Legends.That’sthewordthatcametomindasIpreparedtowritethisissue’s Editor’sLetter.We’vejustwitnessedaweekendwheretwogiantsofmusic camehometodelightuswithtrulyunforgettableperformances.
CueVillaPark,andmorethan40,000adoringfansroaring,singing,chanting–and,yes,sheddingatearortwo –asBlackSabbathchosetheirbelovedBrumfortheirlast-evergig.Whowilleverforgetthesightandthe soundoftheSabbathwithOzzyOsbourne–seatedinallhispomponahugeblackthrone–astheyliftedthe roofoffthestadiumwithParanoid.
OverattheUtilitaArena,andwitnessanotherBrummiegreat–MrBlueSkyhimself–JeffLynne.TheElectric LightOrchestrawasthebandthatIfollowedavidlyinmyyoungerdays,anditwaswonderfultoseeJeffandhis ELOreturntothecityforonelasttimeandplaymanyofthehitsthathavebecomemodernclassics.WildWest Hero,TelephoneLine,TurntoStone…thelistgoeson!
OzzyandJeffarepartofwhatisshapinguptobeanotherawesomesummerinBrum.Fromtheamazing atmosphereofTestcricketandTheHundredwhichonlytheEdgbastoncrowdscancreate,toourlocalfootball starscompetingforgloryintheWomen’sEuroChampionship.Andeventhoughhedidn’thavequiteenough tobeatNovakDjokovicatWimbledon(fewhave!),wearenonethelessproudofourveryownDanEvanswho hasgivensomuchtoBritishmen’stennisovertheyears.
Addinallthemusicandfoodfestivals,marketsandarrayofotherspecialeventsonapackedcalendar,and Summer2025isindeedacracker!
Nowthen,wheredidIputmy12-inchvinylcopyofELO’sFaceTheMusic…
EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk
FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS: DavidCarne,AdamKirtland ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk
DESIGNER: TracyDuffy
PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn.Imagelibrary:shutterstock.com PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR: JonathanCarter
RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110 ©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560
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Highlights
News
Bringingyouthebrightest,mostcolourful storiesfromacrossthecitythismonth
KarenjeetKaurBains
BestknownasAthenaofTV’sGladiators, whyherschoolmatescalledherBulletBains!
EdgbastonPrioryClub
Celebratingits150thanniversary,welook atastar-studdedpastandbrightfuture
Food&Drink
Chef’sCornerwithSachaTownsendof670Grams, plusnews,reviews,recipesandtopwinepicks
Health
Ourguidetoavoidingthatannualmeltdownby lookinggreatforyoursummerbreakonthebeach
Style
Weshopped’tilwedroppedtofindaselection ofsandalsthatreallyhitthat‘sweet’spot
BestoftheRest
40 48 54 57 64 66
Homes
Theclue’sinthename,butautilityroomcan bechicaswellasahard-workinghomehub
FromthePottingBench
AdamKirtland’stoptipswillmakeyour summergardenlookgreatandlastlonger
CompanytoWatch
Family-runLA-POP!inEdgbastonmakesand sellsgorgeoushandcraftedgelatopopsicles
BusinessNews
Allthelatestnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity
What’sOn
Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigs inourround-upofmust-seeevents
UpClose
WithKeith‘Cookie’Cookfrom WarwickshireCountyCricketClub
NEWS HELLOOOO BIRMINGHAM!
BelovedScottishnannyEuphegenia Doubtfireispackinghersuitcaseand headingtoBirmingham.TheWestEnd andBroadwaycomedymusicalMrs DoubtfirewillopenatBirmingham HippodromeinAugustandSeptember 2026aspartofitsfirstUKtour.Thestory ofadivorcedout-of-workactorwho morphsintoMrsDoubtfiretobewithhis childrenisamovieclassic,starringthe lateRobinWilliams.Thestageversion seesGabrielVickinthetitlerole followinghisacclaimedperformancesin theWestEndproduction.
BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH
TOWNHALLREVAMP OZZYONSHOW
AprojectisunderwaytoshowcaseBirminghamTownHall’sheritage andensurethe191-year-oldbuildingisaccessibleandsustainablefor thefuture.B:Music,thecharityresponsibleforTownHall,has launchedAmplifyTownHall,whichcelebratesthelandmark’shistory whilemakingupgradestothebuilding.Theinitiativefollowsagrant bytheNationalLotteryHeritageFund.B:Musichasalsolauncheda publicappealtoraise£200,000towardstheprojectviaone-off donations,regularmonthlygifts,namingaseat,orbecominga sponsor.
TwoexhibitionsinBirminghamare celebratingtheachievementsandglobal awardsofrockiconOzzyOsbourneand thealbumartoftheoriginalBlackSabbath line-up.Theexhibitionscoincidewiththeir historichomecomingconcertatVillaPark. Thefree-to-enterexhibitionatBirmingham Museum&ArtGallerycalledWorking ClassHerorunsuntil28Septemberand showcasesOzzy’smostprestigious internationalhonours.Fanscanalsoenjoy afreeoutdoorBlackSabbathphotography exhibitioninVictoriaSquare.
CHICKENBONEFEAST
MillenniumPointishostingafreeone-dayminimusicfestivalon Saturday26Julyaspartofthe41stBirminghamJazz&Blues Festival.Visitorscanjoinasingingworkshopandperformances fromsomeofthebestbluesperformersonthelivecircuit, includingChickenboneJohn,pictured,aspartofaBluesJam bringingthesoundsofNewOrleans,Chicagoandthe MississippiDeltatoBirmingham.RebeccaDelmore,commercial directorofMillenniumPointsaid:“Wearethrilledtoofferafree dayofunmissableentertainmentfromamazingartists.”
ADOPTIONHUNT
Birmingham-based,AdoptionFocushasjoinedwithothervoluntaryadoption agencies(VAAs)acrosstheUKtofindmoreparentsforchildrenofBlackandother diverseethnicitieswhoarewaitingforafamily.Currently,thesechildrenwaitlonger tobematchedwithfamiliesandVAAsareurgentlylookingforpeoplewhocanoffer themapermanentandlovinghome.AdoptionFocusisamong21VAAswhohave createdanadviceguideforpeopleconsideringadoptingachildofBlackorother diverseethnicity.
BABYRHINOARRIVAL
KeepersatWestMidlandsSafariParkhavewelcomed thebirthofarareIndianrhinoceroscalf.Thefemale calfisthesecondsuccessfulIndianrhinobirthatthe Parkinits52-yearhistory.TheIndianrhino,also knownasgreaterone-hornedrhino,isclassedas vulnerabletoextinctionbytheInternationalUnionfor theConservationofNature.TheyarefoundinIndia andNepal,butfacethreatssuchaspoachingand habitatdestruction.
GLYNNOPENSUP
Trillium,thelatestventurefromtopchef GlynnPurnellandwineexpertPhil Innes,issettoopeninBirminghamin September.ThenewrestaurantatSnow Hillbringstogetherbold,seasonal disheswithadynamic,ever-evolving winelist.Glynnsaid:“Wewantguests toexplorethemenuinwhateverway suitsthem—it’saboutdiningtheway youwantto,withoutrules.”Thewine list,curatedbyPhilofLokiWine, reflectsthesamespiritofexploration–fromhiddengemsandlow-intervention producerstoiconicnames.
WELCOME
HOME,STU
Award-winningchefStuDeeleyis‘cominghome’afterlaunchingTheWarwick restaurantatMalloryCourt,LeamingtonSpa.OriginallyfromBirmingham,Stu workedatMalloryCourtearlyinhiscareer.Hegainednationalrecognition afterwinningMasterChef:TheProfessionalsin2019,followingworkingat SimpsonsandTheWilderness.HelaterbecamechefdirectoratHampton ManorEstate,wherehefoundedtheMichelin-recommendedSmoke,earning praiseforitsingredient-ledandopen-firecooking.Thenewrestaurantoffersa menufocusedonbold,seasonalflavours.
BIGBANG WINNER
Ayear12studentfromSolihull haswonaprestigiousawardin theBigBangCompetition,a nationwidechallengeforyoung engineers,scientistsand technologists.GracePalmerfrom WMGAcademyforYoung EngineersSolihullwasnamed SeniorEngineeringwinnerfor herproject‘Thrivetransferaid’. Inspiredbythechallengesfaced byheryoungcousin,Grace createdanewproducttohelp transferchildrencomfortably whetherthat’sfrombedtoa deskchairorfromawheelchair toarollercoaster.
AMANDA’SNEWPITCH
MUSEUMOFTHEYEAR
ComptonVerneyinWarwickshirehasbeennominatedfortheprestigious ArtFundMuseumoftheYearaward–makingitoneofthetopfive museumsinthecountry.Theaccoladeisinrecognitionforitsinspiring projects,excellenceofitsvisitorexperienceandtheremarkablepeople whoworkandvolunteeratthemuseum.ComptonVerneyishometosix world-classartcollections,sculptureparkandacafé,andhostsa regularlychangingexhibitionprogrammewithworld-famousartists–all setin120acresofCapabilityBrownlandscapedparkland.
ROSHNISTRIKESGOLD
RoshniBirmingham,aleadingproviderofsupportfor survivorsofdomesticabuse,hasbeennamedMultiGold AwardWinnerforInnovation&ExcellencebyCorporate LiveWire2025.Thecharityprovidesabuseservicesto blackandminoritycommunities,includingforced marriageandhonour-basedabuse.Itwassetupin1979 andisfundedbytheNationalLottery,TudorTrust, BirminghamCityCouncil,SmallwoodTrustandWest MidlandsOfficeofthePoliceandCrimeCommissioner.
Amanda‘Mandinha’ Martinez,thewifeofAston VillagoalkeeperEmiliano ‘Emi’Martinezandfounder ofMiSueñosKids,has launchedanewboutique. BasedatCoppiceLifestyle shoppingvillagein Tamworth,thelaunch attractedfootballerfamilies andspecialguestswho enjoyedathemed afternoonofchildren’s entertainment,music,food andfunactivities.Amanda establishedherfirst boutiquein2014, designingpracticalyet luxuriousinteriorsfor children.Ithassince expandedtoofferarange ofover50brands.
PictureKimFarinha
TVHOT-SHOTS
TV’sMadeinChelseastars,pictured,were amongcelebritieshelpingtoraisemoneyfor aspecialistcharityataclayshootingevent. TheeventwhichtookplaceatHolland& HollandShootingGroundsraisedmorethan £24,000fortheBirmingham-foundedGetAHeadCharitableTrust.GetA-Headhelps supportpeopleacrossEnglandandWales sufferingfromheadandneckdiseases, particularlycancer,andlastyearcelebrated its30thanniversary.
HUNDREDLIFT-OFF
TheHundredandBirminghamPhoenixare backatEdgbastonStadiumwitheach matchdayfeaturingaliveperformance fromsomeofthemostexcitingnamesin UKmusic,includingMidlandsartists, KANDAandTheWhiteLakes.Theopening fixtureisagainstTrentRocketsonFriday8 August.
BirminghamPhoenixwomen’splayerAmy Jonessaid:“It’sanamazingopportunityfor Birminghamartistsandcricketerstocome togethertopromoteeverythingthatthe regionhastooffer!”Ticketdetailsat: thehundred.com
GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk
CHILDHEALTHPUSH
BirminghamCommunityLeisureTrust(BCLT)haslaunchedtheLittle Lungs,BigImpactinitiativeaimedateliminatingsmokingandvapingat theentrancestoalltheleisurefacilitiesitoperatesinthecityin partnershipwithSercoLeisure.Themoveprioritisesthehealthandwellbeingofvulnerableyoungchildrenandfeaturesprominentsignage displayedaroundentrances,indicatingthedesignatedsmoke-freezones. SercoLeisure’sSarahBernesaid:“Thisisavitalstepinprotectingour childrenandensuringtheyhavetheopportunitytogrowuphealthy."
WORTHTHEBAKE!
Freshbreadandpastries,decadent bakedgoods,deliciousdelicatessen cheesesandmeats…ourmouths arealreadywateringhereatBrum LivingTowersinanticipationofthis year’sBrindleyMarkets!Aswellas featuredamazingeats,theMarkets –runinpartnershipwithspecialist eventcateringconsultancyCaterly–alsoincludeartsandcrafts,jewellery andmore.Plus,there’salsostreetfoodattheCentralSquareeventon31 Julyand29Augustfrom11.30amto2.30pm.
YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Anartsfestivalforchildrenandyoungpeoplefromallbackgroundsacross BirminghamisbeingheldinAugustbytheNationalYouthMusicTheatre.FairGround, hostedatCityAcademy,willofferfreecreativeworkshopsinpartnershipwithother leadingartsorganisationsandschoolsinthecity,includingBirminghamHippodrome, BOATrustandRoyalBirminghamConservatoire.AnoutdoorproductionofRodgers andHammerstein’sCarouselperformedbysomeofthecountry’sbrightestmusic theatretalentwillbeheldatBirminghamCityAcademy.
BULLET BAINS
KARENJEETKAURBAINSISBESTKNOWNASATHENA,GREEK
GODDESSOFWARANDWISDOMINBBCSATURDAYNIGHTHIT, GLADIATORS–BUTTOHERSCHOOLMATESSHE’SBULLETBAINS
PuttingGladiatorsaside,Karenjeet’ssportingachievements areincredible.At5ft4insshe’seasilyunderestimatedwhich sheloathes,butsheismighty.Agedjust17,shefoundher powerliftinggroovethankstosomecoachingfromherdadandwent ontobecomefivetimesall-Englandchampion,fivetimesBritish champion,Commonwealthchampionandworldrecordholderfor themostbodyweightsquatsinaminuteamongotheraccolades.
SheshunnedthefemalestereotypesofherSikhPunjabiheritage whichsometimesputsapremiumonquietanddaintyinfavourof strengthanddeterminationandshe’snowinspiringotherwomen andgirlstogofortheirdreams.Karenjeetwasluckytobebornintoa sportyfamily.Hertwinbrotherswerenational400mrunnersand naturally,shewantedtofollowintheirfootsteps,soshetookup athleticsandasthemonikerBulletBainssuggests,sheexcelled.
Shesayssheknewaboutwinningandlosingfromanearlyage whichshe’sgratefulfor.Herdadwasaformerbodybuilder/lifter andwhileKarenjeetdescribesherselfasacademicandnerdy,shewas alsofierceandwhilestudyinginsixthform,shestartedliftingunder herfather’stutelage.InitiallyKarenjeetwantedtolifttomakeher sprintingmoreexplosivebutonceherdadhadshownherthebasic squat,benchanddeadlifts,shewashookedonpowerliftingasasport initsownright.
STUBBORNDETERMINATION
JustthreemonthsaftershestartedliftingKarenjeet’sdadentered herintoacompetition.WearingschoolPEkitwithnoproper equipmentandherbrothersbyherside,shewonandwithinsix monthsKarenjeetwasBritishchampion.Itwasn’tallplainsailingasa
seriousinjurysetherbackjustasshereturnedfromthe CommonwealthGameswhichputheroutofthesport fortwoyears.Karenjeetwasdeterminedtocomeback andcompeteatthehighestlevelwhichshedid.
What’salsoremarkableisthatKarenjeetstudied charteredaccountancyatDurhamUniversitywhile trainingforandcompetingintheworld championships–notyouraverageuniversity experience.Shegainedaprestigiousscholarshipto Durhamfromoneofthebigfouraccountancyfirms ofwhichonly60areofferedacrossthecountry.
ROAROFTHECROWD
ThecallupforGladiatorswasabitsecretive.In 2023Karenjeetwassentane-mailaboutaTV opportunitycentredaroundasuperheroprogramme. AtthispointKarenjeet’sInstagrampresencewas significantplusshe’dbeenthesubjectofBBCOne’s ExtraordinaryPortraits,soherprofilewasrising.She feelstheproducershadearmarkedherfortheshowas they’realwaysonthelookoutforpotentialtalent.
Onehundredpeoplewereputthroughtheirpacesat thefitnesstrialswiththetopfemalesselected.Shesays she’llnevertakeitforgrantedadding:“Theroarofthe crowdneverfailstohumbleme.WhenIseeAthena postersinthecrowdit’shumbling.Thereareeight musclywomenwhoaregreatrolemodels.Strengthis beauty.”Karenjeetwasfilmingthethirdseriesin
Sheffieldwhenwespokeandiskeentopointoutthat sheisanathletefirstandappearancesecond.Allofthe Gladiatorsareseriousathletes.Amongthemare Olympiansandchampionsinvariousarenasandthey taketheirroleseriously.
EYEOFTHETIGER
OneofthethingsmostprecioustoKarenjeetisthe speakingshe’sabletodoinlocalschoolsinWarwick. Shesays:“Thekidsgocrazyforit.I’veovercome adversityandit’shasn’tbeeneasysothere’sastrong messagetopasson.”Sheadds:“I’vedonethiswith nothingfancy.Trainingathomewithweightsmade byhandbymydad–it’sallabitRocky!
“I’vegothangtoughringsinthegardenandanarray ofequipment.There’snosugarcoatingthis.I’ve achievedwhatI’veachievedthroughstubborn determination.”Ifeelshemightgetthatfromhermum whounusuallytookupathleticsinherfortieshaving missedoutontheopportunitiesKarenjeetwasableto grabwithbothhandsasachild.Hermumthrows javelinanddiscus.
Karenjeetisjustasmuchaboutsmashingglass ceilingsandbustingstereotypesaswinningtitlesand breakingrecords.Shecoacheswomenonlinewho wanttogetintofitnessandbreakfreefromsocietal barriersthatmightbeconstrainingthem.She’sgiving backinthebestofways. ■
HOLDINGCOURT –FOR150YEARS
EDGBASTONPRIORYCLUBISCELEBRATINGAHISTORICMILESTONEBYLOOKING BACKONITSGREATCHAMPIONSANDTRADITIONSOFTHEPAST,WHILELOOKING FORWARDTOPROVIDINGTHEBESTSPORTINGFACILITIESFORITSSTARSOFTHE FUTUREANDCONTINUINGDEVELOPMENTOFITSROLEINTHECOMMUNITY
Ifyou’reafanoftennis,particularlythe quintessentiallyEnglishformoflawntennis, youmayalreadyknowthatBirminghamhasa uniqueplaceinitshistory.Actually,Edgbastontobe precise.It’shere,in1859thatacertainMajorHarry GemandAugurioPerarafirstmarkedoutacroquet lawnat‘Fairlight’inAmptonRoadasatenniscourt. Thatcourt,andtheworld’sfirstgameoflawntennis playeduponit,islessthanhalf-a-milefromanother Birminghamlandmark–andhometotennis,fitness andwellbeingexcellence–EdgbastonPrioryClub (EPC).
ThisyearmarksanincrediblemilestoneforEPC —its150thanniversary.It’sayearofcelebration,
reflection,andpridecommemoratedwithaseriesof eventsthatreflectthespirit,historyandcommunity attheheartoftheclub.
Theclubasweknowittodaywasformedin December1964asaresultofamergerbetweentwo longestablishedclubs;EdgbastonCricketandLawn TennisClubfoundedin1878andPrioryLawn TennisClubfoundedin1875.Themergercame aboutinMay1963whenafirecompletelydestroyed Priory’sclubhouse–whichisreflectedintheclub’s logoofaphoenixrisingfromtheashes.
Someoftheworld’searliestlawntennis tournamentswereheldatEdgbaston,Prioryand thenEdgbastonPrioryClubfrom1882tothe1970s
suchasthePrioryWhitsunTournament,theDavis Cup,theMidlandCountiesTournamentandnow theLexusBirminghamOpen.
Atitscoretoday,theclubexiststoprovidea welcomingandworld-classenvironmentwhere membersofallagesandabilitiescanthrive— whetheroncourt,inthegymorsocially.It’snotoverhypingtosaythatformanyofitsmembers,it’saway oflife.AsrecentlyappointedCEOClaireDaniel explained:“WhatmakesEPCuniqueisourfusionof traditionandinnovation.Membersenjoyelite facilities,expertcoaching,astrongsenseof camaraderie,andacalendarpackedwithboth competitiveandsocialevents.Wehostmajorevents liketheLexusBirminghamOpen,serveasa
launchpadforlocalandnationaltalentandrun communityprogrammesthatopendoorstosport. We’reproudtobebothasportingbeaconandasocial cornerstoneinBirmingham.”
Providingthefacilitiesandback-upneededto allowall-agestoachievethebesttheycanbeinsports isattheheartoftheclub’spast,presentandfuture. HouseholdnameslikesquashlegendJonah BarringtonandWimbledonchampionAnnJones werejustregularclubmemberswhowentonto reachthepinnacleoftheirsports.Andtheclubisstill developingeliteathletestoday–aswellasproviding thebestfacilitiesforbuddingamateursandless talented‘have-a-go-heroes’.Despitetheclub expandingandbecomingslickerovertime,there’s stillafamiliarcommunityvibeabouttheplace.
Theclubhassupportedanumberofgrassroots communityprogrammeswithlocalschools,suchas LordswoodSchoolandalsoinCannonHillParkas wellasworkingwiththeHeartofBirmingham VocationalCollege.Ithelpsprovideworkplace opportunitiesforyoungpeoplewithlearning disabilities.
“Withourproudheritagecomesthechallengeof stayingrelevant,fresh,andforward-thinking,”said Claire.“Ourbiggestchallengeisbalancingtradition withinnovation—honouringour150-yearhistory whileadaptingtothechangingneedsofour
LOOKINGTOTHEFUTURE: Theclub’sjourneytoexcellenceneverstops,saysCEOClaireDaniel
membersandthewidersportinglandscape.Wealso faceoperationalchallengescommontomember-led institutions–ensuringlong-termfinancialand environmentalsustainability,maintainingand upgradingourfacilitiestothehigheststandards,and continuallyenhancingthememberexperience.We alreadyboastsomeofthefinestsquashcourtsand tennissurfacesintheUK,butthejourneyto excellenceneverstops.”
Lookingtothefuture,theclubhasidentifiedfour
LEGENDS&ICONS
Manylegendsoftennishavegracedtheclub’scourtsovertheyears.Thefirst Wimbledonladiessingleswinner,MaudWatson,wasamemberof EdgbastonCricketandLawnTennisClub.ShebroughttheWimbledontrophy backtoBirminghamwithhernameengravedonitin1885,anditisstill awardedannually.
King’sHeath-born,AnnJones,alifememberoftheclub,wonWimbledonin 1969,twoFrenchOpensinglestitles,andreachedsixotherGrandSlam singlesfinals.Annwentontoplayanactiveroleintheclub,mentoring youngplayersandrefereeingtournaments.Thenewcentrecourtwhich openedin2013,wasnamedafterher.
ManymoreearlyWimbledonwinnersperfectedtheirstrokesonthecourtsof thetwoclubs,amongthemJoanFry(Wimbledonladiessinglesfinalistin 1925)andDorothyRound(1934and1937).
Inthe20thcenturyFredPerry,DanMaskell(formanyyearstheBBC’svoice ofWimbledon),BjornBorg,ArthurAshe,JimmyConnors,BillieJeanKingand MartinaNavratilovaplayedattheclubandmorerecentlyMariaSharapova, TimHenmanandGregRusedski.
keyareas–growparticipationthroughgrassroots partnerships,inclusiveprogramming,andoutreach toschoolsandunderrepresentedcommunities; enhancememberexperiencethroughtechnologyand digitalinnovation;raiseitsprofileacrossthecity;and embraceemergingtrendsinsport–suchasPadel andPickleball.
So,asEPCcelebratesthisveryspecialanniversary, weraiseourglasses(orshouldthatberaquets)tothe club’snext150years. ■
SACHA TOWNSEND
Theheadchefof670GramsinDigbethtalksabouther journeyfromcookingwithmumtoleadingakitchenand whyajacketpotatowithtunaandgreengiantsweetcornis always10outof10.Oh,andhowshebecameanegg‘snob’
Tellusaboutyourcooking
Mycookingisalwaysflavour-ledandcarefully considered.IjustcookthethingsIliketoeat.Idon’t justcooksomethingbecauseit’sa‘classicalpairing‘. Thatsaid,myexecutionisalwaysveryprecise.I startedoutworkingonthepastrysection,sothat neverreallyleavesyou.Seasonalityisreally important–ifyoucangettheingredientatitspeak, you’reguaranteedgreatquality,andequally,the flavourisunmatched.Istillgetexcitedwhenapiece ofmeatisslowlyrenderingontheBBQ.Youget thoselovelyflickersofheatwhenthefatdropsdown. TheflavourandcaramelisationyougetfromaBBQ justcan’tberecreated.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
Beingachefwasneverthedream.Iwenttoa schoolwheretheypushedformoreacademicstudies. So,Ididn’tevenknowbeingachefwasa‘proper’ job.Ijustrememberspeakingtomyfriends,thinking itwasmentalthattheydidn’tdoanycookingona weekendorevenenjoyit,forthatmatter.Irealisedit couldbemorethanjustahobby,soIleftsixthform andstartedatculinarycollege.Aftervariouswork placements,IstartedattheManBehindTheCurtain inLeeds,whereIstayedforfouryears,learningalot ofwhatIknow.
MyfamilyareabigreasonthatIlovecookingso much,mymumwouldalwaysletmegetinvolvedin thecookingandeducateusaboutfood,andwhereit comesfrom.IbecameabitofaneggsnobonceI learnedaboutbatteryhens.Justthedailyritualof sittingatthedinnertable,talkingaboutyourday,was justalwayssomethingIlookedforwardto.
Whatdoyoueatathome?
Athome,sometimesit’snicetogetabit‘cheffy‘,
especiallyatChristmastime.Butajacketpotatowith tunaandgreengiantsweetcornishonestly10/10.
Whoisthebestchefintheworldandwhy?And thebestinBrum?
Bestchefintheworld,I’mgonnasayGareth Ward.Genuinely,Ithinkhechangedthewaychefs cookandplatefood.BestchefinBrum,we’reso luckythere’sloads.I’mgonnasayJamesatChancers CafeinStirchley.Thefriedchickenisbonkers,and thegaifanisunbelievablewithasideofsmacked cucumber.Also,shout-outtoLukeTipping, longevityandallthat,Simpson’sisbeautiful.
Shareacookingtip
Ifyou’recookingasteak,oilandseasonitbefore cooking.Notthepan.Youjustendupwitha smokingpan,andyou’llprobablysetthefirealarm off.
Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
Definitelymygrandma’scasserole.Shewould cookitalldaywhilewewereatschool,andmy grandadwouldmakethebutteriestmash.
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
Heaven,I’llgowithpizza–P2fromOtto,tobe exact.Hell?OMGanythingwithoffal.Iknowthat’s soignorant,butIjustcan’tgetdownwithit.Deepfriedmonkfishliver,it’sanofromme.
Ifyouweren’tachefwhatwillyoube?
Anarchitect–IloveGrandDesigns. ■
670Grams,4GibbStreet,Digbeth,Birmingham,B94AA. 670grams.com
NI BBLESand
SHORTS
BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHGREATVIBES.HERE’S OURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS
STAR-STUDDEDFESTIVAL
BirminghamRestaurantFestivalhasrevealedthefinallistof50restaurants,andtheirexclusivemenus,thatwill providefoodieswithexcitingandaffordablediningexperiencesacrossthecitythroughoutAugust.Theline-up includesMichelin-starredAdam’sandSimpsons.Nowinitsfourthyear,thefestivalfeaturesavarietyoflunchand dinnermenusofferingthebestfoodanddrinkthatBirmingham’srestaurantshavetooffer.AlsotakingpartareThe WildernessandHarborneKitchen.
INDICOTOUCHESDOWN
Indico,theIndianstreetfoodrestaurant,isbringingitsbold flavours,vibrantcoloursandlivelyatmospheretoanewlocation atTouchwoodShoppingCentre.Afteryearsofservingupdelicious dishesatParkgateShoppingCentre,Indicohasmovedtoaneven biggerandbrighterhome.Situatedonthegroundfloor,thedecor featuressoftlighting,texturedneutralsandartisanfinishes,while stillpayinghomagetoIndiawithquirkynodstoMumbaistreet culture.Indicopridesitselfontakingdinersonaflavourful adventurethroughthebustlingstreetsofIndia.
SAY‘HI’TOSOCIETY
SocietyBirmingham,anewindependentfoodand drinkvenuewillopeninthecentreofBirminghamin September.Itwillfeatureanopenplandininghalland terrace.Fiveindependentkitchensfeature–Shokupan, servingcraftedJapanesesandosandmelts;Manzoku, providingpan-Asianstreetfoodstyledishes;Slap& Pickle,offeringsignature40-daydry-agedsmash burgersandloadedfries;AmorePizzaandTheCoffee BarCollective.Thebarwillbethecentrepieceofthe space,withacuratedbeerandcidercollection.
AVERYMERRYSUMMER
MAGIC OFMEXICO
AnewintimaterestaurantissettoopeninKings Heathwithspacefor12diners.Perroisthecreationof chefMattWildenwhohasrecentlyimpressedwith pop-upsattheCorkandCagebarinStirchley. TherestaurantwillserveMexican-influencedsmall platesaswellasdrinksdesignedbymulti-awardwinningmixologistKatieRouseoftopBirmingham cocktailbarCouch.Mattsaid:“Mexicanfoodisoneof themostmisunderstoodcuisines.We’renotdoing ‘traditional’Mexican,buteveryelementwe serveisrootedinresearchand reverence.”
NEW-LOOKREDLION
TheRedLioninKnowlehaswelcomedpub-goersback followinganextensiverefurbishmentwhichfeaturesafresher, moremoderndesign.Arevampedbar,stylishsoftfurnishings, enlargeddiningspaceandarefreshedandrejuvenatedbeer gardenareamongthechangesaswellasanupdated,quality menu.GeneralmanagerAbbyStonesaid:“Wearedelightedto invitebothourregularsandnewvisitorstoexperiencethefresh newlookoftheRedLionwhilestillenjoyingthefamiliar,cosy atmospherethatmakesourpubspecial.”
PERFECTMATCH
TOCASocial,theUK’s interactivefootball gamesbaranddining venueintheBullring,is teamingupwithWomen inFootballtohosta seriesofofficialwatch partiesforEngland’s upcomingtournament. Thecollaboration featureslivescreenings ofeveryEnglandgame, auniqueatmospherefor fanswithDJsetsand pre-matchTOCA gameplay,familyfriendlyspaces,a limited-editionLeah WilliamsonSundae,and exclusivepromotionsfor ticketholderstocome backandplayTOCA’s interactivefootballthemedgames.
STRAWBERRIES &CREAM
FollowingtheopeningofSlimChickenslastmonth,MerryHilliswelcomingtwonewfoodiearrivalsthissummer.Firstoff theblocksisstylishdessertcafé,HeavenlyDessertsofferinghandcraftedtreats,fromcookiedoughtoluxurious milkshakes.Thenlaterinthesummer,Burger&Sauce,afast-growingMidlands-bornbrandknownforitsno-fussmenu andfresh,flavour-firstapproach,willbeopeningitsdoorstoshoppers.
Award-winningchocolate makersRussell&Atwellhas launchedStrawberries& Cream,alimitededition,British summercreationcraftedwith wholehandpickedfresh strawberriesandorganic doublecreamfromthe Cotswolds.Co-founderGiles Atwellsays,“Ourgoalhas alwaysbeentomakechocolate better–fresher,creamier,and moreindulgent.With Strawberries&Cream,we wantedtocapturethaticonic tasteofaBritishsummer,using thefinestingredientsfromright hereathome.”
COCKTAILOFTHEMONTH
LEMONCHEESECAKECOCKTAIL
There’sacrackingnewrangeofcocktailsthat’s launchingthismonthattheSkyBar& Restaurant,ResortsWorld.Andwe’relucky tohaveasneakypreviewwiththisirresistibly indulgentlittlenumber.
Inspiredbythebeloveddessert,tangylemonmeets richcreamandthenostalgicwarmthofabiscuitbase, creatingacocktailthat’sasdreamyasitisdelicious andcraftedtosatisfyyoursweettooth.Asalways, enjoyresponsibly. ■
INGREDIENTS:
■ 40ml-TempusTwoPinotGrisWhiteWine
■ 30ml-Limoncello
■ 30ml-Frangelico
■ 30ml-FreshLemonJuice
■ 25ml–CinamonSyrup
■ 25ml–GingerbreadSyrup
■ 25ml–SingleCream
METHOD:
Shakeallingredientswithiceanddoublestrainintoa glassrimmedwithbiscuitdusting.Garnishwithan edibleflowerforabeautifulfinishingtouch.
Enjoythenewrangeofcocktails,whicharealso availablealcohol-free,atSkyBar&Restaurant, ResortsWorldBirmingham,PendigoWay, Birmingham,B401PU.rwb.co.uk
670GRAMS
4GibbStreet,Birmingham,B94AA.Tel:07304071289reservations@670grams.com
Thisisthehardestreviewwe’vehadtowrite, notbecausetheexperiencewaspoororthe foodwasbad,butbecauseit’snighon impossibletoconveythebrillianceoftheplace.
It’sabitofadichotomy.Thedécor’snotfor everyone.Graffitiisnotthefriendoftheolderladies wholunchset,butneitherisDigbethprobably.Ifyou canembracetheleftfieldpaintjobandseebeyondthe gothic,there’safoodieexperiencethat’satleastona parwithanyrestaurantinBirminghamandbeyond.
EXPECTGOOSEBUMPS
AwelcomenotefromownerKrayTreadwellread likealovelettertoBrumandincludedreferencesto themusic,kindness,warmthoftheaccent,No14bus andthediversityofcultures.Atrioofgentlyspiced beautifullypresentednibblesdubbedtheBalti Trianglelookedlikeworksofartandtasted unbelievable.Idon’tknowwhatweexpectedbutit wasn’tthis.Wewon’tlisteverydishasit’simpossible todothechef’sskillandinventivenessjusticebut
we’llsaywithconfidence,expectgoosebumps.
GIDDYANDPROUD
Ifyouwanttostickalabelonit,it'sabsolutelyin thefinediningcamp.It’sAdam’sbutmoreexciting andsurprisingandweloveAdam’ssothat’snota slight.Thisisfreshanddifferent.WhatKrayand headchefSachacandowithasimplehispicabbage orahumbleJerseyRoyalisunfathomable.From punchyhoggattodelicatelycuredcodandan indescribablypleasingchaimilkbun,everythingwe atemadeusgoquiet.Thewineflightmadeuscoo incessantlyandthesommelier,Rumewasexcellent. AswellastheSignaturetastingmenuwhichwe sampled,there’safive-coursemenuavailablefora stealat£50–anaffordablewaytotrysomething incredible.Lotsofrestaurantsinthecityareinuseit orloseitterritoryandifthisonewent,wewouldbe gutted.Itmadeusfeelgiddyandproudof Birminghaminawaynootherrestauranthas.Don’t takeourwordforit.Go. ■
MARCOPIERREWHITE STEAKHOUSEANDGRILL
cracking.Weimmediatelyorderedacoupleof cocktailstocombattheheatwave…
Thetwo-course1961menuconsistedofachoice ofsixstartersandsixmaincoursesfor£20.95. Becausethe1961islistedonthemainmenu–anythingwithagoldbadgebesideitisavailable-it’s difficultnottobeluredbythedishesyoucan’thave. Humannature’safunnyoldthing!
Thereweresomesmashingsoundingsummer disheslikeburrataandheritagetomatosalad,asea bassdishandroastrumpoflambthatweren’tpartof the1961,butwestuckwithitandsampledabeetroot andgoat’scheesesalad–waferthinbeetrootslices withearthygoat’scheese,sweetcandiedwalnutsand merlotvinegar.Amustardyscotcheggdidwhatit saidonthetin.Thecoatinglackedabitofcrunch butthemeatwaspackedwithflavourandtheegg wassoft,sohappydays.
AnescalopeofchickenallaMilaneseservedwith
amoundofrocketandtomatosaladhitthespotas didtheavocadoCaesarsaladwhichweaddedgrilled chickento.Theeggswereabithard,butapartfrom that,what’snottolike?WethrewinanEtonMessto shareforgoodmeasurewhichwasheavyonthe meringue(yesplease)andnotsoheavyonthefruit (notsogood).
Therestaurantisevenbetterafterdarkasthe rooftopsofBirminghamlookatadmoreattractiveby night,withtwinklylightsasadistraction,butthe numberofpeopleenjoyingafternoonteasuggested wemightbealoneinthat.Overall,itwasalovely lunchinanicesetting. ■
WHYWESHOULDALLLOVECAVA
JULY12THMARKSINTERNATIONALCAVADAY,SOWHATBETTERTIMETOCELEBRATE THISSPARKLING–ANDSOMEWHATMISUNDERSTOOD–WINE,SAYSDAVIDCARNE
ItseemsthatCavahasgoneoutoffashioninthe UK,eclipsedbytheexplosionofProseccointothe UKmarket.OurperceptionsofCavaareperhaps unfairlybasedonthebeliefthatitisacheapsparkling winewithalltheconnotationswhichgoalongwiththat. Butdespitetheseperceptions,Cavaisinfactapremium sparklingwine.
LikeChampagne,Cavaismadeusingthetraditional method,whichinvolvesasecondfermentationinthe bottle.Havinghadthebubblesimpartedbythesecond fermentation,itisthenalsoaged,whichallowsthe developmentofadditionalflavoursfromcontactwiththe yeastcells.Cavaismadewithsimilarstrictconditionsto champagneintermsofyields,qualitycontroland productionstandards,andyetdoesnothavethesame status.Butletmesharewithyouthatthereisawhole otherworldtoCava!Aworldofqualitywines,inawide varietyofstyles,someofwhichrivalsthebest champagnes.ThekeytofindingqualityCavais understandingthefourqualitylevelsusedbytheConsejo ReguladordelCava(CavaRegulatoryCouncil).
CHOOSEYOURCAVA
MostoftheCavaweseeinsupermarketsisentry levelCavacategorisedasCavadeGuarda.Thethree maingrapevarietiesinmostCavasarethenative SpanishvarietiesMacabeo,XarelloandParellada,all
ofwhichyouprobablywon’trecognise.Mostwinesin theUKwillbeablendofthesethreegrapes.Cavade Guardaisagedforaminimumofninemonths,so developssomeadditionalflavourinthebottle.Agreat exampleofaCavadeGuardawine,whichisastep abovetheentrylevelsupermarketofferingsisthe CuneCavaBrutfromMajesticfor£13.However,in preparationforthisarticle,Irecentlyblindtastedthe offeringsfromSainsburys,Tesco,ALDI,Morrisons andASDA,andIfelttheSainsburysBrutCavaat £5.79wasthebestinthispricecategorywithmore complexflavoursfromtheageingprocess.
CavadeGuardaSuperiorReservaorCavade GuardaSuperiorGranReservawinesareagedfora minimumof18or30monthsrespectively.Grapes comefromhigherqualityvineyardswherethefocusis moreonqualitythanquantity.Inbothcategoriesonly 10,000kgperhectareofgrapesareallowed,2,000kg lessthaninCavadeGuarda.Andthesegrapesare morelightlypressedreleasingjuicewhichispurerand moreconcentrated.ManyGranReservawinesare agedformuchlongerthan30months,somefor10+ years.AgoodReservaoptionistheVilarnauBrut ReservaOrganicCavafor£12.80fromOcado.Fora greatGranReserva,IrecommendtheRogerGoulart GranReservaJosepVallsCava2019for£17.99at drinksdirect.com
ThebestqualityCavasreceivethecategoryCava deGuardaSuperiorParajedeCalificado.Thisisan exclusivebadgereservedforonlytheverybest vineyards.Hereonly8,000kgperhectareofgrapes areallowedfromvineswhichareatleast10yearsold, allofwhichmustbeharvestedbyhand.Winesmust bebottledonsite,beonlyasinglevintageandbe agedforatleast36months.In2024,only17,000 bottlesofParajedeCalificadoweremade,ofwhich only4,000wereexportedoutsideofSpain.Togetone ofthese,youcanbuytheJuvé&CampsLaCapella CavadeParajeCalificadofromDecantaloforavery reasonable£86.77.
ManyoftheseGranReservaandParajede CalificadobottlesaresinglevarietyCavasmadefrom oneofthethreenativeSpanishvarietiesmentioned earlier,oroneoftheothertwopermittedwhite varietiesorfourpermittedredvarieties.RoséCavacan bemadeinallfourqualitycategoriesandcanbe outstanding.Categoriescanbeidentifiedbyeithera smallishrectangularlabelonthebackofthebottleora circularlabelonthetopofthecorkwhichwillbe green,silver,goldorhavealetter‘P’initforGuarda, Reserva,GranReservaandParajewinesrespectively. Thecategorymayalsobeindicatedonthefrontlabel.
ORGANICLEADERS
OneofthemostremarkablethingsaboutCava,isthat theproducersareleadingtheworldinorganic productionofwines.From2025,allSuperiorlevelwines willneedtobe100percentorganic.
WhileBrutisthemostwidelysoldstyleofsparkling wine,thewarmerweatherinSpainmeansthatthe grapesripentoalevelwhereitispossibletomakeawine withnoaddedsugar(BrutNature)withoutittasting overlyacidic.Thesedrierwinesarethepurest expressionsofthegrapes,whereyouaremuchmore likelytobeabletopickupsubtlefloralnotesand minerality.TherearealsosweetCavawines,whichmake greataccompanimentstosweetdessertdishesandthings likebluecheese.
SowhynottreatyourselftoaSuperiorlevelCavain celebrationofInternationalCavaDay?Andifyouwant tolearnmoreaboutCava,headovertothe alottowineabout.comwebsitewherethereisasix-part seriesonCava. ■
DAVID’STOPPICKS
Somethingsparkling: OneoftheCavasmentionedinmaintext.
SomethingEnglish: DenbiesSurreyGold–£11,Waitrose. Floralaromasandgreenfruitonthenose,withaslightlysweeter tasteonthepalatewithflavoursofmelon,pear,grapefruit, elderflowerandblossom.Uncomplicated,easydrinkingand deceptivelymoreish!Giventhesugarlevel,itmightevenpairwell withsomeless-sweetdesserts.
Somethingfreshandfruity:
Journey'sEndHaystackChardonnay–£13.50,Ocado. Strongcitrusonthenose,withasofterfeelonthepalateandsome pear,greenapple,ripertropicalfruits(pineapple)andbalanced creamysavourynotesandsteelyminerality.NotanoakyChardonnay, butdoeshaveadecentfinish.
Somethingclassic: DefinitionbyMajesticMargaux2020–£29,Majestic. AbeautifullymadeClaret.Notesofredberries,violets,smokeand somespice.Mediumbody,withasatisfyingfinishwithsoftwell integratedandsmoothtannins.Thiswouldpairverynicelywith chickendishes.
Somethingbigandbold:
MouchăoDomRaffaelTinto2021–£14.95,WineSociety. Abeautifulwineataveryaccessiblepricepoint.Redanddarkfruit combinedonthepalatewithrichsavourynotesandsomespiceon theprolongedfinish.Smoothandsubtlewithsomeniceintegrated tannins.
Somethingdifferent:
Journey’sEndTheHuntsman–£13.50,Ocado. AniceblendfromSouthAfrica.Mediumbodied,withricharomasofboth redandblackfruits,cassisandblackberries,aswellassomeslightly herbaceousnotesofgreenbellpepperandsomedriedherbs.Complex, rich,smoothsubtletannins,ahintofliquoriceandadecentlengthfinish.
■ DavidCarneisaWinesandSpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwine expert,BirminghamWineSchoolalumniandauthorofthe alottowineabout.comwebsitewhereyoucanfindmorearticlesonwine. ■ TofindoutmoreaboutfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com
BEATINGSUMMER STRESS
HERE’SOURTOPTIPSTOAVOIDTHATANNUAL MELTDOWNBYLOOKINGGREATFORYOUR WELL-EARNEDBREAKONTHEBEACH
Summerisfinallyhere,spreadingjoyand smilesacrossallofBrum.Butsureas eggsiseggs,unfortunatelythiswillsend manyofusintoacompletemeltdownaboutnot beingreadyto(nearly)bareallonthebeach.
Well,hereatBrumTowerswe’recommitted tohelpingmakelifethatlittlebiteasiersohere’s aquickguidetosomemightyfinewaystohelp youslimdown.
Firstly,let’sgetonethingstraight:while exerciseisundeniablyimportantandoffers manyfantasticbenefitstoouroverallhealth, researchshowsusthatlosingfatcan’tbe achievedbyexercisealone.Youcan’t‘out-train’a baddietandincreasingyourlevelofexercise whilestilleatingjunkfoodwillnothelpfatloss. Sobepreparedtomakesomesacrificespeople…
RIGHT,ONWITHTHETOPTIPS… Helloweights
It’ssotemptingtofocussolelyoncardio-based workoutswhentryingtoloseweightbutcombining aerobicexerciseswithstrengthtraininghasbeen showntobeparticularlyeffectiveforlosingbodyfat.
Addingresistancetoyourworkoutwithweight trainingcanhelpthebodypreservefat-freemass, whichincreasesthenumberofcaloriesyourbody burnswhileresting.Consistentweighttraining,that issafeyetchallengingforyourbodywillalsohelp youtobuildleanmuscle–this,combinedwiththe fatloss,helpstocreateamoretonedandsculpted physique.
HIITmanandher
WelookedatHighIntensityIntervalTraining (HIIT)insomedetaillastmonthsoyou’llprobably nowbeawarethatitcanbeafantasticformof exercisetoincorporateintoyourfitnessroutine.Not onlyisHIITagreatwaytoboostyourmood,but researchshowsthattheincreasedmetabolicrate causedbystrenuousandhighintensityexercisecan lastupto38hours,meaningyourbodywillburn significantlymorecaloriesinarestingstate.
Startwiththesimpleones–squats,sit-ups, burpeesandmountainclimbersareallfantastic exercisestotryfor30-secondintervalswitha20secondrest.
Youarewhatyoueat
Dietisfundamentaltofatloss.Latestresearch suggeststhat80percentofyourfatlossisdependent onagooddiet,whichshowswhymanypeople struggletolosefatdespitefrequentexercise.
Ifyourgoalistolosefat,thenyouneedtobeina caloriedeficit–thisiswhenyouconsumeslightly fewercaloriesthanyouareburningwhichinturn makesyourbodytapintothestoredbodyfatfor extraenergy.
Toensureyouarestillconsumingthenutrients yourbodyneedswhileinacaloriedeficit,it’sagood ideatoworkwithapersonaltrainertocreatea healthyandbalanceddietplan.
It’snotallaboutthegym
OK,asweatygymsessionisgreatforburningcalories buthavingamoreactivelifestyleoutsideofthegymwill alsopromotefatlossandimproveyouroverallhealth. Increaseyourdailyactivitylevelswithsimple lifestylechanges–avoiddrivingshortdistancesand trywalkinginstead,usestairsinsteadoflifts,ortake uphobbiesthatinvolvemovement,suchasclimbing orswimming.Ifyouarestrugglingtostaymotivated tobemoreactiveinday-to-daylife,thencombine thiswithsocialisingandseeinglovedones.For example,youcouldsuggestswappingyournext afternooninthepubforatriptoabeautifulnature spotwhereyoucanenjoyalongwalkandpicnic.
Takeiteasy,myfriend
Whenyou’retryingtogetinshape,it’sso temptingtopushyourbodytoitslimitswitha rigorousandrelentlesstrainingschedule.Thegood newsis,thisreallyisn’tthemosteffectivewaytolose bodyfatormaintainahealthyexerciseroutine.Too muchvigorousexercisewithoutenoughrecovery dayscanleadtoovertrainingwhichactuallycauses yourbodytostoremorefat,duetoanincreaseinthe stresshormonecortisol.Listentohowyourbody feelsandwhatitneeds–ifyoufeelparticularly lethargicorachythenvigorousexerciseisprobably notthebestidea.Instead,consideranactivitythat willallowyoutorestwhilealsobenefitingyour mood,suchasreadingormeditation.Sleepisalso crucialtothefatburningprocess–aimforatleast sevenhoursofqualitysleeppernightandensure thatyouhaveanoptimumenvironmentforfalling intoadeepstateofsleep.
FINALTHOUGHT…
Hopefullythesesimpletipswillhelpyougetinto thekindofshapethatwillhelpreallyembraceyour summerbutifyou’restillstrugglingrememberto justaskforhelp.Therearesomanycracking(and affordable)personaltrainersandfitnesscoachesout thereforyourbenefitwhowillbedelightedtohelp youreachyourgoalsfasterandsafer.Happy holidaysall! ■
NO COMPROMISE
BLOCK PARTY
Heeledsandal £48,Monsoon
RAFFIA BOSS
Naturalraffiaplatform
£55,M&S
FLOWER POWER
Floralplatform £109,Dune
TWISTON ACLASSIC
BOHO CHIC
Heeledsandal£69, JohnLewis
IWORK HORSE
AeydeDaphneleather heeledmule£290, Selfridges
fitweresafeoracceptabletogobarefootwewouldatevery opportunity,butgivenitisn’t,sandalsarethenextbest thing.ThetrustyHavaianasserveuswellbutthereare occasionsthatcallforasmarter/moresubstantialshoethana flipflop.
Havingsaidthat,we’renotpreparedtosacrificecomfort.We spentourtwentiesrunningaroundtowninblisteringheels beforeturningourbackonpainandembracing‘better’options. Bythatwemeaneitherflatterandwiderand/ormoreexpensive –well-madeversionscraftedfromqualitymaterialtendtobe morecomfortablethantheircheapercounterparts.We’ve includedacoupleofsupermarketexamplesatthe£20markbut wouldrecommendhavingagoodwalkaboutinthemathome beforeremovinglabelsjusttochecktheycutthemustard.
ChristianLouboutin
Callakala85leather heeledespadrille
£695,Selfridges
KITTEN HEEL
Heeledsandal£69, JohnLewis
We’vepulledtogetheraselectionofthisseason’sbestfrom BirkenstocktoLouboutinthatcombinestyleandcomfort.For barely-therestrappysandals,takealookatATPAtelierforthe flattestofflatsinaduskyblueorJohnLewisforaclassicblack leatherthongedsandalthat’ssuperversatile(pictured). Combiningakitten-heeledflipflopstyle,Aeydehascreateda gorgeousburgundyoptionsuitablefordayandnight(pictured).
Thereareplentyofchunkysolesandwidestrapsifthat’syour thing.TheoriginalBirkenstockhashadarevampintheformof thebrand’sSydneymetallicslidewithstatementbuckle(pictured) whileJimmyChoo’sespadrillesandLouboutin’schunkyplatforms provideabitofglamourtothesummerclassics(pictured).
Whileneutraltanandraffiaaretheepitomeofsummershoes, apopofcolourisalwayspleasingandOliverBonashasitin spades.Apeagreenfishermansandalandmulti-colouredTeva leadthepackwhileRiverIslandandJoeBrownshavesome greatexamplestoo.Whetheryou’reheadingtoahigh-end summerwedding,dancingallnightatafestivalorlunching withyourgirlfriends,don’tcompromiseoncomfort.And remember,thebestaccessoryforyournewlyacquiredsandalis wellgroomedfeet.Ifyourscoulddowithsometlc,headtopage 38forsometoptipstogetyouopen-toe-ready. ■
DESIGNER STYLE
Aellawovenwedgeespadrille £595,JimmyChoo
Hazydayswedged sandal£45,JoeBrowns COLOUR
Coloursofsummer platform£45,JoeBrowns
COOL KHAKI
FAB FLATS
Luressandal£89,Dune
TAKE AHIKE
Tevamidform£60, OliverBonas
SUMMER’S HERE
Embroideredsandal £48,RiverIsland
Creamchunkysandal£20, TUClothing
CREAMOF THECROP
BUCKLE UP
Lucklessandal£89,Dune THE OG
Sydneymetallicleatherslide
£110,HarveyNichols GO GREEN
Sydneymetallicleatherslide
£110,HarveyNichols
Leatherstrapsandal
£49.50,M&S
BURGUNDY BEAUTY
Sandal£69,JohnLewis
LET’S TALK FEET...
Morethananyotherpartofthebody,thefeettakesucha battering,sonowondertheycanenduplookinggnarly. We’vepickedourtopthreeproductstohelpkeepyours lookingandfeelingbabysoft.Intruth,oneoftheseproducts promisestomakeallotherfootcareredundantandwhile we’reonlyondayfiveofusingit,theearlysignsareexcellent.
PATCHOLOGYROSETOESRENEWINGFOOTMASK
–£10,BOOTS
Theseskinsofteningbooties leaveyourtootsiesfeelingtiptop plusyou’reforcedtorelaxforat least10minuteswhilewearing themwhichisawininourbook.
Packedwithstrawberryoil,shea butterandresveratrol,theywork wonders.Thebrand’sblurbsays theyhavean‘enticingaromaof sparklingwine’.Thankfullywe don’tgetthatandtruthfully,we’renotsurewewantthateither.
TWEERMANPEDICURERASPCALLOUSREMOVER
–£18,CULTBEAUTY
FOOTMENDERALLINONE
–£20.99,FOOTMENDER.CO.UK
ThisisabeastofaproductthatFootMenderconfidently claimswillreplaceallotherfootcare.Asmentioned,we’re onlyondayfiveandit’salreadythebestfootcreamwe’ve tried.Itsmellsminty,feelszingyandcrucially,itsoftens feetlikenothingwe’vetried.We’vebeenreligiously massagingitineveryeveningforatleastaminuteperfoot asinstructedwhichfeelsabittedious,butitseriously works,sowhat’stwominutesamongfriends?Totally worthit.Ifyoubuyoneproduct,makeitthis.
Abasicraspthat’seasytouse,theTweezermaniseffectiveingetting ridofstubbornhardskinplusit’smessfree.Itperformsbestonskin softenedinwarmwater.Ratherthantryingtoslougheverybitofhardskininonehit,uselightstrokesandrepeatifnecessary. It’smuchkinderandtheresultswillbebetter.Slatheronyourfavecreamorpoponafootmaskformaximumsoftness.
SANDAL MAN
FORGETBEACHBODYREADY.AREYOURFEETSANDALREADY?IFNOT, YOU’VEGOTOPTIONS.ONE,KEEPTHEMENSCONCEDINSOCKS.TWO, GETAPEDICURE.THREE,HEADTOP36FORSOMEAT-HOMETIPS. ONCETHAT’SSORTED,CONTEMPLATEYOURSUMMERFOOTWEAR…
TOPTAUPE
BirkenstockArizonatwostrap sandalsintaupe£95,Office
TCRISSCROSS
Beigefauxsuedesandals £24,Threadbare
HIGHEND
VivoVlogo slide£600, HarveyNichols
hechancesareyoualreadyownatrustypairof BirkenstockArizonas(pictured)–theultimatein casualdresseddowncool.Ifnot,question everything.ThereareloadsofArizonacopiesthatare perfectlygood,butyoucan’tbeattherealthingforcomfort andlongevity.Youronlydilemmaissuedeorleather?
Forsomethingabitdifferent,RussellandBromley haveagorgeousSidmouthslideinkhaki(pictured)that’s ascomfortableasitischic.Thecolourpicturedis officiallycalledbeige,butit’sdefinitelymorekhaki.They alsocomeingorgeousnavy.Smartenthemupwitha classicneutralchinoandawell-fittingteeordressthem downwithshorts.
Ifyouneedsomethingabitsmarter,checkouta classicleatherslideinblackorbrown.Westilldon’tthink anofficeenvironmentistherightplaceforasliderevenif ithasaheftypricetagandisaschicastheycome,but youmakeyourownjudgement.TheValentinoexample (pictured)isabeauty–notoneforthebeach.
Somewhereinbetweenasandalandashoesitsthe closedtoegladiatorsandalfromOliverBonas(pictured)or Fisherman’ssandal.Sockfreebutnottoorevealing,it’sa greatoptionwhenasliderwon’tcutitbutit’s28degrees. Oncenerdyandwornwithsocksbyyouruncleinthe nineties,thehikingstylesandalishavingamomentsans thesocks.Tevaleadsthepackwithmanybrands followingsuit.TheredstrappyversionfromJohnLewis andclassicblackleatherfromM&S(pictured)blend comfortandstylebeautifully. ■
STYLEANDSUBSTANCE
Sidmouthslide£245, RussellandBromley
SMARTCASUAL
Clothingandsandals fromM&S
THEONE
BirkenstockArizona inleather£105,Selfridges
CLOSEDTOE
Leatherweavegladiator sandal£65,OliverBonas
OLDSCHOOL
LauraCrossVamp redsandal£79. JohnLewis
sandals£45,M&S
Autographleather
UTILITARIAN CHIC
UtilitybyKucheandBagnokucheandbagno.co.uk
Creatingorderinyourhomecansignificantly improvethequalityofyourlife,andsettingaside spacetokeepthedetritusofeverydaylifeincheck willhelptoachievethis.Autilityroomdoesn’thavetobea bigspacealthoughclearlythat’sthedream.Attheveryleast, installingastackedwashingmachine/driercupboardand creatingaplaceforbulkyitemslikethevacuumandmopisa greatplacetostart.
SMALLANDMIGHTY
THEDREAM
UtilityroomfromClassicInteriors,startingfrom£5,000classicinteriors.co.uk
HOMES
Itdoesn’thavetobeinthe traditionalspotjustoffthekitchen either–ifthere’sdeadspaceinyour homelikeanookunderthestairsor anunusedcornerthatgathersdust, utiliseit.There’satrendformoving thelaundryoperationupstairswhich makessenseonapracticallevel.If you’veagrandbathroomthatcan takeawasher/driercupboard,that’sa greatoptiongiventhere’llalreadybe plumbing.
DREAMBIG
Ifyou’reluckyenoughtohave spaceforasizeableutilityroom,start hatchingaplan.Ifyoucanmakethe spaceworkwithoutmoving plumbingaroundit’llsaveyou significantmoney,messandtime. Underfloorheatingwillallowyouto ditchtheradiatorgivingyouextra wallspaceforstorage.Measureyour bulkyitemssoyoucanworkouthow deepyourdrawersandcupboards needtobe.Storageiskeytosuccess here.Ifyou’vespaceforabigsinkfor handwashing,bathingmuddypets
STYLISHSTORAGE
ByClassicInteriorsclassicinteriors.co.uk
SPACESAVER
andcleaningfilthyboots,you’llnotregret it.Aplacetotakeoffyourbootsisa winnertoosoconsiderincorporatinga benchwithstorageunderneath.
STORAGE,STORAGE,STORAGE
Inanidealworld,you’lldotheutility roomatthesametimeasthekitchenfor aseamlesspolishedfinish,butbearin mind,theaddedstoragespaceand organisationwillstillimprovethequality ofyourliferegardlessofwhetheryour unitsmatch.Don’tsweatthesmallstuff. Ifyou’reabletocombinestyleand substance,thenhappydays.Ifyouhaveto compromiseduetospaceorbudget,gofor substanceandefficiencyeverytime.You’ll kickyourselfifyoucreateanattractive lookingspacethatdoesn’twork. ■
AccessoriesfromB&M
MINIMUMFUSS
AppliancesandproductsfromJohnLewis
SHELVEIT
TRADITIONALCHARM
UtilityroombyNeptune
HANGINGTOUGH
Hooks£5.50,Matalan
STACKABLE STORAGE
Greystackable wirebasket£7, Dunelm
TOUCHES FINISHING
THREEPIECE
Laundrystoragejars (setofthree)
£41.95,Paper&Ink
BRUSHUP
Brushset£40, JosephJoseph
BASKETCASE
Somertonbasket (medium)£109,Neptune
BARGAINBUY
Clearglassbottle £8,Matalan
MODERNTAKE
Floatingwoodenshelves £12,OnlineHomeShop
SHELVEIT
Multi-purposefour-tiershelving £24,OnlineHomeShop
SCANDISTYLE
NormanCopenhagendustpan andbroom£20,kin.store
BOWLEDOVER
Washingbrushandbowl
£56,kin.store
FromthePottingBench withAdam
Nowisthetimewhenthegardenisinits prime.Colouriseverywhere,fruitand vegareripeningfast,andbordersare buzzingwithpollinators.Butbeforeyousitback, admireandhangupyourtrowel,there’sstill plentytodo–likedeadheading,feedingand watering.Allmakearealdifferencetohowyour gardenperforms.Andifyou’reawayonholiday, planningaheadwillhelpkeepeverythinglooking goodwhileyou’regone.
KeepDeadheadingforContinuousFlowers
Deadheadingisthesimplestwaytoprolong flowering.Snipoffspentbloomsondahlias,roses, cosmosandsweetpeastokeepenergyfocusedon newgrowth.Notonlydoesthistidythingsup,it cangiveyouweeksmorecolour.
Ifyou’regrowinghangingbasketsorcontainers, they’llneedalittleextralove.Feedthemevery weekwithahigh-potashliquidfertiliserandwater dailyinwarmweather.Evenamisseddaycansee themwilting,soconsidersettingupanautomatic wateringsystemifyou’replanningtobeaway.
WateringandFeedingWisely
Withlonger,warmerdays,waterbecomesyour mostimportanttool.Focusonwatering thoroughlyandlessfrequentlytoencourage deeperroots.Earlymorningoreveningisbestto reduceevaporation.Vegplants,especially tomatoes,cucumbersandbeans,needconsistent moisturenow.
Feedingisjustasvital.Tomatoesbenefitfroma weeklytomatofeedoncethefirstfruitsappear,while cucumbersandcourgettesappreciateabalanced fertilisereveryfortnight.Ifyoumulchedinspring, topitupnowtokeepthesoilcoolandmoist.
HarvestingandSowingforLateCrops Now’sthetimetostartharvestingregularly. Pickcourgetteswhilestillsmall,liftfirstpotatoes, andenjoysaladsandherbsfreshfromthegarden. Keeppickingbeanstoencouragemoretoform, anddon’tletanythinggotoseedunlessyou’re savingitonpurpose.
YoucanstillsowplentyinJulytoo.Trybeetroot, lettuce,chardandspringonionsforanautumn harvest.Directsowintowell-wateredgroundand keepyoungseedlingsshadedduringthehottest partofthedaytohelpthemgetestablished.
SupportTallGrowersandCheckforPests
Climberslikesweetpeas,runnerbeansand cucumbersneedregulartyingintokeepthemtidy andproductive.Talldahlias,delphiniumsand sunflowersmayneedabitmoresupportasthey gettop-heavy.
Watchoutforcommonsummerpestslikeaphids andcabbagewhitecaterpillars.Aregularinspection helpskeepthingsundercontrol.Encouragenatural predatorslikeladybirdsandbirdsbykeepinga wildlife-friendlycornerinthegarden.
FinalThoughts
Thisisthetimethat’sallaboutenjoymentas muchasaction–flowers,foodandsunshineall wrappedintoone.Whetheryou’repickingripe tomatoesorsippingteaamongtheblooms,taketime toappreciatetherewardsofallyourearlierefforts.
Gardensthriveonconsistency,andalittle regularcarewillkeepyourslookingitsbest.So, waterwell,deadheadoften,andtakeamomentto admirehowfaryourpatchhascome.Summer doesn’tlastforever–makethemostofevery goldenday.Happygardening! ■
Forlotsmoretoptips,adviceandideasfollowAdamonInstagramandTikTokwhere you’llfindhimas@viewfromthepottingbenchonboth.
DANMOUSLEY
DanMousleypickedupacricketbataged justthreeyearsandhasneverwantedto doanythingelse.Thatraresinglemindednessmeantthatbytheageofeighthe knewhewantedthegametobemorethana hobbyandbelievedwholeheartedlyhewould becomeaprofessionalcricketer.
He’sbeenattheBearssincehewas10andatthe ripeoldageof23isanintegralpartoftheteamand theirsuccessaswellasjoiningEnglandintheir recentODIandT20campaigns.Nextup,Danwill playanimportantpartinaBirminghamPhoenix teamwhosesightsaresetonliftingTheHundred trophywhichDanreckonsisachievablewiththe talenttheyhaveontheteam.
PACKEDHOUSE
Ifyou’veattendedoneofTheHundredgamesat Edgbaston,you’llknowthebuzzandjoyaround theground.Pullinginbigcrowds,theexplosive natureofTheHundredattractsdie-hardcricket fansaswellasnewfollowersofthegamewowedby theexcitementandtheatmosphere.Dansays: “EveryplayerlooksforwardtoTheHundred. It’sbrilliantplayingtoapackedhouseandyou seesomanyteamshirtsandcapsinthecrowd.It
reallyfeelslikeyou’reinspiringthenext generation.”
It’salsoanopportunitytolearnfromotherplayers ontheteam.Hesays:“It’samonthoflearning–youngsterslearningfromthemoreexperienced playersandviceversaandplayingatEdgbastonis alwaysbrilliantforplayers.”
FAMILYAFFAIR
GenerationsofDan’sfamilyhaveplayedcricket. Hisparentswereheavilyinvolvedintheirlocal club,NetherWhitacreCricketClub,whilehis uncleanddadplayedthegame.Danlovedcricket immediatelymakingsomeofhisbestmates throughthesportwhostillplayattheclub.Like allthesportsstarswe’veinterviewed,there’sa supportnetwork–generallyparents–behindthe scenesferryingtheirkidstoawaygamesand providingencouragementandopportunitiesto excel.Dansayshewasspoiltonthisfrontwithhis parentsmakingsacrificesandtakinghim everywhere.
Whencricketbecameajobratherthanahobby,it wasabitofashiftinmindsetforDan.Hesays: “IabsolutelylovecricketsoIknowI’mverylucky, buttherearedifferentpressures–somuchtime
spentabroad,timeawayfromfamily,morescrutiny, butIloveit.”
CHILDHOODDREAMS
GOODSPORT
There’sstilltimetobagticketstoTheHundredifyou’requick. Visitwww.thehundred.comformoredetailsanddownloadthe appforextrainfo
Thehighlightofhiscareersofarisplayingfor EnglandintheirODIandT20campaigns.Heloves theshortformgamebutequallyenjoysredball cricketandfeelsthere’sroomforbothsayingthey requiredifferentskillsetsthatultimatelymakeyoua bettercricketer.OnplayingforEngland,Dansays: “TogetthecalltoplayforEnglandissomethingI dreamedofasakidandwhenithappeneditwas prettyspecial.”
Headds:“ItwasaboutenjoyingitasmuchasI could,theboysaredifferentlevel,theirskills,how cleanlytheystriketheball.Itwasagreat opportunitytolearn.Formeitwasachanceto understandwhatinternationalcricketisallabout. Howwelltheteamoperatesasaunit,everyone knowstheirownandeachother’sgames,itwas reallyimpressive.”
Dan’sultimateambitionistoplaytestcricketfor Englandwhichhesayswouldbe‘awesome’.We reckonisnottoofaraway. ■
TOPTENNISACES
BromsgroveSchoolenjoyedsuccessatthe113th MidlandsGirls’SchoolsChampionships,aneventwhichis acornerstoneoftheSchool’stenniscalendar.Thepairing ofGinaObreyandGraceHadleyperformedsuperbly throughoutthegroupstages,withsixwinsfromseven matchestoearntheirplaceinthefinal.Inthefinal,the pairmadeanimpressivestarttoestablisha5-1lead beforetheiropponentsfromKing’sHighlevelledthe matchat5-5.Inthedecisivemoments,GinaandGrace againtookcontroltosecurethetitleandbringthe championshiptrophybacktoBromsgrove.
SINGFORASCHOLARSHIP
Anewchoralscholarshipprogrammehasbeen launchedforyoungchoristersinWarwickandthe surroundingarea.TheKingHenryVIIIChoral Programmeistheresultofapartnershipbetween WarwickSchoolsFoundationandtheCollegiate ChurchofStMary,Warwick.Throughthe programme,youngchoristerswillsingintheChoirof StMary’swhilealsoaccessingmusicalopportunities aspupilsatWarwickSchoolsFoundation.Boysand girlsfromacrosstheFoundationschoolsfromYear3 upwardswillbeeligibletobeassessedfortheaward whichgivesareductiononthepupil’sschoolfees.
BRUM’SYOUTHPROMS
Morethan4,000youngmusiciansandsingersfrom over100Birminghamschoolsarecentre-stageatthis year’sYouthPromsatSymphonyHall,Birmingham. OrganisedbyBirminghamcharityServicesFor Education,thepromsfeatureclassicsaswellasa MotownMedleybythePrimaryChoir,thenumber1 hitFunkytown,DeepPurple’sSmokeontheWater, andthethemefromBBC’sDrWho–allperformedby theSchoolsBasedEnsembles.Theconcerts,heldover fournightsfrom14July,aresupportedbyArts CouncilEnglandandGreaterBirminghamChambers ofCommerce.
SCHOOL REPORT
INSPIRATIONALJARE
AYear11learneratCockshutHillSchoolwasawardedaHighlyCommended CertificatefortheYoungActiveCitizenAwardbytheWestMidlands Lieutenancy.TheawardwaspresentedtoJarebySimonTopmanMBEDL. JarearrivedintheUKfromNigeriain2023andhasquicklybecomea standoutfigureintheCockshutHillcommunity.Currentlyservingashead student,Jareplaysaleadingroleintheschool’sstudentleadershipteam, equalitiescommitteeandcharitycommittee,wherehehashelpedraisefunds fortheNHSUniversityHospitalsCharity.
WarwickSchoolsFoundation
SOLIHULLSOCCERSTARS
TheGirlsFootballTeamat SolihullSixthFormCollegehas wontheECFAWestMidlands Women'sRegionalLeaguetitle –thethirdsportsteamfrom theCollegethisyeartoclaim silverware.Thegirlswon sevenoftheirmatchesthis season,includingan impressive16-0overSouth andCityCollege.Sportand HealthcurriculumleaderLeeJonessaid:“Thegirlsarethethirdsportsteamfromthe Collegethisyeartowintheirleague,followingsuccessinmen’sfootballandnetball.”
VRENVIROEXPERIENCE
PupilsatBordesleyGreenPrimarysawthedangersofclimatechange vividlybroughttolifethroughVirtualReality.Theyareamongthe firstinthecountrytotrytheFutureForestsToolkit,anew educationresource.Thetoolkitistheresultofapartnership betweenAvantisEducation,thecreatorofClassVR,and RainforestFoundationUK.Pupilsexperiencedthereality ofdeforestationoftheAmazonrainforestandthe alternativeforsustainabilityandrestoration. SchoolsacrosstheWestMidlandscan accesstheFutureForestToolkitforfree atwww.ClassVR.com/FutureForest
FINEYOUNGORATORS
Twolocalsixth-formers celebratedbeingonthe shortlistof12finaliststofind theUK’sbestyoungoratorsin thethirdannualGresham Competition.TheyareCassidy ChapmanofBishopChalloner CatholicCollege,Birmingham, pictured,andMarwaaRehman fromGeorgeSalterAcademy, WestBromwich.Speaking aboutherfinals’presentation, Cassidysaid:“Ihopepeople takeawaytheimportanceof communication,notjustin understandingwhatother peoplearesaying,butalso wherethey’recomingfromand whytheymightbesaying that.”Marwaaadded:“Good speakingskillsarecrucialfor teamwork,leadershipand expressingmyselfeffectively.”
LA-POP!
SUMMERHASARRIVED,THEMERCURYLEVELSARERISINGANDWE’REMELTING. FORTUNATELY,THEREISSOMERESPITEINTHEFORMOFSOMEOFTHEMOSTDELICIOUS–ANDCOLOURFUL–ICECREAMSYOUCOULDWISHFOR.ANDEVENMOREEXCITINGLY,IT’S ALLBEENCREATEDBYAFAMILYWITHBIRMINGHAMVERYMUCHATITSHEART
LA-POP!inIslingtonRow,Edgbastonhas beenmakingandsellinginsta-friendly, handcraftedgelatopopsiclesforthelastsix years.Likealotofcrackingbusinesses,theconceptis originalbutbeautifullysimple.
Freshlymadeusinglocallysourcedorganicmilk, youpickyourperfectflavourgelatoandthencustomise fromavastselectionoftoppings,sprinklesanddrizzles that’sasindividualasyouare.Therearemorethan700 differentcombinations,soahugevarietyavailable, althoughbyallaccountsthere’sseriousdemandfora LotusBiscoff-themedcreationthatboastsawhite chocolatedippedgelatowithcaramelfudge,salted caramelcrunch,andcrushedLotusBiscoff!Blimey!
POP-TASTIC!
So,let’sgobacktothebeginning.Thefounders ofLA-POP!arehusbandandwifeteam,Abduland AnumKaium.BothBrummiesbybirth,their dreamwaskickstartedonafamilyholidaytoDubai in2017wheretheiryoungchildrenexpressedawish fortheirownicecreamshopandtheentrepreneurial seedwassown.
Thecouplespentthenextfewmonthsresearching andtraininginartisangelato,learningthe techniquesthatbuildcredibilityandthefinest flavour,beforesourcingthecustomItaliangelato machinesthatwouldleadtothebestpossible popsicles.Duringthistime,theyalsodevelopedthe strong,vibrantbrandidentitythathelpssetsthem apart“Wecanthankagoodfriendofourswhotruly understoodourvisionandcreatedtheLA-POP!logo andbrandidentity,”saysAnum.
LOCATION,LOCATION
Withproductandbrandsorted,thenextkey componentwaslocation.Theyalwaysknewthatthey wantedtobringLA-POP!totheirhometown.“After workingasaprofessionalchefformorethan20years, Iwasalwaysdrawntothecity’svibrantfoodscene andstrongsenseofcommunity”saysAbdul. SecuringtheEdgbastonsite,withthesupportof CalthorpeEstate,wasakeymilestone.“Wechosethe areabecausewebelievedtheleafysuburbswerethe perfectplacewhereBrummieswouldembracea fresh,funtakeongelato,”Anumadds.
TOPOFTHEPOPS: Husbandandwifeteam,AbdulandAnumKaium
Buildingworksbeganbeforeamajorfinancial setbackfromafailedrelationshipwiththeoriginal contractor,ledtoadelaytotheopening.Thedoors finallyopenedinAugust2019andafterapositive start,justsixmonthslaterthefledglingfamily businesswashitbythepandemic.Itwasatough timeandtheteamalmostlosthope,buttheynever lostsightoftheirvisionbeforesuccessfullynavigating thechoppywaters“Passionandperseverancecarried usthrough,”saidAbdul.“Andthesupportfromour customerswasamazing,evenshowinguponrainy andcolddays.”
Fiveyearslater,theaward-winningbusinessis thrivingwithsomeexcitingexpansionplansahead, includingnewproductranges,morelocal partnershipsandtie-inswithEdgbastonVillage,and sightssetonnewlocations–bringingthevibrantjoy ofLA-POP!tonewneighbourhoods.
So,whatistheirkeyingredientstosuccess?
“Passion,trustworthypartnershipsandasupportive communitythatbuildsmomentum—fromfamily inspirationtoBrummielove–havehelpedusturn ourchildren’sdreamintoathriving,award-winning business,”saidAnum.
Fromovercomingearlysetbackstocrafting thousandsofcolourful,deliciouscreations,itfeels likeLA-POP!isonlyjustbeginningitsjourney. ■
DIVINGIN
LocalcoupleLisaandChrisTraveshave takentheplungetolaunchswimschool PuddleDucksBirmingham,providing lessonsforbabies,toddlersandpre-school childrenuptotheageoffour.Thecouple, whohavetwochildren,areformerPuddle Duckscustomers.Lisasaid:“Ihavealways likedtheideaofrunningmyownbusiness andlovedthewholeapproachtoswimming lessonsthatPuddleDucksprovide,soafter seeinganarticleaboutanearbyPuddle DucksterritoryopeninginCoventry,Ifelt compelledtolookintotheopportunity.”
CARMEN’SHONOUR
PertempsNetworkGroupchairCarmenWatson hasbeeninductedintoanexclusiveinternational groupofexpertsrecognisingherlife-long dedicationtopromotinglearningand development.Carmenwaspresentedwitha FellowshiptotheCityandGuildsLondon Institute,thehighesthonourtheworld-renowned skillsorganisationcanbestow.Carmen,whohas beenwithPertempssince1976,wasawarded thehonourbythePrincessRoyalataceremony atGoldsmithsHall,London.Therearefewerthan 500Fellowsworldwide. PictureRachaelBarron
SMARTERBUILDING
Aleadingconstructionconsultancyhaslaunched asisterbusinessaimedathelpingdevelopers, contractorsandsub-contractorsimprovehow theyprocureandmanageconstruction materials.TheMaterialsConsultants(TMC)has beensetupbyBirmingham-basedThe ConstructionConsultants(TCC)tosupportthe industrywithsmartermaterialsourcing,detailed costinsightsandtechnicalcompliance.TCCcofounderanddirectorSandeepSunner,pictured, said:“TMC’sexpertiseallowsclientstomake smarterchoicesearly,savingtime,moneyand regulatoryrisk.” july/august2025
NEWBALLETCHIEF
BirminghamRoyalBallethasanewchief executive.PaulJameshasbeenacting chiefexecutivesincelastDecemberand beforethatwastheCompany’schief commercialofficer.Directorof BirminghamRoyalBallet,Carlos Acosta,said:“Paul’scontributionover thepastsevenyearshasbeen instrumentalinlayingthestrong foundationswehavealreadyachieved asaCompany,andIwelcomethe opportunitytobuildonthesewithPaul toachieveevengreaterthingsforthe Companyinthefuture.”
A500-milebikeridewhichraisedmorethan £40,000foralocalmentalhealthcharityisbeing celebratedbyDavidWilsonHomes.TheMidlands housebuildersponsoredCameronGrantMemorial Trust’sHamptoninArdentoAmsterdamchallenge. Thecharity,basednearDavidWilsonHomes’ AshtreeGrovedevelopment,wasfoundedin memoryofCameronGrantwhotookhisownlifein 2014attheageof21.Theridewascompletedby 32participantsaftersettingofffromHamptonHealth &FitnessClub,whichhelpedorganisetheevent.
Anewtenpinbowlingandentertainmentcentreisallsettomakeastriking impactthismonth.TenpinRedditchboasts22bowlinglanes,twoprivate karaokerooms,a4Dlasertagarenaandaninteractivedartsexperience. GeneralmanagerElliottMarchantsaid:“We'redelightedtobringabrand-new entertainmenthubtoRedditch.We’veinvestedincreatingarangeofactivities tosuitallagesensuringanunforgettablevisitforall.”
FABULOUSFIVE
IndependentlawfirmWilkeshaspromotedfivelawyerstopartner.They are:LucyFreeman(Corporate),EmmaHutchison(BusinessRecoveryand Turnaround),HarrietCritchley(PropertyLitigation),KateCampbell-Gunn (PersonalInjury&ClinicalNegligence)andSophieFenn(PrivateClient).
ThepromotionscomeatatimeofstrongperformanceforBirminghamand Solihull-basedWilkes,withthefirmsettoconcludeitsfinancialyearwith 10percentyear-on-yeargrowth.
ONTHEBALL COLOURFULWIN
FIRSTFOR BRUM
TheformereditoroftheBirminghamPostis goingglobalbyshowcasing‘localcolours’after winninghisfirstoverseascommission.Stacey Barnfieldcreatedabespokecolourpalettefor theCorningMuseumofGlassinNewYorkState, markingamajormilestoneintheBirminghambasedcreativedesignstudio’sjourney.The founderoftheColourPaletteCompanyhas alreadydeliveredsuccessfulcollaborationswith UKmuseums.TheCorningMuseumofGlass palettefeaturessixuniquecoloursthatarebeing soldonmugs,postersandtotebags.
AlawfirmwithbranchesacrosstheMidlandshasopeneditsfirstBirminghamcity centreoffice.FBCManbyBowdler’sBennettsHillofficeprovideslegalexpertiseto adiverserangeofbusinessesandprivateindividuals.Thenewpremisesfollows therecentopeningofasecondofficeinWolverhampton,complementingthosein Knowle,Shrewsbury,Telford,Bridgnorth,ChurchStrettonandRedditch.Inthelast year,FBCManbyBowdlerturnovertopped£17millionandthefirmhasplansto doubleitssizeinthenext12months.
PRESIDENTIALMOVE
BaronessCrawleyofEdgbastonhasjoinedthePresidentialTeamoftheRoyalSocietyforthePrevention ofAccidents(RoSPA),thenationalaccidentpreventioncharitybasedinBirmingham.Theappointment highlightsBaronessCrawley’scommitmenttothecausesofconsumerprotectionandsocialjusticethat driveRoSPA’swork.SherepresentedBirminghamEastasMemberoftheEuropeanParliamentbetween 1984and1999andjoinsRoSPAasitpreparestocelebrate100yearsofroyalpatronagein2026. RoSPA’slegacyincludesinitiativessuchastheGreenCrossCodeanddrink-drivinglaws.
APPRECIATINGAPPRENTICES
BUSINESS BITES
IT’SBIG25TIME
OneoftheleadingfemalefiguresinUKconstructionhaslaunchedanew initiativetohighlighttherangeofrolesonoffertoapprentices–bytelling thestoriesofthosealreadyinsidetheindustry.JulieWhite,MDof Warwickshire-basedD-Drill&SawingandchairofBuildUK,isspeakingto apprenticeswithinherowncompanyandacrossthesupplychainvia hernewweb-basedfeaturecalledTheRealApprentice–YouAre Hired.D-Drill’steamismadeupofmorethan80percentofstaff whohavebeenthroughanapprenticeship.
GOLDENBUSAWARD
Birmingham-basedmediaagencyBBJ&Ktookthegoldawardfor BestLocalAdvertisingattheOutdoorMediaAwards.Theagency’s You’reBussingItcampaignforTransportforWestMidlandsfeatured largedigitalscreensinhigh-trafficareas,busyarterialroutesand transporthubs,aimedtochangeperceptionaroundpublicbususe whileboostingtheuseofbustravelacrosstheTfWMnetwork.A 96-sheetadvertisementinDigbethfeatured500ticketsthat passers-bycouldtearofftoredeemamonth-longbuspass.
CLAIREJOINSLAWFIRM
LawfirmmfgSolicitorshasaddedtoitspropertylitigationdepartmentwiththe appointmentofanewspecialistsolicitor.ClaireLiddyisbasedatmfg’s Bromsgroveoffice.Sheisjoinedatthefirmbyrecently-appointedparalegal BruceRodfordasthedepartmentexpandstoateamofnine.KirstenBridgewater, partnerandheadofdepartment,said:“Claireworkedinconveyancingfor12 yearspriortomovingintolitigation,sobringswithhertheaddedexpertise.”
BirminghampropertyconsultancyFisher Germaniscelebratingits25thanniversarywith afund-raisingchallengewhichwillseestaff membersrun,walk,cycle,kayak,horseback rideandski115milesoversevendaysaspart ofitsBig25relayevent–wherecolleagues travelbetweenthefirm’s25UKofficelocations.
CHARITYCASH
Alawfirmhasbroughtitstotalraisedfor Birmingham-basedbloodcancercharityCure Leukaemiato£5,118followingtwofundraisingchallenges.Morethan20membersof stafffromDavisonsLawtookontheWolfRun, whichcombinesrunning,swimmingand obstaclecourses,whilethreecolleagues completeafive-dayLondontoPariscycleride.
POVERTYBANK
InsurancebrokerHowdenSolihullhas launchedacollectionbankforbreakfastand toiletryitems,aimingtohelpcombatchild poverty.Theteamisworkingwiththe ColeridgeTrustwhichoperatesinSolihulland surroundingcommunities,focusingontackling theeffectsofdeprivationandempowering morepeopleintoworkandtraining.
£3MCHOCCENTRE
MondelēzInternationalhasopenedanew£3.3million consumerresearchcentreinBournvillewhichwill shapethefutureofproductdevelopmentforbrands suchasCadbury,TobleroneandMilka–andbehome toover50chocolatetasters!Thenewtasters,officially knownasSensoryPanellists,willprovidevital feedbackonproductsincludingtaste,textureand aroma.Advancedtechnologies,includingaugmented realityandhi-techdevelopmentkitchens,willalsobe usedinthedevelopmentofnewrecipesatthecentre.
1 OmarRashid,PinderDhaliwal. 2 IfrazAhmed,AnitaChumber. 3 NeelamAfzal,GaryBarch. 4 SteveBrown. 5 MoneyChopra. 6 SanaSaddique. 7 HarvirSahota. 8 SurlenderPendress. PhotographybyJasSansi 1
TheAsianBusinessChamberofCommercerecently hostedaspecialVaisakhieventatNewHallHoteland SpainSuttonColdfield.Celebratinggoodwillandnew beginnings,theeventwasattendedbyawiderangeoftop businesses.KeynotespeakersincludedPinderDhaliwalfrom FalconInsurance,HarvirSahota,chiefexecutiveofawardwinningcateringandeventscompanyMahirsExperience,and SurlenderPendress,thefounderofLoveWritingCo. ■
FASHIONTOFOREIN OPEN-AIRSHOWCASE
Studentdesignersstarinextravaganza ofstyleasBCUPresents:1000Threads
BirminghamCityUniversityhostedBCUPresents: 1000Threads–anunforgettableopen-airfashion showinBrindleyplace’sOozellsSquare,shining aspotlightontheoutstandingworkof10emerging studentdesigners.HostedbyBBC’sKathryn Stanczyszyn,theeventbroughttogetherindustry professionals,creativesandmembersofthepublic,allof whomwerewowedby30diverseandinnovativerunway looks.ItformedakeypartofBCU’sInspiredFestival celebratingcreativityacrosstheFacultyofArts,Design andMedia.GuestsalsoenjoyedaVIPreception, exhibitionviewingandanexclusiveafter-partyfeaturinga liveDJsetfromPussycatDolls’KimberlyWyatt. ■
LADIESFIRSTAWARDS HONOURACHIEVERS
InspirationalachieversfromBirminghamandSolihull–includingInspirationalManoftheYear–wereamong thosecelebratedattheseventhLadiesFirstProfessional DevelopmentNetworkBusinessAwards,attendedby300 peopleatDallasBurstonPoloClub,inSoutham, Warwickshire.Theevening’sentertainmentincluded performancesbyBirmingham’sElmhurstBalletSchooland singersPippaLanghorne,Colin‘SugarfootMills’andRuth Kelly.LocalwinnersincludedChrisBoehm,ofLeapITin HockleyHeathwhowasnamedInspirationalManofthe YearandNatalkaHunkaofAspireHR&Training ConsultantsinKnowle(Start-UpoftheYear),whilea SpecialRecognitionAwardwenttoPaolaSpigaofGlam& GlowBeautyLabinHockleyHeath. ■
HONOURING20YEARS OFHENWOODCOURT
Specialcelebrationbringstogether clients,partnersandteammembers
Foundedin2005,HenwoodCourtFinancial Planning,theMidlands-basedChartered FinancialandLifePlanningfirm,markedits 20thanniversarywithacelebrationthatbrought togetherclients,partnersandteammemberswhohave shapeditsjourneyovertworemarkabledecades.From thebeautifulvenueandexcellentfoodtomomentsof sharedreflectionandunexpectedteamtalent,theevent capturedthevaluesattheheartofthefirm.Asone guestdescribedit,theatmospherewas“magic”. ■
7 3 2 1
4 5
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1 LynetteCoffey. 2 ClareAndress,PeteHartley. 3 AndrewMessenger,GeorgiaPlatt. 4 NaomiBanks. 5 NickPlatt. 6 PeterRobbins. 7 SimonWhite. 8 HannyManning,VictoriaPlatt. 9 SuzieCarter. PhotographybyJasSansi
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: SeulgiLee
WHEN: Nowuntil7September
WHERE: IkonGallery,ikon-gallery.org
ThisisthefirstUKsoloexhibitionbythe Koreanartistwhoseuniqueartisticpractice combinesconceptualapproacheswith artisanalmethods,shapedbytheuseof colour,gesture,simpleyetelegantforms andperformance.
WHAT: Riverdance30: TheNewGeneration
WHEN: 4to9September
WHERE: TheAlexandra, atgtickets.com
Tocelebrateanincredible30thyear, theGrammyaward-winningmusic withitsinfectiousenergyand mesmerisingchoreographyembarks onaspecialanniversarytour,bringing itsmagictoanewgeneration.
WHAT: TomGrennan
WHEN: 4September
WHERE: UtilitaArena,utilitaarenabham.co.uk
Themulti-platinum-sellingsinger-songwriterhas establishedhimselfasoneofthecountry’sbiggest artistsandhisnewalbumreflectsamanoperatingat hiscreativebest.He’salsobrilliantlive!
WHAT: CoventryPuppetFestival
WHEN: 29July
WHERE: BelgradeTheatre, belgrade.co.uk
Stepintoaworldofwonderandworld-class puppetrywithafulldayofcelebration, marking100yearsoftheBritishPuppetGuild. Liveperformances,hands-onworkshopsand talks,there’ssomethingforeveryone.
WHAT: GreatBritishBeerFestival
WHEN: 5to9August
WHERE: NECBirmingham, greatbritishbeerfestival.co.uk
Bigger,bolder,better!Jointhousandsofbeer loverssamplinguniqueales,ciders,perriesand craftbeersfromaroundtheworld. Entertainmentisalsoincludedwithlivemusic ontap.
WHAT: ISMO:WooHoo! WorldTour
WHEN: 16September
WHERE: TownHall, bmusic.co.uk
TheFinnishcomedianwithhissharp observationalhumourandunique perspectiveonlanguage,culture andeverydaylifeisbackintown.
WHAT: BarbaraNiceKids ComedySpecial
WHEN: 3August
WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk
Everyone'sinvitedtojoininthefunand gameswiththeKingsHeathcomedy legend(andformerBirminghamLiving covergirl)inaspecialshowforkidsand anyadultswillingtolettheirhairdown andhavesomelaughs.
WHAT: Anton&Giovanni: TogetherAgain
WHEN: 28July
WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk
Morefun,moredance,more song,andevenmore entertainmentthaneverbefore!
Acollectionofbreath-taking routinesandstunning choreographyfromtwoof Strictly’sfavouritesons.
WHAT: BNBFMidlandChampionships
WHEN: 10August
WHERE: CrescentTheatre,crescenttheatre.co.uk
Showcasingthebestnaturalbodybuilders intheMidlandsandofferingupthechance torepresenttheMidlandsintheNational Finals.Thereareclassesforteenstoover-60s, socomealongtoshout,cheerandsupport yourlocalathletes.
WHAT: IntheNightGardenLive
WHEN: 2to6August
WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk
Igglepiggle,UpsyDaisy,MakkaPakkaandfriends arebackinafun-filledliveshow.Seeallyour favouritecharactersbeautifullybroughttolifewith full-sizecostumes,magicalpuppetsand enchantingmusic.
WHAT: BirminghamPhoenixvsTrent Rockets
WHEN: 8August
WHERE: EdgbastonStadium, thehundred.com
SupporttheBirminghamPhoenixfortheirfirsthome matchesoftheseasoninthisawesomecompetition withaspecialdouble-headerasboththemenand womenfighttotakedowntheirMidlandsrivals.
WHAT: TheBrindleyMarket
WHEN: 31July
WHERE: Brindleyplace,brindleyplace.com
Acrackingselectionofsweetandsavouryfoodstalls, giftwareandstreetfoodvendorsonshowinCentralSquare forsomesupersummerfunanduniqueshopping.
WHAT: TheWinter’sTale
WHEN: Nowto30August
WHERE: ERSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111
Eveninthedarkestofwinters,redemptionmaybe found.Shakespeare’senigmaticstoryoflove,lossand rebirthisdirectedbyYaëlFarber,whomakesherRSC debutfollowingherrecentacclaimedproductionsof KingLearandtheOlivier-nominatedMacbeth.
WHAT: MaryPoppins
WHEN: 16Julyto23August
WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com
CameronMackintoshandDisney’s spectacularproductionofthe classicmulti-award-winning musicalfliesintoBirminghamfor averyspecialshowfeaturing everyone’sfavouritenanny.
CLOSEWITHÁ
KEITH‘COOKIE’COOK
EACHMONTHWETALKTOTHEPEOPLERESPONSIBLEFOR HELPINGMAKEOURREGIONTHRIVEANDPROSPERTOFIND OUTMOREABOUTTHEIRROLE,HOPESANDDREAMSAND WHATMAKESTHEMTICK.THISMONTHIT’SKEITH‘COOKIE’ COOKFROMWARWICKSHIRECOUNTYCRICKETCLUB
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
IhaveworkedatEdgbastonsinceAugust1973ina varietyofroles,butuntilthedateofmyretirementlast monthIwasCricketOperationsManagerworkingclosely withtheWarwickshireteam,matchofficialsaswellas visitingInternationalanddomesticteams.There’sbeen manymilestonesduring51years–receivingtheBritish EmpireMedalintheQueensNewYear’sHonoursin2019, visitingBuckinghamPalaceonthreedifferentoccasions withtheteam,andtravellingtheworldwithWarwickshire. I’vemetmanyfamoussportspeopleovertheyears,aswell asroyalty.Iwasrecentlyawardedtwoofthehighest accoladesinthegameformyworkatWarwickshire–HonoraryLifeMembershipofWarwickshireCounty CricketClubandHonoraryLifeVicePresidencyof EnglandandWalesCricketBoard.
IT’SWHATIDO
Myrolewasverymuchoperationallybased,planning anddeliveringmajormatchesatEdgbaston,pluskeepinga vibrantgroupofWarwickshireplayers‘ontheroad’atall times.IdofeelthatduringmytimewiththeclubIwas abletodeliveronmostoccasions,andalwayswithasmile (wherepossible).
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
ProfessionallyIdon’thaveanymoreambitionswithin thegame,myjobwasincrediblychallengingintermsof timeandcommitments–especiallyduringthesummer months,soretirementnowmeansmoredowntime, catchingupwithfamilyandfriendsandalsotravelling
morewithmywifeKaren.Our‘bucketlist’holiday, travellingaroundItaly,islooming.
BIGGESTSUCCESS
Finishingupafter51yearsworkingatthesameplace andbeingabletocountuponsomanywonderfulfriends whoareamassivepartofmylifestory.Successtomeisn’t countedinbigbankbalances,carsorflashyhomes,it’sa aboutthepeopleyoumeetalongthewayandthewaythey weavethemselvesintoyourlife.
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
Ioncewrotesomethingthatisprintedonthewallsofthe entranceintotheplayersareaatEdgbastonandwouldbe readbyallplayersyoungandoldwhojourneythrough thosedoorsintheircareerwhichreads:“Thisisn’tjusta job,it’salifechoice.Noteveryonewillmakeittobetop, butyouwillallhaveyourmoment.Takeitwithbothhands, enjoyittothemaximumandrememberitwell”.Ifeelthat wecanallconnectwiththatinsomewayinourlives.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
I’mabornandbredBrummie,somyhomecityisalways inmyheartwhereverItravel.Thebestthingabout Birminghamisthepeople–I’vemetsomeamazing characters.
DOWNTIME
Catchingupon51yearsofjobsathomethatIwasnever abletogetaroundto.Lovetowalkthelocallanesand whentimeallowsandreallyenjoyadayflyfishing. ■
