Birmingham living AW22 STYLEEDIT MRIMPROV JONTREVOR 10YEARS THEVAMPS MARK BILLINGHAM of VENI,VIDI, VINOTECA LIGHTS FANTASTIC VEGANTREATS CHEFADRIANLUCK
yanymeasuretheCommonwealthGameswereagreatsuccess.Greatsport, greatcrowds,greatatmosphere,greatmemories–andmostofallagreat advertisementforthisgreatcityofours.Allthefeedbackandmedia commentswereinagreement–whatanamazingshowBirminghamputonandhowBrummies,especially thetensofthousandsofwonderfulvolunteers,warmlywelcomedtheworldwithopenarms. TheFriendlyGamesintheFriendlyCity!Hasaniceringtoit,don’tyouthink?BeforetheGamesgot underwaywiththatawesomeopeningceremonyfeaturingtheunforgettablegiantmechanicalbull,I’dread plentyofmediareportsquestioningtherelevanceoftheeventandindeedtheCommonwealthitself.Bythe timeOzzyhadbroughtthecurtaindownonaloudandproudclosingceremony,thetonehadchanged. Birminghamhadshowntheworldhowtoreallyputonashow,andBrummieshadembracedtheworldfrom theheartandmadeitfeelgoodaboutitselfagain. ThelegacyforBrumfromthosefabulous11daysinthesun?Well,inspiringthousandsoflocalyoungstersto lovetheircityandtheirsportisn’tabadstart.Andwhataboutshowingtheever-growingself-confidenceof Birminghamasitcontinuestodevelopandlead.Itfeelslikewehaveputourselvesattheforefrontofstaging manymoreinternationaleventsmovingforward. Inthenearfuture,BrumislookingtohostthenextEurovisionSongContestwhichwasduetobeheldin Ukraine.Afterstagingthestar-studdedConcertforUkraineinMay,whichraised£13.5million,theNEC wouldseemtobetheperfectvenuefortheEurojamboree.Inthelongerterm,Ireadsomewherethatthe successofBirmingham2022shouldencourageustothinkaboutbiddingforthelikesofaWorldCup!Why not?Bringiton… DavidJohns EDITOR’SVIEW september2022 birminghamliving 03 Coverimage: MarkBillingham visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living/bhamliving EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk DESIGNER: TracyDuffy CONTRIBUTORS: RobPrice,SueCooke,LisaMelvin,HywelDavies ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR: JonathanCarter RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110 ©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560 FINALIST B
september2022 Highlights 10 14 18 26 30 40 living MarkBillingham FromtheComedyClubtocrimewriting, Crossroads–androckingGlastonbury! TheVamps Boybandallsettocelebrate10yearsatthetop withanniversarydateinhometownBrum Food&Drink AdrianLuckofveganrestaurant,Land plusnews,reviews,recipesandwine Health TheCommonwealthGamesremindedus whatanawesomegamesquashistoplay Style Heatwave!Whatheatwave?We’vemoved ontocoolerclimeswithourAW22Edit Homes Lightsfantastic!Pendants,chandeliers,lamps andhowtosaveonthosesoaringenergybills birminghamliving04
BestoftheRest 48 50 52 57 64 66 FromthePottingBench GardeningexpertAdamKirtland’stoptips onhowtogetthemostfromindoorplants Motoring DriveitlikeLewisHamilton…behindthe wheelofMercedesbrilliantnewC-Class Young,Gifted&Brummie Musician,composer,songwriter,producer andactorTyriqBaker,plusSchoolReport BusinessNews News,views,comingsandgoingsinthe commercialcommunity,plusSocialScene What’sOn Latestfromthecity’stopshowsandgigsin ourround-upofthismonth’smainevents UpClose WithJonTrevor,directorofthismonth’s brilliantBirminghamImprovFestival september2022 birminghamliving 05 CONTENTS
ahugetouristattractionin IcelandandtheNordic countries,toppedapollby PlanetCruiseholidays.Second ontheBirminghamlistwasthe equallybreath-takingNiagara FallsinCanadawiththeless exoticbutalsomemorable experienceofridingahotair ballooncomingthird. TIMEFORALAUGH NEWS BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH birminghamliving september202206 NEWS BURSTOFCOLOUR Acitycentresupergardencelebratingcolour,beautyandnaturaldiversitywillfillVictoriaSquarefrom2to18Septemberalongwitha programmeofpoetryandlivemusic.PoliNationswillseegiantarchitecturaltreesandthousandsofplantstransformthesquareinto anurbanoasiswhichwillhostfreeevents,workshopsandperformances.Alightshowwillroundoffeacheveningandagrandfinale willseethetrees’canopiesburstwithacloudofconfettiandcolour. TRIPPINGTHELIGHTFANTASTIC HaveyouheardtheoneaboutBirmingham ComedyFestival?Thecelebrationoflaughteris backthisautumnwithmorethan80performances across10days.Themulti-award-winningfestival runsfromFriday7toSunday16Octoberwitha line-upthatincludesstand-upcomedy,improv, theatre,podcasts,magic…andmore.Highlights includeappearancesfromBritain’sGotTalent2022 winnerAxelBlake,pictured,andtheWestEnd productionofhitmusicalSisterAct.Fulldetails at:www.bhamcomfest.co.uk
MeetSherineWalrond,Brum’sownHobbyHero,whoruns cornrowandhairbraidingworkshopsforeightto18-yearoldstohelpimprovetheirself-esteem.The31-year-oldfrom KingsNortonhaswonaplaceinthesemi-finalsof Eventbrite’sHobbyHerocompetitiontofindtheUK’s greatesthobbyistandhelpthemsharetheirpastimewith othersinanefforttogetthenationconnectedagain.Sherine said:“Myaimistohelpyounggirlshavethelifeskillsand innerconfidencetomanageandstyletheirtexturedhair.”
SHERINE’SAHOBBYHERO
Thesportwasgreat,theglitzandglamourwere spectacular–butarguablytherealstaroftherecent CommonwealthGameswastheopeningceremony’shuge mechanicalbullconstructedfromscrapmetal.Theoriginal planwastodismantlethe32fthighmonsterafterthe Games,buttensofthousandsofpeoplehavevisited CentenarySquaretoseeitinallitsglory–andnowthe citycouncilhasdecideditwillstaythereuntiltheendof Septemberbeforebeingmovedtoanindoorvenue.
september2022 birminghamliving 07 NEWS BRINGONTHEBULL
BALLETTRIPLEBILL
premieres.IntoTheMusicatBirminghamHippodromeon21and22Octoberalso featuresrarelyseenworkinamixedprogrammewitheachpiecesettoamajor orchestralscoreperformedlivebytheRoyalBalletSinfonia.
LoversofdanceareinforarealtreatwithBirminghamRoyalBallet’sautumn triplebill,whichcelebratesthemarriageofmusicandmovementinUKandworld
Anewcitymaphasbeenlaunching showingthetopbreathingspacesinand aroundBirmingham.Residentswere invitedbyTaskforceforLungHealthto nametheirfavouritecitylocationaspartof anawarenesscampaign.Eachvenuehas beenawardedaspecialplaqueand includedinthenewmap,designedby localillustratorKatherineTromans.Leading thepollwasWinterbourneHouseand GardensattheUniversityofBirmingham’s Edgbastoncampus,followedbyCannon HillParkandBirminghamBotanical Gardens.Downloadthemapat https://www.blf.org.uk/taskforce-for-lunghealth/take-a-breath
TOPSPOTSMAPPEDOUT
birminghamliving september202208 NEWS AnexhibitionbyartistGraysonPerryistobeheldat Birmingham’sMidlandsArtsCentre.Theshow,which runsfromDecemberuntilnextApril,willfeature artworkschosenbyGraysonandguestcelebrities duringseasonthreeofthepopularTVseries,Grayson’s ArtClub.Graysonsaid:“MACinBirminghamisthe perfectvenueforourthirdArtClubexhibition.Ialways haveagreattimeinthecityandsuspectitmaybethe coolestplaceintheUK.” developerCordiaBlackswan hasteamedupwithpop artistNicholasMonroto openanexclusivefree galleryexhibitioninthe JewelleryQuarter. TheMakingofMonro displaysnever-seenprints andmaquettesbyMonroin apop-upgalleryspacein theoldLloydsBankingHall inGreatHamptonStreet, belowCordiaBlackswan’s headoffice. InJuly,CordiaBlackswan openedKingKongPark, whereaseven-metrereplica ofMonro’soriginalKing Kongsculpturetakespride ofplace. FAMEACCLAIM WestMidlands-basedbrand,LostYearsRum,iscelebratingaconservation milestoneof50,000babyseaturtlessavedfollowingitslatestdonationtoglobal partnercharitySEETurtles.LostYearsRumwaslaunchedattheheightof lockdowninNovember2020andwasbuiltaroundasingle,ethicalpurpose–to saveendangeredseaturtles.FounderLeeSmithsaid:“It’swonderfulthatthis brand–theideaforwhichwashatchedonafamilyholidayinJamaicain2019–isalreadymakingsuchadifference.” TURTLE MISSION DATEWITHKONGCREATOR MusicfromoneofthemosticonicTVseriesofalltimewillbe celebratedinthreespecialreunionconcertsatBirminghamTown Hall.ThesoundtrackfromtheTVshowFamewillbebroughttolifein the40thanniversaryconcertsfromThursday8toSaturday10 September,featuringsevenmembersoftheoriginalcastliveon stage.Fansareinforanostalgicandexcitingeveningthatwilltake thembacktothe1980s.Ticketsdetailsfrom https://bmusic.co.uk/events/fame-uk-reunion-2022-40th-anniversary
GRAYSONARTSHOW
IT’SAWORLD RECORDQUIZ Callingallkeenquizzers! Brumissettostagethe world’sbiggestcharityquiz with40localorganisations teaminguptoholdtheGreat WestMidsQuizon8October. Thevirtualeventwillbelive onYouTubewithquizzers playingontheir smartphones,eitherfrom homeorfromanumberof regional‘hubs’wherethey'll beabletogettogetherin persontotakepart.Thequiz isbeingsupportedbyWest MidlandsSafariParkandthe region’smayor,AndyStreet. Moredetailsat: https://westmidsquiz.co.uk
NEWS september2022 birminghamliving 09 Anewdancetheatreeventofthebackstoryof TommyShelbyandthePeakyBlinders,written bythecreatoroftheglobalhittelevision seriesStevenKnight,iscomingtoBrum.Peaky Blinders:TheRedemptionofThomasShelby picksupthePeakyBlindersstoryattheendof WorldWarOneandfeaturestheRambert dancecompanyonstageatBirmingham Hippodromewithalivebandplayingspecially commissionedmusic.Theshowrunsfrom27 Septemberto2October. MEERKATPUP-DATEDALIVE ACTION PEAKYBLINDERSSTEPITUP WestMidlandSafariParkiscelebratingthearrivalofthree,tinymeerkatpups–the firstlitterinmorethannineyears.Headofwildlife,AngelaPotter,said:“Atbirth,baby meerkatsonlyweigharound25gramsandarecompletelyhelpless.At20daysold, theyhaveopenedtheireyes,canhearandaremoremobile.”Thepupshavereceived ahealthcheckfromtheparkvetswhoconfirmedthetrioarehappyandhealthy, meaningtheycannowsafelyventureoutside.Simples! Futurestarsinthemakingtookpartinthe finalofBirminghamInternationalPiano Competition(BIPC)hostedbyRoyal BirminghamConservatoireatBradshaw Hall.Firstprize-winnerwasMaxim Kinasov,whoperformedaprogrammeofBach/Siloti,Brahmsand Prokofiev.Secondprize,andtheaudienceprize,wenttoGabriel Sutkut .“Thegrandfinalwasacelebrationofexceptionalpianotalent,” saidJohnThwaites,artisticdirectorofBIPC. GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk RSCONTHEBIGSCREEN TheRoyalShakespeareCompany’s productionofRichardIIIwillbebroadcastto cinemasacrosstheUKfrom28 September.DirectedbyGregoryDoran,the productionfeaturesArthurHughesinthetitle roleandisthefirsttimethatthepartof RichardIIIhasbeenperformedbyadisabled actorintheRSC’shistory.RichardIIIwillalso bebroadcastaslivedirectintoUKclassrooms forfreeonThursday24November.Forfull cinemalistingsvisitonscreen.rsc.org.uk PIANOSTARS Tocelebrate20yearssinceculthitTVshowDa BungalowhittheTVscreens,quadrupleBafta awardwinnersDick&DomarebackwithaUK tourwhichlandsinBrumthismonth.Thelive showatBirminghamTownHallon23 Septemberpromisestobringbackthespiritof DaBungalowwithitsfamily-friendlyanarchic styleandcontent–includingafinalewhichwill seeparticipantsbeingsplatteredinthe legendaryCreamyMuckMuckgame.
FROMTHECOMEDYCLUBTOCRIMEWRITINGTOROCKINGGLASTONBURY, MARKBILLINGHAMTALKSTOSHELLEYCARTERABOUTBRUM,BALTI,THE BUZZOFPERFORMINGANDWHYHE’SHITTINGPAUSEONTOMTHORNE
CRIMEPAYS
LUCKANDHARDGRAFT
Despitebeingacrowdedgenre,itwasalwayscrimefor Mark.Hesays:“It’swhatIreadandloved.Mymaths teacherusedtogetboredofhisownlessonsandwouldread SherlockHolmestous.Iwasgripped.”Markactually insertedtheteacher,Len,intooneofhisbooks,killinghim offwithacricketbat!InsuchacrowdedspaceMarksays thatstandingouttakeshardworkandluck.“There’s alwaysanelementofluck.Withmyfirstbook,theright agentcamealongattherighttime.Thebookwaswell publishedasinithadmoneyspentonitintermsof marketing,design,andsoon.”
previouscoverstarMark‘Billy’BillinghamofSAS:Who DaresWins–seetheMayissue.OnceI’dcottonedontothe author’sMoseleyroots,Iwentfullfangirlandcontactedhis agent.Ratupadrain-pipespringstomind.
COMEDYVERSUSCRIME
COVERSTORY birminghamliving september 202210
Backintheday,Mark’snovelRushofBloodgotme throughacoupleofjetlaginducedsleeplessnightsin Australia.Totallyabsorbing,impossibletoputdownand mildlydisturbing,sonotexactlysoporific,butit’sallIhad. I’vesincereadloadsofMark’sbooksalthoughadmittedlyI canonlymanagetwoonthebouncebeforeindulgingina bitoflightreadingtobreakupthedarkness.
properjobsandthatmustbetough.”Havingsaidthat, Markfindswritingeverybooktougherthanthelast becausehisaimistowritesomethingbetter.
TomThorne,themainprotagonistinmanyofMark’s novelsstartedoffasabitpartinhisfirstbook,Sleepyhead in2001andwasn’treallymeanttogoanywhereelse,butin ameetingorashecallsita‘beautycontest’withsomebig wigsfromapublishertryingtowoohim,hewasaskedifit wasaseries,sohejustsaidyesandtherebeganThorne’s development.NineteenbookslaterandThorne’sheading tothebackburnerforabitalthoughthelatestintheseries, TheMurderBookisoutnow. Markdoesn’tgivemuchawayexceptreaderscanexpect the‘returnofanoldfriendandthereturnofanoldenemy.’ Hesays:“ItfeelslikeagoodtimetohitpauseonThorne. I’mwritinganewseriesthat’sfunny.It’smoredauntingin away.Whenwritingcrime,we’reshockedbythesame things,whereascomedyissubjective.Ifyoutell10people thesamejoke,ninemightjuststareatyou.”Thefirstinthe newseriesisdueoutin2023andMarkreassuresusitstill features‘acopper’.OveradecadesinceSleepyhead,Mark canstillfeelunsureabouthisplaceinthewritingworld. Hesays:“Istillgetimpostersyndrome.I’vegotthis creativedoubtandalwaysthinkI’llgetfoundout.”
Confessiontime:IonlyrealisedauthorMarkBillinghamhadaBrummiebackgroundandwas thereforefairgameforaninterviewwhenGoogling
AbookayearisthedealwithhispublisherLittleBrown whoMark’sstuckwiththroughouthiscareer.Hecompares shiftingpublisherstoa‘footballerjumpingaroundforabit moremoney.It’sshort-termthinking’andhe’sneverbeen tempted.Onproducingabookevery12monthshesays:“I writefulltimesothere’snoexcusenottowriteabooka year.Therearepeoplewritingintheirsparetimewith
Relaxingafteradayintheheadofatwistedkilleroften isn’tideal.“Ican’treallyswitchoff.I’malwayswritinga book–evenpushingatrolleyinthesupermarketI’mstill workingthingsoutinmyhead.Thesmallestthingscan inspire.Itmightbeatinystoryinthepaperthattriggers something.”Headds:“IfI’vespentthreedayswritingin theheadofadepravedkiller,Iamabletoleavethatbehind. It’slikeactingreally–I’minsomeoneelse’sshoes.”
september2022 birminghamliving COVERSTORY 11 ” “ICAN’TREALLYSWITCHOFF.I’M ALWAYSWRITINGABOOK–EVENPUSHINGA TROLLEYINTHESUPERMARKETI’MSTILL WORKINGTHINGSOUTINMYHEAD
Standalonenovel,RabbitHolewasnominated fortheTheakstonOldPeculierCrimeNovelofthe Year.Thebook,whichMarkwroteinlockdownisa claustrophobicnovelfollowingAlice,apoliceofficer tryingtosolveamurderinthepsychiatricward whereshe’sapatient.Markwastheinaugural winneroftheprizein2005andwonitagainin 2009.Hereckonsanyauthorthatsaysawardsdon’t matterisprobablylying.“Awardsarealwayslovely. It’slikereviews–ifawritersaystheydon’tcare aboutreviewsthey’reprobablylyingtoo.Ifabook gets10reviews–ninegoodandone slaggingitoff,it’llbethatoneI focuson.”
FunLovin’CrimeWritersinwhichhesingsand playsguitar.Playingcoversaboutcrimeofwhich therearealotapparently,Markhappilygetshis performingfix.“Therearesixofus,allcrime writersandmates.Therearethreeproper musicians–I’mnotone.We’vedonelotsofshows andplayedGlastonburywherewejustlookedat oneanotherthinking,‘howdidthishappen?’”
OnBrum,Marksuspectshewreckedhistastebuds
shamelessshowoff,sodramagavemean outlet.Whentheaudienceapplauded,I
asastudenteatingcurryeverydayinBalsallHeath andpracticallylivedinCannonHillParkinthe summer.Now,whenhe’sbackinthecityforevents andbringsotherpeoplehemakesclearthatthisishis townbeforeimmediatelygettingeveryonelostasit’s changedsomuch‘forthebetterprobably.’ ■ birminghamliving september202212 COVERSTORY FOLLOWON Forupcomingeventsandreleases checkoutmarkbillingham.com
WhenMarkwasdoingstand-upintheEighties,he feltthesame.“Theaudiencemighthavebeen laughingapartfromoneguythatwasn’tandit’sthat guyIwouldfocuson.It’shumannature.”Performing issomethingMarkgetsabuzzfrominitiallytriggered bydramaatschoolinMoseley.Hesaystheapplause heenjoyedafterasuccessfulperformanceasthe ArtfulDodgerspurredhimon:“Ilargelyloved school,butitwaseasytogetlostifyouweren’t excellingacademicallyoratsport.Iwasalways averageatthosethings.Ididokayacademically secondteamrugby.However,I’ma justthought,‘thisisfantastic’.” MarkstayedinBrumstudyingdrama attheUniversityofBirminghamwherehe launchedatheatregroupcalledBreadand CircusestouringtheMidlands.PostgraduationhegothimselfanEquitycard andtookhimselfofftoLondon.“Iplayed coppersweirdly.IdidastintinJuliet Bravo,theBillandDempseyand Makepeace.MyfinesthourwasCrossroads.Iplayeda doctorwhogaveBennyanECG!” WhenactingjobssloweddownMarkbegan stand-uptravellingtheworlduntilhehadayoung familywhichmadeglobetrottingtrickyhencethe writing.WhileMarkmissesthebuzzofstand-up, he’sfoundanewroutetothestageviahisband,
especiallyEnglish,butIwasfirmly
“TheVampshavetakenusacrossallfivecontinentsand givenustheprivilegeofplayinginfrontofmillionsof people.Ourfivealbumsarechaptersinourlivesand momentswearehugelyproudof.Thislastyearhasbeen birminghamliving14
Afurtherfiveyearsdowntheline,theVampsareaboutto celebrateahugelysuccessfuldecadetogetherwitha10-year greatesthitsanniversarytour,thecentrepiecebeingadatein Brad’shomecity,Brum.Bradisnow26butstilllooksabout 16–nobadthingfora‘boy’band!
BackinAugust2017,weinterviewedtheVampslead singerBradleySimpsonforBirminghamLiving’s frontcoverandweretakenbyhoworiginaland authentiche,andtheothermembersoftheboyband,were. Thenaged21,Bradleywasfiveyearsintothemakingofthe bandwhichunlikemanyothershadformednaturallyasa bunchofmatesjustgettingtogetherandmakingmusicthey liked.
THEPASTDECADEHASBEENQUITEARIDEFORTHEVAMPSAND LEADSINGERBRADLEYSIMPSONCAN’TWAITTOCELEBRATETHE MILESTONEWITHTHEBAND’SFANSINHISHOMECITY
ReflectingontheVamps’story,hesaid:“It’scrazytothink whatstartedinourbedroomsandTristan’sparent’sgarage ledtousheadliningarenasallaroundtheworld.Thepast10 yearshavebeenanincrediblejourneybutwhatmakesiteven morespecialisthatithasfeltlikeasharedonebetweenus andourfans.
september2022
BESTFRIENDS
FEATURE 10YEARSON ANDSTILL VAMPINGITUP!
september2022 birminghamliving FEATURE 15
birminghamliving september202216 FEATURE 10YearsofTheVamps–TheGreatestHitsTour,Sunday 11December,UtilitaArena,Birmingham.Moreinformation at:www.utilitaarenabham.co.uk/whats-on/ oneofreflectionforusandasfourbestfriends who’vehadthechancetoliveoutourdreams andwenowcan’twaittocelebratethese memorieswithourfansonthistour.” ThefactsandfiguresbehindTheVampsare impressive: Theyhavegeneratedmorethansixbillion streamsandovertwobillionviewsonYouTube alone.TheirfivealbumsincludetwoNo1’s–2017’sNight&Day(NightEdition)andtheir latestalbumCherryBlossom–andtwoNo2’s. Theguyshaveplayedglobaltoursandfestivals whichhasseenthemperformtomorethantwo millionpeopleandtheybecamethefirstbandto headlinetheO2fiveyearsinarow.IntheUS, they’veplayedonthebiggestUSchatshows, likeEllenandSethMyers. MusicalcollaborationsincludeShawnMendes, DemiLovato,Sigala,Krept&Konan,Matoma andBrunoMars,whiletheyhavesharedstages withColdplay,JayZ,TaylorSwift,KingsofLeon, Weezer,EdSheeran,PharrellWilliamsandSam Smith.Andifthat’snotenough,they’veeven createdtheirownfestival–TheVamps WeekenderinBarcelona. FANSFIRST Theband’snewtourkicksoffinManchesteron 23Novemberbeforeculminatingat Birmingham’sUtilitaArenaon11December. Aheadofthedates,thebandisexcitedabouta specialfanzine,TenYearsofTheVampsproduced asacollaborationwiththeirfanswhichwillbe releasedon14Octoberandincludeslimited editionmerchandiseandpreviouslyunreleased recordingsthatdocumentstheband’sjourney overthelastdecade. Brad,whogrewupskate-boardingaround Eastsidefromtheageof11to18beforebandlife tookover,sayshecan’twaittoplayinBrumagain infrontoftheVampsadoringfans.“Ourfanshave alwaysmeanteverythingtous,”hesaid. ■
september2022 FOOD&DRINKliving ADRIAN LUCK birminghamliving18
InSouthKorea,Ihadadishcalledsannakji whichisbasicallyrawoctopus,exceptitiscutstill aliveontoyouplateanditcontinuestowriggle aroundforagood10minutes.Noteasytopickup withchopstickseither!
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
MostlyAsian-influencedfoodifI’mcooking, butItrytogooutandtrydifferentrestaurantsas muchasIcan. Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?And who’sthebestinBrum?
Land,30GreatWesternArcade,ColmoreRow, Birmingham,B25HU.https://land.restaurant/
Makesureyouhaveeverythingreadybefore youstartcooking(miseenplace,astheFrench say).Itwillmakeeverythinggoalotsmoother. Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
Somanytochoosefrom…Iadmirewhat RenéRedzepi(ofNomainCopenhagen)has beendoingovertheyearstodevelopsomany newideasandtechniquesincookery.Asfor Birmingham,IthinkBradCarter’sfoodistop notchandhe’sbecomeagreatambassadorfor foodinthecity. Howisyourrestaurantadaptingtothecurrentcrisis?
Ibeganstudyingsoundengineeringand productionatuniversitybeforedroppingoutto workasachef,soprobablysomethingtodowith music. ■
Fishfingersandwiches.
Whenweclosedthesecondtime,westarted makinganddeliveringmealsaroundthecityand furtherafield–wehadacoupleofordersgoingto ScotlandandonetoNorthernIreland!We decidedtomovetoasmallersite,makinguseof thedowntimetorefurbishthat.Itturnedouttobe thebestthingwecouldhavedone. Shareacookingtip
Tellusaboutyourcooking Myfoodtakesalotofinfluencefrommy travels.Ispentfiveyearslivingandtravelling aroundAsia,soithasabiginfluenceonmy dishes.Itrynottocomplicatethings,makingthe mostoftheingredientsIcansource.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?
september2022 birminghamliving 19 CHEF’SCORNER
I’dalwaysbeeninterestedinfoodfromayoung age.Myinterestincreasedfromtryingfoodsfrom differentcountriesandwatchingcookeryshows onTV.Idon’thaveanyprofessionaltraining, everythingI’velearnthascomefromwatching othersandteachingmyself. Whatdoyoueatathome?
NotamassivefanofliversorkidneysandI reallycan’tstomachdurian.Apartfromthose,I prettymuchlovetoeateverythingelse. What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?
MIGHTYWATERCRESS OurKedgereewithWatercressrecipeisn’t justsuper-tasty,it’smega-nutritioustoo birminghamliving september202220 SEASON’SEATINGS METHOD: Heatthemilkandaround50mlofwaterinalargepanona lowheat.Addthefish,skin-sidedown,andpoachforaround 5minutes.Removecarefullyandflakeit.Setasideandreserve theliquidforlater. Heattheoliveoilinalargefryingpanandfrytheonionbefore addinggarlic,ginger,turmericandcurrypowder.Whenthe onionissoft,addthericeandallowittosoakuptheflavours inthepan. Makethereservedpoachingliquiduptoaround150-200ml withwaterbeforeaddingittothepan.Simmerforaround10 minutes.Meanwhile,inapanofboilingwater,boiltheeggs foraround6minutes–thisshouldgiveyouagooeyyolk (althoughyoucanboilforlongerifyouprefer.) Oncethericeiscooked,stirthroughthehaddockand watercress.Quarterthecookedeggsandplaceontoptoserve. Watercressisastonishinglynutrient-dense andit’sbanginseasonthismonth.High inVitaminsC,A,KandB6,italsohasa highercalciumcontentthanmilkandmore potassiumthanabanana.It’shighinironandisa sourceofprotein.ThevitaminCinwatercresshelps yourbodydigesttheiron,meaningthatyouget optimumnutrition.Watercresshasalsobeenlinkedto anti-ageingprocesses,havinganti-cancerproperties andhasshownitcansupportyourguthealth.So,why notgiveourtastyKedgereewithWatercressrecipea whirl?Also,tryreplacingsomestandardingredientsin yourfavouritemeals,likespinach,withwatercressto addapeppery,vibrantlygreenandhealthytwist… ■ KEDGEREEWITH WATERCRESS INGREDIENTS ■ 100mlwholemilk ■ 2smokedhaddockfillets ■ ½tbspoliveoil ■ ½onion,chopped ■ Smallpieceginger,grated ■ 1garlicclove,minced ■ ½tspturmeric ■ ½tspcurrypowder ■ 100gbasmatirice ■ 2eggs ■ 80watercress,choppedfinely
TheBelfryHotel&Resort’s BrabazonBarwascrowned winneroftheHotelBarofthe Yearcategoryattherecent MidlandsFood,Drink& HospitalityAwards.TheAwards recogniseandcelebratethebest venuesandpeopleintheregion’s hospitalityindustry.Barmanager JenniferBurtonsaid:“Weare beyonddelightedtohavewon thisawardandareproudthatour hardworkhasbeenrecognisedin thisway.”
LIFT-OFFFORHIGHENERGYBAR CocktailClub,said:“Weareallaboutgivingguestsagoodtime–aplacewherepeoplecantrulylettheirhairdown.”
TheCocktailClubhaschosenBirminghamforitsfifteenthandbiggestsite.Duetoopeninmid-SeptemberinTempleStreet, the‘highenergy’barwillhaveacapacityof450,setacrosstwofloorsandthreerooms.JJGoodman,co-founderofthe
ANNIVERSARYOPENING Birmingham-basedYorksCaféand CoffeeRoastersmarkedits10thyear anniversarybyopeningafourth venue–anditssecondinStratfordupon-Avon–atBellCourt.Known foritsbrunchmenu,Yorkshas expandeditsnewofferingtoinclude foodwithinspirationfromthelikesof SouthAsia,AfricaandtheMiddle
NEWLOOKPITCHESUPBYTHECANAL BrindleyplacebarPitcher&Pianoisbeinggivenan£800Knewlook.Therevampincludesafresh, flutedbarfront,seatingandcolourschemeonthegroundfloor,whilethelowergroundfloorboasts herringbonewoodpanellingandaphotobooth.Thevenue’scoversgrowto168,includingcanalsidetablesandalfrescospacewithfestoonlights.ThebarisduetoreopeninOctober.
East.OwnerSimonFordsaid:“We areinspiredtotakeourcaféculture tothenextlevelandintroducealldaydining–andwereallyhopeour customersenjoyit.” MORETHAN APASSINGFANCY! Anaward-winninglocalbartenderispartof atrioopeninganewcocktailbarthismonthin Birmingham’sCustardFactory.TommyMatthews, formerbarmanagerofCouchandTheEdgbaston hasjoinedforceswithMattArnoldandEveGreenof TheEdgbastonandGrain&Glass,respectivelyto launchPassingFancies.Withalayoutdescribed akinto‘thekitchenatahouseparty’, thebarwillhave54covers.
COUPLECREATETHEPERFECTPIE Birminghamhusbandandwife,AndyandCarolineEvans,havewonaprestigiousGreatTasteAwardfor whatjudgesdescribedas‘amountainofflavour’intheirchicken,caconandleekpie.Thecouple,who launchedFestenasaprivatediningbusinessin2018,wereawardedastarfromtheGuildofFineFood.
SHORTS NI BBLESand
BRABAZON TAKESCROWN
Carolinesaid:“Weprioritisequalityofflavouraboveallelseinallourdishes,sotobecommendedbythe GreatTasteAwardsinthiswayisabsolutelyfantastic.” HIGHFIVESFOR TOPGASTROPUB TheHighFieldhasbeencrownedthebestgastropubinBirminghamandtheMidlandsatthebiggestannual awardscelebratingthebestoftheregion’sfoodanddrinkscene.Edgbaston'sgastropubtookhomethetitleat theMidlandsFood,Drink&HospitalityAwards,havinggainedthemostvotesinboththepublicvoteand fromjudgingpanel.ItisthesecondtimetheHighFieldhaswontheawardhavingalsotakenthetitlein2016. BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSARELOOKINGTOBOUNCEBACK.HERE’S OURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS september2022birminghamliving 21 FOOD&DRINK
birminghamliving september202222 COCKTAILOFTHEMONTH METHOD: PrepareaMartiniglassbyrubbing therimwithalimewedgeandthen withgranulatedsugar. Addallingredientsinablender. Add1or2tablespoonsofsugarifyou likeyourdrinksextrasweet. Blenduntilsmooth.Pourinthe preparedglass. A ssummerdrawstoacloseare youmissingthatcocktailby thepool?Extendthedenial foralittlebitlongerandknock yourselfupalittlesplashofholidayin aglasswiththischeekyfrozen number.It’soneofthesimplest cocktailstomakeusingwhiterumand aswithallcocktailsusethefinest ingredientsthatyoucangetyour handsonanddrinkresponsibly. ■ INGREDIENTS: ■ 2measuresofrum ■ 1measurestrawberryliqueur ■ 1measureoflimejuice ■ 6strawberries ■ Icecubes HOLIDAYSINAGLASS
Thewinelistisextensivefeaturing200+.Inthe interestofsamplingafewwithoutgettinggiddy,we optedforaPinkPunkWinePaddleshowcasing threerosesincludingaslightlysparklingwinemade inEastLondonwithaCroatinagrapefrom Lombardy,theRomanian‘Har’andanAustralian RiverlandNeroD’avola.Thewhiteversionalso knownastheAcidHoundWinePaddlefeaturedan AussieClareValleyReisling(ourfavourite),aLoire sauvignoncalledTheHolySnailandaPilotafrom theBasqueCountry.Eachpaddleincludes50mlof each,soit’sagreatwaytosampleafewwinesbefore youinvestinabottle.
Wegotoverourpost-Gamesblueswitha triptoVinoteca–thewine bar/restaurant/wineclubinpeak
InstagrammableBrumterritorysecondonlyto everyone’sfavouritesmokin’bull.
Wineisclearlybig,yetfoodisnotanafterthought.
■ september2022 birminghamliving 23 RESTAURANTREVIEW VINOTECA
Theinteriorsarerightupourstreetwithhigh ceilings,bistrotypefurniture,greatlightingandcool colourcombos.Outside,plantersarecolourfuldespite thedroughtandwhenwearrived,alocalfloristwas droppingofffreshflowersforthetables.Attentionto detail.Everyonewemetseemedtolovetheirjob brimmingwithenthusiasm,knowledgeandjoy.
Therearesmallplatesandbarsnacks,sharingplates andmoresubstantialmains.Wechosethreesmall platesbetweentwoplusacoupleofmains.Firstup, Neal’sYardcheesecroquettesarrivedlookingabit meh,but,andit’sabigbut(there’sasonginthere somewhere),thelittleballsofrich,comforting, deliciousnesswereworthfightingtheotherhalffor. Possiblythecheesiestthingwe’veevereaten.Asaladof fennel,cantaloupe,radishandcucumberwithalime andsoydressingwasarefreshing,zingycontrasttothe croquettesandworkedatreat.Creamysmoked burrataservedwithasharptomatoandcapersalad wasajoyalthoughbewarethecroutonsifyouvalue yourteeth.Juicycodwithacrispskinwasservedwith agenerousmoundofsweetpeperonataandapunchy anchovydressingwhileporktenderloinwithchickpea puree,salsaverdeandblackenedhispicabbagehitthe spottoo.
2ChamberlainSquare,BirminghamB33AX.Tel:01213874111vinoteca.co.uk
AlthoughVinotecaisachain–therearesixsites inLondon–itdoesn’thaveachainfeel.Pizza Expressthisisnot.Apparently,ownersCharlieand Brettknoweveryemployee’snameandtheevident joy,enthusiasmandattentiontodetailfiltersdown fromthepair.Honestly,wecouldhavestayedallday. Forclarity,ourtripwasgiftedwithoutanypressure togush.
birminghamlivingseptember2022 FOOD&DRINK BACKTO (WINE) SCHOOL 24 Whentasting,followthe‘S’rule–Swirl, Sniff,Slurp,Savour.Swirlingletsthe winereactwithoxygenintheairand developstheflavoursandaromas.Sniffingallows yourbraintobefloodedwithmemoriesofdifferent smells,suchasfruit,flowersandspices.Italsogives youcluesabouttheageofthewineanddifferent techniquesthatmayhavebeenusedinmakingit. SlurpandSavourspeakforthemselves! Acidityinwineisnotoftentalkedaboutbecause itsoundssonegative.Infact,it’saveryimportant elementbecauseitgiveswineit’smouth-watering, zestyfreshness.Italsomakesfoodpairingacinch. Gotalemonortomato-baseddish?Itmatches perfectly.Gotarich,fattyorcreamydish?Itcuts throughthestodge!Thewayyouwilldetectitinthe wineisifyourmouthstartswateringandyourgums aretingling.Somegreatexamplesofwineswith highacidityareChampagne,GaviandPinotNoir. BODYLANGUAGE Bodyistheweightofthewineandhowitfeelsin yourmouth.Doesitfeelheavylikeamilkshake? Thenit’sfull-bodied.Ifitgoesdownjustlikewater WANTTOLEARNHOWTOTASTEWINELIKEAPROFESSIONAL? KATIEGARDNEROFBIRMINGHAMWINESCHOOLGIVESHER TIPSONWHATYOUSHOULDBELOOKINGFOR
Theuseofoakhasbeenmuchmalignedinwhite winemaking,particularlyinfluencedbyheavilyoakedChardonnaystylesfromthe90s. Winemakersnowtendtouseoakina muchmorerestrainedway.Oakshould belikeyourseasoning,enoughtobring outcomplexityandtexture,butnotenough tooverwhelmormaskotherlayersofflavour
thenit’slight-bodied.Medium-bodiedisanywhere inbetween.Thebodyofthewineismadeupofa varietyoffactors,fromthelevelsofsugar,acid, tanninandalcoholpresentinthewine.
BITTERTRUTH
Tanninsarethedry,bittersensationyoutaste whenyouhaveasipofcertainredwines.Different grapevarietieshavedifferentlevelsoftannin,but eachindividualalsohasadifferentsensitivityto bitternesstoosoitcanbeabitofaminefieldtrying todescribethelevel.Tanninshelpalotwiththe bodyandstructureofawine,particularlywhen pairingwithfood.Italiangrapestendtobetypically highintannins,likeNebbiolowhichisusedto makeBaroloorSangiovese,oneofthekey componentsofChiantiwines.
IfyouwerescarredbythecheapGermanstuffofthe 80s,donotfear.Rieslingishavingabitofacomeback andit’stheperfectpairingforAsian-inspiredcuisine likethaigreencurryorsweetandsourdishes.Itcan handlethestrong,aromaticflavoursandthehintof sweetnessbalancesthechilliheat.
withinthewine.Nowisthetimetore-acquaint yourselfwithoakywine! ■ september2022 birminghamliving 25 FOOD&DRINK BirminghamWineSchoolisanindependentwineeducationcompanyoffering funinformalwinetastingeventsandWine&SpiritEducationTrust(WSET) coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwick.Formoreinformationcontact KatieGardneron01212707359,orvisitwww.birminghamwineschool.com. ■ DrLoosenÜrzigerWürzgartenRieslingKabinett, Mosel,Germany,£15.99fromWaitrose Rieslingisatrickygrapetopindown.Itcanbeanywhere onthesweetnessscalefrombonedrytosweetandsticky dessert-style.Dipyourtoeingentlywiththislight-bodied, slightlyoff-drystyle. ■ EstanciaChardonnay,SonomaCounty,California, USA,£14fromTesco Abeautifullybalancedwinewithtropicalfruitflavoursand acreamytexture.Yes,itdoeshavesomeoakinfluence,but it’ssubtleandwell-integrated.Trywithroastchicken! ■ VillaMariaPrivateBinPinotNoir,£12fromMorrisons Asoftandjuicyredwithflavoursofredberriesandahint ofliquoricespice.TrywithBBQribsorstuffedmushrooms andwitnessthemagicofthatrefreshingacidity. ■ PicciniChiantiRiserva,Tuscany,Italy,£8from Sainsburys Chiantimayhavefallenoutoffashionoflate,butit’sa fantasticfood-pairingwineduetoitshighacidityandhigh tannins.Trywithabig,heartybowloftomato-basedpasta orapepperonipizza. 4 KATIE’STOP TASTERS
Sweetnessisalwaysatrickyonetogetahandle on.Sometimesyourbraintricksyouintothinking thereissweetnessonyourpalatebecauseittastesof fruit,whenoftenthefinishisactuallydry.Thetrend thesedaysistowardsdrywineslikePinotGrigio andSauvignonBlancbutthereissomuchtobe discoveredinoff-dryormedium-sweetstyles.
september2022 HEALTH SUPERSQUASH 26 birminghamliving TheCommonwealthGamesremindeduswhatanawesome gamesquashistowatchandwhyit’ssoutterlybizarrethat it’sstillnotcurrentlypartoftheOlympicGames
Withrapidracket-workandsharp-shifting aroundthecourt,squashisabreathtakingspectacleoffreneticactionand fast-thinking.It’salsooneofthebestworkoutsyou canhaveasagreatsporttoplayandoneofthebest waystoimproveyourfitness.
Sharpenshand-eyeco-ordination –Squash promotesgoodhand-eyecoordinationasrepeatedly seeingtheballandadjustingyourbodyandhandso youcanhititbackundercompetitivestressforcesthe bodytohone-inontargetanddestination.The coordinatedcontrolofeyemovement,hand movementandtheprocessingofwhatyouseeto guideone’sreachboostsaccuracyandpromotes finesseofmovement.Sincehand-eyecoordination tendstodecreasewhenwestopparticipatingin activitiesthatfosterthistypeofcoordination,squash isapremiersporttoensureyourcoordination abilitiesarewell-developed. Compelsflexibility –Constantmovement (particularlymovementoutsidetypicalrangeof motion)issooftenrequiredinagameofsquash, yourjointsandligamentsareabletostretch, promotingelasticityandbloodflowinthebody. Ifyoucanmakeasavebycoveringagoodportion ofthecourtwithadeeplungeandastretchof yourracquet,youcansaveyourselfenergyand decreaseyourchanceofmissingtheball.Regularly playingsquashwillimproveyourflexibility, ensuringyourmusclesgetthemoststretchoutof everygame. ■
WorkEveryMuscleGroup –Squashcanhelp tobuildstrong,shapelylegandbummuscles–the sportsrequirelotsofdynamiclungingwhichwill giveyouthattonedlook.Movingtoandhittingthe ballalsohelpsstrengthenthebackandshapethe abdominals.
BurnCalories –Goingtothegymisallwell andgoodbutit’s,well,abitboring!Squashisa greatalternativetorunningonatreadmillor pushingitonanexercisebike.Youcanburnaround 650caloriesperhouroncourtandnotevenrealise youaredoingso. HaveFun –Aswellasimprovingyourfitness levels,squashwillhelpyoudevelopyoursocial network.You’llgetasmuchenjoymentoutofthe drinkinthebarafterwardsasyoudofromthe competitiononthecourt.
AccordingtoEnglandSquash,morethan200,000 peopleplaythesportonaregularbasisandhopefully theGameswillhavegivenitafurtherboost.It’seasy tolearn,canbeplayedbyallagesanddeliversan excellentcardiovascularworkout.Fancygivingita try?Here’ssomeofthereasonswhyyoushould….
september2022 birminghamliving 27 HEALTH
It’sQuick –Youonlyneed30minutestogeta greatall-roundworkout.Soeventhebusiestpeople canfititinaroundwork,university,familyandother commitments.Youcanevensqueezeagameinon yourlunchbreak!
ForAllAgesAndAbilities –Juniors,adults andseniorscanallenjoyasessiononthecourt.And
youdon’tneedtobesuper-starstatus.Squash deliversforeveryonefromknock-aboutamateursto seriousprofessionals. Developsagility –Leaping,spinning, stopping,bending,jumping,sprintingandrunning arejustsomeofthemovesthebodyhastomakein agameofsquash.Thesemovementscondition squashathletestobe.Squashteachesquicknessand equilibriumaroundthecourt,especiallythepower ofthefirstexplosivestepandchallengesspeedby forcingyoutomovequicklywhilemaintaininga strongandbalancedpositiontohittheballhard andaccurately.
birminghamliving september202228 ADVERTORIAL THEPOWERTO EXTENDYOURLIFE
september2022 birminghamliving 29 ADVERTORIAL
Everyathletehealthprogrammewillprovidekey healthinsightstohelpoptimiseyourtrainingand nutritionformaximumperformancewhilstachieving yourhealth&fitnessgoals.
Over80datapointslinkedtoyourgeneralhealth aswellasspecifictestsforhormonal,sportsnutrition andmusclehealtharemeasuredwithrepeattesting includedtohelpyoukeepontrack,staymotivated andmonitoryourhealthdata.
TheEveryathleteprogrammeisperfectforanyone whowantstobeproactiveabouttheirhealth,assess theimpactoftrainingontheirbody,establishtheir healthbaselinepriortotrainingandtracktheir healthdatathroughouttraining. Whyyoushouldinvestinyourhealth
UsingRandoxpatentedtechnologywe screenforhundredsofsensitivedisease markerstoidentifyearlysignsofillnessin manycasesbeforesymptomsarise,empoweringyou totakeactiontopreventordelaydiseaseandlive healthierforlonger. DavidFerguson,ChiefOperatingOfficersaid “Overthepastfewyears,we’veseenadramatic changeinpeople’sbehavioursastheyseekto understandtheirhealthandwellbeingbetter.At RandoxHealth,weprovidearangeofspecialised healthpackagesthatenableyoutotakecontrolof yourhealthbypromotingpreventativehealthcare. "Whenyoulookascloselyatthebodyaswedo,we seemore,andcanthereforedomoretohelpyou understandwhatisgoingon." Fullbodyhealthchecks Regularreviewofyourhealthiskeyto understandingandmaintaininggoodhealthand wellbeing. OurpopularEveryman|Everywoman12-month programmeincludestwofullhealthchecksperyear tohelpyoutrackandimproveyourhealth.Upto150 datapointsaremeasuredduringeachvisitlinkedto keyhealthareassuchastheheart,liver,kidney, thyroid,hormones,nutrition,andironstatus.A personalisedhealthplansummarisingresultsis providedandaconsultationwithascientificexpert arrangedprovidinganopportunitytodiscusskey findingsandnextsteps. Foramorein-depthanalysisofyourhealth,our cutting-edgeSignatureprogrammeprovides exclusiveaccesstothecompleteRandoxHealth portfolioandcomprisesmorethan350datapoints relatingtokeyhealthareasincludingguthealth, tumourmarkersandgenetictestingforinherited conditions.AfollowupconsultationwithaGPis includedalongwithacompletesetofrepeattests6 monthsafteryourinitialscreeningtohelpyou establishyourhealthbaselineandtrackyourhealth dataovertime. Everyathlete Whetheryouareaprofessionalathlete,afitness fanaticorjuststartingonyourfitnessjourney,our
Diagnostictestingiskeytounderstandingyour physicalandmentalwellbeing.Whetheryouwant tounderstandaspecifichealthconcernbetter,or learnmoreaboutyourcurrenthealth,Randox Healthisforyou. Yourhealthmatters,sotakethisopportunitytogeta detailedpictureofyourcurrenthealthandidentify earlyriskfactorsthatcouldimpactyouinthefuture. ■
Withournewcliniclocatedat39HighStreet,Birmingham it’sneverbeeneasiertotakecontrolofyourhealth.Startyour journeywithRandoxHealthtodaybyvisitingrandoxhealth.com. UsecodeHEALTH22for10%offallhealthpackages.
living birminghamliving september2022 AW22 EDIT WRITINGTHISIN33-DEGREEHEATISWEIRD.THETHOUGHTOF WRIGGLINGINTOACORDUROYJUMPSUITORANOVERSIZED JACKETISUNIMAGINABLE,BUTHEREWEARE… 30 ATTENTION TODETAIL ClothingfromAND ORatJohnLewis
Thisseasonoversizedjacketsarehavingamoment,manyof themquilted.TheKinrangeatJohnLewisisatreasuretroveof chicpieces.Itfeelsyoungerthanmuchofthestore’sotherown brandwomenswearrockingasimpleutilitarianScandivibe.The jacketpicturedisaperfectexample.Likewise,thequiltedjacket fromTUfeaturingabotanicalprint(pictured)isalsoawinner.In fact,we’drecommendbrowsingtheTUrailsgenerallywhileyou getyourgroceries.There’smuchdross,butahandfulofstylish pieceslikethisone,areasteal.
PRINTSCHARMING
cooledenoughtoappreciatethejoyofabitofstructure inyourwardrobe.Intruth,wewearoursummer dressesandplaysuitslongintoautumnaddingajacketand knitwearandswappingsandalsfortrainersoranankleboot.It’s
Hopefullywhenyoureadthis,temperatureswillhave worthplayingaroundwithwhatyou’vealreadygotbefore splashingout–youmightfindsomecutecombinationsyou hadn’tconsideredbefore.
Theshacketlookssettostickaroundtoo,soeitherrecyclelast year’sversionorlookaroundatthecurrentcropifyouweren’t inclinedtoinvestbefore.It’salookwe’renotcompletelyonboard with,buttotallyacceptwe’reintheminoritywiththeworldand hiswifedonningtheboxyhybrid.
HEAD-TO-TOE
Printsareplentifulfromfloraldressesandchequerboard knitweartogeometricpatternedflaresandthere’smuchtocoo over.Ifyou’refeelingbold,checkoutJoeBrown’sfloraljumpsuit withavintagestyleprintorhead-to-toeleopardprintfrom DancingLeopard.Matalan’s70’sinspiredco-ordinautumnal coloursisgorgeous(pictured).HeadtoCowinDigbethortheir Selfridgesconcessionforvintagepieceswhereyoucanpickup somethingabitdifferent.TherangeintheSelfridgesconcession seemstohavereallyuppeditsgameandalthoughthefootprintis small,they’vesomecrackingpieces.Also,thestaffaregreatso there’sanaddedbonus.
ALL BLACK LuxeAldeadress £59.95,Barbour FULL EFFECT Atlanticbluecord jumpsuit£250, Aspiga INTHE NAVY Leolanavyruffled cottonmididress £555,IsabelMarant Étoile
september2022 birminghamliving 31 STYLE
Onesolidcolourfromhead-to-toecanlookstrikingand confident.Fromfuchsiapinktrousersuitstopeagreenfull-length dresseswithmatchingaccessories,thislookisnotforthefainthearted.Ifyou’remoreanunderstatedkindofgirl,headtoAspiga forthedeepbluecorduroyjumpsuitpicturedorJoeBrownforthe browncorduroytrousersuitwhichwouldlooksuper-cooldressed upwithheelsorequallygreatdresseddownwithtrainers.
JACKETIN
birminghamliving32 september2022 STYLE VICTORIANAVIBES Highnecklinesandpuffysleevesarealsoeverywhere.Fromdusky pinkcorduroyatMatalantoexquisitedetailingatJohnLewis, Victoriana-inspiredtopshaveneverlookedcuter.Again,you’re probablylikelytofindsomepre-lovedexamplesifyou’repreparedto seekthemout. SAVVYSTYLE Givenbudgetsaresqueezed,whynotcullyourwardrobeofitems youdon’twearandfindwaystomonetisethem?We’vetriedDepop andVintedandonbalanceDepopseemssimplerforbothbuyingand selling.Theteensinourhouseholdwhobuyandsellpre-lovedpieces regularly,thinkVintedisfor‘middleagedpeople’whileDepopis younger.Forclarity,theythinkmiddleagestartsat35… ■ FANCY FLORAL Poppymaxishirt dress£49, CottonTraders HEAD TOTOE Leopardprint dress£52, DancingLeopard BOHO CHIC Olaembroidered dress£160, Monsoon VINTAGE VIBE September Daysjumpsuit £60,Joe Browns
september2022 birminghamliving 33 STYLE RETRO VIBE Co-ordfrom Matalan GREEN GODDESS Clothingand accessories fromAnydayat JohnLewis LIT KNIT Greenembellished cardigan£275, HarveyNichols BOTANICAL BEAUTY Leafprintjacket £35,TUClothing BLOCKS AWAY Pleatedskirt£22.50,F&F
birminghamliving september202234 STYLE BABYBLUE KNIT OversizedHygge knitwithpockets £59,WhiteStuff WITH FLARE Geoprint flares£17.50, F&F CUTE CASUAL ClothingfromF&F CHECK MATE Checkshacket £34,Matalan BUTTONED UP Papayacordhighneck shirt£17,Matalan
september2022 birminghamliving 35 STYLE EFFORTLESSLY COOL ClothingfromKinatJohnLewis AUTUMN COLOURS Retrocordflare£50, JoeBrowns DRAMA QUEEN Blackandred patternedtop £35,Sonder Studio PLEATS PLEASE Pleatedskirt £25.99,NewLook
Atleastthriceaholidaywefindourselvesscreaming Monica-like,‘It’sthehumidity!’asfamilymembersmockthe frizz.Notthisyear.Aspritzofthisafterconditioningandwe wereabletoleavehairtodrynaturallyandlookmore ElizabethShueinCocktailratherthanSlash.It’sakeeper whatevertheweather.
Thisisquitethickatfirstglance,butdon’tpanic–itsoaksin likeadreamandimprovestexturefromthefirstuse.Itkept ourskinlookingquenchedthroughsomereallyharsh conditions.Don’tbeputoffbytheprice,either.Itlastsfor ages.Ifanyone’sstillplanningonputtingthecentralheating on,we’reconfidentit’llcombatanydryness.
2.LANCASTERGOLDENTANMAXMISERAFTER SUNLOTION250ML,£28
Whilethisintensifiesmelaninproductiontokickstartand prolongagolden,eventan,itisalsoaseriouslyhydrating bodylotionthatwe’llbewearingholidayingornot.Ourskin lookedsmooth,evenandyouthful.Winner.
Thereareahandfulofproductsthatsawusthrougha humidtriptoGreece,asurfingholidayinCornwalland prettystickyconditionsathomesansairconthatwe’re soimpressedwith,we’renotlettinggo
4.KIEHL’SSUPERMULTI-CORRECTIVEFACECREAM 50ML,£60
FABFOUR
3.BOURJOISVOLUMEGLAMOURMASCARA,£4.77
birminghamliving september202236 BEAUTY 1 2 3 4
Theonlymake-upweworeintheheat,thisoutperformsmore expensivemascarasalwaysandwe’vetriedafew.Thecurl andlengthareimpressiveanditstaysput,yetwipesoffeasily whenyouwantittowithoutanyrubbing.Bootsdoesn’tseem tostockthisanymore,althoughwouldbedelightedtobe corrected,sowe’rebuyinginbulkonAmazon.
1.AUSSIEINSTANTHUMIDITYSAVIOURLEAVEON HAIRSPRAY100ML,£7
september2022 STYLEFORMEN THEBOMB CHECKSAWAY Puppytoothbomber jacket£45,Primark birminghamliving38 THERE’SABOMBERJACKETFOREVERYONEANDTHAT’SAHILLWE’RE PREPAREDTODIEON.IFYOUDISAGREE,YOUJUSTHAVEN’TFOUNDYOURSYET
Light,unfussyandcool,thebomber jacketthrowsasimplebutuniversally flatteringshape.Propelledfrommilitary utilitarianbeginningstocoolcivvystreet clobberviafilmstarslikeSteveMcQueenand TomCruise,thebomberjacketistheultimate transitionpiecetakingyoufromsummerto autumneffortlessly. Theshapehasremainedthesamesinceits inceptionwithadditionaldetailsovertheyears –thecolour,fabric,fastenings,embellishments, material.There’sJockchic(possiblythe biggestoxymoronsincethefashionworld wentwildforheroinchic)withavarsitystyle vibeliketheAxelArigatoexamplepictured, oroldschoolmutedgreenatTKMaxx. Linenversionsareanewincarnation–there’sa smartnavynumberfromPrimark,pictured,and twoforoneatValentinowiththereversibleshell bomber,alsopictured.Checks,jacquard,oversized zipsprovideaddedinterestifyou’relookingfor moreofawow.Whichoneareyou? ■ september2022 birminghamliving 39 STYLEFORMEN GETZIPPY HelmutLangStone twillbomber£550, HarveyNichols BACKTOTHEFUTURE AxelArigatoIvylogo patchwoolblend varsityjacket£300, Selfridges GOLDDETAIL Navyjacquard bomber£35, Primark COOLKHAKI AmiriBones greenlogonylon bomber£1,890, HarveyNichols PICKPOCKETS Greenbomber £16.99,TKMaxx WINNIN'LINEN Navylinenbomber£45, Primark NEUTRALBAE AllSaintsBassett ruchedshellbomber £119,Selfridges FUTUREPROOF Thermowarmth bomber£59, M&S INREVERSE Valentinobrown reversibleshellbomber £1,750,HarveyNichols
HOMESliving birminghamliving september202240 LIGHT UP AFTERDARK ChandelierbyLuxDeco
september2022 birminghamliving 41 HOMES
birminghamliving september202242 HOMES Whateveryourvibe,choosinglightingis oneofthemostimportantdesign decisionsyou’llmake.Firstly,consider thepurposeofyourspace.Naturally,acosycorner forreadingneedsadifferentlightingsolutiontoa workspace. Nowadays,zoningisn’tasclearcutasitonce was.Yourdiningroommightdoubleasanoffice andkitchensaremorelivingspacesratherthanjust aroomforcookingandeating.Dimmerswitches areyourfriendinthisinstanceandcomeinloadsof differentfinishesfromultra-moderntovintage. Wellplacedlampsarealsoawinnerfortimeswhen cosyratherthanclinicalisrequired. Morethanever,we’retryingtoreduceenergy consumptionfromafinancialaswellasaneco pointofview.Checkoutmotionsensorlightingand automatedsystemsinwhichit’spossibleto programmelightstolimitwaste.Energysaving bulbsaremoreexpensivethanyouraveragelight bulb,butthey’refreefrommercuryvapour,use90 percentlessenergyandlastaround100,000hours, sothey’redefinitelyworthalook. We’vepulledtogethersomelooksfeaturing pendants,walllights,chandeliersandlampstoget started. ■ LAMPSFORDAYS SelectionoflampsfromLuxDeco SMOKIN’ SmokedAstontablelamp£1,370,FritzFryer
september2022 birminghamliving 43 HOMES GOLDRUSH MarsetGingerpendantlight£291,Nest
birminghamliving september202244 HOMES PENDANTPOWER WhiteandclearglassWellingtonpendantlights£315,FritzFryer WAFFLEVIBES LouisPoulsenPaterapendantlight£860,Nest SMOOTHLINES MenuHashirafloorlamp£490,Nest
september2022 birminghamliving 45 HOMES LIGHTSOUT PendantfromJohnLewis
birminghamliving september202246 HOMES WE’VEPICKEDOUTSOMEWINNINGLAMPS THAT’LLTRANSFORMYOURSPACE TOUCHES FINISHING ALLABOUT THEBASE Tayiridescentglaze lamp£22,Very CIRCLEOFLIGHT Altracircletablelamp £99,CultFurniture GROWNUP GLAMOUR Piquetlamp £325,OKA DESKBUDDY Jeancolourblock desklamp£28, Habitat SIMPLESTYLE Celiafloorlamp£165, OliverBonas BACKTONATURE PineConetablelamp £649,BoConcept OFFICEVIBES Jeffersontablelamp£74, LeeLonglands CUTECURVES ElementsLahtitablelamp £30,Dunelm MINIMALFUSS WoudGhostlamp £348,Nest
september2022 birminghamliving 47
september2022 GARDENING birminghamliving48 We’rebringingtheoutdoors,indoorswithaspecial houseplanteditionthismonthfromAdamKirtland Forthelastfewmonths,I’vehelpedyoukeep youroutdoorgrowingspacelookinglushand healthybutwhataboutthoseofusthatloveto createanindoorjungle?ThismonthI’mbringing youmytophouseplanttipsandtrickstomakeyour indoorrainforestthrive! Knowwhentowater Learninghowandwhentowateryourhouseplants hastobethesinglebiggestissuewhenitcomesto keepingthemalive!Overtimeyou’llgetusedtohow oftenthey’llneedadrink,andeachoneofthemis uniqueinthatrespect,butuntilthen,howdoyou knowwhentheyneedatopup? TherulethatI’vegotusedtois‘ifindoubt,don’t’ andthat’sstoodmeingoodsteadwhenitcomesto overwatering,butthereisadangerthereof underwatering.Ifyouthinkthatit’stoosoonsince thelastbitofH20thenleaveitanotherweekand thengivethemsomeofthegoodstuff.Onereally goodtipistotouchthesurfaceofthesoil,orevento stickyourfingerin–justtothefirstknuckle–and thenifitsdry,givesomewater.Butagain,you’llstart togaugehowmuchtheyneedovertime. There’saholeinmybucket Anotherfantastictipformostofyourhousebound plantbuddiesistokeeptheminaplasticpotwith FromthePottingBench withAdam
dust,you’reclearingthewayforthoseraystogetinto helpyourplantsgrow. Youspinmerightround
Grabthatduster
alltheoutdoorplantsandyou’rereachingyourstems andleavestowardsthesunshine(nowyou’vebeen dusted!).Afterawhileyourplantsmightstarttolook alittle,let’ssay,lop-sidedastheystretchandcraneto
NEXTMONTH… I’llbegivingyousomethingtodowiththefamilyasIbringyou myfavouritegardensandgreenspacesthatBirminghamhasto offer.Realmust-visitplaces! september2022 birminghamliving 49 GARDENING
Whenyou’recleaningyourhouseyoumightnot thinkthatyourhouseplantsneedalittleTLCtoo… buttheyreallydo!Ifyou’vegotplantswithlarge leavessuchasMonstera,ColocasiaorPhilodendron thenthey’llreallybenefitfromalightdustingthenext timeyou’vegotyourdustertohand.
holesinthebottom,whichyoucanthenputinsidea nicerlooking,moredecorativeandslightlybiggerpot. Thinkoftheplasticpotasitshomethatyouthenjust slipitintoabetter-lookingpotforaesthetic reasonsmorethananything.Now, thiswon’talwaysbethebestoption –especiallyifyou’vegotsomehuge houseplants,butforsmalland mediumonesthisisagreatideaand I’lltellyouwhy. Aswe’vefoundoutabove, wateringisachallengeattimesand knowinghowmuchtowaterisan evenbiggerguessinggame.However, ifthey’reinpotswithholesinthebottomthisallows youtodosomethingcalled‘bottomwatering’–which onfirstglance,mightsoundalittleodd!Bottom wateringisessentiallywhereyou’llfillupalargebowl orsaucer(orevenyourbathifyou’vegotalotof plants)andresttheplantsinthewateruntilthey’ve absorbedenoughofitthroughtheholesinthebottom ofthepot.Theideahereisthattheytakeonasmuch waterastheyneedwithoutgettingwaterloggedor stayingtoodry.Thiswayyou’llalsoensurethatthe fullpotiswateredratherthanjustthetoplayer. It’sagoodideatoleavetheminthewaterfor10 minutestostartwithandifyouthinktheyneedmore thenyoucangoforanother10minutes,andthey shouldbegoodtogo.
solutiontothis.Giveyourplantsalittleturn. Givethemaquarterturneveryweekorso(more oftenifyouwantto)andit’llhelpthemtogrow straightandgiveevenlightacrossthewholeplant. Simplebutreallyeffective! Andthereyouhaveit–mytopfourtipsfor keepingyourhouseplantshealthyandhappy!Isthere anythingelseyou’dliketoknowabouthouseplants? Sendmeaquestion! ■ YoucanfollowAdamonInstagram@viewfromthepottingbenchor listentoAdam’spodcastTalesFromThePottingBenchformore gardeninginspiration.YoucanalsoreadAdam’sblogat viewfromthepottingbench.com
Thisonemightseemalittleoddatfirstbutplease, bearwithme!I’mgoingtoaskyoutoimaginetobea plantagain,sittingonthewindowsilllookingoutat reachthatsunlightbutluckilythereisaveryeasy
Butbeforeyougotoomad,backawaywiththat polish!Thechemicalsinpolishwon’tdoyourplants anygoodatallsojustaquickskimoverthesurfaceof thefoliagewiththedusterisenoughtodothejob. Youmightbeaskingyourself‘why?’,buttheansweris perfectlylogical.Imagineforasecondthatyouwerea plantandallyouneededtosurvivewaswater,food andsunlight(muchthesameasusactually!)andyou werecoveredinathicklayerofdust.Thatsunlight wouldstruggletogetthrough.Bygivingyourplantsa
Earlierthisyear,ontheverybeautifulCôte d’Azur,Mercedes-Benzhostedwhatitcalled an‘economicsofdesire’event.Senior managementsaid“ourgoalistobuildtheworld’s mostdesirablecars.”AndIhavebeendrivingoneof theseveryluxuriousandverydesirablecars. ThenewC-Classanditsderivativessitinthe Mercedescoreluxurycategoryandhasoneofthe highestsalesvolumesofthebrand.Fromtheexterior totheinterior,thislargesaloonisbeautiful.AMG trimadds19-inchalloywheels,afrontbumper featuringsportyairintakes,rearbumperwithhigh glosschromeandtwovisibleexhaustpipes,LED highperformanceheadlampsandprivacyglassanda radiatorgrillewithMercedes-Benzpatternand integraltrademarkstar. TALEOFTHETAPE Islidbehindthemulti-functionsportssteering wheelinnappaleatherandchromeandinstantly relaxedonsiennabrownleathersportsseatswith blackleathertrim.TheSportssuspensionhasspeedsensitivesteeringwhichIfoundkeptthecarsecure onwindingcountrylanesandprovidedinstant responsetoasharppushonthesportspedal.On longmotorwayjourneysIselectedcomfortmode. Atallpassengercommentedthattherearseatsare comfortableasheadroomhasincreasedby13mm andkneeroomby35mm.Elbow-roomisalso improvedfrontandback.Adjustingtheheatedfront birminghamliving september202250 MOTORING SUECOOKEPUTSAMESSAGEFROMTHECÔTED’AZURTOTHETEST ONOURROADSATTHEWHEELOFTHENEWMERCEDESC-CLASS FACTSATAGLANCE Model: Mercedes-BenzC-ClassSaloonPremiumPlus Price: £54,505otr Engine: 300dAMGLine Performance 0-62mphin5.7secondsandontoatopspeedof155mph CO2 emissions: 139g/km Combinedfuelconsumption: 53.3-55.4mpg DRIVENBYDESIRE
seatsisviaMercedes’familiarseat-shapedcontrols ontheinsideofthedoor.Apanoramicsunroof makesthecabinlightandairy. Theinteriorborrowsadvancedfeaturesand technologyfromtheflagshipS-Class.Standard equipmentontheAMGLinewhichIroadtested includesalarge12.3-inchdigitaldriverdisplayanda central11.9-inchdisplayandonthePremiumPlus model,thereisaccesstomusicstreamingservices.A head-updisplayatthebottomofthewindscreen usefullyshowsthespeedoftheroad,whatspeedthe carisachievingandnavigationinformation.When usingthesat-nav,Ifoundthehead-updisplayalittle congestedbutmissedtheinformation,whenI switcheditoff.A360-degreecamerashowsanindepth,fullcolourvideooftheroadaheadandwhen reversingdisplaystheareabehindthecar. GAMECHANGER Averydifferentgearchangeistraditionalfor Mercedesbuttakesalittlegettingusedtowhen movingfromanotherbrand.Itisactuallyveryeasyto useandisasystemIthinkallcarsshouldmoveto. Presstheenginestart-upbutton,pulltheleverdown behindtherightofthesteeringwheel,theoneyou wouldnormallytouchwhenengagingthe windscreenwipers!Orpushuptoreverseandthe parkingbrakewillautomaticallydisengage.Theboot withseatsupwillhold455litresandautomatically opensfromthekeyfob.Thereareusefulhooksfor securingcarrierbags. Thetop-of-the-rangeC300dispoweredbya3.0-litre four-cylinderdieselenginewhichisextremelyquietand economical–atthestartofmydrivingweek,Ifeltsure thatthedigitaldisplayshowinghowmuchfuelIwas usingwasincreasingratherthandecreasing!Themild hybridsystemfeaturesanenergyrecoveryfunction.A 9G-TRONICgearboxcomesasstandardacrossthe rangeandgearchangingisseamless. MytimewiththeC-Classwasoneofluxuryand economy–awinningcombination! ■ september2022 birminghamliving 51 MOTORING SHOWROOM Mercedes-BenzofBirmingham,144BromfordLane,Erdington,Birmingham, B248DE.Tel:01217256195.www.mercedes-benzofbirmingham.co.uk
Unlimitedbygenre,Tyriqhasworkedacross classical,jazz,hip-hopandcontemporaryamong othersandnow,alongwithnineteenotheryoung composers,he’sbeenchosenbytheCBSOtobe partofitsSoundsNewinitiativewhichwillseethe resultingworksperformedbytheorchestraat SymphonyHallnextyear.Eachcomposerwill writeafour-minuteworkforthefullorchestra whichwillbeconductedbyClarkRundell.The commissionsweremadepossiblebysupport fromTheJohnFeeneyCharitableTrust,which hassupportednewmusicfortheCBSOsince 1955.It’snotthefirsttimeTyriqhasworkedwith
TheartssceneinBrumisalotricherwith
september2022 YOUNG,GIFTED&BRUMMIE TYRIQBAKER birminghamliving52
Musician,composer,songwriter,producer,actor–Tyriqisa bundleoftalentandenergyeagertograspopportunities
Tyriqinit.Bornandraisedhere,the talentedmulti-instrumentalistrecently workedwiththecomposeroftheCommonwealth Gamesopeningceremonyandevenbaggedapart intheepiceventtoo.HeworkedwithTheREPon CaseyBailey’splayGrimeboy,createdmusicfor theirproductionofTwelfthNightandappearedin AMidsummerNight’sDreaminwhichheplayed Oberon.Recently,hehascomposedforthreefilms aswellaswriting,composingandeditinghisown two-hourfilm,Rootworkswhichcanbeseenon YouTube.
TyriqgraduatedfromtheUniversityof Huddersfieldin2021withaFirstClassBMusmusic degreeanditwasneverindoubtthathe’dcomeback tohishometown.OfBirminghamTyriqsays:“It’sa dream.There’ssomuchmusicaltalentinthiscity andpeoplethatIwanttoworkwith.”
AtsecondaryschoolTyriqveeredawayfrom musicforawhileasheembracedactingand
filmingbuteventuallyfoundhisloveformusic again.Hesays:“Theteachersguidedmebackto music!”HecreditstheteachersatGeorgeSatton Academyforencouragingcreativityandexposing pupilstomanydifferenttypesofartsthrough outingsandconcerts–theCBSObeingone-as wellastheavailabilityofinstrumentstotryat school.Tyriqsays:“Ithelpswirethebraintobe moreopenandencouragesyoungpeopletobe collaborative.”
He’sperplexedaboutthesqueezeontheartsin schoolsandthemurmuringsofcuttingartsdegrees. “Theideathatmusicandtheartsaren’tvaluableis justnottrue.Musiccontributessomuchtothe economy.Asidefromfinancialgain,itbenefits youngpeoplehugelybyhelpingthemtoexpress themselvescreatively.We’dbeaverynarrowsociety withoutthearts.”
HOMETOWNBOY
■ september2022 birminghamliving 53 YOUNG,GIFTED&BRUMMIE
Likemostchildren,Tyriqstartedplayingrecorder inyear3,butunlikemostpeopleheprogressedto clarinet,pianoandbassoonreachinggrade8.Hesays hewasnaturallygoodatrecorder,butittookabit longertogettogripswiththeclarinet.Althoughhis parentsdidn’tplayinstrumentstoahighlevel,music wasalwaysafeatureathome.Tyriq’sdadwould compilelistsofmusicandthey’dsitdowntogetherto listenandthendiscussthem,butnotinapushyway –itwaspureenjoymentandappreciationand somethingthatTyriqrelished.
theCBSO.HeisaformerYouthAmbassador andworkedwithfellowambassadorsin2020 puttingtogetheraconcertcalled,CBSO:AVision fortheFuture.
Two-hourfilmRootworkswasalessonforTyriqin hownottogettoohungupaboutperfection.Itwas literallyTyriqdoingeverything,eventhethingshe’d neverdonebefore,andhe’spleasedwiththeresults. “Thatprojectopenedmyeyes.It’simportanttoenjoy theprocessandletgoofthatfeelingofperfection.It wasdaunting,butittaughtmealot.”
SURPRISEGIFT
Primaryschoolchildrenfromacrosstheregionhavecometogetherto celebratetheircommitmenttoahealthylifestyleaspartoftheHealthfor Lifeinitiative.PupilsandteachersmetatStAndrew’sStadiumtoshowcase arangeofactivitiesaroundgrowingfood,healthyeatingandexercise whichtheyhaveincorporatedintoschoollife.StudentsatBoldmereJunior Schoolcreatedvegetablewraps,whileStFrancisCatholicPrimarySchool offeredahealthypotnoodle.Asmoothiebike,pictured,sawchildren pedaltoblendamixedberrysmoothie.
FARMFRIENDS
SCHOOL REPORT
ResidentsatBroadwayHallscarehomeweregivena surprisegiftofaplanterbypupilsatPrioryPrimary School.JulieWillmouth,thehome’sgeneralmanager, said:“Theschoolhasbeenbusymakingplantersto raisemoneyforcharity.Theysetupabusinesscalledthe HubPlanterCompanywhichsofarhasraised£200for CancerResearchUK.Ourresidentsarelookingforward toplantingsomeoftheirfavouriteflowersinit.”
HEALTHYCELEBRATION
GROWINGPLACES
birminghamliving september202254
AmuraldepictingBirminghamPhoenixcricketstarAbtahaMaqsood wasunveiledatMarlboroughPrimarySchool,SmallHeath.The16ft artworkwascreatedbyMidlands-bornfemalegraffitimuralartist LucyNutting.AbtahamadehistorybybecomingBritain’sfirsthijabwearingMuslimfemaletoplaycricketataninternationallevel.The mural,whichtakesprideofplaceinMarlboroughPrimarySchool’s playground,aimstoinspirethenextgenerationoffemaletalent fromthelocalareatopursueacareerinsport.
Localprimaryschoolchildrenhavemadelotsofnew furryfriendsatMaryArden’sFarminWarwickshire. Sincere-openingin2021toofferoff-sitelearning sessions,thefarmhaswelcomedmorethan5,000children fromover120differentschools.TheTudorWorkingFarm andchildhoodhomeofShakespeare’smotherprovidesan open-air,hands-onlearningenvironment.NicolaHawley, primaryeducationmanagerfortheShakespeare BirthplaceTrust,said:“Wearedelightedtoofferchildren theopportunitytolearnaboutShakespeareandhislife andtimesinasafe,engagingandrewardingsetting.”
STARATTRACTION
The&Academywillbedeliveredby The&Partnership,anindependent creativeagencyworkingacross advertising,marketinganddigital creativepractices.Duringitsfirstyear, theschemewillprovidetrainingforup to25apprenticesagedbetween16and 24wholiveacommutabledistance fromBirmingham.Followingthis,the aimistoexpandto100apprentices.
RAGSTORICHES
BirminghamChildren’sHospital Charityisurgingthepublicto turnragstorichesforsickkidsby takingpartintheBigDropduring RecycleWeekfrom19to25 September.Thecharityhas teamedupwithclothing recyclingpartner Collection4Clotheswhowill collectdonationsfromschools, workplaces,placesofworshipor communitycentresandexport anyhigh-qualityitemstoretailers throughoutEurope,withthe remainingitemsbeingrecycled. Theinitiativeencouragespeople toorganiseabulkcollectionof unwanted,goodqualityclothing, accessories,shoes,linenand bric-a-brac.
MAGICBREAKFAST
ThecharityMagicBreakfastissettoprovideanextra150,000breakfaststhissummer thankstoa£21,000match-fundeddonationfromtheWesleyanFoundation.Magic Breakfastworkswithmorethan1,000schoolsindisadvantagedareasoftheUKto ensurenochildistoohungrytolearn.Theyofferfree,healthybreakfastsdailyto morethan200,000pupilsandprovideexpertsupporttoschools,givingchildrenand youngpeopleatriskofhungerahealthymealeachmorning.
september2022 birminghamliving 55 GROWINGPLACES
DIGBETH ACADEMY
Anewacademyforapprenticeshipsin advertisingandmarketingistoopenat theCustardFactoryinDigbeth.
birminghamliving september202256
CelebrityillusionistBenHanlinis behindanewdigitalmarketingand videoagencyinBirmingham.Pull ThePin,whichisthebrainchildof BenanddigitalexpertSamHufton, isoncourseforabumperfirstyear, withfeeshavingalreadyhitmore than£700,000bytheendofJuly. TheNewhallStreetagencyhasso farcreated15jobsandhasplansto takeonmorestaff.Bensaid: “We’vealwaystalkedaboutdoing somethingtogetherandthen Covid-19happened,which acceleratedourthinking.”
Award-winningchefLarkinCenisbringing hisacclaimedBristol-basedAsianrestaurant WokyKotoBirminghamthismonth, completewithahostofbrand-newdishes.
BUSINESS 57 NEWS BUSINESS
LARKINCOMESTOBRUM
REVENUEONTHEYUUP
TheJewelleryQuartereatery,available exclusivelyonDeliveroo,willbetheonly WokyKooutsideofBristol.Larkin,who earnedpraiseonthisyear’sBBCGreatBritish Menuseries,said:“Birminghamwasafirm choiceforus.Thecityhassuchavibrant foodscenewithsomanyincredibleconcepts, whichwewanttobepartof.” september2022
AmarketplaceforuniqueBirmingham experienceshasbeenlaunched,offeringsmall businessesnewrevenuestreamsthatwill boostthelocaleconomy.Innovative experiencewebsiteYuuphasalreadysigned upmorethan50Birminghamhoststothe platform,includingMacaroonMakingwith MissMacaroonandaGinCruisewithThe Gintleman,andLunaSpringsforamultitude ofevents.DominicMills,pictured,co-founder andCEOofYuup,said:“We’reexcitedtobe expandingourexperiencemarketplaceto Birminghamfollowingasuccessfulpilot launchinBristol.”
HOTELEVENTSDEAL AWarwickshirehotelhassignedanew partnershipwithaformerWestEndstar tocoincidewiththelaunchofanoutdoor eventspace.ThePavilionatMallory CourtCountryHouseHotelandSpa,near LeamingtonSpa,canseatupto15or hostupto20standingguestsfora drinksreception.PSEventsinStratfordupon-AvonfoundedbyCEOLucy Nicholls,aformerWestEndand Broadwayperformer,specialisesin transformingspacesandcreating bespokeentertainmentforcelebrities, VIPclientsandattractions.
BENWORKSHISMAGIC
birminghamliving
TraineesolicitorsfromlawfirmShoosmiths Birminghamofficeareofferingfreelegaladviceto charitiesandsmallbusinessownersaspartofa partnershipwiththeUniversityofLaw.Thefuture lawyersgivepro-bonoadviceonavarietyof corporateandcommercialmattersinmonthly virtualclinicsonULaw’sSmallBusinessAdvice Line.TheschemeisthebrainchildofShoosmiths traineesEdMorris,SophieWarren,ZoeEvans, ManishaPunjandIsabellaAndrade.EdMorrissaid: “It’srewardingtosupportandmakeadifferenceto thosewhoneedit.”
Anindependentdistilleryhaswonitsfirstinternationalqualityawardfora 1950sboxerRandolphTurpinfromLeamingtonSpa,claimedabronzeinthe InternationalWineandSpiritsCompetition.ThePhilosopher’sDaughter, oneofseveralginsmadebytheLeamington-basedcraftdistillery,alsowon abronze.OwnerDaveBlicksaid:“Toreceivethisrecognitionwillhelpto increaseawarenessinternationallyaboutthequalityofourspirits.”
spicedblendedrum.WarwickshireGinCompany’sThePugilist,inspiredby
birminghamliving september202258 GROWINGPLACES FREELEGALADVICE PLATINUM PRIDE BUSINESS BirminghamcreativeagencyBarqueshas strengtheneditsseniorleadershipteamwiththe appointmentofnewrelationshipdirectorAnthony Bisseker.Withmorethan25years’experienceunder hisbelt,Anthonyhasworkedacrossmultiplesectors ataseniorlevel,includingclient-sideandagency rolesinstrategicmanagementandbusiness developmentwiththelikesofCBSO,TrinityMirrorand MarketingBirmingham.ManagingdirectorJilly Cosgrovesaid:“It’sanexcitingtimeforouragencyas welooktothefuturetotakeBarquesforward.” CREATIVEAPPOINTMENT Integratedcommunicationsconsultancy,Liquid,hasbeennamedLargeConsultancyoftheYear attheinauguralglobalPRCAPlatinumAwardswhichrecognisethebestPRandcommunications professionalsandagencies.TheeventsawBirmingham-basedLiquidhonouredforitscreative successes,consultancygrowthandstaffhire,diversityandworkexperience.Chiefexecutive officer,ElisabethLewis-Jones,pictured,said:‘’Wehavesomeexcitingplansfortherestof2022 and2023aswecontinuetobuildourglobaloffer,reachandservices.” GLOBALFIRST MarronsPlanning’sStratford-upon-Avonteamhasdoubledinsizeinlessthan12 monthsastheconsultancygrowsitsclientbaseintheWestandSouthMidlands.The six-strongteamwilltaketheleadindevelopingservices,includingsecuringplanning permissionfordevelopmentandpromotinggreenfieldandbrownfieldlandtomeet futureneeds.PartnerGaryStephenssaid:“We’realwayslookingfornewpeopleto helpgrowourbusinessandincreaseourpresenceacrosstheregion.”
september2022 birminghamliving 59 BUSINESS BITES It’sbeenquiteafewweeksfortheteamatThe EssentialsBeautyinCastleBromwichandColeshill. Aswellascelebrating20yearsoftrading,the salonswonfourtitlesintheWestMidlandsregion attheBritishHairandBeautyAwards–andthen raisedmorethan£1,700formentalhealthcharity, Mind.TheawardsincludedGoldintheTopRated SalonoftheYearcategoryfortheCastleBromwich salonandawardsfortherapistsSarah-AnnHatcher andLauraBuckham. BEAUTYBONANZA BUSINESS HOSPITALITYAWARD AIRHQPARTNERS M6toll,oneofMidlandsAirAmbulance’scorporatesupporters,willbe partneringwiththecharityonthedevelopmentofanemployeewellbeing gardenatthenewairbaseheadquartersbeingconstructedinCosford,on theShropshire/Staffordshireborder.ThenewHQwillhouseofficesforcrew andcharitystaff,warehousingandstorageandspacefortwoaircraftand criticalcarecars.Constructionisduetobecompletedinearlyspring2023. CRICKETBOOST WarwickshireCCChasbecomethefirst cricketclubintheUKtobeaccreditedasa RealLivingWageEmployer.Asaresultof theaccreditation,morethan180regular staffwhoworkatEdgbastonandfor partnersG4SandCompass,havenow movedtothereallivingwagerate. BBCONTHEMOVE TheBBCistomoveitsmainBirmingham basetothenewcreativequarterinDigbeth from2026.CurrentlybasedattheMailbox, BBCMidlandswillrelocatetoanew purpose-builtbroadcastcentreattheformer TyphooFactorysite. HOSPICEHELP MidlandsestateagencyNicol&Cohas presentedachequefor£2,400toAcorns Children’sHospice,whichhasthree hospicesinBirmingham,Worcesterand Walsall.Thedonationisoneofanumber madetolocalcharities,schoolsandgroups fromNicol&Co’scommunityfundwhich hasnowtopped£25,000. READYMEALSDUO ABirminghamhusbandandwifehavelaunchedaWestAfrican ready-mealsbrand.OyettyMealsisthebrainchildofOlusegun AkandeandOyetolaIsola,foundersofAfro-Caribbean superstoreSamisOnline.IngredientsimportedfromWest Africabringalltheflavoursfromhome-cookedAfricanmeals straighttoyourdinnertable.AlongwithOyettyMeals,the entrepreneurshavealsolaunchedtheOyettyFoundation, whichdonatesfivepercentofallOyettyMealssalestohelp Nigerianfamiliesthathavechildrenwithspecialneeds. EntrepreneurLorraineCopes’missiontodrive racialequityinthehospitalityindustryhasbeen recognisedwithatopnationalaward.Lorraine, whooriginatesfromLadywoodandEdgbaston andhasbeenvotedoneofthe100most influentialentrepreneursinhospitality,wonthe GQMagazineFoodandDrinkInnovator 2022title.ShelaunchedtheBeInclusive Hospitality(BIH)SpotlightAwards tocelebratebusinessesand individualsfromBlack,Asian andethnicminority backgroundsworking withinhospitality.
LEGALFIRMHOSTS SUMMERDRINKS Networkingeventmarksnew appointmentsatmfgSolicitors 2 3 4 5 6 MfgSolicitorshostedadrinksandnetworking eventinBirmingham–anoccasionwhichalso markedtheappointmentsofcommercial propertyassociatePhilHuntandcommercialproperty paralegalYasminYau-Karim.Theeventwasheldat BarwickStreetbarandeatery,Primitivo,withmorethan60 guestsfromacrossthecity’spropertyindustryattending. PhilandYasminwillworkalongsidepartnerBeth Margetsonadvisingdevelopers,investorsandoccupierson projectsacrossthecountry. ■ PhotographybyJonathanHipkissPhotography birminghamliving september202260 SOCIALSCENE 1 RyanLynch,PatriciaHansen,EdSiddall-Jones,PhilHunt. 2 AlfredBartlett,LauraMoore,JohnNolan. 3 LynseyCater,AndyWard,AmeliaEdwards. 4 MarkLenton,ClareRegan,StephenTalboys 5 RogerBetts,SufyaanAslim,RachelDear. 6 LisaMorrison,CharlesGillett,LauraMoore. 1
SPORTFORCHOICE ONTHEBIGSCREEN SportingSociallaunchedwithcocktails,canapésandsummerbeatsatamediaevent. GuestsfromITV,BBC,Bullringandsocial mediainfluencersenjoyedtabletennisandtable footballwhilelisteningtoaDJ.LocatedonSt Martin’sbalconyattheBullring,SportingSocial offerstheperfectplacetorelaxandwatchafantastic summerofsportonthehuge15ftscreensbelow.Itis openforcocktails,beersandlightbiteseveryday from11amto10pmuntil11September. ■ Photography:DanielKnottforDeliciousPR september2022 birminghamliving 61 SOCIALSCENE Mediainfluencersenjoyfunandgames courtesyofSportingSocialattheBullring
DELICIOUSGOESWILD FORBIRTHDAYTREAT PRagencycelebrates15yearsof successwithapartyatLuluWild 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 DeliciousPRthrewapartytocelebrateits15th birthdaywithclientsoldandnewtreatedto Champagne,canapesandmusicatLuluWildin Brindleyplace.Delicioushaslaunchedmorethan60premium brandssince2007andmanagingdirectorAnitaChampaneri said:“Iamsoproudofwhatwe’veachievedandwantedto thankourloyalclientsandourfriendsinthemediawhohave supportedusonthisincrediblejourney.It’safantastictimeto beinBirminghamandIamveryexcitedaboutwhatthenext 15yearswillbringforus.” ■ PhotographybyDanielKnott birminghamliving september202262 SOCIALSCENE 1 EmmaHowden,AnitaChampaneri. 2 AlevDervish,RaiSingh,LauraMcEwan. 3 TonyElvin,AndeepMangal,PhilOldershaw. 4 Treaveanand LovrineAnderson. 5 CristinaTataran,ElaineWeir. 6 NancyNathwani,AnitaChampaneri,HarishNathwani. 7 BharatChampaneri,EmmaHowden. 8 SatnamRana,SuzanneVirdee,AnitaChampaneri. 9 LorraineOlley,RaiSingh,NaomiAly,MikeOlley. 1
STARSGETINTHESWING ATPAR3CHAMPIONSHIP 1 DeanAshton,centre. 2 IanWoosnam,left. 3 Host,RickCressman,centre. 4 Overallwinner,PhillipPrice. 5 CharleyHull. 6 GlennHoddle. 7 DerekRedmondandwifeMaria. 8 AlanMcInally,right. 9 ConstantinoRocca,left. 4 5 6 7 89 23 1 Thegolfwasashotasthesizzlingtemperatures whenNailcoteHallhostedtheFarmfoods BritishPar3Championship.Theeventwas wonbythree-timeEuropeanTourtournamentwinner PhillipPricewhotookthe50,000Europrizemoney. Thetournamentattractedahostofcelebrities, includingformerRyderCupcaptainIanWoosnam, ex-EnglandmanagerGlennHoddle,LadiesEuropean TourandLPGAstarCharleyHull,goldmedalwinningOlympiccurlerEveMuirheadandItalian golflegendCostantinoRocca. ■ Formoredetailsvisitbritishpar3.com september2022 birminghamliving 63 SOCIALSCENE CelebritiestotheforeasNailcote Hallhostssparklingfestivalofgolf
WHAT: BirminghamInternational Tattoo2022 WHEN: 10and11September WHERE: ResortsWorldArena, resortsworldarena.co.uk
birminghamliving september202264
WHAT: FastLove–Atributeto GeorgeMichael WHEN: 8September WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk Havingtoured21differentcountriesand beenseenbymorethan300,000 concert-goersworldwide,thisistheUK’s mostsuccessfulGeorgeMichaeltribute spectacular–andnottobemissed.
Thebest-sellingauthorand photographerhasworkedandtravelled acrossmorethan100countriesand writtenninebest-sellingbooks.Herehe shareshisfascinatingexperiencesand learnings.
Formorethan30years,Birmingham InternationalTattoohasbeenbringingmilitary andothermarchingbandsfromacrossthe worldtoBrum–andit’ssettobeevenmore specialinthisPlatinumJubileeYear.
WHAT: Fisherman’sFriends: TheMusical WHEN: 13to17September WHERE: TheAlexandra, atgtickets.com Basedonthetruestoryofthechart-topping Cornishsingingsensationsandthehit2019 movie,thisisafeel-goodvoyageabout friendship,communityandmusic.
WHAT: EdgbastonArtisanMarket WHEN: 10September WHERE: GreenfieldCrescent, Edgbaston,calthorpe.co.uk Birmingham’slargestartisanmarket returns,featuringindependent businessesfromacrosstheMidlands showcasingthefinestrangeof artisanfoodanddrink,alongside handmadeartsandcraftsandfarmers’ marketproduce.
WHAT: All’sWellThatEndsWell WHEN: Nowuntil8October WHERE: RSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111 Low-bornorphanHelenaisconvincedthatsheand image-consciousBertramarecouplegoals.He’snot sosure.Shakespeare’senduringdarkcomedy exploresthemesofromanticfantasy,toxicmasculinity andconsent.
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: LevisonWood WHEN: 28October WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk
TheRushTheatreCompanybringsitsbrand-newproductiontotown withthestoryofthemanwhobroughtreggaemusictotheworld. Featuringmorethan20ofBobMarley’siconichits.
gloriousMalvernHills,the three-dayspectacular promisestocelebratethevery
WHAT: MalvernAutumnShow WHEN: 23to25September WHERE: ThreeCountiesShowground,malvernautumn.co.uk, backdropofWorcestershire’s bestoftheseason.
WHAT: TheUndertones WHEN: 29September WHERE: O2Institute2Birmingham, academymusicgroup.com Getreadyforagloriouslivesetofclassic trackstakenfromwhatareconsideredby manyfansandcriticstobesomeofthe bestpunkalbumsofalltime.
WHAT: SisterAct WHEN: 4to15October WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com WithsongsinspiredbyMotown,soulanddisco,thisheavenly musicalisjoyousandupliftinginequalmeasure.Acrackingcast includesLesleyJoseph,CliveRoweandEmmerdalestarSandra
WHAT: RetroTruckShow WHEN: 10and11September WHERE: BritishMotorMuseum,britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on Around300modernandclassictruckswilldescendonGaydonforthispopular showwhichisnowinitstwelfthyear.There’salsoanIndoormodelshowand tradearea.Campingisavailableonbothnights.
WHAT: TheKingofReggae–TheMan–TheMusic WHEN: 20to24September WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk
birminghamliving 65september2022
MarvinasDeloris,everyone’sfavouritenunontherun!
tel:01684584900 Fabulousflowers,food,drink andfamilyfun!Setagainstthe
WHAT’SON
WHAT: SowetoGospelChoir WHEN: 16October WHERE: WolverhamptonGrandTheatre, grandtheatre.co.uk Thethree-timeGrammyAward-winningSowetoGospel Choircontinuestoinspireaudiencesaroundtheworld withitspowerfulblendofAfricangospel,freedom songsandinternationalclassics.
BuildingtheimprovsceneinBirminghamfrom literallynothing12yearsagotothethrivingcommunity wehavenow,withworkshops,showsandclasses happeningeveryweek.Asasmallfestivalwecontinually punchaboveourweight.
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
BIGGESTSUCCESS
Howlonghaveyougot?Ihavebeenanactor,theatre director,writer,salesman,universitylecturer,journalist, CEOofthreeSMEs,trainer,facilitator,consultant.I’man adoptedsonoftheWestMidlands,arrivingintheearly Ninetiestorunatouringtheatrecompany.Ithensetupmy owntheatrecompany,creatingaseriesofquirkyshows, includingABriefHistoryofTime–thestageshowwhich tourednationallywiththeblessingofthelateStephen Hawking.Istrugglewithstayingstill–perhapsI’vejustgot ashortattentionspan.Inolongercallmyselfajack-of-alltrades,butarathermorerespectfulterm–awideachiever.
Withthisparticularhaton,I’mthedirectorofthe BirminghamImprovFestival.Thisyearwehaveforgeda partnershipwiththewonderfulMidlandsArtsCentreand pulledtogetherastunningfive-dayprogrammeof18amazing improvisedcomedyshowsfromthetopcompaniesintheUK andbeyond.It’smyjobtomakesurethateverythingisinplace forthefestivaltorunsmoothly,andthateveryonegetspaid!
Performingandteachingimprovhastaughtmethat absolutelyeveryoneiscreative,whatevertheythinkof themselves.Peopleareamazingwhentheyallow themselvestobeandIadorewatchingnewcomers discoverhowfunnytheycanbewithouteventrying.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
I’vebeenhere25years,andIcan’timagineliving
anywhereelsenow.Brummiesaresofriendly,funnyand downtoearth.Ilovethemeltingpotthatthecityis–you caneatyourwayroundtheworldandneverventure beyondtheRingRoad.AndIlovethatdryBrummie senseofhumour. DOWNTIME Sorry,remindmewhatthatis?Maybetryaskingme againwhenthefestivalisover! FINALLY… Whateveryoudo,don’tmissBirminghamImprov Festival!GettoMidlandsArtsCentrefrom28Septemberto 2Octobertoseeanamazingvarietyofimprovshows! Ticketsat:https://birminghamimprovfestival.com/ ThedirectorofBirminghamImprovFestivallooks forwardtothisyear’sfive-dayprogrammeofcomedy whichpromisestobebiggerandbetterthanever CLOSEWITHÁ birminghamliving september202266 PERSONTOPERSON JON TREVOR
IT’SWHATIDO
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
ThisisthefourthBirminghamImprovFestival,andwe’ve gotbiggerandbettereverytime.IwouldlikeBirminghamto becometheEdinburghFestivalofImprov,makingitevery improvcompany’sburningambitiontocomeandplayhere. I’dalsoliketospreadthejoyandfunofperformingimprov aswidelyaspossiblearoundthecity,andI’mthrilledthat thisyearwehavebeenawardedmoneybyArtsCouncil Englandtoofferfreeworkshopsthroughoutthearea.
