April 2016 (issue 43)

Birmingham g n i liv

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April 2016

MIDLANDS MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

FRILLS

&

THRILLS TALENTED ROTTER

Jonathan Coe

25

+

YEARS OF

SPILT MILK SOCIETY

SYMPHONY HALL

SHAH MOHAMMED DEAKIN & FRANCIS SIMON ROBINSON MARCO PIERRE WHITE

The

BLACK

CAPITAL FM’s KATY POULSOM

FARMER

Still fighting! The Small Heath boy who built an empire

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EDITOR’S VIEW This is our small way of saying ‘thank you’ to a city that has enabled Symphony Hall to achieve so much over 25 years

he date was 15 April 1991 and more than 4,000 people were in Birmingham to watch Sir Simon Rattle conduct the inaugural concert at Symphony Hall.

Twenty-five years on, the venue which is widely regarded as one of the finest concert halls in the world has entertained around nine million lovers of music and the arts. That’s right, NINE million! An incredible statistic which reveals just how hugely it has touched and influenced the lives of Brummies and beyond.

To mark its 25th anniversary, Symphony Hall is putting on a very special free concert entitled The Next 25 which will be performed by the resident City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra this 15 April. (Organisers are especially appealing for younger music lovers to attend as they look to introduce the next generation to the venue.)

Conducted by Jamie Phillips, the performance will feature artists who all celebrate personal twenty-fifths this year – including composer Ryan Latimer, a 25-year-old graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire, who has been commissioned to create a new work for the occasion.

It promises to be an exciting cultural landmark occasion. Symphony Hall chief executive Nick Reed told us: “This is our small way of saying thank you to a city that has supported Symphony Hall and has enabled it to achieve so much over its lifetime. Birmingham is home to some of the most talented musicians and artists in the world but without the support of the people of Birmingham, none of what has been achieved would have been possible.”

All that remains for me to say is: “Happy Birthday Symphony Hall – here’s to The Next 25.”

T

David Johns

”

Editor: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

Cover image: Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

april 2016

/bhamliving

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

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INSIDE

Highlights

12 16 20 32 44 64

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones Courage of the boy from Small Heath who became the multi-million Black Farmer

Jonathan Coe Award-winning author on writing, the theatre and overcoming Cambridge snobs Food and Drink Who says Indian cooks can’t do fish? Head chef Shah Mohammed explodes the myth Style The ruffle has arrived, but how do you spot the frilly thrillers from frocky horrors?

Homes Out and out style – cool conservatories, stunning orangeries and grand garden rooms Company To Watch Birmingham jewellers Deakin & Francis, makers of the world’s finest cufflinks

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CONTENTS

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Best of the Rest

22 40 56 58 67 73 78 april 2016

Restaurant Reviews Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at The Cube, plus this month’s top wine picks Health & Fitness Women on alert as doctors urge greater vigilance to curb potential hidden killer Motoring Sue Cooke hits the high street with perfect companion for some serious retail therapy Young, Gifted and Brummie Mum’s the word as indie band Spilt Milk Society balance new-found success and exams Spotlight on Business The latest news and views from Birmingham’s business community Social Scene The pages that picture who’s been out and about networking in Birmingham this month Shows, Arts, Gigs and More What’s on, where and when – all you need to know about the festive entertainment scene

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NEWS

HERO’S WELCOME FOR THE CAPTAIN

ing vliTODAY

Get ready Birmingham – to be invaded by an army of superheroes! Rippling muscles and racy outfits to the fore, Marvel Universe LIVE! Super Heroes Assemble will touch down at the Barclaycard Arena. Featuring cutting-edge pyrotechnics and aerial stunts, the show in December brings together the largest assembly of Marvel characters in a live production, including Spider Man, Iron Man and Captain America.

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYMPHONY HALL!

HANNAH’S CHELSEA

SHOWSTOPPER Harborne-based sculptor Hannah Northam puts the finishing touches to the first-ever portrait bust of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the famous 18th century English landscape architect. Commissioned by garden ornament company Haddonstone, the bust will go on display at next month’s Chelsea Flower Show. Hannah is a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

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Symphony Hall is celebrating its 25th birthday with a special concert on 15 April called The Next 25. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jamie Phillips, pictured, will be joined by artists who all celebrate personal twenty-fifths this year. Composer Ryan Latimer, a 25year-old graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire, has also been commissioned to create a new work.

SMASHING SUMMER OF TENNIS Andy Murray’s recent Davis Cup heroics at the Barclaycard Arena have set the tone for more world-class tennis in Birmingham this summer with top women players heading to Edgbaston Priory Club for the Aegon Classic from June 11 to 19. The WTA event stars Australian Open winner and defending Aegon champion Angelique Kerber, pictured.

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NEWS

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? Fancy helping Birmingham’s young people this summer? The Challenge, a social integration charity and biggest provider of the National Citizen Service, is looking for high quality, paid staff.

The organisation delivers a three-week activities programme for 15 to 17-year-olds to aid their personal development. Details at http://www.ncsthechallenge.org/programme/

VISITORS GET A CULTURE SHOT They’re all coming over ‘a bit Shakespearean’ at Birmingham Airport. An impressive new design installation, in partnership with Shakespeare’s England, has been unveiled in the arrivals area, giving visitors a taste of the tourist attractions on offer in the region.

SPRINGING INTO ACTION What do a science teacher, cemetery worker, street dancer and American Idol semi-finalist have in common? They were among 100 volunteer actors, dancers and chorus auditioned by Birmingham Opera Company for a series of shows held at a secret city centre location.

Dido and Aeneas, Henry Purcell’s Baroque opera, was renamed #DnA for nine shows across five days.

ONE OF FIVE: Artist Brian Griffiths takes mundane objects and turns them into dramatic centerpieces

BIG ART SHORTLIST The plan to give Birmingham its ‘own version of the Angel of the North’ has taken a step closer with the naming on five artists to compete for the £2 million commission. The shortlist drawn up by Birmingham Big Art Project includes artists with a wide range of approaches to art making, from laying Battenburg Cakes made of bricks and pouring crystalline caves to singing psychologically-charged soundscapes.

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DRESSING JAMELIA Birmingham singer and TV personality Jamelia is teaming up with daughters Teja, 14, and Tiani, 11, to help Oxfam’s Dressed by the Kids Day on 29 April. Jamelia is urging mums, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents in Brum to let youngsters choose what they wear for the day in exchange for raising money for Oxfam. More details at www.oxfam.org.uk/dressedbythekids

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NEWS

BRUM LEADS CANCER BREAKTHROUGH A breakthrough in the treatment of cancer is being trialled in Birmingham at the Centre for Clinical Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The therapy which uses the body’s immune cells to attack tumors is being hailed as a ‘paradigm shift’ in the fight against the disease. The trials are being led by the centre’s head, Professor Charlie Craddock.

FLOWER POWER

IN BRIEF

Cary Sutton said it with flowers when the Marriott Hotel opened its newly-extended £70,000 gym. Cary, the youngest member of a family of flower sellers going back to the old Bull Ring market, has been working out at the gym for more than 20 years. He owns a florist shop in Digbeth as well as stalls in Upper New Street and at the Bull Ring.

“The flowers were just a small token of appreciation,” he said.

BAKE-OFF STAR

COOKING UP SOMETHING SPECIAL The Michelin-starred Cross in Kenilworth is hosting a special dinner this month. Diners will enjoy a five-course meal prepared by chef Adam Bennett with each course paired with a wine from Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné, one of the world’s most famous vineyards. The event on Thursday 14 April will be hosted by Charlotte Buisson Dackow, Paul Jaboulet Aîné’s Sommelier. More details: 01926 853840.

NICE TRY! One of the country’s most historic rugby clubs is being renamed. Moseley Rugby Club will become Birmingham Moseley from June to boost its identity and recognition with the public.

REGGAE, STEADY, GO WITH UB40 Local music legends UB40 will be the official starters at next month’s Great Birmingham 10k.

Robin and Duncan Campbell, Brian Travers, Earl Falconer, James Brown and Norman Hassan will fire the pistol to set more than 7,000 people on their way on Sunday 1 May. Duncan said: “I’m actually involved in the run every year – but only because it comes past my house!”

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Great British bake-off winner Nadiya Hussain will be among culinary stars cooking at the Foodies Festival in Cannon Hill Park from 3 to 5 June.

She will be joined by several Michelin-starred Birmingham chefs.

MUSIC BOSS Birmingham Contemporary Music Group has appointed Stephan Meier as its new artistic director.

He currently holds the same title at Hanover’s Das Neue Ensemble and joins BCMG in August.

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NEWS

JAMES REVS UP ROCKERS Former double World Superbike champion James Toseland is ready to ‘let it all hang out’, not on the race track but on stage. His rock band Toseland will headline Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival at RAF Cosford Museum, near Wolverhampton on 8 May. It’s one of the most popular biker events in the UK, attracting more than 10,000 people.

ROGER JETS IN If you’ve got an old jet engine lying around anywhere, let Roger Hiorns know.

The Birmingham-born artist will – as our dramatic image shows – create something very different with it. Roger is producing a site-specific work for Birmingham Cathedral in June as well as featuring in an exhibition from December to next March at Ikon galley.

He’s also among artists shortlisted by Birmingham Big Art Project.

CHOCS AWAY FOR JOSEPH One of the UK’s youngest chocolatiers has realised his dream of setting up his own business. Joseph Vaughan, 16, an apprentice at Stratford-uponAvon College, has opened 1683 Chocolate Place in Knowle High Street, Solihull. Joseph is now completing his business administration apprenticeship at Stratford while creating mouth-watering chocolates and running his shop.

DINERS TURN RICE INTO DOUGH SHAKESPEARE SPECTACULAR Birmingham Library’s Shakespeare curator Julian Harrison is opening the book on the Bard in a spectacular free 400th anniversary exhibition. Called Our Shakespeare, it’s a year-long cultural partnership which brings together the Library’s own world class Shakespeare Memorial collection with rare items from the British Library. It includes books, films, posters and photographs.

Customers at Chaophraya restaurant in the Bullring are being asked to cycle from Birmingham to Bangkok. The 7.822-mile trip – on a static bike – will see diners and staff contribute £1 per mile towards an initiative to raise £50,000 for the Thai Children’s Trust. The restaurant will also be giving a 5p donation for every portion of Jasmine rice sold.

GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk 10 birmingham living

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COVER STORY

COURAGE OF THE

BLACK FARMER The boy who went from an allotment in Small Heath to multi-million farmer tells David Johns of his brush with death and new campaign for the nation ilfred Emmanuel-Jones is a name with a ring to it – with a story to tell. It smacks of history, struggle, pioneering spirit and overcoming all the odds. From humble beginnings in Jamaica and then inner-city Birmingham, to TV director and creating the hugely successful Black Farmer food brand, Wilfred has been there, done that and got the T-shirt.

He’s the self-confessed ‘boy from the wrong side of the tracks’ who finally made it with an “anything is possible” attitude to everything he approaches – even his health. A couple of years ago Wilfred was diagnosed with leukaemia and underwent a stem cell transplant which confined him to a hospital bed for the best part of 12 months.

W

SHARE YOUR SOUL But that’s just fired this Brummie battler up all the more to take on new challenges. “I am thankful to be alive,” he says. “As anyone will tell you, a near brush with death refocuses the mind and your priorities. Many people want to take a step back. I don’t. What I have been through has spurred me on to new goals. All my energies are going into taking The Black Farmer to the next stage.”

The new challenges include the launch of his first national TV ad – directed by Hollywood’s six-time Grammy nominee Tony Kaye – and social media campaign. His Black Farmer brand which produces gluten-free sausages and other products found on supermarket shelves across the country is now said to be worth more than

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COVER STORY

£300million. As well as pushing the business even harder, Wilfred wants to encourage the nation to ‘share their souls’.

The Black Farmer's #ThisIsMySoul Photo Story campaign has echoes of the Humans of New York launched in the US city in 2010 which has gone on to record snapshots of the lives, trials, tribulations, hopes and dreams of tens of thousands of New Yorkers – becoming an Internet sensation and source of inspiration in the process.

“The importance of sharing our stories unites us, makes us stronger, ” says Wilfred. “I find people and their stories fascinating and enriching.

I never stop learning and being amazed at what drives and inspires us. We can learn so much from each other. For instance, I’ve learned to dance and bought myself a plot of land in Spain in the heart

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“

”

The only way to overcome fear is with passion – and I still have plenty of that to give of flamenco country! I’ve always wanted to build my own house and in hospital I read self-build magazines from cover to cover.”

Credited with being the first black farmer in the UK, Wilfred’s story began when his family arrived in Birmingham from Jamaica. One of nine children, home was in Small Heath where he tended his father’s allotment. It was hard work but he loved it and set his dream of one day owning his own farm. “Looking after the allotment was great,

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COVER STORY

except for going out in the cold to pick brussel sprouts. I’ve hated sprouts ever since,” he says.

After leaving school and enduring a short stint in the army – he was kicked out for indiscipline – he studied at Halesowen Catering College, followed by jobs in hotels and restaurants in the Birmingham area before “talking” his way into a role at the old BBC Pebble Mill studios. He later moved to London where he was responsible for bringing the first celebrity chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay, to our screens. His childhood dream became a reality when he spotted and bought a farm while on holiday in the West Country where he launched The Black Farmer business.

MORRIS DANCING Wilfred said the past couple of years have been particularly tough for his wife, Michaela who has had to keep the business running while also looking after him – the cancer treatment has affected the pigmentation of his skin. But he jokes that “the business did much better when I was ill

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than it ever did before”. (Turnover is now well over £15million a year with The Black Farmer range of gluten-free sausages the UK’s top-selling super premium sausage brand.)

“

”

Looking after dad’s allotment was great, except I’ve hated brussel sprouts ever since!

Throw in writing a cookery book, embarking on a national tour of the UK to share the joys of Morris dancing and rural life and giving motivational talks to young entrepreneurs, and it’s easy to see that Wilfred truly is a great and inspirational man.

“Giving back is massively important to me,” he says, “I have been very fortunate to have had people who gave me a helping hand, who believed in me against all the odds. I want to give the same opportunity to others that makes a difference now and in the future.” I

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FEATURE

THE TALENTED ROTTER Birmingham born author Jonathan Coe tells Shelley Carter how

he maintains the work ethic of a student despite publishing 11 novels and how he dealt with the snobs at Cambridge

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FEATURE

J

onathan Coe’s 2001 award-winning novel The Rotters’ Club is about to come to life at The Rep adapted by another award-winner, Richard Cameron. And it’s not the first time Coe’s witty tale of life growing up in Seventies’ Birmingham has been adapted – in 2003 for Radio 4 with fellow Brummie Frank Skinner involved and for TV in 2005 by the duo behind Porridge, Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais.

Jonathan had some involvement in the TV version in that they asked his opinion and he rewrote a couple of lines, but this time he’s left Richard to it accepting he has no expertise in writing for the stage. In fact, he says the only adaptation of his work he has ever found disappointing was his own! He’s referring to his screenplay of The Dwarves of Death titled Five Seconds to Spare in 1999.

NO PLACE LIKE BRUM Inspired by his upbringing in Birmingham, the writer is intimately linked to The Rotters’ Club.

He says: “It will be an amazing experience to watch my stories and characters come to life on stage in the very city which inspired them.” Life

growing up seemed to be fairly idyllic and Jonathan describes Birmingham as a ‘welcoming and happy’ place to call home. He lived in the same house in the Lickey Hills from birth through to university and felt ‘settled’.

From the age of eight Jonathan was always writing. He explains: “The stories just got longer over the years and perhaps to those around me it was obvious that’s what I would do, but I never thought of it as a career.”

One of an extraordinarily talented list of alumni of King Edward’s School in Edgbaston, many of whom we’ve featured in these pages, Jonathan explains why the place was so special: “I took it for granted aged 11. I just went to the school my parents sent me to. Looking back there was a rigorous academic teaching ethos with a fairly benign pastoral regime – none of the corporal punishment you might have expected from an English public school at that time.”

He adds: “There’s a sense that we had the best of both worlds and we were made to feel special.

I’m not sure Cambridge would have been possible without King Edward’s actually.” Speaking of Cambridge, it turned out to be an almighty shock

© Robert Day

INSPIRED BY HOME: A scene from The Rotters’ Club at the Rep

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FEATURE

© Robert Day

COMING OF AGE: The Rotters’ Club is set against the backdrop of 1970s Birmingham

initially and a place in which Jonathan certainly didn’t feel special. He recalls: “The Old Etonians and Harrovians who’d never heard of King Edward’s looked down their noses. I largely overcame it by writing in my room.”

Coe’s latest novel Number 11 is set on Birmingham’s number 11 bus that runs between The Rotter’s Club runs at the Rep from 2 – 9 April. A special In Conversation with Jonathan Coe and Richard Cameron will run before the last performance on 9 April in which they will discuss their careers and the production. Visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk for more details

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Harborne and Yardley and was written in just six months. It’s not that his publisher rushed him.

Just that like many people Jonathan needs a deadline looming to get things done.

“I’m 54 and still have a student mentality. I get a contract for a book and within that contract there’ll be a deadline, but I’ll leave it until the very last minute every time.” Despite his success Jonathan has one regret. He says: “I’ve lost the first work I had published. I was 10 and one of my stories were published in the Cofton Hackett library magazine.”

Jonathan describes himself as nostalgic by temperament, so I wonder how he feels about Birmingham’s overhaul in recent years. He comments: “I visited Longbridge recently and where the car factory once stood is Europe’s largest M&S. That says a lot.” He adds: “In the Seventies there wasn’t so much on offer in terms of consumerist coffee shops and supermarkets, but Birmingham was a happy place to grow up in.”

Of New Street station he says: “My temperament means I like things to stay the same.

Having said that the new version of New Street is clearly better. I was pretty impressed. I do feel nostalgic about the central library though.” I

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FOOD & DRINK

SHAH MOHAMMED The head chef at Vivaanta on his love of fish, the myth that Indian restaurants ‘can’t do’ seafood – and his challenging encounter with a jellied eel Tell us about your cooking It’s very important to me to challenge people’s perceptions. There’s a great Indian cooking scene in Birmingham at the moment but I’m not interested in replicating what’s already here. I want to use the best produce available locally and then use traditional cooking techniques from South Indian to provide a really authentic taste experience. I’m really proud that everything we use in my restaurants is from the Birmingham wholesale market. I like to cook everything fresh and from scratch. Nothing is held over, nothing is pre-cooked because that’s what usually happens in most Indian restaurants. Seafood is my speciality. There’s a massive misconception that Indian restaurants can’t do seafood very well. Where I’m from, we’ve always eaten a lot of seafood so I’ve adapted those influences and created a menu where the food isn’t heavily spiced or over-spiced, so that customers can appreciate a range of flavours.

How did you become a chef?

Ask any Indian chef they’ll say home-cooking has always been their inspiration. I’m no different. My mother was very much an inspiration. Throughout college and university I was always excited about becoming a chef and although I worked part-time in restaurants, there’s nowhere in the Midlands where you can actually train to become an Indian chef. In the early Nineties I went travelling through India and the amazing experience I had of touring the country, getting a better feel for the nuances of flavours in different towns and cities really inspired me. I came back to the UK and set up my own restaurant in Aldridge more than 20 years ago and I’m still Who’s the best chef in the world and why? And the best in Brum? driven by the desire to change the view of Indian food.

In the world I’d have to say Gordon Ramsay due to his sheer presence and attitude. He doesn’t say or do What do you eat when at home? anything he doesn’t want to. Two guys vie for the top slot I’m often so busy at work and running my business that I here – Adam Stokes and Glyn Purnell. Birmingham is don’t often cook for myself, so I don’t really have a signature really on the map when it comes to the choice of superior dish as such. But when I do cook, you won’t be surprised to restaurants, the city is so vibrant. know it’s usually seafood.

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CHEF’S CORNER

For the recipe to make Shah’s lightly spiced halibut fillet visit our website www.brumliving.co.uk

and make sure that your oven, grill or pan is hot enough before you start. Then it should be ready in 5 to 10 minutes.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

I grew up in the 1980s and was obsessed with fish finger sandwiches – with lots of tomato ketchup on.

Food heaven and food hell?

Heaven – full marks if you answered ‘seafood’. You’ll get a gold star if you said cooked seafood, because my hell is raw seafood. I can’t stand the texture of sushi!

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

Without knowing, I once ate jellied eel. I was tempted to spit it back out, but instead I respectfully chewed and swallowed that first mouthful. I couldn’t eat any more of it after that.

Is the customer always right?

Sometimes they are, sometimes they’re not but what we always do at Vivaanta is treat our customers with love and respect.

Share a cooking tip When you’re cooking seafood for the first time, don’t use too much oil or fats – avoid using any if you can –

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

I’d probably be a food journalist because I love travelling. I’ve toured India and visited a lot of Europe. What I love most is visiting restaurants as well as lots of ‘real’ food places – you get a feel for what locals eat every day.

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

I couldn’t really recommend anything because our food is pretty much ‘bespoke’. Everything is locally sourced and freshly cooked to order. I Vivaanta, 22 Water Front Walk, Holliday Wharf Building, Birmingham B1 1SN. Tel: 0121 665 6568 www.vivaanta.co.uk

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LUNCH SPOT

MARCO PIERRE WHITE Steakhouse, Bar and Grill, The Cube, Birmingham B1 1PR. Tel: 0121 634 3433 www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk irmingham’s restaurants seem to be bucking the trend for knocking Sunday lunch on the head, with Simpsons offering the Michelinstarred variety and now Marco Pierre White launching the family favourite. We got wind of its introduction and hot-footed it over to the 25th floor for the roast’s inaugural service.

We all know the views are stunning – one of the restaurant’s great draws, but we hadn’t banked on the kids being mesmerised. Spotting grandma’s house, the clock tower, QE, etc, was a game that ran and ran. The staff were child-friendly too speaking to them directly rather than through us which they appreciated.

The place was buzzing and although the a la carte menu was on offer we reckoned there were more plates adorned with beef and all the trimmings than anything else. Half portions for the children rather than a dedicated kids’ menu was a winner. Not a turkey twizzler in sight.

To start Mr C ordered cauliflower soup which, when put like that doesn’t sound too clever, but the warming, silky, flavour-packed liquor defied its name.

I enjoyed the classic flavours of mackerel with beetroot and horseradish which looked like a work of art and tasted super. Duck rillettes for daughter number one with sticky chutney was a rich unctuous treat and number two nibbled olives and bread.

All the girls were lured by the beef while Mr C

B

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plumped for the lamb. Both were top drawer nestled alongside proudly puffed up yorkies and individual jugs of rich gravy. I was surprised to see mashed potato as well as roasties, but it turns out chef Chris Haynes is a master of the pomme. In the words of daughter number one: “Best mash ever!”

CRACKING TURBOT Another speciality of Chris is fish and he brought out a cracking turbot dish for us to try. Crisp skin, salty sauce with sharp capers was seriously lovely and worth a look if you can tear yourself away from the traditional roast.

Dessert was sticky Sticky toffee pudding. The flavour was spot on, but the two younger diners commented that “it wasn’t really sticky-sticky and perhaps they should just call it sticky”. Picky, but fair comment. We don’t have many go-to Sunday roast hotspots preferring to dine at home, but for those weekends when you’d rather someone else sweated over a hot stove, this is perfect. Mind you, there is one down side – the family will never eat my substandard mash again… I

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FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and

SHORTS

Birmingham has a lively and buzzing bar and restaurant scene. Here, we present our insider guide to what’s going on in your city’s eateries and drinking dens SLICE OF CAKE – AS YOU LIKE IT! The new head pastry chef at the Royal Shakespeare Company is using his loaf to add some zing to our tastebuds. Bogdan Alexe’s new range of tasty loaf cakes includes chocolate pistachio, Earl Grey tea and orange marmalade and elderflower infused offerings.

Yum! Try his creations at the RSC’s Riverside Cafe, Rooftop Restaurant and The Other Place café.

GOOD AS GOLD AT THE BELFRY Awards keep coming for the Belfry Hotel & Resort – they’ve just received the Gold Flag award at the 59Club Service Excellence Awards. The Belfry was one of only five golf resorts in the UK to receive the accolade which recognises commitment to client satisfaction after visits by a judging panel of ‘mystery’ guests.

NEW INDIAN SPICES UP CHINATOWN A fine-dining Indian restaurant has opened its doors in the heart of Birmingham’s Chinatown. James Dahl, in The Arcadian Centre, is the first restaurant to be opened by local businessman Mohammed Husban Ahmed. Heading the kitchen is chef Mofur Miah, who has cooked for Tom Cruise and the Spice Girls among others…

MEMBERS CLUB IS THE BUSINESS Victorian elegance and grandeur with discreetness and privacy. Sounds just like our kind of gig! The Colmore Club on Colmore Row is the city’s first business private members club. It boasts a lovely social room, peaceful study and private dining/board room. And did we mention the huge leather Chesterfield sofas and baby grand piano?

DOUBLE JOY FOR ONE ELM We’ve heard of a lovely double celebration for the team at the One Elm in Stratford. As well as winning a glass swan trophy for the Customer Care award at this year’s Pride of Stratford Awards, a previous gong on show at the hostelry which mysteriously went ‘missing’ has now been returned intact. Result!

CHARLIE BROWN JOINS THE MIX One of the city’s finest cocktail bars – the Edgbaston Hotel, Highfield Road – is shaking things up with the launch of a new range of tipples. It includes the Charlie Brown, described as “taking you back to days gone by, where troubles were absent and laughter was everywhere!” We’ll drink to that!

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SEASON'S EATINGS

WICKED WATERCRESS Give your love life a boost and cure that thinning pate – all with a bowl of soup! ccording to Anglo-Saxon tradition watercress can encourage re-growth of those thinning patches for men and give libido a boost for women. Too good to be true? Probably. But April does see the arrival in our shops of the first watercress of the new season – so, what the hell, give it a try! Raw watercress adds a peppery smooth edge to dishes and is highly nutritious. As well as a popular sandwich filler, it’s a classic soup ingredient, producing a milder flavour when cooked. Try our great seasonal recipe and you’ll see what we mean… I

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WATERCRESS AND PEA SOUP Ingredients I I I I I I

Olive oil I 1 chopped onion I 2 sticks chopped celery 1 medium cubed potato 2 litres organic chicken or vegetable stock I 500g peas 200g washed watercress I Salt Freshly ground black pepper Soured cream and extra virgin olive oil to garnish

Method Add a little olive oil to a large saucepan and heat. Add the chopped onion and celery then turn down the heat and cook gently for 10 minutes until the onion has softened, but not browned. Next add the potato and stock and bring to the boil.

Simmer for 10 minutes until the potato is cooked. Add the peas and watercress and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat then liquidise until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with a spoonful of soured cream and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

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WINE

CORKING

PINOT NOIR Rob Price confesses to a life-long affair with

an A-List celebrity of the wine world ast month I told you about the grape I would marry – Chardonnay. This month it’s the grape I would have an affair with, Pinot Noir. This is a challenging grape, it’s tempestuous, difficult, capable of greatness, but all too often is bland and uninteresting.

Pinot Noir will only grow well in cool to moderate climates and with its thin skins and tightly bunched berries is very prone to rot – and mouldy grapes are not good when making wine! The traditional heartland of Pinot Noir is Burgundy in France, the nation that still makes more than half of the world’s Pinot Noir.

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EXCLUSIVITY In Burgundy you’ll find the top vineyards which produce some of the finest (and most expensive) wines on the planet.

(A bottle of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti would set you back upwards of £5,000.) This is a Grand Cru Burgundy and top of the tree, (or should I say vine). For more affordable Burgundy we need to think about Premier Cru and Village/commune level which are still relatively expensive compared with New World versions.

Pinot Noir has exclusivity around it, like an A-List celebrity, unlike Merlot which doesn’t seem to achieve the same status. What does Pinot Noir taste like? Well, mainly fresh red fruits and a developing array of savoury and

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

ROB’S FOUR TO TRY USA – Oregon. Primarius A combination of raspberry, red cherry accentuated by delicate use of French oak. Tesco has superb 2011 vintage at £9 a bottle.

Chile – Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Soft, rounded and easy to drink with the lovely red fruits enhanced with subtle smokey overtones. Available from many supermarkets and great value around £6 or £7.

New Zealand – Central Otago A top wine from this outstanding region. Complex, gloriously rich, silky, leathery and spicy. Try the 2007 vintage from Hard to Find Wines at £32 a bottle

Burgundy – Gevery-Chambertin En Pallud Domaine Maume A small but perfectly formed vineyard that shows just how good Burgundy can be. Soft, but with weight and depth. The Wine Society has the 2009 vintage available for £42 a bottle.

ESPRESSO MARTINI The party or after-dinner drink that’ll perk up your evening – courtesy of top mixer Shine! reamy, rich and definitely hyper-indulgent, the Espresso Martini is a cocktail that delivers the alcoholic version of a kick from a mule just when you need something to give you a shot to keep you going – especially into the wee small hours! Strange thing is – despite its name, there’s not a drop of Martini in sight! This recipe comes from head barman, chief mixologist and allround top guy Shine of Henry Wong Harborne. I

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Ingredients:

farmyard aromas as it matures – which can put some people off, but not me!

It will generally be light in style with crisp acidity and fine grainy tannins and goes well with all acidic foods and provides an excellent contrast to rich fatty food too. My own favourites to eat with Pinot include crispy duck, chicken livers, creamy pasta and roasted smoked salmon.

Other than Burgundy, I’d look to the US, New Zealand, Germany and Chile. While California produces many excellent Pinots, Oregon with its cooler climate is better suited. New Zealand generally shines and in Central Otago they have one of the very best wine regions capable of producing some of the finest Pinot Noir.

Germany actually produces a lot of red wine and Spätburgunder is well worth trying. Chile has a growing reputation for Pinot Noir and also produces some really fine examples. I

I 25ml Smirnoff Black Vodka I 25ml Tia Maria I 15ml Sugar Syrup I 15ml Bepi Tosolin Espresso Liqueur

Method: Pour ingredients into a Boston shaker with ice. Give it a good shake for 3 minutes before slowly straining straight into a chilled Martini glass. (Be sure to do this slowly because then you’ll get that lovely foam texture on the surface.) To finish, garnish with three or four fresh Davidoff coffee beans.

Henry Wong Harborne, 283 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9QH. Tel 0121 427 7666 www.henrywongharborne.co.uk

Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company that offers fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses, both in Birmingham Stratford-Upon-Avon and Milton Keynes city centres. For more information please contact Rob Price on 0121 270 7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

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ADVERTORIAL

PICTURESQUE PRAGUE Steeped in history and utterly charming, the ‘City of 100 Spires’ is a wondrous place with some surprising hidden gems he Czech Republic has emerged as one of Europe’s top city break destinations. At its heart is the capital Prague – known as the City of 100 Spires – which has successfully combined a rich heritage with economic growth, exciting developments and a flourishing tourist sector.

You only have to look at the city’s architecture which serves as a visual timeline of Prague’s past with examples reflecting its historical influences – some squares boast Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Cubist and Functionalist buildings standing proudly alongside one another.

To get a real flavour of Prague, pack a trusty pair of shoes and walk the city. You’ll find little cobbled streets undiscovered by many, and you are likely to stumble upon secret courtyards and squares off the beaten track.

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Take your time, stopping off in little cafes along the way and exploring the many art galleries dotted around the city. Don’t forget Prague’s historic gardens too, some dating as far back as the Middle Ages and typically offering outstanding views over the city.

While it has divorced itself from the destination of choice for hens and stags, the Czechs really know how to craft an incredible tasting beer. We’d even go as far as saying that the beer in Prague is the best in Europe.

Pilsner Urquell, the world’s first golden pilsner, was originally crafted in 1842 in Pilsen using traditional methods. The Czechs have since continued brewing outstanding beers with well-known brands including Staropramen and Budvar served in pubs and bars across the city. Prague is now said to have more than 300 craft breweries – plenty to keep you busy sampling a

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ADVERTORIAL

TOP 5 SPOTS FOR THE BEST VIEWS OVER PRAGUE

1 The tower of Old Town Hall

2 Hotel U Prince Rooftop Bar on Old Town Square

3 Letna Park

4 Vitkov Hill

5 Eighth floor viewing platform at Žižkov Tower

different beer each day (or hour!) if you’d like.

The pièce de résistance of Prague has to be the stunningly picturesque Vlatava River. It is the heart and soul of the city, peppered with more than 30 bridges, the most famous being the Charles Bridge leading up to Prague Castle. This hilltop panorama is the scene of many blockbuster films including Mission: Impossible, A Knight’s Tale, The Illusionist and Les Miserables. The bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town and is constructed out of 14th century Gothic stone. It is a popular spot for musicians and artists to stand and amuse the crowds, but for the best fairy-tale views visit early morning or late evening for an atmospheric stroll. I

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Head for the hills: Set high up above the city, the Strahov Monastery rewards visitors with a sense of calm. If you’ve got an interest in literature, visit the monastery’s library which comprises one of the oldest monastic book collections in the country.

Go underground: Not all of Prague’s well-preserved architecture is visible above ground. The underground tour of the medieval city lets you explore the catacombs and former streets hidden from everyday view.

Visit the KGB museum: Although it’s small, this museum houses a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the Czech Republic’s Soviet history, with an especially knowledgeable guide to take you through it.

Not for the faint-hearted, you can see spy cameras, torture equipment, and even Lenin’s death mask.

GETTING THERE

Take a trip slightly further afield: Karlovy Vary, the most visited spa town in the Czech Republic, has been popular for more than 100 years. This history means that there is a diverse collection of architecture ranging from 19th Century colonnades to socialist-era thermal baths.

booked at czechairlines.com

april 2016

Czech Airlines is launching flights to Prague from Birmingham Airport on Friday 22 April. There will be great choice with five weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The flight time is just under two hours from Birmingham and tickets can be

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SIZE MATTERS Red Herring yellow top £28, Debenhams

FRILL THRILLS The ruffle has arrived… exploding dramatically from the catwalk and crash-landing into everyday life. A tricky look to nail, here’s our pick of the best

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STYLE

LESS IS MORE Crimson cut out dress, River Island

WATCH THE BIRDIE Top £29.99, H&M at Pavilions Birmingham

omantic ruffles softened SS16’s runways adding a fresh girlie vibe to proceedings across the fashion spectrum. Full blown mega ruffles stole the show at Marques Almeida with unadulterated flounce and femininity.

Teamed with Bride of Frankenstein-inspired make-up, the look was pure theatre.

Miu Miu, Michael Kors and Roberto Cavalli joined the party with head-to-toe ruffles in a myriad of colourways and styles. From vivid red to the palest of pastels, ruffles swished down the catwalk with grace, elegance and in some cases downright drama. Think ruffle-adorned floor

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length gowns slashed to the navel and off-theshoulder versions that revealed just enough flesh.

A word to the wise though – while theatre and over-the-top styles work on the catwalk, the mega ruffle might raise a few eyebrows at a low key lunch or cocktails with your mates. The frilly fashion statement might also add bulk where you don’t want it, so explore what works for your shape and try on a selection of styles.

We’ve taken the best of the more wearable pieces from plentiful ruffles that make a statement to neat pleats that’ll ensure you look chic and bang on trend without being a slave to fashion. I

BLAST FROM THE PAST Ra-ra skirt £35, La Redoute

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COLD SHOULDER

VICTORIAN CHARM

Bardot neck midi dress £19.99, New Look

Victoriana sheer blouse £35, Wallis

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STYLE

LIFE’S A PICNIC Checked black and white top £28, Dorothy Perkins

UNDERSTATED CHARM Limited Edition top £29.50, and skirt £49.50, M&S Collection belt £8, M&S at Pavilions Birmingham

CRIMSON TIDE Per Una dress £75, M&S

PROM DRESS Ariana Grande prom dress £58, Lipsy at The Fort Shopping Park

CREAM OF THE CROP Cream jumper with frills £52, Topshop

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STYLE

DITSY PRINT Floral dress £28, Apricot

UTILITY CHIC Soft Utility jumpsuit £149.99, suede slip-on sandal £109, Mint Velvet

TEE ANYONE Ruffle floral tee £34, Topshop at The Fort Shopping Park

WORK IT Navy skirt with ruffle detail, Topshop

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STYLE FLIRTY FLORALS

NEAT PLEAT

Floral ruffle dress £60, River Island

Top, bomber jacket and trousers, Dorothy Perkins

MAXIMUM IMPACT Mesh frill maxi dress £55, Very

DEEP FRILL Top £29.99, H&M at The Fort Shopping Park

ASYMMETRIC ACE Dress £42, River Island

CUT IT OUT Floral cut out top £49, Finery London now available at John Lewis, Grand Central

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STYLE

LIGHTWEIGHT Three button jacket £229 and Oxford slim shirt £69, Jigsaw

URBAN JUNGLE

Safari-inspired get up filled the SS16 runway – and as we prepare to don the desert hue, we ponder whether to go smart or street? eutrals, khaki and earthy tones will get you set for our favourite trend this spring – safari. We’re loving the utility vibe with bush shirts, lightweight field jackets and chinos featuring heavily. Nesting at the top of the style tree is Belstaff. Its Levison jacket and Eastham slim chino define the smarter side of the look. If you’re more street and sub-30, try a wide leg trouser in a cool print with baggy jumper a la Topman.

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STYLE

JACKET IN Belstaff cotton jacket £295, Harvey Nichols

POCKET ROCKET Suede jacket £199, H&M at Pavilions Birmingham

Topman

CAMEL TOES Suede trainer £60, River Island

FIFTY SHADES Hammond & Co Clyde chino £40, Debenhams

FANCY FOOTWEAR Android Homme nubuck trainers £180, Harvey Nichols

CHINO TIME Green chino £30, Next DRESS DOWN Loose fitting chino, River Island GRAPHIC TEE Green tee £25, White Stuff

SET IN STONE Selected Homme stone suede bomber £170, House of Fraser

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SHARP SHOOTER Alexander McQueen leather bomber £1,685, Harvey Nichols

KEEP COOL M&S Collection round metal bridge sunglasses £19.50, M&S at Pavilions Birmingham

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HEALTH

EXPOSED:

THE SILENT DANGER Women on alert as doctors call for greater vigilance in fight to curb potential hidden killer

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HEALTH

eading specialists are raising the alarm amid growing concerns over the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, with only a quarter of cases caught early. This poses the question of why are so many cases going unnoticed?

Ovarian cancer is most common in women who have been through the menopause, but it can affect any woman at any time in her life. Spotting the signs and an early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. As the fifth most common cancer, more than 7,100 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, and devastatingly, the majority – around three-quarters – are only noticed once the cancer has spread.

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KEY RISKS While the exact causes of ovarian cancer have yet to be discovered, Dr Fernando highlighted key factors that are known to increase a woman’s risk of getting the disease: 1. Age: The risk of ovarian cancer goes up as you grow older. “Most cases of ovarian cancer happen after the menopause, which is why around eight in 10 cases of the disease are in women over 50,” said Dr Fernando.

2. Height and weight: The risk of ovarian cancer is higher in women who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30, but haven’t been through the menopause yet.

Research has also found taller women are more at risk of ovarian cancer than shorter women. “Although a woman cannot reduce her height, she can reduce her weight and avoid obesity to reduce her risk factors,” said Dr Fernando.

3. Smoking: Increases the risk of mucinous ovarian tumours. If you stop smoking, your risk will eventually go back down to normal.

4. Family history: If you have at least two close relatives – your mother, sister or daughter – who have had ovarian or breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing the condition.

Dr Indragit Fernando, consultant clinical oncologist at Birmingham’s BMI The Priory Hospital, believes more needs to be done to encourage early diagnosis, and urges younger women to take the time to find out the symptoms of the cancer – 20 per cent of cancers affect those under the age of 50.

“Early diagnosis is crucial,” said Dr Fernando.

“Ovarian cancer is often called the ‘silent cancer’ as patients do not develop symptoms until after it has spread, causing a more advanced tumour that is more difficult to locate and treat. The symptoms are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, but a patient who develops new symptoms of bloating, swelling, change in bowel habit or abdominal pains needs to be investigated.”

5. Hormone Replacement Therapy: “HRT has been shown to be linked to a rise in the risk of ovarian cancer, especially when using oestrogen only preparations,” said Dr Fernando. “There is no increased risk in past users, which suggests that women who need HRT for menopausal symptoms should take them for as short a time as possible.”

6. Breast cancer: If you have had breast cancer, you could have twice the risk of ovarian cancer compared to women who haven’t. This is because sometimes breast cancer and ovarian cancer are linked to the same faulty genes.

7. Fertility: Dr Fernando explained: “When your ovaries release an egg each month, the surface bursts to let it out. Every time this happens your ovary has to repair itself which means cells need to divide. The more times your ovary produces an egg, the more times it needs to repair itself and the greater the chance of abnormal cell growth. This could be why your risk of ovarian cancer falls if you take the pill, have multiple pregnancies or breastfeed. During these times, your ovaries do not release eggs.” I

More information available from BMI The Priory Hospital, Edgbaston B5 7UG. Tel: 0121 440 2323 www.bmihealthcare.co.uk

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BEAUTY

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SLEEP TIGHT Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleep Mask £24, Body Shop, Grand Central

SPRING

A-LIST GLOW Diamond White Glowing Mask £66, Natura Bissé, Harvey Nichols

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SKIN

SKIN SAVIOUR Nurture Me £41, Ole Henriksen, Selfridges

1 2

WONDER POT Corrector £19, Bobbi Brown, John Lewis, Grand Central

We like a bit of pampering at Brum Living towers and for the last few weeks we’ve seen a welcome surge in beauty-related events hanks to a heady mix of high-end brands being showcased in the city, the discovery of a product we now can’t live without and a 28-day challenge that was just that, we’re prepped and ready for spring.

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A-LIST We were introduced to Barcelona brand and celeb favourite Natura Bissé last year and have used their C+C vitamin cream ever since. However, we were treated to a taste of the brand’s Diamond White range at an event last month that has made us rethink our skincare regime.

Every Oscars season the Natura Bissé girls set up camp at LA hang-out the Beverly Wilshire while they prep the skin of A-Listers before the red carpet.

As you’d expect it’s not cheap, so if you want to try before you buy we’d recommend having the Diamond Glow facial at Harvey Nichols which incorporates most of the range.

In our opinion if you buy one product it has to be the (1) Glowing Mask. It tingles alarmingly at first, but subsides pretty quickly and 15 minutes later the holy grail of peachy skin is achieved. We get bored of beauty marketing guff as much as the next person, but this properly makes a difference.

KILLING TIME Randomly killing time at Grand Central had us mooching around the Bobbi Brown counter in John

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Lewis and boy, are we glad. An introduction to a small, but perfectly formed pot of (2) corrector has made us very happy. A dab of cream worked into the inner corner of the eye where darkness tends to lurk plus a smidgen tapped underneath the eye is transformative. A light covering of your usual concealer on top – in our case YSL’s Touche Eclat and a slick of mascara and we’re good to go.

28 DAY-ISH CHALLENGE We curiously took on the Body Shop’s Drops of Youth 28-day challenge and armed with a mountain of product we followed the instructions to the letter. The range is aimed at maturing skin (we can’t bring ourselves to say mature) and is packed full of the natural goodness you’d expect from the ethical brand.

However, the daytime routine which is fairly lengthy left our skin a bit patchy and tight and after two weeks we may have cheated with a visit to (3) Ole Henriksen at Selfridges. Millions of people around the globe disagree – for instance there’s a bottle of the DOY serum sold every 23 seconds, so it’s really working for some.

Night time was a different story with the stand out product – the (4) Bouncy Sleep Mask which was a treat and really appealed to the slouch in us – cleanse, tone, slather on the mask, snooze and wake up with baby soft skin. It also lasts for ages. We’d buy it again for sure. I

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OUTSIDE IN As home improvements go, adding a conservatory is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to gain more space. Here’s our tips for choosing the right style

SKY’S THE LIMIT: Jobson by Apropos

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HOMES

TEMPERATURE GAUGE: Conservatory shutters with a lifetime guarantee from Just Shutters www.justshutters.co.uk

conservatory not only adds more space but allows you to enjoy your outside area whatever the season. If the thought of an overheated plastic box stuck to your once attractive house puts you off, think again. Today’s conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms are temperature-controlled, practical and thoroughly stylish.

What’s the difference between the types of structure?

Traditional conservatories are fully glazed and can be too cold in winter and too hot in the summer months. Modern design techniques and underfloor heating can remedy these issues. Try local firm Ensign.

An orangery features a flat roof with a roof lantern.

This means there is far less glass and the structure, often with masonry walls, is insulated and feels more like part of the house.

A garden room has a tiled roof which matches the building. Garden rooms tend to have vaulted ceilings and glazed roof elements for added natural light.

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DESIGN KEYS When you’re considering which structure to go for, think about how the new building will look alongside the rest of the house. The most important design element is to ensure the new addition suits the property, that it’s proportional and ultimately looks like it’s always been there.

Also, what will you use the space for? It’s

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HOMES

CLEVER DOORS: Folding doors by Centor

PERIOD CHARM: Traditional treatment by Vale

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HOMES

WOW FACTOR: Olsen by Apropos

de riguer to have a structure coming off the kitchen and to use the space as an extended dining and lounge area, but the options are endless.

Consider your purpose and work out an appropriate design with your architect or designer.

If your garden is small and doesn’t allow for an additional structure take a look at bi-folding doors with a skylight which can have similar results in terms of bringing the outside in and flooding the space with natural light. Check out Centor in Solihull. I

COVERED SEATING: Conservatory with covered area by Vale

RUSTIC CHARM: Integrated doors by Centor

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AUCTIONS

UNDER PRESSURE An app on the wrist will never call time on the traditional watch, says Adrian Hailwood he smartphone has got us used to having a vast range of information and functions at our fingertips and its paired sibling, the smartwatch, now offers a growing range of these apps on our wrists. These developments seemingly leave the mechanical watch back in the dark ages – no matter how high the price.

Even the most complicated watch in the world, Vacheron Constantin’s Tivoli with 57 complications or Patek Philippe’s Graves Super complication – the most expensive at £15million – only offer time-based features. Since clocks and watches were first created, astronomical observations and by implication calendars have been built into their mechanisms.

As technology developed, the attention shifted from measuring long periods of time to splitting seconds as finely as possible.

It is unusual for watch complications to be associated other than the measurement of time. Early pocket watches often had thermometers or compasses built into them but that was as far as things went. Then came watches that can measure pressure.

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LIFE AND DEATH A dive watch is a matter of life and death. Knowing how long you have been under and at what depth is fundamental to working out decompression rates and avoiding an attack of ‘the bends’. Before digital dive

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computers, divers would wear a watch on one wrist and a depth gauge on the other – the Jaeger-LeCoultre Diving Pro Geo combines both functions in one.

The robust titanium watchcase is designed to keep water out down to 300 metres but there is one significant area which is not titanium or sapphire crystal – a small rubber button at the 10 o’clock position. This button is sensitive to external pressure which pushes down on it a sprung lever, driving an indictor hand along a depth gauge.

If the Jaeger-LeCoultre is all about rugged functionality, the Breva Genie 01 is almost a piece of mechanical art. It’s air that drives the Genie 01. Rather than keeping the elements out, the Breva has a valve that allows air into the watch. Specially designed aneroïd capsules made from memory metal drive the racks and gears of the pressure displays, expanding and contracting as the atmosphere or altitude changes.

Both of these watches have, in theory, been superseded by digital technology but the sheer ingenuity of their construction makes them a joy to wear and use. And being mechanical, neither of them has to worry about a dead battery or access to a charging point! I Adrian Hailwood is director and watch specialist at Fellows Auctioneers www.fellows.co.uk

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HOMES

Hot Properties A wonderful Grade II listed home sitting in lovely grounds and with its own coach house heads our pick of this month’s star buys on the market

PERIOD PERFECTION Wellington Road, Edgbaston Guide price: ÂŁ1,795,000 Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 01789 868329 An awesome Grade II listed period property with mature garden and grounds extending up to 2.3 acres. The master suite is complemented with a separate dressing room and en-suite bathroom. Includes a further five bedrooms, recently refitted kitchen leading to the breakfast room and a separate onebedroom Coach House and double garage.

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HOMES

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HOMES

BRICKS&BITS BOND BOOSTS BUILD-TO-LET Birmingham-based Unihousing has launched the UK’s first savings bond designed to fund student build-to-let. The student accommodation specialist is offering the opportunity to invest in a new £1million development to house students just an eight-minute walk from the bustling Birmingham university campus.

YOUTH SCHEME OPENS DOORS YMCA Birmingham has welcomed the first residents to its new £4.5million flagship development, The Vineyard in Erdington. The housing facility provides 34 new flats for young people. There’s also a new community and conferencing centre – the Chris Bryant Centre. YMCA Birmingham chief executive Alan Fraser said: “Our mission has been to put YMCA back at the heart of the local community and we’re proud of the finished result.”

HOTEL PROJECT FAST-TRACKED The University of Birmingham has brought forward plans for a new 172-bedroom hotel and conference centre on the site of its existing facilities. Called Conference Park at the University of Birmingham, it comes after a £300million overhaul of its home in Edgbaston in recent years including a new £55million sports centre with 50-metre swimming pool, student accommodation, a library and sports fields.

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

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SUPERB SCHOOLS Kineton Green Road, Solihull Guide price: £569,950 Agent: John Shepherd, tel: 0121 703 1850 Beautifully presented, this Edwardian semi-detached home is close to superb local schooling, Olton train station and Solihull town centre. Includes five bedrooms, spacious high ceilings and a lovely garden.

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ANYONE FOR A SWIM? Arthur Road, Edgbaston Guide price: 6£1,550,000 Agent: Fine & Country, tel: 0121 746 6400

A truly magnificent five-bedroom detached property in the heart of Edgbaston.

Also includes five reception rooms, a stunning landscaped garden and a rather fine indoor swimming pool complex.

VICTORIAN VISION Springfield Road, Kings Heath Guide price: £649,950 Agent: Robert Oulsnam, tel: 0121 449 4576 This lovely double-fronted Victorian detached family home features six double bedrooms, a large kitchen, five further reception rooms and a delightful mature garden.

Don’t miss Property of the Week on our Facebook page every Thursday www.facebook.com/bhamliving

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MOTORING

BAGS OF POTENTIAL Sue Cooke hits the high street with the perfect companion for some serious retail therapy y daughter and I live such busy working lives that we don’t get much chance to spend quality time together. When we decide to combine our talents and tackle the high street shops we make a brilliant team – she helps to keep me looking young and trendy while I ensure that her 20-year-old whims are practical and within budget.

All of which reminds me greatly of the Honda HR-V I road tested this week. My daughter likes its sleek sculpted lines ideal for the design-conscious, especially with gorgeous white exterior paintwork. I like its low CO2 emissions, fantastic fuel

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FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model: Honda HR-V EX manual Engine: 1.6 i-DTEC

consumption figures and the high driver’s seat which gives a good command of the road ahead.

As I negotiated the daily traffic nightmare to the Fort Shopping Centre in Birmingham, she negotiated her way around the seven-inch touch screen, part of the Honda Connect in-car infotainment system. The Android-based system features an app-based ‘pinch, swipe and tap‘ interface.

RAPID APPS Honda Connect comes with pre-installed apps with others available for download from the Honda App Centre. These give rapid access to Internetbased services such as web browsing, real-time traffic information, news and weather, social media, and Internet music stations. Being used to my own Garmin navigation system I am more familiar with

Performance: 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds CO2 emissions: 108g/km Combined fuel consumption: 68.9mpg Price: £26,055 otr

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the integrated system which is standard on the top of the range EX trim and is available as an option on SE models.

In the interior, the introductory S trim includes top features such as climate control, cruise control and dusk-sensing automatic headlamps all fitted as standard. When driving through the numerous road works around the Fort the HR-V has a fantastic standard feature called City-Brake which boosts braking power. There is a long list of additional electronic systems which assist with safety.

Heated seats warmed us up and when we arrived at the Fort, the very clear full colour rear view camera helped us navigate a parking space. Then off to the shops safe in the knowledge that the Honda will swallow all our bags as the number one in the class when it comes to load lugging. With 470 litres of space with the seats up and 1,669 litres with them down, the compact SUV is amazing. Honda’s designers have managed to eke out the extra space through the ingenious tactic of moving the fuel tank.

Traditionally positioned in the rear of the car, the

tank eats up precious usable space. By placing it in the centre of the car, underneath the rear seats, the clever designers have significantly expanded the boot capacity – which means we could buy lots more in the shops! The Honda Magic Seat system allows each of the 60:40 split second-row seats to adopt numerous configurations to maximise people or shopping bags.

SPACE TRAVEL I road tested the 1.6 litre DTEC engine which can accelerate to 62 mph in 10 seconds, placing it among the most dynamic vehicles in its class. It’s been 16 years since the first HR-V was launched, signalling Honda’s return to the crossover segment, which has been massively successful for the company. And with a combination of good looks, impressive practicality, efficient engines and keen pricing this new HR-V is likely to follow suit. I

SHOWROOM: Colliers Honda, 821 Tyburn Road, Birmingham, B24 9NY. Tel: 0121 382 4000 www.colliers-honda.co.uk

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SPILT MILK SOCIETY We caught up with Harry Handford, lead singer of the Midlands indie group to find out what life’s like when your star is on the rise, but exams loom large pril is a biggie for the indie foursome Spilt Milk Society who have been performing together for less than a year.

The boys will be headlining the Rainbow in Digbeth, playing the O2 Institute in Birmingham, 229 venue in London and The Grapes on their old stomping ground in Stafford.

BBC Introducing spotted their potential back in January playing Help Me Out while Dermot O’Leary aired For the Last Time on his Radio 2 show. Dermot even interviewed Harry and Adam’s mum, Penny!

So let’s introduce the band. We’ve got Chan on drums, Josh on lead guitar, Adam (Harry’s big brother) plays bass guitar and Harry is lead singer, guitarist and writer. Each member is into a different genre of music from blues, heavy rock and indie plus Chan is a DJ which makes for an eclectic set of influences. Harry says: “We’d class ourselves as indie rock, but not sloppy indie. It’s more precise than that.”

(Have a look yourself at the band’s Soundcloud.)

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KITCHEN DECOR The group formed quite naturally. Harry and Adam played music together at home, Chan is Harry’s best mate from school and Josh was decorating the Handfords’ kitchen when he happened to mention his musical leanings to Mrs H who promptly put him in touch. Harry explains: “We had a session together and instantly knew it

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worked and we had something really good.”

The band has been approached by ‘minor people’ in terms of management but they’re holding out for something more solid. When we talk about ambitions, their goals are refreshingly down to earth. Harry says: “The goal is to tour, but we’ve got benchmarks really.

Our first one was to gig in Birmingham, which we’ve achieved. We know the odds are against us but we rate ourselves obviously!” The band had been playing around Wolverhampton and Stafford previously, so Birmingham is a step up.

When Dermot O’Leary’s show came knocking that was pretty ‘surreal’ and got even more so when Harry’s mum was interviewed. Harry says: “We’d been working hard and it was a great morale boost.”

Social media has been the best source of promotion

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and the band has enjoyed positive feedback across their chosen platforms.

Chan and Harry are 16 and 17 respectively with the older two in their early twenties, so exams are an issue this year. Harry is taking maths, history and music A-Levels in the summer with his chosen universities demanding A-A*. No pressure then. Harry, or certainly his mum, feels a break from rehearsing in March and again in June to revise and sit exams seems sensible.

Highlights of the last nine months have been headlining the Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham in February along with a series of house parties they’ve taken on to hone their performance. It sounds like a complete hoot. Harry adds: “It’s been brilliant. We’ve had crowd surfing in someone’s living room.” We predict the lads will be enjoying themselves in significantly larger venues very soon. I

DON’T CRY GOOD OLD PENNY! “My mum’s quite into me doing well in education.” In fact Penny who pops up now and again as we chat has been financially supportive too loaning the boys the money to make their first EP. “Good old Penny!”

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Catch the band live this month: I 2 April, The Rainbow, Digbeth

I 15 April, O2 Institute, Birmingham I 16 April, 229 Venue, London

Check out https://soundcloud.com/spilt-milk-society and follow on Twitter @spillymilk

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ABBEY LAUNCHES MEDICAL CLUB A new scheme has been launched at Abbey College Birmingham to help students improve their chances of winning places on university medical courses. A club has been set up to boost their knowledge of the anatomy of creatures as well as their dissection skills.

Upper sixth student Jas-Priya Randhawa, pictured, impressed teachers so much that she has been awarded the first Certificate of Competence Dissection.

SCHOOL REPORT

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

DISCO DIVA DOES IT AGAIN Florence Harper, who we featured in our February issue, has been crowned winner of one of the toughest competitions in the dance calendar. The DIVA event took place in Bridlington with more than 80 dancers competing in Florence’s category.

She wowed the judges with her precise moves and tricks to win the U16 slow dance championship.

SUPER STAR: Florence, above, with her award and principal of her dance school, Donna Shepherd

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WORLD BEATERS: Jonnie Turpie, High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Julian Buttery of Ahead Partnership and Adam Hockney, general manager of Selfridges Birmingham with Aadam Kaiyum, Kayya Tohir, Ayesha Habib and Hasina Rani from Nansen Primary School

THE FUTURE IS… Environmentally-aware children showed their creative side when they explored what sustainability means by decorating white paper desk globes to represent the earth. Team members from Selfridges Birmingham, working with Ahead Partnership’s Make the Grade programme, visited 10 local schools where year 5 & 6 pupils were challenged to create their artworks entirely from recyclables without spending any money. The finished globes were displayed in Selfridges’ window.

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NEWS MATTERS Students took to the airwaves in celebration of 10 years of the BBC’s School Report.

Birmingham’s pop-up station was hosted by BBC WM presenter Richie Anderson with pupils from local schools who covered news that mattered to them. Newsreader Huw Edwards who is involved with School Report said: “I’ve seen first-hand how much can be learned from workshops in schools when we give students real journalistic deadlines and standards to adhere to.”

ON AIR: Pupils get a taste of live radio

ISABELLA WINS KPMG PLACE Moreton Hall student Isabella James has been accepted onto the prestigious KPMG School Leavers Programme. The five-year training programme with the finance giant, includes a paid-for degree course followed by a permanent job offer. “It’s a really exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to get started,” said Isabella, who will read accounting and finance at Durham University Business School.

GAME FOR A LAUGH: The duchess tries her hand at Jenga at the youth club

YOUTH GROUP’S ROYAL GUEST ER Mason Youth Club in Birmingham entertained royalty when the Duchess of Gloucester dropped in to say hello. The duchess was welcomed by Matthew Reed, chief executive of the Children’s Society, before meeting eight asylum-seeking children who told her of the challenges they face after arriving alone from Eritrea. Rob Willoughby, the society’s Midlands area director, said: ‘They were able to talk about their lives in Birmingham and how they are settling here.’’

MASS PERFORMANCE Hundreds of pupils from schools across Solihull formed a mass orchestra at Symphony Hall. The concert, introduced by Julian Lloyd Webber, was initiated by the Secondary School Music Network in partnership with Birmingham Conservatoire and Solihull Music Service in response to a national decline in orchestras and classical music.

Drummers, percussionists, and guitarists from Grace Academy Solihull were selected to take part in the performance and work with some outstanding musicians.

PLAY TIME Grace Academy students Dominic Steen, James Llewellyn-Charlton, Alex Tsitis, Ben Hunt, Harley Danks, Catherine Dyke and Oliver Hindley

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UNSUNG HEROES

Thousands of local youngsters have become well-rounded,

UNSUNG HEROES

confident adults thanks to the dedication and commitment of the boy who worked his way up to lead the Scouts

NIGEL SPEAKMAN We’ve all been there. Told in no uncertain terms by our mums to do something that we’d really rather not. In Nigel Speakman’s case, back in 1962, it was the no-nonsense order: “You’re going to the Cubs tonight.” The very reluctant seven-year-old went along to his local group, got ‘knocked about a bit’ – and has been part of the scouting fraternity ever since!

Such was Nigel’s enjoyment of all things scouting he’s devoted his life to the organisation, working his way to district commissioner in Sutton Coldfield. Behind the scenes, he has seen thousands of children successfully pass through the system and into adulthood.

Nigel became a full leader aged 21 and describes it as a ‘wild ride’. He’s travelled extensively with the organisation, helping groups such as those in Gambia obtain uniforms and instruments for their scout bands for instance.

He credits scouting and particularly achieving his gold Duke of Edinburgh award with getting him noticed at work too.

Employed in telecoms at the Post Office, the award was an added string to his bow that showed great character and commitment. He retired from his job as a convergence specialist in 2011.

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Describing the appeal of scouting Nigel says: “It encourages you to think for yourself, develops confidence, fosters teamwork and teaches you to deal with other people particularly when you’re at camp in a small space!”

As district commissioner Nigel oversees 14 groups across the region and in today’s climate of anxious parents and inactive children scouting has never seemed more relevant or appealing. With TV action man and national chief scout Bear Grylls flying the flag and, thanks to Nigel and an improved online presence, they’re beginning to crack falling numbers in Sutton with a 15 per cent increase last year.

There is a problem though.

Leaders are in shorter supply than ever. Nigel explains: “With the advent of universal university education we lose our 18-year-olds that might once have stayed in scouting, so you spend 12 years growing potential leaders and they’re gone.” Post-graduation when the responsibilities of life hit home few come back to scouting.

A health scare in 2014 forced Nigel to take a short step back after contracted asbestos-related lung cancer. He only managed four months away from scouting before he was back at the helm. That’s devotion for you. I

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DEAKIN & FRANCIS The manufacturer of the world’s finest cufflinks is right here in Brum – and reaching a major milestone this year here are all sorts of puns you could write about the business run by brothers James and Henry Deakin. ‘Off the cuff ’ and ‘the missing link’ are two that spring to mind. And both would be relevant descriptions when talking about Deakin & Francis.

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The Birmingham cufflinks makers is the oldest family jewellers in England, stretching back to 1786. This year, the company is celebrating its 230th anniversary as manufacturers of the world’s finest cufflinks, with the seventh generation of the family at the helm. But while its rich heritage is important, it is what the business is achieving right now that is really impressive and grabs the attention.

“As well as the oldest business, we can also say we are the most modern too. We have certainly become one of the UK’s youngest brands in the last decade,” says James.

“We are always looking to stay ahead and for the next trend and exciting designs.” It is this ‘link’ with heritage and quality translated into what today’s discerning buyer wants that is driving the success of the business in 2016.

WALKING TORTOISES “Our dad retired from the business about 10 years ago and, as every generation has before, we have taken things on and met the challenges and changes needed,” says James. “In the past the company supplied some of the most famous, high-end jewellers without our names appearing on the product or the box. We felt that our heritage and quality meant that we needed to address that. Now every item and box is stamped with our name and we are a brand that people look for and want to buy.”

While sumptuous, stylish and even slightly oddball cufflinks (the spinning aircraft propellers, black sharks and walking tortoises come to mind!) remain the core of the business, Deakin & Francis also produces handmade

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LINKING UP: Company bosses and brothers James and Henry Deakin

rings, pendants, bangles and pins from its base in Regent Place in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter – which has been home for all of its 230 years. The business currently employs more than 20 highly skilled craftsmen.

Both brothers are graduates in gemology – James, 40, studied at the Gemological Institute of America, while Henry, 34, attended the International Gemological Institute in Vicenza. In addition, James is also a graduate in jewellery and design. Every piece is designed by James, while his brother heads up the business as the MD. “I guess you could say Henry is more the business brains while I am more the creative, design one,” said James.

“But there aren’t any barriers or anything, we both get stuck in with everything to do with the business.”

As we spoke, they were preparing to showcase new designs at Baselworld. The annual event in the Swiss city is the world’s biggest and best watch show which also features leading international jewellery companies. Deakin & Francis were unveiling exciting products, including the new Fundamentals range. “We have a wicked stand which puts us right there in front of all the major world buyers,” explained James. “After that, we have more shows in Las Vegas and London among others.”

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COMPANY TO WATCH

As well as designing retail ranges, Deakin & Francis also produces bespoke items for some of the world’s richest and most famous. While James is protective of naming names, he gave one example of the huge craftsmanship involved in making jewellery for these discerning and demanding customers.

MINIATURE YACHT “We were asked to make a pair of cufflinks featuring an exact copy of the customer’s personal huge super yacht scaled down to just 27mm,” said James. “It was a perfect copy, right down to reproducing the exact colour of the blue tiles of the boat’s swimming pool. I sat down with the client and discussed what he wanted, then drew the sketches, and then made various models before the cufflinks were produced using precious metals and stones. It took us four months to make them in our workshops.”

Such time-consuming individuality comes at a price – running into thousands of pounds a pair. “The level of quality in what we do is the same whether you are talking about an item costing a few hundred pounds or thousands,” explained James. “It’s the time required to produce bespoke items and the metals and stones used that reflects in the cost.”

The company is also commissioned by leading multi-national giants, such as Ford Motor Company. “We are producing limited edition cufflinks to mark their new GT car,” said James.

“They will be under 30mm and in 18 carat gold costing £4,500 a pair or in sterling silver priced at £400.” It seems there’s nothing Deakin & Francis can’t make to adorn your cuffs or lapels. We can only imagine what exciting treats James and Henry have up their sleeves in the future… I

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THE FROZEN ONE What does the world’s most famous out-of-work football manager do to fill his time? Take to the ice, courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover. The Midlands car firm arranged for ex-Chelsea boss José Mourinho to master the art of high speed drifting and ice driving on a 60km frozen lake at the company’s extreme testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden. Mourinho owns a Jaguar F-Type Coupé and has ordered the new F-Pace 4x4.

BUSINESS

NEWS LET PADDLE COMMENCE! Business rivals are getting ready to make waves by entering the 17th annual Brindleyplace Dragonboat Race on Saturday 18 June. The event in aid of Cure Leukaemia raised more than £60,000 last year. Alex Perrins, marketing executive at Brindleyplace, said: “In honour of Father’s Day, which falls on Sunday 19 June, Cure Leukaemia will also be entering a Dad Boat of charity patrons, patients and ambassadors in the race.” Interested teams need to register for the event by 30 April.

NEW HOME FOR RENTAL FIRM JODIE LIFTS A leading vehicle rental firm has relocated its Midlands base from Nuneaton to a new 7,000sq ft facility in Birmingham. AMT Group says the move to the former Jaguar Land Rover car dealership in Bromford Road, Erdington will enable it to better serve corporate and private customers across the region. In addition to the 18-strong team which is relocating, AMT will add a further 10 jobs. april 2016

TOP TROPHY

MOVING IN: Ben Craven, AMT’s area manager, and Kelly Kennedy, Birmingham branch manager

Social media entrepreneur and former Business Professional of the Year, Jodie Cook, is muscling in on a new ‘career’.

The boss of Birmingham’s JC Social Media has just won a national powerlifting competition to become British champion in the 55.5kg category of the BDFPA – the British Drug-Free Powerlifting Association. The championships were held in King’s Lynn and attracted a record number of entrants. birmingham living 67

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SURVIVORS CHARITY BOOST Law firm Irwin Mitchell has raised more than £21,600 for the Rape & Sexual Violence Project. The money will go towards supporting the Midlands-based charity in offering confidential services to support and inspire people who have been affected by sexual violence or abuse. The funds will allow for another 60 survivors of violence to access counselling.

KING OF ARTS Independent art supplies retailer Cass Art has opened its first store in Birmingham. “The shop in Corporation Street is our eleventh in the UK and we are thrilled to be opening in the largest city outside the capital,” said chief executive and founder Mark Cass. “Birmingham has a rich cultural heritage and is a beacon of innovation and we are excited to be at the heart of it all, ” he said.

BUILDING STARTS ON KEY CENTRE

Birmingham City Council Leader, John Clancy, dug in to mark the start of the building of a major new centre for the disabled.

Deafblind charity Sense held a ground-breaking ceremony on the site of the TouchBase Pears centre in Selly Oak which is due to open in summer 2017. The project is a key part of the regeneration of Selly Oak, creating more than 130 jobs and providing wider community service facilities, including a café, arts and performance area, sensory garden and gallery.

COSMO GIRLS HELP HOMELESS Enterprising fashion business students from Birmingham City University set up an events group to raise money for charity. Ardent Events held its first fund-raiser – a glamorous cocktail evening called Cosmo – in aid of St Basil’s charity which helps homeless young people in the Midlands. Cosmo was staged at the Geisha night club in The Cube. Ardent Events was created as part of the students’ fashion business and promotion course.

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BIG BRUM SHOWCASE Guests from leading conference agencies enjoyed a fam activity weekend at some of Birmingham’s star attractions, including Town Hall, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Rep and the IET Birmingham Austin Court.

Guests stayed at the Copthorne, Penta and Ibis hotels. Kevan Holland, MD of Trident Hospitality Consultants who organised the event, said: “Our Big Brum Weekender gives independent venues time to show off their facilities in an informal atmosphere.”

RAJ’S TV BONANZA The star of Channel 4 documentary My Big Fast Asian Wedding has opened a third office and tasting kitchen in Birmingham city centre. Payal is a luxury events and gourmet food business which has more than 25 years of expertise in the prestige events industry. Director Raj Somaiya said: “Demand has soared since the TV show and we needed to ensure we could look after the Midlands, and there was no doubt in our minds that the best place was Birmingham.”

ROSIE BAKES PLANS Rosie Ginday celebrated her business producing its one millionth macaroon by announcing plans to become a national retail brand by 2021. Rosie, who trained with Yummie Brummie Michelin chef Glynn Purnell, said: “I started Miss Macaroon with just £500 of personal funds, free use of a kitchen at University College Birmingham and a desire to offer young people new opportunities.”

Five years on and now based in Hockley, Miss Macaroon makes 5,000 macaroons a day.

IT’S GO, GO, GO FOR MR KARTING A Midlands go-kart track has roared to a business milestone. Mr Karting in Harbury Lane, Leamington is celebrating its 15th birthday with a major event that will see many of the professional drivers who learned their craft there return to their roots. Owner Alan Lettis says more than 300,000 customers have raced on the track. Mr Karting is the home of current British F1 prospect Jordan King, who lives in Harbury.

ARMED FORCES PLEDGE A Birmingham management services company has stepped up its pledge to help members of the Armed Forces. Richard Toy, chief executive of Auctus Management Group, and Colonel Richard Maybery of 11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade, co-signed Auctus’s enhanced Armed Forces Covenant at the firm’s head office in Portland Street. The Covenant is a voluntary pledge from businesses that wish to support the Services’ community. Auctus employs nine Armed Forces personnel and is hoping to attract more.

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REVVING UP: Michael D’Souza and Alan Lettis from Mr Karting with Jordan King Picture by MDB Photography

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WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM BRUM Until recently, our city could have fairly been accused of being a little ‘half empty’ but our ranking as the sixth most ‘investable’ city in Europe shows how incredibly positive outside investors are about Birmingham

Please introduce yourself I am Simon Robinson, head of Midlands and SouthWest region at BNP Paribas Real Estate. I am responsible for 120 employees in our Birmingham office and 30 in Bristol. In additional to this, I am also part of the Birmingham Investment Agency team involved in the sale and purchase of commercial investment properties for UK and foreign investors.

What does your company do?

We are a full service real estate consultancy, part of BNP Paribas Group.

Our services cover all aspects of commercial and residential property, including leasing transaction, investment, consulting, and property management.

Our offices in Colmore Row are situated at the thriving hub of the Midlands property market.

”

How do you feel your clients see the city?

Much improved! The city’s image has been given a big boost by the development of New Street Station, the arrival of the new John Lewis store and so on. And then there’s the city’s ranking as the sixth most ‘investable’ city in Europe which highlights how incredibly positive outside investors are about Birmingham.

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

Yes, it’s now a very viable, cost-effective relocation option – as evidenced by the HS2 project and the likes of HSBC choosing to locate in Birmingham.

What should our priorities be as a city?

We must really sell the benefits of Birmingham in terms of its costeffectiveness compared with London and the South East. We need to promote a Simon Robinson of BNP Paribas Real Estate Is Brum a good place to do much-improved cultural and residential business? offer in Birmingham and, in particular regard to housing, Yes it is. Birmingham has the youngest population in promote our region as an attractive low-cost alternative. the EU and due to the 18 universities and higher education colleges within one hour’s drive, Birmingham If you had £1bn to spend on improving Brum provides a diverse and well-educated labour pool in the what would you do with it? financial, business and wider economies including the I would improve the housing stock. The city centre and fringe advanced manufacturing industry centred on the housing stock is in many areas somewhat secondary in nature. As automotive sector. we are attracting new entrants in the form of HSBC and HS2, the weekday/city central offer does need to be improved, provided What are your biggest gripes with it? they are developed with quality in mind. A new wave of Private Up until recently, our city could have fairly been Rented Sector residential development may help achieve this. On accused of being a little ‘half empty’. Given all of the a personal level, it would also be nice to find a new owner for public and private sector activity, we must learn to show Aston Villa FC who’s prepared to invest in a team to help the city enthusiasm for Birmingham and really sell it! compete with Manchester on a sporting level. I

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BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH CASUALTY’S LEE Panto star talks TV soaps, singing and stardom backstage at the Hippodrome tar of TV’s Casualty, Lee Mead, was on hand to give the Leading Ladies a dose of special treatment at Birmingham Hippodrome. Lee, who plays nurse Lofty in the hit soap drama, met the Ladies during a backstage tour of the Aladdin panto set, hosted by BBC presenter Joanne Malin and Hippodrome technical manager Barry Hope. Lee, who starred in the panto, talked about his career spanning stage and screen. The event raised more than £400 for Hippodrome CREATIVE, the theatre’s education, access and free outdoor arts programme. I

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1 Chris Eggleton, Barry Hope, Janette Rutter. 2 Amanda Plester, Lee Mead, Freya Plester. 3 Rebecca Delmore, Kerry Volante, Lee Mead, Julia Gray.

4 Emma Robinson, Fran Astley. 5 Lee Mead, Joanne Malin. 6 Lucy Cooling, Karen Smith, Sarah Wood. 7 Emma Burke, Lee Mead, Lisa Orton.

8 Lisa Doorly, Victoria Emery, Kate Courbet, Sharon Norman. 9 Leana Prasher, Sharon Norman, Rebecca Delmore. Photography by Vivienne Bailey

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Style lovers give LoveBrum a boost with evening of tips, trends and tea! igh tea, high fashion and high spirits were on the menu when the Hyatt Regency Birmingham welcomed style lovers to an evening in aid of the LoveBrum charity. The event, which presented the latest spring looks, was hosted by image consultant Libby Walton who also provided her expertise by styling the models’ outfits.

Coast, Steel & Jelly and Sharper Millinery supplied clothing which was matched to jewellery from TerryTerry. Puro Hair styled the models’ hair while MakeUp Central created the makeup look. The event raised nearly £400. I

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1 Julie Sabottina, Mare-li AAvik, Karen Hunt, Evelin Jussi. 2 Shay Williams, Cheryl Palmer-Hughes, Jenna Harris. 3 Diane McGinnity, Kelly Tabot, Bernice Heard. 4 Gail Bywater, Maria Sandford, Kristy Beard. 5 Penny Hill, Clara Minelli. 6 Debbie Bull, Sarah Javaid, Caroline Bull.

7 Emma Wilkinson, Libby Walton, Kam Chahl. 8 Jo Enright, Louise Campbell, Marie Campbell, Cath Bennett. 9 Caales Chacon, Ben Walker, Kevin Urquhart, Tom Kollen. 10 Karen Price, Steve Walker, Mary Price, Ben Walker, Liv Price.

Photography by Andrew Llewellyn

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BEAUTY MASTERCLASS MARKS NEW LAUNCH Skincare brand brings together group of influential women for event at Simpsons uxury skincare company Natura Bissé hosted a facial masterclass event at Simpsons restaurant. Charlotte Harper brought together a group of 10 influential Birmingham women for the event in the Michelinstarred restaurant’s private dining room. Natura Bissé is celebrating its recent launch into Harvey Nichols in The Mailbox, where their products are available to purchase, as well as for luxury treatments in the beauty rooms. I

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1 Amanda Georgevic, Liz Rees. 2 Silvia Nortes, Sophia Doyle, Racheal Jessop. 3 Sheena Smith, Briar Keen. 4 Beth Goodrham. 5 Lotty Harper, Carol Zedda, Catty Pinto. 6 Christine Bohemia, Shelley Carter, Elvira Lopez. 7 Luke Tipping.

Photography by Leon Deakin

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New-look British Motor Museum hailed as ‘one of the world’s best’ uests including local dignitaries and VIPs attended a special event to mark the unveiling of the new-look British Motor Museum. South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson cut the red ribbon to officially open the Museum, previously known as the Heritage Motor Centre, following a £1.1 million refurbishment. The MP said: “I feel very privileged – I have loved classic cars since my father took me to the British Motor Show as a child. With the exciting improvements and enhancements now made, the Museum is now among the best motor museums in the world.” I

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1 Susan Mills, Chris Mills, Christopher Mills, John Rickman. 2 Gavin Williamson MP and Bob Dover. 3 Mike Timmins, Andrea Bishop. 4 Tony Duckhouse, Charles and Rachel Vacy-Ash. 5 Pat and Bob Wilkinson. 6 Christine and Nick Barter.

7 Alan Taylor of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Mandy Littlejohn. 8 Stephen Laing, Kevin Timms, Anne Stokes. 9 Max, Michaela, Quentin Willson. 10 Richard Jones, Alan Taylor, Tim Bryan

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WHAT: Miniatura: International Dolls’ House Show WHEN: 2 and 3 April WHERE: Birmingham NEC, tel 0844 338 0338 www.minatura.co.uk Anything is possible when you let your imagination loose with all the materials, tools and techniques you could possibly need to create your own perfect miniature home.

WHAT: Shalamar WHEN: 20 April WHERE: The Jam House, tel 0121 200 3030 www.thejamhouse.com Ooh you sure do make us feel good and this will be one night to remember. These top-flight musicians are still touring worldwide and this promises to be a fantastic show.

WHAT: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds WHAT: Jaywalkers WHEN: 7 April WHERE: The Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk The exciting young trio and former BBC Young Folk Award finalists are touring their third studio album – Weave – which sees them further expanding their musical horizons at all levels.

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WHEN: 29 April WHERE: Genting Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.ticketfactory.com The past 12 months proved to be a stunning year for the band with a hugely successful worldwide tour and several headlining performances at major festivals, including T in the Park and Latitude.

Includes special guests Super Furry Animals!

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Olly Murs & Bruno Mars Party with Robbie Glenn WHEN: 27 May WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk An amazing evening with the UK’s No 1 tribute to Bruno Mars and Olly Murs. Capturing the hits, the moves, the voices and unique style of these two fabulous performers complete in one show

WHAT: Flatpack Film Festival WHEN: 19 to 24 April WHERE: Various, for more details visit www.flatpackfestival.org.uk This critically acclaimed festival returns for its tenth annual edition. A celebration of ‘film’ in all its forms crossing over into music and the arts, expect the usual boundary-defying cinematic fun and games in venues across Birmingham.

WHAT: Designer Collection auction WHAT: Antiques for Everyone WHEN: 7 to 10 April WHERE: NEC, tel 0844 581 0827 www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk The largest antiques, interiors and collectables fair outside of London returns with more than 230 specialist dealers offering a huge variety of desirable, rare and quirky items at prices from £10 to £100,000.

WHEN: 12 April WHERE: MPW Champagne Bar, The Cube tel 0121 212 5500 www.fellows.co.uk A special event from Fellows Auctioneers with over 400 designer items including handbags and small accessories going under the hammer.

Brands including Chanel, Hermes and Mulberry are all on offer with prices starting from £50 so something for every budget. Our eyes are on a stunning Hermes Birkin 35 handbag in blue fjord leather.

WHAT: Paul Zerdin WHEN: 12 April WHERE: Town Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk WHAT: Twelfth Night WHEN: 12 to 16 April WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk The story of romance, satire and mistaken identity is crafted into one of the most exciting and accessible Shakespeare productions of recent years. Experience the madness of love in this heady world where riotous gig meets Shakespeare.

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The America’s Got Talent winner returns to the UK fresh from headlining the worldfamous Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas with an all-new show featuring his all-star cast of (in)famous puppets.

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WHAT: Cast WHEN: 16 April WHERE: O2 Academy Birmingham, tel 0121 622 8250 www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk

WHAT: Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho

The pedigree Britpop legends are touring their brand new WHEN: 6 and 7 May album, Troubled Times. Having reunited with original producer WHERE: mac Birmingham, John Leckie the reinvigorated band has produced an album full tel 0121 446 3232 of melodic and beautifully written songs.

www.macbirmingham.co.uk

WHAT: Harlem Globetrotters WHEN: 30 April WHERE: Barclaycard Arena, tel 0844 338 8000

After sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Leicester Square, this unique comedy musical extravaganza is now on tour. A camp odyssey about gay rights, the 80s and disco!

www.theticketfactory.com Incredible ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots and hilarious comedy – this is cracking family entertainment at its very best.

WHAT: Simon Evans WHEN: 6 May WHERE: Glee Club Birmingham, tel 0871 472 0400 www.glee.co.uk/birmingham Described as one of the most exciting and distinctive talents to emerge on the comedy circuit in recent years, the host of BBC Radio 4’s Goes to Market and star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo brings his brand new show to Brum.

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WHAT: Imagined Isle WHEN: 12 to 16 May WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Specially curated by THSH, Midlands’ newest folk festival is set to be a long weekend that will showcase some internationally acclaimed favourites, including Eric Bibb, Rachel Newton and Kate Rusby. Includes a special tribute to Nick Drake.

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WHAT: Shazia Mirza WHEN: 9 April WHERE: The Old Rep Theatre, tel 0121 605 5116 www.oldreptheatre.org.uk Following an acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run this new show is a searing and urgent exploration of life, love and Jihadi brides.

WHAT: Let It Be WHEN: 25 to 30 April WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com The international hit show that celebrates the music of The Beatles is coming to town!

Packed with more than 40 of the fab four’s greatest hits, this special show pays tribute to the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll band.

WHAT: Julian Clary – The Joy of Mincing WHEN: 27 April WHERE: New Alexandra Theatre, tel 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham National trinket, author, TV and radio celebrity – and Birmingham Living’s December cover star. Join Julian as he celebrates more than 30 years of camp comedy. A masterclass at his filthy best!

WHAT: Hamlet WHEN: Until 13 August WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, tel 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk Simon Godwin directs Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare’s tragedy. Young, wealthy and living a hedonistic life studying abroad, Hamlet has the world at his feet and then word reaches him that his father is dead.

WHAT: English Wine Takeover WHEN: 15 to 21 May WHERE: The Bond Company, tel 07843 206506 www.englishwinetakeover.co.uk A week-long showcase of the best of English wine from around the country. Meet producers, enjoy tastings and food pairings and take part in innovative masterclasses.

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IN THE CITY I’m a mad festival lover and can’t wait for the summer to

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arrive so I can cover myself in glitter, kick off my shoes and bounce about at the great events we have around the city

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

POWERWALKING?

I am Katy Poulsom, co-host of the Capital Breakfast show, waking the people of Brum up with tunes and a bit of banter. Before I started at Capital FM I worked in TV. I was right at the bottom of the ladder and it didn’t pay very well so I lived in my campervan by Brighton beach.

I can often be found running, walking or skipping around Cannon Hill Park, Kings Heath Park, Highbury Park or my ‘secret’ park in Moseley. I also exercise at Hotpod Yoga, Solihull and Smethwick Leisure Centre, where they are whipping me into shape for my wedding in July.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? Capital is in Brindleyplace so I usually drive. When it is lighter in the mornings I hop on my bike – cycling to work is a bit of a struggle at 5am but great going home via Cannon Hill Park.

HOW'S THE COMMUTE? Easy. Not many people are up at the stupid hour of the morning that I am.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? I love everything about Moseley. I’m a member of POW writers group (which is at the Prince of Wales pub on Tuesday evenings.) Its great meeting fellow writers and an important way of getting feedback on my own book, which is almost complete. I also love the theatre – especially the Royal Ballet at the Hippodrome. And the REP continues to blow my mind with its wonderful performances.

Capital Breakfast’s Katy Poulsom It’s great as there’s always so much AFTERWORK PINT? The Fighting Cocks for a fruli going on, festivals, theatre, gigs, sporting competitions, etc. It’s great for us at Capital as it means (strawberry beer) or the Prince of Wales for a glass of wine. some amazing artists will drop by the station for a chat.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? COFFEE BREAK? A new coffee shop called Friska has just opened super close to work. It’s always important to have strong coffee at hand at that time in the morning! Cafephilia in Moseley is another good place to grab a coffee and people watch.

LUNCHTIME? There are some fantastic places to sit and scoff – one of my favourites is Ju Ju’s along the canal, near Brindleyplace.

You can’t beat sitting out watching the canal boats go by with a glass of Pimm’s on a warm summer day.

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Bicycle lanes would be a nice addition to the city and encourage more people to get out and about on their bikes. I’m a mad festival lover, so can’t wait for the summer to cover myself in glitter, kick off my shoes and bounce about at the likes of the Lunar festival, Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul and Moseley Folk festival. I stumbled across a performance outside the Library last year which twisted and warped my mind, in a great way. It was by Maudits Sonnants, was free to attend and unforgettable. Things like this need shouting about more. I

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