InSolihull Magazine Autumn 2023

The Solihull Food Festival is back with the wonderful...

AINSLEY HARRIOTT

WHAT’S ON?

In side

Welcome to the Autumn edition of InSolihull. Thrilling news that our free beautiful magazine is now displayed in several new shiny stands in the town centre, we have also installed a new stand in Leamington Spa, so with readers all the way to Marylebone station we are certainly sharing the Solihull Love!

I am particularly proud of this edition as it includes two interviews that have certainly left me inspired and motivated, read the articles inside about Dr Marcia McLaughlin and Charles Fillingham to spark your own thoughts and reflections.

Solihull continues to attract new business and the recently opened Levi’s and Mint Velvet stores don’t disappoint and add to the wealth of offer for retail fans. The hospitality and evening economy is also having a welcome renaissance, plan your visit during the Food Festival to get a flavour of what’s on offer in our thriving townscape. Also, Ainsley is back!!! What more can I say? Get the date in the diary and prepare to have your tastebuds tickled.

Mel x

Melanie Palmer Chief Executive melanie@solihullbid.co.uk

Editor in Chief Steven Coney steven@solihullbid.co.uk

Design Red Banana Design sales@redbananadesign.co.uk

Newshound Misty

SUBSCRIBE

If you would like to know more about events and have the magazine emailed out to you, subscribe now by visiting www.solihullbid.co.uk

For more information on shopping, entertainment and what’s on in Solihull visit: www.solihullbid.co.uk or call: 0121 285 1370

Levi’s have arrived in Touchwood! This iconic brand has launched in Solihull and the brand new unit has everything Levi’s you could need, along with helpful team members who will guide you through what will be a forever purchase.

501®

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501® LEVI’S® ORIGINAL SHORTS (PLUS SIZE) Shorts Price £89.99

The Perfect Tee

Iris Orchid - Purple Price £25

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Amara Metallic Corsage

Mint Velvet have moved in! Another exciting addition to the retail family in Touchwood. The unit is within the stunning listed building area in the town and the knowledgeable staff complement the fabulous shopping experience at Mint Velvet Solihull.

Mint Velvet Solihull Boutique 122 High Street Solihull, B91 3SX www.mintvelvet.co.uk

Amelia Gold Crossbody Bag

Gold Price £129.00

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Meave Tan Cutout Sliders

Izzy Off White Ring Detail Bag

Mint Velvet

Relaxed Glamour is our fail-safe style formula: it underpins everything we do and has been with us since the very beginning.

Neutral Price £79.99

Brown Price £89.00

Silver Price £29.99

Maxi Satin Slip Skirt

Neutral Price £89.99

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For professional expert advice from the John Lewis Solihull team on that all important skincare routine, head straight to the beauty floor in John Lewis Solihull inside Touchwood.

Here's our six of the best:

Cleanse

Tone

Serum

Moisturise

Face base primer

Night care

Clarins Double Serum, 50ml

Price £85

£170.00 per 100ml

Clarins Double Serum is a Complete Age Control Concentrate that stimulates the 5 vital functions of the skin for a more youthful and radiant complexion. Working on hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and regeneration, Double Serum contains 21 active plant extracts including turmeric, known for its exceptional anti-ageing properties.

Origins Checks & Balances

Milk to Oil Cleanser + Makeup Melter, 150ml

Price £26

£17.33 per 100ml

This gentle cleanser helps melt makeup and dissolve impurities with Rice Oil and Almond Oil softens the feel of skin, too, and is great for a double cleanse.

A quick shake of the bottle turns this bi-phase formula into a refreshing, milky cleanser and makeup remover.

Rice Oil and Almond Oil help dissolve impurities and long-wear colour, while Squalane and plant-derived Glycerin help soften the feel of skin.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial

Toner, 250ml

Price £26

£8.40 per 100ml

Kiehl’s gentle alcohol-free facial toner tones, comforts and hydrates skin. Formulated with effective emollients like Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil and Vitamin E, this gentle facial toner is pH-balanced for optimal comfort. Carefully formulated not to over-dry or strip skin of natural oils, this efficacious toner provides the ideal preparation for moisture to soothe, tone and balance skin.

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Liz Earle Superskin™

Nourishing Night Cream Jar, 50ml

Price £34

Ecological Compound Advanced Formula 60ml

Price £118

The Ecological Compound Advanced Formula adapts to suit the needs of every skin type to help it function optimally.

This unique formula, known for its successful original complex of five plant extracts (Centella Asiatica, Ginseng, Hops, Horsetail, Rosemary) is now enriched with two new key ingredients (Burdock and Meadowsweet extracts). Its pH is as close as possible to that of the skin.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, 50ml

Price £49

£98.00 per 100ml

Our bestselling multivitaminenriched moisturising primer for the face instantly nourishes, plumps, and preps skin with healthy hydration to improve the look of foundation. It’s full makeup prep in one step, blending the performance of a primer with the cushion of a face moisturiser.

£68.00 per 100ml

Liz Earle Beauty's luxurious overnight mask is expertly proven to even the look of skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep.

John Lewis & Partners

Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3RA 0121 704 1121

www.johnlewis.com

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Solihull has a glowing reputation for being one of the best places to live, work and visit and was recently named in the 25 best places in Britain to raise a family.

It’s not hard to see why with Solihull definitely living up to its motto of Urbs in Rure (the town in the country).

And that continues when you step foot inside our clean, safe and welcoming town centre that attracts thousands of families every day.

Our programme of events always have free family activity at the heart of them, whether that be a fun trail at the recent Whale’s Tale event, roaming dinosaurs for the Food Festival or favourites such as free facepainters and kids disco for our Jazz Festival.

When Solihull town centre bursts into a hive of activity with our events, you can rest assured that there will be plenty for you and the kids to do –and it’s all free!

The town centre also has loads on offer to keep the little ones entertained throughout the year. Our interactive playground in Mell Square has been

If all that wasn’t enough, we’ve now launched our special VIP Kids Club! Sign up to the free Kids Club to receive newsletters, invitations to free events, offers, workshops and much more…

Be the first to know when the dinosaurs are in town, Halloween zombies are teaching you how to dance, free face painters are splashing the glitter, the Marvel superheroes are flying in, and not forgetting taking selfies with the mermaids!

Scan the QR code to sign up or head to www.solihullbid.co.uk/kidsclub

family summer how to elevate your holiday

If you love the idea of lazing on the beach but know all too well that the family will be ready to get active after a few days in the sun, Kuoni Solihull have got you covered.

Whether it’s spotting elephants in the wilds of Sri Lanka before relaxing on a private island in the

Maldives or combining hiking and history with pro football coaching in Sicily, the store’s experts know the experiences that will stay with you for years to come.

We spoke to Mary, Store Manager at Kuoni Solihull, to get a run-down of her favourite family beach holidays that come with a side of adventure.

Tropical island adventures in Mauritius

Mauritius is packed full of all the sights and sounds you could want from an exotic holiday. On this pint-sized tropical island, you’ll find a pictureperfect coastline leading to lush forests, tumbling waterfalls and rugged mountains – all ideal for running free and exploring.

To keep the kids entertained, stay at cool and contemporary LUX* Belle Mare, which has a fantastic kids’ club called Play for ages 3-11 featuring an outdoor culinary school and splash pool, as well as Studio 17 for teens, complete with a DJ zone.

A cultural twin-centre in Greece

Our handpicked hotels in Greece raise the bar when it comes to family holidays. Start your twin-centre trip on the lesser-visited west side of the island, where you can explore ancient Minoan sites, build pink sandcastles on Elafonissi beach and stroll round Chania’s pretty harbour. Stay at Domes Zeen Chania, A Luxury Collection Resort, Crete which has excellent family rooms and is the place to stay for insightful local adventures.

Further east on the island, Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection in Crete brims with culture and character, and its clever design – with familyand adults-aimed zones – will keep everyone happy. CORE is an open-air agora with pop-up shops, activities and events for families where the kids can meet mythological Greek monsters and try out every flavour at the ice-cream truck.

Sport, hiking and history in Sicily

Active families, this one’s for you. Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Sicily pulls out all the stops for a fun-filled break surrounded by pristine beaches and olive groves. The resort has three championship golf courses, a 9-hole course, putting green and driving range for little golfers-in-training, plus a tennis academy and six clay courts where wannabe Murrays and Raducanus can get competitive. Football lovers are in for a real treat: in summer, Verdura holds four-, five- and seven-day Juventus Training Experiences when professional coaches share their pro soccer skills with the kids.

Sicily is a treasure trove of nature and culture, packed with experiences you can all enjoy together.

Beach and city living in Spain

Just a three-hour flight from the UK, Marbella has been a family favourite for decades, and with its incredible location overlooking the beach on the Golden Mile, Puente Romano Beach Resort is one of the region’s hottest resorts. Kids’ activities here range from paddle boarding and tennis to beach clean-ups to learn about sustainability –you can even arrange private tutors for catch-up sessions.

To see more of Spain, take off on a mini road trip and combine your time on the beach in Marbella with a city stay at H10 Casa de la Plata in Seville. A private walking tour is a fantastic way for kids to learn about Seville’s local history. If a walking tour isn’t going to keep the kids’ attention, up the adrenalin levels and head for the thrills and spills of the city’s theme park.

The ultimate Indian Ocean twin-centre

Sri Lanka is ideal touring territory and if you book a private car with an experienced driver/guide, you’ll be able to take in the island’s highlights at your own pace. You can explore the Cultural Triangle and Minneriya National Park all from Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, so there’s no need to worry about the unpacking and repacking that’s needed when you move from hotel to hotel. Race to the top of Sigiriya Rock, explore cave temples and go on safari to spot wild elephants, then return to the lodge to watch monkeys play as the kids splash around in the pool.

It’s just a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Sri Lanka to the Maldives – our top recommendation for tropical island relaxation. Kurumba Maldives is only a 10-minute speedboat hop from the airport. The two-level Family Villas here come with a plunge pool and the resort has stand-out experiences ideal for families with older children.

Temples, elephants and beaches in Thailand

Where else can you whizz between golden temples, spend time with gentle giants at an elephant sanctuary and relax on a glistening beach where your hotel has its own private night market? Start your time in Thailand at the exclusive Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok, where you’ll find spacious family suites and a rooftop infinity pool with sweeping city skyline views.

If you’re travelling with children over 7, Elephant Hills Jungle Safari is our top suggestion. At this award-winning elephant sanctuary, located in one of the world’s oldest rainforests, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime as you watch the elephants bathe and help to prepare their food.

Round off your holiday on the soft sands of Katathani Phuket Beach Resort. There are plenty of pools to make a splash in – including one with mini water slide – and cute extra activities such as Junior Master Chef and traditional Thai kite making.

Create a perfect holiday with Kuoni Solihull – For an adventure that’s as individual as you are.

Our in-store personal travel experts can tailormake a holiday of any type, almost anywhere in the world.

Make an appointment at Kuoni Solihull where you can relax with Nespresso coffee or a glass of Champagne as one of our Personal Travel Experts craft a one-of-a-kind holiday just for you.

Kuoni Solihull 3 Crescent Arcade Touchwood Shopping Centre Solihull B91 3GZ 0121 711 8848 stores.kuoni.co.uk

he region’s biggest and best celebration of food returns once again this September as the Solihull Food Festival takes over the town centre!

Taking place between Friday September 29th and Sunday October 1st, the free family festival will feature over 80 food and drink traders in Mell Square, Mill Lane and Solihull High Street.

Organised by Solihull BID and supported by RR Events, this year’s event will again feature the hugely popular live music Rum and Reggae zone.

Plus, there’s the much-loved demo kitchen, taster tent, and roaming entertainment across the town centre.

For a full line-up of music and activity, head to the Solihull BID website by scanning the QR code!

FOR THE FOODIES FOR THE REGGAE LOVERS FOR THE FAMILIES

We’re once again joined by some of the best celebrity chefs in the business. National treasure Ainsley Harriott, Italian maestro Aldo Zilli, ‘Yummy Brummie’ Glynn Purnell and MasterChef 2022 runner-up, Pookie Tredell and our very own Michelin Star chef Rob Palmer from Toffs will be showcasing their skills in the Live Demo Kitchen on the High Street! All demonstrations are free to watch with seating on a first come first served basis.

We’ll also have over 80 street food and drink traders from the Continental Street Market provided by our partners at RR Events. Expect an eclectic mix of delicious flavours from around the world!

The Taster Tent also gives you the chance to try out the amazing range of eateries we have in Solihull town centre!

There’s plenty of free family themed activities across the weekend to keep the little ones entertained.

Children can join our VIP Kids Club and receive their free collectable key ring before taking part in the fun recipe trail, discovering some of the best restaurants on offer in Solihull town centre.

The eco glitter horsebox and free face painters will be on hand to add sparkle to young faces and roaming entertainment will spread the festival cheer across the town centre.

We’ve even got dinosuars joining us so you can get up, close and personal with a T-Rex... if you dare!

The Rum & Reggae section has been a massive hit since its introduction. So much so, in fact, that the music stage is now located in Mell Square!

Expect to hear some of the country’s very best reggae and ska musicians, including the amazing UB40 tribute Rats In The Kitchen as well as the Skabucks, Ultimate Madnezz, Global Reggae Band and Reggae Matic.

Our line-up of free live music will get those toes tapping whilst you’re surrounded by delicious food and drink. Authentic Caribbean food and cocktails will be available so you can really make a weekend of it!

There really is something for everybody at the Solihull Food Festival so come on down and tickle those taste buds, you won’t want to miss out! For a full line-up of activities across the three days, please head over to our website by scanning the QR code.

Ainsley HARRIOTT

We’re delighted to announce that Ainsley Harriott, one of the country’s favourite chefs for the past three decades, will be headlining the Solihull Food & Drink Festival 2023!

Ainsley headlined our 2021 Food Festival and was such a hit that we’ve asked him to come back again!

Recognised as one of the best food events in the region, we needed a superstar to take top billing and who better than the fantastic Ainsley Harriott?

Awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting and the culinary arts, Ainsley will be bringing his fresh, fun, and energetic approach to food to Solihull town centre with cooking demos and a book signing.

We sat down with Ainsley for a quick chat ahead of his trip to Solihull so you can get to know more about the nation’s favourite…

We are so excited to have you. What originally inspired you to become a chef?

I think spending an entire Summer on Île de Ré in France and cooking with the family – it became an all-day long event. Going to markets daily to buy fresh ingredients, going fishing and catching fresh fish, then coming back and taking our time to enjoy the preparation of the meal and then sitting down, often for hours, to eat.

You’re having friends over for dinner tonight, what’s on the table?

Well, if I’ve been busy filming it’s normally a one pot wonder, something like a Creole Jambalaya which is wonderful. I normally have a bit of homemade ice cream in the fridge – so some vanilla ice cream with a very nice quick chocolate sauce, topped with some homemade, crunchy honeycomb, which I normally have in a tub in the cupboard. You sprinkle it on top - people just love it. Some beautiful white wine too!

What has the highlight of your career been so far?

Being able to share my knowledge with people through my TV programmes and obviously my M.B.E. I think my late mother would have been so, so proud of that. They are definitely two of the big highlights.

Who is your hero?

Well, if you’re talking football, it’s probably Ian Wright. If you’re talking cooking, it’s probably Graham Kerr – the Galloping Gourmet. He made me want to cook and he made me want to entertain people whilst cooking.

When you are not in the kitchen, where can you be found?

I’d probably be found down at the Emirates Stadium or on a tennis court - playing tennis or walking my dog by the River Dee – because he likes to have a bit of a swim. So do I – but only if I can feel the old terra firma underneath me whenever I drop my feet down!

What advice would you give to young people entering the hospitality industry?

You need dedication and passion, because you are working long, unsociable hours. If you think about when people go out to eat at lunchtime or perhaps in the evening, that’s when most of them are having their breaks – to recharge their batteries - you need to work hard and deliver what they need. So, feel passionate about doing that for them, once you do, what a fantastic industry to be in.

Where do you get your amazing energy from?!

I think life is energy – when you speak to people, you give them energy and then they respond and give you energy back. People are not aware that if you have that ability – you plug each other in; you re-charge each other. So, it’s a people thing and not everybody has it, but it’s a gift that someone’s given me – the powers that be.

We’ve got an amazing line-up of chefs that will be demonstrating their skills in the live demo kitchen. All demos are free to watch so come along and pick up some tips from the very best!

After almost three decades as one of the country’s favourite TV chefs, Ainsley Harriott has become something of a national institution. In 2020 he was delighted to be awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting and the culinary arts. Best known for his twenty-one series’ of Ready, Steady, Cook, and with many solo primetime cooking series under his belt, he has become the master of fresh, fun, accessible cuisine.

Ainsley trained at Westminster College before a career in London’s top hotels and restaurants – and with his years of experience working in professional kitchens, he has developed a deep understanding of his craft. In the early 1990s Ainsley was invited to become resident chef on BBC TV’s Good Morning With Anne And Nick.

This in turn led to Ready, Steady, Cook and his TV career took off. Series include Ainsley’s Barbeque Bible, Ainsley’s

2023

Meals in Minutes, Ainsley Harriott’s Street Food, Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure, the hit ITV series Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen and Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook. Ainsley has also hosted The Ainsley Harriott Show and Ready Set Cook for the US, Off The Menu for South Africa Television and in 2019 Ainsley’s Market Menu for SBS Australia.

He is also a best-selling author and has sold over two million books worldwide. Titles include Ainsley’s Barbecue Bible, the Meals in Minutes franchise, Friends and Family, Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen and his latest Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook.

Ainsley has taken the amazing flavours he’s discovered on his world travels and used them to create great-tasting food for busy people. Over the past 15 years the Ainsley Harriott food range has gone from strength to strength and is a familiar sight in UK and Australian supermarkets – bringing world flavour to your dinner table with quick, easy and delicious meal solutions.

Ainsley Harriott

Aldo Zilli is an award-winning chef and restaurateur who specialises in Italian, vegetarian and seafood cuisine. One of nine children, he was born in the small seaside town of Alba Adriatica in the central Italian region of Abruzzo and first learnt Italian home cooking from his mother in Italy followed by catering college.

He was the founder and chef-patron of some of London’s most exciting and innovative restaurants, Signor Zilli, Zilli Green, Zilli Café and Zilli Bar. His Italian seafood restaurant, Zilli Fish, was a Soho institution and had been open for over 15 years until March 2012 when Aldo decided to hang up the chef’s whites to focus his time as a consultant chef to raise the profile of other brands, providing advice and expertise alongside devising new seasonal menus for numerous restaurants.

He is delighted to be the Brand Ambassador for Lucarelli and is excited to be cooking some live demos at the Solihull Food Festival this September showing you what’s on offer at Emporio Artari Touchwood as well as the Lucarelli Restaurants.

Aldo said: “Food and Drink Festivals are amazing and I love them as it brings the best out of us chefs interacting with our customers.

“Solihull is a great area and I am really looking forward to be taking part in the Food Festival. See you all there for some Italian delicacies with Lucarelli Restaurants!”

Aldo ZILLI

2023

Glynn PURNELL

Often called the ‘Yummy Brummie’, Glynn Purnell started cooking professionally at the age of 14. After securing a work experience placement in a hotel kitchen, he spent the next two years catching the No 966 bus to the Metropole Hotel at the NEC where he was quickly promoted to making salads and flipping burgers.

A six-year stint followed, gaining experience in every department from banqueting to the A La Carte Terrace Restaurant, where he discovered his talent and passion for fine dining. It wasn’t long before he began winning awards including the prestigious Salon Culinaire.

His next professional step was as Chef de Partie at Simpson’s Restaurant where he progressed to the position of Sous Chef. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star and Glynn went on to win many accolades within the industry.

After training with top chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, Glynn travelled abroad to work with well-known Michelin starred chefs in Europe. He went on to help launch Jessica’s in July 2003, which was awarded Birmingham’s first Michelin star back in 2005.

Glynn said: “I always love coming back to Solihull and the Food Festival is one I always look out for. It’s always great fun so I’m very much looking forward to being back again as part of this great event!”

Birmingham city centre, which opened in July 2007 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2009.

Glynn has become a household name after taking part in the Great British Menu, winning twice and then later appearing as a mentor. He has previously featured on The Great British Food Revival and The Secret Chef, among other television programmes. He can regularly be seen on Saturday Kitchen as a guest chef and host.

Rob PALMER

Rob grew up in Castle Bromwich, Solihull after leaving Park Hall school at 16, Rob wanted to go straight into work as a chef and gained an apprenticeship at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole where he worked for four years. He then wanted a change from the large hotel environment and went to work at The Forest Hotel in Dorridge, Solihull, which at the time had always achieved 2 Rosette status from the AA guide. After just under three years he left to go and work at Hampton Manor as Junior sous chef under former Michelin starred chef Martyn Pearn.

Whilst at Hampton Manor Rob soon worked his way to sous chef and was instrumental in helping Martyn build a young dynamic and ambitious team of chefs. Then in 2014, Rob was given the Head Chef job after Martyn had moved. Two years later in 2016, although Rob had never worked in a kitchen that held a Michelin star, him and his team achieved the prestigious status of 1 Michelin star, the first ever for Solihull. In the same week they were also awarded 4 Rosettes from the AA guide, again the first for Solihull and Birmingham. Rob and his everchanging team continued to achieve the status of 1 Michelin star & 4 rosettes up until leaving in early 2021 to set up his first solo venture ‘Toffs by Rob Palmer’.

At ‘Toffs by Rob Palmer’ the food is ‘Modern British’ which uses a blend of modern and classic cooking techniques and flavours. Whilst working at Hampton Manor Rob had the privilege of being able to use the estates walled kitchen garden which produced an abundance of produce all year round. He developed his style around the seasons of the garden and the estate whilst also taking inspiration from multi culture Britain and also using flavours and seasonings from around the world whilst always making sure the core of each dish remains British. The food at ‘Toffs by Rob Palmer’ will continue this ethos and serve a 4 to 5 course menu at lunch time and a

Pookie TREDELL

MasterChef 2022 runner-up, Pookie Tredell, grew up in Bangkok and came to study at university in the UK and set up her businesses for a career in beauty salons. It was only when Pookie and her husband started hosting parties for friends and family that she discovered her passion for food and creative cooking, honing her

Most of all, Pookie cooks with love and wants it to be delicious, fun and put a smile on people’s faces. Pookie has appeared cooking on BBC Midlands Today, been featured on BBC Radio Birmingham, BBC Radio CW and has been interviewed by national and regional newspapers.

Solihull town centre continues to be a safe and welcoming environment that is home to an eclectic mix of hospitality venues, perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for fine dining, deliciously crafted cocktails, interactive fun and games or more of a simple sit-down meal with family and friends, Solihull has it all.

Toffs Drury Lane, Solihull 0121 824 4166

Toffs by Rob Palmer on Drury Lane was recently named the Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards and Rob himself was named Chef of the Year – need we say any more?

The food at Toffs is ‘Modern British’ which uses a blend of modern and classic cooking techniques and flavours.

Rob developed his style around the seasons of the garden and the estate whilst also taking inspiration from multi culture Britain and also using flavours and seasonings from around the world whilst always making sure the core of each dish remains British.

The Beech House

Warwick Road, Solihull 0121 272 7730

Whether you’re popping in for a full meal, a drink in the bar or a coffee to go, there are so many ways to enjoy The Beech House in Solihull town cente.

With its buzzing atmosphere and welcoming lounge, bar and restaurant, The Beech House is a modern meeting place at the heart of Solihull.

They’ve got food and drink to suit every taste; from your full-English fry up to salad, Neapolitan pizza to fillet steak. Nibbles, sharers, roasts and proper home comforts; fresh and sustainable, cooked in front of your eyes.

And with weekly specials on the menu, you’ll be guaranteed to find something new every time you visit!

Côte

High Street

Solihull 0121 828 4848

Any restaurant is only as good as its chefs – and Côte’s are second to none. Their highly trained kitchen team apply their knowledge, skill and imagination to preparing every dish, working tirelessly to put a little magic on your plate.

The French approach to eating well is rooted in the concept of “terroir” –showing respect for the earth and the things it gives us. Côte only work with farmers and producers who share this mindset, ensuring they can offer you the best-tasting seasonal produce.

And don’t forget the amazing wine list which stretches the glories of Champagne, Burgundy, Provence and beyond.

Emporio Artari

Touchwood

Solihull 0121 704 9785

Emporio Artari started life deep in the Italian Alps back in 1886 and their location in Touchwood is the first in the UK to house this authentic Italian brand. Serving the best of Lucarelli style cicchetti food including sharing platters, arancini, oven-baked lasagne and panini and even an indulgent Italian style Afternoon Tea.

Diners will also be able to treat themselves to a glass of Prosecco or even choose from a selection of special cocktails, all served up with exceptional service from highly commended staff and bartenders.

They are certain that once you have experienced it you will return time and time again for the unmistakable taste of traditional Italian cuisine!

Arrowsmiths at O’Neill’s

Poplar Road

Solihull 0121 711 3761

Step up to the mark and get ready for a fun night out in Solihull. This is interactive darts, the Arrowsmiths way.

Pick a game and let their electronic boards do all the maths for you. Let the games begin from just £8 per person for 90 minutes.

Perfect for a midweek blow-out with workmates, a weekend get-together with friends or anything in between. Grab your arrows and take aim - you might get a double bull straight off the mark!

Wagamama

Touchwood

Solihull 0121 711 7075

Wagamama’s recipes are created to make you feel rejuvenated and satisfied, a base of noodles or rice to give you energy, quality protein and good fats to sustain you, an abundance of fresh crunchy vegetables to nourish you and finally, spices, sauces and steaming broths to ignite your tastebuds. And even if you’re a Wagamama regular, you’ll find a new favourite on the brand new Wagamama menu.

Vibrant koyo bowls paired with mixed leaves, beetroot, carrot, cucumber, mooli, red radish, and edamame beans, served with chicken, salmon, or marinated aubergine sound delicious. Wagamama are now also offering several plant-based options, reintroducing its vegan “chicken” kare lomen alongside chilli mushrooms, wok-fried greens, Asian peppers, prawn nori rolls, and hoisin duck bun appetizers.

Green’s

Mell Square

Solihull 0121 716 3222

Green’s, in the heart of Mell Square, is Solihull’s first dedicated cocktail lounge and has quickly become a favourite for cocktail lovers from across the region.

You can share good times at Green’s, with cocktails designed using high quality ingredients, a great selection of gin, whiskey and wine, Corona beer on tap, as well as cheese and charcuterie grazing boards.

Not to mention their amazing Bottomless Brunch, live music every Wednesday evening and recently launched ‘Fruity Fridays’, Solihull’s only Queer night.

Cineworld

Blue Beetle

18th August

From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes.

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab.

to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE..

The Equalizer 3 1st September

Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.

Cineworld Solihull – Ones To Watch

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Previews 31st July

Having emerged from their sewer domain, shuriken-wielding siblings Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo and Leonardo set to win New York City around. With the help of reporter April O’Neill, the turtles try and integrate with human society, but are soon pulled into a deadly battle involving the eponymous mutants.

Rogen’s dry comic influence is all over the new trailer (in fact he’s billed as the perennial teenager, which says a lot about the tone).

The impressively starry voice cast includes Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko, Jackie Chan as Splinter, John Cena as Rocksteady and Rogen himself as Bebop.

They’re joined by Rose Byrne as Leatherhead, Maya Rudolph as Cynthia Utrom, musician Post Malone as Ray Fillet, Natasia Demetriou as Wingnut, Ice Cube as Superfly, Giancarlo Esposito as Baxter Stockman and Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog.

The CORE THEATRE presents

The Core Theatre is a multi-purpose arts venue in the heart of Solihull town centre. The busy venue hosts a varied mix of professional and amateur events including music, drama, comedy and dance.

Most areas are available to hire and successful events are held almost every night ranging from local drama groups to national commercial promoters who find The Core Theatre a thriving, successful venue with loyal and supportive audiences!

Magical BonesSoulful Magic

September 22nd

Following sell out runs at the Edin burgh Festival and across the UK, the Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with a brand-new show full of the most awe-inspiring and high energy magic you’ll see this year.

Direct from appearances on America’s Penn & Teller Fool Us, BBC1’s BAFTA Awards, ITV1’s This Morning and Sky’s Around The World In 80 Tricks.

‘A dazzling evening full of imagination and flair’ - The Guardian

MAGICAL BONES

, by calling the Box or by visiting the Theatre Box

Box Office opening hours are 9.30am - 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday (with a 10am start on Wednesdays).

Dinosaur Adventure Live

August 31st

The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth. 65 million years in the making... Are you ready for the adventure?

Join the intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the Dinosaurs! Stomp, Roar and Swish your tail as we introduce you to some of the most incredible species ever to have lived on planet Earth. An unforgettable Jurassic experience for all the family to enjoy.

Feel the excitement as you come face-to-face with a T-Rex and hear it’s roooooooarrrrrr!

BondAn Unauthorised Parody

October 18th

2023 is the 70th anniversary of Fleming’s first 007 novel Casino Royale. Join Gavin Robinson in celebration, with his UK tour of the hit satirical show BOND - The Unauthorised Parody.

Following on from his first solo show, CRUSOE, Gavin Robertson focuses his attention on the Bond phenomenon, spoofing the movies eagerly awaited by millions, and exploding every cliché in the book(s) ... completely solo!

Bond meets his greatest arch-villain yet - Ian Fleming himself! Along with a slimy French sidekick, the usual female companion, and a time-machine!

Also featuring the smallest car-chase in theatre history!

BOND DINOSAURS

ACE Dance & Music - Unknown Realms

October 24th

Rooted in African and contemporary culture, ACE dance and music collaborate with two internationally acclaimed Black male choreographers Serge Aimé Coulibaly and Vincent Mantsoe.

UNKNOWN REALMS evocatively shows us a picture of the world and what is happening NOW…

Performed against dynamic multidimensional soundscapes by Andy Garbi and Yvan Talbot, two stunning contrasting works examine the past and present with consciousness

and contemporary sensibility, six dancers rise from the ashes with powerful explosive dance that uncovers the rich history of lives lived; memories, human struggle and people letting go…

An all-embracing, multi layered production that celebrates sheer mortality, perseverance and hope overcoming adversity.

ACE DANCE & MUSIC

‘Greek Islands’

by Lawrence Durrell

Price £10.99

Anyone who watched ‘The Durrells’ or read Gerald Durrell’s books it was based on will remember the sumptuous Corfu landscapes. Here, oldest Durrell, Lawrence vividly brings to life the idyllic Greek islands in his evocative, passionate and luminous style. No-one knows Greece like Durrell: sit back, relax and let him take you there!

‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Price £7.99

The story of the rise and fall of one of the biggest bands of the 70s and the mystery of why they suddenly broke up at the height of their fame. Full of 1970s LA nostalgia, an unforgettable cast of characters and a heart-wrenching story.

Waterstones Solihull recommends…

Summer Sizzlers

Here at Waterstones we’ve found it really difficult to narrow down our favourite summer reads for you – but here goes. An eclectic mix from ALL our booksellers hopefully means there is something to appeal to everyone.

Price £8.99

A must for fans of 80s puppet classics like ‘The Labyrinth’ and ‘Dark Portal’. This is a great adventure story, with great heart, packed full of 80s memorabilia! A fun, enjoyable read but be prepared: you may need to go on an 80s pilgrimage afterwards! Or be pining for it to be real!

‘The Shadow Glass’ by Josh Winning

A great, quick summer read, this cult classic is still as relevant and irreverent as it was forty years ago. A bored housewife falls in love with an escaped sea monster. Need we say more?

Will appeal to fans of ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ and the likes of Jessie Burton and Madeline Miller.

Please feel free to pop in and see us to pick up these great titles or come and browse the hundreds of other great titles that didn’t and couldn’t (although not without some heated debates within the team) make it on this list! See you soon.

An enchanting story of first love, family and self-discovery. Cassandra lives in a crumbling castle with her eccentric and impoverished family in the English countryside. One day, all their lives are turned upside down when the American owners arrive and Cassandra finds herself falling in love...

Imagine ‘Big Brother’ crossed with ‘Love Island’ and add a healthy dose of fear, paranoia and death and you have ‘The Villa’. This manages to be a rollicking read with real pace and attitude, whilst also serving as a timely reminder of the dangers of this kind of reality TV.

Price £8.99

‘I Capture the Castle’ by Dodie Smith

Price £8.99

‘The Villa’ by Ruth Kelly

Price £9.99

‘Mrs Caliban’ by Rachel Ingalls

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date

the DESIRABLES Tech Focus

Escape into worlds that feel, look and sound truly real as virtual reality gaming takes a huge generational leap forward with PlayStation VR2. Enjoy stunningly vibrant 4K HDR visuals in compatible games, a vast 110º field of view and state-of-the-art graphical rendering, all made possible by the power of PS5. PlayStation VR2

With technology advancing seemingly quicker and quicker by the day, there are more and more advanced products available to us there to enrich our lives.

Whether it be to enhance the way we experience things or to make our lives that bit easier – tech plays a big role in our lives.

We’ve taken a look around and picked our highlights of some of the best new tech available in Solihull town centre stores!

Designed for home or office, the new Ember Mug does more than simply keep your coffee hot. The smart mug allows you to set an exact drinking temperature, so your coffee is never too hot, or too cold. Ember then maintains your chosen temperature for up to 80 minutes or all day on charging coaster with the Ember Mug 14oz - so your hot beverage stays perfect.

Ember 14oz Mug² Black - £149.95

For the first time at this price point, Sony has equipped their VPL-XW5000ES projector with laser technology. This gives a significant boost to brightness and contrast, making an already impressive projector the best yet. Combined with other exclusive Sony technology and all under the control of the powerful X1 Ultimate processor, it makes for a truly ‘best in class’ home cinema projector.

Sony VPL-XW5000 (Black), 4K SXRD HDR Laser Projector - £5,999

Richer Sounds Solihull, 9 Station Road, B91 3TG 0333 900 0090 www.richersounds.com

Apple Store Solihull, Touchwood Shopping Centre, B91 3GJ 0121 224 1300 www.apple.com/uk

Impressively big. Impossibly thin. The new 15-inch MacBook Air makes room for more of what you love with a spacious Liquid Retina display. And with the 13-inch model, you have more reasons than ever to choose Air. Supercharged by the M2 chip — and with up to 18 hours of battery life — both laptops deliver blazing-fast performance in an ultra-portable design!

13” model with M2 chip from £1,149 New 15” model with M2 chip from £1,399

Theragun PRO Massager

John Lewis & Partners Solihull, Touchwood Shopping Centre, B91 3RA 0121 704 1121 www.johnlewis.com

The 5th generation of the Theragun Pro features a redesigned brushless motor that’s quieter but as powerful as it’s always been. Its redesign now includes visually-guided, built-in routines and new attachments for personalisation. Four visually-guided routines are built directly on the device via an OLED screen. Instantly access the Sleep, Warm Up, Recovery, or Theragun Break routines.

Therapy Massager by Therabody, Black - £549

Sony Laser Projector

Independents focus

Independent businesses are a critical part of the business landscape in Solihull town centre. The number of independents continues to grow with more and more people deciding to follow their passion and create small businesses. Independents give our town a unique feel you will struggle to find anywhere else in the region, or country for that matter.

Whether it be delicious eateries like Esabella’s, Sabai Sabai, Taste Collective, Toffs or Yakinori, welcoming cafes such as Black Orange, brew twenty three, Café Isabella or Vita or unique retailers including Katherine Draisey, Lesley Ashworth, Le Scarpe, Perspective Opticians, The Secret Boutique or Wishes & Kisses, Solihull town centre is full of independent gems.

And whilst you’ll see plenty of doom and gloom stories about the High Street every time you turn on the TV or flick through a newspaper, we’re happy to report that Solihull continues to buck the trend with

incredibly low vacancy rates compared to the rest of the country and a long line of companies hoping to make Solihull their next home. Plenty of our businesses continue to invest in themselves, whether that be through more staff, diversifying product ranges or giving their premises a makeover.

The latter is what the brilliant Perspective Opticians have done in their Drury Lane home – one they’ve successfully traded from for 18 years. We went along to look around their new-look store and check out why exactly Perspective have survived and absolutely thrived in Solihull town centre.

Take a look at our website – which itself has a brand-new look – for a full list of businesses in Solihull and discover your next favourite independent!

We’re happy to report that Solihull continues to buck the trend with incredibly low vacancy rates compared to the rest of the country

(L-R): Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID; Cllr Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council; Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council; Eileen Schofield, President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Dan Sanders, Director & Principal Optometrist of Perspective Opticians

PERSPECTIVE OPTICIANS

Photos by Andrew Ogilvy Photography

CHARLES FILLINGHAM

New Headmaster at Solihull School

school, I always have.” When asked to describe a pivotal moment that influenced his choice in career, he recalled helping friends during his teenage years at school with their French and German studies and has never looked back from there.

harles Fillingham is the new Headmaster at Solihull School in the town centre, we recently met up and had a chat about the school and linked aspirations.

The school is stunning, I was surprised on the overall sheer scale of the school with expansive sports grounds set in a lush green open space, trees line the cricket grounds, history has it that one tree was planted every time a pupil hit a century in cricket, such a great reflection of strong, deep-rooted tradition. Employing over 370 staff the school is the 10th largest independent school in the country. Success oozes from every perfectly curated corner of the campus, and confident pupils smile and greet us with respect throughout our tour. When questioned about the strengths of Solihull School

Mr Fillingham talked about the additional layers of opportunities linked with the school. “Naturally it has a high success rate in examinations, because there is a selective entry for places, but the sport, music and drama at Solihull add so much more. The alumni network is impressive and, overall, there is a robust sense of belonging; the pupils know that they are fortunate to be educated here.”

Mr Fillingham is an utterly charming man whose life has been immersed in academia. He confessed quite simply, “I like

Mr Fillingham is born to teach and lead by example, he enthuses, “It’s such a privilege to do this job, I know that schools can be a force for good in the world. Being a headteacher is also about tone setting and having time for people. I like to sit with pupils at lunchtime, I invite myself to sit with a different group each day, they don’t always like it, but it allows me to find out more about what they are interested in and how the school is running. It’s also important for me to teach classes, only a few each week these days, because there are other aspects to my job, but it’s still important to be in the moment and not to lose touch.”

I asked what would he change in the world if he could change anything? “Racism, I can’t stand it and it doesn’t make any sense to me, it seems to be the unfairest of unfairnesses. As a headteacher, I can have an impact through my own behaviour and also, I like to think, through those that I come into contact with.”

So, I wondered how such a committed and invested person could relax? “I love cycling, no Lycra just me and my cheap old banger of a bike! I have such happy memories of when I cycled to Paris with my 14-year-old son a few years ago, a real endurance test for the final 10k though!”

As you would expect of an Oxford graduate who freely confesses his love for academia, books play a huge part in his life. He also mentions his wife as being a voracious reader with an average tally of 3 books per week being the norm. I asked what type of book would he write given the time? “It would be set in 1920s and 30s Berlin, I’d be an undercover spy in smoke-filled bars and clearly be the star character in my own book. Maybe I’d even bring down the Nazi regime before it could begin?” No book deal signed yet, but you get the impression if he wanted to steer his future to becoming an author there is no question this would happen, I would buy it.

Mr Fillingham is keen to connect with the town centre business community and move away from the school being the best kept secret, so we can look forward to seeing more of the Solihull School success story filter into the town soon, three cheers for Mr Fillingham, quietly inspiring, once met never forgotten.

Un Barrage contre le Pacifique / Marguerite Duras

Mr Fillingham’s book choice:

By Melanie Palmer

Air Commodore

You have to give 110% at all times to ensure the success of the business, and when others don’t believe in you, you have to believe in yourself and them.

DR MARCIA MCLAUGHLIN

F.Birm.Soc

In 2010, Dr Marcia launched the Phoenix Newspaper, the first positive newspaper to hit the mainstream market; read and accepted by all cultures.

Dr Marcia is an enigmatic woman who oozes with experience of life, people and the world. I took time to enjoy our interview and left feeling utterly inspired.

What qualities do you think make a good journalist?

A good listener first and foremost. I personally think a good journalist has to be one that listens and shows empathy and interest with the interviewee.

How would you describe an inclusive organisation?

One that is very much like ours! An organisation that takes into consideration that there are different types of people, cultures, backgrounds, sexualities, gender and more. It is so important that we promote equality and diversity in the workplace, as only with the eyes of many that have all had their own life experiences, will you get a truly well-rounded view of the world.

CEO, Founder, Editor-in-Chief ~ Phoenix Newspaper

MCLAUGHLIN

What are your strengths?

I would say that my strength is the ability to care. To care what happens to my fellow people, to my community, and to be able to navigate within communities that many say are “hard to reach”. They aren’t hard to reach, people just need to take the time, care and attention to actually listen to what they have to say rather than dictating everything to them and forming their own opinions based on hearsay.

What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?

Although there is a shift in the right direction, it is still far away from where it should be. We are crying out for equality and inclusion in all workplaces and at all levels of business to ensure that our daughters have role models across all industries to look up to.

Do you think you’ve ever encountered a ghost?

Most definitely, my grandmother and my grandfather! They’ve both shown themselves to me, if you can equate that to being a ghost, and there seems to be a constant whisper in my ear. I would go as far as to say that a medium who knew nothing of me pointed out that she was able to see my grandmother leading an army of protection behind me.

How do you deal with fear and doubt?

With fear, I try to reach my inner strength and belief that I am bold, brave, massive and hard. That I can truly do anything and move mountains if I just put my mind to it. My faith plays a great part in my life.

fingertips. The problem is that we may all become zombies, as with everything in life it doesn’t have longevity to hold our attention past the next gadget. However, positive, objective and informative news is good for the soul, and has proven to be an alternative upliftment, especially with the trials and tribulations that we have had to face over the last 5 years. What words of advice would you give to those who have the passion to start their own businesses?

Run backwards! Haha, I jest. Not everyone is a leader, and so therefore not everyone can start and run their own business. It takes a great deal of selfbelief, inner strength and the will to win. If you have these qualities and you believe that there is a purpose to starting your own business, then you should go for it. Because running a business is not for the faint-hearted. You have to give 110% at all times to ensure the success of the business, and when others don’t believe in you, you have to believe in yourself and them.

How do you see the future of printed communications?

I feel that there will always be print, however in a world where we can now create our own front page news stories, sensationalised news no longer fits the front page. With the ability to use platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, there is a whole new world available at our

Dr Marcia McLaughlin

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You must be aged 19+ and be a British or Irish citizen, or an EEA national with pre-settled or settled status, that has lived within the UK for at least 3 years. You must also be based in England; however, some postcode exclusions apply - please enquire for confirmation of eligibility. In addition to this, please note that participants cannot be currently enrolled on an apprenticeship. Please note that there is a £125 fee for non-completion.

Work in Adult Social Care

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Lvl 2 - Understanding Behaviour that Challenges

Lvl 2 - Understanding Cancer Support

Lvl 2 - Understanding Care & Management of Diabetes

Lvl 2 - Understanding Children & Young People's Mental Health

Lvl 2 - Understanding Climate Change & Environmental Awareness

Lvl 2 - Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses

Lvl 2 - Understanding Data Protection & Data Security

Lvl 2 - Understanding Dignity & Safeguarding in Adult Health & Social Care

Lvl 2 - Understanding Domestic Abuse

Lvl 2 - Understanding Excellence in Customer Service for Hospitality

Lvl 2 - Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in The Workplace

Lvl 2 - Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years (3 weeks)

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Lvl 2 - Understanding Workplace Violence & Harassment

Study flexibly at a time and location suited to you, all the while progressing towards an accredited qualification.

Discover new brands at Touchwood this autumn. With designer names, high-street favourites, and carefully curated independent retailers, there’s so much more to discover to brighten your winter wardrobe.

Plus, take time out to explore a world of taste in our great range of restaurants and eateries.

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