October 2015 (issue 37)

Birmingham g n i liv

BHAM_ (Page 01) cover OZZY5:Layout 1

24/9/15

20:47

Page 1

MIDLANDS MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

MAGIC of MAC ARTS

October 2015

KASH THE FLASH MASTERCHEF’S

JACK LUCAS

OZZY WILD MAN OF ROCK TALKS GIANT OWLS AND HEAVY METAL

+

PRAZA, NATHAN EADES, MOSELEY RFC, STEVE HEWLETT... AND MORE

BHAM_ (Page 02):Layout 1

22/9/15

23:33

Page 02

BHAM_ (Page 03) edsletter:Layout 1

“

23/9/15

12:54

Page 03

EDITOR’S VIEW Ozzy says he’s proud to be a Brummie – and we’re feeling a bit proud ourselves too this month

t’s rare to be granted an interview with a true megastar. Not surprising when you consider all the random gossip and tittle-tattle that gets written about them in the national media.

Usually the only time they’ll talk to journalists is when they’re launching a new world tour, album, film or autobiography. So, we’re very grateful to Ozzy Osbourne for agreeing to spare the time to speak to us this month about something which gains him absolutely nothing, but which is just incredibly close to his heart.

Ozzy joined in the Big Hoot campaign to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital by designing one of the giant owls that have been spread across the city all summer. Ozzy’s Owl will be among the near-100 others being auctioned this month to raise thousands for the hospital.

The Black Sabbath frontman well remembers how the hospital looked after his very sick son in the days before he moved to the US and became the rock legend he is today. He recalls the care given by the doctors and nurses and he talks about the success of the Big Hoot in our cover story. And just in case anyone was in any doubt, he declares how he’s “still a true Brummie and proud of it”.

We’re also feeling proud this month because Birmingham Living has just been named Midlands Magazine of the Year at the prestigious Birmingham Press Club awards. (Cue the bright new winner’s logo below – and the rather dubious image of yours truly holding the gong, above!)

I

David Johns

”

Editor: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

Cover image: Ozzy Osbourne by Sam Taylor Johnson

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

october 2015

/bhamliving

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

birmingham living 03

g n i liv

BHAM_ (Page 04) contents:Layout 1

23/9/15

15:12

Page 04

INSIDE

Highlights

12 18 22 26 40 54

Ozzy Osbourne Rock legend talks owls – and giving children in hospital a blast of heavy metal Blasting Back!

Celebrating Rugby World Cup month with the uplifting story of comeback club Moseley Birmingham’s Greatest How MAC has influenced the lives of young Brummies for more than 50 years

Food and Drink Nathan Eades, head chef of Simpsons, on why he might have been a fighter pilot…

Style The temperature’s dropping, it’s autumn… time for the Wrap Pack Homes Switching on to the latest trends for lighting up your life

70

40 04 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 04) contents:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:07

Page 05

CONTENTS

98

Best of the Rest

28 50 68 70 76 85 94 october 2015

Restaurant Reviews Critics’ verdict on Praza, Edgbaston, plus veggie treats at 1847 Health and Beauty Vital new vaccine under the microscope, plus Rose Gallagher’s beauty edit Motoring Sue Cooke checks out hot DS3 and reveals news of an exciting Performance Division Young, Gifted and Brummie Life after Masterchef with super-talented foodie finalist, Jack Lucas Spotlight on Business Company to Watch… Steel & Jelly, plus news and views from the business community Social Scene The pages that picture who’s been out and about networking in Birmingham this month Shows, Arts, Gigs and More What’s on, where and when – all you need to know about the arts and entertainment scene

birmingham living 05

BHAM_ (Page 14):Layout 1

22/9/15

23:28

Page 14

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/9/15

22:13

Page 07

NEWS

g n i v liTODAY

THINK INK! If you’re into your tattoos, or even just curious about having one, this is for you! A Midlands art gallery and UK tattoo blog are teaming up to host an exhibition called Inked Palette.

The joint venture by inkluded.co.uk and Deasil Art Gallery features work by a selection of leading UK tattoo artists and runs until 20 October at the gallery in Leamington Spa.

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

TENNIS ACE NETS FIRST SINGLES TITLE Birmingham’s all-conquering tennis star Jordanne Whiley has won her first Grand Slam singles title by beating her doubles partner Yui Kamiji in the US Open women’s wheelchair final. Joanne, 23, was appearing in her first major singles final – previously she had won every Grand Slam event, including Wimbledon, playing in doubles with Yui.

NEW RECRUIT DRESSES FOR ACTION

MEERA BOOKS IN AT THE REP Comedian Meera Syall is among stars at this month’s Birmingham Literature Festival. The actress and writer from Wolverhampton will be at the Rep on 10 October to discuss the process of bringing her best-selling novel Anita And Me to the stage. She will be in conversation with author Tankia Gupta as part of the festival, which runs from 8 to 17 October.

october 2015

Don’t think this little lad will win any inspection parades, but he showed willing by getting stuck in when the military came calling at Victoria Square!

The Army Cadet Force hosted an event to raise awareness of the organisation.

Hundreds of visitors tried climbing a 25ft tower and paintballing – as well as dressing up.

birmingham living 07

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/9/15

22:13

Page 08

NEWS

100 SWIMMERS

TAKE THE PLUNGE

MICHELIN STAR FOR CARTERS Just call them The Famous Five! Carters of Moseley (who we featured in Birmingham Living in April) has been awarded a Michelin star in the new edition of the famous guide to the world’s best restaurants. It joins Adam’s, Purnell’s, Simpsons and Turners. “Birmingham now has more Michelin-starred eateries than anywhere else in the UK outside of London,” said Emma Gray of Marketing Birmingham.

This dramatic picture, protesting the closure of the historic Gala Pool at Moseley Road Baths, Balsall Heath, has won a coveted award. The 100 Swimmers by Attilio Fiumarella took top spot in the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists’ inaugural photographic prize exhibition. The image is among 50 in the exhibition at the RBSA Gallery.

BIN IT… AND RAISE CHARITY CASH

A new Bin It For Good project in Birmingham city centre is encouraging cleaner streets and support for local charity. For three months the more litter that goes into 48 bins across the city centre the more money the LoveBrum charity will receive.

3STRICTLY STARS BRUMTASTIC

HOT TO FOXTROT: This year’s Strictly Come Dancing is in full swing – and pop princess and Loose Women panelist Jamelia is flying Brum’s flag…

RHYTHM & BLUE: After a timid start, Simon Webbe of boy band Blue blossomed to the 2014 final, just losing out to Caroline Flack.

BUBBLING OVER: Larger than life Alison Hammond went out in round six, saying: “I want to pop some shapes and be just one big sequin!”

08 birmingham living

NATALIE SHARES A SWEET BIRTHDAY

It doesn’t get sweeter than sharing your birthday with Cadbury World.

When the attraction celebrated its 25th anniversary one lucky winner got to join the party. After a social media competition to find people sharing the attraction’s 14 August birthday, Natalie Taylor was chosen to enjoy an exclusive chocolate-making experience day.

ARE YOU A FACEBOOK FIT-NATIC? Brummies are only too keen to show off their bulging muscles and toned physiques on social media, according to a new sports survey. The Fitspiration report by the Muscle Milk Protein band reveals the city ranks second in the UK with 40 per cent of men and women posting their workouts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/9/15

22:13

Page 09

NEWS

FESTIVAL CELEBRATES BLACK ICONS Legends and icons of black music and arts will be celebrated at this month’s 10th annual Bass 15 festival. A number of events will feature outside Birmingham city centre for the first time. The festival ends on 25 October and Blackstreet (pictured) feature in the R&B Icons event on 10 October at the Institute of Birmingham. Full details at http://punchbass.com/

REUBEN PAINTS CITY LIFE Award-winning Birmingham artist Reuben Colley has been commissioned to create a major series of paintings for John Lewis’s new Birmingham store. The five large-scale paintings in the store’s restaurant depict aspects of Birmingham from busy streets on a rainy day, the historic canal network, and city skyline at dusk.

STOP PRESS… READ ALL ABOUT THE BEST The best of the Midlands media came together for the region’s annual Media Awards, held at Villa Park. Sponsored by Birmingham Airport, the Birmingham Press Club event saw awards presented to winners across the industry, including the title of Midlands Magazine of the Year for Birmingham Living itself!

HAVING A BALL: Let your hair down time at the after-awards party!

See Social Scene for more pictures

october 2015

IN BRIEF TOP SCHOOL King Edward VI School, Handsworth has topped a study by estate agent eMoov.co.uk to find the most affordable housing with a top quality state education. The school scored a property value rating of £182 per GCSE point achieved.

BERRY BAKERS Budding Mary Berrys are making Great British Bakeoff showstoppers using the Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire Hoard as inspiration. The competition is being run

by Birmingham Museums.

CBSO REACHES £2M MILESTONE

WATER WORK

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has passed a fund-raising milestone by raising £2 million for its endowment fund. The fund was created after Arts Council England’s Catalyst programme offered to match pound-for-pound endowment donations made by private supporters up to a total of £1million. Donors included outgoing music director Andris Nelsons (pictured).

The way Birmingham organises thousands of volunteers to help maintain the region’s canals is heading north of the border after representatives from Scottish Waterways dropped in on a fact-finding mission.

birmingham living 09

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/9/15

22:13

Page 10

NEWS

TOP TWEETS FOR BRUM Our pick of what’s been said about Brum this month @Jamelia Have You Heard The News?? I'm so Exciteeeeeeeeed!!! #Strictly2015 #CodeNameElsa @SimonHarperPR Oh that #dogowner moment meeting prospect client and you pull out a poo bag from your pocket instead of a pen- luckily a dog owner too!

SWAN LAKE FOR KIDS Birmingham Royal Ballet is presenting its first-ever production specifically for families and young children in the city. First Steps: A Child’s Swan Lake is an adaptation of the classic ballet for children aged three to seven, designed as the perfect introduction to ballet. Visit brb.org.uk/firststeps to download games and colouring sheets.

@jassansi Congratulations @brum_living for winning Best Magazine at the #MMA2015 awards. Awesome people behind an awesome print and online publication @richardpope CONGRATULATIONS! @brum_living we agree, you’re a great read & we certainly look forward to you leaping through our letterbox every month! @editor birmingham living That’s enough self-indulgence – suffice to say very proud to win Magazine of the Year #MMA

SELFRIDGES GETS ARTY

The diversity, culture and talent of Birmingham is being celebrated in an exclusive Live + Loud event being hosted by Selfridges. Running over four days, the store has teamed up with the Institute of Contemporary Arts to feature commissioned works of art, photography and live music which draw on Birmingham’s rich heritage. More details at www.selfridges.com

TV NEWSMAN HEADS

FOREST CHARITY Newscaster Jon Snow is to lead a charity which is planting a new forest across the Midlands. The journalist was a friend of the late Felix Dennis, the publishing entrepreneur who in 2003 established the Heart of England project to plant a 30,000-acre forest near his home in Dorsington.

10 birmingham living

HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM It was a case of ‘watch this space ‘when an astronaut landed in the middle of the Bullring.

Highly Sprung’s Urban Astronaut was among performances across the city as part of the Birmingham Weekender arts festival. The festival included MAC, Symphony Hall, the Hippodrome, Rep, Birmingham Royal Ballet and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 07) news:Layout 1

22/9/15

22:13

Page 11

NEWS

WANTED: PURRFECT PET PICS Animal lovers in the Midlands are being asked for their favourite photos in a competition to find the cutest pet picture. Pets Make A Home is the brainchild of house builder Taylor Wimpey. There’s pet hampers up for grabs each day and an overall top prize of £500 worth of vouchers.

Hurry… deadline for entries at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/pets is 2 October.

DISCOVERING PAPERFACE According to the PR blurb Paperface works alone from a lighthouse studio. But the reality is the talented new popster is one of Birmingham’s favourite sons – and his debut album Out of Time has won critical acclaim. Paperface describes the work as ‘a beautiful collection of powerful and darkly funny songs, tinged with irony and rich in observation’. So, now you know!

WILL LAUNCHES FIRST SPORTS SHOW

SIR SIMON COMES HOME World-leading conductor Sir Simon Rattle returned to

The NEC is to host the UK’s first-ever

Birmingham to launch the 25th

Sports Show. The event has been

anniversary of the International

created to inspire children to play,

Concert Season at Symphony

love and live sport and is expected

Hall. He conducted Elgar’s The

to attract tens of thousands of

Dream of Gerontius, the

visitors when it opens its doors in

Birmingham composer’s self-

June 2106. It’s all the brainchild of

proclaimed best work. Sir Simon

Midlands World Cup-winning hero

was musical director of the City

Will Greenwood and will feature a

of Birmingham Symphony

huge variety of sports and family fun

Orchestra from 1980 until 1998.

activities to try out.

GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk october 2015

birmingham living 11

BHAM_ (Page 12) ozzy:Layout 1

22/9/15

23:39

Page 12

COVER STORY

OZZY’S WILD IDEA

Birmingham’s most famous son talks to David Johns about owls, doctors and nurses and giving children in hospital a blast of heavy metal rom Shanghai to Sydney and London to LA, Ozzy Osbourne has played some of the world’s biggest venues in front of the biggest crowds but there’s one gig he has set his heart on which so far remains unfulfilled – to do a charity show at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Imagine that – the legendary wild man of rock bringing his own brand of heavy metal to the wards!

“I’ve been wanting to do a charity show there for years,” said Ozzy when he spoke to us exclusively from his home in California. “The hospital is special to me because my son Louis was cared for there when he was sick as a child, so I know how important it is. They do amazing work for kids and families in my home town.”

F

STAR ATTRACTION Ozzy is one of the famous contributors to The Big Hoot which has seen 89 giant owls spring up across Birmingham this summer, each with its own unique look and design. This month the owls will be auctioned in aid of the hospital and are expected to raise at least £500,000 and Ozzy’s ‘bird’ is expected to be the star prize of the sell-off.

12 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 12) ozzy:Layout 1

22/9/15

23:39

Page 13

COVER STORY

“

I didn’t have any specific plans for how the owl would look. I hope everyone is as happy with it as I am

october 2015

”

©mark_weiss

birmingham living 13

BHAM_ (Page 02):Layout 1

19/1/15

23:12

Page 02

BHAM_ (Page 12) ozzy:Layout 1

22/9/15

23:39

Page 15

COVER STORY

“

”

I’ve been wanting to do a charity show at the hospital for years

OZZY MANIA

Ozzy said he was first approached to take part by Steve Hewlett, boss of Retail Birmingham. “He’s a great guy who we’ve known for some time from Birmingham. He’s involved in many projects promoting the city. I was invited to take part in the project and obviously wanted to support the hospital. I didn’t have any specific plans for how the owl would look. I thought I would just let it develop until I was happy with it. I hope everyone is as happy with it as I am.”

While a genius with music – and having had the occasional controversial run-ins on stage with a chicken and a bat in the past – Ozzy admits he needed a little help when it came to designing an owl! So, he asked long-time friend, Birmingham artist Graham Frank Wright to help him translate his design thoughts into reality and bring Ozzy’s Owl to life. The two of them kicked around a lot together back in the Seventies when the music was heavy and the partying was even heavier!

october 2015

1 Before Black Sabbath, Ozzy worked in a slaughterhouse and a car horn factory.

2 Total album sales with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist tops 100 million.

3 Ozzy has six children, equally split from his two marriages.

4 He’s a huge collector of Victorian art.

5 He made his famous O-Z-Z-Y tattoo across his knuckles with a lead pencil and a needle while in jail for petty theft.

birmingham living 15

BHAM_ (Page 12) ozzy:Layout 1

22/9/15

23:39

Page 16

COVER STORY

“

I’m a very proud Brummie… the design sort of reminds me of Birmingham at night

”

“I had a lot of help from Graham, but I was happily involved in the design too,” said Ozzy. The idea was to incorporate the stars, the midnight sky and the silhouette of the Birmingham skyline together with Ozzy’s hands and glasses. The finished 5ft 5in fibreglass sculpture sported the trademark ‘Ozzy’ tattoo across the three talons on its left foot, while the middle claw on its right foot had a smiling face – just like the tattoo Ozzy has on his knee. And as befits the image of the Black Sabbath frontman, the owl has the feel of darkness about it.

HAVING A HOOT: Ozzy asked Graham Frank Wright to help with the owl The Big Hoot owls will be auctioned on Thursday 15 October at the Thinktank museum by auctioneers Fieldings. Bidding for each of the 89 owls is expected to start from between £3,000 and £5,000.

16 birmingham living

“The design sort of reminds me of Birmingham at night,” said Ozzy. “I’ve always wanted to do something to help the children’s hospital as children are close to my heart, so this was a great opportunity to give support.”

While an adopted son of the US, Ozzy remains a true Brummie from Aston who looks to come back home as often as he can – music, touring and TV reality series with celebrity wife Sharon and family permitting. He continues to be an avid Aston Villa fan, closely following their results and progress.

PRIDE OF BRUM “I’m a very proud Brummie,” said Ozzy. “I haven’t lived in Birmingham for years but my family still lives there so I keep up with what’s going on and I come to visit from time to time. I’m hoping to visit Birmingham again pretty soon, though there are no fixed plans at the moment.”

Ozzy’s love for Birmingham is equally reflecting by the city which recognises him as one of its most important and loved sons. Together with the likes of Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Skinner and fellow rock legend Jeff Lynne, Ozzy has a star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars in Broad Street, and while that may not appear to have the pizzazz of the Hollywood Walk of Fame – where Ozzy also has a star – the accolade from his hometown © Chippy Wood means just as much, if not more. I

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 17):Layout 1

23/9/15

10:46

Page 17

BHAM_ (Page 18) MOSELEY:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:57

Page 18

FEATURE

BLASTING BACK! It’s Rugby World Cup month… and to celebrate we focus on the uplifting story of Moseley, the comeback club seeking to put Birmingham on the Premiership map ll the attention this month is on the Rugby World Cup, especially after the tournament kicked off in such style in Birmingham with matches at Villa Park featuring the southern hemisphere powerhouse teams of South Africa and Australia.

But behind the scenes, away from the razzmatazz of the All Blacks hakas and the high-profile stars of the Home Nations, there’s another rugby revolution bubbling nicely in our city. Actually, it’s more of a revival than a revolution, and it’s seeing one of the most historic names of the British club scene returning to where it belongs. So… welcome back to the men of Moseley!

A

18 birmingham living

In the days long before the game turned professional Moseley was one of the clubs in the vanguard of English rugby with players earning prized caps for their country over many years. Then hard times hit and Moseley almost faded from sight. If you were going to make a football analogy, you could say it’d be a bit like Leeds United – but without quite the scandal that engulfed the Yorkshire club!

AWARD-WINNING So, this month of all months is the perfect time for Moseley to show off its ‘new clothes’ with its award-winning £3.6 million stand and development

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 18) MOSELEY:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:57

Page 19

FEATURE

at Billesley Common – part of South Birmingham Sports Village.

It took the club 15 years to raise the money for the project which features a covered two-storey 720seat grandstand, changing rooms complex, a 320seat corporate banqueting suite, club bar, meeting rooms and modern kitchens and a six-rink international indoor bowls centre. Last month, the club’s hard work was recognised when the scheme was named Development of the Year at the National Rugby Awards at Twickenham.

The development is the result of Moseley coming together with the city council and Birmingham Indoor Bowls Club as part of the Sports Village which also encompasses football, cricket and tennis and provides a focus for community sport for residents in the area.

For Moseley, currently in rugby’s Championship, the aim is to move up from the second tier of the sport to become firmly established in the Premiership by

october 2015

2020. “It’s crazy that a city the size of Birmingham doesn’t have a Premiership rugby club,” commented commercial director Bruce Thomas. “We aim to change that by bringing top class rugby here within five years. But more than that, we are also importantly at the centre of regenerating sport for the community in this part of the city.”

As part of that brief, the club is the focal point for hundreds of keen rugby players through its junior, youth and ladies teams. The Moseley Community Foundation charity, in conjunction with Sport England, sends its coaches to provide training in rugby and general sports to schools and social clubs across the region – coaching more than 10,000 youngsters each year. It runs a Player Partnership Programme with Bournville College for 16 to 19year-olds. And the club also works with a raft of organisations, such as the Valley Riverside Project, to enhance the local environment. Moseley was also chosen to host season seven of Sky TV’s School of

birmingham living 19

BHAM_ (Page 18) MOSELEY:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:57

Page 20

FEATURE

“

”

It’s crazy that a city the size of Birmingham doesn’t have Premiership rugby. We will change that within five years

Hard Knocks series, fronted by local World Cup winner Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell.

It’s all a bit different from back in the day when the club was founded in 1873 by members of Havelock Cricket Club who were searching for a winter sport to play! Within 10 years they were playing rugby at the Reddings, where the club stayed for 120 years before being forced to sell the ground for housing development to pay off debts. After five years based at the University of Birmingham, the club moved to Billesley Common in 2005.

Club chairman and local businessman Dave Warren said: “A huge amount of work has gone in to bring Moseley to the point it is now, with a fantastic base as part of a wider and exciting sporting initiative for the area and the community. We fully intend to put this area of Birmingham on the map for top class rugby and sport in general. There’s exciting times ahead…” I

20 birmingham living

TROPHY: Flanker Neil Mason and director Robin Johnson collect Moseley's National Rugby Award

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 25):Layout 1

23/9/15

15:17

Page 25

BHAM_ (Page 22) bhamgreatest:Layout 1

21/9/15

23:35

Page 22

BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

THE MAC FACTOR

BIRMINGHAM’S

GREATEST

The Midlands Art Centre has been influencing the lives of young Brummies

© Richard Byrant

for over 50 years – not least that of leading actor Adrian Lester…

22 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 22) bhamgreatest:Layout 1

21/9/15

23:35

Page 23

BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

ne of Birmingham’s most important cultural centres, the Midlands Arts Centre has gone through many changes – not least the demolition of a fence that transformed the face of the organisation forever!

In the year that Brian Epstein signed The Beatles, the Midlands Arts Centre for Young People as it was called then, opened its doors for the first time under the leadership of John English and began working towards its mission of arts for everyone. For more than half a century this mantra has produced some stunning results and changed the trajectory of many young lives.

One such life that was shaped at MAC was that of a young skateboarder named Adrian Lester. Now a huge star of stage, film and TV, he told us: “It’s because of that building I do what I do. It introduced me to all forms of art and allowed me to just turn up and absorb it.” As it did his wife and award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabati and famously Tony Robinson cut his teeth directing at MAC in the Sixties.

O

ALL-EMBRACING We could go on, but Adrian hit the nail on the head: The point of the place is to enrich the lives of Brummies and beyond through its deep and diverse mix of exhibitions, performances and workshops in a space that genuinely looks to embrace all.

One figure responsible for the success of the organisation over the last two decades is Dorothy

october 2015

Wilson who has made significant changes since her appointment as chief executive and artistic director. She explains: “In 1990 there was work to be done. The organisation was at a stage where it needed significant refreshment largely due to lack of resources nationally.

The building needed a lot because it was well-loved and therefore well-used.”

Thanks to Dorothy’s drive and commitment major work to redevelop the site eventually began in 2008 resulting in the multi-purpose, contemporary space today. One of Dorothy’s simplest yet most effective changes was to take down the old fence that used to separate MAC from the rest of Cannon Hill Park. It had a startling effect on the number of visitors and the vibe of the place.

Dorothy said: “People saw that fence and thought ‘it’s not for me’. Once the barrier came down, people wandered in. The door was open.” Families were able to experience performances and small scale children’s theatre, potter’s wheels and puppet shows and from that first exchange people realised it was for them and came back again and again.

The challenge was also to reflect the diversity of Birmingham and its migrant past. Dorothy said: “Second, third and fourth generation South Asians, African and Eastern European – we aimed to bring those communities together and through programmes and projects we

birmingham living 23

BHAM_ (Page 22) bhamgreatest:Layout 1

21/9/15

23:35

Page 24

BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

DRIVING FORCE: Dorothy Wilson has devoted 25 years to revitalising MAC into an all-embracing centre for the arts

found a voice. Multiple voices actually. A new vocabulary to reflect the new Birmingham.”

This enrichment is central to the ethos of MAC. The projects that worked across cultures had spectacular results and made sense. There have been many highlights during Dorothy’s 25 years at MAC, but the one that stands out is The Playmakers project that launched the organisation’s 50th year celebrations in 2012. It commissioned a family of Japanese artists, Kosuge1-16 to create an artwork representative of MAC and activated by its audience.

THREE STRANDS Dorothy explained: “It was a sort of look back at MAC. The artists created a series of puppets and scaled down versions of buildings in the park that could be manipulated by the public. It was hugely interactive and represented what the organisation is about beautifully.”

MAC has to flourish financially as well as culturally and with many projects and performances either free of charge or costing a small fee, this has

24 birmingham living

been tricky at times, but the organisation has largely bucked the trend, managing to thrive through the recession. “We use every bit of the building. As well as an income from the shop we also hire out rooms to businesses and theatres extending the building even further,” explained Dorothy. The organisation is also part funded by Birmingham City Council which has been on board since the days of John English and the Arts Council.

There are three strands to the organisation’s future goals – artistic, social and economic. Artistic being to support and grow the next generation of artists; social being to ensure that community arts are for everybody in their own community and economic being to increase income through donations, trusts and foundations.

The idea that MAC reaches people who wouldn’t naturally engage with the arts because of where they live is at the core of everything the organisation does.

Half-a-million visitors a year is a great endorsement that this ethos is working brilliantly. I

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 25):Layout 1

23/9/15

16:21

Page 25

il ving

BHAM_ (Page 26) chefscorner:Layout 1

22/9/15

09:31

Page 26

FOOD & DRINK

NATHAN EADES But for poor eyesight the head chef at Simpsons might have been an RAF pilot. Turn’s out he’s proved a real high-flier in the kitchen instead!

Tell us about your cooking I am very ingredient-led whenever I am cooking, whether that is at the restaurant or at home. I will always try to source the best that money can afford. I try and keep things very simple (flavour combination wise). I also encourage using as much of the product in as many ways as possible. Being able to showcase a cauliflower in multiple forms and demonstrating how versatile ingredients can be excites me.

How did you become a chef?

The cliche of ‘falling into it’. I originally applied for the RAF (while in sixth form) and my application was rejected due to poor eyesight. I then asked my local pub if I could do an apprenticeship with them. From there I went on to work at some prestigious hotels in England. Lee Parsons, then exec chef of Wedgewood hotel in Vancouver, has been the most influential chef to date. At that point in my career I was quite a naive cook. I thought I was always right and didn’t always understand other chefs’ methodologies. I was taken under the wing of one of the best chefs in Vancouver at the time and he made me hone in on my skills. The kitchen was full of British ex-pats so the banter was rife – especially when Wolves (my football team) were getting hammered!

What do you eat when at home?

Usual fare really. My ‘go to’ after work ‘meal’ is cereal.

There’s no foie gras or truffles in the cupboard – more like spaghetti hoops and a fajita kit! Charlie, my wife, is a veggie so more often than not I eat the same as her… something like a mushroom risotto. Quick, easy, flavoursome, and only one pan to wash up afterwards!

26 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 26) chefscorner:Layout 1

22/9/15

09:31

Page 27

CHEF’S CORNER

If you’d like to make Nathan’s Apple Parfait, Macerated Blackberries and Champagne Custard check out his recipe at www.brumliving.co.uk

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

Currently in service it would be Daniel Humm at Eleven Madison Park in New York. Had a phenomenal meal there when I was travelling the US. No longer in service, Marco Pierre White. Any chef worth their salt would have watched his programme when he cooks for his old bosses on YouTube. He was a genius, so ahead of his generation. In Brum, the food scene is everexpanding with so many fantastic independent eateries; ourselves, Carters in Moseley, Adams, Purnell’s and Aktar with his restaurants, not to mention all the curry houses and the pop-up dining scene.

Is the customer always right?

No they aren’t. But I’ve learned the hard way to grin and bear it sometimes. I personally would have much more respect for someone if they told you the problem face-to-face, rather than taking the easy option and writing anonymously on social media and review sites.

october 2015

Share a cooking tip To check if a piece of fish is cooked use a skewer and pierce the flesh. If the skewer goes into the flesh without any resistance and comes out ‘clean’ it’s cooked.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

New Year’s Day lunch round my Nan’s – gammon with parsley sauce!

Food heaven and food hell?

Heaven is anything meaty from Andy Low ‘N’ Slow.

Hell is leek and potato soup – I hate it with a passion.

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

Fermented duck eggs from a Taiwanese restaurant when I lived in Vancouver. They were pretty nice actually. Not for the faint-hearted though.

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

Unemployed!

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

My first dish at Simpsons – Carrot Consommé. I

birmingham living 27

BHAM_ (Page 28) restaurant review:Layout 1

21/9/15

23:37

Page 28

RESTAURANT REVIEW

PRAZA 94-96 Hagley Rd, Birmingham B16 8LU. Tel: 0121 456 4500 http://praza.co.uk ack in March, Praza hosted what was probably Birmingham’s most glamorous and memorable launch party of the year. Given the number of eateries opening in the city that’s no mean feat. Wall-to-wall foodies, journalists and influential Brummies sipped cocktails at the Great Gatsby-inspired bash which was a masterclass in how to throw a party. Six months on we thought we’d pop along to the Hagley Road venue for a midweek treat to see if the restaurant lived up to the bluster of opening night.

B

DARK AND PLAYFUL A bit of background first. Praza is the shiny new grown-up sister (although Praza actually means brother!) of Pushkar on Broad Street. I like Pushkar a lot. It’s calm, classy, stylish and the food’s top drawer.

Its popularity also transcends time zones. My brother-in-law from Down Under makes a beeline for the place whenever he’s in the UK with a willing crowd of Aussie colleagues in tow. The stylish interior and delicate take on Indian food have mass appeal, as does the cocktail list. However, if you’re expecting Praza to be a clone of Pushkar think again.

The bright, white, airy feel of Pushkar is replaced by a dark, playful and grown-up interior. Black and copper feature heavily and I suspect owner Rai put his designer hat on to give the place its sexy edge. He

28 birmingham living

also modestly gave his name to one of the restaurants most popular cocktails, Singh is King! Obviously we had to give it a whirl, so we settled into the oversized black chairs in the bar to sample the pomegranate packed drink.

It was gorgeous – a triumph of mixology delivered by resident cocktail wizard Robert who revealed some of his outrageous ideas for the drinks menu which sounded brilliant. What would have made our predinner drinks even more enjoyable would have been something to nibble. Nothing fancy - a bowl of pistachios would have done the job.

Once at our table we perused the stylish (obviously!) menu and were struck by how different it was to your average Indian restaurant. The choice was compact rather than one of those confusing, beasts of a menu that is quite often offered up. The dishes sounded intriguingly different and we wanted to try everything.

As if by magic, lovely chef Bishal appeared to let us know he wanted to make small bowls of a number of the dishes for us to try. Perfect.

As we tucked into poppadoms – some plain, some

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 28) restaurant review:Layout 1

21/9/15

23:37

Page 29

RESTAURANT REVIEW

spicy with delicious accompaniments of pumpkin and yoghurt dip, mango chutney and a very hot bright green sauce that hit the spot, we got the giggles. The chairs were too low and we could only reach the middle of the table by popping up out of our seats which felt a bit nutty. Just in case you’re wondering, neither of us is particularly small. No one else seemed to be bobbing up and down like lunatics, so perhaps we had the wrong chairs.

MUCH COOING! So the food, well firstly a plate of starters arrived looking stunning. Secondly, it was devoured promptly with much cooing! The fofos or Goan fish rolls were absolutely superb, as were the duck sheesh – a first for both of us along with nicely spiced beetroot and onion patties (one of a trio of Teen Tikkis). Chicken shashlick is my ‘go to’ dish when eating Indian food, but I’d never tasted one as lovely as this. In fact the only starter that didn’t float my boat was a sort of fig and green pea pattie. It was just a bit too sweet for me. We were seriously

october 2015

impressed so far. The wine list was fantastic and we chose a glass of local lads’ Soultree Wine’s finest rosé which was perfect.

We tried three chicken dishes and three lamb along with three different types of naan bread, pilau rice and a spinach side. There were no duff dishes at all and we loved the lot, but there were a couple of stand-out ones to note. The butter chicken was a perfect curry for our palates – not crazily hot, slightly sweet, a bit creamy and super moreish. The methi palak ghost (lamb) was top of the tree for me. A spicy, salty, juicy lamb curry packed with spinach it was truly wonderful and will be the one I go back for – that and the fofos.

So did it live up to the hype of opening night? Yes, I think it did. The menu had obviously been given a huge amount of thought and the food was properly accomplished. Everyone we met – attentive waiting staff, the talented chef and inventive mixologist – were full of energy and great ideas which rubs off. We raved about it to anyone who’d listen the next day… so we have to admit, Singh is King! I

birmingham living 29

BHAM_ (Page 30):Layout 1

23/9/15

15:44

Page 30

Revills Farm Shop

Christmas from the award winning farm shop

Locally reared turkey, goose & duck available

Delicious homemade cakes & pastries

Fresh local vegetables and fruit

Beautiful festive hampers available

Bourne Road, Defford, Worcestershire WR8 9BS Tel: 01386 750466 www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

30 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 31) seasonseats:Layout 1

22/9/15

22:15

Page 31

SEASON'S EATINGS

JUST LIKE MOM MAKES W

Yummy apple pie made with homegown, in-season fruit and a dash of cinnamon e can almost smell it as we write the words… there’s nothing better this time of year than the aroma of a scrumptious homemade apple pie baking in the oven. Total bliss!

A traditional, comforting dish, it’s one for all the family and easy to prepare thanks to this month’s tasty recipe courtesy of Edwards Restaurant, based at Cookes Furniture in Erdington. I

TRADITIONAL APPLE PIE Ingredients (serves 6): For the filling:

I 5oz golden caster sugar I 1 tbsp ground cinnamon I 2 tbsp cornflour I 600g cooking apples (peeled, cored and sliced)

Method: For the pastry: Place the sugar, flour and lemon zest into a bowl and rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add 1 egg and stir until mixture forms a dough. Set aside a third of the pastry for the lid. Roll out the remaining pastry and lower into a pie dish.

I 400g plain flour I 2 tbsp caster sugar I 250g butter cut into cubes I 1 egg (beaten with 2 tsbp cold water) plus 1 egg (beaten to glaze) I 1 lemon (zest only)

For the filling: Mix the cornflour, sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl, stir in the apples. Place filling into pie dish, brush the rim with a beaten egg. Cover pie with remaining pastry and press edges together firmly to seal. Make a few small holes in the centre of the pie. Glaze top with beaten egg.

Edward’s Restaurant at Cookes Furniture Store, 28 Goosemoor Lane, Erdington, Birmingham B23 5PN. www.cookesfurniture.co.uk

Heat oven to 200C/180(fan)/gas mark 6. Sprinkle pie with sugar and bake in centre of the oven for 50 minutes or until golden brown.

For the pastry:

october 2015

birmingham living 31

BHAM_ (Page 32) nibbles:Layout 1

21/9/15

23:44

Page 32

FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and

SHORTS

Birmingham has a lively and buzzing bar and restaurant scene. Here, we present our insider guide to what’s going on in your city’s eateries and drinking dens GARAGE REVS UP FOR A TEA PARTY We hear a former garage in Moseley is swapping cars for coffee under plans to create a modern café. The Boston Tea Party company is hoping the derelict building in Alcester Road will become a social hub for families and residents in the area. A range of ethicallysourced food and drink includes award-winning cakes, brunches, lunches and main meals alongside speciality coffees and teas.

MIXING IT WITH THE BALLET STARS What a great way to toast Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 25th anniversary! The Botanist has produced a limited edition cocktail, personally selected by principal dancer Jenna Roberts, soloist Steven Monteith and ballet staff. The mix of cherries, Sailor Jerry Rum, Amaretto, lime and pineapple is being served at the bar until Sunday 11 October.

NEW BREW CELEBRATES PEAKY BLINDERS A new beer is raising a glass to Birmingham’s Peaky Blinders TV show. Peaky Blinder Gold, named after the BBC2 drama, is a craft beer made by Sadler’s Ales Brewery in Stourbridge. The dark and hoppy brew will be stocked at St Andrew’s, home of Birmingham City, as well as Marriot hotels, nightclubs and theatres.

GANESHA OFFERS FRESH TASTE OF INDIA An exciting Indian fine dining restaurant has opened in Sutton Coldfield. The 70-cover Ganesha is the latest venture by Solihull businessman Tan Handa, who already owns the Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant in Hall Green and Luxury Lifestyle. The menu at Ganesha is inspired by traditional recipes and authentic north Indian food. See Social Scene for launch party pictures

IT’S A TALL STORY AT GRAND CENTRAL A giraffe has taken up residence at Grand Central station. Giraffe, the food and world music restaurant, opened a 120-seater restaurant in the swish new complex last month. With its trademark buzzy atmosphere, Giraffe offers its famous brunch menu, served until 4pm every day, as well as generous burgers and fresh grills.

CHEERS TO BRUM’S PUB OF THE YEAR Congratulations are in order to the crew at the Purecraft Bar in Birmingham city centre after it was named Beer Pub of the Year in the Great British Pub Awards. Judges praised its warm atmosphere and focus on creating a great all-round beer offering to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

32 birmingham living

october 2015

EASTZEAST1015:Layout 1

23/9/15

15:33

Page 28

Bookings now being taken for Christmas and New Year!

Special Christmas menu available for December only

10% off * the final bill, just quote "Birmingham Living" love indian food - love eastzeast

2 for 1 cocktails and mocktails between 5pm-7pm daily With 250 covers we also cater for private parties and corporate functions Unit 10 Fiveways Leisure 197 Broad Street Birmingham B15 1AY (Near the Cinema)

Tel: 0121 643 4808 Email: info@eastzeast.com web: http://eastzeast.com/venues/birmingham-broad-street/

* Terms and conditions: 10% discount Monday - Thursday Max group size 6 Expires 1st November 2015 Offer can't be used in conjunction with any other offer No cash value

MANCHESTER

LIVERPOOL

PRESTON

BIRMINGHAM

BHAM_ (Page 34):Layout 1

34 birmingham living

23/9/15

15:23

Page 34

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 35) lunchspot:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:08

Page 35

LUNCH SPOT

1847 26 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU. Tel: 0121 236 2313 http://by1847.com y name’s Shelley and I’m a meat eater, so when an invitation came to sample the vegetarian delights of 1847, I wasn’t sure I was the right woman for the job.

However, in the interest of open mindedness I agreed and took a vegan pal along for the ride.

Bit of background on said vegan pal. In the two weeks before our lunch, Tarina had been offered chicken, feta and egg as vegan alternatives in standard restaurants. Unbelievably in 2015 in our wonderfully foodie city, this is a typical occurrence which drives her bananas.

One of a group of four 1847 eateries in the UK, the Birmingham restaurant is simply styled with natural materials and a distinct Scandi vibe. The lunch menu is pared down too with four starters, mains and desserts, but they were pretty exciting even for me. We were very happy diners as we slurped a superb glass of vegan house rosé.

Quinoa falafel with baba ghanoush, yoghurt and watercress was a great starter. The perfect size, it was tasty, fresh and lighter than a traditional chick pea version. Puy lentils with roasted carrot, spring onions and garlic tofu was pretty as a picture and while it looked a bit like a side dish to me, Tarina loved it.

My main course was a stonking good dish with three generous chunks of battered halloumi sat on a delicious pea puree (or emulsion) and little blobs of zingy lemon curd. It was seriously good and I noticed a few suits at the next table had popped in just for this with a glass of something cold. Tarina enjoyed caramelised

M

october 2015

cauliflower, wild rice, bulgar wheat and red mustard frill which wouldn’t have appealed to me, but she polished off the lot happily.

Strawberries with almond cream, apricot and thyme soup looked gorgeous and tasted lovely too and the rich triple chocolate brownie with blackcurrant coulee, a punchy ginger gel and crème fraiche was delicious.

The veggie leaning is an aside here and it’s simply a fantastic restaurant serving tasty, inventive food which happens to feel good for the body – with the exception of battered halloumi although that’s so damn good it’s irrelevant – as well as the soul. I

birmingham living 35

BHAM_ (Page 36) wine:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:09

Page 36

FOOD & DRINK

PORTUGAL’S FINEST Wonderful beaches, the world’s most famous fortified wine – and Cristiano Ronaldo, the greatest footballer on the planet! Can it get any better than that, asks Rob Price? y summer holiday this year was in Tavira on the south coast of Portugal. I was really looking forward to taste new and exciting Portuguese wine. Oh dear, what a disappointment! While the whites were OK, the reds… well, it seemed impossible to find a restaurant that was capable of serving a red wine at the correct temperature. They served them at ‘room’ temperature which at around 30˚c was a tad warm.

Portuguese wine has been in the news quite a bit recently. It won the ‘most underrated country in the world’ category and it does have such a lot to offer, especially when drinking the wines in a more temperate climate.

The main issue with Portuguese wines is the myriad of grape varieties – and the fact that they use several different names for the same grape doesn’t help. You may have heard of Tempranillo – it’s the main grape in Rioja – therefore if you saw this variety on a Portuguese wine it may tempt you to try, but alas you’re more likely to see the words, Cencibel,

M

36 birmingham living

Tinta Roriz, and Aragonez. They’re all the same grape! But, as with most European wines, region is more likely to feature on the label, and this is true of their DOC (like AOC in France) category wines.

NEW VARIETIES It may be easier to start with the Vinhos Regional category (similar to Vin de Pay), where producers are allowed to use international varieties such as Shiraz, Merlot, etc. These wines allow consumers easier access into Portuguese wines. But as I always tell people who attend my wine tasting events, try new varieties.

Sampling new regions is part of the fun when tasting wine and with Portugal there are so many, so just go and try some – you’ll not be disappointed.

Let’s have a look at a couple of their regions, starting with Vinho Verde in northern Portugal. It’s quite a rainy and cool area, so better suited for the production of white wine. Vinho Verde is light refreshing, always dry with usually a slight fizz in the mouth. And with low alcohol, ideal for lunchtime.

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 36) wine:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:09

Page 37

FOOD & DRINK

ROB’S FOUR TO TRY

SAY CHEESE WITH THIS ‘STRONG’ CONTENDER A top one from the Douro, Pinga Do Torto, 2007 is made from a blend of older and younger vine Touriga Nacional. It displays an intense nose with aromas of rich and dense fruit, spice and hints of vanilla. Nicely rounded on the palate with great purity of fruit balanced nicely by the ripe tannins and lengthy finish. Fantastic with strong cheese.

Available from Nickols and Perks £13.99

DARK AND SMOOTH, PERFECT WITH STEWS Quinta dos Carvalhais Colheita, wonderfully dark smooth, black fruits, with a touch of oak and vanilla from spending 12 months in small oak barriques.

Goes well with stews and mature cheeses. From the Dão region of central Portugal. Tesco sells for £8.99. If you can, buy the 2010 vintage.

THE BRIGHT ONE FROM VINHO VERDE A lovely easy drink white from Vinho Verde. A bright, lively wine, lemon and floral, with small bubbles! And at only 10.5% abv, a good wine with your lunch. Light pasta, seafood and salad. Majestic sell for £8.99

PICK OF THE PORTS Graham’s 10 Years Old Tawny balances the direct sweetness of a younger wine with some of the richer flavours that develop with age. Great value at around £18, and widely available from most wine merchants.

ROLL OUT THE BARREL: Traditional boats loaded with casks of wine in Porto harbour

A bit further south we venture into the Douro, famous for Port (more of that later) but also for high quality reds. Because Port is limited in production, non-fortified wines make up the majority of the wines produced and big bold reds are the order of the day here.

What about Port, a fortified wine where alcohol is added during fermentation. This stops all the sugar being converted to alcohol, explaining why all Ports are sweet. We started drinking Port in the late 17th century as an alternative to French wine which was not in such ready supply because of the many conflicts between England and France at that time.

The best two Ports are either Vintage Port or age dated Tawny Port. For Tawny Port look for one that is at least 10 years old. Twenty is even better, but a lot more expensive. Tawny ports are aged in cask so are wonderfully mellow and mature. This differs from Vintage port where all the ageing occurs in the bottle, resulting in a richer, fruitier and darker style.

october 2015

Vintage Port is always from a specific year, and while an individual shipper may declare a vintage, the generally declared (and better) years are, 2009, 2007, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994, 1991, 1985, 1983, 1980, 1977, 1975, 1970, 1966, 1963, and 1960. Vintage Port needs decanting as sediment will form in the bottle, and these better years will continue to improve in bottle if stored correctly. Remember Port once opened will only keep two to three months. Unlike my other favourite Portuguese wine from the island of Madeira. The Captain Scarlet of wines – indestructible. This is one wine that even when opened will keep indefinitely as it has been completed oxidised so no further harm will ever become it.

Madeira is available at differing quality levels, from the cheap and cheerful styles mainly used in cooking to vintage Sercial Madeira, a wine aged 20+ years that must be tasted to be believed. I Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine and beer education company that offers fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham and Milton Keynes city centres and expanding into Sutton Coldfield. For more information contact Rob Price on 0121 270 7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

birmingham living 37

BHAM_ (Page 38) cotm:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:13

Page 38

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

She Sells Seashells

It’s a proper tongue-twister to say, but a real tongue-tingler to drink nspired by stories of travelling Asia, sipping cool cocktails on sunny white beaches to soothing music, She Sells Seashells has been created by the mixologists at the Edgbaston. A long, refreshing cocktail, it features a house blend of white rums to which is added sake for dryness and salinity, enhanced with a sea salt solution. Lime is matched with yuzu, an Asian fruit that tastes a little like lime and mandarin. Finally, there’s fragrant shiso and kaffir lime leaf. I

I

To make: Build all ingredients in a shaker. Add lots of ice and shake as hard as you can for 15 seconds. Strain into the seashell using a Hawthorne strainer.

Fill the seashell quickly with crushed ice to minimise dilution. Garnish with edible flowers (such as violas and nasturtium), one straw per person, a scattering of shiso and shiso lime leaves. Finish with a small dusting of matcha tea powder and edible gold flakes, if you're feeling glamorous!

The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel, 18 Highfield Road, Edgbaston B15 3DU. Tel 0121 454 5212 www.theedgbaston.co.uk

Ingredients (per person):

I 30ml Plantation 3 Stars I 15ml La Mauny Blanco I 15ml sake I 15ml fresh lime I 20ml Tenzan Yuzu Liqueur I 10ml distilled shiso and kaffir leaf sake

38 birmingham living

october 2015

CHAOPHRAYA1015:Layout 1

23/9/15

16:49

Page 28

For all group bookings of 10 people or more made before the 31st of October, we’ll treat you to a £50 gift voucher.

Terms & conditions apply. For more details contact paige.hylton@thaileisuregroup.co.uk

6 Spiceal Street Birmingham B5 4BH tel: 0121 643 24245

ing livSTYLE

BHAM_ (Page 40) style:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:14

Page 40

GLAMOUR PUSS Valentia chocolate faux fur coat £199, Lara roll neck ebony Merino wool £65, Hobbs

WRAP PACK This autumn is awash with sci-fi inspired threads, cute candy colours, edgy prints and faux fur. Here’s the lowdown on our top buys from the high street and beyond…

40 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 40) style:Layout 1

23/9/15

15:15

Page 41

STYLE

THINK PINK Cashmere coat £120, M&S at The Fort Shopping Park

FAR OUT Christopher Kane lamé dress £850, Harvey Nichols

FABULOUS FAUX FUR Accessories available from Accessorize

HAIR CANDY Marc by Marc Jacobs candy hair bands £30, Harvey Nichols

here’s no question autumn arrived two months too soon and we’ve been rocking a coat since August – however as it’s our favourite style period of the whole year we’re not grumbling.

We’ve dived headlong into boots, coats and cashmere sweaters along with the odd scarf, but there’s more to this season than cosy. A handful of distinct trends have transferred from runway to high street successfully making this a particularly exciting and original few months.

This issue we’ve focused on four key trends to get you gliding through October: Candy Colours – mood lifting summery pastels crafted in heavy fabrics to suit the climatedominated AW15 catwalks have filtered down to the high street with some fantastic examples.

Check out Jaeger’s reversible pink wool coat or

T

october 2015

Sophia Webster’s pink and canary yellow suede flats that’ll have you dancing in the street.

Bold Geometric – edgy prints are everywhere from scarves and bags to maxi dresses and coats. The Victoria Beckham mono shift is a brilliant example, as is the Sandro candy blouse.

Sci-fi Chic – we might have Star Wars to thank for this. Sci-fi is big this season and taken literally at Valentino in the form of their Cosmo dress with more subtle metallic effects at Christopher Kane.

Fake fur – OK so this is a recycled trend that pops up every autumn, but it’s still relevant.

The gilet is back in a multitude of colour ways.

We like the DKNY white version, plus Miss Selfridge has some gorgeous examples that defy the price tags. I

birmingham living 41

BHAM_ (Page 40) style:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:14

Page 42

STYLE

ROCK CHICK Roll neck £8.99, geo print skirt £17.99, coat £59.99 and boots £59.99, New Look

PASTEL PENCIL Purple midi skirt £28, Dorothy Perkins at The Fort Shopping Park

BROWN ABOUT TOWN Faux fur gilet £85, Miss Selfridge at The Fort Shopping Park

BOLD BLOUSE Sandro Candy Noir blouse £239, Selfridges

WALK THE WALK Sophia Webster embroidered suede flats £240, Harvey Nichols

PLANET VALENTINO

TANGERINE TOTE

TWINKLE TOES

Preloved bag from a selection at The Designer Exchange

Metallic Saintly sandal £48, Office

42 birmingham living

Cosmo printed dress by Valentino £2,175, Harvey Nichols

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 40) style:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:14

Page 43

STYLE

TWO TONE Reversible wool coat £399, Jaeger

HEAVY METAL Metallic clutch bag £12.99, New Look at The Fort Shopping Park

MONO MADNESS Black and white geometric dress £45, Miss Selfridge at The Fort Shopping Park

WHITE OUT Faux fur gilet DKNY £270, Harvey Nichols

october 2015

birmingham living 43

BHAM_ (Page 40) style:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:14

Page 44

STYLE

FULL SKIRT Monochrome skirt £42, Closet London

DISCO DIVA Silver sequinned collar dress £59, Very

SEXY SHEARLING Claudie Pierlot Facile £485, Selfridges

IN DENIAL Roksanda Aytum pleated satin twill mini dress £1,130, Harvey Nichols

LOAFING ABOUT Metallic shoes £29.99, H&M at Pavilions Birmingham

SIXTIES VIBE Victoria Beckham shift dress £535, Harvey Nichols

44 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 45):Layout 1

23/9/15

15:42

Page 45

BHAM_ (Page 46) 10things:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:18

Page 46

STYLE

70s VIBE Autograph suede skirt £99, M&S COLLARS AND CUFFS Claudie Pierlot blouse £145, Selfridges

LEOPARD LOVELY Faux fur bomber £69.50, Oliver Bonas

10

THINGS WE LOVE

FAB FUNNEL Double face funnel gilet £350, Jaeger

CUTE CLAUDIE Claudie Pierlot Arianne shoe £239, Selfridges

CHIC APPLIQUE SportMax Code stitched floral sweatshirt £135, House of Fraser

TWEETIE PIE Moschino Looney Tunes bucket bag £525, Harvey Nichols

WELL CUT Sandro Proud Brut denim £175, Selfridges

SCHOOL’S IN Victoria Beckham denim pleated cross hatch skirt £275, House of Fraser

OX BLOOD BIKER Leather jacket £399, Jaeger

46 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 47):Layout 1

october 2015

23/9/15

15:46

Page 47

birmingham living 47

BHAM_ (Page 48) menstyle:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:19

Page 48

STYLE

CHECK

MATES

New season checks are in for guys, together with a liberal serving of greens

h, the weather outside is frightful… well it was at the time of writing. We’re well and truly into autumn, so we’re highlighting a few wintry pieces to keep you snug yet chic. Yes that is possible. New season checks feature not just on shirts and jackets, but trousers too like the woollen trews from Paul Smith, pictured bottom right. Green features heavily too in the form of utilitarian jackets, chinos and even shoes the colour of Kermit.

Shearling makes an appearance and our pick is the smooth tan jacket with shearling collar from Superdry, middle right.

O

48 birmingham living

LAIDBACK CHIC Utilitarian jacket, Topman

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 48) menstyle:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:19

Page 49

STYLE

GREEN BOMBER Olive green bomber jacket £24.99, New Look at The Fort Shopping Park

MONO CHECKS Large check button down collar flannel shirt £70, Farah Vintage at House of Fraser

BIT OF AN ANIMAL Kenzo wool blend jumper £320, Harvey Nichols

OLIVE TREWS Green Chinos £20, Burton at The Fort Shopping Park

SUPER SHEARLING Tan jacket with shearling collar, Superdry

STARS AND CHECKS Givenchy checked flannel shirt £380, Selfridges

CHECKED TREWS Paul Smith wool blend trousers £490, Harvey Nichols

october 2015

MILITARY MAN Gucci shell jacket £1,365, Harvey Nichols

birmingham living 49

BHAM_ (Page 50) health:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:11

Page 50

HEALTH

GERM WARFARE A new breakthrough vaccine has been developed in the fight to beat the killer meningitis bug. We look at how it works and its chances of success new campaign to fight meningitis has hit the it but leaves the remaining 80 per cent who survive with headlines with a national programme serious disabilities, including brain damage. featuring a fresh vaccine to fight strains of The new vaccine has only been introduced for all babies the virus in the under-fives. The launch follows the born after 1 May this year, so leaving out the majority of introduction of a similar initiative to safeguard children under the age of five. The Government has stated students at schools and colleges. So, what do you need that the vaccine is too expensive – a decision which experts to know about the new move? And in a wider context, have criticised as a false economy. how do you spot, and then act, if you suspect this Campaigners say the vaccine could prevent up to 4,000 deadly disease has struck a loved one or friend? cases by 2025. A catch-up programme will also target babies The first of the two new vaccines born since May who have missed the first jabs. targets Meningitis B and was If all under fives were vaccinated then the 5 WARNING SIGNS introduced on 1 September aimed at condition could almost be eradicated within a protecting babies from the strain of year, however the decision taken by the Headache & vomiting bacteria that has been deadly for Government means it will take at least five more than three decades. The vaccine years to have a major impact. will be given to babies at two, four Muscle pain WARNING and 12 months old as part of routine Vaccinating against meningitis has proved immunisations.

Fever very successful in eradicating or reducing The second vaccine is for teenagers cases of meningitis due to Hib (introduced and targets protection against Cold hands & feet 1992) and Meningitis C (cases are so few now Meningitis W, which has started to that the Joint Committee on Vaccinations has rise dramatically in university advised taking the vaccine off the schedule). students. All teenagers aged 14 and Rash of tiny red pinpricks Vaccinations have proven time and time over should be offered a one-off dose (which doesn’t fade when pressing again to be effective, but only if enough of Meningitis ACWY, which will give a glass against it) people take them up – so it is in everyone’s them protection for at least five years. interest to have vaccinations offered on the NHS schedule. If EFFECTIVE your child is not eligible for the new vaccine then it is possible Children under the age of 5 are at most risk of to obtain it privately, though this is an option not within contracting the Meningitis B bacterial infection. Out everyone’s reach! of this group, babies under one year are the most Christopher Head, of the Meningitis Research Foundation, susceptible as their own immune systems are still said: “Despite this welcome progress we must remind developing. There are hundreds of strains of everyone there are still some forms of the disease which are meningococcal group B bacteria and trials have not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are still aware shown that the vaccine is effective against nearly 90 of the symptoms of meningitis and septicemia.” I per cent of them.

Thanks to Dr Sarj Bahia, medical director & principal GP at The importance of this breakthrough vaccine Edgbaston Private Medical Practice, tel 0121 454 9535 can’t be underestimated as the infection is not only www.epmpractice.co.uk for information used in this article deadly to 20 per cent of all under fives who contract

A

1 2 3 4 5

50 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 50) health:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:11

Page 51

HEALTH

october 2015

birmingham living 51

BHAM_ (Page 52) beauty:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:16

Page 52

BEAUTY First Aid Beauty at Selfridges Just launched in the UK, First Aid Beauty has amassed a loyal following over the years from beauty editors to bloggers. This skincare range boasts fast-acting, sophisticated formulas at prices that won’t break the bank. Start with the Facial Radiance Pads and you’ll find that your skin is glowing.

Hershesons at Harvey Nichols For the ultimate bouncy blow dry the only place is Hershesons.

With a team trained to mirror Luke Hershesons’s legendary technique, you can guarantee volume for days. Be sure to explore their range of tools and hair pieces too.

BEAUTY

NEWS

With so many new shopping destinations in Birmingham,

Rose Gallagher sets out to find the best in beauty in the city

Liz Earle at John Lewis Finally a city centre destination to pick up the inimitable Cleanse & Polish. If you haven’t tried Liz’s hero product before now is your chance. This cleanser removes all make-up super gently and comes in limited scents and variations throughout the year.

Jo Malone at Grand Central Just in time for Christmas, the ultimate gifting destination is launching a boutique in Grand Central. Be sure to treat your loved one to the latest floral oriental scent, Mimosa and Cardamom.

Pixi at Marks and Spencer My favourite LA brand, Pixi, have now launched in M&S. You won’t beat their complexion products for fresh, dewy skin and their new skincare line is divine. Start your journey with the Flawless Beauty Primer and the cult Glow Tonic.

Too Faced at Debenhams Colour cosmetics don’t come more beautifully packaged than those from Too Faced. Start your collection with the Better Than Sex mascara and the Born This Way foundation, two of their universally loved lines.

52 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 53):Layout 1

23/9/15

13:59

Page 51

ng il viHOMES

BHAM_ (Page 54) homes:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:16

Page 54

THE RIGHT

LIGHTS It’s easy to ignore the importance of lighting, yet when considered properly it can have a dramatic effect on your home

NATURE’S WAY Cascada pendant shade £129, Blue Sun Tree www.bluesuntree.co.uk

54 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 54) homes:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:17

Page 55

HOMES

GRAND ENTRANCE Contract duo pendant with a choice of white, red or black cotton or ribbon shade from i-lite www.ilite.co.uk

ighting is a crucial aspect of your home interior and worth giving some serious thought at the beginning of a project, not the end and investing in a lighting scheme that is both beautiful and practical. We’ve pulled together a selection of pendants, table top lamps and floor lights that will warm up your home even on the dullest of autumn days.

A single pendant is an easy way to give a room an instant lift. Wire-frame shades, industrial metallic finishes, cut glass and versions inspired by nature are hot this season.

L

COPPER TOP Pine Cone copper pendants, BoConcept www.boconcept.co.uk

october 2015

birmingham living 55

BHAM_ (Page 54) homes:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:17

Page 56

HOMES

© Giuseppe Brancato

SET THE TONE IC Light designed by Michael Anastassiades for Flos www.flos.com

CUT GLASS Scandinavian Cut Glass Chandeliers from £102, Nordic House www.nordichouse.co.uk

A table top lamp is a great way to update a table or desk with minimum fuss. Concrete effect bases and simplistic bulbs with the filament as a feature are both having a moment.

Floor lamps are practical and movable squeezing into awkward gaps and brightening up a room without taking up too much space.

Go for a bright LED bulb if your lamp is going to be used for reading, but if you’re looking to achieve a chilled out vibe for entertaining or relaxing choose a lower wattage, warm halogen bulb. I

BACK TO BASICS American industrial pendant £192, Skinflint www.skinflintdesign.co.uk

56 birmingham living

SIZE IS EVERYTHING Red sextans floor lamp www.calligaris.co.uk

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 54) homes:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:17

Page 57

HOMES

BOLD BRIGHTS Lights from a selection at Very www.very.co.uk

GOLD RUSH Pendant from a selection at M&S www.marksandspencer.com

LEADING LIGHTS Check out this fantastic collection of local stores on your doorstep I i-lite 0121 554 7715 www.ilite.co.uk I Cookes 0121 250 5050 www.cookesfurniture.co.uk I Cousins 0121 765 3300 www.cousinsfurniture.co.uk I Leekes Coventry www.leekes.co.uk

october 2015

LIGHT BULB MOMENT Lumens & Wood lamps available from The Gifted Few www.thegiftedfew.com

birmingham living 57

BHAM_ (Page 58) finishing touches:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:18

Page 58

HOMES JAM JAR CHIC Industrial style lamp in a jar £29, www.barak7.co.uk

WORK RATE J by Jasper lamp £65, Debenhams

ANIMAL MAGIC Laura Oakes green animal lampshade £22, Debenhams

FINISHING TOUCHES

HERE COMES THE SUN Gemstone sun burst gold sconce wall light £1,400, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk

More great ideas to light up your life LIGHTS, CAMERA, RELAX Studio floor lamp £140, Next

TERRIFIC TURQUOISE Tampa easy fit blue pendant £25, Very

PAPER PENDANT Geo pendant £20, Next

CONCRETE FINISH Unusual concrete effect lamp £20, George Home WIRED LOOK Copper wire pendant £34, Oliver Bonas

58 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 59):Layout 1

23/9/15

14:00

Page 57

BHAM_ (Page 60) hot property:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:48

Page 60

HOMES

Hot Properties This month’s selection of top homes for sale features state-of-the-art city lofts, brand new builds and rural grandeur in stately grounds

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Sherbourne Lofts, Birmingham Guide price: ÂŁ575k Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520

This large converted warehouse is packed with original features like exposed bricks, steelwork and high ceilings as well as a balcony overlooking the canal basin with double doors leading out from the glamorous master bedroom.

60 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 60) hot property:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:48

Page 61

HOMES

october 2015

birmingham living 61

BHAM_ (Page 60) hot property:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:48

Page 62

HOMES

BRICKS&BITS FACELIFT FOR FORT DUNLOP Fort Dunlop is to undergo its first major renovation since re-opening. Plans have been lodged to redevelop the 375,000 sq ft former tyre factory complex which was brought back to life a decade ago. The proposals by Tristan Capital, which acquired Fort Dunlop last year, include an increase in parking and enclosed conference facilities on the roof. Work is expected to start early next year, subject to planning approval.

PRIMARK PLANS PAVILIONS STORE Clothing retailer Primark has submitted plans to create a huge new store on the site of Pavilions Birmingham. In addition to the flagship outlet the plans include a new pedestrian through-route from Moor Street to High Street. “The Primark proposals offer a big opportunity for Birmingham city centre and we’re keen to hear local thoughts before the planning application is finalised,” said spokesman Nick Webb.

BRINDLEYPLACE UP FOR GRABS

HISTORIC SURROUNDINGS Coventry House, Croome Estate, Worcestershire Guide price: £495k Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 01905 723438

Nestled in the stunning grounds of the National Trust’s Croome Park Estate, Coventry House is a handsome family home with masses of space and, as you’d expect, rolling countryside views.

Four bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, two dressing rooms and bags of entertaining space along with a pretty walled garden make this an idyllic family home.

Hines and Lone Star have instructed property consultancies CBRE and Colliers International to bring eight buildings at Brindleyplace to market with reports suggesting the price could be as much as £300 million and include 470,000 sq ft of grade A office space. Ed Gamble, executive director at CBRE in Birmingham, said: “The occupational market is buoyant in the city, characterised by a lack of supply, strong tenant demand and increasing inward investment activity.”

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

62 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 60) hot property:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:49

Page 63

HOMES

SUPER EFFICIENT Portland Rd, Edgbaston Guide price: from ÂŁ729,950 Agent: James Laurence, tel: 0121 456 5454

This exclusive development of two six-bedroomed homes has been designed to a high specification and includes stateof-the-art features and finishes. An underfloor heating system with digital climate control panels on each floor as well as fully insulated external walls, a Tyvec air-tightness membrane and well-insulated double glazed windows make this house super-efficient as well as being stylish.

october 2015

birmingham living 63

BHAM_ (Page 60) hot property:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:49

Page 64

HOMES

PARTY PAD Concorde House, Birmingham Guide price: ÂŁ725k Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520 Loft 14 at this highly stylised development is on the fourth floor and offers a whopping 2,803 sq ft with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large open plan kitchen/living space and a cinema room. The minimalist industrial vibe is evident throughout, giving a modern, urban feel.

Don’t miss Property of the Week on our Facebook page every Thursday

www.facebook.com/bhamliving 64 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 25):Layout 1

24/2/15

10:46

Page 25

BHAM_ (Page 66):Layout 1

66 birmingham living

23/9/15

15:35

Page 66

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 67) antiques :Layout 1

23/9/15

11:19

Page 67

ANTIQUES

TEA OR COFFEE? A look back at the days when making a brew had to have a certain style he humble brew is anything but when you look back in history. The traditional tea or coffee set ruled in the days long before anyone had dreamed up teabags and instant granules! There are many variations on the traditional set and generally the more pieces, the more desirable it is. Similarly, a set is always worth more than the value of its individual items such as kettles, hot milk jugs and bachelor teapots.

Sets became popular in the late 1700s thanks to lower tea prices and a rise in availability of different blends. The traditional three-piece tea set (consisting of a teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug) is much more common than a fourpiece, which usually adds a coffee pot, and is more soughtafter with collectors.

A set is only a set if all the marks on each piece are the same. Milk jugs and sugar basins should bear one full set of marks; teapots and coffee pots should bear the full marks on the body with maker’s mark, lion passant, date letter and monarch’s head duty mark on the lid. Likewise, if there is a silver handle or detachable finial these should also be marked.

Designs in tea sets tend to follow fashions of the time,

T

october 2015

with most services on the market today harking from the Victorian period. The teapot lid is nearly always domed, getting higher as time and fashions moved on. Teapots often had stands to stop the table surface from being scorched underneath and bone fillets were a common material used between the handle and teapot body to prevent heat being conducted to the drinker’s hand.

LOFTY LIDS Tea sets are not exclusively sold as one; when sold separately, dainty sugar basins were often called sweet meat baskets although they were likely only ever used for sugar. Tea kettles were also designed and sold individually, and when considering the minute differences between a coffee pot and a hot water jug (a coffee pot has a long curved or straight spout emanating from the belly of the body whereas a hot water jug has a shorter spout similar to a milk jug) many people disputed the practicalities of owning both. I More information and sales details from Birmingham auctioneers Fellows on 0121 212 5500 www.fellows.co.uk

birmingham living 67

BHAM_ (Page 68) motors:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:22

Page 68

MOTORING

PERFORMANCE

PEP TALK

The launch of a motorsport division promises faster, cleaner and more economical offerings from Citroen’s DS brand, says Sue Cooke he world of motorsport generates some fantastic technology beneficial to road cars, so DS Automobiles recent announcement that it is creating a motorsport division is welcome news for car buyers.

The DS brand, which used to be part of Citroen, was officially founded on 1 June 2014 to revive the tradition of premium vehicles. The launch of DS Performance will be more than a simple R&D laboratory and will contribute technological expertise and support DS Virgin Racing throughout the Formula E season.

As well as maximising the performance of the race cars and in particular developing the DSV-01 race car, there will be a natural trickle of skills and knowledge through to the passenger vehicle division and the development of electric technology.

The DS brand already boasts a wealth of equipment including in-car entertainment (Connect Signature) comfort (scented air freshener) and

T

68 birmingham living

lighting (3D effect LED rear lights) expertise. The fabric roof of the DS3 Cabrio I road tested in a week of muddled weather will bring the sunshine in or shut the rain out in just 16 seconds. The roof, which can be personalised, will open to three different positions and provide an original stylish car.

The rear seats will accommodate three people in space and style behind tinted rear windows. The doors are typical of all three-door cars and are wide and heavy and I also found the handbrake needed a firm heave.

There is plenty of open storage space in the cabin and a large glovebox for hiding keys. The boot will take 245 litres of luggage but the width and height opening may mean difficulty in accessing the space for some larger items. It took my supermarket weekly shop very well. My DStyle test car, one of four models to choose from, includes automatic air-conditioning, electric front windows, a scented air freshener, adjustable

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 68) motors:Layout 1

23/9/15

11:22

Page 69

MOTORING

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model: DS3 Cabrio Price: £19,595 otr Engine: 1.6 litre Blue HDi diesel 100hp Performance: 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 113mph CO2 emissions: 92g/km – no road tax for first year Combined fuel consumption: 80.7mpg

steering wheel and front seats and gloss black centre console with soft touch upper dashboard.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Out of the mouth of babes come the most profound words and a five-year-old passenger commenting on the sports suspension said ‘It’s a bit bumpy’ but that again is a personal choice. The RDS stereo radio has MP3 and a CD player, a rare accoutrement nowadays, while the volume is adjusted by plus or minus buttons which I found awkward to play with while driving. There is a choice of a notchy six-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission.

A tight turning circle and the compactness of the DS3 make it easy to manoeuvre and a rear parking sensor helps with reversing. Power comes from a 1.6 diesel engine which with the latest generation Euro 6 Blue additive has increased power from 92hp to 100hp. BlueHDi combines advanced performance

october 2015

with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This result is achieved by enhancements including improved internal efficiency, a new diamond-like carbon coating with increased reliability and by implementing an innovative and efficient exhaust system. NOx emissions are reduced by up to 90 per cent and CO2 emissions by up to four per cent.

The wonders of motorsport technology will contribute to the development of electric expertise and DS Performance will step up R&D in new technologies such as plug-in hybrids and all-electric power that the PSA Group is already working on.

That will benefit the DS brand in the long term, which will benefit DS buyers. I You can follow Sue Cooke on Twitter @cookecars

SHOWROOM: Citroen Birmingham, 100 Small Heath Highway, Birmingham, B10 0BT. Tel: 0121 222 8669 www.crgbirminghamcitroen.co.uk

birmingham living 69

BHAM_ (Page 70) young, gifted:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:55

Page 70

YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

JACK LUCAS The Masterchef finalist has gone on from TV pin-up boy to carving out a career with a supermarket giant and starting his own private dining business

70 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 70) young, gifted:Layout 1

23/9/15

10:55

Page 71

YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

ack Lucas loves food, especially cooking it, but there are one or two items that you won’t find on his personal menu. “Marmite!

Sorry, I can’t stand it. Great in sauces but not on anything else. And anchovies on their own. Ugh!” Just as well then that the Masterchef finalist from Solihull has a whole cook book or three of ingredients that he really loves. “Top for me has to be meat,” he says. “I have to admit that I’m a bit of a carnivore, so give me something like spring lamb which I’d cook a bit differently, smoked over hay. Fantastic!”

If you’re into your TV foodie programmes you’ll remember Jack coming through from nowhere to get within a hollandaise sauce of winning the 2014 Masterchef title. In what was acknowledged as the strongest final in the show’s history, Jack was only beaten by the awesome oriental talent of the delightfully named Ping Coombes.

Still only 23, Jack looks back at that whole experience as the best thing that’s happened to him. “The exposure of being able to go into top restaurants here in the UK and around the world and work in their kitchens was just awesome. I’ve got such huge respect for the guys who do that professionally to that level for 15 hours or more a day. I’m not sure that’s quite the route I’d want to go down.”

Currently Jack spends part of his time with a nice steady income thanks to a job in London working with food with supermarket giant Sainsbury. He also runs his own private dining business as well as being a regular attraction at food fairs and festivals around the country – recently he was a cook-off judge and did demonstrations at the Sunnyhull Festival in Mell Square.

“Before I went onto Masterchef I was on an internship with Sainsbury,” he explains. “After the success on TV, I wanted to stay loyal to Sainsbury who had given me my first chance.

So I carried on their graduates scheme and I’m involved in helping them source great produce, develop food campaigns and shoot online

J

october 2015

videos and create recipes for their product ranges. I’m really enjoying it, it’s really exciting and it works perfectly with the other things it allows me to do – like the fine dining and the festivals.”

Jack was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent but the family moved to Dorridge when he was three. He attended the local junior school and then Solihull School before going to Exeter University where he studied geography, graduating with a First. He says he was inspired to start cooking by his mum and grandma, but came to it quite late. “I was around 16 before I really got into it. When I went to uni it became a bigger part of my life as I found myself with quite a bit of time to be able to experiment with food. I ended up doing loads of the cooking for people, and I watched and learned loads from cooking videos online.

My hero was and is Ramsay!”

MANIC KITCHENS Jack got the first inclination that maybe cooking could become a bit more than rustling up something in a student kitchen when one of his good mates from school asked him to come round and cook a special 18th birthday meal for him.

You get the impression talking to Jack that the manic pro kitchen environment that is so well portrayed on TV will never appeal. While he’s not shy of hard work, slaving over a hot stove is only part of the lifestyle mix that he’s aiming to achieve. “I want to sample lots of things and most of all enjoy food and working with it,” he explains. “I’m still in contact with quite a few of the pro chefs who appeared on the Masterchef series, so I’ll always have options. I love doing the private dining but the harsh reality is that it’s a business that’s not predictable or regular. I’ve got other things I want to do. Currently I’m writing a book which I’m thoroughly enjoying doing too.”

Variety really is the spice of life for Jack who is willing to try anything to do with food – as long as it doesn’t involve Marmite and anchovies! I

birmingham living 71

BHAM_ (Page 72) school report:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:08

Page 72

GROWING PLACES

ATTENSHUN! THE CADETS NEED YOU Pupils at Solihull School are being urged to join the cadet force to boost skills and employability. Headmaster David Lloyd said: “Employers are always seeking that something extra in job applicants and they value the qualities gained as a cadet – self-discipline, loyalty and respect, leadership, teamwork and resilience.” His claims are supported by the Government’s decision to increase the number of cadet forces in schools five-fold by 2020.

ON THE MARCH: Solihull School’s combined cadet force

SCHOOL REPORT

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

TUNING UP: A Ladywood pupil and one of the donated instruments

THSH BOOSTS YOUNG MUSICIANS Young musicians from Ladywood schools have been presented with instruments by Town Hall Symphony Hall after their hard work and commitment to the Generation Ladywood Project. The project aims to connect people in Ladywood to music and the arts, boosting their self-esteem and aspirations while reducing social isolation. The project culminated in the Generation Ladywood Showcase concert at Symphony Hall which involved young musicians who had worked particularly hard for the project.

72 birmingham living

READING TIME: Blossomfield pupils enjoy the adventures of Robbie

ROBBIE RIDES INTO TOWN Touchwood recently commissioned an illustrated children’s book titled Robbie the Rider to raise awareness of Solihull and Warwickshire Blood Bikes charity. The shopping centre donated more than 1,000 copies to local schools, including Blossomfield Infant and Nursery School in Shirley. The story, developed with Coventry University graphic design students Jack Miller and Angelina Yaneva and local writer Hayley Evans, helps pupils understand more about the charity’s life-saving work.

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 72) school report:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:08

Page 73

GROWING PLACES

COLLEGE BREAKS RESULTS RECORD Joseph Chamberlain College exceeded last year’s record breaking exam results with an A-Level pass rate this year of 99 per cent. BTEC courses achieved a 100 per cent rate. More students than ever gained places at their first choice universities. College deputy principal Tony Day said: “I am so proud of all our students and staff. We did so well last year and it is fantastic to have exceeded this high record with this year’s results.” EVEN BETTER: Students at JCC mull over their achievements

MALIK MAKES

THE GRADE Former Ark St Alban’s Academy pupil Malik Sheryar-Karamat, who earlier this year won the Millennium Point Young Innovator Prize, is celebrating again. He gained the A-Level grades he needed to take up his prize – a sponsored place to study mechanical engineering at Birmingham City University. “I am so thankful that I can carry on my passion for mechanical engineering,” said Malik. “Hopefully it will lead to a career in a science-based subject.”

ACE DAY: Mark Pxxxxx TV DATE: Jack with Greenwood Academy pupils on results day

GREENWOOD STUDENTS GO LIVE! As part of a BBC Breakfast broadcast, comedian Jack Whitehall joined students at Greenwood Academy in Castle Vale as they opened their exam results live on air. Jack later spent time chatting with the pupils in the canteen, congratulating and consoling – thankfully mostly congratulating!

Impressive results included more than 83 per cent awarded A* to C in English and Spanish and 81 per cent awarded A* to C in Drama.

BROMSGROVE’S CLUSTER OF STARS An impressive 85 per cent of pupils at Bromsgrove School achieved A* to B grades in their A-Levels this year. The results came despite a nationwide drop in top grade passes, so all the more reason to be proud!

Headmaster Peter Clague said: “Rigour builds trust in our qualifications system and it is particularly pleasing that students continue to excel in a more challenging regime.”

HAPPY: Izzy Richards and friends celebrate exam success with a selfie

october 2015

birmingham living 73

BHAM_ (Page 74):Layout 1

23/9/15

16:24

Page 74

BHAM_ (Page 75) unsung heroes:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:26

Page 75

UNSUNG HEROES

Incredible and inspirational… the couple who lost their

UNSUNG HEROES

daughter in a riding accident have devoted their lives to raising thousands of pounds for Midlands Air Ambulance

ROGER & DIANE COLE oger and Diane Cole are the perfect example of finding strength in terrible adversity. When their daughter Charlotte suffered a fatal horse riding accident in 2011, the couple’s world was turned upside down.

Charlotte was airlifted to hospital by Midlands Air Ambulance and while their action proved unable to save the 24-year-old’s life, it bought precious time for Roger and Diane to say goodbye to their daughter.

Since that tragic moment, Roger and Diane have devoted their lives to raising money for the air ambulance and over the last four years have collected thousands of pounds to help keep the vital emergency service in the air.

The couple have always gone about their fund-raising mission in their own understated way. They don’t seek the limelight.

Knowing they are really helping the cause is reward enough for these unsung heroes. But they couldn’t escape being the centre of attention when air ambulance chiefs decided to present them with the MMA’s coveted Special Recognition Award.

Roger and Diane run CK Racing selling equestrian clothing and merchandise to raise funds for the MAA and Racing Welfare. The business was originally started by

R

october 2015

Charlotte a year before she died. After the tragedy it became a fund-raising website for the charities.

“The fund-raising provides us with the therapy we need,” said Diane. “We knew we needed to focus on something and because the air ambulance crew was so desperate to save Charlotte, we wanted to give something back. Charlotte will always be special to us and to see how other people have taken her into their hearts is amazing.”

The three MAA helicopters cost £2 millon a year each to keep flying and the service depends on the public’s support and generosity to meet that target. The service also has a raft of celebrities such as Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, who get involved. But it’s ‘normal’ people like Roger and Diane who are crucial in keeping those rotor blades turning.

As a result of Charlotte’s accident, the couple are also big supporters of organ donation.

Charlotte was on the donor register and her organs saved five lives.

We’ll leave it to the MAA to sum up what makes Roger and Diane so special. The citation for their Special Recognition Award simply described the couple as “incredible people, an inspiration to many of us at the charity and the aircrew too”. I

birmingham living 75

ing livBUSINESS

BHAM_ (Page 76) companytowatch:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:25

Page 76

STEEL & JELLY The Birmingham-based men’s fashion brand has opened an impressive new store in Grand Central – and aims to do the same in every major city in the UK

ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Nish Thakrar is passionate about embracing great British design

76 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 76) companytowatch:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:25

Page 77

COMPANY TO WATCH

ith a great fanfare, the shiny new Grand Central complex opened its doors just days ago. And while John Lewis is the undisputed centre-piece of this very impressive addition to Birmingham’s retail landscape, Grand Central isn’t just about the big chains – there’s plenty of independents making a noise too.

Names like Steel and Jelly, a local business whose owners have grown up in Birmingham and who have more than 40 years experience in the men’s fashion industry. Steel and Jelly have been working hard for months to get their flagship store ready to impress – and they haven’t disappointed.

W

EXCITING EXPANSION

when first starting the business,” said Nish. “The Steel and Jelly philosophy centres on scrupulous attention to detail. We are passionate about embracing innovative British design by creating a hybrid of the contemporary and the traditional. Each item is made with the modern day gentleman in mind, threading the past through to the present.”

Steel and Jelly’s collection offers everything from formal tailoring to soft casuals and premium accessories – in fact pretty much all you’d need for a complete gentleman’s wardrobe. “But our products carry an element of surprise too, from a paisley motif inside a collar to a contrasting button thread. We ensure that our designs are as unique as the customer is,” explained Nish.

Owner Nish Thakrar, a proud Birmingham is fast becoming a key business destination Brummie who studied at Bromsgrove School, said: “In for UK and global companies and we are proud to be part line with our recent programme of such a forward-thinking and dynamic city of expansion, we are very excited to have opened our new store in Grand Central. As well as welcoming people from across the region, we’ll be able to reach new The city’s growing reputation and profile in the customers from all over the country who will be fashion industry and among buyers for quality travelling through the new Grand Central station.” products with a distinctive edge, has seen Steel and Steel and Jelly are among 60 retailers who have Jelly’s business blossom. As well as opening in opened up at the £150 million shopping centre and all Grand Central, they have a thriving store in are looking to capitalise on the huge boost that Grand Henley-in-Arden, plus a strong online presence.

Central is bound to bring to the city’s retailers.

“Birmingham is fast becoming a key business Based in Lord Street, Steel and Jelly is a family destination with a network of UK and global business established in Birmingham in 2004 but with a companies raising the city’s profile,” said Nish. “We wealth of experience in tailoring covering 40 years. The are proud to be part of a forward-thinking and ethos from the beginning has been to combine classic dynamic Birmingham. men’s tailoring with contemporary styling.

“Our aims for the future are to cater for the growing “The name reflects the contrasting industrious ‘steel’ demand and interest in the brand and to have stores in and the benevolent ‘jelly’ approaches that we took every major city in the UK.” I

october 2015

birmingham living 77

BHAM_ (Page 78):Layout 1

78 birmingham living

23/9/15

17:14

Page 78

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 79) business news:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:09

Page 79

BUSINESS

ANDY LEADS START-UPS DRIVE NatWest has created a new senior post aimed at boosting start-ups in the Midlands. Andy Lee has been appointed regional enterprise manager, working with the specialist business banking teams to help new firms thrive and grow. He is also a governor at Selly Park Technology College and trustee of Relate Birmingham.

BUSINESS

NEWS

SUCCESS: James and the team at Francesco Group, Birmingham

THSH WELCOMES HOME NEW CEO Town Hall Symphony Hall has a new CEO – and he’s a Brummie!

Nick Reed, who currently heads Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, takes over when Andrew Jowett retires in early 2016. Nick’s family moved to Birmingham when he was a baby and he attended King Edward VI School, Edgbaston. He said: “I grew up going to concerts at Town Hall and I have delighted in seeing Symphony Hall become one of the finest halls in the world.”

october 2015

STYLISH JAMES MAKES FINAL CUT James Earnshaw, creative director of Francesco Group at Birmingham’s House of Fraser, has been named as a finalist at the Wella Professionals’ TrendVision Awards. James is one of just 20 hairdressers to compete for the Young Talent title in the finals in London. The category is open to stylists under 30.

JL FINDS TALENTED GEMS The new John Lewis store in Birmingham is teaming up with six local jewellers in a unique partnership. James Newman, Kate Smith, Becca Williams, Rhiannon Lewis, Collette Waudby and Fei Liu will supply more than 500 pieces to the store. They were picked from a shortlist of 20 designers.

James, who has designed 180 limited edition pieces for the launch, has his own shop on Vyse Street in the Jewellery Quarter.

birmingham living 79

BHAM_ (Page 79) business news:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:09

Page 80

BUSINESS

THE YOUNG ONES!

ON YOUR MARKS… They’re off... a team from KPMG Enterprise, Birmingham are taking part in the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge on Sunday 18 October. They aim to raise at least £2,000 for Cure Leukaemia.To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/teams/KPMGEnter priseBirmingham

BELFRY WINS WORLD TRAVEL TITLE The Belfry Hotel & Resort has been named England’s Leading Resort at this year’s World Travel Awards in Sardinia. The Awards are recognised globally as celebrating excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Gail Webb, marketing director at The Belfry, who picked up the award said: “This underlines the first-class leisure facilities on offer outside of our renowned golf heritage.”

This zany group had a serious job on their hands – to promote the best of Midlands young people to the region’s business and community leaders. They were picked by Youth 4 Excellence CIC to take charge of running the annual Celebrating Youth Excellence Awards. Led by 21-year-old Talisha Johnson, the young volunteers masterminded the black tie event sponsored by the Lloyds Banking Group.

GOLFER BARRY SPLASHES THE CASH Happy golfer Barry Lane has a winning smile after scooping a barrow-load of cash at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, held at Nailcote Hall.

The Senior Tour player held off former Open champion Paul Lawrie to claim the top title and £25,000 prize at the event, hosted by golfing legend Tony Jacklin.

See Social Scene for more pictures

RADIO STATION TUNES IN Birmingham’s radio airwaves are set for a shakeup with the launch of mytenradio. Pledged to ‘meet the musical needs of the city’s youth audience’, it’s the brainchild of Punch Records’ CEO Ammo Talwar and is part of the company’s Bass 15 Festival celebrating black music and arts across Birmingham and the UK this month. It will broadcast 24 hours-a-day for 28 days on FM across the city and online at www.mytenradio.com

80 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 79) business news:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:09

Page 81

BUSINESS

CHANCE THAT PAID OFF FOR CHARLES A Birmingham businessman has transformed the way 3,100 ambitious young companies communicate with staff and customers. Five years after starting a consultancy business from his bedroom, Charles Chance launched the Nimvelo Phone – a cloud-based system that allows colleagues to talk to their customers as a team.

His Nimvelo business now has five full-time employees and offices at Faraday Wharf.

BEN BOOKS A PLACE IN HARRODS A series of children’s books by two Birmingham entrepreneurs to encourage an enterprising spirit in six to nine-year-olds has launched in Harrods and Selfridges in London. The Clever Tykes stories, created by Ben and Jodie Cook, are being used by schools across the country. “We produce the books in Birmingham and are incredibly proud to be bringing Brummie business to London,” said Ben.

NEW ARRIVAL: Paul Kehoe, left, welcomes Wizz to Brum with Cllr Fran Oborski, Polish Honorary Consul for the West Midlands, centre

AIRPORT FLIES THE FLAG Another new airline is touching down in Birmingham. Wizz Air, the largest low cost carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, made its inaugural flight to the city from Warsaw. Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe said: “It’s fantastic to welcome another new airline to Birmingham, our seventh this year.”

CHINA COMES TO TOWN Businesses in Solihull are getting ready to say ‘Ni Hao’ (hello) to visitors from China. Solihull Tourism Forum are giving local hotels, retailers and transport providers an insight into how to attract Chinese visitors and adapt marketing and services for the oriental market. The initiative is in response to opportunities presented by new direct flights from Beijing to Birmingham Airport.

october 2015

birmingham living 81

BHAM_ (Page 82) businesswbn:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:13

Page 82

BUSINESS

“

WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM BRUM I’d create a huge piece of iconic Birmingham artwork near the proposed HS2 station that could also be seen from the M6!

Please introduce yourself I am Steve Hewlett, Retail Birmingham BID manager.

Previously I worked for City Centre Partnership. I’m Birmingham ‘born and bred’ and proud of it. I’m passionate about the city and the great people that live and work here.

What does your organisation do?

Retail Birmingham is a Business Improvement District representing more than 400 business members in the retail core of the city centre, which relates to over 750 shops, bars, restaurants and businesses. We deliver additional services and support to BID members. This includes region-wide marketing and digital promotion through our consumer facing portals Shopping In Birmingham and major city events such as Style Birmingham Live. We work in close partnership with Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police and other BIDs to keep the city centre clean and safe.

”

How do you feel your clients see the city?

We know that people like shopping in the city centre – we attract footfall of more than 1.6 million people a week.

The figure is significantly higher at Christmas. And there are lots of new independent bars and boutiques popping up all the time which makes Birmingham feel really special.

Does Birmingham offer any particular advantages as a destination for business?

Our central location is a distinct advantage which will only get better with the expanded New Street station and Midland Metro extension. Plus, we have a lot of talented people in the city. Over the years we’ve hosted many representatives from other cities and towns across the UK and Europe, who’ve come here to see ‘how we do it’.

What should our priorities be as a city?

To keep ‘banging the drum’ about the city, attracting people and businesses to experience what the city is like. Staying positive, keeping a pride in the city and investing in the future.

Is Brum a good place to do business?

It’s a terrific place for shopping and business in general. Everyone knows the stat now that with John Lewis joining the Steve Hewlett of Retail Birmingham BID city’s retail line-up we’ll be the only city outside London to have all five department stores within five If you had £1bn to spend on improving Brum minutes walk of each other. We are very much a ‘flagship’ what would you do with it? city for shopping with major retailers having significant There’s lots I’d do but above all keep improving, stores across the city centre. Add to that an eclectic mix of making Birmingham a truly world class city and investing more than 100 independents and the massive investment in in our young people – creating new retail start-up transport infrastructure, we’ve got it all together now…. businesses. Attract major worldwide events to the city – I there’s no need to shop anywhere else! once sold programmes at the Birmingham Super Prix – I’d bring that back! I’d restore and clean all of the old What are your biggest gripes with it? buildings in the city centre, protecting our city’s heritage.

Having to go through the disruption of the transport and I’d also create a huge piece of iconic Birmingham artwork energy improvements in the city centre has been difficult for near the proposed HS2 station that could also be seen everyone including the retailers. from the M6! I

82 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 83):Layout 1

23/9/15

15:48

Page 83

BHAM_ (Page 84):Layout 1

84 birmingham living

23/9/15

15:39

Page 84

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 85) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:17

Page 85

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

3

EXPO SCORES A BIG HIT WITH BUSINESS Chamber welcomes 500 delegates to its showcase event at the NEC ore than 500 delegates visited Greater Birmingham Chambers’ Expo at the National Motorcycle Museum, NEC. The event was opened by Chambers’ chief executive Paul Faulkner and featured 80 stands and four seminars. Expo returns on Friday, 20 November and will be one of the first events to be staged at the new Resorts World Birmingham Vox Conference Centre. I

M

4

For more information go to www.birmingham-chamber.com/events/calendar

5 6

7

8

9

1 David Biddle, David Bennett, Martin Tomlinson. 2 Richard Parks, Amanda Holden, Nick Carter. 3 Dean Barnwell, Denise Thompson, Dawn Monaghan, Michael Hatton. 4 Kathy Scott, David Edwards, Melanie Harris. 5 David MacKenzie, Jessica Hidgkiss, George Lakin.

6 Peter Appleton, Natalie Allison, Jennifer Appleton, Adam Snelleksz. 7 Katie Hadley, Laura Askham. 8 David Warren, Faith Walker.

9 Paul Roberts, Russell Halfpenny, Chris Elt, Katie Bennett.

Photography by Marc Kirsten

october 2015

birmingham living 85

BHAM_ (Page 86) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:17

Page 86

SOCIAL SCENE

2

1

3

SECOND CITY GOLFERS SWING IN THE MONEY Pro-Ams tee up for annual fundraising tournament at Little Aston Golf Club

4

5

olfers took to the tees at the Second City Golf Charity Pro-Am tournament to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and Norman Laud Association charities. The tournament, in its 49th year, brought together professional and amateur golfers at Little Aston Golf Club. Brewin Dolphin, supported by professional golfer Craig Swinburn won the Rod Davies Memorial Bowl with 85 points. Matthew Cort from Beedles Lake took the professional prize with 42 points, six under par for the day. I

G

6

7

8

9

1 George Kennedy, Craig Swinburn, Jonathan Thompson, Geoff Hands, Marita Roxburgh, Jilly Cosgrove, David Smith. 2 David Harrison, Russell Smith, Mark Howell, Martin Mitchell; Team Portland Lighting. 3 Simon Tilly, Tim Worley, Philip Beswick, Geoff Brown.

4 Pro winner Matthew Cort with Geoff Hands. 5 Richard McCulloch, Jilly Cosgrove. 6 Matthew Cort, James Brown, Alf Kelle, Fred Jewsbury.

7 Steven Handley, Tony Holroyde, Philippa Pickavance. 8 Tom Price, Jon Ryan Gill, Matthew Cort, Stuart Franks. 9 Mark Rogers, Mike Wiseman, Bev Bevan, Robert Davis.

Photography by Vivienne Bailey

86 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 87) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:18

Page 87

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

DRIVE FOR CHARITY’S BUMPER CASH BOOST M6 toll road operator steers to £50,000 at super fun day event ocal charities received a huge £50,000 boost at the Drive for Charity fund-raiser and fun day held by Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), operators of the M6 toll road.

MEL hosted the event at the M6 toll Motorway Service Area, Norton Canes. Cash raised went to Violets in Bloom, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Charity & Fisher House UK, Staffordshire Search & Rescue Team and Midlands Air Ambulance.

Each charity received a cheque for £10,000. I

L

3

4

5

6

7

1 Mandy Deakin with Dawn Hopley and Jake of Staffordshire Search and Rescue Team. 2 Peter Mayer, Dave MacKay, Anne Waller, Mike Hammond (CEO QEHB as mascot), Andy Pearson, Derek Waller, Roger Raybould. 3 Katie Joyce, Jenny Morgan. 4 Paul Parry, Mike Hammond. 5 Kelly Bourne, Kerry Mornington CEO of Violets in Bloom. 6 Simon Wright, Andy Pearson, Jon Cottrell. 7 Janet Cox, Kerry Mornington, Andy Pearson, Ivan Mornington.

october 2015

birmingham living 87

BHAM_ (Page 88) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:19

Page 88

SOCIAL SCENE

2

1

3

FRIENDS MERRY DANCE FOR DIAMOND JUBILEE Annual black tie dinner raises funds for hospital’s new unit

4

ine food followed by divine dancing was the order of the day when the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby held their annual black tie dinner and dance. The event was part of the celebrations of the diamond jubilee, raising funds for the current appeal for the new phlebotomy unit. By the end of the evening more than ÂŁ5,000 had been collected. Thanks go to Chefs Kitchen, Rugby who provided the diners with an excellent meal. I

5

F

8

9

6

7

1 The FOSC committee: Dave Proctor, Alan Wiggins, Julie Gordon, Tracey Lennard, Jan and Doug Jones, Jean Thompson.

2 Amanda and Glen Bourne. 3 Jean Thompson, Samantha Lennard. 4 Nigel and Tracey Lennard. 5 Haydn and Charmaine Williams.

6 Me & My Shadow Kenny Robinson & Nathan Dowling accompanied by Sally Jones. 7 Carol and Hew Tittensor. 8 Kelly and Paul Spooner.

9 James and Laura Isles, Emily Marlow, Ashley Thomas.

88 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 89) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:20

Page 89

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

3

NEW RESTAURANT IS OFF TO FLYING START Line up of VIP guests enjoys taste of north India at the opening of Ganesha IP guests helped celebrate the launch of Ganesha, a new restaurant specialising in north Indian cuisine, in Little Aston. They included local journalists, presenter Suzanne Virdee and Wolverhampton Wanderers player Scott Goldbourne, as well as an array of business high-fliers. The restaurant is the latest venture by Solihull businessman Tan Handa who already owns the Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant in Hall Green and Luxury Lifestyle. I

V

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 Amie Carlton, Mark Mundle, Kate Woodcock, Robin White. 2 Satpal, Narinder, Balvinder, Devinder Dergun. 3 Natalie Clark, Tan Handa, Bunny Handa. 4 Adin Memetovic, Sunny Sembhy, Tan Handa. 5 Andrew Fox, Suzanne Virdee, Justine Holland-Roper.

6 Dean Spragg Sunny Sanga, Kellie Licorish, Nathanial Valentino, Kate Murray. 7 Mal Bassiri, Mahan Neheiz, Mitra Abolhasani, Elnaz.

8 Gloria Filipova. 9 Sam Bansal, Manjit Bansal, Kashmir Rai, Harjit Rai. Photograph by Jas Sansi

october 2015

birmingham living 89

BHAM_ (Page 90) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:21

Page 90

SOCIAL SCENE

2

1

4

3

RECORD CROWDS ENJOY NAILCOTE FEAST OF GOLF Stars turn out in force to light up fairways at Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship

5

S 6

7

unny Nailcote Hall was once again the scene for an extravaganza of great golf by day and partying by night at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship. Hosted by golfing legend Tony Jacklin, the championship began with a day of Celeb-Am action with a host of stars out on course including Ashes-winning cricketer Jonny Bairstow, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, former Westlife singer Brian McFadden and Olympians Derek Redmond and Mark Foster. Sky Sports soccer pundit Alan McInally won the first Celeb-Am day while the leading team was Social Golfer.

The day concluded with a Welcome Ball hosted by comedian Dominic Holland.

8

10 9 More details at www.britishpar3.com

90 birmingham living

1 Paul Lawrie. 2 Jasper Carrott 3 Dwight Yorke. 4 Charley Hull.

5 Alan McInally. 6 Damon Hill. 7 Brian McFadden. 8 William Roache. 9 Barry Lane. 10 Peter Schmeichel, Dean Saunders.

october 2014

BHAM_ (Page 90) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:21

Page 91

SOCIAL SCENE

11

13

12

14 European Senior Tour star Barry Lane held off former Open champion Paul Lawrie to win the Pro-Am Championship, which featured the likes of Tommy Horton, Gary Wolstenholme and Des Smyth, as well as Ladies European Tour stars Carly Booth, Alex Peters and Charley Hull.

The Championship concluded with a second Celeb-Am tournament which featured the F1 pairing of Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill, as well as Coronation Street star William Roache and exEngland footballer Peter Shilton. Once again, Alan McInally emerged victorious while the leading team was Tiger Foods. A Charity Gala Ball raised funds for Rainbows Hospice for young people. . I

18

15

16

17

19

11 Keith Duffy, Mark Murphy. 12 Gary Wolstenholme, Rick Cressman, Tony Jacklin. 13 Jay James and Victoria Picton with guests.

14 Kelsey MacDonald, Amy Boulden, Alex Peters, Carly Booth, Sophie Powell. 15 Jonny Bairstow, Jacqui Byrne. 16 Derek Redmond.

17 Rick Cressman, Sol Campbell. 18 Bob Champion, Torie Blythe Richards. 19 Jamie and Julie Foreman, Gregg Wallace, Sue Cressman

october 2014

birmingham living 91

BHAM_ (Page 92) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:22

Page 92

SOCIAL SCENE

2

1

3

SIGNATURE AWARDS LAUNCHED FOR 2016 Celebration of excellence looks to build on successful first year

4

5

fter the success of the inaugural Signature Awards earlier this year, the 2016 scheme was officially launched at a special event at the Punjabi Resoi restaurant in Acocks Green. The 2015 awards, which celebrate excellence in professional services, attracted more than 100,000 views on the Flickr platform. Organised by Ninder Johal, president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, the awards will take place in March 2016. I

A

6 8

7

9

1 Bav Tamber, Jas Kundi, Monty Wouhra, Jaspal Bains, Shinda Singh. 2 Manj Sanghera, Lee J Walker, Narinder and Ninder Johal.

3 Natalie Murison, Kiran Sangha, Desh Sangha. 4 Ravi Sandhu-Kale, Mike Warwood. 5 Ninder Johal, Pinder Dhaliwal, Sonia Dhaliwal.

6 Saranjit Kandola, Waheed Saleem, Cayleigh Marshall. 7 Paul Brown, Saqib Bhatti, Waseem Zaffar. 8 Kiran Sangha, Cllr Preet Gill, Desh Paul. 9 Raaj Shamji, Ninder Johal, Jas Sansi, Lee J Walker.

Photography by Jas Sansi

92 birmingham living

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 93) social:Layout 1

23/9/15

14:22

Page 93

SOCIAL SCENE

1

2

3

NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR MEDIA’S FINEST Midlands Media Awards enjoy glittering evening at Villa Park ore than 260 guests attended Birmingham Press Club’s annual Midlands Media Awards at the Holte Suite, Villa Park, where Birmingham Living received the accolade of Magazine of the Year. The awards recognise the achievements of journalists, photographers, broadcasters and bloggers from across the region. Birmingham Airport was headline sponsor for the tenth year, with further support from Aston Villa, Bournville College, Birmingham City University, Cloud 9 and Fotoauto, whose photo booth provided after-event fun snaps. Entertainment came from Aston School of Performing Arts. TV presenters Bob Warman and Llewela Bailey were co-hosts. I

M

7

8

4

5

6

9

1 Reg Harcourt, Adrian Kibbler, Anne Harcourt, Fred Bromwich. 2 John Wilson, Catherine Phillips, James Forrest, Stephanie Preece, Gary Bills-Geddes. 3 Dharmesh Rajput, Ross Hawkes, Mark Langford, Peter Brookes. 4 Catherine Phillips, James Forrest.

5 Leigh Curtis, Claire Catlow, Mark Fear. 6 Editor Peter John, centre, with his team from Worcester News. 7 Aston School of Performing Arts. 8 John Duckers, Melissa Dickinson. 9 Chiara Glorioso, Ashley Blake.

Photography by Fotoauto

october 2015

birmingham living 93

ing ON il vWHAT’S

BHAM_ (Page 94) whatson:Layout 1

22/9/15

10:11

Page 94

WHAT: Birmingham Literature Festival WHEN: 8 to 17 October WHERE: Various venues, www.birminghamliteraturefestival.org

WHAT: Mark Steel WHEN: 11 October

Run by Writing West Midlands, the festival has been firmly established over the last 16 years as the region’s biggest writing event. With a full programme of more than 40 events including Pulitzer Prize-winner and former US Poet Laureate Rita Dove and crime writer Mark Billingham.

WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, tel 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk

WHAT: Jesus Christ Superstar

The writer and stand-up comedian heads to Stratford-uponAvon following his sell-out 5-star run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Supported by Seann Walsh and hosted by the awesome Shappi Khorsandi this should be a cracking night.

WHEN: 2 to 7 November WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through an extraordinary, © Pamela Raith Photography ground-breaking score. Including some of theatres most famous songs, including I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Everything’s Alright and of course, Superstar.

WHAT: The Stars From The Commitments WHEN: 16 October WHERE: Palace Theatre Redditch, tel 01527 65203 WHAT: Jocelyn Brown WHEN: 21 October WHERE: Jam House, tel 0121 200 3030 www.thejamhouse.com With an illustrious career spanning from the mid-Seventies, this legendary American dance diva is renowned for her powerful soul-shaking voice. The unforgettable line, I've Got the Power, from the Snap! hit and the sentiment and strength of her Somebody Else's Guy exemplify the dance floor memories of a generation.

94 birmingham living

www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Featuring cast members and musicians from the original Commitments film, this nine-piece soul band from Dublin has performed more than 1,000 shows world-wide to critical acclaim. Mustang Sally, Take Me To The River, Try A Little Tenderness… you know you want to!

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 94) whatson:Layout 1

22/9/15

10:11

Page 95

WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Kevin Bridges: A whole different story WHEN: 6 November WHERE: Barclaycard Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com Returning to the road with a brand new show, Scotland’s biggest export has had an astonishing rise to success, smashing box office records.

Come and see what all the fuss is about.

WHAT: Fiona Banner WHEN: 10 October to 17 January

WHAT: DMS Anniversary Concert – A Fusion of Music and Dance

WHERE: Ikon Gallery, Brindleyplace, tel 0121 248

WHEN: 4 October

0708 www.ikon-gallery.org

WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office 0121 345 0600

Scroll Down And Keep Scrolling is the most comprehensive exhibition of Banner’s work to date, representing key early projects alongside recent and unseen works that span a period of 25 years.

www.thsh.co.uk More than 300 musicians will perform in this spectacular show, co-hosted by rock legend Bev Bevan. From classical to rock, from The Lion King to tracks from Bublé and Muse, this is the perfect night out for the whole family. Includes the amazing Birmingham’s Town Hall Gospel Choir.

WHAT: The Nutcracker WHEN: 27 November to 13 December WHERE: Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome, www.brb.org.uk WHAT: Heineken Best of the Blues WHEN: 26 October WHERE: Town Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk An evening celebrating the best living Birmingham City players as voted by the fans. Sky Sports presenter Gary Newbon and Free Radio’s Tom Ross host the event, with special guests including the legendary Trevor Francis.

october 2015

You’ve just put the bikini away and already Christmas is coming..! You can’t fight it and there’s no better way to embrace the festive season than with this stunning ballet that delights young and old alike. The production

by Sir Peter Wright with exquisite designs by John Macfarlane is acclaimed as one of the world’s best.

birmingham living 95

BHAM_ (Page 94) whatson:Layout 1

22/9/15

10:11

Page 96

WHAT’S ON

WHAT: James Bay WHEN: 8 October WHERE: O2 Academy Birmingham, tel 0121 622 8250 www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk WHAT: Squash exhibition match WHEN: 17 October

After a No 1 debut album with Chaos And The Calm, the 24-yearold rising star heads out on tour. The BRIT’s Critics’ Choice winner is a brilliant guitar player, singer and song-writer.

WHERE: Edgbaston Priory Club, tel 0121 440 2492 www.edgbastonpriory.com How can this NOT be an Olympic sport?? A couple of Britain’s finest squash players take part in an exhibition match at one of Birmingham’s finest clubs. With Daryl Selby and Chris Thompson.

WHAT: Chris Ramsey: All Growed Up WHEN: 11 October WHERE: The Old Rep, tel 0121 359 9444 www.oldreptheatre.org.uk Celebrity Juice regular, star of BBC2’s Hebburn and the man who once got pizza delivered to a moving train, Chris embarks on his biggest stand-up tour yet. Topics explored include getting older, taking responsibility and the other terrifying realities of modern adulthood.

WHAT: CBSO Friday Night Classics: Star Wars WHEN: 16 October WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… John Williams lifted his baton and cued one of the greatest scores in movie history. Conductor Michael Seal and the CBSO present the stunning music from all six Star Wars films.

Hosted by voice actor Marc Silk.

WHAT: The Lennon and McCartney Experience WHEN: 21 November

WHAT: The Magic of Motown

WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel 02476 466174

WHEN: 18 November

www.nailcotehall.co.uk

WHERE: New Alexander Theatre, tel 0844 871 3011

Enjoy all the hits and the unmistakable sounds from the Fab Four. She Loves You, Help, Yesterday… no one does it better than the fabulous Lennon and McCartney Experience.

www.atgtickets.com

96 birmingham living

Celebrating 50 years of UK number one hit singles, producer Michael Taylor brings a brand-new show to town. Including classic hits from the Temptations, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes for one spectacular evening.

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 94) whatson:Layout 1

22/9/15

10:11

Page 97

WHAT’S ON

WHAT: The Barber of Seville WHEN: 19 October WHERE: Mac Birmingham, tel 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk Live from the London Coliseum in stunning HD, this classic staging of a sunny adventure will have you smiling from the moment it begins. Filled with fun and farce and starring Andrew Shore as Dr Bartolo alongside Kathryn Rudge as Rosina. Sung in English with subtitles.

WHAT: Mumford & Sons WHEN: 30 November WHERE: Genting Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.ticketfactory.com They capped off an incredible summer with a huge British return show at Reading Festival and now they’re enroute to Birmingham.

Wonder if Carey Mulligan will be coming too?

WHAT: The Holy & Horny Farewell Tour WHEN: 10 October WHERE: The Drum, tel 0121 333 2400 www.the-drum.org.uk Described as hilarious, powerful and deeply moving, this superbly acted one-woman show celebrates spirituality and sensuality. A compelling story of love, longing and the ultimate betrayal, Tonya Joy Bolton explores one woman’s struggle to remain holy despite being as horny as hell! For ages 15+

october 2015

WHAT: Icon of Lovers Rock WHEN: 24 October WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk As part of the Bass 15 tenth anniversary special, three living legends who transformed UK Reggae bring the sound of timeless music from the 80’s into the theatre for one night only. Featuring Carroll Thompson, Victor Romero Evans and Janet Kay.

birmingham living 97

BHAM_ (Page 98) inthecity:Layout 1

“

22/9/15

17:02

Page 98

IN THE CITY The bus lane fines I keep getting are disgusting – I’m a born and bred Brummie and I still get lost. #Rant better signage would be better than a Trap to make Kash!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF My name is Kash Gill, better known as Kash The Flash, four times World Kick Boxing Champion and BBC Sporting Hall of Fame 2013. I’ve had more than 100 fights, travelled the world and now run my own gym in Edgbaston coaching men, women and children from age five upwards in self-defence, fitness and kick boxing.

We’ve produced six world champions, all from Birmingham.

POWERWALKING? I love coaching and promoting health and fitness and there’s nothing better than walking or running around the Edgbaston Reservoir which backs on to my gym. It’s so beautiful and relaxing.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? I normally drive, it’s only about eight miles from where I live in Solihull to the gym on Icknield Port Road.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE? Usually pretty smooth, taking about 25 minutes by car or just 12 minutes on the train to Snow Hill.

The gym is really close to Five Ways island so very easy access from any direction of Birmingham.

World champion Kash ‘The Flash’ Gill

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? I love Birmingham, it was the only place I wanted my full-time gym. The city has a really good mix of friendly people and it’s well known for the restaurants and bars and the famous Bullring for shopping. And now, thanks to the new Grand Central, New Street Station has finally made it to be Flash too!

COFFEE BREAK? I’m always on the move so maybe I’ll grab a quick coffee at Costa or Starbucks but more often it’ll be either the Hyatt or Novotel.

98 birmingham living

”

LUNCHTIME? I normally go for lunch on Broad Street. I love my chicken, so I’m a real regular at Nandos or I’ll pop into the Arcadian for a Chinese. Minmin is a really good place. If I’m feeling flush then it’ll be one of the plush bars on the Golden Mile. Birmingham has so much choice, it’s great.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? I’m still a Handsworth boy at heart.

I know it’s famous for riots and bad things, but good things have come out of Handsworth – and I’m one of them!

I also love the Bullring and the centre of Birmingham, especially around the new Library and Centenary Square.

AFTERWORK PINT? I’m not really much of a drinker, although I love to socialise and meet people. Normally I’ll pop into the Broadway Casino or Novotel for a coffee or a cheeky glass of wine.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? The biggest complaint I have about Birmingham are the fines I keep getting for entering a bus lane – it’s disgusting! I’m a born and bred Brummie and I still get lost, so god help anyone out of our city. #Rant better signage would be good rather than a Trap to make Kash… I

october 2015

BHAM_ (Page 99):Layout 1

23/9/15

16:57

Page 99

BHAM_ (Page 100):Layout 1

22/9/15

23:29

Page 100