Birmingham Living December 2022 (issue 118)

hisChristmasisgoingtobeanespeciallychallengingtimeforsomanypeople. Notwithstandingthetraumaenduredduringthe2020Covidlockdown,thisfestive seasonseesseriousworriescausedbytheeconomiccrisis–inflationsendingshopprices forfoodandgoodssoaringandrocketingenergycostsaddinghugeincreasestoheatingandlightingbills.And Covid,ofcourse,hasn’tgoneawayeither.

So,thejinglebellsofChristmas2022areamitemutedtosaytheleast.Butsomethingsdon’tchange.Young childrenarestillasexcitedaseverbywhatSantawillbringthem–andtheirfamilieswillstilltrytogivethem thebestCrimbotheycandespiteeverything.Christmasissurelyatimeforgiving,butinthecurrentclimate notjustforkids.Manyothersneedhelp,too.

TherearedozensofreallybrilliantcharitiesoperatinginBrum,deliveringcare,compassionandfinancialhelp tothosemostinneed–whetherindividualslivingroughonthestreetsorfamiliesbattlinghugepersonal challengesday-to-day.Eachandeveryoneoftheseamazingcharitiescandowithyourhelp,particularlyatthis timeofyear.

Localbusinessesarealsofacinghistoricallytoughtimes.OurBigGiftGuideispackedwithloadsofpresent ideasfromlocalshopsandsuppliersforthewholefamilyandatpricestosuitallpockets.Hopefullyit’llgive yousomegreatideas–andhelplocalbusinessatthesametime!

Finally…fromallofusatBirminghamLiving,wewishyouapeacefulandjoyousChristmas.

grassrootscharities”.Ticketsstartfrom£10 andincludefoodand/ordrinkaswellasa nightofstand-upcomedy invenuesacross Birmingham.Getyours from:yuup.co(£5from eachsalegoestosupport Birminghamhomeless charitySIFAFireside).

MIXITUPFORRUDOLPH

It’saquestionwe’veallwondered–doSanta’sreindeeractually likethecarrotsthatchildrenleavethemonChristmasEve?Buck, FatherChristmas’schiefreindeerhandler,willteachchildrenhowto mixupsomespecialtastyreindeerfoodasjustoneofthe attractionsatHattonAdventureWorld’snewEnchantedChristmas Kingdomexperiencethismonth.Thewinterwonderlandincludes Santa’sgrottoandamagicalwoodlandtrailthroughicytunnels withfestivelightsandChristmasscenesfeaturingpolarbears!A hostofridesarealsoonhandforallthefamily.

LOVEISINTHEAIR

LoveActually,theChristmasclassicrom-com,iscomingtoBirmingham withafullorchestraperformingitssoundtracklivetoscreen.Thefilm, whichfeaturesanall-starcast,includingHughGrant,LiamNeeson,Colin Firth,andMartineMcCutcheon,willbeshownonagiantscreenat SymphonyHallon13DecemberwithCraigArmstrong’smemorable musicscoreperformedlive

THEBEARFACTS

Everthoughtwhatitwouldbeliketositona polarbear’slap?Orrideonitsback?Giveita bath,orclearupitspoo?PinsandNeedlesis aheart-warminglivestageshowofthe classicchildren’sbookbyRaymondBriggs, TheBear,featuringamazingpuppetryand music.Joininthefunandfollowthestoryof alittlegirlwhobefriendsamischievouspolar bearwhenTheBearcomestotheMAC TheatrethroughDecember.Ticketsfrom£11 atmacbirmingham.co.ukor01214463232.

TALESFROMACORNWOOD

Afestivefamilyshowisbringingchildren’sfavourite stories,TalesfromAcornWood,tolifeatBirmingham Hippodrome.Featuringsongsandpuppetry,Talesfrom AcornWoodatChristmasrunsfrom13to31 Decemberandincludesspectacularstaging,projection andtechnologywhichincorporatesthelift-theflap elementsofthebooksonstage.Theproductionalso showcasessomeofthebesttalentacrosstheregion withBirmingham-basedpuppetdirector,JohnnyAutin andactorpuppeteer,JamesBlake-Butler.

PicturebyMarkSenior

STEVEJOINS WALKOFSTARS

Morethan300fans packedBirmingham’s VelvetMusicRoomstosee singer-songwriterlegend SteveGibbonspickuphis StaronBroadStreet’s WalkofStars.LordMayor ofBirmingham,Cllr MaureenCornish, presentedthecoveted accoladeatthe BirminghamRocksevent, whichwasfollowedby twosetsofSteve’smuchlovedmusicwiththeSteve GibbonsBand.Steveisthe 48thStartobeaddedto theBroadStreetWalkof Starsrollofhonour.

Bettergetyourskateson… Birmingham’sChristmasicerinkis boastingfourbigattractionsthisyear. IceSkateBirminghaminCentenary Squarefeaturesa40-metreBigWheel, 55-metreCityFlyer,anall-new30-metre squareicerinkandbar,andanewride calledAir.Theeventisnexttothe LibraryofBirminghamandrunsdaily from10amuntil10pmthroughthe holidayperioduntilSunday8January (closedonlyonChristmasDay).

BRUM ONICE MEMORY MARCH

100YEARSOFDANCE

Oneoftheworld’sleadingballetschoolsissettocelebrateits 100thanniversaryin2023.ElmhurstBalletSchoolinEdgbaston willmarkthemilestoneduringitsElmhurst100:MoreFutures toShapecampaign,withcentenaryperformances,alumniand fund-raisingevents.Elmhurstenjoysclosetieswith BirminghamRoyalBallet,underthedirectorshipofCarlos Acosta.TheQueenConsorthasbeentheschool’spatronsince 2006andaround80percentofpupilsbenefitfrom Governmentfundingsupport.

AteamfromCurves ladies'gymin Kenilworthdonnedtheir trainerstotakepartina MemoryWalkforthe Alzheimer'sSociety charity.Fourofthe teamwalkedforMeg,a residentatHarperFields carehome,carryingher pictureonthebackof theirT-shirts.They raised£200forthe charity.HarperFieldsis runbyBarchester Healthcare,oneofthe UK’slargestcare providers.

Anall-starcasthasbeenrevealedforDeborah Moggach’sTheBestExoticMarigoldHotelwhich opensattheAlexandratheatreon21February2023. HayleyMillsstarsasEvelyn,withPaulNicholasas DouglasandRulaLenskaasMadgeinthefeel-good taleofloveandadventure.Theshowtakesthe audienceonajourneytoIndiawithaneclecticgroup ofBritishretireesastheyembarkonanewlife.

STACEYTALKSMENTALHEALTH

StrictlyComeDancingwinnerandTVinvestigative reporterStaceyDooleyiscomingtoBirminghamto highlightBritain’smentalhealthcrisisandits impactonyoungpeople.InConversationwith StaceyDooleyattheGleeClubonSunday5

Februaryispartofa15-dateUKtourtocoincide withhernewbook,AreYouReallyOK?

UnderstandingBritain’sMentalHealthEmergency. ThetouralsofollowsStacey’stwomostrecent documentariesonmentalhealth.

ELFALERT

Whodoesn’tlikesomewinterfunatthis timeofyear?Itdoesn’tcomeanybigger thantheChristmasextravaganzathatis WinterFunlandwhichisreturningtotheNEC Arenaforasecondyear.Officiallythe nation’sbiggestindoorfunfair,theUK’s largestindoorexhibitionspacewillbe transformedintoagiganticice-skatingrink, 2,000-seatChristmascircusshow,full-size fairgroundandSanta’sGrotto.Thedatesfor yourdiaryareSaturday10Decemberto Monday2January.Ticketsat https://www.winterfunland.com/

GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk

SNOWSHOW

TouchwoodSolihullhaslaunchedaseriesoffamilyfriendlyeventsforthe festiveseason,includingSanta’sGrottoandWinterSnowplayareaanda specialvisitfromtheGrinch!TheshoppingcentrewillalsowelcometheJolly BollyElfonSaturday10December,whowillprovidesomemerry entertainmentthroughtheatreanddance.Plus,there’sthechancetogetup closetoBjorntheanimatronicpolarbear.

LOLITA’SOPENDAY

ThenewlyrefurbishedSwanTheatreinStratfordupon-AvonwillreopeninApril2023withthe worldpremierestageproductionofMaggie O’Farrell’sHamnetadaptedbyaward-winning writer,actorandBirminghamLivingcoverstar, LolitaChakrabarti.Thestorypullsbackacurtain ontheimaginedlifeofWilliamShakespeareand hisfamily.Lolitasaid:“Tobere-openingtheSwan Theatrewiththisplayisveryexciting,bringing backamuchlovedandbeautiful performancespace.”

KITTYMAKESASPLASH

BirminghamLivingcovergirlsBaga ChipzandKittyScott-Claus,pictured, willbeamongthestarnamesmaking acolourfulsplashatRuPaul’s DragConUK,partoftheworld’s biggestcelebrationofdragculture. Thethree-dayspectaclewhichopens atLondon’sExCelon6Januarywill featuremorethan100dragqueens fromaroundtheglobewhohave competedintheEmmyawardwinningRuPaul’sDragRace.Ticket detailsat:uk.rupaulsdragcon.com

COME WHATMAE

THATHASEARNEDACULTFOLLOWINGONBOTHSIDESOFTHEPOND

Ifyou’reafanofAppleTV’sbrilliantEmmyaward-winning comedyseriesTedLasso,(weare!)you’llalreadyknowthat oneoftheshow’sbest-lovedcharactersisMae,thenononsenselandladyatthelocalpubatRichmondFootballClub.

PlayedbyBrum’sveryownAnnetteBadland,Maehascaptured theheartsoffansoftheshowwhichsincelaunchingin2020has becomeabitofacomedycultclassic.FeaturingAmerican comedianJasonSudeikisinthetitlerole,ittellsthestoryofan Americanfootballcoachashestruggleswithmanagingfictional PremierLeaguesoccerteam,AFCRichmond.Theshowhas provedtobeahitintheUSandoverhere,withthemuchanticipatedthirdseriesduetobescreenedin2023.

THRILLINGTIMES

Inmorethanhalf-a-centuryofactingintheatre,TV,filmand radio,it’ssafetosaythatAnnetteismorethanalittlepleasantly surprisedthatshehasbecomeoneofAppleTV’sshiny‘newthings’ ashecallsit.We’veinterviewedAnnettebefore,backinNovember 2019.Atthattime,nooneinthewiderworldknewofTedLasso. Obviously,Annettedidasshewasworkingonthelaunchshowand firstseries–butshewaskeeping‘mum’,whichisparforthecourse withactorssworntosecrecyontheirnewforthcomingprojects.She wouldonlysaythatshewasworkingonan‘excitingnewproject’. Sheexplainsnow:“Igotinvitedtoauditionandwenttoacasting directorandwentontape–andtheylikedme,soIveryluckilygot invitedtojointhecast,andithasbeenjustwonderful.”

Annette’scharacter,Mae,runstheCrown&Anchorpubinthe directstyleyou’dexpectfromalandladyatyourlocal.“Sheowns

BRUM’SVERYOWNANNETTEBADLANDISTHENO-NONSENSELANDLADY, MAE,INAPPLETV’STEDLASSO,THEBRILLIANTEMMY-WINNINGCOMEDY

PhotographybyRuthCrafer

theplaceandsheownsthespace,”explainsAnnette, whoisthrilledatthesuccessofTedLasso.“Thepubis agreatenvironmentforstorytellingandforshowing howpeopleinteractandcanconnectwithoneanother. Andtheshowhasjustgrownwithpeopletellingeach otheraboutitandanticipatingthenextepisodeand series.It’sathrilltobeinvolvedwithit.”

PubsarenostrangertoAnnette–butinagood way!Despitehavingacareerthatreallydoesqualify herfor‘nationaltreasure’statusandwhichhasseen herperforminaWho’sWhoofourgreatesttheatres, Annetteisprobablybestknowntomillionsasthe evilauntBabeoftheQueenVicinTVsoap EastEnders.OthertopTVroleshaveincludedDr Who,MidsomerMurders,andBadGirls.

AMBULANCEHEROES

Despitebecomingsuchawell-knownface,Annette hasstayedtruetoherrootsinBrum,whichwas highlightedwhenshewasappointedapatronofthe OldRep–thetheatrewhereshefirstfellinlovewith actingasachildintheaudience.Sheisalsoabig supporteroflocalcharities,havingabseiledoffthe DunlopbuildingforBirminghamChildren’sHospital andcompleteda22-milecharityswimforDiabetes UK.“Iwashappierinthewaterthansuspendedfroma highwire,”sheadmitswithachuckle.

SheisalsoasupporterofMidlandsAirAmbulance andexplains:“Ilivedonaroadoverlooking EdgbastonCricketGroundwhenIwasyoung. Cominghomefromschoolattheageof12,Iwas badlyrunover.Irememberthecarapproachingme andtryingtojumpbackwardsthengettingintothe ambulancewithmymotherbesideme,Ihadflown overthetopofthecar,landingbehindit,breaking thewindscreenontheway.”

TheleftsideofAnnette’sfacewasbadlydamaged, withhernosesplitopenandagapingholepouring bloodnearhermouth.Thehandleofabasketshe hadbeencarryinghadpenetratedherlegandshe hadseriousbreakstobothlegs.Annetteremembers: “WhenwegottoBirminghamAccidentHospital, whichnolongerexists,theythoughtmymotherwas alsoinjuredbecauseshewascoveredinsomuchof myblood.

“Theambulancemenandhospitaldidcrucialand complicatedworkonmeandIhaveenormous gratitudeandallegiancetothem.AsIsay,the hospitalnolongerexistsbutwedohaveMidlands AirAmbulance.Thankgoodnessforalltheirskill, devotionandendeavour–helpingpeopleinextreme physicalandemotionaldistresstosurviveandtheir lovedonestohavethemforlonger.”

Incredibly,50yearsaftertheaccident,Annettesays apieceofthecar’swindscreenemergedfromher kneewhileshewasonholidayinMajorca.Now, that’sastorytotellthelocalsdownattheCrown& Anchor… ■

”

“

I’mthrilledatthesuccessof theshow.Ithasjustgrown withpeopletellingother peopleaboutitandlooking forwardtothenextepisodes

SLIDING DOORS

It’sChristmasandwhilewe’renottryingtoburst yourfestivebubble,it’snotHallmarkschmaltzfor everyone.Whilenumbersofhomelesspeopleon thestreetsofBrumhavefallensinceCovid,there’swork todo.Achievingapositiveoutcomeinvolvespulling togetherhomelesscharities,enforcementandcouncil servicesensuringtheyworkefficientlyinsynch.One charityinthecity,Let’sFeedBrumrecognisesthisneed forcollaborationaswellasthepowerofbefriending homelesspeopleandbuildingtrust.

Let’sFeedBrumco-founderTaraAttfield-Tomessays thecharitywasbornoutofadesiretogenuinelyhelp–andnotaboutbeing‘do-gooders’.Thevolunteer-led charityworkstobefriendthehomelesscommunityas wellasprovidingnourishmentwhileworkingwith otherorganisationsinthecitytofindasolutionandget aroofovertheheadsofroughsleepers.

Initially,therewasateamof10to12volunteers.Tara usedtobundlefoldabletablesinthebackofhercar, whileItihaaswhoseownerRajRanaisoneofLFB’s founders,providedthefood.Nowtherearemorethan 100volunteersandincreasingsupportfromthecity’s restaurants–Dishoom,Yorks,FrancoMancaand Syrianaforexample.

Therearededicated,trainedteamleadersand volunteersouteverynightaswellastwiceweekly breakfastsattheCathedral.Therearealso significantwalkaboutteamsinroughsleepinghot spots,regulareventsatrefugesandanLFB Friendshiphelpline.Thebreakfasteventsareoften sponsoredbylocalbusinesseswhoprovidefunds enablingthecharitytobuyfoodanddrinkwhile clothingandkeysuppliesarehandedoutthrough partnershipswithbusinessessuchasRe:Soleand Socks&Crocsaswellaspublicdonations.

Taraexplainsthatthemisconceptionthatthe systemisbrokenisnotstrictlytrue.WhenLFB began,therewerealotoforganisationsworkingto tackleroughsleepingbuttheyweren’tnecessarily joinedup,sooneorganisationwoulddotheirbit thenpassitontothenext.Thishaschangedover timethroughincreasedcollaborationand communication.LFB’sapproachwastosaytoother servicesandauthorities:‘Useus.Howcanwehelp?’

Volunteersaretrainednottopromisetofixthings buttoreassurepeoplethey’lllookintoit.It’scrucial nottoletpeopledownatthispoint–it’slikely they’vebeenletdownbadlybefore.Themistrustof

authoritysometimesgoesrightbacktoschool,sobuilding trustisthenumberonepriority.Tarasays:“It’sacomplex situationandcantakeayeartogettherealstory sometimes.Weaimtobuilduptrust–thebiggestbarrier toprogress.Oncewe’reonthestreetwecanengagewith people,startaconversationandprovidegenuinesupport.”

MIXOFPEOPLE

Sheadds:“Homelesspeoplearejustpeople–someare horrible,someareamazingandsomearecompletely ‘normal’.Ifyouloseyourjobandyoudon’thaveasupport networkaroundyou,itwouldbeeasytoslipinto homelessness.Ifyou’vebeenthroughthecaresystem,ifyour parentsarebothdeadandyou’reanonlychild,ifyou’ve mentalhealthissuesanddon’thaveanetworkoffriends,if you’relivingontheedgeofpovertywithnosupportnetwork andsomethinggoeswrong,whatdoyoudo?”

Whilehomelessfiguresarestilllowerthanpre-Covid, theyaresettorise.Tarasays:“We’restartingtoseepeople endinguponthestreetsbecausetheycan’tpaytheirbills. Foodbankaccessisontheupandlet’snotforgetthat Covidwasawildtimeandmentalhealthisonthe decline.”There’samisconceptionthatLFBandcharities likethemareenablinghomelessness,butthat’snotso.

Workingwithotherservicesandcharitiesispowerfuland effective.Forinstance,ifthere’ssomeonenewtothe streets,there’sa48-hourwindowtotryandgetthemback home.Beyondthenit’sunlikelyyou’llgetpeopleto reverse.Engagingearlyandalertingandworkingwith otherservicesiscrucialwhichisonlypossiblethrough strongnetworksandunderstanding.

ThecharitywhichreceivedtheQueen’sAwardfor VoluntaryServicelastyear–thehighestawardgiventolocal voluntarygroups–isfundedthroughdonationsandgrants andBrum’sbusinesscommunityhasbeenagenerous contributor,butitwasn’talwaysthecase.Duringthefirst threeyearsthereweremanydoorsslammedinfaces,butTara, alongwithherco-foundersweren’tdeterred.

Theyusedtheirnetworksandpersonalcontactsto drumupsupportinthecity.Aswellasthebusiness community,Taraisamazedbythekindnessand generosityofpeople,particularlypeoplewhodon’thave muchthemselves.LFBisjustoneofahandfulofcharities doingwonderfulthingstotacklehomelessnessacrossthe cityandwhileweknowtimesarehard,ifyou’reableto helpbydonatingtoorvolunteeringwithanyofthe homelesscharitiesinthecity,itwouldbehugely appreciatedandmakeadifference.

Tellusaboutyourcooking

IcookfoodIgrewupwithandlovetoeat.Good honestfooddonereallywell.Therearen’ttoomany ingredients–I’mbeyondthestageofusing300 ingredientsjustforthesakeofit!

Howdidyoubecomeachef?

Iwas17andgettingdrunkandgenerallybeing stupidandmymumanddadgotmeajobworkingall hoursinthelocalpub,soIdidn’thavetimeto misbehave.IusedtowatchReady,Steady,Cookand getinspired.ImovedtoworkunderMichaelCaines andseriouslyworkedmyarseoff.

Whatdoyoueatwhenathome?

Ilovetoeathealthily.Thaistirfry,Moroccaninspiredfood,goodoldcottagepie.Ilikestickingbig potsinthemiddleofatableandeveryonedivesin.

Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?And who’sthebestinBrum?

Withsomethinglike12Michelinstarsit’sgottobe ThomasKeller.ThebestinBrumisatoughone. Birmingham’ssodiverse.HowdoyoucompareAktar Islam’scookingwithGlynnPurnell’sforexample? They’resodifferent.

Isthecustomeralwaysright?

Ifsomeonehasdietaryrequirementswe’llhappily accommodatethose,butifDoriscomesinwithoutany

priornoticeaskingforaseven-coursevegantasting menuoracheeseandhamomelettethatisn’tonthe menu,thenno.

Shareacookingtip

Putunpeeledgarlicclovesbetweentwometalbowls andshakearound.Theskinjustslipsrightoff.Inthe restaurantwherewemightneed50clovesatatimeit’s greatbutitworksjustaswellathomewithtwoor threecloves.

Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?

M&Scrispychickenbreastswithsweetandsour sauceandrice.Also,mymum’sSundayroast.

Foodheavenandfoodhell?

HeavenisaFiveGuysburger–doublebacon, cheese,onion,mustardmayowithcajunfries.Hellisa bowlofcocklesorsimilar.

What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten? Ants.Theywereminging.

Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?

Afitnessinstructorandnutritionist.I’vealwaysbeen bigintokeepingfitbutduringlockdownIreallyfocused onit.I’velosttwostoneandfeelgreat. ■

FormoredetailsonAboutDining,visit:aboutdining.co.uk

NAILCOTE HALL

SundaylunchisthemealI’dratherhaveathome. Despitethemessandthehassle,homesweethome everytime.So,whenthelovelypeopleatNailcote HallinvitedustosampletheirSundaylunch,threeofus trottedoffexcitedlyandonefollowedbehindmuttering,‘but I’drathercookathome’.Bahhumbug.

Havingsaidthat,ifyou’regoingtogooutforSunday lunchwerecommendmakingitasdifferentfromhomeas youcanandthehistoricNailcoteHallisthat–thinklow beams,bigopenfireplaces,cosyfeaturesanddarkwoodplus someseriouslyfriendlystaff.Togiveitsomecontext,thelast timeweateatNailcoteHallwaspre-Covid,yetGlynn,the restaurantmanagerrememberedus–Idon’tknowifthat’s becauseGlynnisincrediblygoodathisjoborwebehavedso badlyweleftourmark.We’regoingwiththeformer.

Thediningroomisslightlyold-fashionedinacharming waythatsuitsSundaylunch.There’satrolleywithasilver clochehidingperfectlycookedbeefandturkeythat’s wheeledaroundthediningroomandcarvedatthetable. There’sarackofporkcarvedinthekitchenastherack makesitslightlytrickytodoonthetrolleyandifyouask nicely,youcanhavemorethanonetypeofmeat.Thegravy androastiesarespotonandthereareenoughsidedishesto feedanarmy,includingYorkiesasbigasyourface, cauliflowercheese,redcabbage,mashedsweetpotato, carrots,greenbeans,savoycabbage,broccoliandmore.

We’dalreadysnaffledstartersofsmokedsalmonandpaté beforethemainevent,sowewereinbutton-popping territory,howeverwestillmanagedapud.Applecrumble andcustardwasjustlikeNanusedtomake,whilewhite chocolatecheesecakewithraspberrysorbetwasdelicious. It’snotfinedining–it’straditionalandhomelyinthe waySundaylunchshouldbe.Teamthatwithtablesfullof families,someofthreeorfourgenerationshunkereddown catchingupoverlunchandyou’veawinningfeel-good Sundayinourbook.Imightjustbeconverted!Twocourses costs£36and£40forthree. ■

SHORTS NIBBLES and

CHARITYDRINKINTHEPINK

MollyOllys,thechildren’scharitybasedinWarwick,istoastingits10thyearbyteaming upwithShakespeareDistillery,Stratfordtocreateabespokecraftgin.MollyOllysalready sellsproductssuchascandles,diffusersandroomspraysandco-founderRachel Ollerenshawsaid:“Ginissuchapopulargift,wewantedtoofferourveryownMolly OllysPinkGin.WewerekeenitwasapremiumproductandShakespeareDistilleryis well-knownforitshigh-qualityartisangins.”

GOODGUIDEJOY

ItalianrestaurantTropeahasbeen namedinboththeMichelinand GoodFoodGuides.TheHarborne eateryisthecreationofBen RobinsonYoungandKasia Piatkowska,whometwhile studyingCulinaryArtsatUniversity CollegeBirminghamin2010.The MichelinGuidedescribesitasa ‘bright,modernneighbourhood restaurantservingflavourful,fussfreeItaliansharingplates’,whilethe GoodFoodGuidesaysitisa ‘fantasticneighbourhood independentthatiswellworth seekingout’.

WORLD CUPPINT

WINTERWARMERS

B:Eats,thedaytimecafeandeveningeaterycreatedby B:Music–themusiccharityresponsibleforSymphonyHall andTownHall–haslaunchedanewmenu.NickReed, chiefexecutiveofB:Music,said,“We’rereallyexcitedto includesomerealwinterwarmerdishes.”We’rethinking wefancybreakfast,whichincludesFullEnglishPancakes andMixedBerryPancakesaswellashotporridgewitha selectionoftoppings.Ormaybebrunchwiththelikesof EggsBenedictandEggsRoyale.Decisions,decisions…

BackyardBrewhouseinBrownhillshascreatedLion HeartbittertomarkEngland’sWorldCupcampaign. Thebrew,soldinpubsandbars,isthebrainchildof thebrewery’soperationsdirectorAustenMorganand brewingdirectorMikeBates.Thebreweryisknownfor producingthemedbeers,alesandlager.Whilebacking theThreeLions,thebeeractuallyhasGermanyto thankforitsuniquetaste.Austenexplained: “WehaveusedaGermanhop

BOTTOMLESSBRUNCH

TOPOFTHECHOCS

Birmingham-basedchocolatierandpatisserieSoko haslaunchedanewrangeofartisanchocolates, craftedtodelightyoureyesaswellasyour tastebuds.SokoissupportedbyMichelinstarredchefAndreasAntonaandheadedup byBakeOff:TheProfessionalsfinalistBharat Chandegra.Eachchocolateishandmadeandtakes threedaystoproduce.Bharatsaid:“Wewantour chocolatestohavethewowfactor.Everythingfrom howtheylookandtastetotheeco-friendly packagingmustbeperfect.”

Christmastrulyextra-special

ThisChristmasnoonewillremembertheginandtonic.But theywillrememberthePartridgeandPearSourcocktail youmadewithStMaurelderflowerliqueurandyour favouritegin.Asweetandsour,beautifullybalancedsilkyChristmas classic,it’seasytomakeandpairsnicelywithsavourycanapésand thosehot,herbysausagerolls.

ThepartridgeisprovidedbyPercy,StMaur’spartridgebrandmascot. Forthepearpureeusedinthisrecipeeithermakeyourown,purchasean expensivespecialisedcocktailingredient,oraswehavedonehere,nip downtothesupermarketandbuyapouchof100percentpureedpear babyfood.Cheers!(Andremembertoenjoyresponsibly.)

METHOD:

Putalltheingredientsinashakeranddryshake.Addiceandshake again,thenstrainintoachilledmartiniglass.Thatshouldbeenough fortwo.Garnishtodecorateandserve.

StMaurisahand-craftedpremiumelderflowerliqueurfromtheHeart ofEngland,madefromresponsiblysourcedingredientsandflavours gatheredinancientfamily-ownedwoodlands.Findoutmoreat: drinkstmaur.com

EMPORIOARTARI

SlapbangintheheartofTouchwood,Emporio ArtariisthelatestItalianeateryfromthepeople behindLucarelliattheMailbox.Thereare challengestocreatinganidentityatEmporioArtari, moresothanLucarelligivenit’sessentiallyina shoppingcentre.However,they’vemadethebestofit withprivacyscreensandawell-positionedbar,soit feelslikeyou’reenteringarestaurantratherthanthe atriumofamall,andthebuzzofTouchwoodactually addstothelivelyvibe.Thebar’sathingofbeautyand thecrockeryandaccessoriesaddpersonality.

Therestaurantservescicchetti(smallplates),sharing platters,panini,pastaandonweekdays,anItalian afternoonteawhichwesampled.Cocktailsareabig thing,sowewentforthebelliniversionratherthanmere tea.Sandwichesaren’ttheneatlyslicedcucumberfingers youmightexpectfromanaverageafternoontea,but moreinventiveopensandwicheswithpunchyflavours suchasmozzarella,tomatotapenadeandolive–we couldhavesnaffledawholeplateofthese.

Parmesanmousse,hamandhoneymustardissalty

intheverythebestofwaysandmoreish.Butternut squashpatéandtrufflepecorinocheesearesmooth, balanced,sweetandearthyallatthesametime.While smokedsalmon,stracchinocheeseandrocketwere verygoodtoo,roastedmushroom,Asiagocheeseand smokedhamwaslesssowithoneleftontheplate–there’salwaysone.

Sweettreatswereplentifulandprettyasapicture. Therewasalemonmoussecake,strawberryand pistachioparfait,Amarettoandwhitechocolatesoft spongeandatortacappuccino.Theyalltastedgreat, butamongthesoftmousseytextureswecravedabitof crunch.Thatcameintheformofanabsolutelyknock outAragostina,acrisppastryshellwithAmarena cherryandChantillycream–thetoppickofthe sweets.Therewasalsoatraditionalsconewithjam andcreamthatfeltabitsurplustorequirements.

Afternoonteais£25perpersonwhichfeelslikeasteal, thebelliniversionis£34.50andChampagneafternoon teais£35.Asaconvenientandindulgentpit-stopto breakupashoppingtrip,wereckonyoucan’tbeatit. ■

MYTOP FESTIVEWINES

youavoidtheGrandMarques. SmallergrowerChampagnesandsupermarket ownbrandscanprovideagoodalternative.The keytothestyleofChampagneistheacidity, whichiswhatmakesittastesomouthwateringlyfresh.It’sperfectasanaperitiforfor quaffingatparties,butit’salsoawonderful partnerwithfood.Perhapsonetotryfor Christmasmorningbreakfastwithsomeeggs benedictorsmokedsalmon.

Alotofwineloversswitchtoredwineinthe coldermonthsbutifyou’relookingforawinter white,looknofurtherthanChardonnay.Itmay seemlikeacontroversialchoicetosomewho remembertheheavilyoakedstylesofthe90s,but Chardonnaythesedaysisalotmoresubtle(apart frommyrecommendationthismonth,whichis notsubtleintheslightestbutverydeliciousall thesame!)

Chardonnayisaverydependablegrapewhich isgrownallovertheworld.Ithasdifferentflavour profilesdependingonwhereitisgrown,from freshlemonandappleinBurgundytopeachand pineappleinwinesfromtheNewWorld.When oakaged,withahintofbutterandvanilla,these winesreallycomealivewithfood.Iwouldn’t necessarilydrinkthemontheirown.Ifyouprefer whitewine,thenit’stheperfectpairingforyour roastturkeydinneronthebigdayorwitha creamyrisotto.

PinotNoirisalsoafantasticmatchforroast turkeywithallthetrimmings,butfortheultimate Christmasredyoucan’tgetmuchmoreclassic thanaclaret!Bordeauxwineshaveperhaps fallenoutoffavoursomewhatasmanypeople nowenjoythefruit-forwardnessofNewWorld winesbutcanbearealtreatwiththeirsmoky, cigarboxnotes.

PASSTHEPORT

RedwinesfromthefamousFrenchregionare mostlyablendofMerlotandCabernet Sauvignon,twograpeswhichworkharmoniously togethertobalancethewine.Withredandblack fruitflavoursandplentyoftannins,ithasenough structuretostanduptoabeefwellington.For veggiesthinkslow-cooked,richflavourssuchas roastedrootvegandlentildishes.

Andfinally…withflavoursoffigandprune andatouchofbutterscotchandchocolate,Tawny portisoneofmyfavouritesfortheseason.Beware thecheaper‘tawnyports’whichjusthaveeither whiteportorcolouringaddedtothemtogetthe signaturebrowncolour.Lookfortawnieswithan

KATIE’S4FESTIVE FAVOURITES

■ TescoFinestPremierCruChampagne £23,Tesco

Supermarketownbrandsareoftenagreatvalue alternativetothebigbrandnames.This Champagnecomesexclusivelyfromthehigher qualitypremiercruvineyardswithintheregion andhasalovelycomplexitybalancedwith freshness.

■ Bread&ButterChardonnay £10.99(mixsixprice),Majestic Thisisnotashywineinanyway.It’spackedfull offlavourandasthenamemightsuggest,has flavoursofbreadandbutter,aswellasvanilla, citrusandtoastynotes.Perfectwithroastturkey!

■ LaRaisonduChateaudesFougeres £16,Tesco

This2012vintagewinehassomuchgoingon.It hasavelvetytexturewithplentyoffruittobalance outthestructurefromthetannins.

■ Taylor’s10YearOldTawnyPort £16,Morrisons

Arichandeleganttawnyportwithbeautiful aromasofripedarkberryfruits,adelicate nuttinessandmellownotesofchocolateand butterscotch.

ageindication,suchas10,20,30orevent40years averageageing.Bestservedlightlychilledwith eitheracheeseboardorChristmaspudding(or withaboxofchocolatesonthesofa!)

Wishingyouaverymerryandwine-filled Christmas! ■

BirminghamWineSchoolisanindependentwineeducation companythatoffersfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine& SpiritEducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamand Warwick.FormoreinformationcontactKatieGardneron0121270 7359,orvisitwww.birminghamwineschool.com.

Withthecost-of-livingcrisispartofour everydayconversation,whynottakeupan exercisethatdoesn’tcosttheearthandwill getyouinshapejustintimebeforetheChristmas festivitiesarrive?We’retalkingrunning,people.

Firstoff,it’seasytogetstarted.Runningdoesn’t requireanyspecificequipment,beyondadecentpairof trainers,andyoucanquiteliterallydoitanywhere.

Sure,youcanlaterinvestinGPSwatchesandhitechworkoutgear,butwhenyou’restartingoutkeep itsimple.Nipintoalocalrunningstoreandaskto haveyourgaitassessed.Theywilldosomequick checksonyourrunningstyletohelpinformyou whichpairofmid-rangetrainerswillgiveyourfeet thebestsupport.

Physically,runninghelpsshedpounds,boost metabolismandstrengthencardiovascularendurance. Itcanalsolowercholesterolandreducetheriskof developingosteoporosis.Thenthere’sthementalside. Runninggetsyououtintonature,whichhelpsease stressandanxiety.Yourbodyreleasesendorphinswhen yourun,boostingyourmood–nottomentionthe feelingofsatisfactionwhencompletingsomething. Andrunningcanbesociable.Thereareplentyof runningclubsyoucanjoin,whereyoucanmakenew friendsandbepartofsomethingbiggerthatyoucan dowiththewholefamily.

DIFFERENTTYPES

Roadrunning –Juststepoutsideyourfrontdoor.It involvesallkindsofpavements,pathwaysandtarmac.

Trailrunning –Usuallydoneonhikingtrails, thiswillswiftlygetyououtintopeaceful surroundings,andcanbedoneonvaryingterrain. Watchoutforthehazards–roots,logs,streams and/ortraversingsteephills.

Treadmill –Greatwhentheweatherisless conducivetobeingoutdoors,thetreadmillisgentler onjointsandhasanarrayofoptionstosuityour paceandpreferences.

TOPTIPS

Getatarget –Whetherit’strainingfora5k,tolose afewpre-Christmaspoundsortobeatyourpersonal best,keepafocusandremembertorewardyourself. Havingsomethingtangibletoaimatwillkeepyou motivatedwhentraininggetstough.

Routine –Alwaysmoreeffectivewhenitbecomes partofyourlifestyleroutine,trainingneedstobe regular.So,beorganisedandplaneffectively.Somany peoplestartoutwithgoodintentionsbutcome unstuckwhenlifegetsbusy.

Startsmall –Ifyou’renewtoit,trycombining yourrunningwithwalkingintervals.Thereare oodlesoftrainingplansonlineandthesewillhelp buildenduranceandmanageintensity.You’ll probablywanttoaimtocutdowntimespentwalking andrunforlonger,butonlyataratethatsuitsyou.

Startslowly –Resistthetemptationtolaunchyourself intoasprintrightaway.Whenyoufirststartrunning don’ttrytodotoomuchtoosoon.Anaveragebeginner’s paceisaround13minutespermile,butifyoufindthat toohard,ornotchallengingenough,simplyadjustyour trainingaccordingly.You’llsoongetafeelforwhatyour bodycando.Anddon’tbeafraidtocutaworkoutshort.

Warmup –Hamstrings,groin,glutesandcalvesall needadecentstetchbeforeyoustepoutsideso remembertowarmup.Findagoodroutineandstick withitreligiously.Movingaroundgetstheblood flowingwithoutbreakingasweatandthecolddoesn’t feelsocoldwhenyou’rewarm.

Remembertostayhydrated –It’sawell-knownfact thatunpreparedrunnerssimplydon’tdrinkenough. Whenit’swarmeritmightbeeasiertorememberto drinkplentyofwaterandwhilesweatratesaregenerally higherinhotterconditions,youwillstillsweatandlose somebodywaterwhileexercisingincoldweather.So, remembertohydratebeforeandafteryourrun.

Warmdown –It’ssoimportanttostretchpost-run. Yourcorebodytemperaturedropsassoonasyoustop running.Toavoidalingeringcaseofthechills, changeyourclothes—headtotoe—assoonasyou can.Anddrinksomethinghotandwholesome.You can’tbeatawintersoup.

Andfinally–Besensible.Ifthetemperaturehas severelydippedbelowfreezing,itmightbebesttoplan adayofrecovery.Coldtemperaturesanddryaircan aggravatesomehealthconditions,souseyourbest judgmentastowhetheryoushouldrunoutside.It’s notjustabouttherunningeither.Gettingfitisa lifestylechoiceandneedstoincorporateyourdiettoo. Drinkplentyofwater,packyourdietfullofhigh-fibre foodlikefruitandvegetables,grainsandseedsand blowthecobwebsofftheoatsforbreakfast. ■

SeasonalAffectiveDisorder(SAD)isatypeof depressionthatcomesandgoesinaseasonal pattern.It’ssometimesknownas‘winter depression’becausethesymptomsareusuallymore apparentandseverewhenthedaysareshorter. ThenatureandseverityofSADvariesfrompersonto person.Forsome,itmaybemildwhileforothersitcanbe severeandhaveasignificantimpactontheirday-to-daylife.

SYMPTOMSINCLUDE:

■ Persistentlowmood.

■ Lossofpleasureorinterestinnormaleverydayactivities.

■ Irritability.

■ Feelingsofdespair,guiltandworthlessness.

■ Feelinglethargic(lackinginenergy)andsleepyduring theday.

■ Sleepingforlongerthannormalandfindingithardto getupinthemorning.

■ Feelingstressed,anxiousortearful.

■ Cravingcarbohydratesandgainingweight.

■ Difficultyconcentrating.

■ Becominglesssociable.

■ Decreasedsexdrive.

CAUSES

TheexactcauseofSADisnotfullyunderstood,butit's oftenlinkedtoreducedexposuretosunlightduringthe shorterautumnandwinterdays.Themaintheoryisthata lackofsunlightmightstopapartofthebraincalledthe hypothalamusworkingproperly.

Thismayaffect:

■ Theproductionofmelatonin–ahormonethatmakes youfeelsleepy.InpeoplewithSAD,thebodymay produceitinhigherthannormallevels.

■ Theproductionofserotonin–ahormonethataffects yourmood,appetiteandsleep.Alackofsunlightmay leadtolowerserotoninlevelswhichislinkedtofeelings ofdepression.

■ Thebody'sinternalclock(circadianrhythm)–your bodyusessunlighttotimevariousimportantfunctions, suchaswhenyouwakeup,solowerlightlevelsduring thewintermaydisruptyourbodyclockandleadto symptomsofSAD.

It'salsopossiblethatsomepeoplearemorevulnerableto SADasaresultoftheirgenes,assomecasesappeartorun infamilies.

TREATMENT

AnumberoftreatmentsareavailableforSAD, includingCognitiveBehaviouralTherapy(CBT)and antidepressants.SomepeoplewithSADfindthatlight therapycanhelpimprovetheirmoodconsiderably.This involvessittingbyaspeciallampcalledalightbox,usually foraround30minutestoanhoureachmorning.They produceaverybrightlight.Theintensityofthelightis measuredinlux–thehigherlux,thebrighterthelight.

Thelightproducedbythelightboxsimulatesthe sunlightthat'smissingduringthedarkerwintermonths.It's thoughtthelightmayimproveSADbyencouragingyour braintoreducetheproductionofmelatonin(thehormone thatmakesyousleepy)andincreasetheproductionof serotonin(thehormonethataffectsyourmood).

It'srareforpeopleusinglighttherapytohaveside effects.However,somemayexperienceagitationor irritability,headachesoreyestrain,sleepingproblems (avoidinglighttherapyduringtheeveningmayhelp preventthis),tirednessorchangestoyoursight,including blurredvision.

SELFHELP

Thereareanumberofthingsyoucandotohelp improveyoursymptoms:

■ Trytogetasmuchnaturalsunlightaspossible–evena brieflunchtimewalkcanbebeneficial.

■ Makeyourworkandhomeenvironmentsaslightand airyaspossible.

■ Sitnearwindowswhenyou'reindoors.

■ Injectbrightcoloursintoyourhomeorimprovethe lighting.

■ Takeplentyofregularexercise,particularlyoutdoorsand indaylight–readmoreaboutexercisefordepression.

■ Eatahealthy,balanceddiet.

■ Ifpossible,avoidstressfulsituationsandtakestepsto managestress.

■ Itcanalsobehelpfultotalktoyourfamilyandfriends aboutSADsotheyunderstandhowyourmoodchanges duringthewinter.Thiscanhelpthemtosupportyou moreeffectively.

Mostimportantly,ifyoufeelyou’resufferingwithSAD talktoyourGP.Theywillrecommendthemostsuitable treatmentoptionforyou,basedonthenatureandseverity ofyoursymptoms. ■

Let’stalkaboutscarves.There’ssomething fantasticallystylishaboutswishingaroundswathedin softwarmfabric–themorefabricthebetterinourbook. There’smassesofchoiceintermsofcolourandpattern andyoucan’tgowrongwithabigcheckinvibrant colours–theThreadbareversionisawinneroroptfora neutraltanthatwillgowitheverythingyouown.

Ifyoudon’tconsideryourselfahatperson–for context,alargeroundheadmeanswe’refirmlyinthis camp–ahatwithasubstantialpom-pomreallyworks. Thankuslater.Buckethatsareplentifulwithborg, leatherorwoolversionsshiningbright.Weratethefluffy tealnumberfromAccessorizealotandyoucan’tgo wrongwithacuteorganicbeaniefromPunksand Chancers(pictured.)SpeakingofPunksandChancers, whilenotfamedfortheirgloves,checkouttheYesBab lambswoolbeautieswhichwe’vehoofedintoourBig GiftGuide,aswereckonthey’llbeonmanyawishlist.

Ifyou’vewarmclothingthat’sseenbetterdays, pleasedonateit.ContacthomelesscharitieslikeSIFA FiresideandStBasilstocheckontheprocessandfind outtheirrequirements. ■

BIGAND BOLD ScarffromTUClothing

Stylingoutwinterisaboutmuchmore thanmerelythepracticalityofstayingwarm–accessoriescanliftanoutfitfromaverageto awesomeinstantlybyaddingaccentsofcolourand detail.Coloursthatcomplementyouroutfitrather thanfightwithitarethewaytogo.Forinstance, aneutralbeaniewillworkwitheverything,and rememberneutralsaremorethantan–trya coolgrey,darkburgundyorevenkhaki.Natural breathablefabricworksbestforminimising overheatingandavoidingthedreadedhathair.The sameappliestoscarves(minusthehathairobviously), andasit’snexttoyourfacebesuretoconsideryour skintonewhenchoosingthecolour.Someshades mightdrainyou,whileotherswillcomplement.Apair ofclassicleathergloveswillneverletyoudownbut therearetimeswhenacosywoolversionrules–the BarbourAlnwickpairpicturedareagreatpick. ■

TERRIFICTARTAN

Redbreast12-year-old Birdfeedergiftpack£62, theWhiskyShop, thewhiskyshop.com

Luxurytruffleassortmentbox £6.50,TheChocolateQuarter thechocolatequarter.com

BirminghamWineSchool giftvoucherfortastings andcoursesfrom£30, birminghamwineschool.com

BirminghamTheBrutifulYears byMaryKeating, JennyMarrisandJohnBell £25, IKONGallery ElegancebyTinaEarnshaw,framedlimitededitioncanvas

Snowglobe

Silkpilloweyemask £40,TheWhite Company

AlexandraTheatre membershipcardfrom£35, atgtickets.com/venues/thealexandra-theatre-birmingham/

FentyEaudeParfum £145,HarveyNichols

WilliamShakespeare LittleThinker£21.99, RSCrsc.org.uk

Lil’sParlourrecipebook£19.99, Lilsparlour.co.uk

FROMTHE Christmas

Wnameit!Butwhataboutgardening?Do youhaveagarden-obsessedpartnerorfriendandyou’ve gotnocluewhattogetthemforChristmas?Here’smy giftideasfromthreeofmyfavouritegarden/plant companies–includingoneofBirmingham’sown!

You’llneedtostartwithsomeseedsorbulbs... Foryears,theonlyplacetobuyseedsandbulbsto startyourowngardenwaseitheringardencentresor throughout-datedmailordercatalogues.The internetthankfullyhasseenariseinnewand

OneoftheseisTheRosePressGarden.Ifyou’re onInstagram(youcanfindthem @therosepressgarden)thenyoumaywellhaveheard ofthissmallbusinessrunbyLizzieFox,butifnot thenyou’rereallymissingout.

TheRosePressGardenaimstomakegardening modern,simpleandfunandshowsnew,beginner gardenershowtocreateabeautifulgardeneasily.The monthlysubscriptionsareabrilliantwaytolearnnew varietiesandtypesofflowerseeds,bulbsandplants andmakealovelygift.Availableongoingandasgift

subscriptionsforthree,sixand12months,thisis afantasticgiftforChristmasforanewgardener orevensomeonewithabitofexperience.

Eachsubscriptionboxcomeswithhandy instructionsforeachseed,bulborplant.I’ve boughtmanytimesfromLizziewithcomplete satisfactionandconfidence.Youcanfindout morebyvisitingwww.therosepressgarden.com

Or,ifthat’snotyourthing....aplant?

Ifyou’renotintogrowingfromscratchorif houseplantsaremoreyourthing(everyhouse shouldhaveone,or10!)looknofurtherthan thegentsoveratJungleClubinMoseley,which openedearlierthisyear.

Now,Igetit,houseplantscanbetoughto lookafter,buttheseguyshavegotyoucovered nomatterwhatyourlivingsituation.Whether you’vegottonsofspaceorjustatinyspotona windowsillorworkdesk,they’llfindsomethingthat’s

There’sawiderangeofplantsonofferintheir relativelysmallshopinAlcesterRoad,plusthey’re theretoprovideyouwithsoundadvicebackedupby yearsofgrowingexperience.Youcanfindoutmoreat www.thejungleclub.onlineandonInstagramat

GreenTones

JungleClub TheRosePressGarden

thespecialdiscountcodeVIEW10for10percentoff yourorder.

Whatwillyoubebuyingthisyear?

ThebusinessesI’vefeaturedherearesmall, independentsthataredoingsomethingtrulyfantastic intheirownfieldswithingardeningand horticulture.Theirpricesareveryreasonable,too.

Andnotforgettingsomethingforthemtogoin!

AnyonecanpopintoaDIYshop,orevena supermarket,andgrabapot,buthowaboutsomething alittledifferent?Ifyou’relookingforplantpotswith realappealcheckoutthecolourfulrangefromGreen Tones.AllofGreenTonesproductsarepredominantly mouldedinrecycledbamboofibres,whichisan innovativecompositemostlycomprisingofpowder groundoutfromendoflifebambooproducts–suchas chopsticks,placemats,deckingandscaffolding–orthe offcutsfromtheirproduction.Noplastic,noharming theenvironment,whatcouldbebetter?

AmongthemostpopularistheirRainbowsetof smallclassicecopots–perfectforseedstartingand growingawiderangeofplants,indoorsandout.The mosteco-consciousofuswillwanttodoourbitfor theplanetandthereisnobetterwaythanwiththese bamboopots.Visitwww.greentones.co.ukanduse

I’dlovetoknowofyourownrecommendationsfor Christmasgiftsforgardenerssoheadovertomy Instagram(@viewfromthepottingbench)toshare yoursuggestions.

Finally…

Frommeandmyfamily,toyouandyours–Ihope thisfestiveseasonbringsyoupeaceandallthefun thistimeofyearcanprovide.

■

NEXTMONTH…

Nextmonth’scolumnwillbelookingattheupcomingtrendsfor2023and whatyoushouldbedoingtomakeyourgardenthetalkofthetown.I’llbe bringingyouplantsyoureallyneedtobegrowing,hotoffthepress.

YoucanfollowAdamonInstagram@viewfromthepottingbenchor listentoAdam’spodcastTalesFromThePottingBenchformore gardeninginspiration.YoucanalsoreadAdam’sblogat viewfromthepottingbench.com

CHRISCLEVERLEY

WecaughtupwiththeBrum-bornsingersongwriterontheeveofhis fourthalbumlaunchattheiconicHareandHoundsinKingsHeath

ChrisCleverley’smusichasbeendescribedas ‘dreamfolk’and‘lo-fifolk’andwe’renot afraidtoadmit,wehadtoGoogleitbefore wechattedtohimandwe’restillnotsurewhatitis. Forgettingthegenreaswedon’tthinkChrisslots easilyintoonebox,hismusiciscontemporary, mainlyacoustic,gentlymelodic,ethereal,honest, sometimesrawoftentacklingsomeofsociety’smajor issues–theclimatecrisis,displacement,the pervasiveeffectsofAIandsocialmedia.

It’snotaheavylistenthough–it’sbeautiful.The album,BroadcasttheSecretVerselaunchedlast monthatashindiginChris’soldstompingground, theHareandHoundsandkickedoffhisnine-date SecretVersestour.

GRITTYANDWHOLESOME

Aswellasthegrittierthemes,therearemore wholesometopicslikeconnectingwithnatureand otherpeople,soit’snicelybalanced.Thenewalbum ismoreexperimentalthanpreviousworkblending acousticwithelectronicsandinfluencedbysomeof Chris’sheroes,indiegreatslikeElliottSmith, PhoebeBridgersandSufjanStevens.Singlesfrom thealbum,ChlorophyllandStillLifehavereceived

nationalradioplayandpositivereviewsalready,so earlysignsaregood.

LockdownhadabigimpactonChrisandhelped himtofocusonwhatwasimportanttohim.He recalls:“UptoFebruary2020Iwasabit disillusionedandbeganquestioningmymusic.By March/AprilIwasforcedtotakeastepback.I reconnectedwithmyinstrumentandre-evaluated myworkandwhatIwantedtosay.Itwasan opportunitytoreallydecide.”

NODOGEATDOG

Chriswrote60percentofthealbumduring lockdownbenefittingfromtheclarityandheadspace thattimegavehim.Chrishasindependentlyreleased thealbumwhichmeanshemaintainscreative control–hehasabookingagentandapublisherbut isn’tsignedtoarecordlabel.Whilehecanseethe benefitsofalabel,hesaysitwouldhavetobe someonewhoreallygetshimandhisethos,somaybe inthefutureifthatpersoncomesalong.

Notfromaparticularlymusicalfamily,Chrishad noconnectionsintheindustry,sohe’sdonethisthe hardway.Hetookonvariousuninspiringjobsafter graduatinginhistorytoenablehimtogiginthe

evenings,risingthroughtheranksofthe Birminghamsongwritingscene.By2014,Chris startedtothinkthiscouldbesomethingmorethan casualgiggingandpotentiallyacareer,sohebegan performingfurtherafieldincitiesacrosstheUK.

Heworkedatbuildingupindustrycontactsand managedtogetafewreviewsinthemainstream pressliketheTelegraphandtheTimes.Hesays: “Iwasn’tquitemakingaliving,soIquitmyjoband wentforitfull-time.”Chrisdescribesthe Birminghamsceneas“incredible,diverseand eclectic”,citingvenuessuchastheHareand Hounds,NightOwlandMamaRouxasparticularly good.Hesays:“there’snodogeatdogsituationin thecity.It’sverysupportive.”

Chris’sSecretVersestour,fundedbyHelp Musicians,theUK’sartisticsupportprogramme, recreatesthealbuminitsentiretywithahigh-profile five-piecebandfeaturingJohnPatrickElliott(the LittleUnsaid),JohnParker(Nizlopi),GrahamCoe (theJellyman’sDaughter)andKathyPilkinton(Said TheMaiden)andhisultimateambitionistotakehis musicfurthertoEuropeandtheUSandto collaboratewithartistsafewnotchesupfrom wherehe’scurrentlyat. ■

Formoredetailsofthealbumandtourdatesvisitchriscleverley.com

PhotographybyAbbieBarton

FINDOUTMORE

ACADEMYACTION

TouchwoodSolihullhaslaunchedanewcollaborationwith SolihullAcademy,theorganisationthatsupportslocalstudents infindinganalternativesolutiontomainstreameducation.The partnershipwillseestudentsreceiveincentivesandprizesto rewardperformance,aswellasprovidingthemwiththe opportunitytobetterunderstandtheworldofwork.Tony Elvin,generalmanageratTouchwood,said:“Havingmetthe teamatAcademy,Iwasblownawaybythecommitmentto changingthelivesofthestudents.”

GRANDBOOST

Alocalprimaryschoolreceivedacashboosttorejuvenate itsoutdoorspaces.The£1,000chequewaspresentedto TudorGrangePrimarySchoolbyNadimZahawi,MP forStratford-upon-Avon,andAmandaRogersandVicky NorrisfromPersimmonHomesSouthMidlandsaspart ofthedeveloper’sCommunityChampionsproject.The moneywillpayfornewsportsequipment,revampinga mudkitchenandconstructionareas,andalsoprovide morefacilitiesformathsandwritingoutside.

APPRENTICEOFTHEYEAR

SoftwareengineeringdegreeapprenticeParrisSmallfromJaguar LandRoverwascrownedapprenticeoftheyearattheMulticultural ApprenticeshipAwards.Morethan150apprentices,employersand learningproviderswerecelebratedattheawards,aninitiativeof Birmingham-basednationalskillsandemployabilityprovider, PathwayGroup.TheeventwasorganisedbyThinkFestin partnershipwithPearson.EventdirectorKasimChoudhrysaid:“We areoverwhelmedwiththesupportwehavehadfromindividuals andorganisationsfromacrossthesector.”

SCHOOL REPORT

NIGHTUNDERTHESTARS

StaffandpupilsatSolihullSchoolhavebeenprovidingmuchneeded supporttoSIFAFireside,thecharitywhichhelpssupportBirmingham’s homelesscommunity.ThemostrecentSolihullcampaignsaw69Fouth Formpupilsand15stafftakepartinaSleepOut,givinguptheirbeds tospendthenightoncardboardunderthestarsattheschool’s WarwickRoadcampus.Theevening,whichraisedmorethan£5,000, includedadebateandanindividualreflectivewritingtask.

REO’SBIGADVENTURE

AyoungexplorerfromBirminghamsetsailonanadventureofalifetimeto Antarctica.ReoChristopherjoinedagroupofyoungadultsnominatedfromacross theUKtotakepartinthetriporganisedbyHurtigrutenExpeditionsandthe #WeTwoFoundation.Eachwaschosenasaresultofworkingon‘payitforward’ environmentalprojectsintheirlocalcommunities.Reohasmadeithermissionto collectandarrangerecyclingofdiscardedplasticbottles.

BANKINGON PRINCE’STRUST

Birmingham-basedUnityTrust Bankhasformedapartnership withThePrince’sTrustcharity tohelpyoungpeopleaged11 to30gainthenecessaryskills togetintoeducation,starta newjoboraccesstraining. BankCEO,DeborahHazell, said:“Weareproudtosupport charitiesandorganisationsthat makearealimpactonlocal communities.Wewantedto offeradditionalsupporttohelp ThePrince’sTrustcontinueits importantwork,helpingyoung adultstoachievetheirfull potential.”

SittingbehindthewheelofthenewAudiR8 supercar,verylowtothetarmac,Ireflected thatthisChristmascouldwellbethebestyet. Actually,tiedwith2017–that’swhenIroad-tested thepreviousversionofthisawesomeAudi.

DeliveredtomydoorinaChristmasTangored metallicpaintwork,thissecondeditionR8has matchingredbrakecalipers.Theexteriorlooks gorgeous–anddramatic–with20-inch,five-spoke Evodesigncastaluminiumwheelsinbronze,largetail exhaustpipesandsidebladesinglosscarbon.Laser andLEDdaytimerunninglightsaddtothealready eye-poppinglooksofthiscar,whichdrewsomuch attentionfromonlookersthatpeoplewereevenleaning outoftheircars–whiledriving–totakepictures!

WARNTHENEIGHBOURS

Openthewideheavydoors,(thedoorhandlesare cleverlyhidden),andsinkintoluxuriouspartially electricandheatedR8bucketseats.Athree-spoke, flat-bottomed,multi-functionalleathersteering wheelandvirtualcockpitwithhugearrayof technologygreetthedriver.

Firetheignitionandthedialindicatorsswing fromlefttoright,racecarstyle.Thedigitally displayedspeedinthedriverinformationsystem evencontainsalaptimer.Thedeliverydriverdid warnthatImightneedtoapologisetomy neighboursforaweek,whichprovedtruebecause whenIturnedtheignition,anear-splitting, throbbingroarbellowedout.Thesourceofthis amazingsoundistheV10enginewhichisonfull gloriousviewthroughawideareaofglassattherear andwhichhasarevlimitof8,250rpm.

Whilegreatontheroad,thebestwaytoexperience thefull570PSpowerisontheracetrack.Atthe

FACTSATAGLANCE

Model: AudiR8PerformanceSportscar Price: £153,035otrnew Engine: V10PerformanceRWDEdition570PSStronic Performance: 0-62mphin3.7secondsandontoatop speedof204mph

Combinedfuelconsumption: 22.1mpg(WLTP) CO2 emissions: 291g/km

originallaunch,IdrovetheR8onthePaulRicard circuitatLeCastelletinFrance,whereex-F1starand three-timewinneroftheLeMans24Hours,Allan McNish,demonstratedthestomach-clenching LaunchControlfunction.Steeringisveryprecise andwiththeenginepositionedalmostcentrallyin thecar,aperfectbalancecanbeachieved.

POWERWITHPOISE

TheR8ismucheasiertouseforeverydaydriving thansomesupercarsIhavedriven.Thereisa surprisinglysmallturningcircle,aslickseven-speedS tronicgearshiftandapliantdualclutch.Despitethe chassisbeingsoneartothegroundtheAudicopes admirablywithspeedhumpsandroadimperfections. A112-litrebootsitsunderthebonnet–sonotmuch roomfortransportingChristmaspresents!

ForR8connoisseurs…watchoutfortherecentlylaunchedR8GTRWDwith620PSengine.It’sthe mostpowerfulrear-wheeldriveunitinthehistoryof thebrand,butlimitedto333unitsglobally.Sadly,at morethan£150,000,theAudiR8iswaybeyondmy budget.But,hey,it’sgoodtodreamalittleatthis specialtimeofyear… ■

SHOWROOM

BirminghamAudi,780StratfordRoad,Birmingham,B904BQ. Tel:01217465500www.listers.co.uk/audi/birmingham

SKINDEEP

OneofBirmingham’sleadingmedicalskinandcosmeticclinics hasopenedanewcentreattheMailbox.Dermoperfection wasfoundedbyleadclinicianStuLoganin2015andthe brandhasperformedmorethan25,000treatments.Stusaid: “WehavemadeahugeinvestmentintheMailboxtobring Birminghamthebestmedicalaestheticsclinic.” DermoperfectioncanbefoundatUnit56,MailboxLevel2.

SPORTSDRIVE

NEWS BUSINESS

WestMidlandscharitySport4LifeUK hasforgedanewpartnershipwith SolihullMoorsFoundationaspartofa drivetohelpmoredisadvantagedyoung peopleintheareaharnessthepowerof sports-themedpersonaldevelopment. Theinitiativeaimstowidenaccessto Sport4LifeUK’strainingexpertisewith courseattendeesreceivingcoaching fromqualifiedtutors,leadingtoan accreditedcertificateprovingarange ofskillsetsusefulintheworkplace.

PITCHINGIN: RobWells,headofbusiness developmentatSport4LifeUK,withBecciFox, CEOofSolihullMoorsFoundation

ROYALAWARD

ABirmingham-basedhospicecharityhasbeen recognisedatatopindustryawardsceremony foritsdedicationtogoingaboveandbeyond forpatientsattheendoflife.TheHospice CharityPartnership’sPersonalHealthBudget Team(PHB)celebratedwinningthePrinceof WalesAwardforIntegratedApproachesto CareattheNursingTimesAwards.PHB providespalliativeandendoflifecareto thousandsofpeopleacrossBirminghamfrom itsbasesinSellyParkandErdingtonandin thecommunityinpeople’shomes.

JONRETURNSTOROOTS

AleadingBirmingham-based nationalsurveyingandconsents managementconsultancyhas appointedanewgroupmanaging directortodriveforwardthe company’sgrowth.JonStotthas re-joinedArdentManagement,the companywherehestartedhis careerin2004.Heleftthebusiness in2013tobecomemanaging directoratHamerAssociatesand becamechairofindustrybody,the CompulsoryPurchaseAssociation. Ardentspecialisesinthetransport, renewables,towncentre regenerationandutilitiessectors.

DECADEOFSUPPORT

DroitwichcoupleRogerandDianeColeandEveshambasedClaireDysonRacingandRehabilitation commemorated10years’supportofMidlandsAir AmbulanceCharityatStratfordRacecourse,after raising£103,000.ClaireDysonRacinghasbeena steadfastsupporterofthecharityinmemoryofthe yard’sformerheadgirlCharlotteColewhowas involvedinatragicequestrianincidentin2011. Moneyraisedhasallowedtheairambulancetogive life-savinghelptomorethan60patients.

INTHE DOGHOUSE

TailsarewaggingatBirminghamDogsHomefollowingthedonationofagiant ballooncaninesculpturefromleadingartretailerCastleFineArt.The14-foot creationhasbeengiftedtothecharityaspartofits130thbirthdaycelebrationsto

MAYORONAMISSION

AGENCYWINS

PEDAL POWER

GreaterBirminghamChambersofCommercestaffshowedrealpedalpower whentheyjoinedbusinessesfromacrossSuttonColdfieldtosupporttheUK SepsisTrust.AteamfromtheChambertookpartintheCycle4Sepsis challenge–adayofawarenessandfund-raisingatGracechurchShopping Centre.ExercisebikesforthechallengewereprovidedbytheGymGroup.UK SepsisTrustisSuttonColdfieldChamber’schosencharity.

THESECRET’SOUT!

Non-surgicalclinicSecretAestheticshas openedatHarveyNicholsBirmingham. FoundedbyindustryexpertsDrAsadNavqi andDrZoyaAwan,pictured,Secret Aestheticsoffersadvancedtreatmentsin cosmeticdermatology,non-surgical aestheticsandmedicalprocedures.The husband-and-wifeduohavebuiltastrong reputationoversevenyears,carryingout morethan30,000treatments.DrAwan said:“HarveyNicholsistheideallocation forourbrandasitmirrorsourfocuson qualityandservice.”

REPSTEPSUPWINTERAID

BirminghamRephasannouncedacollaborationwith theTrussellTrustfoodbanknetworktohelpthosefacing achallengingwinter.Audiencesandothermembersof thepubliccanmakedonationstobesharedwithlocal foodbanksbydonatingnon-perishableitemswhichwill thenbedistributedacrossthecitywiththehelpofthe Rep’svolunteers.TheRepisalsolookingtohelpfurther bydonatingitemsofschooluniformtofamiliesmostin need.Foodanduniformdonationscanbemadeinthe Repfoyeruntil7January.

LISBONLIFT-OFF

AirlineeasyJetisnowflyingfromBirminghamAirporttoLisbon.Flightsto thePortuguesecapital,pictured,aretwice-weekly,onWednesdaysand Saturdays.TomScreen,theairport’saviationdirector,said:“Wearethrilled easyJetisexpandingitsoffering.LisbonisamagnificentcitywhichIknow willbeverypopularwithcustomersacrosstheWestMidlandsregionand beyond.”LisboniseasyJet’s10thdestinationfromBirmingham.

BUSINESS BITES

MUSICMOVE

CityofBirminghamSymphonyOrchestrahas launchedrecruitmentforitsnewCBSOCareer Acceleratorprogramme.BackedbyEsmée FairbairnFoundationandtheFoyleFoundation, thelong-termpaidcareerdevelopment programmewillsupportfiveearly-careerstring musiciansfromunder-represented backgrounds.

MINDGAINS

StaffatSolihull-headquarteredParagonBanking Grouphaveraised£31,165forMind,the company’schosencharityfortheyear.The moneywasraisedthroughdonationsand sponsorshipfromaseriesoffund-raising events,includingmembersofstaffcompletinga climbofMountSnowdon.

GPLANDMARK

PrivateGPpracticeMidlandHealthbasedin Edgbastonhaslaunchedaestheticsservices offeringanumberofcosmetictreatments, includinglaserhairremovalandskinresurface andrejuvenation.MedicaldirectorDrRupa Parmarsaid:“Thelaunchoffacialaestheticsat MidlandHealthisareallandmark.”

NECEVENTSBOSS

TheNEChasanewheadofevents.Michelle Baldwinisformerlysenioreventmanagerforthe NECGroup,havingbeenwiththebusinessfor32 years.Shebeganhercareerinliveeventsasan intern.Michellewasonsecondmenttothe Birmingham2022CommonwealthGamesinthe summer.TheNECGrouphasalsoannounceda newmulti-yeardealwithBritvic,makingthem theirofficialsoftdrinkspartner.

Orelle,thenewestadditionto Birmingham’srestaurantandbarscene, heldanexclusivelaunchpartybefore officiallyopeningtothepublic.The88-cover restaurantislocatedonthe24thfloorof103 ColmoreRowandoffersguestspanoramicviewsof Birminghamandbeyond.Therestaurant showcasesamenucreatedbyheadchefChris Emery,whilebarmanagerTiagoBastosmixesup contemporaryandclassiccocktails. ■ PhotographybyJasSansi

ACHRISTMASCAROL LAUNCHESINSTYLE

TheRSCheldaspecialpressnightofits productionofAChristmasCarol,adaptedby DavidEdgaranddirectedbyRachel Kavanaugh.Theeveningwasattendedbymembersof thecast,includingAdrianEdmondsonandSunetra Sarker,andguestsincludingAlisonHammondand StephenMangan.MarkDickens,thegreat-great grandsonofCharlesDickens,wasalsointhe audience.TheshowrunsattheRoyalShakespeare Theatre,Stratford-upon-Avonuntil1January. ■

PhotographybyLucyBarriball

WHAT’SONliving

WHAT: AChristmasWassail WHEN: 18to20December WHERE: CrescentTheatre, crescent-theatre.co.uk BeginyourChristmascelebrations inthebestwaypossiblewitha festivalofchoralmusic,solo songs,spokenwordandcomedy broughttogethertowarmyour spiritswithYuletidemagic.

WHAT: Dreamgirls WHEN: 6to31December WHERE: TheAlexandra, atgtickets.com

DirectfromtheWestEndwithan extraordinarystoryandtheunforgettable, spine-tinglingvocalsthatsendaudiences wild,thisspectacularmusicalproduction featurestheclassicsongsAndIAm TellingYouI’mNotGoing,Listen,IAm ChangingandOneNightOnly.

WHAT: LunaSpringsChristmas WHEN: 3,10and17December WHERE: LunaSprings, lunasprings.co.uk/christmas/ TheDigbeth-basedpartyvenueishostingawild Christmasseasonwithanentertainmentline-upincluding aMariahvsBublebrunch,withagiantstretchtent, undercoverheatedmarqueefilledwithChristmas decorationsandstreetfoodhutsservingupfestivegrub.

WHAT: Craftspace:{Queer}+{Metals}

WHEN: NowuntilApril WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk Thisspecialexhibitionisco-curatedby DauvitAlexanderandDeirdreFigueiredo incollaborationwithRebekahFrank andexploresthemultiplicityof queernessthroughmetalworkand metalsmithing.

WHAT: NATIVITY!TheMusical WHEN: Nowuntil7January WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk Feel-good,funnyandfullofjoy,thiscrackerof amusicalwasadaptedforthestagebyDebbie Isitt,thecreatorofthemuch-lovedfilms.Join MrMaddensandhisassistantastheystruggle tomakeeveryone’sChristmaswishcometrue.

WHAT: DickWhittington WHEN: 17Decemberto29January WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com

MartiPellowreturnstoBirminghamas TheRatmaninthiscrackingpantomime adventure.Alsostarringpantolegend MattSlack,TVcelebrityDrRanjand actress,singerandtelevisionpersonality SuzanneShaw.

WHAT: TheTwang

WHEN: 17and18December

WHERE: O2Institute2 Birmingham, academymusicgroup.com

TheTwangresurrecttheir legendaryTwangmasshowsto closeouttheyeartheonlyway theyknowhow,joinedbysome oldfriendsandveryspecialguests.

WHAT: TheBahHumbugClub

WHEN: 8to27December WHERE: LichfieldGarrick, lichfieldgarrick.com StarringÉrinGeraghty,thisnew comedybeginsin1999withfour strangerswhodon’tlikeChristmas spendingittogetherbychance–only forthemtochoosetospendthenext 20together.Expectlaughs,afewtears andabitofnostalgia.

WHAT: AljazandJanette: AChristmastoRemember WHEN: 10December WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk Shakeyourtinselandpolishyourbaubles,thisis theChristmasshowthateveryonehasbeen wanting.TwoofourfavouriteStrictlystarswith dancers,singers,lavishcostumesandsetswithall ourfavouriteChristmashits.

WHAT: Blue WHEN: 9December WHERE: ResortsWorldArena,resortsworldarena.co.uk TheBritishfour-piece,includingalltheoriginalmembers–AntonyCosta,DuncanJames,LeeRyanandSimonWebbe–arebackinthestudioandnowalsobackontourwithspecial guests:B*WitchedandMeganMcKenna

WHAT: TakeThatSpectacular withTake@That WHEN: 16December

WHERE: NailcoteHall, nailcotehall.co.uk PartywiththeUK’sleadingtributetothegreatestBritishboybandofour generationastheyperformallthehitsandchoreographeddanceroutines. Includesfestivedinnerandafter-showDJ.

WHAT: TheGruffalo WHEN: 27Decemberto 15January

WHERE: TownHall, bmusic.co.uk

TallStoriespresentsanew adaptationofthisclassic,blending spokenEnglish,BritishSign Languageanddynamicvisual storytellingtobringthestoryto lifethisChristmas,performedby acastofdeafandhearingactors.

CLOSEWITHÁ

IRENEALLAN

BEENTHERE,DONETHAT

Youknowthephrase‘beenroundtheblockafew times’?Well,thatprettymuchsumsmeup beautifully.BorninScotlandandluckyenoughto haveworkedatoneofGlasgow’sfinestrestaurantsat thestartofmycareer,theUbiquitousChip,spurred meontogreaterthings!I’veworkedinboutique restaurantsandmanagedsomeofthebigbeastsin LondonbeforemakingthemovetoBirminghamto openBankinBrindleyplacein1999.Havinghelped tokickstarttherestaurantrevolutioninBirmingham itreallywastimetoputyourmoneywhereyour mouthis,resultinginthebirthofOPUSonCornwall Street.I’mnowadirectorandanownerofChapter, theEdgbastonneighbourhoodrestaurantandbar whichburstontothesceneinDecember2021.

IT’SWHATIDO

Asrestaurantdirector,myroleencompassespretty mucheverythingotherthancooking!Myfavourite partisbeingwithcustomerswhoarethelifebloodof ourrestaurant.Wellthatandcuratingthewinelist–I doloveaglassofvinotoboot!Ilovetoorganiseand assuchIdealdirectlywithallprivateeventsenquiries andorganisespecialdinners,suchasourBurns Suppercomingupnextyear.

WHATI’DLIKETOSEE

Ireallydonothavemanyambitionsleft,withthe exceptionofalegacy.I’dliketoeventuallyquietly retirefromChapterleavingamagnificentrestaurant

inthehandsofourmorethancapablesenior managementteam.Thosewhoknowmewellwill knowthatmedoinganythingquietlyisabigask!

BIGGESTSUCCESS

Thelife-longfriendshipwithmybusinesspartner Annhastoberightupthereandhelpingtocreate threeverysuccessfulrestaurantsinBirmingham whichhavebeenearlychampionsofnature-led menussourcingBritishproduce

BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED

Don’topenarestaurantwhenanincompetent governmentisinpower…

WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM

Ihavetoldthistomanypeople.WhenIfirstcame toBrumIwalkedalongthecanalandastrangersaid goodmorningtome,IknewthereandthenthatI wasasclosetohomeasIcouldpossiblybe.

DOWNTIME

Iloveagoodmovieandhavebeenaregularvisitor totheElectricCinemaforyears.AndasIpreviously mentioned,Ilikeaglassofwinetoo–sospecial eventsbytheWineEventsCompanyattheElectric areamust. ■

ChapterRestaurant,5-6GreenfieldCrescent, Edgbaston,Birmingham,B153BE. chapteredgbaston.co.uk