifeandassesswhatyou’rekeepingandwhatyoumightliketoadd.
THECLASSICS
Therearesomepiecesthat’llnevergooutofstyle.Cuefairisleand cableknitsthatofferupcosyandchicinspades.Foraclassicfairisle jumper,thechoiceishugeandpotentiallybamboozling.WelikeCeltic &Co,JohnLewisandMonsoonforthequality,colourandfit.Allthree aremid-levelthatwilllastifyoulookafterthem.Fortraditional oatmealcableknits–thinkFisherman’sFriends–headtoFreePeople, YanTanandM&S.
V NECK
STYLE
MOODBOOSTER
Ifyou’relookingforsomethingbrighterand bolderandabitmoreboujiyou’reinluck.This season,colourisking.Vividhues,boldpatterns andembellishmentsfeatureheavily.Boldcherries atOliviaRubin,embroideryatAliceandOlivia, geometricpatternsatOliverBonas,eye-popping brightsatME+EMandLoewewilltakeyou fromdaytonightintheshakeofyourZadig andVoltaireclutch.Beplayfulanddon’tbe afraidtoclashcolours.Teamyourbold showstoppingtophalfwithequallybright bottomsifyou’refeelingboldorstickto neutralsandmakeyourknitwearcentrestage.
CAREFREE?
Intermsofqualityandsoftnessyouget whatyoupayfor,butalsobearinmindthat themoreyoupay,themoreintensecaringfor yourgarmentcanbe.Decideifyou’rea chuckitinthewashingmachinekindofgirlor areyouhappytopatientlyhandwash?Weighup youroptions.Also,investinadebobblertokeep yourknitslookingfresh.Wehavealittlecomb thatworksatreat,butweknowpeoplewho swearbytheelectricversions. ■
MODERN CLASSIC
StatementDonegal jumper£129,Celtic&Co
PEAK COSINESS
Jumper£49,M&S
BEST VEST
Gannistripedintarsia alpacablendvest£235, HarveyNichols
HIGH STYLE
Fairislejumper £49,JohnLewis
CHUNKY KNIT
COLOUR BLOCK
Cableknitkhakiandpink jumper£89,Scamp&Dude
Cableknitjumper£39.50,M&S
CUTE CABLE
Frankiecableknitjumper £90,FreePeople
IT'SA WRAP
ANYDAYwrapover
V-neck£32, JohnLewis
EFFORTLESS CHIC
Fernfairislejumper £69,Monsoon
ZIP KNIT
Multipatternzipknit
£90,OliverBonas
RELAXED FIT
Taupecardigan£13,Primark
PURPLE PATCH
Supersoftribbedknit cardigan£55,Monsoon
LESSIS MORE Greycardigan£20, Matalan
RIGHT STRIPES
Harrystripecardigan £120,Busby
CLASSIC CARDI
ME+EMround neckalpacablend cardigan£125,Selfridges
Sukistitchcardigan
£65,Monsoon
BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR LOWDOWN
WITHTHEMEDIAFRENZYINFULLSWING,WE’VELOOKEDATTHISYEAR’SCROP OFBEAUTYADVENTCALENDARSANDPICKEDOUTOURSIXOFTHEBEST
Beautyadventcalendarshavebecomebig business,anditseemstheharderitistobag onebeforetheysellout,themorewego madforit.Unboxingonsocialmediafuelsthe frenzy,creatingpanicwhichfeelsfarfrom Christmassy.Wedoubtwhetherbrandsare complainingbutwhataboutconsumers?
Oursuggestionisdon’tbuyintothepanicand consideritwisely–it’squitetheinvestment.Ifyou knowthere’sabrandyoulove,popyournameon thewaitlist.Decideifyouareanardentfanofone particularbrandandwouldloveaselectionofminis intheknowledgetheproductsworkforyou.In whichcasestickwithyourgo-tobrandandenjoy.If youviewcalendarsasanopportunitytotrylotsof differentbrands,adepartmentstore/onlinebeauty storeversionwouldsuityou.We’vepickedoutsixof thebesttohelpyouwiththeconundrum. ■
LOOKFANTASTIC,£100
Thecheapestofthebunch,thisisactuallyworthover£565 andcontains(randomly)27treats.Itincludesbrandssuch asSoldeJaneiro,MACandColorWow,plusa£30gift voucherfromFOREO.
CLARINS24DAYCALENDAR,£155
Someofthebrand’soldfavouritesarehere teamedwithahandfulofrelativenewbies. There’sagoodmixofmake-upand skincareplusinthebeautyadventcalendar game,it’sreasonablypriced.Wellwortha lookifyouloveClarins.
JOMALONE,£360
Thisfeelsutterlydecadentalthougharguablythepackaging isn’tquiteasattractiveaspreviousyears.Thereare25treats rangingfromminicandlestoseasonalcolognesplusaspecial festivefragrancetoinjectabitofaddedChristmasspirit.
SPACENK,£250
Twenty-fivedoors,35treatsandawhopping23full-size products–morethananywe’veseen.Brandsinclude Medik8,SummerFridaysandRareBeauty.There’salso achancetowinaDysonAirwrapandChitosanPost Styleserum.TherearefivehiddengoldenticketsWilla Wonkastyle.
HARVEYNICHOLS,
£250
Thiscontainsan impressive18full-sized productsoutof25. BrandsincludeCharlotte Tilbury,LaPrairie,Fenty BeautyandTrinny Londonamongmany others.Onein100 calendarscontainsa£250 vouchertospendat HarveyNichols.
KIEHL’SLIMITEDEDITION,£118
IfyouloveKiehl’sasmuchaswedo,thisisforyou. Thepackagingismorefunthanfestive,butthisone’s allaboutthesubstanceforus.Twenty-fourpotsof skincarefocusedgoodnessthatpackapunchmake forahappyDecember.
JUMPER SEASON
TCLASSICCASHMERE
Helfordcashmere jumper£295,Sims
Shorefunnelknit £39,JoeBrowns
hehumblejumperwillbeastapleofthisseasonsoit’sworth spendingsometimeandmoneyongettingitright.It’spossible tosplashasmallfortuneonknitwearsoworkouthowmuch you’relookingtospendbeforeyoushop.Yougetwhatyoupayforin termsofsoftnessandqualitybuttherearedecentexamplesacrossa rangeofpricepoints.
Theclassiccrewhashadabitofacolourupdatewithfreshpastels makingtheirmarkwhileitsuniversallyflatteringshaperemainsthe same–whymesswithperfection?TheSimscashmerecrewpicturedis topofthewishlistintheplaincategory.Awidehorizontalstripeisan easychicwaytoaddmoreinterest.TheYMCversionthatcombines navyandcaramelstripesisthedream.
Ifyou’rearollneckkindofguy,M&Sisrockingthehighstreet withareasonablypricedmerinoversionat£65.Apparentlydesigned tostopyourchainmailfromchafingbackintheday,youcanthank ourancestorsforthissuaveshape.
Aruggedfisherman’sjumperorachunkycableknitgiveoffa nonchalantairwhichcreatesaconfidentlook–asortof,‘Ohthisold thing?’impressionwhilesimultaneouslylookingsuperstylish.We’d includeafairisleknitinthiscamptoo–cosyandclassicallycool.Think JudeLawinTheHoliday.Thetopendofthemarketisfullofbold patternsthatmightnudgeyououtofyourcomfortzone.Ifyou’re lookingtosplurgeandinvestinsomethingabitdifferent,butnottoofar fromclassic,welovetheMarniribbedjumperpicturedthatfalls somewhereinbetween.
BRUSHUP
PaulSmithcolourblockcrew neckbrushedwoolblend jumper£500,Selfridges
BLURREDLINES
Anydayzigzagstripe crew£42,JohnLewis
INVESTMENTPIECE
Marnistripedwool andcashmereblend £935,Selfridges
JUMPTOIT
Purpleregal orchidMilano crew£55, JohnLewis
ROLLNECK
Autograph merinoroll neck£65, M&S
Oarsmancablestripe crew£69,CrewClothing
Suedehead stripedwool jumpers£235, HarveyNichols
COOLCREW
NOFUSSYMC
WIDESTRIPES
HOMES
SETTHE SCENE
WHILEEVERYMEAL’SANOPPORTUNITYTOWHEELOUT LOVELYLINENANDBESTCHINA,THERE’SSOMETHING ABOUTTHEFESTIVEDININGTABLETHATREQUIRESAN EXTRAPOPOFCREATIVITYTOWOWFRIENDSANDFAMILY
BRINGTHEFUN
FromM&S
There’senoughpressureatChristmaswithout stressingaboutyourtablearrangements,sobe organisedandplanearlybutdon’tsweatthe smallstuff.Firstthing’sfirst,askyourselfifyoucan comfortablyseatyouranticipatedcrowd?Iftheanswer’s yes–happydays.Ifnot,you’veplentyofoptions.
Ifyou’reinthemarketforanewdiningset,headto yourlocalstoresingoodtime.Deliverymightnotbe instantandwingingitisn’tyourfriendhere.Checkout BoConcept,Neptune,OKA,Minima,KinandLee Longlandsforsomegreatexamples.
OUTDOORIN
Ifyou’renotabouttoinvestinnewfurniture,plan howyou’llseateveryone.Isitpossibletoaddalarger tabletoptotemporarilyincreasethesurfaceareaor wouldatrestletablework?Areyouroutdoorchairs suitable(i.e.aretheytableheight)?Givethemahose downandnoonewillcare.Orlookatborrowingto makeuptheshortfall.Itwouldn’tbeChristmas withoutatleastonepersonperchedonagardenchairin ourhouse.
OVERTHETOP
Oncethefurnitureissorted,decidewhatkindofvibe areyoutryingtocreate.Also,contemplatewho’s coming.Smallchildrenmightchangeyourviewonhow youdressthetable.Forinstance,whereyouplace
HOMES
candlesorwhethertouseyourfinestglassware. We’reonthe‘morethemerrier’endofthe tablescapespectrumwithamixofheirloomsand nostalgictrinketswheeledouteveryyearalongwith over-the-topgreenery,elaboratecandlesand homemadeplacenames.Grantedthat’snot everyone’scupoftea.AlessfussyScandivibeora modernblastofcolourisequallystylish.
GETAHEAD
Themoststress-freeoptionistodressyourtable ataleisurelypaceonChristmasEve.Thisassumes youdon’tneedthetableforbreakfastwhichisn’tan optionforeveryone.Ifyouneedtolaythetable afterclearingawaybreakfast,haveeverything waitinginthewingssoallyouneedtodoisplace andtitivate.Now’snotthetimetostartrummaging throughcupboardslookingfornapkinringsor embarkingonabitofflowerarranging.Getahead.
We’vepulledtogetheramixofstylesatvarying pricepointstoinspireyou.Onceyou’vesetthe scene,grabaglassofsomethingfizzyandmost importantlyenjoy–andifsomethinggoeswrong, putitintoperspectiveandcrackonwithyourday. ■
GROWNUPGLAMOUR
FromJohnLewis
MAKEYOUROWN
FromHobbycraft
CLASSICWITHAMODERNTWIST
FromDunelm
SCANDIVIBE
FromHabitat
DISCODIVA
FromDunelm
TRADITIONALCHARM
FromJohnLewis
GOLDRUSH
TraditionCollect candleholder
£33.15,kin.
MODERNTAKE
Setoffourplates
£10,M&S
TOUCHES FINISHING
PEAKCUTENESS
Beadednapkin rings£15,M&S
FROMTHEULTIMATECRACKERTOCLASSYCANDELABRA, DRESSTOIMPRESSFORATRIUMPHANTFESTIVETABLE
FESTIVEFAMILY
Gingerbreadcoasters£5.99, TKMaxx
RIGHTSTRIPES
SetoffourKintaro dinnerplates
£95,OKA
SWEETTREAT Puddingtablerunner£30,Next
CANDYCRUSH
Cakestand £30, JohnLewis
SOFTLIGHTING
Antiquebronze circulareight-piece candleholder
£39.99,Ivyline
PRINTS CHARMING
Sofiatablerunner
£99,Neptune
ULTIMATE CRACKER
Luxurycracker
£38,JoMalone
FromthePottingBench withAdam
NOVEMBERISUPONUS,CHRISTMASISCOMING… ANDIT’SDEFINITELYCOLDER.TIMETOPUTYOUR FEETUP?NOWAY,SAYSADAMKIRTLAND!
You’dbeexcusedforthinkingthatnowthe temperatureshavedroppedthegardenis goingtosleep?Well,ok–youmightberight insomerespects,thingsaredyingdownalittlebut thatdoesn’tmeanthere’snothingatalltodointhe garden.Farfromit!
I’vealwaysthoughtthatthisisthetimeofyearto beplanning,schemingandplottingwhatyouhopeto dointhegardennextyear,whilealsotickingoffa fewjobsthatyoumightnothavedoneyetbeforethe endoftheyear.I’mbusyflickingthroughseed catalogues,eyeingupallthespringbulbsonoffer andthinkingaboutjustwhattodoin2025andhow
thegardencanbebolder,betterandmorebeautiful thaneverbefore.I’vegotsomejobsforyou,that mightjusthelpyoumovealonginthesamewaytoo. Enjoy!
TerrificTulips
PlantingtulipsinNovemberisafantasticwayto injectasplashofcolourintoyourspringgarden. Evenifyouthinkyou’realittlelatetothebulbplantingparty,you’renot!IntheUK,Novemberis actuallyagreattimefortulips–plantingthemlater helpspreventthemfrombeingexposedtodiseases liketulipfire.
Startbychoosingasunnyspotwithwell-drained soil(noonelikessoggybulbs!).Digaholearound threetimesthedepthofthebulb,about15cmorso, andspaceeachbulb10cmapartforanice,fulldisplay. Don’tworryifyoursoilisn'tperfect,tulipsarefairly hardyandadaptable.Ifyou’refeelingadventurous,try layeringdifferentvarietiesinapotforastunning, multi-layeredeffectcomespring.Popthebulbsin, coverthemup,andthensitbackandrelaxuntilthose brightbloomspopthroughinMarchorApril.Easy andsatisfying–whatmorecouldyouwant?
Cutbackornot?
Decidingwhethertocutbackperennialsthis monthcanbeabitofapersonalchoice,depending onhowtidyyoulikeyourgardenandwhatyou're aimingfor.IntheUK,somegardenersliketotrim backtheirperennialsinautumn,givingtheirbedsa neat,cleanlookbeforewinter.
However,ontheflipside,leavingperennials standingthroughwintercanbebeneficialfor wildlife.Birdswillappreciateseedheadsforfood, andinsectsmightshelterintheoldstems.Plus,the frost-coveredplantscanaddalovelystructural elementtoyourwintergarden.
Ifyoudodecidetocutback,justsnipthedead growthdowntothebase,leavinganylowergreen foliageinplace.Andremember,notallperennials needcutting–sodomakesuretodoabitofresearch intotheplantsyou’vegotbeforeyougowildwith yoursecateurs.Ultimately,it'saboutstrikingthe balancethatworksbestforyourgardenstyleand yourlocalwildlife.
Changeforwinter
Asthetemperaturesdropandsummerbedding plantsarewellandtrulyover,Novemberisthe perfecttimetorefreshwithautumnandwinter beddingplants.Thesehardyvarietieswillkeepyour gardenlookingcheerfulduringthecoldermonths andcanoftenlastrightthroughtoearlyspringifyou lookafterthem.
Forasplashofcolour,trypansiesandviolas–they’rebothtoughlittleplantsthatthriveincooler
weatherandcomeinavarietyofvibrantshades. They’reidealforcontainers,borders,orhanging baskets,givingyourgardenaninstantlift.Cyclamen isanothergreatchoice,withitsdelicateflowersand attractivefoliage,perfectforaddingatouchof elegancetopotsorshelteredspots.
Ifyouwantsomethingalittlemorestructural, heathersandheucherasarefantastic.Heathersadd evergreeninterestandaregreatforgroundcover, whileheucherasprovidestunningfoliageinarange ofcolours,fromdeeppurplestolimegreens.
Finally,don’tforgetwinter-floweringheatherand primroses–bothofferearlybloomsandhelpbridge thegapbetweenwinterandspring.So,swapout thosetiredsummerplants,andkeepyourgarden lookingbrightandwelcomingallthroughthechilly months! ■
FollowAdamonInstagram@viewfromthepottingbench orlistentohispodcastTalesfromThePottingBenchfor moregardeninginspiration.YoucanalsoreadAdam’s blogatviewfromthepottingbench.com
CHECKINWITHADAM
LEXTALKELECTRIC…
UNIQUEDESIGN,ALONGLISTOFDRIVERAIDS,ANDPERFORMANCE TOSUITALLDRIVINGSTYLESMARKOUTTHISSUVFROMLEXUS
FACTSATAGLANCE
Model: LexusRZ450eall-electricluxurySUVPremiumPlusPackwith bi-tonefinish
Price: £64,695otr
Batterycapacity: 71.4kWh,drivingrange272mileswith18-inch wheels(WLTPcombined)
Performance: 0-62mphin5.3secondsandontoatopspeedof99mph CO2emissions: Zero
Lexusdoesn’tneedtoaddincentivesto encouragebuyerstopurchaseitsluxuryRZ all-electricSUV.Thisissuchabeautifulcar, withauniquedesignandalonglistofdriver’saids thatitreallydoessellitself!Butifencouragementis needed,andinthenameofprovidingthebest possibleownershipexperienceforcustomers,the carmakerisofferingnewownersthefirstmileagebasedinsurancewiththeRZ450e–withthe potentialforanend-of-yearrefund.
Ontopofthat,there’salsoanewLexusReserve programmewhichgives42dayscomplimentaryuse ofanadditionalLexushybridvehicleoverathreeyearperiodifyouareventuringonalongEuropean roadtripinareaswithalimitedcharging infrastructure.
GOODBYEGRILLE
Asitisall-electric,thefrontofthisdistinctiveSUV doesnotneedaconventionalgrille.Thenewbi-tone designhasacontrastblackfinishwhichextendsfrom thefrontofthecar,overthebonnet,pillarsandroof.
Inside,there’sahigh-quality,comfortableinterior. A14-inchcentredmultimediaunitsitslowandholds alltheeasy-to-readinformationyouwillneed,plus there’sareallyusefulhead-updisplayforthedriver. There’salsoahandy‘HeyLexus’assistant,whichcan changemultimediacommands,adjustsomevehicle functions,suchastheair-conditioning,openorclose thewindowsanddetectwhetherthecommandscome fromthedriverorfrontpassenger.Neat!
Movingawayfromthetechsideofthingstomore mundane,yetpracticalmatters,therearetwolarge bottleholders,ausefulwirelesschargingtrayanda largestorageboxwithalidthatishingedtoopento theleftorright.Averylargepanoramicroofwhich extendsoverrearseatspassengerswilldimatthe touchofaswitch.
RZownerswillalsolovehowcalmandquietthe cabinenvironmentis.Lexusengineersanddesigners haveworkedtheirmagictocontrolthelevelsofnoise enteringthecabin,payingparticularattentiontothe comfortofrearseatpassengers.
So,what’sitlikeontheroad?Drivingcanbea comfortableorexhilaratingexperiencedependingon whichmodechosen.ThereisaNormalmodeoranEco modewhichgeneratesalesseramountofdrivetorquein responsetoacceleratorinputsandsuppressestheairconditioning.Sportmodegivesastrongersteeringfeel andtheacceleratorresponseissharpened.TheRZis alsoequippedwithausefulRangemodewhichreduces powerconsumption,restrictspoweroutputandvehicle speedandturnstheair-conditioningoff.
Thelithiumionbatteryispositionedbeneaththe cabinfloorandcontributestothevehicle’srigidity anditslowcentreofgravity.Thebatteryunithas 96cellswitha71.4kWhgrosscapacityandis containedinasealed,reinforcedstructuretoprotect itintheeventofcontactwiththeroadsurfaceora collision. ■
SHOWROOM
LexusBirmingham,FortDunlop,4WingfootWay,Birmingham, B249HF.Tel:01212227681www.lexus.co.uk/centres/birmingham
MATTHEW BROTHERSON
MatthewBrothersonrespondedtoacallout forBirminghamCityUniversity(BCU) studentsandfacultymemberstoentera competitiontocreateapieceofartworkthatwouldbe displayedinthecommunalspaceofGrainger’snew SilverYarddevelopmentinExchangeSquare.The calloutcamefromhistutorsoverthesummer,of whichMatthewsays:“Ididn’thavemuchofaplan forhowI’dbespendingthesummer,butIfigured thatImightaswellgiveitago.Ihadnothingtolose.”
ThebriefsparkedbyacollaborationbetweenBCU anddeveloper,Graingeraskedartiststocreateapieceof artworkwhichvisuallyportrayedthequestion,what doesBirminghammeantoyou?Matthewbeganby makingrandomshapesonAdobeIllustratornotadding facestothematthatpoint.Hesaysbecausehedoesn’t drive,hisjourneytoandfromBCUallowedhimto observemanyuniquefaces.Hesays:“EachnightI wouldworkonthepieceaddingsomefaces.Ijustused blacklines,carefullyadjustingthethicknessofeachline tocreatedepthinthefeaturesbecauseitcreatedan amazingcontrastagainsttheorangehuesoftheshapes.”
ICONICBULL
MatthewisbornandbredinBirminghamand usedthepiecetocelebratethewonderfuldiversityof ourcitywhileusingtheshapeofthefamousbullas inspiration.Hesays:“ItookthefacialfeaturesI’d collectedandplacedthesefeaturesontotheiconic statue’sface,makingeachoneunique.So,theoverall themeofmypiecewasdiversity.”Matthewsubmitted
asmallerversionofhisworkalongwithasynopsis fortheoriginaljudgingprocess.
Thejudgingpanelconsistedofaward-winning BirminghamartistandcreativedirectoratRebel Creatives,AmritSinghaswellasFionaMcDonald, headofOnboarding,andLewisMorris,senior residentservicesmanageratGrainger,plusDr JemmaBrowne,headofBirminghamSchoolof ArchitectureandDesignatBCU.
Giventhecalibreofsubmissionsthejudgingpanel expandedthescopeofworktoincludetwowinners–MatthewandJohnHall,exhibitionsmanageratBCU. TheartistsstartedliaisingwiththeGraingerteamto upscaletheworkandprepareitfortheallocatedspace. Matthewrecalls:“WhenIfirstreceivedthee-mailto letmeknowIwasawinnerIcouldn’tquitebelieveit andwentstraighttotellmymumwhowasoverthe
moon.IcouldbarelysleepIwassohappy!”
Onhavinghisworkdisplayedonthisscale Matthewsaysit’scrazy:“Tothinkthatmanypeople haveseenmyworkblowsmymindbecausealthough I’vehadsmall-scaleexhibitionsatBCU,I’venever hadapiecebeinabuildingthatisn'tconnectedtothe universitybefore.It'sbeenaveryexcitingtimeforme.”
VIPUNVEILING
Matthewsaysthatlongtermhe’dlovetofinda studiospacetorentinBirminghamfromwhichto createandsellhiswork.Hesays:“Iamlooking forwardtoexhibitingmyworksbecauseIamnow muchmoreconfidentandproudoftheartIcreate thankstotheSilverYardArtsProject.Alternatively,I wouldlovetobecommissionedbyawell-known companytocreatesomethingfortheirbrand.Whatever
thecasemaybeinthefuture,Ihopethatwhenpeople seemyart,itevokesthesamekindofinspiringfeeling thatIexperiencewhenIseeothers’work.”
ThewinningartworkwasrevealedataVIP unveilingheldattheSilverYardforresidents,family andfriends,fellowstudentsandlocalstakeholders,to celebratethewinners’achievements.LewisMorris said:“AsourseconddevelopmentinBirmingham,we wantedtotrysomethingnewtoreallycelebratethe citywithinournewestdevelopment.Workingclosely withBirminghamCityUniversityandtheirtalented poolofbuddingartstudents,wehadsomany amazingentriesthatwepickednotonebuttwo winners,inouraimtosupporttalentedup-andcomingartists.Wearepleasedtheartworksnowhave prideofplaceinouramenityspacesforourresidents toenjoy.” ■
SUSIESECURESSPONSORSHIP
AstudentatBirminghamNewmanUniversityhasbeen awardedascholarshipworth£32,000.SusieLongstaff whoisgraduatingwithadegreeinhistory,securedthe WellcomeTrustMAStudentshipforthe2024-2025 academicyear.Thescholarshipwillsupporthergoalofan MAinhistoryofmedicineattheUniversityofWarwick. Susiesaid:“Icouldnothavepursuedfurtherstudies withoutscholarshipfunding.Now,Iamonestepcloserto mypassionforresearchingdeafanddisabilitynarratives withinthecontextofthehistoryofmedicine.”
KITCARCHAMPIONS
BromsgroveSchool’sDesignTechnology Greenpowerteamsclaimedthreetrophiesatthe GreenpowerInternationalFinalsatGoodwood,with theSeniorteambeingcrownedF24+2024Kitcar Internationalchampions.TheSeniorsalsowona trophyforwinningtheheatandaccumulatingthe mostpointsthisseason.Thiswasachievedbya100 percentwinrecordthroughouttheseason, competingagainstuniversities,collegesand corporations.SteveBroadbent,DTTeacherand TeamManager,said:“Athree-trophyhaulatan internationalfinalisanexcellentachievement.”
DORRIDGE’SHISTORYBOYS
ForthefirsttimeinDorridge’shistory,twojuniorcricketsidesin thesameyearhaverepresentedthevillageatLordsinthe NationalClubCupFinals.Theunder15s,featuringeight teenagersfromWarwickshire’sYouthPathway,werecrowned champions,whiletheU13swerejustpippedintheirfinal. WarwickshireCricketFoundation’sparticipationandgrowth managerAndyWylessaid:“Tohavetwojuniorteamsinthe nationalfinalisauniqueachievementinalltheyearsI’veworked inWarwickshirecricket.”
SCHOOL REPORT
OLYMPICDREAMS
TherewasnochanceofBirminghamTeamGBgymnastJoeFraser catchingpupilsnappingwhenhedroppedbyHagleyPrimarySchool, StourbridgetosharehisOlympicjourney–anddiscusstheimportance ofsleep.Thevisitwaspartofaseriesofschooleventshostedby Dreams,theofficialsleeppartnerofTeamGBandParalympicsGB, featuringitsambassadorsfollowingtheParis2024Games.Joe encouragedstudentstocreatetheirown‘Dreamssleeppledge’ includingactionslikereducingscreentimeorincreasingphysicalactivity.
JUNIORSCONSERVATOIREBOOST
Youngstershopingtofollowinthefootsteps ofBirminghamaward-winningpianist LaurenZhanghavebeengivenaboostafter RoyalBirminghamConservatoire(RBC) announcedadditionalsupportforitsjunior departmentthroughitsannualfund-raising appeal.DonationsmadeviatheRBCbox officewillhelppurchasemorehighquality ‘junior’instrumentsforperformancesand practice,athomeandinclass.Lauren, pictured,whostudiedattheRBC’sjunior department,wontheBBC’sYoungMusician Contestin2018.
INSPIRATIONATBLETCHLEY
Year7learnersatLyndonSchool,partofSummit LearningTrust,enjoyedaninspiringstarttotheir secondaryschooljourneywithaspecialeducational triptoBletchleyPark.Thegroupheadedtothe historichomeofBritain’sWorldWar2Codebreakers andwalkedthroughthefamoushutswherethe painstakingworkofcryptographytookplace.They wereintroducedtothehistoryofhowthe codebreakersdecipheredenemymessages, highlightingproblem-solving,teamworkandthe applicationoflogicandmathematicalthinking–skillsthatareasimportanttoday.
TOPMARKS
Seven-year-oldSaksham KatariafromBirminghamwas oneofonly11winnersamong thousandsofstudentswho enteredaglobalmaths competition.Sakshamwho attendsYorkswoodPrimary Schooltookthetopawardin theLevel2categoryofthe BritishYouthInternational College’sweek-longannual InternationalMaths Olympiad.Hisparents, NaveenandKiranNaveen Kumar,saidSakshamwas thrilledthathehadwonand praisedthe“constant mentoringandguidanceby histeacher”.
HOTELAWARD
TheEdenHotelCollectionhasbeen namedSmallHotelGroupoftheYear attheAAHospitalityAwards.Eden wasrecognisedforitsconsistencyin qualityandservicedeliveryandwork arounditsemployeeexperience,as wellasitsbroadereffortsintackling sustainability.Theawardcoincides withthecompletionofthe£1.6million refurbishmentofMalloryCourt CountryHouseHotel&Spain Warwickshire,pictured.The refurbishmentincludesofallits19 luxurybedrooms.
CONFERENCECALL
Birminghamresidentialeventsvenue ConferenceAstonhasappointeda newexecutiveheadchefwithan impressivecareerspanning30years inthecateringandculinary industry.PaulHarrishonedhiscraft inprivately-ownedandgrouphotels acrosstheMidlands,earninga reputationforexcellencein managingallaspectsoffoodservice operations.AtConferenceAston, Paulwilloverseeatalentedteamof sevenchefsandfourkitchenporters.
NEWS BUSINESS
JQBOOMCONTINUES
Anexpandingwebdesign, brandingandmarketingagencyis thelatestbusinesstomoveinto newJewelleryQuarterpremises. Nettloccupies2,000sqftofspace overthreestoreysat13Caroline Streetinadealdeliveredby commercialpropertyfirmSiddall Jones.ManagingdirectorEd Siddall-Jonessaid:“TheJewellery Quartermarketshowsnosignsof slowingdown,witharecordlevel oftake-upforusthisyear.”
RECRUITINGWINNERS
RecruitersPertempsManaged Solutionsiscelebratingafter winningtwoawardsatthe2024 APSCoOutsourceAwards.
ThefirmtookhometheRPOofthe Yearaward,whiledirectorAbigail FarnhamwasnamedOutsource LeaderoftheYear.Pertempswas praisedforitstailoredsolutions, client-centricapproachand commitmenttoquality.
TheAPSCoOutsourceAwards bringtogetherkeyfiguresfrom therecruitmentandoutsourcing sectorstohonouroutstanding achievementsacrosstheindustry.
KIDS’VILLAGEBOOST
AnappealtobuildtheUK’sfirstholidayvillagefor criticallyillchildrenhasbeenboostedthankstoa galadinnerwhichraisednearly£120,000.TheKids’ VillageeventwasheldatBirmingham’sGrandHotel whereitwasrevealedthat£1.52millioninpledges havenowbeenreceivedtowardsthe£5million appealtarget.Thecharitywasco-foundedbycancer survivorSamFletcher-Goodwinandisledbychief executiveKatrinaCookeandchairDougWrightwith theaimtobuildtheholidayvillageinthe Staffordshirecountryside.
BIKINGBONANZA
Thousandsofbikershelpedraisearecord-breaking£132,700attheBike4Life eventheldinSeptember,fundingmorethan87futurelife-savingmissionsfor MidlandsAirAmbulanceCharity.Bike4LifeRideOutandFestival,sponsoredby theBikeInsurer,wassupportedbyseveralfamousnames,includingformer WorldSuperbikechampionCarlFogarty.EmmaWood,thecharity’sheadof fund-raisingandengagement,said:“Thisyearwesawarecordnumberof riders,festival-goersandlifesavingmissionsfundedbytheevent.”
GALLOPINGSUCCESS
AWarwickshirebusinessthatoffersphysiotherapytohorsesisbreakingintoa gallopforfurthergrowthafterreceivingfreebusinesssupport.EquiBetterin AshornereceivedthehelpfromCoventryandWarwickshireChamberof Commerce,fundedthroughtheUKSharedProsperityFundandWarwickshire CountyCouncil.Thecompanywasestablishedin2023byGemmaHowell, picturedright,whodecidedtofollowherdreamofworkingwithhorses.
EquiBetterofferscareforhorsesincludingconsultationsthroughto‘in-patient’ treatmentwherehorsescanstayinoneof14stables.
AleadingIndianstreetfoodcompanyhasopened anoutletatBirminghamAirport.Chaiiwala featureslow-levelseatinggivingclearvisibility acrossthedeparturesareastoflightinformation boardsandboardinggates.Italsooperatesa click-and-collectserviceviaitsappforcustomers onthegowhowant‘chaiionthefly’. MuhummedIbrahim,chiefexecutiveofficerat Chaiiwala,said:“BirminghamAirportisapremier destinationthatourcustomershavewantedfora numberofyearsandwearedelightedtofinally makethathappen.”
AformeryoungchoristerhasbeenappointedheadofthemusicserviceatServices ForEducation.RichardMabbottwillberesponsibleforthemusicservice’sworkin Birminghamthateachyearteachesmusictonearly32,000childrenandsupports98 percentofthecity’sschools.For15years,Richardhasworkedinsecondaryschools. AmonghisachievementswasthedevelopmentoftheClassicallyYoursprogramme withManchesterCamerata–tobringaworldclassorchestratoperformanannual concertinaremoteEastYorkshireschool.
STREETFOODLANDSATAIRPORT
MENTORINGMUMS
Alocalmumandbusinessowneris launchinganewmentorshipprogramme tosupportthementalhealthofother mumsintheareaandbeyond.Charlotte HamiltonfromDudleyownsLott’sHolistic Tots,providingbabymassageandyogato familiesacrossthearea.Nowsheis lookingtoexpandherofferingbyturning herattentiontothewellbeingofmothers, utilisingherexistingknowledgein psychologyandmentalhealth.The mentorshipprogrammewilllaunchinthe newyearandrunonlineover12weeks.
ANDY’SREPPLEDGE
FormerWestMidlandsmayorAndyStreethasbeen appointedthenewchairoftheboardof BirminghamRep.Hearrivesatanexcitingtimefor thetheatrewhichwillshortlybeappointinganew artisticdirector.Andysaid:“Itisahugehonourto beaskedtochaironeofmyhomecity’sgreat culturalinstitutions.Whilstthetheatrehasastrong reputationlocally,Ibelievewecouldbedoing muchmorenationallyandperhapsinternationally.I intendtohelpmaketheRepthebestregional theatreinEurope.”
PicturebyKrisAskey
YOGAHOMECOMING
Athrivingyogacommunityknownforitsinclusiveapproachtowellness,has launcheditssecondlocation.Thenew2,877sqftIAMYOGIstudioin GracechurchShoppingCentre,SuttonColdfieldfollowsonfromtheflagship studioinMoseleyandmarksanexpansiontopositionIAMYOGIasakey playerinBirmingham’swellnessindustry.VictoriaLawton,ownerandcofoundersaid:“Havinggrownupinthearea,itfeelsspecialtoreturnhometo bringthenextphaseofIAMYOGItoSuttonColdfield.”
MUSICDEAL
ParkingoperatorQ-Parkhasrenewedits partnershipwithB:Music,themusiccharitythat operatesSymphonyHall.Aspartofthetie-up ticketholdersvisitingSymphonyHallcangeta 10percentdiscountwhenpre-bookingparking online.Q-Parkwilldonate10percentofthe revenuefrombookingsbacktoB:Music.
LEGALMOVE
InternationallawfirmTrowers&Hamlins’ Birminghamofficeisrelocatingfrom10 ColmoreRowtoOneSnowhill,attheheartof Birmingham'sColmoreBusinessDistrict,to accommodateitsambitiousgrowthand sustainabilitystrategy.Thenew10-yearlease isfor17,000sqftonFloor3.
FOODCHALLENGE
Birminghaminternationalcommunications agencyLiquidhasteamedupwithfoodcharity, FoodCycleinsupportofcommunitymeals. Liquid’sstate-of-the-artcookeryschooland demonstrationkitchenwillhostFoodInvention Challengeswherecorporateteamswillturn ingredientsintotastymealsthatwillthenbe giventopeopleinthecommunity.
GREENERBOWLING
AsportsclubinSolihullissettosave£20,000-a-yearon energycostsaftergainingagranttotransformitsfacility andboostitsgreencredentials.SolihullIndoorBowls ClubhasupgradeditshomeatBrickKilnLanethankstoa £61,837grantfromtheNetZeroGrantProgramme (NZGP),whichisco-ordinatedlocallybySolihullCouncil, BirminghamCityCouncilandBusinessGrowthWest Midlands(BGWM).Carbonandcost-cuttingmeasures includenearly100solarpanelsandaninsulated suspendedceilinginthebowlinghall.
SteakhouseBelezaRodiziopromises authenticBraziliandiningexperience
B4 5 7 6 8
elezaRodizio,theBraziliansteakhouseknown foritsauthenticrodizio-styledining,hasfiredup thegrillandopenedinStratford-upon-Avon. Belezameans‘beautiful’inPortuguese–andtheeatery offersadiversemenu,whileacomprehensivecocktails listingincludesBrazil’sfamouscaipirinhas.Acarefully curatedwinelistprovidesperfectpairingstothemouthwateringBrazilianflavours.OwnerNicoJamilsaid:“Our goalistoprovideanunforgettablediningexperience whereguestscanenjoytherichculinarytraditionsof Brazilinasettingthatisbothelegantandwelcoming.” ■
PhotographybyDanKnott
1 NicolaScott,SionRathkey,AndreaManenti. 2 HelenMarshall,TimAndrews. 3 LiamHall,SabrinaSacco. 4 Welcomingguests. 5 AndrewandSuzanneFox. 6 NicoJamil,PaulFaulkner. 7 PaulandCristinaTataran. 8 SallyBee,JayneMcIntosh.
CALTHORPEBUSINESS COMMUNITYEVENT
ThelatestCalthorpeBusinessCommunity Eventwasheldattherecentlyopened Loudon’sYardinHagleyRoad.Guestswere abletoexploretheexcitingnewresidential developmentfromModaLivingwhileenjoyingtasty pizzasprovidedbyEdgbastonVillage’snewly expandedSmokeandAsh. ■
GuestssavournewsfromModaLivingand nibblesfromSmokeandAshatLoudon’sYard 7
1 SaraBlair-Manning,JenniFryer,MitchellBall. 2 HannahWebb,LucyCaddick,ClareLee-Davis. 3 RalphMinott,SaraBlair-Manning, HaydnCooper,HannahWebb,RichardSuart. 4 WillRadford,BillieFrain. 5 EdPurcell,JuliePerks. 6 MattRawnsley,AlanPerry,HaydnCooper. 7 EllieCohen,JamesPowell,PavanPatel. 8 MariaMartin-Ruiz,SimonTrimmer,BenScandrett. PhotographybyVivBailey 4 5 6 8 3 2 1
GuestsatNailcoteHalleventhelpfund state-of-the-artequipmentforhospitals 3 2 4 5 7 6 8
PINKBALLBOOSTFOR LOCALCANCERUNITS
APinkBallatNailcoteHallHotelGolfandCountry Clubraised£8,000forstate-of-the-artcancer treatmentatlocalhospitals.Theevent,organised bythehotel’sco-ownerandtwo-timecancersurvivorSue Cressman,welcomed225guests–includingTVactor ChristopherWalker,bestknownforhisrolesinBBC’s DoctorsanddramaMerseybeat,andmusicianAndy KyriacouofthebandModernRomance.Cashraisedwill helpfundamulti-purposebedforbreastcancerpatientsat SolihullHospitalandspecialisthi-techequipmentat UniversityHospitalsCoventryandWarwickshire. ■
PhotographybyKarenMassey
1 SimonTaylor,CherieEllis,DominicMurphy,NickyTaylor,SusieEverette,AndyMcGarth,JudiGilbert. 2 DavidandBiancaPerry. 3 PeterandVickyFarmer. 4 Tracy-JaneandAndyCummings. 5 JonandAmandaChalmers. 6 JackieAllan,TomSheppard. 7 ChrisWalker, SueCressman,SharronWalker. 8 VivienneFarrellWhelan,MicaInaltiare. 1
LAUNCHPARTYSEES ICONICPUBRE-OPEN
Newname,newownerasJQ’sPig &TailbecomesTemperandBrown
AniconicJewelleryQuarterpubdatingbackto 1820re-openedwithaVIPlaunchpartyfor media,andlocalbusinesses.FormerlythePig &Tail,therenamedTemperandBrownisunderthe newownershipofentrepreneurRoifieldBrown.The family-runbusinessisacommunityhub,featuring foodbyCajunSoul,agreatselectionofdrinksanda must-visitatmosphere. ■
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: EdgbastonVillage ChristmasLights
WHEN: 9November
WHERE: GreenfieldCrescent, Edgbaston,calthorpe.co.uk
Kick-startthefestiveseasoninstyle! Grabyourfriendsandfamilyand headtoEdgbastontomeetSanta, MrsClausandwatchlive entertainment.
WHAT: AChristmasCarol:AGhostStory
WHEN: 14Novemberto5January
WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk
Filledwithspine-tinglingspecialeffects, preparetobefrightenedanddelightedin equalmeasureasyouenterthe supernaturalVictorianworld.Starring MatthewCottleasScrooge.
WHAT: SúperChefs
WHEN: 3November
WHAT: SeckouKeitawith theCBSO
WHEN: 27November
WHERE: TownHall, bmusic.co.uk
Evocative,poetic,joyful.The kora,abeautifulmulti-stringed Africaninstrument,isgiventhe spotlightalongsidetheCBSO, makingforanunmissableevent.
WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre,macbirmingham.co.uk
Thisdelightful,immersiveandinteractivemusicalcooking showhasbeenspeciallycreatedforchildrenagedfourto eightandtheirfamilieswithitsuniqueblendoffood,music andanauthenticportrayalofLatineculture.
WHAT: MontyDon
WHEN: 18November
WHERE: SymphonyHall,bmusic.co.uk
JointheBBCGardeners’Worldpresenteras heshareshispassionforgardensandthe uniqueroletheyplayinhumaninspiration andwellbeing.
WHAT: TheRedShoes
WHEN: 7Novemberto19January
WHERE: RSCTheatre, rsc.org.uk,tel:01789331111
DirectedbyKimberleyRampersadinherRSC debut,thisisbothamagicalstoryand cautionarytaleofpride,vanityandhowweall deservetodancehowwewishtodance.
WHAT: BellaHardy
WHEN: 28November
WHERE: KitchenGardenCafé, kitchengardencafe.co.uk
Theinimitablevoiceofmodernfolk embarksonahighlyanticipatedUK tour,showcasingherwonderfulgift forstorytellingthathasearnedhera remarkablecareer.
WHAT: WildlifePhotographerof theYearexhibition
WHEN: NowuntilApril2025
WHERE: Waterhall,Birmingham Museum&ArtGallery, birminghammuseums.org.uk
OnloanfromtheNationalHistory Museum,theworld-renowned exhibitioniscomingtoBirmingham featuringexceptionalimagesthat capturefascinatinganimalbehaviour, spectacularspeciesandthebreathtaking diversityofthenaturalworld.
WHAT: ErrollynWallenand ThalleinEnsemble WHEN: 19to22November
WHERE: RoyalBirmingham Conservatoire,bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire
Thefirstblackwomantohaveawork featuredintheProms,thefirstwomanto receiveanIvorNovelloawardforClassical Musicandalsothenewly-appointed MasteroftheKing’sMusic,Errollynjoins theRBC’sThalleinEnsembleforamini residencythismonth.
WHAT: TheNutcracker
WHEN: 22Novemberto14December
WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome,brb.org.uk
Christmasiscoming!Tchaikovsky’sgloriousscore performedlivebythe60-strongRoyalBalletSinfonia, providesthecaptivatingsoundtracktothisawesome festiveclassic.
WHAT: KidsInGlassHouses
WHEN: 2November
WHERE: TheCrossing, thecrossingdigbeth.co.uk
WithfourTop40albumsundertheir beltandalivereputationenviedby many,thisWelshquintetiswellon tracktobeconsideredbeoneof Britishrock’sfinesttalents.
WHAT: HereandNow–TheStepsMusical WHEN: 9to30November
WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com
Afunnyandheart-warmingnewmusicalbasedonthe songsofthemulti-million-sellingpopphenomenon Steps,that’sasparklingcelebrationofloveand friendship.
WHAT: JaneMcDonald
WHEN: 16November
WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com
Thesingingsensationandintrepid cruiserisback,performingallthesongs youloveandofferingacracking opportunitytospendaneveningwitha nationaltreasure.
WHAT: GoodFoodShowWinter
WHEN: 21to24November
WHERE: NECBirmingham, goodfoodshow.com
Thismuch-lovedshowreturnstoBrum promisinganotherunforgettableexperience forfoodenthusiasts.Featuringthelikesof TomKerridge,MichelRoux,JohnTorode, GennaroContaldoandmore.
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
CLOSEWITHÁ
DAVIDBALDWIN
BIGGESTSUCCESS
IstartedoutasaculturewriterforMetronewspaper,but afterbeingmaderedundantIsnuckmywayintotheworld ofindependentcinema,whichI’vebeendoingnowsince 2009–startingoutatBirmingham’sElectricCinemaand continuingatMidlandsArtsCentre(MAC).I’vecurated thousandsofscreeningsandevents,programmedfestivals liketheShock&GorehorrorfestivalandMAC’sSquare EyesTVfestival.We’vebroughtlotsofexcellentgueststo MACforspecialQ&Aevents–thelikesofPamGrier,Ken Loach,AsifKapadia,StephenGraham,RickyTomlinson, CathyTysonandRussellTDavies.
IT’SWHATIDO
I’mcurrentlythecinemaprogrammeratMAC.You mightthinkthatmeansIwatchfilmsallday,butthe realityisIspendaboutfivepercentofthetimedoing that.Mostofmyjobisaboutnegotiatingfilmrights, bookingevents,arrangingworkshopsandQ&As, collaboratingwithnationwidefestivalsintermsof bringingtheirfilmstoBirminghamandworkingon largerprojectslikeourExpandingtheFrameinitiativeto makecinemamoreaccessibletoeveryone.
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
Ihavetwoambitionsintermsofmywork.Firstly,todo lotsmoretomakecinemaavailableandaccessibleto everyone,whetherthey’red/Deaf,hardofhearing,visually impairedorhavecomplexneeds.It’ssomethingthecinema industryisreallyrunningbehindon,andweneedto urgentlyfix.Thesecondistodomoretoattracthighprofile eventstoBirmingham.Ourcityoftengetsmissedoutby visitingtalentfromtheworldoffilmandTV,andIwantto domoreofthosekindsofQ&A/panelevents.
Personally,raisingtwobrilliantboyswithmysimilarly brilliantwife,allthreeofwhomhaveliterallychanged mylife.Professionally,itwouldbelaunchingtheSquare EyesTVFestival–abigfestivalfocusedaroundthe incrediblearrayofbrilliantartisticworkthatyoucanfind ontelevision.
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
Beconfidentinyourideas.Justbecausesomebodyelse islouderandmorestubborn,itdoesn’tmeanthatyour ideasaren’tasvalidastheirs.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
It’srammedwithtalent.Music,theatre,film,TV, visualarts–it’sinsanehowmanytalentedpeoplelive andworkhere.LookatthecreditsofafilmorTVshow filmedintheUKandchancesaretheywillbefilledwith peoplefromBirminghamandtheMidlands.
DOWNTIME
Mytwoyoungsonstakeupeverysparemoment,butI domanagetosqueezeinsomeamateurtheatreatthe CrescentTheatreinBrindleyplace,whereI’veperformed inshowsliketheGirlOnTheTrain,MyNightWithReg andAlanAyckbourn’sHouse&Garden.It’sabrilliant hiddengemthatdeservesmorelovefromthecity.
FINALLY…
TheannualSquareEyesTVfestivalreturnstoMAC between1and10November(see macbirmingham.co.uk).ExpandingtheFrameismade possiblebythegenerosityofFilmHubMidlands,BFI FilmAudienceNetworkandtheNationalLottery. ■
