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November 2020
BAKEKING BEN CULLEN
CASEY BAILEY POET LAUREATE JOIN THE STRICTLY FIT CLUB
IAN BELL SUZANNE VIRDEE
BOOTS GLORIOUS BOOTS
CRICKET HERO RINGING THE CHANGES
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EDITOR’S VIEW
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ocial media. Now there’s a double-edged sword. At its best it encourages and delivers wonderful stories – like Captain Tom’s incredible fund-raising for the NHS which captivated millions world-wide. At its worse, it’s a magnet for cruel trolling, shaming and cyber bullying. As a publication at the hub of all-things-good about Birmingham, we have to be fans of the likes of Twitter and Facebook. It’s the way so many things are communicated. And never has communication between people, organisations and businesses been more important than during the last eight months! We’re proud that during this challenging, worrying and uncertain period we’ve manage to continue publishing Birmingham Living in print, as well as online. We’ve been inspired by the amazing way in which Birmingham’s commercial community has come together and battled through to help each other, as well as support local charities struggling to keep their heads above water. The bad of social media is thrown into sharp focus in our interview with TV news presenter and author, Suzanne Virdee, who talks about how teenage girls are coming under ever increasing peer pressure and abuse online. The national headlines feature high-profile cases of cyber bullying – like the fat shaming of Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson, who admits that at one point it was so bad she just wanted to die. Jesy’s experience is just the tip of a very big iceberg which sees more young girls become the victims of vicious online targeting. Suzanne’s contact with teenage gangs led her to write about how girls should and can change the narrative – and their lives. Her just-published book, A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome, looks to empower girls to not just survive their teen years in the age of social media, but to thrive. It’s a must-read.
s n h o J David
visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living Cover image:
Ian Bell by Mike Sewell Photography
/bhamliving
FINALIST
EDITOR: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk FEATURES EDITOR: Shelley Carter shelley@brumliving.co.uk DESIGNER: Tracy Duffy
CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Price, Sue Cooke, Lisa Melvin, Hywel Davies ACCOUNT MANAGER: Jane Morris jane@brumliving.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: David Morphew, Andrew Llewellyn PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Jonathan Carter
Rock Hopper Media Limited Burleigh House, 23 Tagwell Road, Droitwich WR9 7BN tel 01905 771110 © Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Birmingham Living is published monthly by Rock Hopper Media Ltd and printed by Buxton Press. Views and opinions expressed by authors and services and products offered by advertisers are not specifically endorsed by Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part of the contents of Birmingham Living without written permission is strictly prohibited.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: The subscription rate (post paid) is £24 for one year (12 issues). Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560
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INSIDE
10 14 18 26 30 42 04 birmingham living
Highlights
Ian Bell
England and Warwickshire’s cricket hero on why he’s ringing the changes
Suzanne Virdee The TV news presenter on how she’s bringing the cyber bullies to book
Food & Drink Santi Plaza, head chef of the Pineapple Club, plus news, views and reviews
Health Qutting for Christmas and how the Strictly glitter can make you fitter
Style Boots glorious boots! Step out in style with our picks for a wonderful winter
Homes Sofa so good… as the temperatures drop are you lounge lovers sitting comfortably?
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CONTENTS
Best of the Rest
50 52 57 60 64 66 november 2020
Motoring
Sue Cooke explains why the new Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid is a 4x4 wish list must
Young, Gifted & Brummie Rapper, songwriter, playwright – meet Birmingham Poet Laureate, Casey Bailey Business News Latest news and views as commercial community faces challenging times
Life’s A Piece of Cake TV’s Bakeking Ben Cullen talks tattoos, sculpting and his own show… maybe!
What’s On After months of lockdown, some music and performance venues are back making a splash
Up Close Aston University’s Prof Helen Higson on her new role as a Vice Lord-Lieutenant
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NEWS
HIP-HOP SPECTACULAR
Birmingham Hippodrome and the Southside Building unveiled a spectacular new mural as part of the B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival celebrations. The large-scale work by renowned local graffiti artist Zuke champions creativity and expressive art. The Southside Building was refurbished by Paloma Capital to provide a range of spaces for the creative, media and tech industries. The mural portrays a dancer called Bee Girl with messages of peace, love and unity, representing the diversity of Southside. The artwork is the height of four double-decker buses.
NEWS PARK BENCH PLAYS Birmingham REP has announced a series of 12 micro-plays focused on today’s socially distanced world. Contributors to the Park Bench Plays include some of UK theatre’s biggest writing talents and comedians, including Brum’s own Frank Skinner. REP discovery artist, Sabiha Mank, pictured, said: “This project has been a dream to be a part of and a brilliant way of trying to make sense of the world.” The 10-minute plays will begin a pop-up tour around the city when safety rules allow.
IN THESE MOST CHALLENGING TIMES, WE BRING YOU STORIES TO INSPIRE AND ADMIRE FROM ACROSS THE CITY
SWEET SHOT! The Blues have added a splash of chocolate to their colours after Birmingham City football club announced a new partnership with Mondelez International, the owners of Cadbury. The partnership centres on the club’s Inclusion Programme, which delivers an adult pan-disability community football initiative. James Corrigan, the Blues’ commercial sales manager, said: “The partnership is a fantastic fit with two iconic brands in Birmingham making one united front.”
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NEWS
FAMILY FARM FUN A family who moved to a farm so their children could
grow up playing in the hay bales and helping with lambs at lambing time, are offering the rest of us a chance to join in the fun! Hywel and Clare John, who arrived at Rowley Farm, Holt Heath in 2016, have converted old outbuildings into luxury holiday lets. Surrounded by 50 acres of grass and woodland, the working farm ensures there’s plenty to see all-year-round. More details at www.rowleyfarmholidays.co.uk
BOOK WHO’S HERE! Authors, including the BBC’s Andrew Marr, pictured, and two-time Booker Prize winner Dame Hilary Mantel, feature in the line-up of speakers at Stratford
LADY ON ICE
Literary Festival’s Flexible Winter Weekend from 20 to 22 November. Events will be held in front of a restricted
Rapper and Birmingham Living cover star Lady Leshurr is getting her skates
live audience, observing Covid-19 safe
on to take part in the new series of Torvill and Dean’s Dancing On Ice on ITV.
guidelines, but will be filmed for live
Lady Leshurr – real name Melesha Katrina O’Garro – will join a line-up which
streaming so audiences can also watch
includes Rebekah Vardy, Jason Donovan, Myleene Klass and Denise Van
from home. Some events will be available
Outen. The 30-year-old star said: “I’m petrified, but everyone knows I will
virtually only. Tickets at stratlitfest.co.uk
just throw myself in at the deep end and wing it!”
or 0333 666 3366.
DRIVE-IN WONDERLAND
Following a sell-out summer tour of 13 cities, @TheDriveIn is returning this winter with a special festive show in Birmingham. The socially-distanced entertainment experience, which runs from 25 November to 13 December, features a drive-in winter wonderland with all the Christmas staples from family games, quizzes and Santa giveaways to cocktails, food trucks and great films on a giant LED screen. New walk-up igloo-style pods and alpine chalets are also available. More details at www.atthedrive.in/christmas-at-the-drive-in.
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NEWS
FLYING TO THE RESCUE John Taylor Hospice made sure a Birmingham man had a day to remember, thanks a special visit by some feathered friends. David Gilchrist and his family saw their Erdington garden turned into a flying circus when Andy Plant of the Falconry Centre, Hagley brought along some of his prized birds. It was a dream come true for 65-year-old David who has the respiratory condition COPD and has been supported by teams from the hospice for two years.
TUTUS FOR LIFE Students at Elmhurst Ballet School are helping the environment as they dance by wearing a new uniform made of sustainable fabrics originating from ocean waste and abandoned fishing nets. Elmhurst teamed up with dancewear supplier Dancing Boutique to make changes to the dance uniform for nearly 200 students across its lower and upper schools. Elmhurst is based in Edgbaston and is a world-renowned centre of excellence in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
SPACE LAUNCH
JEFF’S OFF THE CUFF VISIT Top UK designer and former TV Clothes Show host Jeff Banks made a
Singer songwriter Becky Hill called on music lovers to ‘hear this Space’ as
surprise appearance as Suit Direct launched its New Street store. He
she released a new single
joined journalists and influencers for a sneak peek at suits and blazers
ahead of her debut
from designers Marc Darcy, Ben Sherman, Gibson London and
studio album due out
Antique Rogue, as well as menswear from his own ranges. The store
next March. The single,
stocks a premium selection of both formal and casualwear brands
entitled Space, was
along with variety of accessories including shoes, ties and belts.
written by the Birmingham Living cover star who said the dance floor ballad gives ‘an insight into my life and who I am as a person’. Space follows the single, Heaven On My Mind, which saw Becky achieve
Picture: Delicious PR/Verum PR/Mark Radford Photography
more than 14 million streams and counting.
STATUES TO THE NHS A spectacular public art installation thanking
NHS staff and key workers during the pandemic has been revealed. Developed by leading public art producer Wild in Art, the installation titled Gratitude is due to open in Birmingham next July on the NHS’s official birthday. Gratitude features 49 human form sculptures individually designed by artists from around the country and sponsored by individuals and businesses in aid of NHS Charities Together.
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NEWS
WINDOW ON CHRISTMAS Seeing is believing when it comes to Christmas in the Jewellery Quarter. From 15 November to 31 December the JQBID has created a special Window Trail to celebrate the season. The trail guides visitors through the area’s historic streets, showcasing festive creations from local businesses along the way. The trail takes about an hour to complete on foot. #JQChristmas
PC’S GIFT OF LIFE A police officer who was seriously injured after he was run over by a thief in a stolen car has given Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s critical care unit a £1,500 ‘thank you’ for saving his life. PC Gareth Phillips of the Central Motorway Police Group, arranged for the group’s bear mascot to be reworked into badges which were then sold to the public. Gareth returned to the hospital to present the cheque to sister Ann O’Meara and nurse Hannah Nicholls, pictured, who treated him.
MACS POWER
The West Midlands’ favourite driving song has been revealed. Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way topped a poll of motorists in the region, ahead of ELO’s Mr Blue Sky and Highway to Hell by AC/DC. The poll commissioned by Select Car Leasing showed that drivers, regardless of age, preferred to get behind the wheel to power hits and ballads from the Seventies and Eighties rather than today’s chart-toppers.
YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL… Hundreds of theatre lovers ‘shall go to the ball’ in December if Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre gets its way. Rehearsals are underway for an 18th century-themed production of Cinderella which will be staged by keeping audience numbers limited to comply with safety guidelines. The show could be the only Christmas production in the city, said director Dewi Johnson, who added: “It's been a rough year but the amount of help we’ve had offered for this has been phenomenal and heart-warming.” Ticket details at https://www.crescent-theatre.co.uk/
‘OSCAR’ FOR CBSO The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and its music director Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla, pictured, won the coveted Recording of the Year title at the Gramophone Awards – classical music’s ‘Oscars’. The award was presented for the CBSO’s debut recording on Deutsche Grammophon of Mieczysław Weinberg’s Symphonies Nos 2 and 21. The win means the CBSO, which marks its centenary in 2020, is one of only three orchestras – with the Berlin Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra – to take the award four times.
GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk november 2020
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COVER STORY
RINGING THE CHANGES IAN BELL TELLS DAVID JOHNS WHY HE’S CALLED TIME ON HIS GLITTERING CRICKET
CAREER – AND REVEALS HIS PLANS FOR LIFE AFTER WARWICKSHIRE AND ENGLAND t some point, it’s going to hit me, Ian Bell admits. The Warwickshire and England batsman, for so long the mainstay in both winning teams, isn’t talking about a 90mph bouncer bowled by the likes of Aussie great, Glenn McGrath. Rather, he’s being realistic about the impact of retiring from the first-class game. For now, though, he sounds as chipper about spending more time with his family and helping out with jobs around the house as his batting looked when he was at his best. And, as all cricket lovers know, Ian Bell’s best was a splendid sight to behold! Time to declare an interest here. As a big fan myself, particularly of the red ball game, I’ve had the privilege of watching ‘Belly’ bat live several times for both club and country. I remember fondly, the times he strode to the crease for England and supporters
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could bet their next bottle of Bollinger that he’d deliver a high-class, high-scoring, innings. (Even when he missed out and went for a rare, low score, he did so with that elegant style that marked him out as a great player.) ASHES HIGHLIGHTS His most cherished moments, he says, include being Man of the Series in the 2013 Ashes against Australia where he scored three centuries. Yet by far his greatest memory was being part of an England side which claimed the Ashes down under. As for his life-long club, Ian says he has been “lucky enough to win every trophy there is to win” with Warwickshire. The highlight was scoring 100 and captaining the side to victory with a Man of the Match performance in a Lord’s one-day final.
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
But this year, time finally caught up with Belly’s body. Although still only 38, the latest in a series of operations which kept him out of action in 2019 “meant I realised this year that I couldn’t physically perform anymore at the level which I wanted and expected to play”. He announced his retirement in September, before his last red ball match against Glamorgan – where he was given a guard of honour by both sets of players and just missed out on a farewell, fairytale century, hitting 90. His final appearance was in a T20 match for Birmingham Bears. NO REGRETS Ian says: “I’ve left playing with no regrets. I’m not emotional about it. I have always tried to stay levelheaded through all the highs and lows that happen in a career for any sportsman. I gave everything to the game and I know for sure that each time I played I didn’t leave anything in the tank.” Ian grew up as a young boy in a sports-mad family, regularly watching Warwickshire play when the likes of the great Brian Lara and Allan Donald graced the Edgbaston pitch. “I played as many sports as possible as a boy.” he says. “But at age 14 I started to realise that I was really good at cricket. I played out of my age group and did well playing against 18-year-olds.” A mere two years later, he made his first team debut for Warwickshire, and the rest is history. Through his glittering career, Ian played 118 Tests, 161 one-day internationals and eight T20s for England and was part of five Ashes-winning sides. He scored 26 centuries and 81 fifties across all formats for his country. At Warwickshire, he won two County Championship titles, a One-Day Cup and the T20 Blast over 21 years. COACHING HOPE “Cricket has been a huge part of my life so yes, of course, I want to stay involved in the game and I’d really love to be involved in coaching somehow,” says Ian. “But what I don’t want is for the likes of Warwickshire to give me a coaching role just because I was an ex-player. I want to be given any coaching role because I have earned it.” Ian was involved in
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the England Under-19s coaching set-up last year and says he “thoroughly enjoyed” it. There’s also the possibility to get involved potentially in some TV work. “TV isn’t really me but it would be nice to do some bits and pieces,” he says. “I feel it is important after so many years in cricket to take a bit of a break from Warwickshire and do things which I haven’t been able to do much over the years – like the school run. I’ve been incredibly lucky that my wife, Chantal, has been supportive of my career and been very strong for all of us. As a player, especially as an England player, you are away from home for long periods of time. That can take its toll unless you have a really strong ongoing relationship.” Retirement could also present Ian with more time to indulge another sporting passion – his love of Aston Villa. “I look forward to spending as much time as I can watching more of the Villa – though the way things are right now with the pandemic, that’ll have to be on TV. It’d be nice though to maybe go to the Villa training ground, do some training and watch how they coach their players. There are always things you can pick up from good coaches in any sport.” THE GREATEST? Ian certainly seems to have the right make-up for a coaching role. “I’ve always handled pressure and criticism as a player in a balanced way. One of my strengths is that I am quite resilient and I never take anything personal. I guess I was lucky because during most of my time with England there was no Twitter, so you could only read criticism of you if you looked at a newspaper!” The final question of our interview was a predictable one, but it had to be asked nonetheless. Who’s the greatest player Ian’s ever played against? Despite facing Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar, it was only at the very end of their careers, says Ian. So, his top pick is Australia’s Ricky Ponting. “I saw him at his best when he was superb batting against people like Andrew Flintoff.” I
Pictures by Mike Sewell Photography
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FEATURE
BEATING THE BULLIES
A meeting with a violent male-dominated teenage gang set TV news presenter Suzanne Virdee on a mission to help free vulnerable young girls from vicious online abuse, while empowering them to be the best they can be
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FEATURE
uzanne Virdee is known to millions as the face of TV news. The Solihull-born journalist who grew up in Edgbaston has covered many of the major local, national and international news stories during her time as a presenter, first with BBC and now with ITV. But, we wonder, is there more to reading the news than… well… just reading the news? Do any of the stories go deeper than merely being words to read off the autocue? For Suzanne, the answer is a big, firm “Yes!” Five years ago, she went to cover an event set up by police to work with teenage gangs looking into the causes of street violence and how to reduce it. What Suzanne found surprising, intriguing and concerning was the police’s description of the relationship between violent young males and teenage girls who seemed to feel the need to attach themselves to the gang culture.
S
BLIND LOYALTY Suzanne wanted to know more about the relationships that create such apparently blind loyalty – and what she discovered led her to write about the growing perils of social media pressure and cyber-bullying facing young girls, and how they should confront it in a book entitled A Girl’s Guide To Being Fabulous! That was then, and this is now… because Suzanne has just released her second book, A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome. The new book is billed as empowering girls not to just survive their teen years but to thrive by tackling all the tricky topics that growing up in the 21st Century brings – including how to deal with the 24/7 noise of social media, the impact of easily accessible online porn, relationships, body image and self-esteem, plus how to cope with the pressure of school work and working out what you want to achieve in life. “My book is a girl’s personal cheerleader – because it informs, inspires, and boosts confidence,” said Suzanne. “My message to all girls is that it doesn’t matter where you are now, it’s where you’re going that counts.”
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Suzanne’s own journey has seen her progress from working on local papers at 18 to regional dailies and radio before a long period working at BBC News with the likes of Nick Owen and then onto ITV London and national news programmes. She lives in Redditch with her professional photographer husband Andrew and says she feels “privileged” that Birmingham has given many opportunities during her career, allowing her to meet everyone from Prime Ministers to pop stars as well as the public at large. Of her books, she says: “The first one was selfpublished, but the new one has been produced by a proper publisher and the content is more interactive for the times. When I did the first book people wouldn’t talk much about the pressures on young girls, now everyone is more aware of it. Lots of things have come out in the past few years that had been hidden for so long – like the sexual assaults going on in our schools.” LITTLE MIX The huge rise in vicious trolling and cyber bullying on social media is well reported in the media these days and is particularly highlighted when the targets are high-profile celebrities such as Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson, who admitted on a recent TV documentary that fat-shaming from online trolls had made her want to die. Suzanne said: “Jesy talked about how she was bombarded on social media which had gotten to her to the point of desperation. She also explained how she had learned that she had to just block them. “I love social media, but it’s about working out how it affects you as an individual. If girls are fearful, then just don’t look at it. If you feel you are addicted to it, don’t be. It’s so easy for young girls to get sucked into what they should be like when they see so many gorgeous-looking people on social media.”
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FEATURE
Suzanne is talking to safe-guarding organisations such as Cherished Birmingham as well as reaching out to councils to get her book into the hands of vulnerable teenage girls and says she would also love to see her guide turned into a series of TV films or podcasts. Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe with 40 per cent of the population under 25 and Suzanne said: “I want our next generation of girls to feel as happy here as I did growing up and inspired too to achieve their dreams.” To become awesome, in fact… I A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome! is aimed at girls aged 11 upwards and is published by Summersdale, priced at £9.99.
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FOOD & DRINK
SANTI PLAZAS Love and passion are the key ingredients in creating wonderful dishes, says the head chef at one of Birmingham’s newest venues, the Pineapple Club
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CHEF’S CORNER
Is the customer always right? You always try your very best to satisfy your customers. Nothing is more important to me than making people happy with my food. Share a cooking tip To cook with love, passion and enjoy what you are doing.
Tell us about your cooking My style of food is derived from many corners of the world, bringing together multiple different flavours to create a unique fusion. I’m always excited by the idea of learning new things and showcasing new techniques and skills to make people happy. How did you become a chef? I trained in Spain in a small restaurant after I had finished secondary school but also had a passion to cook for my younger sister and learn new recipes to make for her. I left for the army for five years and then came to the UK where I worked at El Barracho and began to train more in food with the head chef at the time, Nacho Castells. What do you eat when at home? I love to eat and create Italian food which I share with my family as we are all very close. My wife Pamela is Argentinian and also loves to cook traditional Argentinian dishes. Who’s the best chef in the world and why? And who’s the best in Brum? Joan Roca is my favourite chef because he started in his family business and has worked his way up, constantly involving his family with his success. In Birmingham, I admire Leo Kattou from Simpsons restaurant. He also started working with food from a young age, taking his skills and knowledge to further his career, while also being a good person.
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What was your favourite food as a kid? I have great memories of my father cooking lamb and the house would smell strongly of the wonderful aroma – although it was a dish my mother didn’t enjoy… Food heaven and food hell? Heaven would be a luxury kitchen, so I can have all the resources to create and experiment. I don’t dislike anything in the food world, but it’s best to keep me away from peanuts and prawns to prevent an allergic reaction! What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten? Cow tongue, which is a traditional Argentinian dish. It was tasty but the texture was very strange! Sea urchin straight from the sea also has an extremely strong flavor. If you weren’t a chef, what would you be? Still in the army, as this was my other passion. But if I could start over, I would love to be a vet. What do you recommend from this evening’s menu? The Colombian Arepas. It’s fantastic and allows me to showcase my heritage. How are you adapting to the Covid-19 restrictions? We are going to be offering more deals for two to encourage households to still dine together. We always maintain the safety of those around us, including our guests and staff. I The Pineapple Club Cocktail Bar & Beer Boutique, Unit 16 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU. pineapplebrum.co.uk
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SEASON’S EATINGS
PERFECT CHICKEN PIE When it’s cold outside, warm yourself up with this simple, hearty recipe
up, winter’s coming. When you start getting chilled to the bone it’s time to forget the salads and warm up your soul with a hearty pie. This little recipe is a much-loved favourite at Rock Hopper Towers. It’s speedy, simple and bloomin’ delicious.
Y
Ingredients
I 350g cooked chicken, chopped
I 75g smoked bacon, finely chopped
I 75g mushrooms, sliced
I 25g flour
I 25g butter
I 350ml chicken stock I 75ml cream
I Salt and black pepper I Beaten egg to glaze
I 1 medium onion, finely chopped I 2 tablespoons of brand
I I tablespoon finely chopped parsley
I 1 pack fresh ready-rolled puff pastry
Method Melt the butter in a large saucepan and gently sauté the onion for five minutes, then add the mushrooms to soften for another five minutes. Using a draining spoon, remove to a plate. Next add the bacon and fry until pale gold at the edges then return the mushrooms, onion and any juices and sprinkle in the flour. Using a wooden spoon, sprinkle in the flour and stir so it soaks up all the juices. Add the chicken stock a little at a time, stirring as you go until all the stock has been incorporated. When you have a thick sauce, add the parsley cream and brandy. Season, remove from the heat and allow to completely cool. When you’re ready to cook, mix the chicken into the cold sauce, put in an oven-proof dish and top with the ready rolled pastry. Brush the edges with the beaten egg yolk and make a cross in the middle to allow the steam to escape. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees/180 degree fan and cook for around 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Serve with potatoes and green vegetables (or a salad if you must).
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
BISTROT PIERRE 46 Gas Street, Birmingham, B1 2JT. Tel: 0121 616 0730 www.bistrotpierre.co.uk/locations/birmingham/ nother day, another Tier 2 compliant trip to a restaurant thanking the Lord we love the people we live with. We’d been wowed by the Sunday lunch at Bistrot Pierre previously, so expected good things from dinner. First things first, Covid shenanigans were top notch with hand gel, masked staff, easy online inputting of tracing details, wellspaced tables and Perspex screens. Depressing, but reassuring. The oh-so-trendy small plate scenario was out in force and at £11 for three plates we went in hard. Chunky homemade humous was so damn fine we resorted to using a finger to polish off the lot while a Croque Monsieur croquette was comfort food at its best – gooey cheese, ham, mustard, breadcrumbs – the stuff of dreams. Punchy mini chorizo all sticky with sweet honey hit the spot beautifully and in truth, we should have ordered more. From here on in we went for classic French bistro fodder with steak frites doing the job brilliantly. Seared bavette cooked pink, served with crunchy salty chips – there is nothing not to love about that. Bistrot Pierre has been serving boeuf bourguignon for 25 years, so it would have been rude not to. Warming, tender, rich it was seriously good. The mash was of the smooth cheffy sort that’s impossible to
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recreate properly at home – and yes we have a ricer – while sweet roasted carrots were the cherry on the cake. We didn’t sample dessert this time but highly recommend the crepes based on our last trip. We reckon French classics are the way to go here. It’s not fine dining – the clue’s in the name – but it’s a good place to be. Tried and tested tasty dishes are done really well and the vibe is relaxed and happy even with the Covid measures. I
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FOOD & DRINK
NIBBLES and SHORTS
BIRMINGHAM’S BARS AND RESTAURANTS ARE SHOWING HOW TO ADAPT TO THESE CHALLENGING TIMES, WHILE HELPING LOCAL COMMUNITIES LIKE NEVER BEFORE
FOOD SUPREMO HEADS CHAMBER The chief executive of one of the UK’s biggest wholesale food businesses is the new president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. Dr Jason Wouhra takes over the role from Wow Group chief executive Qasim Majid. Dr Wouhra is CEO of the recently-established Lioncroft Wholesale Limited (trading as East End Wholesale Stores) and re-purchased East End Foods’ wholesale division.
JUNK FOOD POP UP The Real Junk Food Project is taking over the Hive Café & Bakery for a regular monthly community café pop-up for Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The popup on 14 November and 12 December offers homecooked lunches using good quality donated food that otherwise would have gone to landfill. The Real Junk Food Project takes waste food from supermarkets, manufacturers and
SIXWAYS TO FINE DINING The EBC XV Club at Sixways Stadium, home of Worcester Warriors, has been transformed into a fine-dining brasserie. The restaurant offers new menus, cooked and crafted by its team of in-house chefs. Diners can book in for dinner every Friday and Saturday night between 5pm and 10pm and between 12pm and 5pm for Sunday lunch.
GAME ON FOR MPW
Marco Pierre White has unveiled a new menu at his Birmingham Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant based around gameinspired dishes. Combining traditional British recipes with classic French cooking techniques, Marco said: “The wonderful thing about cooking wild produce is the richness and depth of flavour, something you simply will not find in intensely farmed foods, along with the versatility of the dishes.”
REOPENING SUCCESS
Fazenda Rodizio Bar and Grill Birmingham has continued to adapt to life with Covid-19 with measures to keep guests safe while dining. The South American bar and grill in Colmore Row, has reported a successful period of trading after reopening in the summer, experiencing a high demand in bookings as a result of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
suppliers, to redistribute around Birmingham in food boxes and events catering.
LEGEND INSPIRES NEW MENU
DID SOMEONE SAY FIZZ FRIDAY? The Hyatt Hotel’s Gentlemen and Scholar bar is adding some real fizz to Friday for customers. The bar has launched Fizz Fridays which feature a 25 per cent discount off selected Cava and Prosecco. What better way to get the weekend off to a bubbly start, sipping fizz on the terrace with views over Birmingham?
Contemporary Birmingham Chinese restaurant, Tattu, has unveiled a new winter à la carte menu. Developed in partnership with executive chef Andrew Lassetter, Winter at Tattu is inspired by the Chinese waterfall legend which tells a story of overcoming adversity and showing resilience and strength – a poignant message for the current times. The new à la carte features a total of 11 new and returning favourites from dim sum and small plates through to dessert.
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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH
TROPICAL GETAWAY The Koh Samui delivers the flavours of an exotic Asian island without stepping out of your own home e may not be able to travel very far at the moment, so why not transport yourself to a tropical Asian island with this cheeky little number from the guys at Chung Ying Central. The Koh Samui features vodka and apricot brandy in a truly delicious offering with a nice little kick thrown in. As always, drink responsibly. I
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INGREDIENTS: I 25ml vodka
I 25ml apricot brandy I 25ml orange juice
I 25ml white peach puree I 12.5ml lemon juice
METHOD: Shake with ice and strain into a hiball glass. Top with lemonade. Garnish with tropical fruit. Slip on a bathing suit and enjoy‌
Chung Ying Central, 126 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AP. Tel: 0121 400 0888 www.chungying.co.uk
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FOOD & DRINK
BONFIRE NIGHT WINES ROB PRICE GETS FIRED UP FOR NOVEMBER WITH A SELECTION OF TOP TIPPLES GUARANTEED TO DELIVER FIREWORKS ON YOUR PALATE
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here’s nothing better on a cold autumn evening than a warm fire with a glass of red wine. As we socially distance around our bonfires, with sparklers in hand, marveling at the night sky at it explodes with colour – I’m looking forward to another glass of red wine as I warm back up in the comfort of my home. I feel the need for some robust and potent red wine, perhaps with some firm hard cheese – helping to release the numbness and tingling of my fingers and toes. Must stop wearing those sandals! To select these powerful red wines, we need to head to warmer climates. Countries that have sun, countries where you need sunscreen when you step out into the midday sun. I’m sure we’ve all tried Barossa Shiraz, Malbec from Mendoza or perhaps Californian Merlot, so I’m looking for something more off the beaten track.
T
MACEDONIAN MEANDERER I might meander through Macedonia, sampling wine produced from the Xinomavro grape. The best region here is Naoussa, making fantastic Greek wine. The quality is high and so far removed from the cheap stuff (and Retsina) we drink on holiday there. Now suitably refreshed I then, bearing a gift of course, head over to the Turkish island of Bozcaada, (originally a Greek island called Tenedos). This is reputed to be the hiding place for the Greek ships in the famous battle for Troy, which happened on the Turkish mainland not far away. The main wineries located on Bozcaada are Corvus, Amadeus, and Calimbag. Generally international varieties are used, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, along with local varieties like Kuntra, Karalahna. Now in my post-Covid world I’m going to fly to Hilltops wine region in New South Wales, Australia. For Australia this is a reasonably cool climate on account that vineyards are planted at an altitude of around 450 metres. Some excellent wineries, including McWilliam’s Freeman Vineyards and Lockwood.
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FOOD & DRINK
CRACKERS
MCW 480 HILLTOPS, AUSTRALIA, CABERNET SAUVIGNON A stunning, elegant red wine from vineyards with an altitude of 480m. Everything you want from a classy Cab Sav. Great Wine Co sells for £15.50.
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LEYDA RESERVE PINOT NOIR Silky tannins, spicy and herbal. A challenging grape, but here they make it to perfection. Chilean wine at its best. Wines Direct has the 2019 vintage for £14.95.
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THYMIOPOLOUS XINOMAVRO A Greek wine from Naoussa. Mouth-watering, bursting with cherry and black currant fruit. The Wine Society sells for £10.95.
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KAAPZICHT PINOTAGE Wonderfully complex, with a long smooth finish that lingers in your mouth. Textbook Pinotage from one of the best wineries in South Africa. Frazier’s sells for £18.99.
Realised flying takes too long so now I’m going to teleport (in Star Trek fashion) and boldly go to Chile and visit a new wine region called Leyda Valley. Next to the more famous and established region of Casablanca, Leyda valley is a cool climate region producing excellent Pinot Noir. Chile is now producing many more wines in ‘cooler’ climate regions, and as well as Leyda, Casablanca, you can look for Bio Bio and Itata – all making quite superb wine. Now exhausted I wake up from my dream just in time to recommend you four lovely red wines for you to fall asleep with…I Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company offering fun, informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, and Warwick. More information from Rob Price, 0121 270 7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com and check out a host of new, exciting features.
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HEALTH
GIVE IT UP FOR A LONGER LIFE NO MORE EXCUSES – IT’S TOO IMPORTANT! IT’S TIME TO QUIT SMOKING FOR GOOD
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HEALTH
n case you missed it, last month was ‘Stoptober’ aimed at encouraging smokers to quit. What with all the added stresses and strains in life at the moment, it just didn’t feel quite like the right time to us to ask smokers to take on the additional challenge of kicking the evil weed. So, if you promised yourself that you’d wait a little longer but definitely stop in the New Year, here’s our guide – with help from the NHS – to help you make sure you pass the test… Giving up smoking will add an average 10 years to your life expectancy according to medical experts and there are some simple steps you can take to change your lifestyle and help you resist the temptation to light up.
I
Think positive – You might have tried to quit smoking before and not managed it but don’t let that put you off. Look back at the things your experience has taught you and think about how you’re really going to do it this time. Make a plan and stick to it – Prepare for the day you quit and avoid temptation. Choose a quit date that’s unlikely to be stressful and make sure you don’t have any cigarettes, lighters or matches on you. Avoid places where people around you might be smoking. Make a list of reasons to quit – Keep reminding yourself why you made the decision to give up: cleaner lungs, stronger heart, extra money in your pocket. Identify when you crave cigarettes – A craving can last five minutes. Before you give up, make a list of when you are most likely to crave a cigarette and plan five-minute strategies. This could be as simple as planning a change of scene and getting some fresh air. Think about your diet – Is your after-dinner cigarette your favourite? You may want to change your routine at or after mealtimes. Watch what you drink – Fizzy drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better. So, when you’re out, drink more water and juice.
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JUST SOME OF THE BENEFITS Stopping smoking lets you breathe more easily. Lung capacity improves by up to 10 per cent within nine months. Stopping smoking gives you more energy. Within two to 12 weeks of stopping smoking, your blood circulation improves. This makes all physical activity, including walking and running, much easier. Your immune system gets a boost, making it easier to fight off colds and flu. The increase in oxygen in the body can also reduce tiredness and the likelihood of headaches. Stress is reduced. It’s a scientific fact that people’s stress levels are lower after they stop smoking. Your sex life will get better: Stopping smoking improves the body's blood flow, so improves sensitivity. Fertility is improved. Non-smokers find it easier to get pregnant. Quitting smoking helps the lining of the womb and can make men’s sperm more potent. Smell and taste are heightened. When you stop smoking, your senses of smell and taste get a boost as your mouth and nose recover from being dulled by the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes. Your skin looks younger. Stopping smoking can reverse the sallow, lined complexion smokers often have by boosting nutrients, including oxygen. You’ll be protecting your loved ones. Breathing in secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. In children, it doubles the risk of getting chest illnesses, including pneumonia, ear infections, wheezing and asthma.
Get some support – Call a friend or relative to get some support. There’s also support available from your local stop smoking service. Fresh air – Going for a five-minute walk not only helps clear your head and lungs but helps your brain produce anti-craving chemicals. Keep your hands and mouth busy – Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can double your chances of success. As well as patches, there are tablets, lozenges, gum and a nasal spray. I For free support call the NHS Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044
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HEALTH
GLITTER FITTER TO GET
STRICTLY IS BACK ON OUR TV SCREENS AND LOST AMONG ALL THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR IS THE FACT THAT DANCING GETS YOU REALLY FIT
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HEALTH
ust ask the celebs who’ve been part of the biggest show on TV over the years – dancing gets you seriously fit and helps you lose shedloads of weight. This year’s line-up, which includes Redditch’s very own former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith paired with the legend that is Anton du Beke, faces weeks of gruelling training in the race to win the glitterball trophy. Hopefully, they’ll find dancing great fun as well brilliant exercise – which is why if you’re looking to dump a dollop of pre-Christmas weight and have a blast on the way, while making a whole host of new friends, then… get dancing!
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HERE ARE JUST SOME OF BENEFITS:
I Calorie and fat burning: Dancing is a great way to raise your heart rate. You can burn more than 400 calories an hour, helping with weight management. I Improved coordination, agility and flexibility: Often your upper body and arms are moving in one direction, while your lower body and legs are doing something completely different. Keeping agile and flexible is especially important to maintain as you grow older. I Improve concentration: Dancing is a mind workout too as you learn and remember new steps. I Full body workout: Aside from heart-health benefits, dance provides a workout for the whole body. From head and shoulder rolls that loosen up the neck and warm up the upper body, to footwork that strengthens and stretches calves and ankles.
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I Improved muscle tone and strength: Dancing really makes your muscles work hard, which helps to maintain and improve strength. I Strengthen bones: Stronger bones helps reduce risk of osteoporosis. I Increased aerobic fitness: Moving to the music is fantastic for aerobic fitness, building endurance and increasing the condition of your heart and lungs. I Stress buster: Dance movement releases endorphins, improving your mood and helping reduce depression and anxiety. I Increased confidence: Feel good in your body and mind and you will feel more confident too. I Makes exercise fun: You might find it hard to get excited about hopping on a treadmill but dancing is so much fun you’ll actually want to keep coming back for more. I It’s for everyone: There are classes for all levels and types, kids to grandparents. I It’s social: Pandemic permitting, dancing provides a great way to meet fun and like-minded people. So, if you’re feeling inspired and want to learn a new skill, get fit and meet new people, dancing could be a great form of exercise for you. I
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BOOTS GLORIOUS BOOTS KICK ASS
Boots and clothing from Miss Selfridge
POP YOUR TOES AWAY, THE SEASON OF THE BELOVED BOOT HAS LANDED… AND WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER 30 birmingham living
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STYLE
CHUNKY HEEL
Heeled biker boots £28, George at Asda
p there with a great winter coat, a gorgeous boot is the thing that can set your outfit apart elevating it from decent to showstopping. Comfortable (mainly), practical and chic, the boot is your sartorial best friend. We’ve had a mooch through the best of this season to bring you our top picks. One example shines out above the rest in one beautifully formed brogue/boot – the Chloe brown leather ankle boot, pictured, has just the right amount of heel to inject a subtle swagger yet it’s incredibly comfortable and versatile. The only snag is the price tag, but we reckon
U
ZIP IT
Chunky boot £42.99, Topshop
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BUCKLE UP Pagola boot £190, Dune
LACE UP
Chloe brown leather boot £860, Harvey Nichols
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STYLE
they’ll be featuring heavily in your wardrobe for years, so could be a canny investment piece. Block heels are big this season as well as Seventies-inspired platforms (see Stella McCartney) where style meets practicality. Flat chunky soles are everywhere, offering a hefty dose of kick ass to proceedings with some buckled and adorned, others timeless lace-ups. Croc effect is a thing with some great examples from blue block heeled varieties at M&S to cute tan kitten heels at Mercedes Castillo. Never underestimate tan as a valuable staple in your wardrobe. Its ability to slot into any outfit is not to be sniffed at, so if you don’t already own at least one pair of gorgeous tan boots, consider making a purchase. I
BLOCK PARTY
Attraction boot £95, Office
COLOUR POP Freya boot £339, Carel
TWINKLE TOES
CUT OUT
Dress and boots from Wallis
Gold square toe boots £110, Oliver Bonas
HIGH SHINE
Black faux croc square toe £32.99, New Look
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WELL HEELED
Burberry panelled suede and lambskin ankle boot £990, Harvey Nichols
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STYLE
RIGHT STRIPES
Tiger boots from Oasis
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STYLE
TRUE BLUE
Croc effect boot £69, M&S
ROCK CHICK
Adjust boot £95, Office
TANTASTIC
Ankle boots £70, Monsoon
TOE CAP
Mellie black toe cap boot £89.99, Topshop
YEE HAW
White leather cowboy boots £99.50, Oliver Bonas
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STYLE
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Selsie boots £220, Dune
COWGIRL VIBES
Taffy boot £165, Dune
ON POINT
Berry pointed boot £49, Wallis
MOCK CROC
Mercedes Castillo Valerie 50 croc effect boot £525, Harvey Nichols
COUNTRY GIRL
Clothing and boots from Joules
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CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN 2 BEAUTY
1
Advent calendars have
moved on since the days of chocolate blobs behind
every door and the beauty industry leads the pack
releasing stunning versions every year. We’ve picked a handful of the best
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1. SELFRIDGES ADVENT CALENDAR £210, SELFRIDGES The only calendar with multiple brands that we’ve included. If you fancy a surprise every day – in a good way – this is the one. Featuring brands such as Huda, MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Morphe and Penhaligons, among others, it’s a cracker!
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2. ESPA NO PLACE LIKE HOME ADVENT CALENDAR £145, HARVEY NICHOLS There’s something about the scent of ESPA products that puts us in a spa mood immediately. To have a taste of that daily throughout December is something we are absolutely here for. A really good mix of products for skin, body and mind. 3. VALMONT ADVENT CALENDAR £294, HARVEY NICHOLS We confess, we haven’t seen this in the flesh but we really rate Swiss brand Valmont. This is a great opportunity to sample the skincare range in miniatures to see what works for you before investing in full-size product.
4. JO MALONE ADVENT CALENDAR £320, JO MALONE LONDON, GRAND CENTRAL Twenty-four of your faves in miniature form – travel size bath and body products, mini candles and fragrances. There’s something extra special behind number 24. We could tell you, but we’d have to kill you. 5. CLARINS 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS £60, JOHN LEWIS All the Clarins faves are here, like the iconic Beauty Flash Balm and Hand and Nail treatment. There are two full-size products – Natural Lip Perfector and the SOS primer – plus 10 miniatures. A great mix of products that won’t break the bank.
6. HEAVEN SKINCARE 12 DAYS TO PERFECT SKIN £100, HTTP://SHOP.HEAVENSKINCARE.COM From the local luxury skincare brand, there’s a travel size product behind each door, including the famous Bee Venom mask. You’ll be glowing by Christmas day.
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7. KIEHL’S X SELFRIDGES ADVENT CALENDAR £189, EXCLUSIVE TO SELFRIDGES As well as looking like a work of art, this is packed with Kiehl’s top products, 11 of which are full-size plus 13 deluxe samples. Probably our favourite this year.
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BHAM_ (Page 40) menstyle:Layout 1
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STYLE FOR MEN
SLIM PICKING Marc Darcy Blue Herringbone Slim Fit, Suit Direct, New Street
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SUITS YOU LEFT FIELD English fit wool cashmere and linen jacket £2,290 and trousers £890, Harvey Nichols
DONE WITH LOCKDOWN LOUNGEWEAR, WE’RE INVESTING IN A SHARP SUIT BECAUSE WHY NOT? eetings in real life and dos that require a suit might be less prevalent than pre-2020 levels, but we’re making an effort, picking ourselves up and investing in a suit that will inject some vim. For months, we’ve flip-flopped between elasticated waists and sports gear – anyone else practically a professional athlete? We’ve shed two stone and we’re in Men’s Health cover territory(ish), so frankly our pre-lockdown suits are more Tom Hanks in Big than James Bond. Needs must. Suits vary wildly in terms of cost. On the high street you can pick up a suit for anything from £80 if you’re prepared to forego the personal touch. The cut and fit is everything, so try before you buy and be picky. Obviously, the ultimate experience is a bespoke suit that fits like a glove and to a certain extent you get what you pay for. Check out Brum’s own Clements and Church. Somewhere in between high street and bespoke is off-the-peg, but with a personal touch. Suits Direct has opened on New Street which has a bucket load of choice and staff that know their stuff. Decisions, decisions… I
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MINIMUM FUSS Marc Darcy Jenson suit from Suits Direct, New Street
CHECK MATE Grey and violet woollen two piece £249.99, TK Maxx
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STYLE FOR MEN
BLUE BROTHER Blue metallic suit £79.99, TK Maxx
HIGH STREET Suits from Primark
IF IT AIN’T BROKE Saville Row-inspired jacket £180 and trousers £119, M&S
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ng il viHOMES
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COSY CORNER Brighton corner sofa £1,099, Oak Furnitureland
LOUNGE LOVER
HOME SWEET HOME IS THE ONE AREA OF OUR LIFE WE’RE ABLE TO CONTROL AND WE’RE GOING FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT WITH A SMATTERING OF HIGH STYLE
e’ve learned that one of the consequences of a global pandemic is we’ll be spending a lot of time at home. During the glorious summer the garden was our best friend, now it’s very much the sofa that has developed a permanent bottomshaped dent and Netflix that’s almost exhausted. Our immediate surroundings have become more important than ever with home improvements rocketing during lockdown. The lounge is our sanctuary, an escape,
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VELVET LUXE Mya Simply Velvet sofa in indigo blue £699, DFS
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HOMES
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HOMES
and we want to look around and feel cosy and chilled – or, at least, as chilled as it’s possible to be these days! We’ve pulled together some inspiration for your dream lounge where the sofa is surely king. Try before you buy is a good mantra and we recommend sitting like you normally relax on the sofa, not like you’re at a job interview. Check whether you need an appointment first and obviously wear a mask. Happy shopping. I
ART DECO VIBES Bloomingdale deco curve chair, Amara
SOFA BED Langland sofa bed in aqua clean oban £3,906, Sofas & Stuff
SPACE ACE Cream sofa £2,060, LuxDeco
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HOMES
GREEN DREAM Hallie sofa £599, Sofology
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HOMES
TWO IN ONE Fly lounge with table £1,325, Nest
BIG SOFTIE Big Softie in cord forest £5,935, Sofas & Stuff
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HOMES
AFTER DARK Velvet leopard print Effie chair ÂŁ419, Cult Furniture
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HOMES
CANDLE LIGHT Blue glass candle holder £8, Wilko
MONO WOW Vitra wall hanging £270, Nest
COLOUR POP Artisan table lamp £1,247, Fritz Fryer
PURPLE PATCH Soft Harris tweed cushion £68, The World in Cushions
FINISHING TOUCHES
BASKET CASE Woven basket £8, Wilko
ADD SOME ACCESSORIES TO YOUR LOUNGE FOR THE ULTIMATE HUNKERING DOWN EXPERIENCE. HAPPY HIBERNATING!
RAZZLE TASSEL Ero Drum velvet tassel pendant £48, Oliver Bonas
REAL TEAL Ella Accent chair £239, Cult Furniture
ON THE WALL Luna wall hanging £35, Oliver Bonas
PRINTS CHARMING Colour block cushion £12.99, HomeSense
HOME SWEET HOME Vitra embroidered pillow £149, Nest
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RIGHT LIGHTS Antler table lamp £45, Matalan
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MOTORING
ACE IN THE PACK SUZUKI IS IN THE TOP THREE BRANDS FOR RELIABILITY ACCORDING TO A
WHICH? SURVEY OF CAR OWNERS – MAKING THE NEW S-CROSS HYBRID A MUST-HAVE ON ANY POTENTIAL 4X4 WISH LIST, SAYS SUE COOKE n the Which? magazine brand reliability test by age of vehicle, Suzuki sits in the top three of manufacturers where owners voted their zero-to-three years and three-to-eight years cars with five stars. Which? says that Suzuki builds its cars to last – and clearly the people who drive them agree! (The top two, incidentally, are fellow Japanese brands Lexus and Toyota.) The Which? study shows that petrol hybrids are seen as the most reliable type of car you can buy. Cars that combine an electric motor and a petrol combustion engine are more resilient to faults apparently. So, the revised 2020 Suzuki S-Cross with hybrid technology should definitely be on your wish list. The first S-Cross went on sale in October 2013 offering three grades, SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5. The new crossover is a stylish looking car with five doors and has the world’s first double sliding panoramic glass sunroof, boasting the largest opening area in this category and making the cabin very light and airy
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A large boot, one of the biggest in its class, is capable of holding 430 litres, increasing to 875 litres with seats folded. There are two side storage bays which I found useful for placing small plant pots and keeping them upright. A false floor will hide any valuables. My rear passengers decided to set back the angle on the rear seats and commented on the high levels of comfort as they dozed off. I found the front seats comfortable too. Standard equipment for all models is comprehensive and the entry model includes LED projector headlights for low and high beam, Auto headlights and wipers, alloy wheels, DAB radio with CD, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Adaptive Cruise Control, dual-zone auto air conditioning and front and rear electric windows. This year, as the Japanese company celebrates its 50th anniversary of the Suzuki 4x4, every model is offered with 4x4 availability. Suzuki is the only brand that offers this. Which? magazine does comment that some Suzuki models lack key safety equipment but the revised
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MOTORING
S-Cross has seven airbags as standard and a high level of standard safety specification, including the collision mitigating Radar Brake Support as standard. This monitors the road ahead in darkness, rain or bad weather and will warn, use brake assist and automatically brake in an emergency. WINNING COMBINATION The 1.4-litre petrol engine has been revised this year to combine with a 48V lithium ion battery and converter which sit under the front seats. The battery stores electrical energy on deceleration and braking or coasting downhill, which helps to achieve optimum engine power, improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. I found the power and torque quite surprising. The six-speed manual transmission has very close gear shifts but operated smoothly and positively during my week of road testing. There are some luxury brands which owners rate the least reliable, so perhaps now is the time for change and with the guidance of current owners, go for the Suzuki brand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the one with top five-star ratings! I
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FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model: Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid Performance: 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 118mph Engine: 1.4-litre Boosterjet SZT Hybrid CO2 emissions: 127g/km (WLTP) Combined fuel consumption: 0.1mpg (WLTP) Price: ÂŁ23,749 otr
SHOWROOM Sutton Park Suzuki, 390 College Road, Birmingham, B44 0HH. Tel: 0121 272 1234 www.suttonparkgroup.co.uk
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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE
CASEY BAILEY BIRMINGHAM’S POET LAUREATE TALKS BIG LOVE FOR HIS HOME TOWN, PULLING DOWN BARRIERS AND PUSHING INCLUSIVITY e reckon if anyone can boost the coolness of poetry, it’s Casey Bailey. Teacher, rapper, song writer, playwright, champion of Brum, he’s no one trick poetry pony. The recently-appointed Poet Laureate is keen to get poetry out to the masses, making it more accessible and pulling down barriers. Casey explains: “People from lower socio-economic groups and sadly black people feel restricted and just not part of literature. Poetry nights tend to be on the third floor of a café inaccessible to anyone with disabilities.” Casey is determined to change this. In essence, the Poet Laureate appointment is an extension of what Casey already does. As well as writing and performing, he’s an assistant head teacher in a secondary school and has been instrumental in pulling pupils into poetry as well as pushing the safeguarding, pastoral and behaviour agendas in the school. Casey created an extracurricular group called Baileys Rap and Poetry Club whose members are predominantly boys disengaged from literature. The club takes in different writing techniques and has generally peaked the pupils’ interest.
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DEPRIVATION Casey was born and raised in Nechells and observed the effects of deprivation first-hand, so he knows a bit about what some youngsters are up against and is committed to breaking the cycle. The media narrative towards the end of the summer which portrayed teachers as not wanting to teach doesn’t sit pretty or ring true with Casey. “That, followed by a backlash against the arts is really sad. There’s a lack of appreciation of the arts and artists find that they need to justify themselves.” His own introduction to poetry at school left Casey cold and his route in was via music and his days as a
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young MC ‘spitting bars in bedroom studios’ and at underground raves. Writing music is still something Casey does for himself as well as penning songs for other people. Expect a new EP by the end of 2020. There’s also a play, Grime Boy due to open at Birmingham REP and the Belgrade in Coventry as soon as the restrictions on live performances are lifted. The play tells the story of an inner city teen growing up in Birmingham in the mid-2000s full of ambition to be the greatest grime MC. WORKSHOP The play was spawned at a 12-week workshop designed to develop the presentation of spoken word poetry in theatre. Titled Poetic Theatre Makers, the workshop was the first of its kind in the UK and was produced by Apples and Snakes in collaboration with Birmingham REP. Casey was also selected to be member of Bush Theatre’s Emerging Writers Group which supports writers over a period of time encouraging work on full length plays. In terms of ambition, Casey says he doesn’t look beyond where he is, “it’s more about continuity and relevance to myself and other people”. Never tempted to move to London to chase the breaks, Casey says: “We sometimes look outside ourselves for reasons why something isn’t working. Yes, the breaks are bigger in London, but they’re fewer and it’s more saturated.” In any case, Casey says the poetry/spoken word scene in Brum is thriving – or it was pre-pandemic. If you haven’t already, we urge you to have a listen to Dear Birmingham or Midlander or The Ballad of The Peaky Blinders on YouTube. They’re goose bumpinducing magnificent… I
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Picture by Paul Stringer november 2020
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GROWING PLACES
FUND-RAISING THROUGH LOCKDOWN
TRIPLE WIN
One of the region’s young golfers has qualified for the IMG Junior World Golf Championship for the third year in a row. Tenyear-old Hayden Sarfo won the national qualifying event at Bourn Golf Club, Cambridge – becoming the only junior golfer to have claimed a hat-trick of qualifiers. Hayden shot a score of 76, five shots clear of the field. He will now travel to Torrey Pines Golf Club in San Diego next year to compete for the world title.
Pupils at Blue Coat School raised more than £3,000 for NICE – Centre for Movement Disorders. Although the school’s official fund-raising day was unable to go ahead, the girls in St Margaret’s House managed to complete various sponsored activities, including sponsored cycle rides, cake sales, dog walking, gardening… and more. The charity promotes an active lifestyle and opportunities for people suffering from neurological movement disorders.
SCHOOL REPORT
TALK OF THE TOWN Bromsgrove School and the Welsh town of Llanwrtyd Wells celebrated their combined history, 80 years on. At the start of the Second World War, the Senior School was evacuated to the town, and on September 20, 1940, Bromsgrove Junior School opened its doors with 16 pupils. The Junior School flourished and it now has more than 500 pupils. To commemorate the anniversary some of the school’s staff took on the challenge of cycling the round trip from Bromsgrove to Llanwrtyd Wells – a distance of 180 miles!
INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER Moreton School’s head of spoken English, Merriel Halsall-Williams, has been nominated for a Fellowship of the Girls’ Schools Association Award. Miss Halsall-Williams has been involved with the English Speaking Board for 60 years and her impact on public speaking has been described as ‘unique and immeasurable’. The Girls’ Schools Association encourages high standards of education for girls and promotes the benefits of being taught in a largely girlsonly environment. Fellows are typically nominated for being inspirational individuals.
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GROWING PLACES
PLUGGING THE GAP Birmingham City University welcomed its first group of nursing apprentices this year, allowing them to earn as they learn. The Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship is a work-integrated degree which allows the students to train to become graduate registered nurses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; helping to plug the skills gap and boost nursing numbers.
STREET SMART Young black entrepreneurs from Birmingham are set to launch new businesses after graduating from the Street Smart 2 Business Start programme. Seven 16 to 25year-olds graduated from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first virtual programme for budding business owners from black communities. Backed by Barclays and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and delivered by First Class Foundation, the seven-week programme offered support in how to run a successful business. The programme was founded by business consultant Nathan Dennis, pictured, who has specialised in BAME stakeholder engagement strategies for 15 years.
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BUSINESS
RACHEL’S KEY MOVE When Rachel Ollerenshaw collected the keys to a new office it unlocked a fresh chapter for her charity. The premises are the first dedicated HQ for Molly Olly’s Wishes, which Rachel founded after her daughter Molly passed away from a rare kidney disease. The charity has since raised more than £2.5million and supported thousands of children around the country with terminal or life-limiting illnesses. The new office is in Swan Street, Warwick. Picture by Karen Massey Photography
NEWS
BUSINESS
TOP TEAM
Midlands law firm Lodders has created a new team of some of the region’s leading commercial property lawyers in response to growing numbers of businesses wanting specialist legal advice on their property purchases, sales and leases. The business property and renewables team is spun-out of Lodders’ award-winning real estate practice, one of the region’s largest with 32 specialist legal experts. Partner Alastair Frew heads the new team.
YOUTH LEADER The largest youth homelessness charity in the West Midlands has appointed Feizal Hajat as the new chair of its board of directors. Feizal joined St Basils board in 2016 with a background as a public sector lawyer with a special interest in housing and homelessness. He said: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have to fight harder to preserve our services by continuing to prevent homelessness and support young people who access our services to thrive.”
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SADDUF SIGNS IN Principle Estate Management has recruited a specialist property manager to handle some of its complex properties as the business continues to grow. Sadduf Houston, pictured, previously worked at Curry & Partners and CPBigwood. Her appointment maintains Principle as the UK’s fastest growing residential management company, tripling in size in the last 12 months with the number of units it manages increasing from 2,000 to more than 6,300.
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GARDENS BOOST BEST IN THE UK Specialist lawyers at a Midlands legal firm have been named among the best in the UK in the 2021 edition of the Legal 500. Experts from mfg Solicitors’ contentious trusts and probate department and agricultural and rural affairs team were highlighted in the Tier One rankings. It is the seventh year in succession that the contentious trusts and probate department, led by lawyers Robert Weston and Andrew Chandler, pictured, has been named as a top tier team.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens has been awarded £188,000 from the National Lottery Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage as it looks to weather the storm caused by the coronavirus. The award is the largest the independent charity has received for 22 years. The Gardens reopened from lockdown in June but due to the pandemic have received no revenue income from key income streams such as schools, weddings, conferences and other events.
MUSIC MAKERS
Services For Education has appointed three new trustees as part of its bid to deliver a strategic plan to 2025. The charity uses the power of learning and music to create and build confidence among young people, adults and communities. The additional trustees are David Bolton, head of tax and treasury international for Cardtronics; Paul Davies, pictured, the award- winning television and digital producer; and Clive Stone, CEO of LCS Professional Services.
CORKING WIN
An independent wine merchant is celebrating after taking home two national awards. Loki Wine was named Local Multi-Store of the Year at the Decanter Retailer Awards for exceptional service and highquality products at its Edgbaston and city centre
GRADUATES WELCOMED
stores. Loki was also ranked as the number one
Professional services company PwC has welcomed 219 new graduates to its
merchant in the Midlands in the Harper’s Wine
Birmingham practice. The firm’s autumn intake includes graduates from a number of
Merchant Top 50, and number four in the UK.
schools and universities across the region. Matthew Hammond, senior partner for the
Founder Phil Innes said: “I couldn’t be prouder of what the team here has achieved.”
Birmingham office and Midlands region leader, pictured, said: “Despite so much instability for young people and in the midst of Covid-19 restrictions, this demonstrates
IAN’S THE REAL DEAL
our commitment to safeguarding opportunities for those at the outset of their careers.”
A leading Midlands chartered surveyor has been named Warwickshire Dealmaker of the Year by a prestigious national property trade title. Ian Parker, joint managing director of chartered surveyors and valuers John Truslove, has been recognised in the Radius Data Exchange survey produced in conjunction with EG, the commercial property market magazine. Ian said: “I am delighted to have been named Dealmaker of the Year in what has been one of the most challenging periods on record.”
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BUSINESS
ONGOING SUPPORT BUSINESS BITES
STANDING TALL
Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia has secured a further three years support from the Syncona Foundation, which is focused on the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer and other diseases. The foundation began backing the charity in 2016 and has donated more than £500,000. Cure Leukaemia cofounder Prof Charlie Craddock, pictured, said: “The Syncona Foundation have been visionary partners and made a big difference in so many ways.”
A new start-up has launched in Birmingham to
ART PROJECT
Barristers chambers St Philips was chosen by the Art4Charity project to welcome local VIPs to sign limited edition prints of a mural, Forward in Unity, marking the city’s Covid-19 response. An auction of the prints will raise funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice, St Mary’s Hospice and SIFA Fireside.
HEALTH AWARDS
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust won a trio of accolades at the HPMA (Healthcare People Management Association) Excellence in People Awards. The trust claimed awards for wellbeing, best recruitment initiative and HR Director of the Year.
GREEN LIGHT
get more people off the streets and into employment. Standing Tall will work with local businesses to match rough sleepers with stable jobs and provide tailored accommodation to help them into independent living. Standing Tall is looking to partner with 20 Birmingham businesses over the next 12 months. It has been founded by Christy Acton, who was
An ambitious new residential development in Edgbaston has received full planning permission. The project, part of the £330million New Garden Square scheme, includes 392 build-torent apartments across three blocks.
previously at social care charity Father Hudson’s Care.
SPARKLING ARRIVAL A new concept jewellery store has opened in Birmingham. Jewellery Quarter Diamonds specialises in bespoke designs, offering in-house designers, goldsmiths and diamond experts to help customers create their dream jewellery. The store hosted multiple socially distanced launch events and was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony by former Birmingham mayor Cllr Sybil Spence and Cllr Chaman Lal. A pair of diamond earrings were also raffled, raising £250 for Parkinson’s UK.
LITTLE HEARTS JOY An Edgbaston charity has won £50,000 as part of an initiative supporting under-18s. Little Hearts Matter claimed one of the top prizes in the Persimmon Homes Building Futures campaign which encouraged applications in three categories – education and arts, health, and sports. The charity offers support for children diagnosed as having only half a working heart. The prize was announced at a virtual event, presented by Olympics rowing legend Dame Katherine Grainger.
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BEN CULLEN
WE CAUGHT UP WITH TV’S THE BAKEKING TO TALK TATTOOS, SCULPTING AND HIS OWN SHOW… MAYBE orget the tweeness of GBBO, the Bakeking’s creations are edgy and graphic – much like him – think Mary Berry meets Banksy via Yardley. The tattooed baker/artist makes hyperrealistic pieces that mess with your mind like raw chicken breasts, a lifelike forearm or tasty looking Sunday roast. Thanks to Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers, he’s becoming more recognisable although he says that’s mostly confined to the baking section of the supermarket. He says: “If I need to feed the ego, I lurk in the baking aisle! People are so supportive and positive.” Ben has won a gold award at Cake International every year since 2015 and was named one of the UK’s top 10 cake artists at Cakemasters in 2019 as well as being nominated for the Rising Star award at the Cake Masters Magazine awards. More into drawing than baking, Ben left Brum to study fine art and graphic design at the University of Chester. He says: “Tattooing was what I was really into. I
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had no idea cake making was an art form. Initially it was just a joke. I thought it would be fun. It was just a hobby that got out of control.” Ben started visiting the big international cake shows and saw a gap in the market. “There were no young lads from my background. There was a gap in the market for something a bit more edgy. I tried to do a few things that broke the mould.” FANCYING FONDANT When he had a go at sculpting with fondant icing Ben realised it was the medium for him. Initially, he started making cakes for family and friends while working as a graphic designer, but eventually, the cake making took over and the hobby became a business in 2016 which was ‘scary’. Having had zero interest in baking a few years before and keen to make the cakes taste as good as they looked, Ben learnt quickly. He started to create exhibition pieces to hone his craft and get to grips with the baking as well as the
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BUSINESS FEATURE
finish. He explains: “Sometimes there’s an acceptance in the industry that you sacrifice taste for art, but I didn’t want that. I wanted to make great tasting cakes too.” Ben’s a grafter and while building the brand has been hard, he works tirelessly to be the best he can be and ‘hasn’t looked back’. Each cake can take anything from three days to a week. Ben says: “Time is limited in order to keep the cake fresh. It’s the delivery that’s the hairy bit!” Ben ducked out of weddings early on saying it just wasn’t for him and the vibe of his cakes doesn’t scream bridal. Making cakes for some high-profile names such as Rita Ora is fun, but Ben’s dream customer would be Sylvester Stallone. “As a massive Rocky fan that would be great. Any excuse to meet him!” Extreme Cake Makers came about because someone saw Ben at Cake International and thought he’d fit the bill. The producers didn’t have anyone like him. “I love the video side of my cake sculpting, so the programme is a great fit for me
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although I do sometimes wonder what I’ve said and done when I sit down to watch it back!” Ben’s YouTube following has grown to 30,000 subscribers and he prioritises his videos. Most of the cakes that make it to YouTube are actual bakes for real clients, but even if he doesn’t have a paying client, he sets a day aside each week to create something and video it. Eventually Ben would like his own TV show which seems a natural next step. We’ll forgive Ben for leaving Brum as he’s back in the city regularly to see parents and friends. He particularly loves a grubby old man’s pub and the edgy vibe of Digbeth. He says: “Birmingham’s home, i.e. I would never spend Christmas anywhere ese. I’m always back home with my family in Brum.” I
SWEET SPOT For more, check out The Bakeking on YouTube and Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers
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SOCIAL REWIND AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO MAKE THE RETURN OF NETWORKING AND PARTYING A DISTANT HOPE, WE LOOK BACK AT HOW IT USED TO BE WITH A REVISIT TO A COUPLE OF THE BEST SOCIAL EVENTS PRE-LOCKDOWN
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HARKING BACK TO TASTE OF THE MED 3
Secret’s out as exclusive garden terrace opened with a flourish
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ay back when – before the words Covid-19, pandemic and lockdown became part of our everyday vocabulary – Resorts World officially celebrated its secluded Secret Garden terrace in style. On the hottest night on record, guests enjoyed delicious canapes and a live saxophonist in perfect harmony with the Mediterranean al fresco vibe. I
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1 Caitlin Golder, Katie Morris. 2 Cherry Shaw, Becky Humphries. 3 Guests entertained by live saxophonist. 4 Amanda Thurlow and friend. 5 Megan Reece, Murat Bicer, Gemma McMahon. 6 John Dalziel, Phil Godfrey. 7 Nick and Royston Blythe with Nick Malenko.
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SOCIAL REWIND
REMEMBERING THOSE CHAMPAGNE MOMENTS 1
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Bubbly lovers enjoyed special evening with Moët & Chandon ands up if you’re yearning for a return to the pre-Covid days of Champagne, cocktails and canapes? Yes, us too! Like when the Edgbaston Boutique Hotel invited bubbly lovers from across the region to the party of the year with Moët & Chandon. Guests enjoyed a special Moët moment to remember, with an impressive Moët & Chandon Rosé pyramid taking centre stage in the Edgbaston’s glamorous cellar bar. I
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1 Jayne O'Malley, Natasha Wellsey, Caroline Perrins. 2 Helen Benussi, Diane Benussi, Ruth Pipkin, Naomi Jones-Owen. 3 Deniss Saporenko, Shefali Oza, Chris Durden. 4 Rob Bloomer, Kirsty Jepson, Jedd Davies, Jon Niven. 5 Josh Turbill, Debbie Collin. 6 Daniel Skermer, Nicky Smith. 7 Sophie Canning and friends. 8 Neethu Sehdev, Mia Bains, Lisa Bains, Lindsey Bains. 9 Galina Thomas, Gareth Thomas, Yana Buzko.
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WHAT: Birmingham Film Festival WHEN: 13 to 22 November
HERE’S A ROUND-UP OF SOME EVENTS, BOTH LIVE AND VIRTUAL, DUE TO TAKE PLACE THIS MONTH. PLEASE NOTE ALL MAY BE SUBJECT TO LAST-MINUTE CHANGES OR CANCELLATION, SO BE SURE TO CHECK FIRST
WHERE: Millennium Point, birminghamfilmfestival.com The fourth annual celebration of film craft returns (hopefully) to the city featuring an array of shorts, features, documentaries and music videos. The festival will conclude with the Film Festival Awards which acknowledge a number of special categories, including best young actor and best local film.
WHAT: Van Gogh Alive WHEN: Now until 18 December WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, www.birminghamhippodrome.com Van Gogh’s works have been exhibited and admired for more than a century – but never like this! The multi-sensory experience provides visitors with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in his artistry and truly venture into his world through beautifully curated projections accompanied by a stunning classical soundscape.
WHAT: When Jaguar Bought Daimler WHEN: Now until 29 January WHERE: British Motor Museum, tel: 01926 927823 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk A new exhibition covering 100 years from the Daimler Company’s beginnings in 1896, its history of Royal patronage, superb engineering, efforts supporting both world wars and then Daimler’s ‘post Jaguar’ life.
WHAT: An Evening with Debbie Harry and Chris Stein WHEN: 18 November WHERE: Town Hall, thsh.co.uk The frontwoman of iconic Seventies’ band Blondie, Debbie Harry, and the group’s co-founder, guitarist and songwriter, Chris Stein, discuss five decades of their lives as artists and creative partners. Centred around their recent acclaimed books, every night is unique as the conversation ranges through the band’s ground-breaking music, adventures in New York and work and play with artists from The Ramones to H R Giger and David Cronenberg. Plus, the touring, acting, photography… and more.
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WHAT’S ON
WHAT: The Writing of Stones, Gin Rimmington Jones WHEN: Now until 30 October WHERE: Argentea Gallery, St Paul’s Square www.argenteagallery.com A new flagship exhibition from the internationally-acclaimed Czech artist known for his sculptural, often kinetic works, imbued with a characteristic energy and imaginative wit. Including work shown in the UK for the first time, it’s a timely exhibition that probes pressing environmental issues.
WHAT: Reuben Colley – A Portrait of Birmingham Exhibition WHEN: Now until 7 November WHERE: Reuben Colley Gallery, tel: 0121 236 0920, reubencolleyfineart.co.uk A new collection of paintings by the award-winning Birmingham artist who he has carefully chosen locations which express the identity of the city, including some of Birmingham’s most beautiful and historically significant spaces.
WHAT: Car Park Panto WHEN: 2 and 3 January WHERE: Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Just when you thought your Christmas show had been cancelled… Horrible Histories, in partnership with Birmingham Stage Company, comes to the rescue with their own unique take on the festive season with a story of how Christmas came to be what it is today. All in a safe, socially distanced manner from the comfort of your own sleigh car! Picture by Ian Wallman
WHAT: Rosie Kay WHEN: 21 November WHERE: Birmingham REP, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk The Birmingham-based award-winning choreographer returns to the stage to perform a new solo show with works that look backwards and forwards at her personal experience as a female in dance. Performed to a socially distanced audience, Absolute Solo II will also be streamed live.
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PERSON TO PERSON
CLOSE WITHÁ PROF HELEN HIGSON THE PROVOST AND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR AT ASTON UNIVERSITY TALKS ROLE MODELS, RUNNING AND HER NEW ROLE AS A VICE LORD-LIEUTENANT BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I was brought up in a boy’s boarding school by two teacher parents who told me that I could not be a highflier. I actually achieved a lot by hard work and perseverance, getting a scholarship to Cambridge University. When I went to the University Careers Service they told me I should run a university. I laughed that off, until a few years later when I found myself working as a university administrator! I came to Birmingham in 1985 and joined Aston University. It’s 2020 and I am still there, having done most jobs in what is a wonderful place. It has helped me to gain a Masters, PhD, National Teaching Fellowship and an OBE. IT’S WHAT I DO I try to make sure that staff and students can perform to their best ability, that they are well looked after and feel part of our community. I also chair Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP Employability and Skills Board, which is an important catalyst for training, employment and skills. My membership of the IKON gallery board is also important in promoting the arts in Birmingham and encouraging national and international recognition for the city. Most recently I have become the Vice LordLieutenant – a great honour and responsibility – supporting the Lord-Lieutenant, who is the Queen’s representative in the West Midlands. BIGGEST SUCCESS My biggest success personally is my running. Since the lockdown I have run almost every day, clocking up nearly 800km. It has been fantastic watching the changing
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seasons on my early morning runs and finding new areas around where I live. My biggest professional success has been to change so many lives of young people. A university education is one of the best investments that individuals, organisations and society can make. Going to university changes your life, helping you to become happier, healthier and wealthier. BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED Find yourself a role model or mentor to help you learn many lessons and connect you with the right people. Some of my mentors have been senior and experienced, but the best have been younger mentors – people who helped me stay current. One trained me up on social media… so, if you want to follow me, you can on Twitter @higsonhe
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM I arrived in Birmingham 35 years ago from the south of England. My first, and lasting impression, is that it is a city of opportunity. Its diversity means that whoever you are, you can be yourself. This has certainly been the case for me as I have been enabled to thrive here. DOWNTIME Apart from running, my pride and joy is our Keetso cat – large, demonstrative and polydactyl (look up that word!!). I love reading, going to the theatre and I have just completed a qualification in coaching. FINALLY… Find out more about West Midlands Lieutenancy @WMLieutenancy or https://wmlieutenancy.org/ I
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