There’sneveradullmomentinBrum.Whetherit’sofficialdomstuff,likethestinkover thebinstrike,theongoingfinancialfall-outandcutsresultingfromthecouncil’scash crisis,ortherecentonlinebacklashcausedbytheauthority’splanstolookat introducingparkingchargesinitscurrentlyfreeparks.Or,morepositively,thefunstufflikeallthefestivals, concertsandsummermarkets,theWildArtbulltrail(ahitwiththekids)andthecolourfulstreetartto celebratethenewSmurfsmovie(anotherhitwiththekids).Andnotforgettingthewonderfulnewsthatoneof thecity’shistorictreasures,BirminghamBotanicalGardens,hasclinchedthefundingitneedsforitsmultimillion-poundprojecttodeliveranexcitingnewfuture.
Plus,there’salltheawesomesport,likethepulsatingPhoenixsmashingsixesalloverEdgbastoncricketground inthethrillingHundred.Ortheunforgettablelast-everBlackSabbathconcertrockingtheraftersoffVillaPark, andtheemotionallychargedfuneralparadeforourOzzywhichdrewthousandsontothecitycentrestreets. Trulyamazingscenes!
Yesindeed,itisneverquietinthisgreatcityofours–weevenhavethenoisiestneighboursinthecountry, apparently,accordingtoarecentsurvey.Don’taskmehowtheyworkedthatoneout…buthey,let’sjustgo withtheflow!(TurnthatdamnTVdownwillyou!!)
Inwhathasbeenarecord-breakingsummerforheatwavesandscorchingtemperaturesintheregion,therehave beenmanywonderfulhighlightsthatsetusapartfromeveryotherUKcity.So,aswestarttothinkabout autumnandbeyond,let’sgiveBirminghamandBrummiesahugeroundofapplauseforbeingtheundisputed bestthereis.
Rightthen…ontotheChristmasshopping!Onlykidding…
EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk
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Highlights
News
Bringingyouthebrightest,mostcolourful storiesfromacrossthecitythismonth
RustieLee
Gameforalaugh…thenationaltreasureon hernewpodcastandherloveforBrummies
PaulLemmon
Theartist’samazingpixelatedoilpaintings blurthelinesbetweendigitalandanalogue
Food&Drink
Chef’sCornerwithTropea’sKasiaPiatkowska plusnews,reviews,recipesandtopwinepicks
Health
Overcomingthestressofexamresultsday plusWorldAlzheimer’sMonthinfocus
SeptemberStyle
Howtonavigatethatin-betweenperiodfrom coolsummerdressestowarmingautumngear
BestoftheRest
Homes
Latestlooks,trendsandtipstoturnyour bathroomintoastylishsanctuaryofbliss
Young,Gifted&Brummie
DesignerMeganGinnisatthecuttingedgeof fashionwithhertrailblazinguseofbiomaterials
BusinessNews
Allthelatestnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity
42 54 59 62 64 66
BirminghamRoyalBallet
Recently-appointedchiefexecutivePaul Jamesrevealshisambitionsforthecompany
What’sOn
Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigs inourround-upofmust-seeevents
UpClose
WithstaroftheatreandTV,AdrianLester aheadofhisdebutattheRSCinStratford
CABARET& CABERNET
TheGrandHotelBirminghamhas launchedCabaretandCabernet,anew Thursdayeveningspin-offofits entertainmentandspeakeasyconcept: DownstairsatTheGrandHotel.Hosted inthehotel’sbasementrestaurant, Isaac’s,CabaretandCabernetpairsa three-coursedinnerandglassof Proseccowithaneveningoflivecabaret byworld-classtheatreperformers. GeneralmanagerJohanScheeperssaid: “DownstairsatTheGrandhasbeen receivedsowell,andit’sincredibly excitingtolaunchCabaretand Cabernetasthenextstep.”
BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH
CHESSEXPRESS
Chessplayersexperiencedanunusualmovewhentheytookpartinthe UK’sfirsttournamentheldonatrain.WestMidlandsRailwayhosted theeventonthe10:36fromBirminghamNewStreettoLichfieldTrent Valley.Theplayerswereselectedbychesscafé(@chesscafebrum),a fortnightlysocialnightincentralBirminghamthatbringstogether chess,musicandcoffee.Abdi-RahimHaji,co-founderofchesscafé, said:“Wehopethiswillinspiremorepeopletopickupthegame, whetherit’sinapark,atacoffeeshop–orevenontheircommute.”
Ladiesandgentlemen…meetthestarofthe show,LossitheLurcher.Andnotjustany show–theRoyalShakespeareCompany’s latestproduction,noless!Lossiplayedthe roleofCrabthedogintheRSC’sTheTwo GentlemenofVerona.Aprofessionally trainedcanineperformerwithimpeccable stagemannersandanoseforcomedy,the nine-year-oldofferedplentyoftail-wagging humourinthe80-minuteadaptationatThe OtherPlaceinStratford.
LGBTBOOST
Birmingham’sLGBTCentreismovingonupwithabrand-newhub fortheaward-winningLGBTQ+charity.Thepurpose-builtspaceat HurstStreetfeaturesclinicalandconsultationspaces,meetingrooms andalargecaféandeventsarea,allsituatedonthegroundfloor.The charitywasestablishedin2002toprovidefortheneedsofthe LGBTQ+communityoutsideofaone-dayPridefestival.Steph Keeble,directorofBirminghamLGBT,said:“Ican’twaitforpeopleto seethisamazingnewspaceintheheartoftheGayVillage.“
TURNINGANEWLEAF: Lefttoright:GardensCEOSaraBlair-Manningwiththe university’sProfAdamTickellandProfWilliamBloss
CALLOFTHEWILD
JOINTHEBIGWALK
FEASTOFFUN
TwoofBirmingham’smosthistoricorganisationsarecultivatingayear-longpartnership foruniqueresearch,whichincludesrewildingurbanlandscapes.TheUniversityof BirminghamandBirminghamBotanicalGardens’initiativeisdesignedtoimprove understandingofthenaturalworld,wellbeingandculturalbenefitsofthegardens. World-leadingresearchersfromtheuniversitywillbeabletoaccesspartsoftheGlobal LivingCollectionofplantsandbetterunderstandhowhorticulturecanbringeconomic andsocialbenefits,aswellasexplorethepotentialforspecialisthorticulturalresearch. BirminghamComedyFestival,theUK’ssecondlongestrunningcomedy/artsfestival,isgearingupforafeastof funwithahostofawesomeshowsplannedfrom3to12 Octoberacrossthecity.Thefestivalfeaturesmorethan90 performancesincludingbig-names,emergingactsandthe bestcomediansfromtheWestMidlands.Kickingoff proceedingsistheprestigiousBirminghamComedyFestival BreakingTalentAwardon3OctoberattheGleeClub.Find outmoreaboutthefestivalatwww.bhamcomfest.co.uk
PeopleacrosstheWestMidlandsare beingcalledontotakepartinthis year’sAlzheimer'sSocietyMemory Walks–joiningthousandsacrosstheUK steppingouttohelpfunddementia supportandresearch.The12nationwideeventsincludeBirmingham MemoryWalkinSuttonParkon Saturday,20September.Thewalksare opentoallagesandabilitieswithroutes rangingfrom2kmto10km.Fulldetails at:memorywalk.org.uk
■ SeeourHealthpages
SMURF-TASTIC!
TheSmurfshaveinvadedBrum!Thearttakeoverwaslaunchedincelebrationof ParamountPictures’newfilm,SMURFS,featuringRihanna,JamesCordenand HannahWaddinghamamongothers.Theeightartworkswerecreatedbyfemale artistgroup,WOMCollective,agrassrootscollectivepassionateaboutinspiring andempoweringeachotherandtheircommunities.Locationsfeaturedinclude ThinkTankScienceMuseum,BrindleyplaceandBirminghamCityFC.
PADEL POWER
Arisingstarinthesportof padelheldaseriesoffundraisingeventsforBreastCancer UK.BenCoeulle’sfirstchallenge tookplaceinhishometown whenheranintheRoyal SuttonFunRuninSutton Coldfield.Furtherfund-raisers includedinManchesterwhere hewasjoinedbycomedian JasonManford,pictured.The 23-year-old,GB-rankedpadel playerdecidedtoraisemoney afterthebreastcancer diagnosisofhiscousinDanielle, aged32,earlierthisyear.
MOREGREATESCAPES
GAMESSTARS
Let’shearitforBirmingham’samazinggoldmedal-winningtransplant superstars!TheteamfromBirminghamChildren’sHospitalwas awarded78medalsattheBritishTransplantGames–34gold,33silver and11bronze–aswellastheBestLiverTeamandBestChildren’s Teamtitles.Theannualcelebrationshowcasingthepoweroforgan donation,featuredmorethan1,000competitorswhotookpartina hostofsports,includingswimming,trackandfield,archeryandtennis.
READYTOROCK
Globalescaperoom providerEscapeHunthas addedthreenew adventurestoitsvenueat ResortsWorld.Visitorscan nowtakeontheKingof VampiresinDracula,draw theswordfromthestone inExcaliburandunearth AztecsecretsinEyeofthe SunGod.Theyjointhefour existingescaperoom adventures–Alicein Puzzleland,Escapethe WildWest,Aladdinand DoctorWho:ADalek Awakens.EscapeHunt CEO,RichardHarpham said:“Thenewadventures bringevenmore excitementtoourline-up.”
Rocksteady–theUK’sbiggestandfastest-growing musicschool–haspickedBirminghamforitsnew base,whereitplanstocreate100musiceducation jobsinthenextthreeyears.Thenewfacilitywas launchedataspecialeventattendedbyJimSimpson, managingdirectorofBigBearRecordsandfirst manageroflegendaryBirminghamrockband,BlackSabbath,anddeputymayoroftheWestMidlands,Cllr SharonThompson.RocksteadyMusicSchoolspecialisesinprovidingprimary-agechildrenwithin-school bandlessons,includingat212schoolsacrosstheWestMidlands.
LYNN’SSHOWOFSUPPORT
AwomanfromBirminghamisorganisinga celebrityeventtosupportpatientswithmotor neuronedisease(MND)followingthesudden lossofherhusband.CrownGreenBowls playerMelEvansdiedattheageof65,just 15monthsafterashockMNDdiagnosis.His widowLynnPritchatthassincecreateda charityinhisname.Amongthoseattending thefund-raisingnightatEdgbastonCricket Groundon18OctoberwillbeformerEngland cricketerPhilTufnellandactorandTV personalityChristopherBiggins.
BAKE-A-DATE
Bigger,bolderandsweeterthanever! That’sthepromisewhenCake InternationalandBakeInternational switchesontheovensandturnsupthe heatonitsreturntotheNECfrom31 Octoberto2November.Theworld’s premiershowforcakemakersandbakers willfeaturemorethan200industryleadingexhibitors,plushands-on workshops,andthelaunchoftheCake& BakeInternationalAwards.Fulldetailsat www.cakeinternational.co.uk
ONTHEBULL
There’sstilltimetotakethebullbythehornsandseeforyourselfoneof thecity’smosttalkedaboutsightsofthesummer.TheBullsintheCity arttrailfeaturing128individuallydecoratedsculpturesofBirmingham’s famouslandmark,endson14September.BirminghamHospicepartnered withWildinArttocreatetheshowstoppingtrailwhichwaslaunchedin July.The40largefibreglassbullsculptureswillbeauctionedoffin Octobertoraisefundsforthehospice.
STEVEN’S007MISSION
Stirred,butnotshaken.PeakyBlinderscreator StevenKnightistakingtheexcitingnewsthat heistowritethenextJamesBondfilminhis stride.ThecreatoroftheBafta-winningBBC dramasetinpost-WorldWarOneBirmingham andstarringCillianMurphy,said:“Ihavebeen aBondfanforyearssoit’sfantastictobe invitedtodoit.Ican’twaittogetstarted.” Themovie,whichwillbedirectedbyDune's DenisVilleneuve,iscurrentlyindevelopment atAmazonMGMStudios.
GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk CARLOSHONOURED
Asaworld-renownballetstarCarlosAcostahaswornmany glitteringcostumesonstage,buthedonnedsomethingvery differentwhenhereceivedhislatestaccolade.Thedirectorof BirminghamRoyalBalletwasregaledincolourfulgownand headwearwhenhereceivedanhonorarydegreefromthe UniversityofBirmingham.Thedegreeistheuniversity's highesthonour,awardedtoindividualswhohave madeacontributionofmajorsignificancetotheir field.Carlos’sworkincludesOnYourMarksfor theBirmingham2022CommonwealthGames andtheacclaimedBlackSabbath-TheBallet.
LAUGHING MATTERS
SEND-OFFANDTHEWONDERFULPEOPLEOFBIRMINGHAM
Thatlaugh.It’sdeeplyinfectiousandwespentmuchof ourinterviewcacklingsometimesfornoapparent reason.That’sthethingwithRustieLee.Youcan’thelp butsmile,oftenhowl.Sheradiatesfeelgoodvibeswhetherin person,onthephoneorthroughtheTVscreen.
She’salsolaunchingapodcast,ARecipeforLife,afterwhich, shesayshersonmightneedtherapy!She’sfrontingacampaign bySmartEnergytogetusallinstallingsmartmetersand undergoingsafetychecksofourenergyequipment–soundsabit dull,butRustiesomehowmakesitseemlikeahoot,regalingtales ofherDIYmishaps.Unlessit’schangingaplug,shenowcallsin theexperts.Probablyforthebest.
Rustiehasdonesomeincrediblethingsinhercareer.Aswellas cookingupaCaribbeanstormonTVforyearsandhosting primetimeshow,GameforaLaugh,sherandomlyappearedin DuranDuran’sWildBoysvideo,releasedanalbuminthe eighties,sangwithCliffRichardonabusfortheQueen’sJubilee whichshedescribesasanhonourandhasappearedonaneclectic bunchofrealityshows.She’shadherfingersinalotofpies.
BEAUTIFULHEART
RustielivesinWestSussexnow,butherheart’sin Birmingham.WespokethedayafterOzzyOsbourne’sfuneral processionthroughthecitywhichshewatchedonTVwithtears inhereyes.Shesays:“Whatabeautifulsend-off.”Theway peoplecametogetherandcelebratedOzzysumsupher hometownforRustie.
Shesays:“Peoplearewarmandloving–justwonderful people.Youcan’twalkpastsomeonewithoutsayinghello.It’sa nicelittleword.Birmingham’schangedovertheyears–thereare morepeopleandmorecarsbuteverythingmustchange.Atthe coreofBirminghamisabeautifulheart.”
ThesuccessoftheCommonwealthGameswasasourceof prideforRustietooduringwhichshelovedwatchinghercity shine.Shesays:“Itwasphenomenal.PrinceCharlesashewas thencomingtoBirminghamandthebull–itwasalljust magnificent.”
GAMEFORALAUGH
RustiearrivedinBirminghamfromJamaicaagedfourand wenttoHandsworthWoodGirlsSchoolandlatertotheCollege ofFoodandDomesticScience,whereshegraduatedwith distinctionasaMasterBaker.Sheworkedinherfamily’s CaribbeanbakeryandlatersetupRustie’s,thefirst-ever CaribbeansilverservicerestaurantinSohoRoad,Handsworth. ItwastherethatshewasspottedbyBBCproducersofthePebble
MillatOneshowwhoinvitedhertoshowcase Caribbeanfoodontheprogramme.
Rustie’sfirst-everTVappearancewasonPebble MillhostedbylegendarycomedianEricMorecambe. AppearancesonATV(CentralTV)followed beforeTV-amcamecalling.Shebuiltherreputation asBritain’sNo1authorityonCaribbeancooking duringaneight-yearresidencyonTV-am.Rustiethen becamethefirst-everblackpresenterofaSaturday nightprimetimenetworkentertainmentshow,Game foraLaugh.
WILDBOYS
AswellascookingandTVwork,Rustiehasa powerfulsingingvoice.Sheperformedinclubs aroundBirminghamintheeightiesandwas eventuallysignedbyStylusMusic.Shereleasedan albumin1985titled,InvitationtoParty.DuranDuran hadthesamemanagementwhichishowtheWild Boysvideocameabout.Rustie’sfacefillsaTVscreen sporadicallythroughoutthevideoencouragingthe bandawayfromthedarknessandintothelight.She says:“I’mfamousforlaughingalotandit’sbasically justmyfacelaughingontheTV.”
Recordingthepodcasthasbeenablastparticularly whenfilmingwithherson.It’sessentiallyRustie beingRustieinterviewingpeoplewhileshecooks.She says:“Myson’sinterviewingmeatonepointandI thinkIshockedhimwithsomeofthethingsIsaid. Heneedstherapynow!”Ifbehindthescenesfootage onInstagramisanythingtogoby,itwillbeagiggle.
Obviously.Rustiehasalsobeenworkingonanew livetheatreshowwhichtakeson‘AnEveningWith’ formatincorporatinglotsofchataswellasmusicwith Rustiesingingsomeofherfavouritetracks accompaniedbyapianist.Fornow,it’satesterin PortsmouthbutRustiesaysifitgoeswell,she’dloveto bringittoBirmingham. ■
BESMART
RustieLeeisencouraginghouseholdstorequesta smartmeterandreceiveafreevisualsafetycheckof energyequipmentathome. VisitSmartEnergyGB.orgtofindoutmore.
SHAPE SHIFTER
LOCALARTISTPAULLEMMON’SPIXELATEDOILPAINTINGSBLURTHE LINESBETWEENDIGITALANDANALOGUE,ABSTRACTAND FIGURATIVE,PROMPTINGMOREQUESTIONSTHANANSWERS
PaulLemmonisabitofacontradiction.His workislargelycreatedusingtraditionaloil paintonboard,yethisfinishedwork encompassestheessenceofthedigitalworldscraped, deconstructedandturnedintoanalogueworksofart. Paul’spixelatedworksarecreatedbycollectingthen breakingapartdigitalimagesandfilmfootage blurringthelinesbetweenreallifeandtechnology. Hesaysit’squiteironicstandinginfrontofa paintingmadefromphysicalboardandpigments derivedfromtheearthyetcreatedbyscrapingthe digitalworld.Pauldescribeshisworkasfloating
somewherebetweenabstractandfigurative.Hesays: “Iplayaround,disrupt,makeimagescollide.Iletthe computerdoitbyaccidentalmost.”
It’squiteatechnicalprocesstoarriveata composition–maskingfilm,layingpaintdown, findingapattern,askingisthereanimagethere?Paul says:“There’sameditativeaspecttoitandIalways sleepbetterwhenworking.Eachpieceneedstobe morethanpleasing.Itneedstocompelyoutothink,so I’malwaysconsideringtheexperienceoftheviewer.”
COVENTRYBIENNIAL
PaulisrepresentedbyForwardGalleryin BirminghamandRVPinLondonwhichissomewhat ofarelief.Heusedtosellhisworkdirectlywhich involvedalotofjugglingsohe’sgladtohandsomeof thattothegalleryandfocusonhiswork.Paultakeson privatecommissionsaswellaspublicprojectsand sellingtothegeneralpublic.Hesayssimply:“Imake objectsthathopefullypeoplewanttobuy.”
OneofPaul’shighlightssofarwastakingona majorcommissionforCoventryBiennial.In collaborationwithUniversityofWarwickprofessor GraemeMacdonald,thelarge-scalepiecetitled, MemoriesofaFutureCitycataloguesimagined futureeventsinCoventryleadingtothetransition fromfossilfueltocleanenergy.Itrepresentsthe dynamicsofenvironmentandtime,andtheforcesat playinenergytransition.Thecompletedpiece consistsoffourpaintedpanelssattogethertoforma
six-metrewidepiecethatPaul’sparticularlyproudof. Hesays:“Itwasaprivilegetocreateatimelineinto thefutureforthepeopleofCoventry.Itwasina publicplacewithgoodfootfallandasaresultImet somegreatpeople.”
SURREALSOLIHULL
PaulalsotookpartinSurrealSolihullearlierin theyearwhereheexhibitedhissurrealistpainting titled,AndTakesMetoMyDreaming,which featuredamongtheworkof29artistsaspartofan originaloutdoorexhibitionalongSolihull’sHigh Street.Theworknowhangsattheentranceto TouchwoodshoppingcentreonStationRoad.
Pauldidn’thaveatraditionalrouteintofineart,if indeedthereissuchathing.Initially,hedecided universitywasn’tforhimpost-Alevelsandembarked onaYTSschemeapprenticeship,thencompleteda
Tofindoutmorevisitwww.paullemmon.comandtoviewPaul’sworkin theflesh,headtoForwardGalleryonBullStreet,Birmingham.
BTecatMid-WarwickshireCollegebeforestudying graphicdesignatKingston.Hesays:“Itwasa strangetime.ItwaspolytechnicwhenIjoinedanda universitywhenIleft.”
Postgraduation,PaulworkedinLondonasa graphicdesignerfor14yearsbeforebelievinghe couldbuildacareerasanartist.Intheearly noughtieshevisitedexhibitionslikeFriezeLondon whichlitthefineartfuseinhim.Havingsaidthat, muchearlierinlifehewasaprolificdrawerand painter.Hefearshemayhaveworriedhismother whenatnurseryhewasgivenapieceofpaperand somepaint,andhepaintedtheentirethingblack. Notlikehislivelytechnicolourpiecestoday. Musingonthefutureandtheriseinpopularityof AI,Paulsays:“Icanseeitcomingoverthehorizon andI’mawareofthethreat,butIdon’tthinkAIcan replicateoils.Iguessscamsarepossible.”ForPaul, hisartisaspiritualexperienceaswellasphysicaland surelysomethingthat’ssafefromthemarchofthe techrevolution. ■
KASIA PIATKOWSKA
Theco-ownerandheadchefatTropeainHarborneis happilyfollowingherobsessionwithItaliancuisine.Mind you,thatdidn’tstopheroncesamplinglightlysmoked puffininIceland!
Tellusaboutyourcooking
Mystyleofcooking,andwhat’simportanttome, isprobablymoreItaliangrandmathanfancy!Italian cookingisallaboutsimplecookingwiththebest ingredientstoensuretheyshine.Whatexcitesme mostisregionalfood,whetherinItalyoranyother country,asitalwaysreflectsthebestofwhatis availableinthatplace.Oftenincountrieswithareal foodculture,specificdishesthattypifytheareaare onlymadethereandcanbesospecial.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
ItrainedatUCBinBirminghamin2010andthen wenttoIrelandasanapprenticeforayear.Tobe completelyhonest,thatwastheextentofmycooking career,butIalwaysreallywantedtogetbackintothe kitchen.OpeningTropeameantthatIcoulddothat andalsoallowmyobsessionwithItaliancuisinetobe fulfilled.
Whatdoyoueatathome?
Ilovemypressurecookerforbraisingmeatand cookingpulses.Weeatloadsoffreshvegetablesfrom myallotment.Also,Ilovearoastchicken!
Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
IlovedPierogi–they’rePolishdumplingsfilled withpotatoandcheeseandnottoounlikeravioli...
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
GrilledfreshfishonthebeachVSrawonion!I reactbadlytothem!
Shareacookingtip
Buythebestqualityingredientsyoucan,treat themsimplyandfinally,don’tforgettoseasonyour disheswhileyoucook
Giveusaniceeasyrecipeforourreaders tomakeathome
Ok,here’sasupersimpletomatosauceforfourpeople:
■ Thinlyslicethreeclovesofgarlic.
■ Keepingthejuice,draintwotinsofthebesttinnedwhole plumtomatoesyoucanfind(Sardinianifyoucanfindthem (AndersonandHillintownsellsAntonella,whicharegreat). Muttiifyoucan’tgettheAntonellatins.Drainthetomatoes butkeepthejuice!
■ Inawide-bottomedsaucepan(thewiderthebetter),gently frythegarliconamediumheatinthreetablespoonsof goodoliveoil.Addatablespoonoftomatopasteandfry thatwiththegarlicuntiltheoilstartstoturnred.
■ Nowaddthedrainedtomatoes,mashthemupwithyour spoonandfrythemonthesamemediumheat.Makesure youarestirringandmashingconstantlyforaboutfive minutesuntiltheystarttobreakdownandmuchofthe liquidhasevaporated.
■ Addhalf-a-teaspoonofsaltandthejuicefromthedrained tomatoesandreducethewholemixtureuntilyouhavea chunkytomatosauceconsistency.Tasteandseasonwithsalt andfinishwithtornbasilleavesstirredthroughit.
What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?
LightlysmokedpuffininIceland.It’sabitlike pigeonandverydelicious,althoughIfeltpretty guiltyafterwardsastheyaresuchnicebirds.
Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube? Iwouldbeagardeneroramarketgardener.Ilove myallotmentandcoulddefinitelydothatfull-time. ■
Tropea,27LordswoodRoad,Harborne,B179RP. Tel:01214279777tropea.uk
KEBABSWITHAKICK
Fireupthebarbieandtrythisdelicious latesummerrecipeforchickenkebabs
Perfectonthebarbie(orjustgrill,pan-fry,or bakeintheovenifyoucan’tbebothered) thisawesomerecipecomesfromthehead chefofThreeChurchRoad,GupreetSingh. ■
INGREDIENTS
■ 450gMincedchickenbreast
■ 125gRedonion(finelychopped)
■ 60gRedpepper(finelychopped)
■ 6gGarlicpaste(ormincedgarlic)
■ 12gGingerpaste(orgratedginger)
■ ½Freerangeegg(beaten)
■ 30gGramflour(besan)
■ 10gFreshcoriander(chopped)
■ 4gCorianderseeds(lightlycrushed)
■ 5gGroundcumin
■ 8gGroundcoriander
■ 3gCrushedchillies
■ 2gCrackedblackpepper
■ 10gSalt
METHOD
Inalargebowl,combineallingredients–mincedchicken, choppedonionandredpepper,garlic,ginger,fresh coriander,gramflourandspices.Addthebeateneggand mixthoroughlyuntilthemixtureholdstogetherwell. Dividethemixtureinto6equalportions.Shapeeach portionintoaflatpatty.Cookonagrill,pan-fry,orbake at180°C(fan)for15to18minutesuntilfullycooked throughandlightlybrowned. Serveinawarmpitaorflatbreadwithyogurt-mintsauce andahandfulofsalad.
ThreeChurchRoad,3ChurchRoad, Edgbaston,Birmingham,B153SH.
SHORTS NI BBLESand
BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHGREATVIBES.HERE’S OURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS
BESTCHEFSATTHEDOUBLE
TwoofBirmingham’smosttalentedchefs–KiranSuvarnaofOrelleandAshValenzuela HeegerofRiverineRabbit–have beenshortlistedfortheBestChefawardatthisyear’sBritishRestaurantAwards,whichrecognisesoutstandingculinary achievementacrosstheUK.SincejoiningOrellein2024asitsexecutivechef,Kiranhasdeliveredrefined,flavour-driven dishesfromits24th-floorkitchenoverlookingBirmingham.OriginallyfromSouthAfrica,AshValenzuela Heegerhasseen RiverineRabbitearnaMichelinBibGourmandandMichelinYoungChefAward.
CROWNINGGLORY
Pub-goersatTheCrowninFourOaks,SuttonColdfieldare raisingaglasstoitsnew,moremodernmakeover.There’s arevampedbar,biggerdiningspaceandrefreshed entrancearea,plusanupdatedmenuwithanewrangeof dishes.Theoutdoorterracecanholdupto80people–makingittheperfectplacetoenjoyalatesummerdrink. Four-leggedfriendsarealsowelcomeasthepubhasa dog-friendlybarareaandofferswater,anddogtreats availableonrequest.
GREATWINEONAPP
Vagabond,theUK’sleadingself-pourwinebargroup, haslaunchedanewapp-poweredtastingexperience inBirmingham.DigitalWineFlightsaredesignedto helpguestsexplore,understandandenjoywineina moreinteractiveandintuitiveway–withpersonalised flightscuratedthroughtheVagabondappandpoured directlybytheguest.Theexperiencebeginswitha shortseriesoftaste-ledquestions,matchingusersto oneofVagabond’ssignaturewine‘styles’.
BARN-STORMING BROTHERS
NEW-LOOK PUSHKAR
Pushkarhasreopenedfollowingacomplete refurbishmentwhichtheownersayswasneeded tosavetherestaurantfromclosure.Therestaurant hasenjoyedyearsofsuccessbutbossRaiSingh decidedthetimewasrighttoinvestintherevamp andrebrandaspartofa£500,000investment. Thenewlookfeaturesamorerelaxed atmosphereandmodernmenuanddécor, havingmovedawayfromitsoriginal finediningconcept.
MASTERCHEFMAGIC
JapaneserestaurantGaijinSushihaslaunchedanewOmakase menuincollaborationwithMasterChef:TheProfessionals 2021winnerandBrummie,DanLee.Themenufeaturesa blendofDan’ssignaturecreativityandGaijin’ssupersushi withhighlightsincludingchilledsobanoodleswithtomato ponzuandfreshdailyfish,afive-piecesashimiselection showcasingthefinestseasonalcuts,andanigiriflightthat payshomagetoJapanesetradition.Guestscanalsooptforan eight-coursesakepairingmenucuratedbyleadingJapanese beverageconsultantSamuelBoulton.
TheBarnAtBerryfieldshasopeneditslatestventure–theBarnHotel.OwnedandrunbybrothersWill,TomandJoe Barber,thehotelfeatures33bedroomsthatblendconveniencewithcomfort.Withtheiraward-winning2AArosette restaurantandeventspacesalreadyexistinginneighbouringbuildings,thehotelisaretreatawayfromthebuzzof hospitality.Willsaid:“Asafamily-runbusiness,ourmissionistodeliveracosy,quietandcontemporaryretreatintheheart ofthecountrysideneartheNECandBirminghamInternational.”
GRECIANBLEND
DinersareenjoyingCylla, anewrestaurantoffering ablendofGreekcuisine andcontemporary gastronomyatNewhall Street,intheheartof Birmingham’sColmore BusinessDistrict.The menufeaturesclassics suchasLambKleftiko, BeefStifado,Moussaka, GreeksaladandTzatziki –allelevatedwith modernpresentation andseasonalBritish produce.Drinksincludea selectionofpremium GreekandEuropean winesand Mediterranean-inspired cocktails,whileCylla’s interiorfeatures referencestoGreek architecture.
FAZENDA’S FINEST
FazendaBirminghamhas introducedanewmenu, offeringarefinedtwistonits signaturechurrascodining experience.Theupdatefeatures arangeofenhancements, allowingdinerstocustomise theirmealwithadditionssuch asbutter-bathedlobstertail, Baeriicaviar,queenscallopsand roastedbonemarrow.Lem Yohanes,relationshipand eventsmanageratFazenda, said:“Thisisasophisticated newwaytoenjoyaFazenda experience—idealforguests lookingtocelebrateorsimply indulge.”
THAIGREENFIZZ
TCharlotteandTomShepherd,whoalso ownMichelin-starrestaurant,UpstairsbyTom Shepherd.Tocelebratethey’vecreatedsome specialcocktailsincludingthischeekylittle number.Perfectforasummersundowner,ituses theirspecialThaigreenginwhichblendsjuniper, lemongrassandcorianderwiththeflavoursof kaffirlimeandcoconut–crikey!Asalways,please enjoyresponsibly. ■
INGREDIENTS:
■ 10mlSpicedAgave
■ 40mlGin
■ 15mlFreshLemon
■ 50mlCloudyLemonade
METHOD:
Combinealltheingredients,exceptforthelemonade, intoanice-filledcocktailshaker.Shakethemixturewith iceandstrainitintoastemmedglass.Finally,topitoff withcloudylemonadeandenjoy!
TwofoldSpirits,visittwofold-spirits.com
MANEKIRAMEN
WarchesinWorcesterforyears,soweknew whattoexpectfromitsnewerJQsibling, butstill,thespaceblewusaway.Muchlargerandmore finishedthantheOG,therestaurantfeltdesigned whichisn’tasluragainsttheWorcestershop,thespace isentirelydifferent.Naturalmaterials,exposedbrick, cavernousceilings,statementlightfittings,padded seating–it’sstylish,fussfreeandcomfortable.
Therestauranthadjustmovedtoeverydayopening whenwevisited–previouslyithadclosedonMonday andTuesday.It’saboldmovewithlotsofrestaurants doingtheopposite.Everyweekdaybetween12and 4pmit’spossibletoorderasmallerportionofanyofthe largeplatesfor£8.50.Asteal.
Wekickedoffwiththreesmallplates.Wordtothe wise,don’texpectrefreshingfromthesmashed cucumbersalad–itwaspackingsomeseriousheat andspice–ginger,garlic,blackvinegar,Sichuan chilliandfurikake(Japaneseseasoning)whilethe porkGyozawasanoverallmoresubtleaffair–tasty butlessinyourface.Karaagechickenwashighon thecrunchscalethankstoitstriplefryingwhilethe wildgarlicandtogarashi(Japanesespicemix)mayo toppeditoffbrilliantly.
There’snowaywe’dhavemanagedfull-sizemains afterthat,soweoptedforsmall.RoastduckSichuan wasthestaroftheshow.Whilewecan’tbeginto
describetheintricaciesoftheflavoursgoingoninthe bowl,trustus,it’swellworthtrying.Theroastduck brothalonewasincrediblesowithalltheotherbitslike crispyduck,softnoodles,pickledradish,greens, ajitamaegg,shiotare(Japaneseseasoning)androast duckoil–itwasacrackerofadish.Therewasnota dribbleofbrothleft.
TheManekiDonburiwithKaraagechickenwas alsoajoy–essentiallyaricebowl(steamedsushirice) withcharredsweetcorn,sesamebeansprouts,pickled gingerandcitrusmisosauce.Itwasaheadymixof sweet,sourandsmokethatwaspleasing.We’re salivatingaswewritewhichisafirst.
BearinmindwevisitedonaTuesdaylunch,there wasabuzzabouttheplace–afeeling.It’sexcitingand different.OfcourseyoucaneatJapanesefoodelsewhere inthecity,butthisiselectric,inventiveandambitious andwe’rekeentoseewhereit’sheadingnext. ■
HIDDENGEMSFROMTHEEAST
SOMEOFEUROPE’SMOSTAMAZINGWINESCOMEFROMCENTRAL,SOUTHERNANDEASTERN EUROPE.DAVIDCARNEUNCORKSBOTTLESYOUREALLYSHOULDN’TMISSOUTON…
ThinkFranceandItalyhavethemonopolyon greatwine?Thinkagain!Thetwolargest wine-producingcountriesmayboastalong winemakingheritagedatingbackto100BC,butwine wasbeingmadeinGeorgiawhiletheRomanEmpire wasstilladream–andsomeofEurope’smost excitingbottlesarenowcomingfromregionsyou’ve probablyheardof.
Ifyoucareaboutwineheritage,itmightsurprise youtolearnthatwhileChâteauneuf-du-Papeearned PDOstatusbackin1936,Hungary’sTokajclaimed officialrecognitionnearly200yearsearlier,and Cyprus’sCommandariawasprotectedasfarbackas the12thcentury.
Withcenturiesofexperience,Central,Southernand EasternEuropeproducewinesthatrivaltheglobal powerhouses–oftenatbettervalue.Theregionoffers everythingfromtraditionalmethodsparklingwinesto bold,complexredsnearing16%ABV.
It’stemptingtostickwiththefamiliarwhenchoosing wine–atrustedlabel,agrapeyoucanpronounce.Butby passingoveracrispCserszegiFűszeresfromHungary,a boldSaperavifromGeorgia,orabright,aromatic XynisterifromCyprus,youcouldbemissingyournext favouritebottle.
Manycountriesintheregiondon’tproduceenough
volumetoexportwidely,soifyouvisit,planwinetastings orcellartours–andbringacasehome.Thatsaid,some hiddengemsarestartingtoappearonUKshelvesifyou knowwheretolook.
SparklingWines
Germanyconsumesthelargestamountof sparklingwine(Sekt)percapitaintheworld; however,findingthebestonescanbealittletricky. Alternatively,HungarianPezsgoorsparklingwines fromMoldovaorRomaniaoffergoodqualityat entry-levelChampagnepricesorless.
Somegoodchoiceshereare:
■ Radacini(Moldova)BlancdeNoirs.Morrisons,£7.
■ Allendorf(Germany)N/VRieslingSektBrut. www.thewinebarn.co.uk,£19.60.
■ Thummerer(Hungary)BlancBrutNature2017. www.hungarianwinehouse.co.uk,£23.59.
■ BlancdeBlancsBrutfromCarassia(Romania). www.amathusdrinks.com,£26.50.
WhiteWines
Forwhitewines,consideraGermanRiesling,an AustrianGewurztraminer,orevenaGreekAssyrtiko,all ofwhicharequiteobtainable.Goingfurtherafield,there aresomegreatwhitesinRomania,SerbiaandSlovenia.
YoucouldevenreachforabottleoftheHungariangrape, Juhfark.Forsomethingdifferent,Irecentlyattendeda masterclassonCypriotwines–thewhiteswere outstandingandwellworthexploring.
Someoptionshereare:
■ IncantaFetească Regală (Romania),2023. Majestic,£9.00.
■ DiamantakisPetali(Greece)Assyrtiko. Lokiwine,£15.99.
■ KozlovicMalvasia(Croatia).Lokiwine,£17.99.
■ KEOSaintPanteleimon(Cyprus)Xynisteri.Drink Supermarket,£8.99.
OrangeWines
Iforangewineisyourthing,thenI’dpointyoufirmly inthedirectionofGeorgia.Theyhavebeenmakingitfor 8,000yearsandareverygoodatit.Youmightalsowant toconsiderSlovenia.
Optionsinclude:
■ Bedoba(Georgia)Orange2021.www.georgianwine.co.uk,£17.50.
■ Matic(Slovenia)PostopomaNaturalOrangeWine 2023.www.secretbottleshop.co.uk,£20.95.
RoséWines
InHungary,roséistakenseriouslyandenjoyedby everyone–regardlessofgender.Lookoutforlocal varietiesKékfrankosandKadarka,orZweigelt;and winesfromVillány,Szekszárd,orEger.Youmightalso wanttoexploreAustria,Greece,orevenCyprus.
Obtainableoptionsare:
■ Bolyki(Hungary)EgriRosé. www.bestofhungary.co.uk,£12.50.
■ Sauska(Hungary)Rosé.www.nywines.co.uk,£14.75.
■ Lentsch(Austria)ZweigeltRosé.Waitrose,£10.
RedWines
Redwineloverswillfindnoshortageofexceptional optionsthroughoutCentral,Southern,andEastern Europe.TherearesomegreatexamplesfromGeorgia, Greece,andevenUkraine.Furthernorth,lookfor MavrudfromBulgaria,BordeauxblendsfromSlovenia, andfantasticCabernetFrancsfromHungary.
Examplesinclude:
■ TbilvinoSaperavi(Georgia),2023.Majestic,£12.50.
■ DúzsiTamás(Hungary)CabernetFranc,2018. www.hungarianwinehouse.co.uk,£14.99.
■ Thymiopoulos(Greece)Xinomavro,2021/22. Majestic,£15.
■ StakhovskyAceSaperavi(Ukraine).Lokiwine,£23.99.
SweetWine
IthastobeTokajfromHungaryforsweetwines.These aresomeofthemostcomplexwinesintheworld,once describedbyKingLouisXIVas“TheWineofKings,the KingofWines.”ThefamousstylehereisAszú,butalsotry lateharvest(sweet),Szamorodni(dryandsweet),and Essencia(verysweet)wines.
Someexamplesare:
■ RoyalTokaji(Hungary)BlueLabel5Puttonyos Aszú.Waitrose,£16.50.
■ RoyalTokaji(Hungary)LateHarvest50cl2018/19. Majestic,£13.50.
■ Tokaji(Hungary)Aszú6Puttonyos2014–Pannon Tokaj.www.hungarianwinehouse.co.uk,£39.99.
Clearly,theaboveisjustscratchingthesurface,with wholeregionsandcountriesnotevenmentioned.But asyoucansee,thereisawholetreasuretroveof discoveriestobemadewhenyouventureoutsidethe staplesofWesternEurope.
AFinalWordonUkrainianWine
Ukrainianwinemightnothavethecenturies-old heritageofitsneighbours,butit’squicklymakinganame foritself.Irecentlytastedthefullrangefromthe UkrainianWineCompanyandwasgenuinelyimpressed –thewinesarefullofpersonality,expressionandheart.
Rightnow,supportingUkrainianproducersisn’tjust abouttryingsomethingnew–it’sasmallbutmeaningful waytostandwithacountryfacingimmensechallenges.
Sowhynotraiseaglassforagoodcause?Whether you’recurioustoexploresomethingdifferentorjust wanttoshowyoursupport,youcanorderamixed caseorindividualbottlesatuawines.co.uk. ■
FindoutmoreaboutDavid’spickofthebestwinesonofferin Septemberatbrumliving.co.uk
■ DavidCarneisaWinesandSpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwine expert,BirminghamWineSchoolalumniandauthorofthe alottowineabout.comwebsitewhereyoucanfindmorearticlesonwine.
■ TofindoutmoreaboutfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com
FACINGTHECHALLENGEOF ALZHEIMER’S
Alzheimer’sdiseaseisthemost commontypeofdementia,theUK’s biggestkillerandverypossiblythe largesthealthandsocialcareissueofour time.Theimpactonthelivesofthoseit affects,onthehealthcaresystemandsociety ingeneralisenormous.
Therearecurrentlyaround900,000people intheUKlivingwithdementia.Itmainly affectspeopleovertheageof65andisalso morecommonamongwomenthanmen. Althoughthelikelihoodofdeveloping dementiaincreasessignificantlywithage(one in14peopleagedover65hasdementia,rising tooneinsixforpeopleagedover80),itcan affectyoungerpeopletoo.Oftencalled young-onsetdementia,aroundonein20with dementiaareyoungerthan65.Thereare morethan70,800peopleintheUKwhohave young-onsetdementia.
WHATISDEMENTIA?
Dementiaisagroupofsymptoms.It’scausedby differentdiseasesthatdamagethebrain.It’sa progressivediseasewhichmeanthesymptomscan startoffmild,butsadlytheygetworseovertime.
Someofthecommonearlysignsand symptomsinclude:
■ Memoryloss
■ Difficultyconcentrating,planningor organising.
■ Strugglingtomakedecisions,solveproblems orneedinghelpwithdailytaskssuchascooking.
■ Problemswithlanguageandcommunication.
■ Difficultiesfollowingaconversationorfinding therightwordforsomething.
■ Problemsjudgingdistances,perceivingthe edgesofobjectsandmisinterpretingpatternsor reflections.
■ Losingtrackofthetimeordateorbecoming confusedaboutwhereyouare.
■ Moodchangesordifficultycontrolling emotions.
It’sveryimportanttorememberthatifyouhave ofthesesymptoms,itdoesn’tmeanthatyou necessarilyhavedementia.
TYPESOFDEMENTIA
Around19outof20peoplewithdementiahave oneoffourmaintypes,althougheveryoneisaffected individuallyandmayhavesymptomsofmorethan onetype.
Alzheimer’sdisease
Themostcommontypeofdementiaandformost people,thefirstsignsareproblemswiththeir memory,thinking,languageorperception.
Vasculardementia
Thesecondmostcommontypeofdementiawith commonsignsthatincludeproblemswithplanning ororganising,makingdecisionsorsolvingproblems.
DementiawithLewybodies(DLB)
CloselyrelatedtoParkinson’sdisease,symptoms includehavingdifficultiesstayingfocused, experiencingdelusions,andproblemswith movementandsleep.
Frontotemporaldementia(FTD)
SometimescalledPick’sdiseaseorfrontallobe dementia,thislesscommondiseasehassymptoms thatincludechangestopersonalityandbehaviour and/ordifficultieswithlanguage.
CAUSESANDTREATMENT
It’sstillnotclearwhatcausesdementia.Although it’srarethatit’spasseddownfromparenttochild, thereissomeevidencethatsomethingscanincrease yourchancesofdevelopingdementia,including:
■ Highbloodpressure.
■ Physicalinactivity.
■ Drinkingtoomuchalcohol.
■ Smoking.
■ Hearingloss.
■ Diet.
Whilethereiscurrentlynocurefordementia,the rightdiagnosis,careandtreatment(bothmedication andnon-medical)canhelpapersonwithdementia livewellforaslongaspossible.
Earlydiagnosishasmanybenefitssoifyouare concernedoryou’reworriedaboutsymptomsthat maybedementia,it’simportanttostartbytalkingto yourGPandyou’llbesupportedeverystepofthe way. ■
FormoredetailsabouthowtogetinvolvedandsupportWorld Alzheimer’sMonth,contacttheAlzheimer’sSocietyorvisit alzheimers.org.uk
HOWTO PASSTHE STRESS TEST D
IT’STHATTIMEOFYEARWHENSTRESSLEVELSGO THROUGHTHEROOF–IT’SEXAMRESULTSDAY…EEK!
espiteeveryparentintheUK remindingtheirlittledarlings thattheirworthwillneverbe definedbyjusttheirexamsgrades,for millionsofnervouschildrenit’llfeel liketheirentirefutureisinthebalance. Ohmy,astressfultimeforall!
WellBirmingham,wehaveyourback sohere’sourhandylistoftoptipsfor dealingwithstressandanxiety,andnot justforresultsday.
■ Loveitandlistit: Don’t underestimatethepowerofcreatinga to-dolist.Arrangethingsinorderof importanceandtrytofocusonthemost urgentfirst.
■ Breakitdown: Ifyourto-dolist seemsoverwhelminganddifficultto start,trybreakingeverythingdowninto easierchunks,andremembertogive yourselfcreditforcompletingthem.
■ Easydoesit: Trynottodotoo muchatonce.Ifyoutakeontoomuch, itcanbehardtocompleteany individualtaskwell,whichitselfcanbe highlystressful.
■ Allowyourselfsomepositivity: Taketimetothinkaboutthegood thingsinyourlife.Thinkaboutwhat wentwelltodayandtrytolistthree thingsyou’rethankfulfor.There’sa directlinkbetweenhowwethinkand howwefeel.
■ Bemoreactive: Beingactivecanhelpyouto burnoffnervousenergy.Itmaynotmakeyourstress disappear,butitcanmakeitlessintense.
■ Spendtimeinnature. Evenifit’sassimpleas goingforawalkorspendingsometimeoutdoors, embracingnaturecanhelpprovideapowerful mentalboost.
■ Talktosomeone: Trustedfriends,familyand colleagues,orcontactingahelplinecangive perspectiveandbeamassivehelpifyou’refeeling overwhelmed.
■ Acceptthethingsyoucan’tchange: Sometimes youjusthavetoacceptadifficultsituationandtryto concentrateonthethingsyoudohavecontrolover.
■ Avoidunhealthyhabits: Don'trelyonalcohol, smokingandcaffeineasyourwaysofcoping.
■ Embracethehealthyoption: Instead,trytoget intoagoodroutinewithabalanceddietandtryto getenoughsleep.
■ Takeabreath: Breathingtechniques,such asthe4-7-8methoddevelopedbyDrAndrewWeil (inhalefor4seconds,holdyourbreathfor7 seconds,andexhalefor8seconds)canreallyhelp reduceanxietyandofteneaseintoagoodsleep pattern.
Andasforallthoseanxiouslyawaitingresults,the verybestofluck–we’resureyou’vegotthis.Andif thingshaven’tgonequitethewayyouhoped,there’s alwaystheannualwordsfromJeremyClarksonand histeenagefailingstowarmyourcockles! ■
TERRIFIC TANK
Tillycheckmidiskirt
£55andJoceetank
£49.50,FatFace
SEPTEMBER STYLE
BE SQUARE
Argyletanktop
£22.50,TuClothing
OLD SCHOOL
Lupinvest£52,FatFace
BEST VEST
Anastasia knittedvest £89.95,Barbour
SCARFIGAN
Greenscarf cardigan£24, TUClothing
LIT KNIT
Serascallopedge cardigan£59, Monsoon
Wegetabitgiddyaboutautumnaldressingandifwe could,we’dbedivingheadlongintochunkyknits, woolcoatsandvoluminousscarves.We’renot thereyet.We’reinthatfunnyin-betweenperiodthat’stoocool forastrappysummerdressandtoowarmtowheeloutthe autumngear.Successfultransitionaldressingislargelyabout layering.Wearyourfavouritesummerdresspairedwithafine knitoralightweightjacketandreplacethestrappysandalsof Augustwithanactualshoeorevenalightboot.
TRANSITIONTOOLS
Jacketsandknitsholdthekeytostylishlynavigatingthenext fewweeks.It’snotrocketscience,andthechancesareyoumay wellhaveperfectpiecesinyourexistingwardrobe.Layeraslip
INVESTMENT PIECE
MaisonMargiela woolcardigan £850, HarveyNichols
WAISTCOAT OFDREAMS
Redloop
knitwaistcoat £60, OliverBonas
dressoverafittedteeandteamwithyour favouritedenim,suedeorevenleatherjacket. Wheeloutyourtrustytrenchandpairwithjeans, lightloafersandacrispshirt.
Foradifferenttakeonaclassictrench,check outthecroppedversionatVery(pictured). Knittedvestsandtanksofferjusttheright amountofwarmthaswellasbagsofpreppystyle. TheLupinvestatFatFace(pictured)is perfection.
Ifindoubt,alightweightblazercaneasily elevateanoutfitfrom‘meh’tochic.Thrownon overjeansandacrispwhitetee,you’lllookputtogetherinsecondswhileatailoredshortand blazercomboisaneffortlesslystylishlook.Just swapyoursandalsforaballetflatorMary Janetosuitthetemperature.
We’vepulledtogetherlotsofdifferentlooksto inspireyouinthistransitionstage. ■
EFFORTLESSLY CHIC
Tansuedeshoes£99,Dune
CASUAL COOL
Bellabatwing jumper£52and Ashleyblouse
£55,FatFace
ONE TRICK
LeMondeBerylMaryJanepony hairballetflats£435, HarveyNichols
STYLE
BUTTON UP
Shacket£34.99, NewLook
SCALLOP EDGE
Jacket£22, George GET SHORTY
Hoodedtrench
£65,Very
JACKET IN ClothingfromMatalan
STYLE STATEMENT
Cassieblouse
£75,JohnLewis
DRESS UP
Ruchedbackdress
£89andbrushed cashmeresweater
£129,JohnLewis
WIDE LEG
Redcherry corduroy trousers£70, OliverBonas
TRAIL
BLAZER
Shorts£12.50 andblazer
£22.50,George
Suedetterelaxed jacket£30,TUClothing
Erinsuedejacket £225,FatFace
OLIVE GREEN
Fauxleather patchpocket jacket£45.99, NewLook
YEE HAW
SUPER SUEDE
PRINTS CHARMING
Bluebandana printquilted jacket£95, OliverBonas
DOUBLE DENIM
Quinntiequilted jacket£99, Monsoon
1
GAMECHANGERS
Frombargaindryshampootohighendserum,webring youahandfulofproductsthathaveslottedintoour beautyregimeandquicklybecomenon-negotiable.They allpackapunchandmakeadifferenceintheirownway
1.OLVERUMPROCELLULARDAYCREAM–£70,HARVEYNICHOLSAND OLVERUM.COM
WelovedtheoriginalOlverumbathoilbackinthedaysojumpedatthe chancetotrythisdaycream.Itcontainsastaxanthinwhichisapowerhouse inantioxidanttermsandis6,000timesmorepotentthanvitaminC.The creamabsorbsquickly,feelsluxuriousandhydrating.Italsocalmsredness andhelpsrebuildtheskinbarrier.Thisisoneofthosebrandswereallytrust whichcouldjustbecleverPRbutitfeelslikeoneofthegoodies.
2.TOOFACEDCLOUDCRUSHWHIPPEDLIPANDCHEEK–£22,SEPHORA
Lessismorewiththislittlefirecracker.Atinydabonthecheeksblendedwith yourfingergivesalovelynaturalflushthatlastsallday.Amulti-tasker,italso addsasubtlecolourtolipstoo.Weuseitlikealipstainwithaclearglossover thetopforanaturaleverydaylook.
3.REFYBROWNLASHSCULPT–£20,SELFRIDGESANDSEPHORA
BrownmascaraishavingamomentandREFYlaunchedaversionofits iconicLashSculptlastmonth.Softerandmoresubtlethanblack,it’sagreat naturallookingoption.Ifyouhaven’ttriedLashSculpt,thebigdifferenceis thewand–54individualbristlesinasweepingcurvecoateverylashwiththe flake-proofformula.Welikeitalot.
4.BATISTESENSITIVESCALPDRYSHAMPOO–£2.99,SUPERDRUG
Hoorah!Thisisagame-changerifyou’veasensitivescalplikeusanddon’t wanttospendalotondryshampoo.Fragrancefreeandhypoallergenicit refresheshairbetweenwasheseffectivelyand,cruciallydoesn’tirritate.
5.TURSIANP-3ULTIMATEHYDRATIONSERUMCONCENTRATE–£120,TURSIAN
Don’tbealarmedbythevividhueofthisserum.It’sallnaturalwhichisquite astonishing.Thisisnotabrandwe’vetriedbeforeandasit’sspennyitneeds topackasignificantpunchifwe’retorepurchase.Thestatsaremindbogglingsuchasa35percentreductionintransepidermalwaterlossin under15minutesamongotherclaims.Iwouldn’tknowaboutthat,butin layman’sterms,it’slightweight,itdefinitelyboostedradianceandevenedout ourskintoneafterjustahandfulofuses.
2
3
4
5
THE INBETWEENERS
SEPTEMBERPRESENTSASARTORIALCONUNDRUM THATLEAVESYOUEITHERSWEATINGOR SHIVERINGSOITREQUIRESABITOFTHOUGHT LAYERUP
Anydayrusticbrowntee£12, poplinstripeshirt£39,brown mac£79,cargotrouser£39 andRalphLaurenheritage trainers£119,JohnLewis
DENIMDAYS
Representdenim jacket£200,Selfridges
Beforeyoubungyoursummerwardrobeinthe loftandembracetheautumn,considerthe nextfewweeksofpotentiallyunhinged weather.Thetemperatureisgenerallyalloverthe placeinSeptemberwhichcanthrowaspannerinyour styleworks.Layeringupisthekeytonailingyour transitionallookandflexibilityisking.We’vetrawled therailsandpickedourtoptenpiecesfromfootwear tofineknitsthat’llkeepyoulookingsupercoolthis monthwhatevertheweather. ■
TRACKJACKET
ValentinoGaravanipanelled cottonblendjacket£1,590, HarveyNichols
RETROVIBE
Reeboktrainer£84.50,M&S
CHECKMATE
CarharttWIPPlaner checkedreversibleshell jacket£185,Selfridges
LIGHTBLAZER
Scotchand Sodapure cottonblazer £155,M&S
COOLCOLLAR
VERSATILEKNIT
CommedeGarconPlaylogo embroideredV-neckwool cardigan£225,Selfridges
OfficineGeneraleBrent lyocellblendcardigan £225,HarveyNichols
TOPTRENCH
Scrambledouble breastedlongwoven trenchcoat£328,Reiss
LOAFINGAROUND
Sandertanleather loafer£159,Dune
HOMESliving
BATHROOM BLISS…
WE’VEJUSTRENOVATEDOURBATHROOMANDWHILE WE’REBASKINGINITSBEAUTY,THEPAINHASN’T COMPLETELYSUBSIDED,SOTHIS’LLBEABITRAW
RUSTICECHARM
Abathroomisabig-ticketitemandsomethingwewaited 20yearstotackle,sothepressuretogetitrightfeltabit much.Wedidn’ttakeourownadviceandemploya bathroomdesigner,sowewereflyingbytheseatofourpantsa bit.Whileourplumberwasfantastic,he’snotadesigner.His quotewasreasonableandhecamehighlyrecommendedby someonewetrust.Whilenothingwentwrongandtheendresult isgorgeous,wecouldhavebenefittedfromsomedesign experienceprobably.
WONKYWALLS
Ourplumberannouncedhedidn’tdofloorsordecoratingbut recommendedpeoplehe’dworkedwithbeforewhichwasgreat. Havingsaidthat,tryingtoensureaccuratetimingsfordifferent tradeswastricky.OurhouseisVictorianandeverything’swonky, takesmoretimethananticipatedandthereforecostsmore.The addedtimespentonplumbingknockedofftheschedulewhich meanttheprojecttookthreeweeksratherthantwo.Nottheend oftheworldatall.
HOMES
Werippedeverythingoutandstarted again,keepingplumbinglargelywhereit was.Wejustmovedthebasinandshifted theangleofthelootogiveusmore space.Itwasafairlysimplejobnot takingintoaccountthewonkyoldwalls andabodgejobbythepreviousowners. Thecostwasstillanarmandaleg,but thatseemsstandard.
ENDGOAL
There’sapointinaprojectwhereyou losesightoftheendresult,evenina smallprojectlikeours.It’sadustymess forawhileandit’shardtoseebeyond that.Forus,apowerfulshowerwitha largehead,recessshelving,abig luxuriousbathandgorgeouscoloured
COOLCURVES
BathroombyVilleroyandBoch
DREAMFLOOR
DijonherringbonefloortilesfromQuornStone
tileswerenon-negotiableandweachievedallof thosethings.It’salight,beautifulspacethat’s relaxingandcalmandabsolutelyworththecostand disruption.Welearntafewthingsalongtheway thoughwhichmightbeuseful.Seebelow.
We’vepulledtogetheracollectionofdifferent stylesofbathroomtoinspireyouincaseyou’re contemplatingyourownrenovation.Thechoiceis almostoverwhelming,sostartyourmoodboardand getmultiplequotes. ■
LESSONSLEARNED
■ Meetwithdesignersandgetmultiplequotesin. They’lldefinitelyseepossibilitiesyouwon’t.I stillwonderwhatthey’dhavedonewithours.
■ Addinsomecontingencyintermsofbothtime andmoneyespeciallyifyourhouseisold.
■ Expectmess.Ourguyswereprettytidy,butthe dustisinevitable.
■ Weoptedforvinylflooringtosaveafew pennies–alotofpenniesactually.Itlooksgreat now,butIhaveasneakingfeelingitmightnot lastwell.
■ Whentheproject’sfinished,livewithitforafew daysandifthereareanysnags,getbacktoyour tradesman.Theyshouldputanythingright straightaway.
HOMESPA BathroombyLisaMelvinDesign
VINTAGEVIBE
GlossmetrotilesfromQuornStone
NATURALTONES
AccessoriesfromDunelm
TERRIFICTILES
PastellotilesfromQuornStone
MIRRORMIRROR
Vanitymirror£14.99, HomeSense
DREAMDISH
Creamovalsoap dish£4.99, TKMaxx
ROLLON
Ceramictoiletrollholder£25, OliverBonas
TOUCHES FINISHING
POLISHYOURNEWLYFINISHEDBATHROOM WITHSOMEGORGEOUSACCESSORIES
WORKOFART
Cantaloupebathmat£23,JohnLewisXSanderson
ECOCREDENTIALS
Reusablepad container£8.50, Matalan
SETTHESCENE
SilkRoadcandlein Arubablue700g£80, OKA
SPELLITOUT
Bathroomsign£12.50, OliverBonas
MINIMUMFUSS
NormannCopenhagen Ballotoiletbrush
£51.20(was£64), kin.store
MAGICTRIO
Globeribbedmetal bathroomlight£75, Habitat
SLAYTRAY
Bamboobathtray
£10.50,Matalan
HIGHQUALITYCAREINEDGBASTON
AtEdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorinEdgbaston,ourhighlytrainedteamsare expertsinprovidinghighqualitycare,fromresidentialanddementiacaretoshorttermcare.WhilstEdgbastonManoralsoprovidesnursingcare.
Alifestyletailoredtoyou
Atour‘good’CQCratedhomeourteamsare passionateaboutsupportingyoutoenjoyafulfilling life.We’lllearnallaboutyourinterestsand preferencessowecancreateafullypersonalised lifestyleplanthatyou’llenjoy;whetherit’sgardening, cheeseandwinesocialsorplayingchess.
Luxuryliving
EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManoroffer luxuriousfacilities,includingacoffeeshop,hairsalon andapub/bar.Ourchef-ledkitchenteamsare passionateaboutprovidinghigh-qualityfoodand there’salwaysachoiceofnutritiousanddelicious dishesateverymeal.
Hearwhatrelativeshavetosay Werecognisetheimportanceoffriendsandfamily stayinginvolvedintheirlovedone’scareandlifestyle planandourregularrelativemeetingsarepopular.In ourrecentrelativesurvey,93%offamiliesat EdgbastonManorwereimpressedwithhowthestaff treatedtheirrelativewithkindness,dignityand respect^.WhilstatMetchleyManor91%were happythatthestaffknewtheirrelativeasan individual.^
Trustustocare
EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorin EdgbastonarepartofCareUK,thecountry’smost awardedlargecareprovider.We’vebeendelivering high-quality,person-centredcareforover40years. That'swhyover9,000familiestrustustocarefortheir olderlovedones.
TofindoutmoreaboutEdgbastonManorandMetchley Manorcall03301346257
EdgbastonManor,SpeedwellRoad,Edgbaston, WestMidlands,B57PR
MetchleyManor,5ChurchRoad,Edgbaston,Birmingham, WestMidlands,B153SHCareuk.com/Birmingham
Afterastrongbeginningtotheyear,the gardenisfinallyburstingwithlife.The earlysunshinehasn’theldourplants back;infact,it’shelpedthembuildresilience. Thatearly-seasoncocktailseemstohave toughenedthingsup,andtheresultisagarden that’snowputtingonashowworthcelebrating! Ifyourspaceisanythinglikemine,it'snow flourishing.Theflushofflowersandproduceisa welcomereward.WhileIdohopeyou'lltakesome timetorelaxandtakeitallin,ifyou’reitchingto doabitmore,I’vegotafeweasytaskstokeepyour handsbusythisSeptember.
Keepondeadheading Septemberisakeytimetocontinue deadheading–itnotonlyencouragesmore flowersbutkeepsyourplantshealthytoo.Dahlias, forone,willthankyouforit.Todeadheadthem, findthespentbloomsandsnipthemjustabove thenearesthealthyleaveswithclean,sharp secateursorscissors.Thissteerstheplantaway fromseed-makingandbackintoproducingmore flowersandshoots.
Rosesalsobenefitfromregularattentionthis month.Formosttypes,cutthestembacktothe firstgroupoffiveleaves,makingacleandiagonal cuttohelpthewoundhealswiftly.
Beddingplantslikegeraniumsandpetuniasalso thrivewithconsistentdeadheading.Gentlypinchor snipawaytheentirefadedflowerhead–including thebase–toavoidunwantedseedpods.Anddon’t overlookperennialslikeechinaceaandrudbeckia;a quicktrimjustaboveabudorleafcancoaxthem intoanotherflushofcolour.Keepingontopof deadheadingnotonlyenhancesappearancebutalso encouragesrobustgrowthandextendsthe bloomingseasonwellintolatesummer.
Planahead–saveyourseeds
Thegardenisfullofchancestosaveseedsthis month.Sweetpeasareagreatstartingpoint. Whileit’sstillatouchearlytoletthemgotoseed fully,ifapodsneakspastyou,don’tbinit–collect it.Whenthepodsturnbrownandcrisp,youcan gentlysplitthemtoreleasetheseedsinside.Dry themthoroughlybeforetuckingthemawayina cool,dryspot.
Aquilegiaisanotherreliableseed-saver’sfriend. Oncetheflowersfinish,thepodsbegintodryand crack.Harvestthemjustbeforetheyburstand shaketheseedsintoapaperbag.Letthemairdry forafewdaysbeforestoringtheminclearly markedenvelopesorjars.Alternatively,iflefton theplant,they’lloftenself-seed,providinga pleasantsurprisenextspringinyourbordersor containers.
Fruitsofyourlabour
Ifyou’vegotfruitcomingon,Septemberisa busybutrewardingtime.Applesandpears shouldnowbecheckedregularly–givethema gentlelift,andiftheyparteasilyfromthetree, they’reready.Blackberriesandraspberriesare stillgoingstrong–perfectforeatingfresh, preserving,orfreezing.
Plumsareinabundancetoo;pickthemwhen theyfeelslightlysoft.Strawberrygrowersshould continueharvestingasfruitsripen–themore youpick,themoretheplantswilloffer.But keepaneyeout–birdslovesoftfruitsjustas muchaswedo.
Remembertowaterfruitingplantswell, particularlyindryspells,tokeepthemthriving. Anddon’tforgetafeedeverycoupleofweeks–tomatoesespeciallywillrewardyouwithbigger, tastieryieldsifyoukeepthemwellnourished. ■
YoucanfindAdamonInstagram@viewfromthepottingbenchortuneintotheTales FromThePottingBenchpodcastformoregardeningtipsandstories.Forfurther reading,headovertoviewfromthepottingbench.com
IMEGAN GINN
t’snosecretthatthetextilesindustryisabig polluterandforyoungdesignersstartingout, sustainabilityisn’tjustabuzzword,forsomeit’s non-negotiable.BirminghamCityUniversity(BCU) FashionDesigngraduate,MeganGinnisagreat exampleofthat.
Thefocusonsustainabilityandbiomaterialsather interviewwithBCUlecturersisoneofthereasons MeganchosetostudyinBirmingham–afocusshe didn’tfeelwasprominentatotheruniversitiesshe visited.Megan’smissionistodesignconsciousfashion piecesthatfocusoncustommadebiomaterials, reducingtheneedforfossilfuelderivedsynthetics.
Forinstance,Meganhasdevelopedanalgae-based biomaterialthatactsasabondingagentforwooland fabric.Whilethereareclearenvironmentaladvantages oversyntheticadhesive,ithasfunctionalplusestoo.It canbereheatedandreshapedallowingforgarmentsto adaptovertimeencouraginglongevityanddurability.
CULTURALHERITAGE
Aswellastheclearfocusonrenewable,sustainable fashion,Megan’sdesignsarestunning.Shecombines herCelticculturalheritageusingtraditionalknitwear techniqueswithhercutting-edgebiomaterial honouringtraditionwhilesuccessfullymeetingtoday’s environmentalchallenges.
HerdesignswerepartoftheBCUPresents:1000 Threadsfashionshow,whichisafreshtakeonwhat
usedtobeBCU’sgraduatefashionweek.Megansays: “Lecturersfeltthere’dbemoreopportunityforstudents atalargereventwithabiggerprofile.”
OozellsSquareinBrindleyplaceprovidedtheperfect open-airbackdropforaneventthatincorporated10 talentedstudentsfromavarietyofdisciplinesincluding textiles,jewelleryandfashionwithindustrycontacts, pressandsupportersoftheuniversitywatchingon.An after-partywithaliveDJsetfromPussycatDolls’ KimberleyWyattwasabonus.
NEXTGENERATION
AttheeventMeganreceivedadesignexcellenceaward fromdesigner,PhoebeEnglish.PhoebeisoneofMegan’s inspirations,soitfeltextraspecial.AnotherofMegan’s inspirationsisAlicePottswhocreatescrystalsoutof humansweatamongotherthingsandhascollaborated withthelikesofGucci.Whilecollectingsweatdoesn’t soundappealing,theresultsaremind-blowingwiththe jewel-likecrystalsadorningcapsandshoes.
StudyinginBirminghamwasapositiveexperience whichMegansaysshefoundsupportiveandopenmindedwitharealsenseofcommunity.She’smoving backtoherhometownofNorthamptontofindher graduatefeetandexpectslifewillbeoneofjob applicationsandnetworkingfortheforeseeablefuture. Withaportfolioofworkthat’sbrimmingwith innovation,talentandauthenticitywedon’tthinkshe’ll bejob-huntingforlong. ■
Picture:AshlieMorgan
DESIGNSFORLIFE
Formore,followMeganonInstagram@meganginndesign
SUCCESSFORSUMMIT
SummitLearningTrust,whichrunseightschoolsanda collegeacrossBirminghamandSolihull,haswonthe TransformingLivesThroughPartnershipsAwardatthe EducationAwards.Theaccoladecelebrateseducational organisationsthathaveenhancedlifechancesforyoung peoplethroughpowerfulpartnershipswithcommunity andcharityorganisations.Theawardrecognisedthe impactofSummit’sinnovativeBaseCampprovision,a trust-wideinitiativeensuringthateverylearnerhastheir basicneedsmetsotheyarefullyequippedtothrive academicallyandpersonally.
SUPERSHANI
ShaniMoran-Simmondshasbecomethefirst BirminghamRoyalBalletDanceTrackstudenttojoin theRoyalBalletinLondon.Birmingham-bornShani,a formerpupilatKingsHeathPrimarySchool,joined DanceTrackin2012attheageofsixattending workshopsinschooldeliveredbyadanceartistand pianist.Shewasselectedtojoinregulardanceclasses withBRBandlaterperformedinSirPeterWright'sThe NutcrackerpriortowinningaplaceattheRoyalBallet Schoolwheresherecentlygraduated.DanceTrackoffers freedancetrainingtonearly60schoolsacrossthecity.
PRE-PREPBOOST
Award-winningindependentschool,MoretonHall, isexpandingitsOfsted-rated‘Outstanding’PrePrepNurseryfromthismonth,increasingthe numberofplacesavailabletolocalfamilies.“We’re thrilledtobegrowingourPre-Prepprovision,”said DeborahSpeakman,headofMoretonHallPrep. “Ournurserychildrenbenefitfromanenriched curriculumthatincludesFrench,swimming,dance, tennis,forestschool,music,alltaughtbysubject specialistsinadditiontothecoreEarlyYears FoundationStagecurriculum.”
SCHOOL REPORT
SWIMSENSATIONS
PupilsfromBalsallCommonPrimarySchoolAcademyachievedtheschool’s best-everresultsattheEnglishSchools’SwimmingAssociationNationalFinals. TheYear5andYear6swimteamsqualifiedtocompeteattheeventafter excellinginregionalheatsearlierthisyear.BoththeBoys’andGirls’teams finishedasthesecondfasteststateschoolinEnglandinbothoftheirrelay events.TheBoyswentontoqualifyforboththeAandBFinals,ultimately finishingasthefifthfastestschoolinEnglandoutofacombinedtotalof 19,185stateandprepschools.
HELPINGHAZELOAK
THEBEESNEEDS
HazelOakParentsEnterprisein Birminghamhasreceiveda£3,000 donationfromDavidWilsonHomesas partofthedeveloper’sCommunity Fundscheme.Thecharity,basedclose tothehousebuilder’sTenchleePlace developmentinHallGreen,wasstarted in2018tohelpraisemoneyforHazel OakSchool,aspecialeducationschool whichsupportschildrenwithalarge rangeoflearningdifficulties.Todate, theEnterprisehasraised£108,000fortheschool.ThedonationfromDavidWilsonHomes willpayforequipmentfortheschool’snewplayground.
HeartofWorcestershireCollege hasbeennamedawinnerin theBees’NeedsChampions Awards.Thescheme,ledby theDepartmentfor Environment,Food,andRural Affairs,recognisedthecollege intheCommunitiescategory foritseffortsinenhancing pollinator-friendlyhabitatsand encouragingbiodiversityacross itscampuses,including Bromsgrove,Redditchand Worcester.Theseincluded plantingfruittreesoneach campus,creatingandannually resowingwildflowerareas, plantinga600-treeTinyForest attheBromsgrovecampusand establishingbughouses, hedgehogfeedingstationsand wildlifecorridors.
SCHOOLSCHARITYSECURED
ABirminghamcharityhelpingstudentsreclaimmissed chancesathighereducationhassecureditsEdgbaston base,thankstoretrospectiveplanningpermission.Scholars SchoolSystem–aregisteredcharityandprojectoftheUK CurriculumandAccreditationBody–provideseducation andcareerdevelopmentopportunitiestostudentsfrom diverseanddisadvantagedbackgrounds.Thecharitymoved intofourfloorsofahigh-risebuildinginHagleyRoadwith planningpermissionforofficespaceandsomeeducational usein2023.However,asthefacilitycontinuedtogrow–enrollingmorestudentsandemployingadditionalstaff–a fullchangeofusewasrequired,whichwasachievedwith thehelpofMarronsplanningconsultancy.
ACORNSTIE-UP
AcornsChildren’sHospicehasteamedup withmarketingagency,LunarAgencyas partofanambitiousstrategytogrowits incomeandfurtherstrengthen relationshipsacrosstheregion.The collaborationwillsupportthecharity’s fund-raisingeffortsbyunlockingnew opportunitiesandextendingitsnetwork ofsupporters.VickySmith,directorof incomegenerationatAcornssaid:“As morefamiliesturntoAcornsforsupport andthecostofdeliveringourcare continuestorise,raisingadditional incomehasneverbeenmoreimportant.”
TOPWOMENPITCHIN
AcompetitiondesignedtoshowcasetheWest Midlands’bestwomen-ledSMEandstart-up businessesistoreturnforathirdyear.The WomenEntrepreneursPitchCompetition–deliveredbyGreaterBirminghamChambersof Commerce,NatWestandtheBritishBusiness Bank–providesfemaleentrepreneurswithan opportunitytoshowcasetheirbusinessby pitchingtoalivepanelofinvestors.Last year’swinnerwasWolverhampton-based medtechfirmiCount,followingasuccessful pitchfromco-founderandCEODrAditiDesai, pictured.
MASTERLYCHRIS
ThebossoftheBelfryHotel&Resorthas becomepartofanelite‘club’.Managing directorChrisEigelaarhasbeennamedas oneofonly10industryleaderstobe awardedprestigiousMasterInnholderstatus in2025.Theaccoladeisoneofthehighest honoursinhotelmanagement,recognising exceptionalleadership,influenceand dedicationinthehospitalityindustry.Chris said:“TobeaMasterInnholderisa professionalandpersonalhighlight. Hospitalityisinmybloodandisanindustry I’msopassionateabout.”
FOOTIEFUNDS
Grassrootsfootballisbeinggivena cashboostintheWestMidlands thankstoanewinitiativewhich supportsclubs’sustainabilityefforts. UnityTrustBankhaspartneredwith BirminghamCountyFootball Associationtobacktheorganisation’s GreenInnovationFund.Clubscan applytoreceiveupto£500tosupport theirenvironmentalinitiativeswith Unitycontributing£12,500tothe £16,000fund.Theschemehassofar received34applicationsfromlocal andvolunteer-ledfootballclubsacross theregion.
Nationalaudit,tax,advisoryandconsultingfirm CrowehaswelcomedSaraImafidonEvboboru, PerpetualNimley,ZainabAdewuyiandMaria NwosutoitsOldburyandCheltenhamofficesas partofitssupportofthe10,000BlackInterns Programme.It’sCrowe’sfourthconsecutiveyear partneringwiththeinitiative,whichisledbythe 10,000InternsFoundation,anon-profit organisationdedicatedtotransformingthe landscapeofopportunitiesandexperiencefor BlacktalentintheUK.
SKILLSSUCCESS
AninitiativetosolvetheskillsshortageinCoventry,Warwickshireandthewider WestMidlandsismakinggreatstridesindevelopingtheworkforceforthefuture inkeyindustries,accordingtoanewreport.CoventryandWarwickshire,Greater BirminghamandBlackCountryChambersofCommercehaveledtheWest MidlandsandWarwickshireLocalSkillsImprovementPlan(LSIP)whichhasseen significantinvestmentandexpansioninprioritysectors,includingengineeringand manufacturing,construction,ICTanddigitalandlogistics&distribution.
WELLNESSDAY
Acommunitycentrebecameahubofpositiveenergyandempowerment ataspecialWomen’sWellnesssessionhostedbyInspiringFitnessinthe Community.TheeventattheUpliftcommunitycentreinSmallHeath, welcomedmorethan50womenandfeaturedwellnessactivitiesand experttalksbyorganisations,includingDiabetesUKandBreastCancerUK. Thedayaimedtoreflectthecultureandexperiencesofthediversewomen inthearea,manyofwhocomefromSudanese,Somali,Yemeni,African andPakistanibackgrounds.
PETER GEARSUP
NEWFACES
AWestMidlandscommunicationsagencyhas expandeditsaward-winningteamfollowing recordgrowth.R&CoCommunications,which hasofficesinLeamingtonSpaandBirmingham andworkswithclientsintheUKandEurope, sawturnoverincreaseby39percentin2024. Now,formerjournalistLauraKearnsandcontent accountmanagerMeganFosterhavejoinedthe agency,whichwasnamed2024Small ConsultancyoftheYearattheMidlandsPRCA DareAwards.
TheBritishMotorMuseumhasanewmanbehindthewheel.PeterArmstrong hastakenoverasCEOfollowingtheretirementofJeffCoopeafter23years. OriginallyfromtheUK,PeterhasbeenlivingintheUSforthelast10years andwaspresidentandCEOoftheMysticSeaportMuseuminConnecticut forthepastfive.Hesaid:“ReturningtotheUKtoleadamuseumthattells suchanimportantBritishstory,andhousessuchaspectacularcollection,is atruehonour.”
TRIO’STOPJUMPS
ThreedaredevilsfromBirmingham-basedHubtelITleaptintoactioninacharityskydiveforalocal women’srefugecharity,BlackCountryWomen’sAid.NeilBayliss,CEOofthefirmwhichspecialisesinIT supportandcybersecurity,jumpedfrom14,000feetatLangarAirfieldinNottinghamalongside colleaguesMikeLeachandJulianBrettle.Itwasthefirstskydiveforthetriowhowereraisingfunds towardsthebuildingof10newrefugeflatsafterthecharitywasforcedtoturnawayovertwo-thirdsof refugerequestslastyear.
LawfirmShakespeareMartineauhasboostedits nationalbankingandfinanceofferingwiththe appointmentofDavidAdamsaspartner.Withmore than25years’experienceintheMidlandslegalmarket, Davidhasparticularexpertiseinthehealthandsocial care,educationandagriculturesectors,actingfora widerangeofclientsincludinghighstreetlenders, universities,investorsandcorporateborrowers.
CHARITYBALL
AglamorouscharityballorganisedandhostedbyBirminghamlaw firmSydneyMitchellisaimingtoraisethousandsofpoundsforlocal charitiesMarieCurieSolihullandSolihullCarer’sTrust.Theeventis beingheldattheNationalMotorcycleMuseumon10October.“The SydneyMitchellLLPCharityBallissettobeagreatnightoffine dining,fund-raising,andentertainmentwithlivemusic,casino tablesandmagic,”saidseniorpartnerKarenMoores,pictured.
KARL’SCOMEBACKWIN
KarlWilsonhasbeatentheoddstowinaprestigiousaward.The63-year-oldfrom Birminghamhadtogiveuphiscomputerbusinesstocareforhismumwhenshe developedAlzheimer’s.AftershepassedawayKarlfacedhomelessnessand depression–butthankstosupportfromWestMidlandsCombinedAuthority’s trainingprogrammerunbyReleasePotential,hehasmanagedtoturnhislife aroundandisnowalearningrecruitmentofficer.Hisstorywasrecognisedatthe WMCAAdultLearningAwardswherehewontheLearningforWorkAward.
BUSINESS BITES
SQUAREMOVE
LawfirmFieldfisherwillberelocatingits Birminghamofficetoanewcitycentre locationatTwoChamberlainSquare,partof the£1.2billionParadiseBirmingham development,attheendoftheyear.The centralofficespacewillenableFieldfisherto growitsofferingacrosstheUKandEurope.
BULLRINGOPENING
FootLockerhasopeneditslargestUKstore intheBullring.Theflagshipfeaturesthree newpermanentareastocreatean “immersivesneakerexperience,”including anewSneakerHubwhichoffersarange ofcustomisationandcleaningservices forshoppers.
SPARKLINGRETURN
LuxuryjewellerMappin&Webbis returningtoBirminghamcitycentreforthe firsttimeintwodecades.TheWatchesof SwitzerlandGroup,whichownsMappin& Webb,hassigneda10-yearleaseatThe Burlington,NewStreet.Theshowroomwill openlaterintheyear.
GARYSCOOPSROYALROLE
Aformernewspapereditorandaward-winning journalististhenewpresidentofRoyalSutton ColdfieldChamberofCommerce.GaryPhelps,who grewupinthetownandwentontobecomethe editoroftheRoyalSuttonColdfieldObserver,was officiallyappointedattheChamber’sannualmeeting atMoorHallHotel&Spa.Anewvice-presidentwas alsoappointed,withcustomerexperienceexpert ShaunCreminsofinsight6joiningfellowvicepresident,CUDOSCreativeagencyfounderKateCurry.
PREACHING NEWHEIGHTS
FROMWORKINGONTHEFRONTDESKINAN AIRPORT30YEARSAGOTOCHIEFEXECUTIVE OFAWORLD-CLASSARTSINSTITUTION,PAUL JAMES’SHEADYAMBITIONSFOR BIRMINGHAMROYALBALLETARELIMITLESS
hadbeenactingchiefexecutivesinceDecemberafter thesaddeathofformerCEOCarolineMiller.
aulJameshashadaneclecticcareerthathas seenhimopeningajazzclubinDohaandfoot spainVeniceamongmanyotherwonderfully surprisingachievements.Ahotelier,predominantly workinginmarketingandbranddevelopment,Paul travelledextensivelybeforelandinginBrumandspent eightyearsdevelopinghotelbrandsinNewYork.
Now,immersedintheworldofdanceandatthe helmofBirminghamRoyalBallet,he’sdriventomake thealreadyamazingcompanythebestitcanbe.Paul initiallyjoinedBRBjustasDavidBintleywasmoving onafter25brilliantyearsandCarlosAcostawasjoining whichrepresentedafreshchapterintheBRBstory.
Atthetime,thecompanywantedtorebrandand becomemoreefficient.CuePaulwhowasappointedas chiefcommercialofficer.Hesays:“Itwasjustan extraordinaryopportunity.It’sanamazingplace.All citieshavetheirchallengesandBirmingham’sno differentbutlookwhatwehave–BRB,the Hippodrome,theRep,IKON,SymphonyHall.It’s culturallyamazing.”
HELTERSKELTER
WhenwechattedtoPaul,hewasjustsixweeksinto hisnewpermanentroleaschiefexecutivewhichhe describesasbeingabitofahelterskelterperiod.Paul
Essentially,Paulrunsthebusinesssideofthe companyandCarloscreatestheartisticvision.Paul’s ambitionforBRBisaboldone–tobeseeneverywhere astheworld’sfinestballetcompany.Simple.Intermsof innovationandquality,hesaysthey’reunmatched. LunarandBlackSabbathtonamejustacoupleof stunninglyuniqueproductionshavepushedboundaries andchallengedballeticstereotypes.
HIDDENCHALLENGES
It’sachallengingbusinessmindyou.Asapunter, youseetheshinyfinishedarticle,butthebusinessof runningthecompanyiscomplex.Paulexplains:“There are55full-timedancersaswellasafullorchestraand foreverypersononstagethere’sanotherbackstage. Understandingthescaleofthatiscrucial.”
WhenSwanLakeistouring,thereareeighthuge trucksontheroadandwhenTheNutcrackeris running,thereare400peopleinthebuildingworking tomakeithappen.Withthoseheftychallengesasa backdrop,it’satoughasktoensureproductionsare accessibleandaffordable,butit'shighonPaul’slistof priorities.Familyoffersandaproportionoftickets under£30aimtokeeptheatresfullandattractnew audiences.
Aswellasbumsonseats,accessibilityisimportantin termsofnurturingyoungtalentthroughBRB’soutreach programmesacrossthecity.Thecompany’sDance
Trackinitiativewhichlaunchedin1997 offersfreetrainingtochildrenwho wouldn’tnormallyhaveaccesstodance. Workingwith60schoolstheprogramme hasgiventhousandsofyoungstersthe opportunitytodance,andsomehave goneontopursueitasacareer.
BRBisatouringcompany–it’swhat theydo–soeachproductionisdesigned withthatinmind.Virgina,Washington DCandJapanareregularsaswell mainlandEuropewhichrequiresall kindsoflogisticalwizardry.Pauljoinsthe companyontoursometimes,sohe understandseachaspectofthebusiness oftouringandwhatthatmeansfor everyoneonboard.
PINCHME
Paullovesthewayballettellsstories withoutlanguage.Hesays:“There’san understandingofpurehumanemotion. AnewcolleaguecameintoseeThe Nutcrackerandafterwardstheysaidit wasn’tuntiltheendtheyrealisedthere werenowords.That’samazing.”His highlightssofarincludeBlackSabbath –theBallet.Paulsays:“I’llneverforget openingnight.Thewayitallsat together–thefullhouse,theelectric atmosphere,chattingtoRobertPlantin thePatrickStudio.Itwasarealpinch memoment.”BlackSabbathisbackat theendofthismonthwhichlookssetto beanothersell-out.
Ourchatwaspepperedwith ‘amazings’rangingfromBirmingham’s culturaloffering,balletspecifically,life generallyandcolleaguesincludingCarlos whohethinkshasmadeahuge differencetothecompany.Ifwewere choosingsomeonetoheadupan organisation,itwouldbesomeonewith Paul’sinfectiouspositivityandenergy.He sayshe’sgotthebestjobintheworld,and webelievehim. ■
LEAPOFFAITH: DirectorCarlosAcostahasmadeahugedifference sincearrivingatBRB,withgroundbreakingandhugelysuccessful productionssuchasBlackSabbath–TheBallet,saysJames
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: LewisCapaldi
WHEN: 23and24September
WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk
Aftertwoyearsawayfromthe spotlight,theglobalsuperstaris wellandtrulybackwithhishuge newsinglestormingthecharts andnowafabnewarenatour.
WHAT: TheCatShowLive WHEN: 13September
WHERE: NECBirmingham, thecatshowlive.co.uk
Whetheryou’realifelongfelinefan, curiouscatparent,orjustloveto shopforyourfurryfriend,getready forapurr-fectlyunforgettableday asthisone-of-a-kindevent.
WHAT: BagaChipzTour
WHEN: 27September
WHERE: O2AcademyBirmingham, academymusicgroup.com
WHAT: Abigail'sParty WHEN: 13to20September
WHERE: CrescentTheatre, crescent-theatre.co.uk
MikeLeigh’sdarklycomedic portrayalofpretension, materialismandsexualtension in1970sEnglandisan unmissablemodernclassic.
WHAT: SavingGrace
WHEN: 13September
WHERE: TheAlexandra, atgtickets.com
Grabyourproseccoand braceyourself–GKBarryis backbigger,bolderandready tobringhersmash-hit podcasttoBrum!
JointheBirminghamLivingcovergirlandfriendsforariotous eveningfilledwithdirtyjokes,smutandbigbandballads. Justleavethekidsathomeforsomestrictlyadultfun.
WHAT: MarcusBrigstocke WHEN: 16September
WHERE: GleeClub, glee.co.uk/birmingham
Whataremenforandareweofanyuseat all?Theaward-winningcomedianthinkswe mightstillservesomeusefulfunction,and thisnewtourshowaimstoresolvethe issueonceandforall…
WHAT: InspectorMorse:HouseofGhosts WHEN: Nowuntil14September
WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk
Inthefirst-evermajorstageadaptationofthe iconicdetective,achillingmysteryunfoldswhen ayoungactresssuddenlydiesonstageduringa performance,andDetectiveChiefInspector Morseembarksonagrippinginvestigation.
WHAT: MeasureforMeasure
WHEN: 13Septemberto 25October
WHERE: RSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111
Whenherbrotherfallsfoulofthe state’srigidmoralitylaws,Isabellais senttopleadforhislifein
Shakespeare’srazor-sharpthrillerof hypocrisyandcorruption.
WHAT: EngelbertHumperdinck WHEN: 11September
WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk
Agoldenvoicewithacareer spanningmorethan50yearsand salesinexcessof140million records–thisisyourchancetosee aproperlivinglegend.
WHAT: DonaldLocke:ResistantForms
WHEN: From1October WHERE: IkonGallery, ikon-gallery.org
AnexhibitionfromtheGuyanese-Britishartist featuringceramicsinspiredbynaturalforms andthehumanbody,andlargerscalepaintings andsculpturesexploringissuesaroundhistory andidentity.
WHAT: GeoffNorcott:BasicBloke2 WHEN: 4October
WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk
ThisisGeoff’sfirsttourunderaLabour government,sohe’sgotplentytoget offhischest!Badparents,peoplewho eattoomuch,anyonewhowearsa dressinggownbeyond9am…the glovesareoff…
WHAT: CBSO:ATasteofBollywood WHEN: 7September
WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk
ExperiencesomeofthegreatestBollywoodsongsatthis specialoutdooreventfeaturingthesparklingsinging duo,ParryandRekha,alongsidemusiciansfromtheCity ofBirminghamSymphonyOrchestra.
WHAT: TheRockyHorrorShow WHEN: 22to27September
WHERE: BelgradeTheatre,belgrade.co.uk Whentheircarbreaksdownoutsideacreepy mansion,BradandJanetmeetthecharismatic DrFrank-n-Furterandsobeginsanadventure they’llneverforget!Thelegendaryshowreturns guaranteeingafierceandfabulousnight.
WHAT: BlackSabbath–TheBallet WHEN: 18to27September
WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome,birminghamhippodrome.com
AspectaculartheatricaleveningfromBirminghamRoyalBalletfeaturing thrillingdancealongsidefullorchestrationsofsomelegendaryBlack Sabbathtracksaswellasneworchestralworksinspiredbytheirmusic.
CLOSEWITHÁ
ADRIANLESTER
AHEADOFHISDEBUTATTHERSCINSTRATFORDTHISMONTH,THE OLIVIERAWARD-WINNINGACTORANDTVSTARTALKSALL-THINGS BRUM,FROMSINGINGINTHECHURCHCHOIRANDDANCINGTOHIP HOPATTHEPOWERHOUSETOHISLOVEFORTHEREPANDMAC–ANDTHENEEDTOGIVELOCALKIDSMOREACCESSTOTHEARTS
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
IstartedsingingwithStChad’sCathedralChoiraged nine.Istayedwiththemforsixyears.Aswellasraising myconfidenceanotherchoristerinthechoirmademe awareoftheMidlandsArtsCentre,whichiswhereIspent nearlyeverysummerfrom12to18.Ijoinedthechildren’s operacompanytherebeforejoiningBirminghamYouth Theatre.Thisthenledtoaninterestinactingwhich pushedmeontodramaschool.
HOMETOWNMEMORIES
Iwouldwalktoandfromchoirthroughtownandthen downtheBristolroadtoourflat.Igottoknoweveryinch ofthearea.Ilovedtown.Meetingfriendsoutsidethe library.OrontheRampbeforeheadingintotheshopping precinct.(Thisisallquiteafewyearsago!)Iparticularly remembertheteenagehiphopnightsonaMondayatthe PowerHousewhenkids14to18couldmeetfriends, dancetohiphop,80’ssoul,funkandpop.Onlysoft drinksweresold,ofcourse.Alluskidswoulddressupand payour50ptogetin.Itwasfantastic!
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
OneofmywishesistoseeBirminghamtakeitsplaceasa hotbedofartisticcreativityinthecountry.Iwantittobe knownforitsdanceanddramacompanies.Weneedmore homegrownbandsmakinganameforthemselves internationally.
BIGGESTSUCCESS
Personally,mykids.Ihavetwogirlsanditisareal pleasuretowatchthemtaketheirplaceintheworldas youngwomen.IampleasedtohavegottenaBlackBeltin
Taekwondo.Iwasn’ttheyoungestintheroomandIhad topushmyselfoutofmycomfortzonetogetit.Itstill remindsmewhatIcanachieveevenwhenIamsureI willfail.
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
TherearesomanysituationsthatcometomindwhereI woulddothingsdifferently.AcommonthemeisthatI wouldbemorepreparedtostateclearlywhatIwantedand whatIdidn’twantandprotecttheboundaryinbetween.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
TheRep,MidlandsArtsCentre,andthefactthatmy familystilllivethere.
WHATABOUTTHELOCALARTSSCENE
More!Weneedmoreofit.Morekidsbeingallowed easyaccesssothatcanhaveago.Morelivemusicon BroadStreet.Theclubsshouldopentheirdoorstolive bandsduringtheearlypartoftheweek.Getpeople playing,collaboratingandworkingtogetherinthe understandingthatitispossibletoreachanaudience andgetaweeklyfollowing.Also,theknowledgethat yougetbetterinfrontofanaudiencebyhavingplaces topractise.
DOWNTIME
Ilovewatchingfilmsandseries.Ilikeotherpeople’s work. ■
AdrianplaysthetitleroleintheRSC’sproductionofCyranode BergeracattheSwanTheatrebetween27Septemberand15 November.Ticketsatrsc.org.ukorcall01789331111
