August 2015 (issue 35)

Birmingham g n i liv

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August 2015

WHITE HOT SUMMER STYLE

SUPER COACH KATE ROBERTS OPUS TURNS 10 ANN TONKS AND BEN TERNENT

COVENTRY'S NEW TRANSPORT MUSEUM

SIMON CRIES WOLF Blue’s Simon Webbe talks life on the streets and the inspirational Mrs Jones

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THE NEALES, MOORINGS AT MYTON, POSH SHEDS, BROWNS... AND MORE

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EDITOR’S VIEW It’s heartening that more than half of Birmingham’s MPs will either reject the pay rise or give it to local charities

normally fight shy of writing about politics – for two reasons. First, even if you are arguing a sensible case about public services or spending or something equally important, someone, somewhere will always accuse you of having a ‘hidden agenda’. Second, politics and politicians (with the exception of Boris!) are pretty dull.

I’m making an exception this month over the subject of MPs’ pay – and particularly the 10 per cent rise they’ve just been awarded by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. Now, I’m sure our local MPs are all doing a top-notch job (maybe), but really, come on… how can anyone justify this kind of increase when the rest of us have seen our wages frozen for years and are only now beginning to watch them creep up by one or two per cent?

Even if you believe that MPs have been historically underpaid, any good marketing person would be quick to point out that this is just plain bad PR for politicians already held in pretty low esteem. Mind you, it’s heartening to learn that more than half of Birmingham’s MPs have said that they will either reject the rise or give the increase to local charities. Quite right too!

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Some of the best things cost nothing. They’re free. Like Coventry Transport Museum. Already the biggest museum of its kind in the world, it recently opened the doors on its £9million revamp. Free to enter – it’s a must-see, especially with the kids in the school hols.

David Johns

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Editor: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

Cover image: Simon Webbe

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

august 2015

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When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

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INSIDE

Highlights

12 16 20 30 42 44

Simon Webbe Talks growing up in Brum, fighting car thieves and the teacher who inspired him Full Speed Ahead Behind the scenes as UK’s top transport museum gets a £9million makeover Food and Drink Head chef Ben Ternent celebrates 10 years at Opus – and says ‘Thanks Mum!’ Style Whites and lights for the girls, patterns and prints for the guys Health Why taking the plunge is the coolest, smartest way to get fit this summer Homes Posh sheds with flat screen TVs? Eat your heart out George Clark…

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CONTENTS

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Best of the Rest

22 50 58 60 65 70 78 august 2015

Restaurant Reviews Critics’ verdict on The Moorings at Myton, Browns, plus this month’s top wine picks Property Round-up of this month’s top homes for sale, plus market news Motoring The Mazda MX-5 has a new look, better handling – an even some luggage space!

Young, Gifted and Brummie Young Coach of the Year Kate Roberts, plus news from schools and colleges Spotlight on Business The latest news, views and updates from the city's thriving businesses and key movers and shakers Social Scene The pages that picture who’s been out and about networking in Birmingham this month Shows, Arts, Gigs and More What’s on, where and when – all you need to know about the arts and entertainment scene

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NEWS

WATCH THIS SPACE, KIDS…

g n i v liTODAY

Youngsters can reach for the stars with an exciting new project being launched by Birmingham’s award-winning ThinkTank Science Museum in conjunction with British astronaut Tim Peake. Destination Space, backed by the UK Space Agency, aims to inspire with tales about human space flight and life on the International Space Station. Tim will teach youngsters about his mission in January 2016 with hands-on experiments and live video from the space station.

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

KING OF THE LEFTOVERS A celebrity cook-off event hosted by TV chef Brian Turner was held at University College Birmingham to show how families can save up to £700 a year by cutting food waste.

The Taste It Don’t Waste It event saw top Midlands chefs battle it out to see who was king of the leftovers. They included Luke Tipping of Simpsons, Adam Bennett of The Cross and Aktar Islam of Lasan, pictured, who took the honours by just one point!

COLMORE’S TASTY TREAT More than 25 venues took part in the fifth annual Colmore Food Festival in Birmingham’s business quarter, serving up some tasty offerings over a weekend packed with revellers and glorious sunshine. The event was hosted by Phil Oldershaw and also showcased a series of live cookery demonstrations, jazz music and

TOUR DE FORCE! More than 200 amateur riders brought Paris to a halt as they streamed into the French capital to complete a four-day, 500km cycling challenge in aid of Birmingham charity Cure Leukaemia.

The London2Paris ride from Greenwich Park to the Eiffel Tower was led by exEngland footballer Geoff Thomas and Professor Charlie Craddock, founder of Cure Leukaemia.

outdoor theatre.

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NEWS

FIERCE FESTIVAL IS BACK! Eight UK premieres will be presented in Birmingham as part of Fierce Festival which is returning to the city from 7 to 11 October with a mix of live art, music, dance, installation and the infamous Fierce parties. A highlight is Sleep with a Curator at Eastside Projects, where audiences bring a sleeping Amy-Rose Photography (www.amy-rose.co.uk)

REP STAGES FIRST WEDDING Birmingham Rep has hosted its first wedding on stage. The theatre recently became a licensed venue offering couples the chance to take centre stage on their special day. Dr Francesco Manfredonia, a consultant neurologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Paul Pahiti also had their reception in the theatre’s banqueting suites.

bag and spend a night in the Digbeth gallery before enjoying a communal breakfast.

Fierce events also take place at The Drum in Aston, Minerva Works, Eastside Projects in Digbeth and mac Birmingham.

SHAGGY CALLS IT A DAY

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Moseley Rugby Club has been dealt a blow after losing the services of star player ‘Shaggy’ to injury. Shaggy – real name Anthony Carter – has been forced to retire from rugby after failing to recover from an injury sustained during last season. He made 121 appearances for the Billesley Common club. He represented Wales at both student and sevens levels.

TEMPER’S GOT IT COVERED FOOTIE FACTS FOR

THE NEW SEASON

PREMIER FIRST: The first goal scored on the first day of the Premier League back in 1992 was by Brian Deane of Sheffield United.

ELITE VILLA: Aston Villa is one of only seven clubs to have played in every Premiership season.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the other six.

DERBY DAY: We all love a fearsome Midlands derby. The term ‘derby’ is said to come from the chaotic games of street football played in the city of Derby way back when…

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This stunning artwork by renown Birmingham-based graffiti artist Temper could be yours! Based on The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band LP artwork, it will join 12 other works by the artist and inspired by popular album covers. The ‘cover:versions’ portfolio is on show at Castle Fine Art at the ICC. Each comes with a bespoke frame created from disused vinyl records, made by Birmingham casting company CMA Moldform.

HUNT IS ON FOR TOP MUMS AND DADS Do you know a great mum or dad?

Nominate them and they could be crowned West Midlands’ ACE Parent.

The competition has been launched by ACE Gentle stain remover in a bid to find parents, no matter what their age, that go out of their way to do amazing things for their children. To nominate, email ACEparent@pmwcom.co.uk

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NEWS

JORDANNE’S DOUBLE JOY Jordanne Whiley, the 23-year-old tennis star from Birmingham who featured in our Young, Gifted and Brummie pages in June, is celebrating a double triumph. First, she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, and then days later successfully defended her Wimbledon women’s wheelchair doubles title with Japanese partner Yui Kamiji.

JAZZ BOOKS IN AT THE LIBRARY Jazz giants broke the sound barrier in local libraries as part of the 31st Birmingham International Jazz and Blues Festival. Director Jim Simpson said: “Six libraries hosted a series of performances you might normally expect to find in a Mississippi Juke Joint.”

Participating libraries were Blackheath, Cradley Heath, Great Barr, Sutton Coldfield, Thimblemill and West Bromwich. The festival saw 177 live performances at 78 venues.

WELL DONE, PIKE! Captain Mainwaring would be proud.

Corporal Pike has been recognised with his very own star of Brum! Dad’s Army actor Ian Lavender was presented with the award by Walk Of Stars chairman, comedian Jasper Carrott. The presentation took place at a ‘Walk Of Stars Meets Walk Of Heroes’ event, hosted by Professor Carl Rice.

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IN BRIEF PLASTIC BAN Plastic water bottles have been axed from shelves of Selfridges Birmingham to raise awareness of the threat they pose to the world’s oceans. Single use plastic water bottles have been removed from the foodhall and restaurants.

KNOCK-OUT! Up-and-coming Birmingham professional boxer Tommy Langford won the WBO InterContinental middleweight title in Dublin. The 25year-old stopped his Mexican opponent in the fourth round.

WINNIE’S BEE FRIENDLY PLEA

TRUST HELP

Youngsters in Birmingham are doing their bit to give the honey bee a bit more ‘buzz’. A survey of 900 members of the British Beekeepers Association revealed the bee population is struggling. It has launched a Friends of the Honey Bee campaign created with Egmont – publishers of the classic Winnie the Pooh children’s stories. A new Bee Friendly guide highlights family fun activities to help bees this summer. Details at www.friendsofthehoneybee.com

A partnership between West Midlands Police and the Prince’s Trust has helped 60 disadvantaged young people into employment in Birmingham. The 12-week Team in Birmingham project teaches skills and job confidence.

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NEWS

TOP TWEETS FOR BRUM Our pick of what’s been said about Brum this month Ozzy Osbourne @OzzyOsbourne Check out my @OzzysOwl for @Bham_Childrens Kids Hospital in my hometown as part of @thebighoot2015

AIRPORT EXPO TAKES OFF The NEC and Birmingham Airport are to host Britain’s largest-ever airport industry exhibition. The British and Irish Airport Expo will take place from 8-9 June 2016.

The exhibition, which will be held in the NEC’s Pavilion, will include conferences and product demonstrations. In addition, visitors will be taken on a guided tour of Birmingham Airport.

Helen @HelenRoseP You don’t need to live in London to make it in the creative industries...Brum’s got it going on! … #LoveBrum Visit Birmingham @visit_bham Birmingham makes the top 15 for Summer city breaks! A vibrant, modern, metropolis plus top food and shopping MidlandsAirAmbulance @MAA_Charity £105,011 raised at #MAABall15! This AMAZING amount raised will fund 42 additional life saving missions. THANK YOU to all that attended

BALLET STARS OUT ON THE TOWN Birmingham Royal Ballet has unveiled two striking images featuring members of the worldrenowned company in locations around the city as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Since Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet moved in 1990 to become Birmingham Royal Ballet more than 130 different ballets have been performed at its Hippodrome home.

MR & MRS’ DREAM

COMES TRUE A lucky couple are looking forward to their dream wedding after winning a £15,000 prize.

Michelle Peets and Ross Fearon from Rubery won the prize at Fazeley Studios. The couple, who have been together for 12 years, beat over 150 twosomes who entered the Win a Wedding at Fazeley Studios competition.

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SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THE WEEKEND Birmingham Weekender – a weekend of world-leading free outdoor performance, art and entertainment – has announced details of its family-friendly programme. In what is Birmingham’s largest arts festival, hundreds of world-class local and international artists and companies will showcase the city’s wide cultural offering from 25-27 September. The event is organised by Birmingham Arts Partnership and produced by Birmingham Hippodrome.

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NEWS

MEET MR WRIGHT...

TV celebrity presenter Mark Wright is to host this year’s Style Birmingham Live weekend of fashion, beauty and shopping.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s Gas Hall will be transformed into the Fashion Theatre, complete with eight catwalks, for the event on 26 and 27 September. Catch up on the latest autumn/winter styles and collections from a host of high street retailers and shopping centres.

CALLING ALL WIMBLEDON WANNABES ANYONE SEEN MY SUIT? A list of the top 10 weird and wonderful items of lost property left behind in rooms has been revealed

by Conference Aston, Birmingham’s premier conference, hotel and event venue. It includes a Spiderman ‘suit’ and stuffed owl! “You’d be amazed at what people leave behind,” said Paul Bunce, marketing manager at Conference Aston which welcomes more than 60,000 guests a year.

Here’s the Top 10: 1. Prosthetic leg 2. £5,000 cash 3. Stuffed owl 4. Litre of fake blood 5. Garden fork and spade 6. Wedding dress 7. Crash helmet 8. Adult Spiderman pyjamas 9. Inflatable elephant 10. Men’s wigs in different colours

If you’ve been inspired by the brilliance of the tennis stars at Wimbledon, it’s time to put your serve and volley to the test.

Registrations are being taken for the RLK Edgbaston Priory Tennis tournament from 16 to 21 August. Sponsored by Birmingham law firm, Rubric Lois King, it attracts more than 300 young players, of all levels and abilities, from across the region each year.

FOCUS ON CHANGING BRUM A new exhibition has explored the changing image of Birmingham and the challenges it faces. Urban Labyrinth by Digbeth-based BM3 Architecture aimed to represent the changing nature of the city through pictorial reflections. Images of the city were housed within a labyrinth made from locally sourced recycled materials as part of the Royal Institute of British Architect’s Love Architecture Festival.

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

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COVER STORY

WOLF

THE BIG SOFT

Simon Webbe of boy band Blue comes home to Brum and tells David Johns about growing up on ‘his’ street, stopping thieves nicking car stereos, and the drama teacher who inspired him to fame imon Webbe doesn’t come across as a big, bad wolf. In fact he seems the complete opposite – a bit of a big softie at heart. “Yes, I suppose I am like that most of the time, but everyone has a dark side that they like to be able to show now and then,” he says.

Just how dark Simon truly can be will be revealed when he huffs and puffs and tries to blow the house down in the new production of the family musical The 3 Little Pigs at Birmingham Town Hall. The performer best known for being a member of the boy band Blue is the show’s ‘baddie’ – and he’s loving every minute of it.

The false ears, the shaggy costume... the lot!

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CORRIDORS OF LEARNING He’s also loving the fact that he’s coming home to Brum, where he grew up from the age of six until he was 19. “My first ever stage appearance was actually at Town Hall back in 1994 when I was the lead in a play with an outside production with my school, so I’ve kind of come full circle you could say.”

Although born in Manchester, Simon is a true Midlands lad with his roots firmly in the city. “I’m very proud to be a Birmingham boy,” he says. So much so that when we caught up with him, he’d just been on a visit to one of his old schools, Holy Trinity in Small Heath. “Walking along the painted corridors and past the classrooms, it felt like only yesterday when I was going to school there. My favourite teacher of all time, drama teacher Mrs Jones, was the

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COVER STORY

one who always encouraged me to do drama. In fact when I first joined Blue, she was a bit upset that I was doing music rather than something in performing arts. She told me: ‘You’re better than that’.

“It was great to go back though, the kids gave me a great reception. I know everyone talks about giving something back, but if I can inspire just one or two of the kids to go on and do something really great, outside of their normal comfort zone, that’d be so good. When they saw me turn up with the bodyguard and the Porsche, they were kind of like ‘Wow’. I want them to know they can have all that too if they really want it and work for it.”

Facing challenges and trying new things is something Simon believes in. As well as being part of Blue and a successful solo artist, he’s appeared in a number of West End musicals. He’s also known to millions from I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here

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COVER STORY

and Strictly Come Dancing, where he was runner-up in the final and winner of the subsequent Strictly arena tour. “I’ve got the glitterball in pride of place at home,” he says.

Fans will remember how Simon went from timid dancer with two left feet to confident king of the ballroom floor and master of the meanest Argentine Tango ever seen on TV. “Strictly is something I will never forget. It’s part of my experience, but now I’m moving on to lots of other exciting things, on my own and with the band.”

Simon grew up on St Andrew’s Street, right next door to Birmingham City football ground.

KEEPING MUM HAPPY On match days, he and his mates earned some pocket money by charging fans to look after their cars parked on the road and “make sure the stereos weren’t pinched”. He says: “The cars were on my street – and no one and nothing was going to come to any harm on my street.

“I enjoyed growing up in Birmingham, first at St Andrew’s School, then George Dixon and finally at Holy Trinity. I was very privileged, I had a relatively normal childhood. My mum would worry if you weren’t home indoors by eight or nine in the evening.

It’s all a bit different for kids these days…”

As well as drama, football featured large in Simon’s loves – he played at district and county levels before having trials at Birmingham and Aston Villa.

“I still come back to Birmingham as often as I can, though I’d like it to be more often if I had the time,” says Simon. “My daughter is here and so are all my old school friends. I just love the place…” I The 3 Little Pigs is at Town Hall from 28 July to 2 August. More details at www.thsh.co.uk

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FEATURE

FULL SPEED AHEAD How a £9.5m facelift has injected new pride, passion and panache into one of the world’s great transport collections hen Gary Hall first came to Coventry he recalls the whole city “felt a bit doom and gloom” about what had happened to its motor industry over the years. “The place seemed really down,” he says. “But when I looked around the Transport Museum for the first time it struck me what a fantastic, exciting story there was to tell and what a terrific future the place had.”

That was back in 2007 after Gary had given up life in the aviation and airports business and become Coventry Transport Museum’s chief executive. “I had a vision of what the museum could be, and now these years later we’ve finally realised that.”

The museum relaunched in June with a completely new look, layout and exhibits after a massive facelift

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which aims to lift visitor numbers from just over 400,000 a year to topping half a million… and beyond. The new place certainly looks the part.

Inside it’s slick, smart, stylish and bang up to date with what visitors expect today. In fact the word ‘museum’ somehow feels out of place – it’s more of ‘an experience’ which guides you through the city’s past, present and future with real panache and pride.

WORLD LEADER As well as housing the biggest collection of British transport in the world, it is one of only two that tells the story of transport made in that city – the other is Ford’s heritage centre in Detroit. And as Gary is quick to point out, that only features one make while

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Coventry boasts a host of the greatestever manufacturers.

“The museum is now firmly at the forefront of the world stage,” said Gary. “The old museum had many fine elements and qualities but was a bit random in how they were displayed and explained to the public. Now it guides people through the story of the amazing history and ties Coventry has with the motor industry and transport and also tells the story of the city itself. It’s an engaging and exciting experience for the visitor.”

Engagement is key to what Gary and his team are trying to achieve – whether it’s with regular visitors

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coming through the doors or by the programme with local schools and links to Coventry and Warwick Universities. “The story in the new museum starts as it should from the beginning,” he explained, “with the cycle industry and works its way through motorcycles, cars and all the other vehicles, both in peacetime and wartime, that are synonymous with the city, and then on to what is coming in the future.”

The project to make the museum a must-see free attraction for the Midlands took 15 months to complete at a cost of £9.5million. The revamp has seen

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FEATURE

13 of the galleries undergo major makeovers as well as other attractions updated and added to, with previously unseen vehicles taken out of storage and featured in the new displays.

FUTURE PIONEERS The collection includes the world’s fastest cars Thrust SSC and Thrust 2 as well as the oldest vehicle manufactured in the city and more than 3,000 model toy cars. Latest technology has been introduced to bring to life Coventry’s war effort in the Blitz Experience, while the Future Pioneers section showcases design and innovation from a host of local companies at the forefront of the transport and automotive industry. “There are over 1,000 local companies all making niche products for transport,” said Gary. “It is important that we reflect that and show our visitors what a thriving and innovative city and region we have.”

The museum opened in 1980 when the road transport collection outgrew the space it occupied in the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The museum’s

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current collection of vehicles includes more than 550 cars – from the early days of the first motorised vehicle to the latest F1 race machines – motorcycles and bicycles and 25,000 models.

It’s all managed by the Culture Coventry charitable trust formed in 2013 and bringing together four of Coventry’s finest museums and visitor attractions – the Transport Museum, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the Lunt Roman Fort (a fully excavated and partially reconstructed turf and timber fort), and the Priory Visitor Centre, where you can explore the excavated remains of Coventry’s first cathedral. The Culture Coventry attractions are visited by more than 800,000 people from around the world each year.

Despite the economic challenges facing galleries and museums of all shapes and sizes across the country, Coventry Transport Museum is in the best shape of its 30-year history. “We’ve had lots of really positive feedback about the new features,” said Gary. “A number of people have told me that what we have created is truly worldleading and we are very proud of that as a team, a museum and a city.” I

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FOOD & DRINK

BEN TERNENT As Opus celebrates its tenth birthday, head chef Ben Ternent tells us what makes him tick and how he still craves his mum’s moussaka Tell us about your cooking If I had to put a name to my style I’d call it simple, modern British. I use seasonal produce – local where possible. We’re quite lucky in Birmingham with beautiful local vegetables and meat. We draw from the surrounding counties and have sourced some great producers.

evolving – new techniques, flavours, ingredients and I’m inspired by lots of things – experiences, eating out, other chefs.

How did you become a chef?

What do you eat when at home?

I’m not at home as much as I’d like, but a BBQ with top-notch free range meat would be great.

Having said that, my girlfriend is a veggie so I’ve been experimenting with a lot of vegetarian dishes lately.

My mum’s a great cook and always made sure we had home cooked food on the table. I still crave her moussaka! I was always into food at high school and followed that with three years at UCB or the College of Food as it was then. I spent a year in the States when I was 19 on a placement and then joined Opus where I’ve been for 10 years. Cooking is constantly

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

I can’t pinpoint one chef as they all have different attributes. In Brum I’d say my brigade at Opus is the best. You need such teamwork in the kitchen to be successful and they are brilliant.

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CHEF’S CORNER

Food heaven and food hell?

Heaven would be something fresh out of the sea – scallops or John Dory. Hell would be something too offal-y. Heart, liver, kidneys – it’s all just too strong for my palate.

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

A friend of mine has a Japanese girlfriend and she made a traditional dish called Natto which is basically fermented soy beans – it was just horrible.

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

My grandad was in the building trade and I used to go round the site with him, so probably a brickie.

Is the customer always right?

Yes is the short answer! Whether we agree or not is another matter…

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

Ox tongue terrine with parmesan, caper berries and horseradish. I

What was your favourite food as a kid?

Did I mention my mum’s moussaka? It’s unbeatable.

She also made a great lasagne. Real comfort food.

Share a cooking tip For an easy Sunday brunch, prep your poached eggs the day before. Boil a pan of water and add a good splash of red wine vinegar. Bring to rolling boil and crack four eggs at a time; boil for 3 minutes, 20 seconds. Lift out into ice water. Once cool, trim off the excess white to shape a beautiful round poached egg. Store covered in fridge until ready the next day.

When ready to serve up your breakfast/brunch, reheat for one minute in boiling water.

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If you fancy making Ben’s gin and beetroot cured salmon (pictured) check out his recipe at www.brumliving.co.uk Opus Restaurant, 54 Cornwall St, Birmingham B3 2DE www.opusrestaurant.co.uk

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

MOORINGS AT MYTON Myton Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3NY. tel: 01926 425043 www.themoorings.co.uk e had a bit of a false start on our trip to The Moorings at Myton as we watched our broken car being towed away from the office. The day can only get better we told ourselves in a forced glass half full fashion.

Onwards and upwards we plumped for the trusty old Golf and headed to what’s been voted Pub of the Year.

As well as its impressive accolade, The Moorings is sister to one of our favourite haunts, The Forest at Feckenham and former Pub of the Year, The Stag at Offchurch, so we were expecting a great lunch sure to distract from the dodgy motor.

Just off a roundabout and near a retail park the approach to the pub isn’t pretty, but once parked it’s another story. There’s a gorgeous canal side terrace from which the retail park and busy road are completely out of sight and mind. As the name suggests there’s a distinctly nautical vibe, but not in a twee way. It’s classic and grown up – all dark wood, sculptures and cool prints. It’s pretty big and for a weekday lunch-time trade was good. On a sunny day I imagine the terrace pulls in the crowds, but the weather was pretty bleak for our visit and no one braved the drizzle.

Ensconced cosily indoors, we nibbled some welcome olives and warm bread while we weighed up the options. The menu was one of those

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perfectly formed tomes – not too big, not too small and full of dishes we’d have been happy to chomp our way through.

PICKLED EXPERIMENT The specials were appealing too, from which JC chose a starter of sardines served with a salad that featured slices of vibrant pink pickled radish. Neither of us had tried it before, but would happily again. It was delicious. Apparently the chef had been experimenting with pickling and this was definitely a keeper. Served with a punchy dressing including capers and lemon the whole thing was summery, fresh and felt quite virtuous.

By contrast, while my starter was just as tasty it was definitely not virtuous! The twice-baked Stinking Bishop soufflé with cider cream and pea shoot salad was rich and decadent with matchsticks of pear that added a nice sweetness. It looked pretty as a picture too.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

The mains were tough to choose from. I took manager Richard’s advice and went for a pan fried stone bass with black truffle gnocchi, clams, pancetta, peas and cider sauce. What’s not to love here? Bass, clams, salty bacon and sweet peas – lovely. The cider sauce was delicious and the truffle gnocchi which admittedly I’d been a bit unenthusiastic about was really nice. I could have done with less of it, but it was great. I’ve recently embraced Instagram, so I’m one of those annoying folk that snap their food in restaurants.

This dish made the grade and was uploaded quick smart to much admiration.

JC tucked into Jimmy Butler’s free range pork belly with celeriac remoulade, spiced plums and Madeira jus. The pork belly was soft and melting, the sauce was tasty and there was a thin, crisp slice of crackling on the side which raised a big grin. JC was a bit non-plus with the plums,

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but having said that the dish was devoured with much enthusiasm accompanied by a large fruity glass of La Troubadour.

MINIATURE SWEETS The actual dessert menu sounded scrumptious, but we opted for the ‘Coffee with a Little Sweet’ list. I ordered the mini double chocolate brownie and JC a sliver of BrillatSavarin cheesecake both served with top notch coffee. Both were perfect morsels of loveliness that polished off the meal nicely.

To win Pub of the Year is no easy feat. It’s a national title with mystery diners and various hoops to jump through. The whole package needs to be right and crucially consistent. We found it ticked all of the boxes that would make us come back time and again. Who cares about the car… 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 STAR-STRUCK MATT ON THE MOVE Matt Cheal, head chef at Michelin-starred Simpsons in Edgbaston, is leaving after 16 years to open his own restaurant. The 34-yearold has taken over what was formerly Edmunds in Henley-in-Arden. Matt’s final day at Simpsons will be Sunday 9 August. Cheal’s of Henley will open after a full refurb in mid-September.

ALL CHANGE AT THE ALMANACK The Almanack in Kenilworth has re-opened with a smart new look and menu from award-winning head chef Rob Hartwell – offering everything for a great gastro night out. Inside the look is dramatic with dark teal walls offset by pale greys and flashes of pillar box red, intricate metal screening and swish new mesh bar lighting.

CENTRE TEAM ARE BRITAIN’S BEST The catering team at the Heritage Motor Centre has been crowned Britain’s Best Brigade in a public vote to find the UK’s hardest working kitchen. The team at the museum and fine dining conference centre, saw off seven other regional finalists after nearly 1,000 votes were cast in Essential Cuisine’s nationwide competition.

CURTAIN UP ON RSC’S FOODIE REVAMP The Royal Shakespeare Company’s executive chef Will Leigh is spearheading a new food offering and dining space at the Stratfordupon-Avon theatre. Will is leading the RSC’s Rooftop Restaurant, Riverside Cafe and Circle Bar. Originally a space for drinks only, the Circle Bar will now offer visitors four different sharing platters in an intimate atmosphere.

TASTE OF SPAIN AT BENNETTS HILL Amantia, Birmingham’s new contemporary Spanish and Mediterranean bar and restaurant on Bennetts Hill has opened with a VIP launch evening. Owner Marta Retenaga said: “Our ambition is to serve the city’s most sensational Spanish cuisine and we are very proud to make every dish in our kitchens each day using authentic, imported produce from all over Spain.”

SAN CARLO LAUNCHES NEW MENU San Carlo Italian restaurant in Temple Street has launched a new menu using the finest produce flown in from the markets of Milan.

Executive chef Filippo Pagani and his kitchen team have developed meat and grill dishes and seafood specials – combining main ingredients with seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits such as mushrooms, peas, chicory, watercress and lemons.

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Bubblegumtini A yankee-doodle creation that tastes just dandy ne or two select bars in New York are famous for mixing bubblegum-based drinks – hardly surprising when you think that the Yanks gave the world this ultra sweet and sticky confectionery in the first place! The Big Apple mixologists actually use bubblegum cut up and fermented overnight in vodka to make their creations. We’re pleased to say that this signature cocktail from the magic mixers at Aluna is simpler to deliver. Devised by general manager Yen-ting Mui it tastes rather fine too.

O

Ingredients:

I 30ml vodka I 15ml blue curacao I 25ml apple juice I 10ml bubblegum syrup

Method: Simply shake in a glass and serve over ice with a crush ice cap, popping candy and glow stick.

Aluna Birmingham, 128-130, The Mailbox, Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RQ, tel 0121 633 9987 www.aluna.uk.com

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LUNCH SPOT

BROWNS 7 Spiceal Street, St Martins Square, Birmingham, B5 4BH. Tel: 0121 643 8708 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk unchtime in the school holidays and what to do? With seven weeks to fill this could be a regular dilemma when we’re out and about in Brum. Not in the mood for a typically child-friendly venue (you know the ones) and not forward-thinking enough to have packed a picnic, we thought we’d suss out Browns.

While the children’s menu is perfectly good, the grown-up one is particularly appealing and the wine list is a cracking mix. (Well, it was after midday and seven weeks is a long time!)

We sat on a high table with a golden sheen, cut crystal glasses and crisp white napkins – all very civilised. The usual kiddie fare features on the menu and not surprisingly my two plumped for garlic bread followed by burgers.

They happily devoured the garlic bread while downing pineapple juice and mango smoothies. The burgers were spot on, quality meat and perfectly moist. The chips had been salted in the kitchen a bit heavy-handedly for my liking, but the kids didn’t mind one jot.

Apparently I’m ‘soooo serious about salt.’ That told me.

I chose asparagus with prosciutto and a poached egg with hollandaise sauce to start which was rich and oozing. The other half emerged from being engrossed in the wine list and ordered pea and mint soup from the specials which was lively and fresh served with a hunk of warm bread. On the wine front I enjoyed a cold glass of Picpoul de Pinet while inspired by the Ashes, he sipped the Googly Chardonnay.

L

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My main of pan fried cod with shrimp butter, new potatoes and spinach was delicious, laced with capers of which I’m a fan. The portion was quite hefty and there were a handful of tatties going spare. The other half followed the recommendation of our attentive waitress, Agata which was duo of lamb. A mini shepherd’s pie served in a ramekin alongside a couple of juicy cutlets with a sticky, rich sauce was really tasty.

We could have lived without pudding, but the kids were keen – any excuse. A chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream rolled in honeycomb was the youngest’s dream dessert and a fruit salad with yoghurt and shoots of popcorn for the eldest was fresh and light. (Still not sure what shoots of popcorn are even having eaten them.) The grown-ups shared salted caramel profiteroles – properly indulgent and perfect for two.

We left lunch feeling happy and sated, but given it was the first day of the holidays I had a sinking feeling we may have peaked too soon. I

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FOOD & DRINK

BUBBLE TOPS Wondering what’s the perfect fizz for a summer wedding, al fresco party or just chilling out? Rob Price picks the best

e Brits love sparkling wine, consuming around 108 million bottles per year.

That’s about two per adult, per year. I must be drinking someone else’s share! And we do have a lot of choice… Champagne, Cava, Crémant, Prosecco, Asti and of course English Sparkling wine – plus many others! (We must come up with a better name for English sparkling wine. I’ve read that the French have named it Crémant Anglaise.

Surely we can do better? Let me know.)

W

The most popular fizz is Prosecco from North East Italy. It’s made in a big tank using a grape called Glera and, with no ageing requirements, it’s light, fruity, and inexpensive. Its cousin Asti, from neighbouring North West Italy, is similarly tank fermented and equally good value. While Asti is always sweet, Prosecco tends to be dry or off dry.

Both are fairly light on the alcohol front and make a great lunchtime or aperitif drink.

TEXTURE AND DEPTH Cava and Champagne are made (second fermentation) in a bottle and aged for a minimum period of time. And it’s this time – nine months for Cava and 15 months for NV (non-vintage) Champagne – that gives these two sparklers a little more texture and depth. Champagne in particular because of more extended maturation, gains wonderful bread biscuit and brioche aromas as the

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yeast goes to work in the small confines of a bottle.

Crémant is a sparkling wine from France, anywhere from France, that’s not Champagne. It’s aged for only nine months so while generally it doesn’t have the complexity of Champagne it is a high quality fizz that also has the benefit of being excellent value for money.

NUTTY AND YEASTY And what about England? Our (very) cool climate is ideally suited to producing premium sparkling wines. In fact we make some fantastic award-winning fizz with our best cuvees beating Champagne in a number of blind tasting competitions. There are no rules that determine how we should make our sparkling wine but we tend to copy the Champagne method, including using the same grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. We also have no ageing requirements but it also tends to be along similar to non-vintage Champagne.

What about vintage Champagne? This Champagne comes from a single year (vintage) and should always be from the best years. Vintage Champagne has to be aged for a minimum of three years so is wonderfully nutty, yeasty and complex.

So which should you choose? Well they are all good, so I’ve selected four brilliant examples that will wow you. I

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FOOD & DRINK

ROB’S FOUR TO TRY Best non-vintage Champagne

Below the £50 barrier, Taittinger Reserve Brut. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wines from over 35 different vineyards and vintages matured to perfection. Known for its consistently excellent quality.

Quite widely available, including the major supermarkets, for between £27 and £36.

Best English sparkling wine Ridgeview wine estate in Sussex only makes sparkling wine and the whole range is good, but the standout is Ridgeview’s Rose de Noirs. A delicate rose fizz, fine bubbles with summer fruits, fantastic texture and length.

Buy direct from Ridgeview, £32.95/bottle.

Best value for money fizz Cono Sur Brut is from Chile’s Bio Bio region and made with the same grapes as Champagne. Delicate aromas of citrus, white flowers, dried fruits and a slight honeyed note. Juicy, fruity and crisp. Widely available (Underwoods, Slurp, Connolly’s and Tesco) £8 to £10/bottle.

Best Prosecco NV Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobiaddene Brut, a nonvintage Prosecco. Medium body, dry, and very refreshing, with apple and pear. Brilliant on a warm summer’s evening or during lunch. From Millesima online, great value at £13.50/bottle.

Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company offering fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses, both in Birmingham and Milton Keynes city centres and expanding into Sutton Coldfield. For more information contact Rob Price on 0121 270 7359 or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

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ing livSTYLE

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SHEER PANEL Lily flower dress £299, Hobbs

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STYLE CUTE TEE Lace front tee £39.95, Lands End

LOAFING AROUND Guapo loafer £75, Dune

DENIM, BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT White denim skirt £30, Dorothy Perkins

y rights we should be gracing our Style pages with winter warmers already, but rules are meant to be broken are they not? It might be drizzling as we write, but we’re not ready to kiss goodbye to summer just yet, so we’re embracing unabashed head to toe crisp white.

DKNY, Caroline Herrera and Victoria Beckham sent all white ensembles down the runway for this season and we haven’t looked back. And we’re not talking beach gear either. Yes we all love a bit of broderie anglaise and a flowing kaftan, but this is more than a holiday romance.

Take a pair of crisp flared trousers like those pictured on page 32 from Debenhams.

Smart enough for the office, yet teamed with a killer heel they’re edgy enough to take you through a night out.

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FLIRTY FIFTIES A white dress screams confidence none more so than Yumi’s mixed lace broderie version. Cute, relaxed and flattering it’s a steal.

Try adding a white brogue for instant cool. We like the Hobbs version (pictured on page 33).

A Fifties-inspired flirty skirt works for any event – picnic in the park, boardroom, friend’s christening. Jaeger has a particularly good one.

There are a couple of things to consider before donning all white though, not least

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CITY SHORT Linen short £80, Jaeger

underwear. This needs to be spot on in order to make things work and we agree that smooth and nude is best. We asked our friends at Sipsey Lingerie in Solihull to pick their best set to work under all white and they came up with this Mademoiselle by Chantelle nude plain brief and bra which will be practically invisible (pictured on page 34).

The other thing to consider is that a tan really does help carry off white. We succumbed to St Tropez’s advertising bombardment and bought the In Shower Gradual Tan. It works a treat people – no mess, no streaks and subtle. I WHITE GOLD Sandals £69, La Redoute

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STYLE

COOL KNIT Wool Ottoman knitted top £150, Jaeger

FLOWER POWER Floral burn out dress £48, Yumi

WHAT A MESH White sheer mesh jacket £49, Dorothy Perkins

CUT IT OUT Broderie cutwork top £39.50, Oliver Bonas

FLARE UP Trousers, Debenhams

BANDEAU DRESS Lace print bandeau dress £55, Miss Selfridge

VERSATILE SKIRT Boucle skirt £150, Jaeger

FLAT WHITE Sandals £69.95, Lands End

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STYLE

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

WHITE OUT

Trousers £59, La Redoute

Trousers, top and bag, Matalan

TRAIL BLAZER White sleeveless blazer £35, Dorothy Perkins

ACE LACE sleeveless lace dress ivory £149, Mint Velvet

ATTENTION TO DETAIL Blouse £39, La Redoute

TWINKLE TOES Ardie Derby brogue £149, Hobbs

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STYLE

ALL BOXED UP Lace detail box top £16, Matalan

BLOCK HEEL Pure heel £60, Office

THE GOOD LIFE White dungarees, New Look

INVISIBLE UNDIES Mademoiselle by Chantelle in nude, Sipsey Lingerie

CASUAL CHIC Chino skirt £39.95, White Stuff

ALL MIXED UP Mixed lace broderie £60, Yumi

ARM CANDY iTod Lynn bag £69, Debenhams

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STYLE SEXY SMALLS Sipsey Lingerie, Drury Lane

CLASSIC PENCIL Black panel dress with white block £50, Wallis

GREEN GODDESS Sportsmax green striped dress £210, belt £90, House of Fraser

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TUNIC Cassidy tunic in blue £45, People Tree

THINGS WE LOVE SHARP CUT Best of British dress £149, M&S, Pavilions

TANGERINE DREAM Clutch £35, Oliver Bonas TIME TO PLAY Navy plysuit £60, Next

HIGH WAIST Culottes £32, Next

KILLER HEEL Pansy sandal £55, Office

CUTE BOOTS Preda boots £99, Dune

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BEAUTY

FESTIVAL

FAVOURITES

Whatever the destination, the beauty brief has to be bright, fun and long-lasting. Here’s Rose Gallagher’s top five picks Bumble and Bumble Pret a Powder, £21.50 from Boots One of the best-kept secrets in hair, there's nothing this little powder doesn't do. Whether you need volume, texture or something to absorb grease, it is your secret weapon to bouncy, bohemian festival hair.

Don't leave your tent without it!

Topshop Glitter Pot in Periwinkle, £5 from Topshop These pots of loose, chunky glitter are perfect for adding accents to your make-up. Use alone, on top of eyeshadow or in the top coat of your nail varnish to add some sparkle to your look.

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NYX Dewy Make-up Setting Spray, £10 from nyxcosmetics.co.uk You may want your make-up to stay in place all day but too much setting powder can be drying and ageing. Keep your base fresh with a spritz of this spray from NYX, designed to seal the base and leave a dewy finish.

Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body, £45 from Selfridges I never leave for a night out without a generous layer of this on any bare skin. Use down the centre of arms and legs to create a heathy glow and leave a luminous, slimming finish.

Peaches and Cream No.8 lashes, £3.90 from fabulousmakeup.co.uk Nothing sets off a bright make-up like a fluttery set of lashes. This new variation from Peaches and Cream adds length but gives a choppy finish so that the colours of your eye make-up can still shine through.

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STYLE

DASHING

PRINTS Short sleeved patterned shirts are no longer the domain of middle aged men on vacation.

They’re not oversized and billowing which let’s face it flatters no one. They’re sharp, tight fitting and cool with patterns less Waikiki beach and more slick city break. Here, we’ve chosen a handful of the best.

MONOCHROME MADNESS Shirt £24 and jeans £20, Burton

PALM IT OFF Armani jeans red palm print £115, House of Fraser

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STYLE

IN THE NAVY Hammond and Co

by Patrick Grant navy shirt, Debenhams BE BOLD Flowley shirt, Ted Baker

STYLE TIP Button up right to the top for a super sharp look CLOCKS AWAY Joe Brown’s Remarkable Bellfield dandelion print shirt £35, Jacamo

IN THE PINK Vivienne Westwood square print shirt £160, House of Fraser

AMAZON DON Joe Brown’s Remarkable Rainforest shirt £35, Jacamo

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HEALTH

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HEALTH

IN THE

SWIM

How swimming can help you to lose weight, build muscle and feel great ummer is here, the lidos are opened and the pools are filling up. It’s time to get swimming.

Widely regarded as one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise, swimming is also a fantastic and fun way to help improve your heart rate and blood flow and maintain a healthy weight. But the health benefits don’t just end there. Here’s just a few reasons why you should spend large parts of this summer submerged.

S

Increased Muscle Tone and Strength As water is much denser than air, swimming is a far more effective way of toning your muscles than any other form of cardiovascular exercise. When you swim you get the cardio part of your work-out while also working on an even body tone. Water provides a certain amount of extra resistance, which has a similar effect as using a light weight on a resistance machine at the gym.

Healthy heart In addition to helping tone up pecs, triceps and quads, swimming also improves the most important muscle in our bodies – the heart. As an aerobic exercise, it serves to strengthen the heart, not only helping it to become larger, but making it more efficient in pumping, which leads to better blood flow throughout your body. This can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 40 per cent.

Reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels Studies have shown that swimming for 30 minutes at least three times a week can significantly lower your blood pressure. One study found that resting heart rate was considerably lowered after just 10 weeks of regular swimming. Plus, swimming for half an hour or longer helps reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood while raising the levels of HDL – good cholesterol.

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Lower blood sugar levels Swimming for at least half-an-hour three to four times a week, combined with eating a balanced low-glycaemic index (GI) diet, has been shown to control blood sugar levels, according to the Amateur Swimming Association, the English national governing body for swimming.

Low-impact When submerged in water, the human body automatically becomes lighter and because around 90 per cent of your body’s weight is buoyant when you swim there is less strain placed on bones, joints and muscles. This makes it a fantastic exercise for people with injuries, who may be overweight or suffer from arthritis.

Flexibility Unlike exercise machines in a gym that tend to isolate one body part at a time, swimming allows you to use a lot of muscles at the same time. The arms move in wide arcs, the hips are engaged as the legs scissor through the water, and the head and spine twist from side to side.

Helps manage weight Swimming breaststroke for 30 minutes will burn approximately 400Kcal, depending on your weight and speed.

That beats walking, cycling and even running at 6mph, which burns 300Kcal.

Improved sleep People who take vigorous exercise, such as swimming, are almost twice as likely as non-exercisers to have a good night’s sleep. They are also the least likely to report sleep problems, like waking up too early or having difficulty falling asleep. This means you’ll be more likely to concentrate better, look more attractive and live longer. I

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ng il viHOMES

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POSH SHEDS Sheds have evolved and morphed into luxurious retreats rather than wooden boxes that hide the mower. You’re more likely to find a flat screen TV!

LUXURY ADDITIONS All accessories by Lexington available from John Lewis www.lexingtoncompany.com

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HOMES

eorge Clark has thrust ‘sheds’ into the limelight on Channel 4’s Shed of the Year, a bizarrely absorbing programme which sees shed owners pitted against one another in various categories. These are no ordinary sheds though. There are pubs, clubs, floating summerhouses, state-of-the-art constructions, eco builds and a shed that doubles as a miniature train. You get the drift.

The common theme though is that these garden constructions are hideaways, sanctuaries and beloved. If you’re not up to designing and building your own man cave, she shed or home office here’s a bit of inspiration to help you out… I

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HIDEAWAY HEAVEN This Man Cave is bunker-like in design, but far from basic inside. The Man Cave Noir is pictured.

Price £4,563.99 from Dunster House http://dunsterhouse.co.uk

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HOMES

SERIOUS GARDENER The NGS Shed has a veranda to the front with space for a tired gardener or two to sit and relax at the end of a busy day. Prices from ÂŁ4,995. The Posh Shed Company www.theposhshedcompany.co.uk/posh-sheds TRADITIONAL CHARM The Cambridge range painted any colour blends into a rustic garden beautifully. Cambridge 13 is pictured. www.homesteadtimberbuildings.co.uk

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HOMES

COLD SNAP Arctic Cabins are available from 7m² going up to a whopping 25m² ideal for business use.

Prices start from £6,750. http://arcticcabins.co.uk

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HOMES

HANDY HURRICANE Vintage wood lantern £35, Next

COLOUR POP Set of eight colour pop porcelain T-light holders £29.95, Dotcomgiftshop

FINISHING

VINTAGE VIBE Retro radio, Very

TOUCHES

AND RELAX Hang-In-Out - Bonsai Cacoon in natural white £155, Amara

Deck out your hideaway with some of these beauties and enjoy BUG’S LIFE Bug embroidered cushion £25, M&S LIGHT UP Set of 10 La Petite Rose party lights £19.95, Dotcomgiftshop

COCKTAIL O’CLOCK Greenwich drinks cabinet £749, M&S

GROWN UP BEAN BAG Fatboy in lime green £199, Amara COSY THROW Zig-zag ochre knit throw £25, Next

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HOMES

Hot Properties Rambling houses in the country, luxury city pads and a retirement village – we’ve got the lot in this month’s round-up of top homes on the market

BIG HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY Napleton House, Kempsey Guide price: £1.75m Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 0800 0787 370

An elegant seven-bedroom country home situated in enchanting gardens. Built in the early 1700s with the second floor being added in the Victorian era. Set in approximately 20 acres you can lose yourself in the lawned gardens, orchard, bluebell wood, wild flower meadow and paddocks.

A separate Coach House provides three stables, a hayloft and a tack room. There is lapsed planning for further stabling in the paddock.

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HOMES

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HOMES

BRICKS&BITS

DON’T LIKE CRICKET? THINK AGAIN… Property website urban.co.uk has released data showing homes near famous cricket grounds experience an above average surge in value.

Homes around Lords have risen nearly 19 per cent while those at Trent Bridge have gone up nine per cent. With the Ashes at Edgbaston this summer you could be quids in!

GRAND PLANS AT TOUCHWOOD Plans have been submitted to extend Solihull’s Touchwood shopping centre. The proposed expansion by owners Lend Lease would include 30 new shops, restaurants and cafes and a new open street from the High Street to a courtyard area. Two existing council buildings would be demolished to make way for the 115,000 sq ft extension.

CITY DEVELOPER’S EXCITING YEAR The former site of Glynn Purnell’s Michelin-starred restaurant Jessica’s has been transformed by property development company AHL. It has turned Grade II listed Asquith House, Edgbaston into luxury apartments. The company is about to embark on the final stages of its next development in Clement Street.

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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QUIRKY TOWNHOUSE Mint Drive, Jewellery Quarter Guide price: £390k Agent: James Laurence, tel: 0121 456 5454

A mixture of slick contemporary fittings and original features like exposed beams and vaulted ceilings makes for a pretty unique home in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. As part of the stunning conversion of The Mint, there’s also a secure gated entrance and allocated parking space. august 2015

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HOMES

LUXURY INDEPENDENT LIVING St. George’s Place, Edgbaston Guide price: from £275k Agent: Audley Developments, tel: 0121 222 1230

The first phase of Audley’s St George’s Place development is due for completion next autumn with one, two and three-bed apartments along with a two-bed cottage for sale. Currently selling off plan, the properties are moving well. We particularly like the look of the swimming pool and pretty gardens.

PERFECT PENTHOUSE St. Pauls Place, Birmingham Guide price: £340k Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520

This two-bedroom penthouse apartment is on the fourth floor of the new St Pauls Place development in the heart of the city and at around 1,000 sq ft it’s pretty

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roomy. The master bedroom has an en-suite, the second bedroom a balcony and the open plan lounge/kitchen area opens out on to a stunning roof terrace.

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ATTENTION TO DETAIL Ismere Grange, Stourbridge Guide price: ÂŁ1.35m Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 01905 723 438

The current vendors bought this 1920s house 36 years ago and have been updating, replacing and improving ever since. Attention to detail is evident throughout from the manicured garden, the swimming pool with fully opening slider panels, the Intelligent system electric AGA and innovative cellar system which sucks out stale air.

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

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AUCTIONS

FIT FOR A

PRINCESS Jewellery expert Liz Winnicott looks into the birthstone of the Royal Family’s new arrival he news of the birth of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge captivated the world. Her official birthstone is the radiant green emerald, a jewel believed to promise good luck and represent love and beauty.

Emeralds are delicate stones and despite their lustrous colour, almost always possess inclusions.

They can be incredibly difficult to cut which is the reason why many are either shaped and polished, known as cabochon, or rectangular and facet cut, known as step or emerald cut.

Within great granny’s jewellery box Princess Charlotte will find a rather significant set of jewels, steeped in Royal history. This collection is not only made up of Charlotte’s birthstone but rather appropriately named the Cambridge Emeralds.

It consists of around 40 cabochon emeralds acquired in 1818 by Augusta of Hesse-Kassel, the Duchess of Cambridge and grandmother to Queen Mary, who won them in a charity lottery in Frankfurt. The Duchess set some of the stones into a pair of earrings and a necklace which she then bequeathed through the family. Two generations later they fell into the hands of Prince Francis of Teck, known as Frank, who was something of a scoundrel. A bachelor who liked to gamble, he took a shine to Nellie, Countess of

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Kilmorey – the former mistress of King Edward VII –– and upon his sudden death in 1910, bequeathed her the family emeralds.

His sister Queen Mary was horrified and immediately set about ‘obtaining’ the jewels. There is much rumour and gossip attached to her methods. One story claims she paid £10,000 for their return, the equivalent of £800,000 today. Once safely back in the Royal collection, Queen Mary wasted no time in putting the emeralds to good use, commissioning Garrards to design and create a parure of jewellery known as the Delhi Durbar in 1911, comprising of a tiara, necklace, stomacher, brooch and earrings.

RUMOUR AND GOSSIP Yet the story does not end there. In 1921, unable to resist adding to her already vast jewellery collection, Queen Mary bought the stunning Grand Duchess Vladimir tiara. It was made for the aunt of Tsar Nicholas II who fled St Petersburg shortly before the revolution in 1918. It has 15 intertwined diamond circles from which hang 15 pendant teardrop pearls.

Unfortunately, on its way back from Russia it suffered some damage and needed a little repair. While in the workshop, Queen Mary instructed the jewellers to make a few alterations. As an alternative to the original pearls, she added 15 interchangeable cabochon emeralds, 10 taken from the Delhi Durbar and five more from the Cambridge collection. Today it is a favourite of the Queen – but the question is, who will inherit it next? I Liz Winnicott is consultant valuer and auctioneer at West Midlands auctioneers Fieldings. She specialises in silver and jewellery.

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MOTORING

THE PERFECT GETAWAY CAR Mazda has reinvented its iconic MX-5 two-seater, giving it meaner looks, even sharper handling and some proper luggage space too, says Sue Cooke re you packing your bags and driving off for a well-earned break this August? Whether it’s for a week, a weekend or just a night, it makes a lot of sense to get your car serviced. Research by the Good Garage Scheme has found that more than half (54 per cent) of drivers say they won’t have their cars checked over before their next long journey – which seems crazy to me as the holiday season is the last time you want to risk hitting trouble on the extra-busy roads.

Mind you, if you’ve got a few spare pound notes lying around you could skip the service altogether and just check out the new arrival in Mazda dealerships at the end of the month. The iconic summer two-seater car, reminiscent of romantic dreamy vacations has beefed up its presence for 2015. The fourth generation MX-5 has a brawny exterior with a more muscular aggressive stance which is definitely attention-grabbing.

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TRUE TO ITS ROOTS First launched in 1990, the MX-5 had what the Japanese company called Jinba Ittai ‘horse and rider’, which means

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steering wheel feel is precise, performance is instant and the front-engine, rear wheel drive has handling and cornering which provokes pure driving exhilaration.

The all-new 2015 sports car keeps its fun-to-drive character but adds more comfort, technology, safety features and refinement. It’s lighter than its predecessor and shorter and wider, but sits lower to the ground. My friend and her husband drove around Europe for three weeks last year in her MX-5 which proved an interesting and frustrating challenge due to the compromised luggage space.

She will be thankful to read that this new model has much better boot and cabin space.

With Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G technology both performance and economy are improved on both the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines. I drove the former which has 131 PS and found the gutsy engine needed a few easy but slick gear changes. (The more powerful 2.0-litre with 160 PS costs £850 more but CO2 emissions are increased so the owner pays more road tax.) The MX-5 is such an easy car to drive with

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MOTORING

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model: Mazda MX-5 SE Price: £18,495 otr Engine: 1.5-litre petrol Performance: 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph CO2 emissions: 139g/km Combined fuel consumption: 47.1mpg

a lovely six-speed manual gear change and brilliant road-holding. The car is sharp, agile and so easy to manoeuvre in the tightest of spaces.

Standard specification includes alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather steering wheel, plus lightweight and sleek fabric hood. The SE-L model adds LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with seven-inch colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.

Step up to Sport trim and both the 1.5-litre and 2.0litre cars have rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, Premium Bose Surround-Sound and, for a cooler summer day, heated leather seats.

AFFORDABLE FUN Versions of the all-new Mazda MX-5 fitted with the integrated navigation system come with three-years of free European map updates, while the range topping 2.0-litre Sport Nav is available with the optional £350 Safety Pack, which includes High Beam Control and

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Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Other standard safety features include front and side airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction ControlSystem (TCS).

Costing from £18,495, the MX-5 has to be one of the most affordable sports cars on UK roads and there are nine models and five trim levels to choose from. Until the end of this September, Mazda is offering some great finance deals which include no minimum deposit on Personal Contract Purchase and 5.9 per cent APR. Monthly benefit-in-kind for 20 per cent tax payers is £67 for the 1.5i SE introduction to the range.

And for those not fortunate enough to be driving a Mazda MX-5, the Good Garage Scheme workshops across the UK are offering a Holiday Check before the summer getaway! I Follow Sue Cooke on Twitter @cookecars

SHOWROOM: Colliers Motor Group, 825 Tyburn Road, Erdington, B24 9NY. Tel: 0844 846 8775 www.colliers-mazda.co.uk

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

KATE ROBERTS

Award-winning young teacher tells us how being crowned Young Coach of the Year was a total surprise and why she looks forward to going to work every day

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

fter graduating from the University of Birmingham, Yorkshire born Kate Roberts saw no reason to leave the city and began her teaching career at George Salter School in West Bromwich four years ago. Of Birmingham Kate said: “It’s a great city. There’s so much going on and if you’re into sport Birmingham is brilliant. I fell in love with the school too.”

George Salter School is in a deprived area and Kate and the rest of the team face the challenges that come with that every day, but through sport the pupils and local teenagers are getting engaged and active. Kate works in the Community Department and part of that role is to run the Street Games programme which offers eight sessions of sport per week to all local teenagers.

Kate said: “It’s an unthreatening informal environment and crucially all of the sessions are either free or cost £1.” The Friday evening football session is particularly good. “Teenagers who would normally be hanging around the school on a Friday night are now playing sport instead.” There’s an average of 20 youngsters per session, so 150-plus teens per week are benefitting from the scheme.

The youngsters can come and take part for 10 minutes or a whole session. It’s very flexible.

Kate said: “Some of the youngsters who have come to Street Games have had little or no direction. Many then go on to volunteer and realise that the younger kids look up to them.

They learn to communicate and how to be organised.” Fifteen of the volunteers have gone on to study for coaching qualifications that enable them to go on and forge a career.

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Quite often kids come along for the social element and then develop a love of a sport.

There have been some talented teens among the participants too. “The aim wasn’t to find superstars of tomorrow, but we have uncovered some very able youngsters who’ve gone on to talent academies and regional performance.”

Netball is Kate’s big thing and as well as Street Games, she started West Bromwich Netball Club with a friend which has become the most successful regional club in the West Midlands with the U14 and U16 teams coming second in the national finals in Newcastle making them the best state school in the country. Kate knocks on doors waking up the youngsters for training at the weekend and always travels with a boot full of sports gear she no longer needs to pass on to the team.

The young people and fellow coaches nominated Kate behind her back for the Young Coach of the Year award, so it was a lovely surprise. Kate was chosen from nearly 1,000 nominations, but she’s quick to deflect the limelight. “The award is for the whole programme. It’s for everyone. This isn’t a job to me – I just love it. Watching the kids progressing is satisfying and rewarding.”

Jane Ashworth OBE, CEO of StreetGames, said: “This shows the amazing impact Kate has had on the lives of young people in West Bromwich. Kate has worked tirelessly to bring sport into the community at the right time, to the right place, for the right price and in the right style.”

If the kids didn’t have this focus where would they be? Kate said: “Realistically many of them would be facing unemployment with no direction.” I

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GROWING PLACES

GREEN-FINGERED YOUNGSTERS DIG DEEP Gardeners at the National Trust’s Packwood House have been busy inspiring budding young horticulturalists this year. Gardening Clubs from Dorridge and Lapworth Junior Schools enjoyed planting bulbs so much last year that they were delighted to be invited back to work on the Kitchen Garden. A mixture of vegetables were planted in the plot themed Cinderella. Kitchen gardener John Richardson made a pumpkin coach while children made scarecrows of the Two Ugly Sisters to keep the birds at bay.

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

VIP TREAT FOR SOLIHULL TEEN Cameron Dixon enjoyed a red carpet experience at one of the most prestigious fund-raising events in the country. The 13-year-old from Solihull, who has the muscle weakening disease congenital myopathy, was a special guest at Caudwell Children’s annual Butterfly Ball at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Sir Bruce Forsyth, Rod Stewart and boy band Union J were among guests at the bash which raised £2million for the Staffordshire-based charity.

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PUPILS DECORATE

BABY ELEPHANTS

Local schools took part in decorating model elephants for a parade which launched this year’s Lichfield Festival. The procession of 35 baby elephants through the city’s streets was led by Indian dance artists Dance Sansaar and members of the Kenyan Masai Warrior Tribe. After being displayed around the city the elephants were auctioned.

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GROWING PLACES

FARZANA CROWNED UNSUNG HERO Biology teacher Farzana Pervez has been named Abbey College Birmingham’s Unsung Hero 2015. She was praised for enhancing the wider science community at the college as well as taking up numerous extracurricular roles including leading the school council, fund-raising for local charities, launching popular new clubs and accompanying a school trip to Iceland.

HERO: Farzana with principal Stephen Robinson

SILVER STAR: Pupil Lugmen Egeh presents Mr Gould with his award

INSPIRING HEAD RECEIVES LIFETIME AWARD David Gould, principal of Ark St Alban’s Academy has been presented with a prestigious Silver Pearson Teaching Award for Lifetime Achievement. More than 4,000 entries were received this year with just 58 Silver Awards being presented. Mr Gould, who has spent his career teaching in the West Midlands largely in disadvantaged areas, will now be considered for a Gold UK Teaching Award

ACE DAY: Mark Pxxxxx

TOP HISTORIAN LECTURES EHS GIRLS Edgbaston High School for Girls welcomed historian and TV personality Dr David Starkey when he gave a lecture to students and parents to mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Dr Starkey spoke on the evolution of the charter into the foundations of an English constitution. He also signed copies of his new book Magna Carta which has been written to commemorate the anniversary.

MAJOR DONATION FOR VALUES ACADEMY Charitable organisation Property for Kids has made a £17,000 donation to Values Academy’s fund-raising campaign to improve the school environment for disadvantaged children in Birmingham. The independent school delivers an alternative to mainstream education for young people aged 11 -18 who come from deprived backgrounds.

GIVING: Estelle Dimelor and Jilly Cosgrove with Academy students

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CANADA DEAL FOR LAW FIRM Birmingham law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co is joining forces with Canadian legal experts Gowlings to create a new international law business from January 2016 called Gowling WLG. The new firm will have more than 1,400 lawyers and legal professionals operating from 18 locations across the UK, Europe, Canada, Asia and the Middle East.

BUSINESS NEWS

CHAMPIONS: (Left to right) Capital FM’s Rob Howard with Luke, Aaron, Natalie and Gary and Heart FM’s Ed James

DREAM TEAM RUNS FOR HOME A team from Midlands-based communications agency Superdream is celebrating after winning Global Radio’s Run For Home challenge. The quartet was dropped at a secret location 100 miles away from the Genting Arena in Birmingham and tasked with making it back home in the quickest time without spending any cash. Aaron Jones, Natalie Harrigan, Luke Tuckey and Gary Lefevre completed the challenge in two hours and 26 minutes and raised more than £1,000 for the Make Some Noise charity.

JULIA JOINS THE CHAMBER Julia Gray has joined Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce as business development manager. Previously Julia worked for several businesses including a corporate clothing firm. She will split her time between Birmingham and the newly-launched Sutton Chamber.

She said: “I am looking forward to helping develop the good work which has been started by Sutton’s Business Improvement District which has led to the formation of the new chamber.”

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AWARDS BOOST

FOR HOSPITAL A cheque for more than £6,000 was presented to Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Young Persons Unit by BPS Birmingham Future. The money was raised at the recent BPS awards which were attended by 800 professionals from across the city’s business and professional service sector. The awards were hosted by Channel 4 Countdown presenter Rachel Riley. The title of Birmingham Young Professional of the Year went to Katie Kershaw of Node Urban Design.

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NOW, THIS REALLY IS HIGH-END DINING… Wow, what a view! This is the revamped Lanson White Dining room which has just undergone a £15,000 refurbishment at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill on the top floor of the Cube. New features include futuristic white chandeliers, bespoke upholstered dining/meeting table and chairs, as well as a feature wall showcasing Lanson White Label in boxed frames. Oh, and did we mention the view…

ON COURSE TO JOIN THE ELITE

PINTS MEAN

POUNDS What better way to raise money for a good cause than with a pub crawl? Birmingham BullRun, organised by the Mercantile Club business networking and support group, saw 150 revellers visit four city centre bars in the Jewellery Quarter in aid of Caudwell Children charity. The event, in its seventh year, is the UK’s largest business charity pub crawl and attracted participants from across the Midlands.

It’s said a lot of business happens on the golf course – and the Midlands boasts some of the finest in the country. One, the Bank House Hotel, Spa and Golf Club, has been invited to join the highest echelons of the international Best Western Group as a member of the BW Premier Collection made up of high quality properties that display excellent customer service and extensive facilities. The Bank House is one of the first three independent UK hotels to announce the collaboration.

SUE’S DRIVE TO SAVE LIVES Businesswoman Sue Cressman has seen her drive to help breast cancer patients realised with the delivery of stateof-the-art medical equipment to Queen Elizabeth and Good Hope Hospitals. Sue, wife of Nailcote Hall owner Rick Cressman, presented the hilotherapy machines – which aid the recovery of breast cancer reconstruction patients – to consultants Mohammed Ellabban and Alan Jewkes. She was joined by Paul Fendick of Jameson Seating, sponsor of the Pink Ball at the Hall in October, and Tony Ley, managing director of Hilotherapy UK.

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EAST MEETS WEST Business leaders were among guests who were entertained by Birmingham comedian Shazia Mirza at a gala East Meets West fund-raising event held in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice. ITV Central newsreader Sameena Ali-Khan hosted the evening which took place at CSN International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

NEW MAN AT THE ARCADE BRUM NAMED INVESTMENT ‘HOTSPOT’ Birmingham has become the only city in Europe to be named a Location of the Future by Site Selection, a global inward investment magazine. Location consultants and foreign direct investment specialists from across the world were surveyed for the rankings. They were asked where companies will be locating 10 years from now. Birmingham was recognised for its high quality infrastructure, affordability, education provision and skilled workforce.

James Roberts has been appointed by CBRE Global Investors to manage Great Western Arcade and its neighbouring Ten Colmore Row offices. James, who will oversee operations and facilities management, said: “Our primary objective is to reposition Great Western Arcade as the home of unique retail, offering the best Birmingham brands. We are creating a climate for smaller retailers to thrive in this fast-paced competitive marketplace.”

SMALL BUSINESS BOOST AT JLR An event to help the region’s SMEs was held at Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing plant. Organised by the Manufacturing Special Interest Group from the Institute of Chartered of Accountants for England and Wales, it was attended by members and business leaders who heard from a variety of expert speakers giving their views on the challenges faced by the industry’s smaller organisations. Speakers included Michael Mychajluk of Jaguar Land Rover.

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WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM BRUM Our cultural and hospitality offerings as a city are really impressive – so let’s find an effective way to promote that.

We aren’t all about shopping!

Please introduce yourself I am Ann Tonks, managing director of a small, independent business which runs three dining/drinking venues in the Birmingham city centre – Opus at Cornwall Street restaurant, Bar Opus at One Snowhill and Café Opus at Ikon gallery.

What does your company do?

We run three very different types of venues that complement each other. They cater for a variety of markets from finer dining to casual café to a cocktail bar.

Each has its own personality, but each is fuelled by a passion for market fresh. We are independent and ingredient-led.

”

How do you feel your clients see the city?

Very positively. Birmingham is a great place to do business, and in the last two years there has been a return to confidence.

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

Huge advantages: There are highly effective, dynamic BIDS in the city (and the CBD in particular is a big supporter of business); it has a great programme of improving the public realm; it offers world class music, ballet and theatre and it has excellent universities and one of the best educational foundations for secondary schools in the country (King Edward Foundation).

What should our priorities be as a city?

Is Brum a good place to do To ensure that we integrate our rich business? variety of neighbourhoods and ethnicity. To We have found over the 10 years find an effective way of promoting to the since Opus at Cornwall Street opened nation our cultural and hospitality offerings, that it is a great place to do business. which are the most impressive outside of Our customers are lovely, friendly London; we aren’t all just about shopping!

Opus managing director Ann Tonks people who are knowledgeable about To become a city that embraces commerce food and drink and are hungry for quality and innovation. rather than fighting it – please reduce parking charges!

What are your biggest gripes with it?

I think that, no matter where you operate an SME in Britain today, there are challenges in obtaining finance, getting your voice heard, and competing with the all-tooubiquitous national and international chains. Too many landlords and developers are keen to take the easy route of signing up known chains. That is a key reason why we love operating in the Colmore Business District for two of our venues, because it has burgeoned with like-minded independent businesses.

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If you had £1bn to spend on improving Brum what would you do with it?

I would open the most spectacular, beautifully designed museum of our heritage proclaiming confidently that Birmingham, through its role in the Industrial Revolution and developing city government, invented the modern world. And I would love to see the city create a city centre food market to rival those in Barcelona and on the continent, focusing on the wonderful produce from around the British Isles. I

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GLITTERING EVENING BREAKS ALL RECORDS Awards night raises £100,000 for Air Ambulance life-savers

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ore than £100,000 was raised at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball – enough to pay for 40 lifesaving missions. Supported by corporate partners including platinum sponsor Concept Resourcing and held at Edgbaston Stadium, the record-breaking sum was raised thanks to the generosity of the 500 guests who attended the black tie event. The night also celebrated and recognised the hard work and dedication of individuals and businesses who have gone above and beyond to support the charity. I

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IAB MARKS WOMEN’S DAY AT EDGBASTON Reception for 150 guests hears top speakers from business and media n Institute of Asian Businesses’ event to celebrate International Women’s Day attracted nearly 150 guests. Held at Edgbaston cricket ground, guest speakers included Sajna Rahman, operations excellence manager at leading facilities management company Sodexo, and former BBC presenter Suzanne Virdee. The reception was also addressed by IAB president Saqib Bhatti. Guests were treated to a virtuoso violin performance by Melika Queely. I

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1 Samina Rahman, Bilkis Ali, Dr Haseena Lockhat. 2 Dal Dhaliwal, Gurpreet Bachu, Karen Kaur. 3 Danny Maskell, Laura Crofts, Chloe Hill, Anisha Patel, Ed McCabe. 4 Juree Chidwick, Hema Chauhan, Leah Naipul. 5 Sam Watts, Serena Tutt. 6 Ellie Bekalo, Sam Wilson, Nikki Fryer. 7 David Tomalin, Sara Burns, Helen Dyke, Stephanie Wall. 8 Alison Bradley, Lakhbir Singh, Pardip Phull. 9 Shaun Hindley, Sunil Adbbi, David Darlaston.

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WINE STORE UNCORKS EXCITING NEW LOOK Connolly’s holds event to mark the unveiling of Livery Street revamp ine lovers raised their glasses at the unveiling of the new look Livery Street, Birmingham store of Connolly’s, the leading independent fine wine and spirits merchant.

Originally opened in 1991, the Jewellery Quarter-based store has undergone a substantial facelift, delivering more space for popular tasting and networking events previously held off-site. It also allows the growing business to double its range of craft gins, malt whiskies and liquors and devote a section to craft beers.

Connolly’s has a second store in Olton, Solihull. I

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1 Bryan Manly-Green, Andrew Kay, Abigail Connolly, Matt Roberts, Cara Verheye. 2 Sally Bowen, David Wright, Sandra Murray.

3 John Lowe, Elaine Shoosmith, James Leavesley. 4 Emily Nash, Hayley Miller, Annmarie Power. 5 Mike Wiseman, Elaine Simmons, Mark Stammers. 6 Kirsty Taylor, Chris Lilley, Sarah Morris. 7 Lizzie Miller, Graham Wharmby, Mary Griffin. 8 Luke Crane, Greta Geoghegan, Tania and Chris Connolly.

Photography by Dale Martin

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ROCKET CAR STARS IN THE FAST SHOW Richard Noble brings business leaders up to speed on 1,000mph record attempt usiness leaders were given a fascinating update on the attempt to break the World Land Speed record of 1,000mph when the Bloodhound SSC (SuperSonic Car) came to Birmingham. Moore Stephens, one of the UK’s top 10 accountancy firms, hosted the event for 100 guests at its Calthorpe Road offices with the support of Calthorpe Estates, Perkins Slade and Birmingham City University. They heard from Bloodhound project director Richard Noble who brought along a fullsized model of the jet rocket powered car which aims to break the record in 2016. I

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1 Nick Harrison, Clive Baker. 2 Gurdeep Singh, Shai Patel. 3 Jayne Herritty, Suk Aulak, Richard Noble, Nick Tamblyn, Parmjit Chima.

4 Poonam Aulak, Elliot Harris. 5 Harmz Pattar, Michael O’Connor. 6 Angela Watkins, Karen Steed. 7 Graham Meek, Derek Perry, Max Totney. 8 Peter Mintoft, Barry Charlton, Ross Northall.

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CHAMPAGNE TASTING ADDS FIZZ TO FINALE Leading Ladies learn everything you need to know about bubbly from Laurent-Perrier

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eading Ladies at Birmingham Hippodrome held their final event of the 2014-2015 calendar in fizzy style with a Laurent-Perrier Champagne tasting and tutorial. Laurent-Perrier’s Steve Brandwood and Tony Carter put 40 guests through their paces, revealing the history and production process of the French familyowned luxury brand. Among guests were new network member Elaine Elkington and Beth Rose from sponsor Highfield Wellness and Beauty. Winner of a magnum of Laurent-Perrier was HSBC’s Victoria Emery. Other winners received hand-created posies from Carole Patilla of Tuckshop Flowers. The evening raised £900 for Hippodrome Plus. I

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1 Sharon Hipkiss, Launa Herne, Wai-Kwan Chin, Sarah Beeston, Rachel Hill. 2 Victoria Emery, Tony Carter, Kate Courbet.

3 Abisola Latunji, Emma Malczewski, Adele Raiment. 4 Jayne Herritty, Linda McBride. 5 Dorothy Hobson, Elaine Elkington.

6 Stephanie Mason, Jackie Hendley, Deborah Phillips, Victoria Emery. 7 Veronica Kumeta, Pat Murphy-Wright. 8 Rachel Hill, Linda McBride, Nikki Gibberson. 9 Jane Jones, Hannah Jones, Kavita Chauhan, Alison Scott, Angela Irvine.

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VIP AUDIENCE ATTENDS TOP BUSINESS AWARDS Black Country leaders come together for red carpet Asian Business evening ore than 550 people attended the Black Country Asian Business Awards at Wolverhampton Racecourse. VIP guests came from the region’s private and public sectors and included representatives from the four councils of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Sukhjinder Khera, managing director of food manufacturer KTC edibles, was the keynote speaker. Awards chairman Ninder Johal, who is president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Black Country LEP, said that the event’s popularity is a sign of the strength of the Black Country economy. More than £6,000 was raised for the charity Promise Dreams I

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1 Lorraine and William Pearson, Narinder Johal. 2 Tommy Sandhu, Jagir Singh Dudrah, Ninder Johal 3 Alison Bradley, Kulvinder Atwal, Julia Jones, Rin Ryan. 4 Paul Sabapathy, Jindy Khera. 5 Hap Bains, Bal Kailey. 6 Sohnial, Manpreet and Amanpreet Gill. 7 Partho Bose, Kate Courbet, Victoria Emery, Jeremy Cope. 8 Jitha Singh, Mani Singh. 9 Adrian Wright, Rani Uppelle.

Photography by Jas Sansi

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BUSINESS COMMUNITY TOASTS NEW LAUNCH Professionals enjoy an evening of fine wines, courtesy of Haig&Co

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he official launch of Haig&Co, a specialist finance and accounting recruitment business, was held at Hotel Du Vin. The event was attended by professionals from Birmingham’s SME and corporate community who also enjoyed an evening of wine tasting. Roger Birchall from Brown Jacobson won a bottle of Champagne donated by Tony Elvin, GM of HDV. Haig&Co has been set up by Damian Navas and Greg Morrall. I

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1 Sharnpal Jettle, Jo Tadis, Andrew Berry, Andrew Lavoipierre. 2 Chris Chandler, Charlotte Harper, Henry Porter. 3 Scott Brown, Matt Rolfe, Damian Navas. 4 Tracey Bryne, Jo Johnson. 5 Stewart Sherman, Vinny Bhogal. 6 Sian Kelly, Nicola Lathbury, Greg Morrall. 7 Rebecca Barton, Karen, O'Donovan. 8 Amir Rasool, Naomi Slator, Damian Navas. 9 Matthew Brown, Roger and Noreen Birchill.

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TENNIS LADIES ENJOY SMASHING DAY OUT Edgbaston Priory Club serves up a memorable Classic in the sunshine adies Day was served up with style as guests enjoyed the sunshine and Champagne at this year’s Aegon Classic at Edgbaston Priory Club.

The tournament provided some memorable tennis on the immaculate grass courts, including Sabine Lisicki breaking the world record for the most aces served (27) in one match on the WTA tour. The week also saw British No 1 Heather Watson open five new courts in Cannon Hill Park as part of Edgbaston Priory Club’s community tennis programme designed to get more people playing the sport. I

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1 Michelle McCusker, Charlotte Chandler. 2 Ronnie Shoebotham, Harriet Moat, Linda Meek. 3 Val Rushton and friends. 4 Julia George and friend. 5 Leslie Goodenough. 6 Micky Fallows, Tracy Baker. 7 Nick George, Tim Venner and friend. 8 Simon Venner. 9 Sarah Arnold.

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WHAT: Stratford-on-Sea WHEN: Until 6 September WHERE: Bancroft Terrace, Stratford-upon-Avon, tel 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk/stratford-on-sea The Royal Shakespeare Company is offering families six weeks of free drop-in entertainment, with extra activity taking place on weekends, as Stratford-on-Sea returns to the Bancroft Terrace throughout the summer holidays. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHAT: Salsa dancing

WHAT: King Charles III

WHEN: 27 August

WHEN: 4 to 19 September

WHERE: Jam House, tel 0121 200 3030

WHERE: Birmingham Rep,

www.thejamhouse.com

tel 0121 236 4455

There’s a distinct Latin vibe to the Jam House this month with the sounds of the popular Salsa seven-piece Del Camino supported by Mauricio Reyes and his army of Latin Motion DJs and dancers.

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk The Queen is dead. After a lifetime of waiting, the prince ascends to the throne.

A future of power. But how to rule?

Following its critically-acclaimed West End run, Mike Bartlett’s Olivier award-winning new future history play comes to the Rep.

WHAT: Sir Mark Elder and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain WHEN: 7 August WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk WHAT: The Mersey Beatles WHEN: 5 September WHERE: Palace Theatre Redditch, tel 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Voted as best Beatles band by the British Beatles fan club these boys have racked up more than 3,500 performances at the Cavern Club alone and have headlined festivals and events the world over. Come and see what the fuss is all about.

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The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain perform Mahler’s Ninth Symphony under the inspirational direction of Sir Mark Elder.

This should be a totally uplifting, inspiring and brilliant performance.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship WHEN: 11 to 14 August WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk The Championship returns to Nailcote Hall to once again play host to a huge array of big names from the world of golf and well-known celebrities from television, sport and the media.

WHAT: Around The World In 80 days WHEN: 21 August

WHAT: BMW Car Club Festival

WHERE: Packwood House, tel 01564 782024

WHEN: 16 August

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/packwood-house

WHERE: Heritage Motor Centre, tel 01926 641188

A wonderful opportunity to enjoy an outdoor family theatre event in the stunning national Trust gardens. Don't forget to bring your picnic!

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk Europe’s largest gathering of BMWs, promises to be even bigger than last year with up to 3,000 models including M Power, Alpina, ZED, as well as modern, classic and modified models – plus MINIs will take part in the popular show.

WHAT: Bangla Beats WHEN: 26 August WHERE: Barclaycard Arena, tel 0844 338 8000

WHAT: Summer in Southside 2015

www.theticketfactory.com

WHEN: 29 and 30 August

Bangla Beats will be hitting Birmingham this month for the largest bangla concert ever to be held in the UK. Packed with a variety of performances, it will be a great evening out for all Bangladeshi music lovers.

WHERE: Various locations, visit www.summerinsouthside.com

august 2015

An entertaining jamboree of spectacular street performance returns to Hippodrome Square and Arcadian. Bring family and friends to this free festival on August bank holiday and have a taste of all that Southside has to offer.

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WHAT: Dick vs Dom WHEN: 6 September WHERE: Town Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk It’s fight time as Dick and Dom go head-to-head in the ring.

The audience compete against each other in a succession of madcap games. Expect full-on entertainment for kids and parents from the four-time BAFTA winning legends on their first and explosive live tour.

WHAT: The Color Run Birmingham WHEN: 15 August WHERE: NEC Birmingham, tel 0844 581 1341 www.thecolorrun.co.uk The craziest, most colourful 5k you’ll ever take part in!

All standards and ages welcome… just make sure you have a white shirt on!

WHAT: Free children summer activities in-store WHEN: 4, 6, 25 and 27 August WHERE: Selfridges Birmingham, www.selfridges.com There will be a selection of fun, free activities to keep the children happy and occupied over the summer holidays.

See in-store for more details.

WHAT: Jaws: Outdoors WHEN: 14 August WHERE: Mac Birmingham, tel 0121 446 3232

WHAT: Sing-a-Long-a-Frozen

www.macarts.co.uk

WHEN: 21 August

Sundown Cinema returns to Mac's outdoor arena with the theme Monsters and Mayhem.

Prepare yourself for a summer of special themed events with this classic film starring a gigantic great white shark that goes ballistic.

WHERE: New Alexandra Theatre, tel 0844 8713011

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www.atgtickets.com/birmingham A full screening of Disney’s monster hit with the lyrics on screen to help you sing along. Introduced by a live host who will guide you through this interactive screening by showing you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices and teach you some dance moves.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Pongo’s Party WHAT: Florence and the Machine

WHEN: 19 and 20 August

WHEN: 19 September

WHERE: The Old Rep,

WHERE: Genting Arena, tel 0844

tel 0121 359 9444

338 8000 www.ticketfactory.com

www.oldreptheatre.co.uk

Returning to the stage with their first full UK tour since March 2012, Florence pops into Birmingham following a big festival season where they rocked places like Glastonbury, Splendour In The Grass and Electric Picnic.

An interactive show full of fun, songs and games, featuring the voice of Justin Fletcher himself, AKA CBeebies’ Mr Tumble, as Pongo the Pig! Come along and join in the party with the biggest ever game of pass the parcel…

WHAT: Leamington Food Festival WHEN: 5 and 6 September WHERE: Royal Pump Room gardens, tel 01926 470634 www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk This awesome festival returns with another actionpacked programme over two days. Around 150 stalls will showcase the very best in local food and drink with demonstrations, master classes and entertainment for all.

WHAT: The Bodyguard WHEN: 5 August to 5 September WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com The award-winning musical based on the blockbuster film is heading to Birmingham!

Starring X Factor’s Alexandra Burke and featuring one of the…er…greatest hit songs of all time: I Will Always Love You.

WHAT: BikeFest WHEN: 13 September WHERE: Eastside City Park, www.birminghambikefest.com A free family-friendly festival celebrating all things cycling has been launched and will ride into Birmingham this summer. Suitable for all ages and abilities, there’ll be some awesome bike stunt performances from Action Sports as well as ‘have-ago’ stunt sessions and a kids’ Strider Adventure Zone.

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IN THE CITY Dan and James Neale shot to fame as part of Britain’s Got Talent family group, The Neales. We got their take on living and working in Brum TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF DN: I am a senior analyst at Deutsche Bank. The majority of my career in banking has been spent in cash equities and stock loan. At the beginning of the year something quite unbelievable happened… when my dad persuaded us to audition for Britain’s Got Talent!

JN: I am a senior solicitor in the Birmingham offices of international law firm DWF LLP. HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? DN: James and I both live on Newhall Street in the same building (in different flats!). He will tell you that I copied him, but I think he’s just jealous of the fact I got the same flat much cheaper. For me it’s a 10minute walk up the stunning Birmingham canal network and for James it’s a five-minute walk to DWF at One Snow Hill

for me (during working hours). Dan doesn’t do hot drinks.

He will be found in the pub rather than a coffee shop!

LUNCHTIME? DN: I recently had a great sandwich from Anderson & Hill in Great Western Arcade and for a treat it’s a chicken burrito from Habaneros. They do excellent Mexican food from a van outside House of Fraser! If I am with a client I normally choose Primitivos on Barwick Street.

JN: And Bank in Brindleyplace is always a good shout…

POWERWALKING? DN: Around St Paul’s Square and the JQ – that part of the city will always feel really special!

JN: Bannatyne’s gym in Brindleyplace three or four times a week.

WHERE'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART HOW'S THE COMMUTE? OF THE CITY? JN: Fantastic – I never hit any JN: St Paul’s Square – not many cities Dan and James of The Neales traffic or have any issues finding a have such a beautiful area of land so parking spot! close to the centre of town.

DN: Flawless (apart from when it rains).

DN: The Hippodrome – it’s where The Neales’ first audition took place and 2,000 people gave us a standing IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? ovation – very emotional!

DN: I love working (and playing) in Birmingham. More companies, especially in the banking sector, are realising AFTERWORK PINT? the vast talent we have in the city and are choosing to invest JN: The Pitcher & Piano in Brindleyplace on a Friday here. We have so much to be proud of and long may the evening. Fumo is also a nice spot that Dan, dad and I city continue to flourish. regularly go to for after work drinks.

JN: People are what makes a city great – we have some great people who get huge enjoyment out of seeing the HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? region flourish.

JN: With continual investment in the great talent and infrastructure. The regeneration of New Street station and COFFEE BREAK? new John Lewis store will showcase this further. Can’t wait JN: I’ve been told I make a great cuppa, but to see it! unfortunately I don’t drink the stuff – it’s usually just H2O DN: The new tram system will be a real positive too. I

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