Birmingham Living February issue 2019 (issue 77)

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EDITOR’S VIEW

L

ove is in the air this month as hearts, flowers, proposals and weddings turn us into a nation of romantics. Who hasn’t experienced that special moment when we first met our future partner and Cupid fired arrows into our heart?

My own special moment came when I first saw my wife struggling to control a big bunch of balloons in a windswept city street after a work event. I offered to help carry… and the rest is history.

As a magazine, we never miss the opportunity to spread some love, especially when that love is about Birmingham and Brummies. So, we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day by looking at some of the things that we adore – from food, drink, fashion and the city itself.

Statistics reveal that more of us pop the question of 14 February than any other day of the year. That being the case, there’s a whole bunch of brides-to-be out there starting to think about their wedding plans – and central is ‘The Dress’. Our Style pages preview the latest looks and trends, whether you’re opting for high fashion or high street. You’ll also find a dash of romance in our food and drink choices this month, plus our What’s On pages give some nice places to take your loved one for a great day or night out.

While we’re talking love… we have to admit we have fallen totally for Birmingham’s Digbeth district.

Having worked in London a number of years ago, the revived area of Clerkenwell was the hub of all things fresh, creative and edgy in the capital. Digbeth has the mantle in Birmingham, mixing beautifully restored architecture with super-cool businesses and people. See what we mean on page 16.

Love, love, love!

ns h o J d i v a D

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

Cover image:

/bhamliving

FINALIST

Nicholas Bailey

EDITOR: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk FEATURES EDITOR: Shelley Carter shelley@brumliving.co.uk DESIGNER: Tracy Duffy

CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Price, Sue Cooke, Lisa Melvin, Hywel Davies ACCOUNT MANAGER: Jane Morris jane@brumliving.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: David Morphew, Andrew Llewellyn PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Jonathan Carter

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The subscription rate (post paid) is £24 for one year (12 issues). Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

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INSIDE

12 16 20 22 32 46 04 birmingham living

Highlights

Nicholas Bailey

The EastEnders’ favourite talks TV, stage, radio – and bringing more city kids to the arts

Dazzling Digbeth Spotlight on the people who are behind Birmingham’s freshest and most eclectic area

Ready, Steady, Cook How head chef Aaron Darnley picked up the cheffing bug from the popular TV cookery show

Food & Drink News, reviews, recipes from Brum’s restaurant scene, plus talking wine with Rob Price

Love & Marriage High Fashion or High Street? Our wedding style edit is all about the dress for your big day

Homes Changing your bathroom? A home spa is the dream ticket, says top designer Lisa Melvin

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CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

58 60 64 66 78 82 february 2019

Motoring

Aston Martin’s rip-roaring new Vantage is music to the ears, says Sue Cooke

Young, Gifted & Brummie Xhosa Cole, the Handsworth saxophonist who was crowned BBC Young Jazz Musician

Up Close WithÁ Birmingham Royal Ballet’s award-winning CEO and watersports fan Caroline Miller

Business Company to Watch, Elegant Entertainment, plus news from the commercial community

What’s On Your guide to the shows, gigs and events in and around Birmingham this month

In The City Tom Gallimore, GM of Hotel du Vin, on why Brum is becoming the envy of the rest of the UK

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NEWS

JUNIOR JET SET What kid doesn’t want to have a go at making their own jetpowered car? Thought so! Strap yourself in for some serious highspeed fun when the British Motor Museum explores the Science of Power during half-term from 16 to 24 February. As part of the sessions, experts will be exploring jet-powered machines and helping youngsters to build their own. Details at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

BRINGING YOU THE BRIGHTEST AND MOST COLOURFUL STORIES FROM ACROSS THE CITY EACH MONTH

NEWS ARIAS FOR AMOUR

EQUALITY AWARD

The singing star described by the critics as ‘opera’s coolest soprano’ is bringing a dash of romance to Birmingham. Danielle de Niese will perform a Valentine’s Night Special concert at the Royal Conservatoire’s Bradshaw Hall on Thursday 14 February. Danielle has appeared in Hello magazine and been described by the BBC as “the most sought-after singer on the planet”. A working mother and advocate for children’s rights, she’s credited with bringing a new generation of fans to opera.

The former head of Birmingham’s social services has received a top university honour in recognition of his dedication to equality and social justice. Peter Hay was given an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham City University to mark his longstanding commitment to improving the quality of life for city residents and strengthening people’s voices. His current roles include being the chair of social enterprise Turning Point and a member of the board of the newly-formed Anchor Hanover housing and care services.

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NEWS

NEW VIEW OF THE CUBE A photograph of the Cube atrium through a glass sphere reveals the Birmingham landmark as you’ve never seen it before – and has won the man who took it the title of Photographer of the Year. Mohammed Ali’s picture was selected from nearly 300 entries from more than 100 photographers.

The third annual Cube Photographer of the Year competition was held in partnership with West Midlands Photography Collective.

LUXURY LOOK

IN BRIEF DANCE DUO NAMED WINTER WARMER Human Appeal, a UK Muslimfaith based charity, distributed more than 5,200 items of winter clothing to homeless and vulnerable people across Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow as part of its Wrap Up 2018 campaign.

‘MR REP’ LEAVES Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s executive director, Stuart Rogers, has announced he is leaving his post after 17 years. During his time, he transformed the theatre’s finances and helped shape it into a vibrant, diverse producing house.

ROOFTOP DINING Sky By The Water, Resorts World’s new rooftop bar and restaurant, has opened its doors. The new venue offers a social dining and drinking experience with stunning views, following a multi–million

A scheme supported by Dance Hub Birmingham has announced the names of the first two artists for the pilot year of Navigate, a programme for black choreographers. They are Nii Kwartey Owoo and Paul ‘Steady’ Steadman. Founder of leading Bboy crew Trinity Warriors, Steady, pictured, is one of the most sought educators, performers and choreographers in this style in the UK. Nii Kwartey Owoo is a choreographer and musician who has been creating contemporary choreography since he was 18.

A popular Birmingham spa is being given a £500,000 luxury facelift. Work at thespa at the Cube includes extending the relaxation/quiet area, installing hanging canvas cacoons and new lighting and underfloor heating. The newlook spa is expected to open in early April, says manager Jennifer Butters, pictured. “The treatment rooms will provide an intimate space where guests will be able to really relax while the new reception area will exude a sensation of decadence,” she added.

CORKING WEEKEND Cheers! Following last year’s successful debut, Birmingham Wine Weekend is back and will be taking over the city from 22 to 24 March. The first festival of its kind outside London, the three-day event will this year also feature wine cocktails and food-pairings, as well as a stellar line-up of exclusive events from tempting tastings to delicious dinners.

More details at http://birminghamwineweekend.co.uk

pound investment by Resorts World. (See Chef’s Corner.)

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NEWS

YOUNG MUSICIANS

Calling the region’s talented young musicians! The annual Bromsgrove Young Musicians’ Platform (BYMP), will hold auditions on 21 and 22 February with the final in Bromsgrove School’s Routh Concert Hall on the afternoon of Saturday, 23 February. The Platform competition, now in its fourth year, welcomes young musicians aged nine to 17 who are at school or resident in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and the West Midlands within a 30 mile radius from Bromsgrove.

GOLF CHAMP CHIPS IN

Four-time European golf tour winner Matt Wallace is the new brand ambassador for the Belfry Hotel & Resort. The world top 50 player will be at the forefront of campaigns for the Midlands resort, voted World’s Best Golf Hotel and England’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards 2018. Matt, who has won a total of 10 titles in the last three years, is preparing to play the Masters at Augusta for the first time in April.

STRICTLY SINISTER JOE

EMILY TALKS THIRTY She’s not long out of the I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here jungle, but Emily Atack is already set to hit the road this spring when her first-ever comedy tour, Talk Thirty To Me, kicks off at Birmingham Old Rep on 11 April. The Inbetweeners star, who turns 30 in December, talks anecdotes, impressions and wild tales and how she fits into the anxiety-inducing world of social media, slimming apps and the never-ending search for ‘the one’.

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The winner of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing 2017, Joe McFadden, is swapping sequins for spine-chilling drama when he comes to the Midlands this month. Joe and Rita Simons, best known as Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, star in the stage premiere of best-selling author Peter James’s The House on Cold Hill at the Belgrade Theatre from 11 to 16 February. The story centres on a family’s move into a house which has mysteriously stood empty for 40 years.

ELLIE’S TITLE TILT University student Ellie Burley has a talent for music – at the age of 19 she has already performed in eight different musicals at three of Birmingham’s biggest theatres. Ever the one for different challenges, Ellie has now turned her attention to something very different… as one of the finalists competing in the Miss England photo heat for entry to Miss England 2019. If she makes it into the finals she has a shot at competing in Miss World.

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NEWS

COMING TO BLOWS One of the world’s leading players of the Chinese mouth organ, the Sheng, is coming to Brum for a world premiere.

Wu Wei will perform the specially-commissioned Sheng Concerto at the Murmurs concert on 21 March – part of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s spring programme at the CBSO Centre. There’s also the chance to learn more about the Sheng at a Meet the Sheng event on 17 March, where Wu Wei will discuss the instrument and demonstrate its sounds.

GARY HONOURED Midlands sports fans have been raising a glass to one of Birmingham’s most

TIGER FEAT

recognisable faces on TV after Gary Newbon

The ‘roaring’ success of Town Hall Symphony Hall’s children’s show, The Tiger

for services to media, sport and charity. During

received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours

Who Came to Tea, was celebrated in the creation of a model in honour of the

his career, Gary, 73, has covered sports as

ravenous main star by Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham. The model

diverse as football, darts and horse racing and

was created by master model builder Michelle Thompson who said: “I was

was head of ITV Sport as well as working for

really excited to build this childhood favourite, and wanted to make sure to

ITV Central and Sky. His citation described him

add as much expression to his face as I could.”

TECH CHALLENGE

as “a champion of women working in sport”.

Five Midlands schools are the first in the UK to take part in a pilot to encourage more young people into technology-related careers – especially girls. Teachers from Lyng Hall School, Finham Primary School, Rugby Free School, Finham Park and Finham Park 2, Coventry, are taking part in the Tech We Can programme – a series of lessons to help educate young people about technology and encourage them to consider careers in the industry.

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

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

BEARWOOD ACTOR NICHOLAS BAILEY WAS A FIXTURE IN THE EASTENDERS CAST FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS, BUT UNLIKE SOME OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES THE STAR OF SCREEN, STAGE AND RADIO HAS REFUSED TO BECOME PIGEON-HOLED, SAYS DAVID JOHNS uccess in a TV soap that’s a national institution can be a double-edged sword for an actor. On the one hand there’s the fame and fortune it brings. On the other side of the coin is the danger that it will pigeon-hole your career and future opportunities. Nicholas Bailey has skillfully managed to achieve the former while avoiding the latter.

The Birmingham actor spent four years starring in EastEnders, playing Dr Anthony Trueman, the son of rum-drinking father Patrick and love interest of Kat Slater and her daughter Zoe. More than 10 years after leaving the show Nicholas looks back on his time in Albert Square with nothing but fondness and positivity. Although he’s been back several times since for brief appearances in the soap, his career has moved on through Shakespearian stage acting, TV drama with the likes of Silent Witness star Emilia Fox, a long stint in the West End musical Dreamgirls, a role in The Archers on radio and even his own oneman show about a mixed race footballer who died in World War One.

S

NEVER SAY NEVER “I meet actors all the time who are struggling to get on, so I view being in EastEnders as only a positive,” he explained. “As actors we do what we have to do and I don’t mind in the least that 98 per cent of people know me from the soap even though I have done a lot of very different work since leaving the Square. And, I’d never say never to going back if I was to be asked again. Dr Trueman, the character, wasn’t killed off, he’s still alive. So who knows!”

As well as continuing his acting career, 47-yearold Nicholas, who lives in Bearwood, is keen to give the city which brought him up and shaped him something back – particularly its young people. The former pupil of Blue Coats and Old Swinford Hospital schools remembers finding his love for acting as an eight-year-old at Birmingham’s Old Rep. The theatre is now run by the Ormiston Academy and Nicholas loves going back there – he

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went to see their panto Pinocchio over Christmas, and says: “One of my dreams is to perform my own production on that stage.” (Nicholas has his own production company, Rapscillions, and is working on plans to put on Othello in Birmingham within the next year or so.)

FLY PERFORMANCE As a product of the National Youth Theatre, he is passionate about bringing young talent through in his home city and has launched Fly Performance for kids who love to dance, act and sing. Fly Performance runs courses every day for five to 11year-olds during the school holidays at West House School and uses creative specialists and experts to help youngsters gain self-confidence and realise their potential across a wide range of arts, crafts and drama.

“

”

NICHOLAS LOOKS BACK ON HIS TIME IN ALBERT SQUARE WITH NOTHING BUT FONDNESS AND POSITIVITY

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COVER STORY

Starting this Easter, Fly Performance will run similar clubs for 11 to 16-year-olds at a location to be confirmed. And later this month, Nicholas is looking to launch a weekly 16-plus, all ages fun drama club in Harborne. “I’m also in conversation about running residential holiday camps,” he adds.

“I’ve done work over the years as a supply teacher in drama, so I know the potential there is in Birmingham’s young people,” explains Nicholas. “I am passionate about taking my skill set to help them fulfill their potential. This is what really interests me. When I was at school I always felt a bit of an outsider so I like to create an environment to build kids’ confidence.”

“

create a conversation by, among other things, going into schools and meeting teachers and families. “I’m a Brummie through and through and even when I have had to be away at times for my work in London, Birmingham is always my home. I was raised here in West Brom, my family still lives here, my wife and myself and the kids live in Birmingham and are happy here. I have pledged my future to being here.”

TALENTED BRUM He adds: “It used to be the case that you had to live and work somewhere else than Birmingham. It is not the case anymore. Major and exciting things are happening in Brum in the way it is changing and

HIS CAREER HAS COVERED

SHAKESPEARE, DRAMA WITH THE LIKES

”

OF SILENT WITNESS’S EMILIA FOX, WEST END MUSICAL DREAMGIRLS AND EVEN THE ARCHERS

Nicholas is also an educational ambassador for Learning Labs, the Birmingham-based company behind the innovation-in-education, award-winning FlashAcademy app which has already been adopted by more than one-in-five schools and allows EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils to learn English independently and at their own pace and level via visual lessons in their home language.

AMBASSADOR ROLE “This is extremely important,” says Nicholas. “It was only when I got to talk with educators across Birmingham that I realised the challenges schools are facing. In the UK, there are 1.5 million pupils with EAL. Here in the West Midlands, EAL students make up nearly half of Birmingham’s pupil population.”

Nicholas’s ambassador role sees him seek out and tell stories to create and encourage media presence and

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growing. In the arts, we have always had so much talent here and I would love to see more producing of theatre done here. So, more studios, producing things ourselves. That needs more funding support but I believe things are moving in the right direction. We just need to up the pace a bit.”

Talking of pace… Nicholas’s enjoys challenging himself in his personal as well as his professional life.

He’s currently training to compete in Spartan races, a series of assault-style obstacles races from four miles up to marathon distance. “By the time I am 50, I want to have a decent Spartan ranking,” he says.

Who would bet against him? I

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT: Fly performance – visit www.flyperformance.co.uk or contact info@flyperformance.co.uk FlashAcademyEAL – visit www.flashacademy.com/resources

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FEATURE

ECLECTIC DREAMS COOL AS YOU LIKE WITH THE KIND OF ARCHITECTURAL RAWNESS AND CREATIVE EDGE OF CLERKENWELL 20 YEARS AGO, DIGBETH IS ONE OF BIRMINGHAM’S FRESHEST AND MOST ECLECTIC SPOTS. WE CAUGHT UP WITH ONE OF THE PEOPLE STRIVING TO SYMPATHETICALLY DEVELOP THE AREA WHILE NURTURING ITS ORIGINAL SPIRIT, JAMES CRAIG OF OVAL REAL ESTATE ames might not be keen on the Clerkenwell comparison, but there’s no getting away from the similarities and that’s no bad thing in our book. Oval’s talented trio includes, in addition to James, Nick Prior and more recently, Max Schofield who have sold more than £600million of commercial property since 2013.

Their strategy for Digbeth is more about saving it than changing it as they and their partners go about restoring the beautiful, but battered in some cases, industrial buildings. The idea was never demolition. “Digbeth is a gritty place to be cherished – one of the best bits of modern Birmingham,” says James. “We have a responsibility to look after the buildings and our role here is one of stewardship.”

You might not have clocked that Oval has owned 17 acres (that’s a million square feet!) of Digbeth including the Custard Factory and Fazeley Studios for two years as they didn’t bounce onto the scene to a big fanfare and much bluster. The experienced developers slipped in quietly and have been beavering away behind the scenes working to enhance what’s already there rather than ripping it apart. “The space was a bit rubbish and leaky. Some people didn’t pay rent in exchange for maintaining their buildings.

It’s a living, breathing, working estate that needs treating sympathetically,” James explains.

J

BACK FROM THE BRINK Spending a considerable sum on bringing at-risk buildings back from the brink has been challenging, but hugely rewarding. James is almost evangelical about the estate and its tenants and is super excited about what they’ve achieved so far, but equally buoyed by what’s yet to come – not least the impact of HS2, the Metro coming to the High Street by 2021 and Seven Capital building 2,000 homes bang opposite the Custard Factory. They’ll need somewhere to drink, eat, be entertained.

Five hundred tenants in a hundred different buildings provides a rich pool of talent, one that Oval has been able to utilise. When they need some design work, they use what’s on the doorstep, same goes

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FEATURE

BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED: Digbeth’s Fazeley Gallery. (Photography by Tom Bird)

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FEATURE

DOES WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN: Welcome to super-cool Digbeth… Custard Factory et al

for other areas of expertise. Keeping existing tenants happy and maintaining the eclectic vibe and originality of the place is top of the list of priorities. Affordable workspace has been key to that with rents ranging from £2 to £20 per square foot depending on the space.

CITY ANTIDOTE I wonder if making Digbeth more appealing to more people might change the soul of the place, so that the original people don’t want to be there. James says: “That would be an unintended consequence and it can happen. I don’t have a solution for it, except we’re making it better in a sympathetic way.” If you haven’t noticed a dramatic change, then maintaining and enhancing the current vibe rather than stifling it is working.

The sprawling squeaky clean developments in the centre of the city are a world away from what Oval is trying to do. In fact, the phrase ‘antidote to the City centre’ when referring to Digbeth has been bandied about. James explains: “A lot of big developers create a leisure experience but it’s all a bit clinical.

This is organic and eclectic.”

INSPIRING PEOPLE Packed with independent businesses and oodles of character, Digbeth is certainly that and provides us, as a publication, with more inspiring people and organisations to write about than we can fit into these pages every month. For instance, we caught up with Jack Brabant from Digbeth Dining Club when it was in its infancy, chatted to David Brown, founder of Graffiti Artist about his incredible story and interviewed Lee Desanges from Baked in

DIGBETH BY NUMBERS

17 ACRES

7-minute walk to Moor Street

GRITTY AND CHERISHED: Edgy and dramatic Floodgate Arch

Brick just after his leap from street food outlet to bricks and mortar to name just a few. There’s much to talk about here that’s as exciting as anywhere in the city and there’s a buzz that ripples through the 17 acres that would be difficult to recreate elsewhere.

BID CHATTER In terms of what’s next, well that’s a big question. As well as the improved infrastructure mentioned and a continued programme of work to restore the buildings, there’s chatter about creating a BID specific to the area, plus Birmingham City Council has earmarked £60million to improve the public realms on Digbeth High Street, so there’s a lot to get excited about.

If you’ve never just wandered around Digbeth, try it. There’s something interesting and probably creative going on behind every highly Instagrammable door. #notanad I

500

9-MINUTE WALK TO NEW STREET

1

MILLION SQUARE FEET

TENANTS 100 BUILDINGS 6-minute walk to the Bullring

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FOOD & DRINK

READY, STEADY, COOK!

Inspired by his family, Sky By The Water’s head chef Aaron Darnley has come a long way since he picked up the cheffing bug from a popular TV cookery show as a youngster

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CHEF’S CORNER Tell us about your cooking My style is simple and not over-complicated. I strive for bold flavours using the freshest ingredients that people can relate to. We’ve a great team spirit in the kitchen which is hugely important and getting everyone involved in developing menus fosters that.

How did you become a chef?

Boiling Point (the 1999 documentary about Ramsay) to rev me up for service. It was a revolutionary piece of TV and an inspiration to chefs everywhere. In Birmingham it would be unfair to choose just one, but the food scene in the city right now is just unbelievable.

Is the customer always right?

Yes! They pay our wages.

This is a bit embarrassing, but I credit the TV show Ready, Steady, Cook with inspiring me to become a chef! I used to come home from school between the age of 13 and 15 and watch it religiously. I’d tell my mum, ‘I think I’m gonna be a chef,’ and she’d just say ‘okay love,’ and carry on with what she was doing. I trained at UCB where the lecturers were some of the best chefs in the country. I’m inspired to push on now by my family. I’ve a two-year-old daughter who I want to make proud. Being a chef is the kind of career in which you have to have your family behind you and mine always have been.

Share a cooking tip

What do you eat when at home?

My last supper would be my wife’s sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce and food hell would be mackerel. I just can’t get on with it at all.

A lot of Italian food with simple flavours. I was given a pizza oven for Father’s Day which is right up my street.

True to form I’ve become obsessed with making the perfect pizza which so far seems to be the simpler the better – mozarella, tomato, basil, parmesan.

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

The best chef in the world is Gordon Ramsay. He’s done everything and his food is amazing which is overshadowed a bit by all the TV work he does now. I used to watch

Don’t cook. Go out. Sky By The Water perhaps…

What was your favourite food as a kid?

I’d have to say dad’s tinned corned beef hash with beans and sweetcorn. He’d microwave all the ingredients together in one bowl and it tasted brilliant.

Food heaven and hell?

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

When I was 15, Brad Carter was my first head chef and he cooked up some lamb’s brain for me to try. It was just mushy and horrible.

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

I’d be a gardener. My mum does mine at the moment. I like to grow my own veg – not in winter though! Just up to October.

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

Confit pork belly slow cooked for 12 hours with sweet potato mash, savoy cabbage and cider sauce. I Sky By The Water, Resorts World Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU. Tel: 0121 273 1200 rwb.co.uk

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SEASON’S EATINGS

CHOCCY HEAVEN Create the perfect treat for the one you love this Valentine’s Day hat can be better for Valentine’s Day than a splurge of chocolate? This recipe for a chocolate brownie is sweet, indulgent and perfect when served with some fine vanilla ice cream. Knock this one up on the 14th and win a few extra ‘brownie’ points in the love stakes!

W

CHOCOLATE BROWNIE Ingredients

350g unsalted butter 3 eggs

250g dark chocolate

135g plain flour

40g milk chocolate, chopped

250g golden caster sugar

30g cocoa powder 40g white chocolate, chopped 50g roasted hazelnuts

METHOD: Place butter and dark chocolate in pan over a bane-marie on a low heat and allow to melt completely until butter and chocolate are well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Sift flour and cocoa powder together. In a large mixer, place sugar and eggs, whisk until thick and pale (double in size). While still whisking, pour in melted chocolate mixture until just combined, remove from mixer.

Fold in flour and cocoa powder with a large whisk, do not over fold mixture. Add chopped chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, fold in gently. Cook at 175C for 20 minutes (even crust will form on top). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

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FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and SHORTS

BIRMINGHAM HAS A LIVELY AND BUZZING BAR AND RESTAURANT SCENE. HERE, WE PRESENT OUR INSIDER GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR CITY’S EATERIES AND DRINKING DENS

BEER, BURGERS AND PING-PONG Burgers, craft beer, retro arcade games, ping-pong and live music are all on the menu at Birmingham’s newest bar. Kongs boasts a stripped back ‘urban’ look which operations director Toby Stringer says is “all about chilling out and not about getting people smashed”.

Burger Theory is the resident kitchen at Kongs, which replaces the former Chameleon bar at the corner of Swallow Street and Hill Street.

ANCIENT MEETS MODERN

The ancient philosophy of Yin Yang is the inspiration of modern Chinese restaurant Tattu which opened this month. The 160-cover, splitlevel restaurant is sited within the city’s historic Grand development and serves Chinese-inspired cuisine, taking traditional ingredients and classic flavours, combined with innovative ideas and cooking techniques.

NEW GM HOLDS COURT Award-winning Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa has appointed Nick Hanson as its new general manager. He joins from Idle Rocks and St Mawes Hotel in Cornwall, where he was general manager for both properties since August 2016. He previously held GM roles at the Bath Priory, Vineyard Hotel, Stockcross and Sharrow Bay in the Lake District.

GIRL POWER AT SIMPSONS A line-up of top female chefs hosted a dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons. The evening was the brainchild of former Simpsons chef, Claire Hutchings, who began her career at Simpsons at 16. Claire reached the Masterchef Professional final in 2011 and took the top place in MasterChef: The Professionals – Rematch. Claire was joined by Georgina Ward, Jacqueline Keenan, Angelina Adamo and Rachel Tokitsu.

FOOD OF LOVE AT MUSEUM

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is getting all loved up. The beautiful surroundings of the Edwardian Tearooms are the backdrop for a romantic fivecourse Valentine’s Dinner created by the museum’s chef team on 14 February.

Dishes include options for vegetarians and meat-lovers – and local guitarist and singer-songwriter Robert Lane will be serenading diners throughout the evening.

WINTER WONDER FOR VEGANS A new vegan menu, providing a modern twist on traditional winter flavours, has been unveiled at Malmaison. The menu begins with plates such as Tempura of seasonal vegetables with jalapeños, lime and sweet chili sauce or a soup du jour. Mains include Chez Mal’s roast aubergine, winter squash and red pepper bhuna, served with fluffy pilaf rice and grilled Indian bread. Yum!

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

PINNOCHIO

© Tom Bird

109/111 Wharfside, Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF. Tel: 0121 439 9393 pinnochioitaliano.co.uk

n that weird New Year fog, we shuffled off to Pinnochio not really knowing what day it was for a bit of a last hurrah before the onslaught of the dreaded early morning alarm clock. The kids were as confused as we were, so Italian food seemed the soothe all, please all option.

The place was much larger than it looked from the outside (140-plus covers) and when we visited the room was quiet with just a couple of other tables occupied. Having said that, it was every restaurant’s early January graveyard slot, so I doubt whether any eaterie was buzzing.

The staff were warm and helpful when frankly, given our feral appearance they’d have been forgiven for thinking we were penniless and/or very ill. They didn’t show any alarm and refrained from calling the emergency services.

Garlic bread, a bowl of olives and chardonnay for the grown-ups, lemonade for the little ones were promptly ordered and devoured hungrily. Flat pizza style bread loaded with a fistful of garlic and butter was just what the doctor ordered.

The kids went all in on the carbs and followed garlic bread with a margerita pizza to share. (We’re not mean, the pizzas were pretty large.) It did what it said on the tin, cheesey, tomatoey, great base. What’s not to love?

I thought I’d go meat free and pack in some Omega3 with salmon fillets in a creamy green peppercorn sauce with sundried tomatoes, rosemary roast potatoes and fresh veggies. The salmon was cooked beautifully, the sauce was flavour packed with sundried tomatoes

I

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© Tom Bird

adding a nice tang, but it was genuinely large enough for two hungry lumberjacks. Also, bear in mind the seafood menu is separate from the main card and doesn’t seem to appear on the website, so if you check out the restaurant online don’t be put off by the lack of fish. There was plenty of choice.

Veal escalope pan fried in white wine, butter, garlic, lemon and capers tasted great with the capers and lemons adding a welcome zing. Again, it was huge.

Crunchy little rosemary potatoes were superb.

The kids would say the best thing about Pinnochio was dessert. While they happily tucked into delicious helpings of profiteroles and cheesecake, the grown-ups were done and sipped peppermint tea in the hope it would cancel out the Christmas indulgence. It didn’t.

Other than the gargantuan portions which could easily have been halved, there were no complaints and we’ll definitely be back. It felt like a proper authentic, family embracing, old school Italian restaurant – in a good way – and we loved it. I

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ALL A MATTER OF FOOD & DRINK

TASTE

ROB PRICE TAKES YOU ON A WINE-TASTING MASTERCLASS WHICH WILL WIDEN YOUR SKILLS AT CHOOSING THE BEST BOTTLE FOR YOU rinking wine is one of life’s pleasures. But tasting wine is even better. I love opening a bottle and allowing it to release all its delicious secrets. There are so many different grapes and wines – each bottle has its own little surprise. So how do you move from drinking to tasting?

It’s quite easy to learn and it’s a skill that the more you do it (tough right!) the better you become.

Just take a smidgeon more time when you first open the bottle. Look at the wine’s appearance – for example a brown rim is generally not a good sign.

Swirl the glass and take a good sniff. What can you smell? This is where you can improve your skills.

So first, have a gander around a supermarket and smell all the fruits and spices. This will help you detect all those lovely aromas in your wine. Then when you’ve bought a bottle, move on to having a taste. Slurp your wine, move it around your mouth and suck some air in at the same time. Be careful not to spill any!!

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MOUTH-WATERING You’ll find the wine has more to offer when you do this. You’ll notice it’s sharper, crisper and will make your mouth water more – this is acidity. With a red wine you’ll discover a dryness and grip around your gums – this in tannin. And with practice you’ll be able to identify a whole host of different elements for each wine.

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Why bother? Well, by understanding these different components you’ll also understand the reason while you like some wines and not others. You’ll be better choosing the right food to match the wine, and with a bit of wine education thrown in you’ll be more confident choosing different wines. With 1,000 different grape varieties to choose from, there is a lot of choice!

The best way to learn about wine is to attend a winetasting class. Any will do, they are all good fun and will allow you to compare and contrast wines based on the theme of the evening. Want to take it to the next level?

Then this is where WSET, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, comes in. WSET offers wine qualifications that are nationally accredited and assess your wine knowledge at different levels. There are four levels, starting with a one-day course, and ending with a twoyear diploma.

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FOOD & DRINK

4

ROB’S

TO TASTE

If you would like to taste some wines that show off differing characteristics and style, try these four. Best if you can get a few friends round and taste them side-by-side.

We’ll start by comparing a couple of Chardonnays:

Wine 1 Chardonnay – Chablis. This is from the northern most part of Burgundy in France, and hence cool climate. This reflects in the style of wine. Quite light with high acidity, it will make your mouth water a lot, and green citrus fruit, some minerality and almost certainly unoaked. A good example is the Wine Society’s Chablis 2017 at £14.50.

Wine 2 Chardonnay – Pouilly-Fuissé. From the southern tip of Burgundy with a much warmer climate. You’ll get much less acidity with more stone fruits and

The WSET courses begin with Level 1 which helps explain the huge diversity of wine and differing wine styles; also focusing on the practical elements of food and wine matching. Next is the Level 2 course which focuses on explaining what’s behind the label, teaching about major grapes, regions and styles of wine. And, of course, you can then move onto Levels 3 and 4, which will allow your wine-tasting skills and wine knowledge to develop to a very high standard.

So…what are you waiting for? I Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine

tropical fruits, and most probably oaked. Try the Wine Society’s Exhibition PouillyFuissé, 2016 at £22.

The second wine is much more powerful, so while from the same grape and both from Burgundy, two very different styles of wine.

Now a couple of reds, this time another very popular grape Syrah/Shiraz:

Wine 3 Syrah – Any northern Rhone red will do. Crozes-Hermitage or SaintJoseph offer the best value. It will be medium bodied, with crisp acidity and lively fruit. Try Cave de Saint-Desirat from Waitrose at £15.99.

Wine 4 Shiraz – Barossa valley suits very well. It will be big and bold, lots of rich black fruit, with a spicy finish. Waitrose, Reserve Shiraz, St Hallett at £11.99 is one such example.

education company that offers fun informal wine tasting

Again, both the same grape – I know it’s confusing when they change the name of a

events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses

grape – so Syrah or Shiraz. The climate again accounts for the huge difference in style.

in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and Warwick. For more

Syrah from Northern Rhone will be leaner, sharper, more vibrant, medium bodied,

information contact Rob Price on 0121 270 7359

mainly red fruits with hints of pepper. The Barossa Shiraz is much more powerful and

or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

rounded, dark black fruits and sweeter spice. You’ll notice the warmth of the alcohol!

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

DOUBLE TOPS Join us as we celebrate Chinese

New Year and Valentine’s Day with this indulgent Tiramisu Float

ebruary is a big month for celebrations this year with both Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day marked on the calendar. The clever sticks at Chung Ying Central have knocked up this creamy, indulgent Tiramisu Float that’ll help celebrate both events in some style. As always, please enjoy responsibly.

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ALL YOU NEED TO MIX IT UP BEAUTIFULLY INGREDIENTS:

I 25ml Disoronno I 25ml Baileys

I 12.5ml Vanilla syrup I 25ml Expresso

I 50ml Half cream

METHOD: Shake with ice and strain into a Hurricane glass.

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with biscuit and cocoa powder.

Chung Ying Central, 126 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AP. Tel: 0121 400 0888 www.chungying.co.uk

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LUNCHSPOT

LAGHI’S DELI e’ve gone Italian again. Apologies.

We blame the January-induced need for comforting carbs. Before we start, we’re prepared to admit we got this wrong and should have gone to Laghi’s for dinner. We’d read the hype, sampled the coffee, enjoyed the doughnuts, but never eaten a proper meal, so we were excited.

The dedicated lunch menu felt a bit limited but at £8.95 for one course and a soft drink it was pretty reasonable. There were two pizzas on offer as part of the lunch deal – pepperoni and margerita – however, there was a guy tucking into a lip-smacking pizza at the next table who looked like the happiest man alive.

We wanted what he was having, so went off-piste and onto the dedicated pizza menu which was a superb offering that included all the classics plus some more inventive options such as truffle and mushroom.

We settled on Italian Flag consisting of buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan and pesto (£11.95). The base was gnarly and blackened in the way you just can’t achieve at home whatever searing temperature you crank up the Rangemaster to and the topping was generous and moreish. A pizza from the top drawer for sure. It’s possible to pimp-up your pizza by stuffing the crust with ricotta and black pepper for an extra £2. We didn’t, but could be interesting.

Meatballs in tomato sauce were fine, but not wow inducing. We’d imagined a flavoursome bowl of

22-24 ISLINGTON ROW, EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM, B15 1LD. TEL: 0121 455 0660 LAGHIS.COM

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spaghetti with juicy meatballs and rich tomato sauce.

In fairness, the menu didn’t promise pasta with the meatballs, we just assumed. Never assume. We actually got a bowl of good meatballs in a decent tomato sauce with a couple of slices of average bread on the side.

Not bad, just not what we expected.

Our lovely waitress was quick to recommend dinner next time and having looked at the menu she was right. It’s really interesting with daily fish specials that ensure maximum freshness, delicious sounding pasta dishes and inventive ways with meat including a particularly intriguing lamb chop dish with spinach pie that we need in our lives. Owner Luca is hugely passionate about this place and there’s a lot to be celebrated. We’d head back at lunchtime for the pizza alone, but cannot wait to sample the dinner menu. I

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ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Jenny Packham Juniper gown, the Wedding Club (boutiques at the Mailbox and in Edgbaston)

WEDDING DAY YOU’RE ENGAGED. CONGRATS! THAT TRULY JOYOUS

BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR TUMMY FEELING IS SOMETHING TO TREASURE AND THEN COMES THE MOST THRILLING/DAUNTING SHOPPING TRIP OF YOUR LIFE 32 birmingham living

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STYLE CUTE CLUTCH

Saint Laurent ivory leather clutch £825, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

JUMP TO IT

Shanice jumpsuit £229, Hobbs, Grand Central

PARTY TIME

ACE LACE

Lipsy Bridal, Fort Shopping Park

edding dress shopping should be a total dream.

If you’re instructing a bridal designer, shop around before you commit and find someone who you like and who gets your style. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not somebody your other half doesn’t recognise.

Be clear about your vision and if you don’t like something, just say. It should be a collaborative process and you’re in the driving seat. Most bridal designers say they need six months, so respect this, but if you’re having a short engagement, ask the question. Our experience with Sassi Holford was a joy, but we checked out four other designers before we found the one. Also, consider looking outside the bridal arena. If there’s a designer whose red carpet style you love, contact them and ask if they’d talk to you about creating a wedding dress. Ben De Lisi would be a great option.

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OFF THE PEG High Street and off the peg options are really good. A few years ago it was all a bit naff, but not so now. And again, there are no rules about having to stick to bridal.

Head to Needle and Thread at Selfridges for a dreamy

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FANTASY FOOTWEAR

Brigitte lace maxi dress £139, Monsoon, Bullring

Manolo Blahnik champagne silk satin pumps £765, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

EAR CANDY

Excitement starburst stud loop earring £14, Oliver Bonas, Harborne High Street

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STYLE

gown that’s both affordable and gorgeous. If you’re not a gown type of girl try a silk jumpsuit or sharp tuxedo for an edgy vibe. Stella McCartney is the queen of the tux which might seem a bit extravagant, but price wise would be on a par with a wedding dress and you’ll get more wear out of it.

Underwear is worth nailing well in advance of the big day. It has the potential to make or break your outfit enhancing your silhouette or not and also, who wants to be fidgeting their way through the nuptials?

IF THE SHOE FITS There is no need to go for those mid-heel cream satin numbers anymore. There are brilliant examples of flats including slides and even sneakers if that’s your thing or you could go full on fantasy footwear at Jimmy Choo and Sophia Webster. For a vintage vibe take a look at local designer Rachel Simpson Shoes whose shoes are stunning and comfortable. Bear in mind you might wearing them all day and night, so it’s worth investing. On the high street, Dune and Hobbs have some cracking examples too.

Birmingham is blessed with some of the country’s most talented jewellery designers, so head to the Jewellery Quarter for the likes of Magnus & Bella, Alice Stewart and James Newman plus many more. Also, try Vashi at Selfridges where you can design/customise your own beautiful jewels for a personal touch.

Enjoy and most importantly, remember your other half wants to spend the rest of his or her life with you.

There’s no need to change, detox frantically, lose two stone or wear something that’s just not you. You are the thing. Pep talk over. I

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SLEEK SILHOUETTE

Fitted gown, Lipsy Bridal, Fort Shopping Park

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STYLE

BACK FOR GOOD

Rue de Seine gown, the Wedding Club (boutiques at the Mailbox and in Edgbaston)

SEQUIN STYLE

Jenny Packham gown £180, Debenhams, Fort Shopping Park

GIRLS’ BEST FRIEND Halo earring, Vashi, Selfridges

FLAT WHITE

Lucinda flat white £159, Hobbs, Grand Central

DREAM DRESS

Roland Mouret off-white dress £1,650, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

SHE’S A STAR

Starlight sneaker in ivory £199, Rachel Simpson Shoes, rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

TWINKLE TOES

RELAXED VIBE

BeWed heels £250, Dune, Bullring

Peace Burnout dress £85, Oliver Bonas, Harborne High Street

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STYLE PRINCESS BRIDE

Cordelia by Sassi Holford, sassiholford.com

GOLD RUSH

V by Very slingback pointed court shoe £32, very.co.uk

MAXIMUM IMPACT

Garland dress £99, Monsoon, Bullring

GIRLIE CHARM

Needle and Thread lattice embroidered tulle mini dress £355, Selfridges

VINTAGE VIBE

Mimosa quartz £229, Rachel Simpson Shoes, rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

TERRIFIC TWEED

HEAVY METAL

Balmain metallic tweed dress £1,895, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

Valentino Garavani Rockstud 100 gold leather pumps £700, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

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STYLE

OFF THE PEG

Samantha nude maxi dress ÂŁ70, Little Mistress, little-mistress.com

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BEAUTY

BRIDAL BUZZ THE BIG DAY IS LOOMING AND IF YOU’RE AFTER A

HEALTHY YOUTHFUL GLOW YOU NEED TO GET PREPPING he key to looking your radiant best is nourished skin and make-up that appears to be barely there. We’ve picked out a handful of products that will help you achieve this.

A word to the wise… don’t introduce new products in the month before the wedding just in case they don’t agree with your skin and go easy on the make-up.

We had a consultation with a high-end brand before our big day – thankfully well in advance – and ended up looking like Ru Paul despite requesting a natural look. If you want to experiment, find a counter whose staff are made-up to your taste. I

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1. PRO FILT’R SOFT MATTE LONGWEAR FOUNDATION – £26, AND INSTANT RETOUCH CONCEALERS, £19, FENTY BEAUTY

BY RHIANNA, HARVEY NICHOLS With 50 shades to choose from there’ll be one that glides on unnoticed and suits you perfectly. Go and try a few. We really like the silky texture which doesn’t sit in any creases, looking fresh all day long. The brushes are worth a look, too.

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2. KIEHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY CONCENTRATE – £38 FOR 30ML, KIEHL’S, GRAND CENTRAL It’s an oldie, but a goodie. The classic night-time restorative oil promises younger looking skin by morning – a claim that many brands make but don’t deliver on. This does what it says on the tin every time of asking. Truthfully, you probably won’t get the best night sleep you’ve ever had the night before the big day, but this little wonder will be your best friend.

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3. GOLD BEE VENOM MASK – £352, HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL, HARVEY NICHOLS A serious investment, we’d recommend having a facial at Heaven first to see what works for you. This particular mask is focused on anti-ageing, tightening and lifting, sorting out fine lines and wrinkles, but is also fantastic for blemished skin, rosacea, eczema and dryness. There are only 500 made annually, so get in there quick.

4. THE BODY OIL – £40, OLVERUM olverum.com We’ve been fans of Olverum’s iconic bath oil for years, so the launch of a body oil seems a natural next step. It’s deeply moisturising, easily absorbed – unlike some oils we’ve tried – and rich in all the good stuff (Omegas 3, 6 and 9 plus Alaria Esculenta Extract which boosts collagen production and Hyaluronic acid.)

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5. EXFOLIATING INSTANT FACIAL – £38, shop.goop.com Gwyneth has got this spot on. This is the best exfoliator we’ve found recently that makes a difference from the very first use. It brightens instantly, resulting in a glowing complexion. We enjoyed a lot of compliments after using this just twice.

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STYLE FOR MEN

BIG DAY All clothing available from Next, Bullring

WELL GROOMED DON’T LOSE YOUR SENSE OF STYLE JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE

GETTING MARRIED. STICK TO YOUR GUNS AND WEAR SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL MARVELLOUS

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STYLE FOR MEN

CHANNEL SOUTHGATE Taylor & Wright waistcoat £30 and trousers £30, Matalan NEUTRAL BAE Lazier tassel loafer £79.99, Office, Bullring

LET IT BEE Gucci Monaco bee-embroidered cotton blazer £1,590, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

here are very few rules about what to wear on your wedding day these days, but one thing’s for sure, you want to look back at the snaps of your nuptials fondly not toe-curlingly. The aim is to look like the best version of yourself, so don’t let your personal style go out of the window just because you’re getting married. If you’re not a cravat kind of guy, why the heck would you wear one on your wedding day? You might be feeling pressure from your other half to wear this or that, but be strong.

Wear something that makes you feel million dollars and crucially that fits like a glove. You’re allowed a touch of the groomzillas just keep it to a minimum. I

T COTTON TOP Pure cotton tailored jacket £65, M&S, Fort Shopping Park

THE NEW BLACK Gold velvet jacket £85 and skinny trousers £40, River Island, Fort Shopping Park

STAND OUT Fendi logo cotton-blend blazer £1,090, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

MINIMUM FUSS Italian-made tie in silk jacquard £65, Hugo Boss, Mailbox LOAFING ABOUT Gucci Donnie black leather loafers £540, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

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RIGHT STRIPES Artist Stripe rocket cufflinks £90, Paul Smith, Mailbox

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HEALTH

STRETCH DON’T FORGET TO

THE BEST-LAID PLANS TO GET LEANER AND FITTER CAN BE SCUPPERED BY NIGGLING INJURIES. HERE’S HOW TO AVOID THEM

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HEALTH

o how’s the new fitness regime working out?

Fingers crossed you haven’t fallen at the first hurdle and the jeans are a little less tight. For many, especially if it’s a while since you’ve been active, one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining a routine is when you pick up a niggling little injury that puts you out of action for a week or two. And once that routine has gone it can be very difficult to get the momentum back.

A crucial part of helping you remain injury free and one of the most overlooked aspects of fitness is stretching. While we are all aware that we should stretch, fitness enthusiasts are too often unaware of what the major benefits are. Stretching in all forms should be a large aspect of all training programmes.

Stretching involves elongating a specific muscle or muscle group to its fullest length. Individuals who fail to stretch effectively will cause long term damage to their joints or muscles. Poor flexibility can lead to biomechanical issues, which left alone can take months to fix.

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FIVE DAILY EXERCISES Here are five top stretches to do daily. These stretches can be after a workout but remember, recent studies suggest that performing static stretches pre-exercise is not beneficial.

BENEFITS OF STRETCHING

Increased flexibility: Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will lengthen. Lack of flexibility causes your movement to become slower and less fluid and makes you more susceptible to muscle strains, ligament sprains and other soft tissue injuries. The most effective way to increase your flexibility is by stretching.

Improved circulation: Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles. The increased blood flow brings more nourishment to the muscles and removes waste by products from the muscles. Increased blood flow can also help speed up recovery from muscle and joint injuries.

Improved balance and coordination: The increased flexibility that comes from stretching improves balance and coordination, which lowers your risk of falling.

Helps alleviate lower back pain: Stiff and tight muscles in the lower back, hamstrings, buttocks and hips are some of the more common causes of lower back pain.

Stretching these muscles can alleviate some mild forms of lower back pain. It is important to remember that poor flexibility is not the cause of all back pain but it can be a contributing factor.

Helps improve cardiovascular health: Recent studies have found that stretching can improve artery function and lower blood pressure.

1 THE HIP/GLUTE STRETCH Lie on your back and cross your left foot over your right knee. Put your hands behind your right thigh and gently pull your leg towards you, while keeping your upper body relaxed. Then switch over.

2 HAMSTRING STRETCH Lie on the floor with your knees bent. Straighten one leg and pull it towards you slowly, while the opposite leg remains slightly bent.

3 HIP FLEXOR STRETCH Starting in the lunge position (stride forward), rest your back knee on the floor while the front knee is at a 90-degree angle. It’s important that your abs are in and tight. Slowly move forward until you feel a stretch in your front leg/hip. To increase the stretch, just raise your arm up to the sky (the same side as your front leg).

4 CALF STRETCH On your hands and knees, straighten your legs, but keep them slightly bent. Slowly press one foot into the floor, keep your abs in and hold. Then switch over.

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5 QUADRICEPS/ ILIOTIBIAL BAND STRETCH Standing upright, pull one heel to the backside with the opposite arm. Keeping both knees together pull the foot to the outside of the opposite buttock. Slightly turn out the stretching thigh but keep the knees together.

STRETCHING TIPS Aim to try and complete between two to three stretches on each side. To improve flexibility, try and hold each stretch for 30 seconds. You should feel some mild discomfort as you stretch but nothing too intense to cause you pain. Never bounce a stretch. Relax and keep the tension constant in the muscle. Remember; don’t overlook the benefits of stretching. Improving your flexibility cannot only reduce the chance of potential injury, but can improve your performance and improve your health. Ensure that stretching is a regular part of your fitness programme, but also aim to try and stretch every day. I

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HEALTH

FIGHT TO BEAT A KILLER A BIG CAMPAIGN IS ABOUT TO GET UNDERWAY TO MAKE MORE WOMEN AWARE OF OVARIAN CANCER varian cancer is the biggest gynaecological killer of women in the UK – and the survival rates here are among the worst in Europe. It’s the fourth most common form of cancer death in women, after breast, lung and bowel cancer. Yet, the average GP will see only one case of ovarian cancer every five years.

More than 7,000 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year (that’s about 140 women each week) and the disease claims 4,000 deaths annually. Worrying statistics which should focus all our minds as we approach Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March. During the month fund-raising initiatives across the UK will link with a big publicity push to both help fight the disease and to make more women aware of the dangers.

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EARLY WARNING According to the official website, three-quarters of women are diagnosed once the cancer has already spread, making treatment more difficult. The current five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 46 per cent. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, up to 90 per cent of women would survive five years or more. This is why awareness is so important, to drive forward improvements in diagnosis, treatment and survival.

The two most important aspects affecting a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer during her lifetime are age and family history. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, and particularly after the menopause.

Most cases will occur in women who have gone through the menopause.

Most cases of ovarian cancer are ‘sporadic’ or one-offs.

This means that close female relatives of someone with ovarian cancer do not necessarily face an increased risk of developing the disease themselves. However in around one in every 10 cases, a family link can be identified.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Symptoms are frequent (they usually happen more than 12 times a month) and persistent, and include: I Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes).

I Difficulty eating/feeling full.

I Pelvic or abdominal pain.

I Needing to wee more urgently or more often.

I Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, change in bowel habits and extreme fatigue.

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, and that’s not normal for you it is important that you see your GP. If you are 50 or over and have symptoms that are new for you which are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your GP should offer you tests to check for ovarian cancer.

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SPARRING PARTNERS IN THE WORLD OF BATHROOM DESIGN, A HOME SPA IS THE

DREAM TICKET, SAYS AWARD-WINNING DESIGNER LISA MELVIN

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ith a trend for every bedroom in the home to have its own en-suite, the traditional large family bathroom could potentially become redundant. However, what we’re seeing more of recently is this space being turned into a home spa situation. We’ve touched on this concept before, but it’s set to really take off this year.

People are stressed like never before, spending hours on mobile devices that can be hard to put down without the dreaded FOMO creeping in which is quite seriously making us ill. Creating a calm, mobile-free, work-free sanctuary that allows a complete switch-off can provide the antidote to the pressure we heap upon ourselves daily.

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WHIRL OF WELLNESS Wellness boosting whirlpool and spa baths are back in a big way, only they are easier to clean – practically self-cleaning – and quieter than their Nineties versions, for which demand plummeted in the early Noughties once we’d fallen in love with the shower.

As well as being super relaxing which is not to be underestimated, the therapeutic massaging benefits of a spa bath are well known. In a recent project, we fitted a cover over a spa

GROWN UP GLAMOUR Bathroom by Lisa Melvin at Kuche & Bagno (Picture: Marek Sikora Photography)

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bath so that when not in use it transforms into a day bed where you can chill out (pictured). Specifically designed for this purpose the cushions can hold 120kg per cushion. Consider a steam generator in your scheme too which makes it easy to create a steam room experience at home for an instant detoxifying hit without leaving the house.

LIGHTS FANTASTIC Lighting can make a huge difference to the outcome of the design and mustn’t be an afterthought. It really can make or break a look.

We’ve just completed a project with low level lighting around the edge of the room which works brilliantly and gives the impression the walls are floating.

Consider versatile lighting (mood, task and ambient) depending on what you need it for at any given time.

A soft glow will help create the spa vibe you’re after.

Also, try to future proof as much as you can now.

Lights, heating and blinds for example can be made smart home compatible for a small price. Technology stops for no one, so a bit of foresight could save you pounds going forward.

ALL THE BUBBLES Bathroom by Lisa Melvin at Kuche & Bagno

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AND RELAX Porto Santo bath, Heritage Bathrooms heritagebathrooms.com

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GREAT TILES Quadrant shower, Merlyn Showering merlynshowering.com

DIY CHECKLIST Bathrooms are tricky to get right if you’re going it alone even if you have a firm idea of the look you want to create. There are so many technical/skilled elements to consider that it’s beneficial to call in the experts. If you’re keen to do it yourself here are some of the essentials you need to sort before you

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start: water systems (combi, pressurised, gravity fed), wall/floor insulation, access panels for maintenance, grout choice (type as well as colour), tile trim finish, brassware finish, odour extraction/flushplate, lighting, extraction, radiator (matching valves?), window covering (smart home enabled?), underfloor heating, paint, accessories. I

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TRADITIONAL CHARM

TWINNING IS WINNING

Blenheim suite, Heritage Bathrooms heritagebathrooms.com

Twin shower, Merlyn Showering merlynshowering.com

CLEAN LINES Featuring Geberit Acanto geberit.co.uk

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HANGING OUT Wall hanging candle holder £34.99, Very

GOOD MORNING Sun burst mirror, Monsoon

BLACK IS BACK Stone toothbrush holder £16, Kelly Hoppen

FINISHING TOUCHES

GOING GLOBAL Global glass candle £14, Sainsbury’s Home

NOW THE FUN BIT… FILL YOUR SPA-LIKE BATHROOM WITH ACCESSORIES THAT MAKE YOU SMILE

TOP BRASS Toilet paper holder £26, Amara

LEAF IT OUT J by Jasper Conran leaf print Madison towels £11, Debenhams MIRROR MIRROR Backlit round bathroom mirror, John Lewis

SLAVE TO STORAGE Wall shelf £15, Flying Tiger

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From only £25

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PROPERTY GEORGIAN STYLE

THIS MONTH’S PICK OF TOP HOMES FOR SALE ON THE MARKET

Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa Guide price: £1.5million Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 01926 455950 Wow! A stunning four-bedroom Georgian style mansion with separate self-contained two-bedroom apartment, situated in one of Leamington Spa’s finest areas. Generous bedrooms, great bathrooms, cracking open plan kitchen/sitting room and a separate annex. What’s not to love?

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LOFTY AMBITION Concord House, City Centre Guide price: ÂŁ485,000 Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520 A contemporary designed loft style apartment that boasts two bedrooms (the master has an ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe) large open plan lounge, utility room, family shower room and secure parking. Nice.

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CENTRAL LOCATION Harborne Place, Harborne Guide price: POA Agent: St Philips, tel: 0121 728 9830

A fantastic development of seven, five-bedroom homes in a cracking part of central Birmingham. Features such as generous bedrooms, open-plan living and dining and bi-folding doors leading on to a spacious garden add up to luxurious city living.

PRIVATE RETREAT Woodside Drive, Sutton Coldfield Guide price: £1.65million Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 0121 272 6900 An elegant six-bedroom detached property in a private road on the prestigious Little Aston estate. The beautiful gardens extend to approximately an acre overlooking neighbouring farmland.

BRICKS&BITS DIGBETH GO-AHEAD

A development forming part of the city’s plans to regenerate Digbeth and position the area as Birmingham’s Creative Quarter has been given the go-ahead. SevenCapital’s Connaught Square scheme includes a mix of residential, commercial, retail and public space. The first phase is due for completion in 2022.

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

RENT RISE WARNING

PORT LOOP BOOST

Growing demand for industrial and

New homes in Birmingham’s Port Loop

manufacturing space in the city will see rent

canalside development are now available under

rises of 40 per cent, says commercial property

the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme.

agency, KWB. Over the past five years the

Guy Ackernley, of joint venture partners Urban

demand has risen by 25 per cent, causing

Splash and Places for People, said: “These

some landlords to take advantage by hiking

modular homes are unique which, thanks to

rental prices.

Help to Buy, are now even more attainable.”

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FAMILY FAVOURITE Cypress Gardens, Sutton Coldfield Guide price: £1.1million Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 0121 272 6900

This lovely five-bedroom family home is finished to the highest standards. Includes an awesome reception hallway with central staircase, large kitchen/family room, three bathrooms and a paved patio area overlooking a great garden that’s perfect for entertaining.

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

february 2019

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MOTORING

ROAR PASSION AN ASTON MARTIN SOUNDS LIKE NO OTHER CAR ON THE ROAD AND THE

VANTAGE TAKES THE ADRENALINE LEVELS TO A NEW HIGH, SAYS SUE COOKE

t is the month for romance and I am thrilled to tell you that I have fallen in love…. with the new Aston Martin Vantage. I took the object of my affection onto a quiet dual carriageway. I used the paddleshift behind the steering wheel to change down to fourth gear, then I accelerated.

The oval tailpipes emitted a tremendous roar that was delicious and scary and brought a ridiculous grin to my face. At just under 70mph, I eased off the accelerator and sat back in the snug very comfortable seats. The stupid grin remained …. all day.

Aston Martin is in a new game – the six-year Second Century Plan – which began by stabilising the business in 2014 and building a presence in five countries to take

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the brand globally. Now the company is launching new products. The first to reach the dealerships are the DB11 coupe, DB11 Volante, which is the convertible variant and the glorious performance car, the Vantage. An SUV – the DBX – will start production in 2020 at Aston Martin’s new facilities in South Wales and performance will remain the focus.

ELECTRIFICATION The British independent manufacturer is committed to electrification and in quarter four of 2019, Aston Martin will launch its first venture. The Rapide EV will be built at the new facility at St Athan which will be home to the electrification programme.

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MOTORING

I drove the DB9 coupe back in 2006 and found it difficult then to describe the hypnotic attraction of an Aston Martin. But the new DB11 coupe is even more attractive. In 2006 I wrote about a grown man who was staring so hard at the DB9 I was road testing, that he walked into a tree, while a crowd of youths gathered at the top of my drive and took photos.

It is the aggressive Vantage that I fell in love with.

Touch the glass covered ‘start’ button and you will hear an earthy roar and the adrenalin begins to flow.

Whether you are lucky enough to be sitting inside the two-seater, or watching enviously from the outside, the sound is awesome. Even a slight touch on the accelerator will cause this British bulldog to leap into action, just wanting to perform. Steering is smooth, firm and precise.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Aston Martin Vantage Price: £91,000 Engine: 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, mated to eight-speed ZF transmission Performance: 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 195mph CO2 emissions: 230g/km (estimated) Combined fuel consumption: 27.4mpg

Aston Martin has a technical partnership with AMG to produce the engines but they are further developed to provide a different resonance. From the steering wheel, the driver can choose one of three driving modes, Sport, Sport plus and Track for race mode. Each alters the sound and character of the car.

The interior has an overpowering feeling of quality and scent of leather. The attention to detail is amazing with intricate stitching around the storage facility between the seats and on the rear of the head rests. The DB11 Volante, which is built on the same chassis as the DB11 coupe, has eight layers of fabric roof and two small seats in the rear which are really only adequate for tiny people. Even with the fabric roof folded away in the boot, the luggage capacity isn’t compromised and will cope with 200 litres, much better than some luxury sports cars I have driven. There are also new wheel derivatives.

Whether driving the new Aston Martin DB11 coupe or open top Volante, or chancing the aggressive Vantage, what I guarantee is one Happy Valentine’s Day. I

SHOWROOM Grange Aston Martin Birmingham, Kenilworth Road, Hampton-inArden, Solihull, B92 0LR. Tel: 01675 580562 www.grange.co.uk

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

XHOSA COLE

The Handsworth-born saxophonist beat off stiff competition to be crowned BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018. Having benefitted from the city’s youth engagement programmes, he’s keen to give back

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

hen Xhosa Cole picked up a saxophone aged 12 he had no idea where it would lead.

In November last year, a 16-minute set and four other talented musicians stood between Xhosa and one of the music industry’s most prestigious prizes for young people in the country.

During the final of the BBC Young Jazz Musician, Xhosa performed his own composition titled Moving Ladywood – a nod to his home town – as well as pieces

by Johnny Green and John Coltrane. Backed by a jazz trio led by Gwilym Simcock, Xhosa was up against fellow finalists Reuben Goldmark (piano), Fergus McCreadie (piano), Seth Tackaberry (bass) and James Owston (bass).

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CELEBRATION OF JAZZ Keeping the nerves in check, Xhosa delivered an outstanding performance that wowed the judges at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Of his win, Xhosa said: “It’s been amazing to represent and have been represented at this prestigious celebration of jazz music. The calibre of musicianship and passion for jazz music has been incredibly inspiring to be a part of.”

The 22-year-old who grew up in Handsworth and now lives in Ladywood is a flautist and composer as well as saxophonist. He’s written works for the Ideas of Noise Festival and worked on Birmingham’s for-Wards project as well as releasing an improvised single with electronic duo EIF called Autumn Conversations.

Having first played the tenor at Ladywood Community School of Music, founded by legendary saxophonist and flautist Andy Hamilton, Xhosa also joined a weekly jazz band and was supported by Birmingham’s Music Services which meant he could own his own saxophone.

Joining as many classes and workshops he could squeeze in, Xhosa was hooked.

EMERGING TALENT THSH’s Jazzlines summer schools provided increased opportunities for Xhosa to play. Jazzlines aims to nurture emerging talent and offer performance opportunities across the city. Xhosa explains: “It was a

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new thing to get students from the inner city creating jazz and playing jazz. It was in partnership with Birmingham Conservatoire and we had some amazing tutors and guests.”

He adds: “For the first three years I did the summer schools and workshops and met so many amazing and inspiring people. They were fortunate to get some more funding which meant we didn’t just have an annual gettogether over the summer, but we now had a regular monthly group where we could develop our skills, work on collaborating with other young creatives and absorb as much as we could from the brilliant tutors we had.”

During the Jazzlines summer school of 2015 Xhosa was undecided between classical and jazz saxophone, but a conversation with Percy Pursglove (musician, composer, major force in the jazz world) made up his mind. He remembers: “When Percy tells you to do the jazz course, you do the jazz course – and my music and my life would probably be totally different if I’d chosen classical.”

PLAYING WITH GREATS Thanks to the contacts at THSH the youngsters on the workshops were able to meet and play with some prestigious musicians such as the Jeff Williams Quartet and John O’Gallagher among many other greats. Xhosa explains: “When they came and did their performance we were able to have a workshop with them and we were invited to their rehearsal. Also, we had the opportunity to use the Patrick Studio at Symphony Hall and go to the Conservatoire and take part in their seminars and workshops. All of this gave us the chance to get some world class advice on ways in which we could push our music forward.”

Having benefited from the city’s Music Service and youth engagement, Xhosa is keen to encourage other young musicians. He says: “I chaperoned a summer school and that was amazing to see all the young musicians completely giving it their all – it was really inspiring. I know a lot of the parents and I see their children now are where I was, going to gigs in their school uniform. Some of those children are inspired by me, but I’m also inspired by them!”

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GROWING PLACES

GREASE IS THE WORD HUNT FOR SECOND SITE A school which is helping refugees and migrants

build a better life in the UK is to open a second site.

Sandwell Valley School was set up in 2016 and is supported by Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust and other local businesses. School principal Mim Hall said: “We can only take another two or three pupils, so the governors have given the go-ahead for us to look for a second site.”

Cobham Theatre at Bromsgrove School was transformed into Rydell High School for a production of Grease. After hearing the Rydell High song and listening to poor Eugene Florczyk drone on about the happy times of his school days 20 years previously, the front curtain dissolved away to reveal the greasers sprawled across the front steps of the school in 1959. Scenery including a fully-functioning car and 14-foot

SCHOOL REPORT

high juke box.

BOXING CLEVER A criminology student from Birmingham City University has won the International Combat Organisation Kickboxing World Championships. As part of Team England, Dan Lockley, 18, took three titles in Rome. He won the 16 to 18-year competition on mats and the 18 to 35-year competitions in the ring and on mats.

“I’m overwhelmed and proud as this was the first time I’d fought in the adult category,” he said.

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GROWING PLACES

BEST IN BRUM Staff and students at South & City College Birmingham and Bournville College are celebrating after receiving a ‘Good’ Ofsted grade across all areas, only 15 months after merging. The college, with campuses in six locations across the city, is now judged to be the best further education college in the city. Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the achievement rates of students who thrive under the guidance of highly-skilled teachers.

FOURTH GENERATION

HOWZAT! Moreton Hall sixth former Milly Home has been selected to join Warwickshire County Cricket Club Academy’s U19 programme after making her debut for the women’s 1st XI team and being named the best overall female player.

Multi-talented Milly has also represented England U19s at the U20 European Lacrosse Championships, where the team was crowned European champions and she was awarded the ‘Best U20 Attacker’ award.

A lasting legacy has been established for an Austrian Jew who moved to England in 1939 to escape Nazi persecution and studied at Solihull School. After the war Walter Rabl married Grace Lyles and had a daughter, Tricia, whose husband Rob Parry attended the school, before their daughter Katie studied at the Sixth Form. And now their son William, the fourth generation of the family, is attending the junior school.

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CLOSE WITHÁ

CAROLINE MILLER FROM A BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT TO INTERIM CEO OF BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET, VIA LEADING DANCE UK AND FLORIDA’S ORLANDO BALLET, IT’S BEEN QUITE A JOURNEY – PICKING UP TOP AWARDS AND AN OBE ALONG THE WAY

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I joined Birmingham Royal Ballet as interim chief executive officer (CEO) for 12 months in February 2018 having previously been executive director of Orlando Ballet in Florida. I started my career as a box office assistant and worked my way up as a marketing officer and then as a publicist in the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London and with the international art book publisher, Phaidon Press.

In 2006, I took on my first leadership role as director of Dance UK, the national body representing the professional dance sector. Highlights included helping open three free NHS specialist injury clinics so dancers can get similar health support to professional athletes. The biggest milestone at Dance UK was my work initiating a merger of Dance UK with three other dance charities to make a bigger, stronger support body for dance, called One Dance UK and in 2017, I was awarded an OBE for services to the arts.

IT’S WHAT I DO I help the artistic team to realise its vision by ensuring that the business side of the company runs well and we secure enough resources to ensure that BRB continues to be one of the major ballet companies in the world. BRB employs 180 permanent staff and up to 300 freelance and casual staff during our tours each year, so for an arts organisation it’s a big company.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE? To continue helping the BRB raise the profile of if its work in the local community. Projects like Dance Track which sees the company work with nearly a quarter of Birmingham’s primary schools for last 21 years and its own

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company of dancers with learning disabilities, called Freefall, should be known about and celebrated. On a personal note I’d love to help women with cancer.

BIGGEST SUCCESS Receiving the De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2015. That year it was awarded to the amazing ballerina Sylvie Guillem and me! It was a complete shock.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED My mum told me when I was doing my finals: “You can’t eat an elephant all at once, just take one bite at a time.” I use this mantra every day. More recently my wonderful chairwoman at Orlando Ballet, Sibille Pritchard, told me: “I pick my heart attacks.” Very good words to follow!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM Being in the foyer of Birmingham Hippodrome when the audience is flooding in to see BRB perform and the excited children, a lot of little girls dressed up in their favourite outfits with sequins! I’ve also loved meeting the local Birmingham people who have been dedicated supporters of BRB. DOWNTIME I love to swim or going on holiday, (involving more swimming and diving off boats into the sea). My favourite places are Menorca and also Florida now, especially a very beautiful town called Winter Park, which is set on a chain of lakes. You can paddle board, kayak, water-ski or take out your boat – I wouldn’t swim there though even though they say there aren’t alligators, I wouldn’t trust that advice! I

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ELEGANT ENTERTAINMENT HUSBAND AND WIFE BENJAMIN AND CHLOE-JEAN GREY HAVE TURNED THEIR DREAM,

TO GIVE TALENTED MUSICIANS A CHANCE TO GROW, INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS s a pianist and a singer, husband-and-wife duo Benjamin and Chloe-Jean Grey dreamed of creating a business out of their passions.

Envisaging a musical collective where each member felt part of a family, they wanted to give talented musicians a chance to grow their talents, while earning money in a notoriously hard-to-break industry.

Not only did they want to showcase these talents to the masses, but they wanted to demonstrate the wealth of talent both from and to Birmingham.

From this, Elegant Entertainment was born – and

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since then it has grown over the last six years to perform close to 5,000 sets. What’s more, the group has started to offer services beyond performing, planning parties, weddings and other memorable occasions as part of its repertoire.

TOP RESIDENCIES Launching with just two performers in 2012, Elegant Entertainment has just celebrated the signing of its 42nd musician. With residencies in some of the region’s best-loved hotels, bars and

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COMPANY TO WATCH

community-feel remains front and centre. He said: “We are a huge musical family and, in that respect, we all sing from the same song sheet – excuse the pun! Every member of Elegant Entertainment is integral to maintaining this ethos and we always recruit with this in mind. As a result, not only do we all enjoy coming to work each day, but we’ve attracted and retained the most talented musicians in the city!

BRUM IS BUZZING “We’re totally biased being Brummies, but the truth is Birmingham’s entertainment scene has got everything. Wonderful theatres, a vibrant classical music scene, comedy clubs, and – of course – fantastic live music venues.”

EE’s aims over the next year are to provide its musicians with regular work at the most iconic venues in the city, while growing to have a team of more than 50. Chloe-Jean said: “Last year was a stand-out one for us having won contracts with the likes of Hotel du Vin, as well as having more than 350 performances booked over Christmas alone!

We also performed at the BBC’s annual Christmas party, which was really exciting. We can’t wait to keep up the musical-momentum for both our clients and our performers in 2019!

restaurants, including Malmaison, Radisson, Clayton Hotel and Marco Pierre White, the Birmingham-based group is proving it’s more than a one-hit wonder for the city.

EE has also just launched its newest act, Keep Off The Brass. They’ve enjoyed a hugely successful month-long residency over Christmas, playing at Be At One and MPW, among others, and they are looking to tour them in Ibiza this summer.

Even with this rapid rise to the top, co-founder Benjamin is focussed on ensuring that the

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GOING INTERNATIONAL “EE is going international this year. We’ve had a property in Italy for 10 years now and speak the language. Last year, we were approached a number of times to do weddings over there so we’re focusing on “Britalian” weddings – for people who want their big day in a stunning place like Italy, but also quality live music from English musicians.”

So, just out of interest, what’s it like working so closely with your other half? Benjamin says: “Really fun actually! We’ve spoken to so many people who say : ‘God, I couldn’t work with my partner; we’d end up killing each other’.”

Chloe-Jean adds: “To be fair, there are days when we want to push each other into the canal but for the most part we get along really well.” I

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ADVERTORIAL

WHEN COMMERCIAL ASSETS MEET THE PERSONAL LIFEÁ

“The majority of people don’t really plan well enough for the future,” said Sarah

Balfour, Birmingham Family Law Partner at Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth. “We deal with financial situations where people haven’t really thought this will happen to them.” usinesses can be put at risk by far more personal matters, which is why Balfour urges business owners to plan carefully. “Being in a firm like this where we have such a big and wide ranging business team, there is much more of a focus on acting for people with business interests.”

“It is best to be involved right at the beginning of the story,” said Balfour, “You have to untangle so much, particularly if a couple are in business together or family assets are involved. For example, an up and coming entrepreneur who is doing really well and the business is flying - they don't necessarily think that in 15 years’ time they might be sitting down talking about whether their current partner will get a share of the business they have built.”

Balfour continued: “As business owners, having to extract that money means implications for the business.

How are they going to get it out of the business? Then it’s getting to the bottom of what the business is worth and other things which are massively disruptive.”

Balfour notes the high profile divorce of Asos founder Nick Robertson, forcing him to sell 1.3m shares through a placing with institutional investors last year to fund his £70m divorce settlement.

The judge was asked to decide how much Robertson’s exwife Janine should receive after they failed to come to an agreement on the division of shares and property owned by the entrepreneur, which took Asos from a £12m company when it floated on AIM in 2001, to a £3bn company today.

Stories like that of the former Asos chief executive are the stuff of nightmares for entrepreneurs and successful businesspeople alike, but it is not often that they think about the situation early enough to mitigate it.

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“This is not going to happen to everyone,” said Balfour, “but on a more moderate level that happens to a lot of people, preparation in any event is therefore key.

“We need to discuss how they want to structure the business; when setting up home with someone, having a cohabitation agreement; how to manage finances, to think about having the right shareholder agreements for instance. Much of what we do centres around providing a sense of stability and knowledge for clients going through that situation when the relationship does break down.

“In terms of planning, the main thing is getting people to think about prenuptial agreements. As advisors now we must be talking about at least the option of a prenup to all our clients but especially the entrepreneurial ones.

“People were sceptical about them in previous years, that they would even have an effect, but the law has moved on massively in the past five years.”

The case of German paper company heiress Katrin Radmacher in 2010 made that clear, after the UK Supreme Court ruled that the Husband should be bound by his prenuptial agreement, giving very strong guidance on how prenups should be viewed.

“It gave people reassurance, and meant that we can be a bit more definite that they will benefit from having a prenup in place,” Balfour said.

Separation and divorce is going to represent a significant change to you and your family, especially if there is a business involved. Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth offer unrivalled guidance and methods to support you whatever the circumstance, help you plan appropriately and make the right decisions at the right time. I

If you need legal advice, contact Sarah Balfour on 0121 214 5451 or by email sarah.balfour@irwinmitchell.com @IMFamilyLaw

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BUSINESS

TEAM BOOSTS BUSINESS

NEWS

BUSINESS

A new team of experts has been set up in the Midlands to help businesses improve productivity, processes and efficiency.

Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre’s System Architecture team is led by senior engineer Nikki Gillatt and examines company processes to look for opportunities to improve, identify bottlenecks in processes and review areas where technology can help reduce costs, increase safety, save time or improve productivity.

ON THE RUN IN AFRICA

THE £500M MAN Birmingham Airport has a new chief executive. Nick Barton, who held the same post at Luton Airport, will lead the team in implementing a £500million programme to upgrade and expand the capacity of Birmingham’s terminal operations, aircraft stands and support facilities.

The programme is expected to grow the current 13million passengers a year to an expected 18million. He said: “The airport is on the threshold of a very exciting chapter in its development.”

Four members of staff from Birmingham-based PHB Ethical Beauty joined 40,000 runners in the Great Ethiopian Run – Africa’s biggest road race – which took place in Addis Ababa. Their efforts boosted the company’s fundraising total to £10,000 for Orbis UK which funds vital sight-saving work in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The run is one of PHB Ethical Beauty’s fundraising initiatives – they also channel a percentage of profits to Orbis UK.

CHAMBERS’ CHARITY Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president, Saqib Bhatti, has selected Prostate Cancer UK as his charity of the year. He decided to help raise awareness of the disease after two fellow business colleagues were affected by prostate cancer. David Waller, chairman of GBCC, and Greg Lowson, partner at GBCC patron Pinsent Masons, have both successfully fought the disease in the last year and are now in remission.

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AWARDS LINE-UP BPS Birmingham Future’s flagship Young Professional of the Year awards has unveiled a new organising committee. Following her role as deputy chair in 2018, the 2019 committee will be chaired by Kirn Dibra, a risk and control manager at Experian. The 2019 awards event organised by BPS Birmingham Future, a membership organisation which connects, promotes and represents professional services in the city, takes place in May at the ICC.

CATHERINE DOUBLES UP Businesswoman Catherine Bennett is getting in the saddle to take part in two big cycling

DREAM DESTINATION The UK’s first direct flights to Langkawi – a group of 99 islands off the coast of northern Malaysia – have been launched from Birmingham Airport. TUI Airways and Marella Cruises are operating the flights to Langkawi for passengers setting sail on the cruise line’s Enchanting Far East and Eastern Sunsets itineraries. Tom Screen, acting aviation director at Birmingham Airport, said: “A package like this allows customers to experience a range of exotic climates and cultures, all in one trip.”

CAPITAL APPOINTMENT Godwin Capital has announced the appointment of leading finance expert Henry Porter to its new advisory board. Godwin Capital is part of the Godwin Group, the regional property development and investment company with offices in Birmingham, Nottingham and London.

Henry, of Bluewater Capital & Compliance, will join the advisory board as a well-respected specialist in financial compliance. Before launching Bluewater, he was head of e-commerce sales at Deutsche Bank.

WORTH THE WEIGHT! A new award-winning fitness club is opening at Solihull’s Mell Square shopping

events in support of Birmingham charity

centre. Énergie Fitness, on the first floor

Cure Leukaemia. Catherine, founder of

above Loaf, in Mill Lane North, features

employee benefits and engagement

state-of-the-art strength, cardio and

specialists Caboodle Technology, has

functional equipment, a packed timetable

previously supported Cure Leukaemia by

of fitness classes, fully qualified personal

completing Velo Birmingham in 2017 and

trainers, wellness facilities and more. An

cycling from London to Paris last September.

exciting feature is the YARD Club Edition,

This year she is planning to do both! L2P is

a signature high-intensity training concept

from 12 to 15 September and Velo

featuring punch bags, suspension trainers,

SECRET’S OUT

Birmingham & Midlands is on 12 May.

slam balls and benches.

One of the Midlands’ biggest escape game companies has expanded – and its latest experience can be taken into offices and meeting rooms across the country. Escape Live, which attracts thousands of visitors to venues in Birmingham, Coventry, Stratford and Leamington Spa, has developed the new Secret Service game which can be staged at virtually any location as an icebreaker for conferences, meetings or a team-building exercise.

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BUSINESS BITES ELECTRIC DRIVE

A new car club has launched in Solihull offering an alternative to the high cost of car ownership. E-Car Club (a Europcar Mobility Group company) has brought 18, all-electric Renault ZOE hatchbacks to the area, which can be booked for an hour or several days at a time.

ARCADE OPENING

FIRM OF THE YEAR

Great Western Arcade has welcomed its latest independent retailer. Following the success of their first shop in Harborne, brother and sister duo Luke and Rachel Perry have expanded

Birmingham accountants Haines Watts has been named Member Firm of the Year by Geneva Group International (GGI), the global alliance of independent professional firms which has more than 580 accounting, law and consulting businesses in 124 countries.

Hedge to the Arcade, and are based at No 13. The store prides itself on creating carefully curated interiors, British seasonal flowers, botanicals and art. It also stocks a variety of Birmingham-based brands including Punks and Chancers, Abbie Gaiger and Honest.

TURKISH DELIGHT

TOUR AWARD

Award-winning Turkish Airlines has celebrated 10 years of flying from Birmingham Airport.

Employees of the airlines and airport joined passengers to mark the day and time of the first flight which left Birmingham at 11.05 a decade ago.

Omer Faruk Alier, general manager at Turkish Airlines: “This marks an important day in Turkish Airlines’ history, as we celebrate a key hub for our airline in the UK. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.”

Al-Hidaayah Travel was named Best UK VIP & Luxury Hajj Tour Operator at the Hajj and Umrah Excellence Awards. The Birmingham travel firm picked up the award in a London ceremony. Al-Hidaayah Travel specialises in Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage tours.

KINGFISHER FLYING HIGH A fast-growing print solutions company has expanded into new premises in Redditch. Kingfisher has seen its annual revenues increase from £100,000 when it launched 10 years ago to £1.6million today. It has increased its workforce from nine to 15 in the last year, with two more staff currently being recruited. Andrew Frascina, the owner and principal dealer at Kingfisher, said: “Following our move we’ll soon be announcing more recruitment plans.”

PRIME TIME

Prime Minister Theresa May and Chancellor Philip Hammond joined West Midlands mayor Andy Street at the Kings Norton headquarters of adi Group to highlight the engineering firm’s work in inspiring young people to a career in engineering. Mrs May praised adi’s “wonderful apprentices” and the opportunities delivered by the firm’s “quality apprenticeships”. The firm recently recruited 10 new apprentices – five from the business’ pioneering preapprenticeship scheme.

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BIG TURN-OUT FOR PROPERTY DINNER

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Actress Meera Syal joins 600 guests from region’s property sector at ICC

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nvestment Property Forum (IPF) Midlands celebrated its annual dinner at the ICC with more than 600 guests from the region’s property sector. Special guest was actress and Birmingham Living cover star Meera Syal who took time out from her busy panto schedule to entertain guests with stories of being brought up in the Midlands.

Sponsors for the event included Irwin Mitchell and Lloyds Bank. I

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1 Matthew Hannah, Mike Eaglesfield, David Smith, Graeme Rutter. 2 Gareth Williams, Gareth Thornton, Mark Watkins.

3 Meera Syal,

Damian Lloyd. 4 Paul Bagshaw, Scott Osborne. 5 Jonathan Wallis, Damian Lloyd. 6 James Cubitt, Edyta Mikulko, Guy Gusterson.

7 Allen Mckenzie, James Tudge, Richard Round. 8 Martin McQueen, Barry Riley, Sue Forster

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TOP LAW FIRM HOSTS PROPERTY SEMINAR 2

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Quality new homes foundation of sustainable future, delegates told n annual property seminar hosted by Midlands law firm Lodders attracted 140 delegates from across the region. They heard a talk from Spencer Claye, senior planning and development director of Bloor Homes, which centred on the government’s Building Better, Building Beautiful commission that is set to tackle the challenge of poor quality design and build of new homes. The seminar was held at the Ardencote at Claverdon. I

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1 Brian Lewis, Steven Baker. 2 Michael Peachey Tim Malby, Stephen Moore. 3 Spencer Claye, Phil Fermor, Tom Docker, Mark Miller, Alastair Frew, Jane Senior, George Campion. 4 Jeremy Watson, Roger Campion. 5 Martin Green, Martin Elliot, Mark Robins. 6 John Gray, Louise Igoe.

7 Rebecca Freeman, Andrew Oulsnam. 8 Keith Williams, Ed Bird, Mark Miller, Rod Bird. 9 David Cook, John Angood, James Spreckley.

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RACE LEGEND BACKS LIFE-SAVING CHARITY

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Sir AP McCoy helps raise £30,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance acing fans gathered at the Belfry Hotel and Resort for an exclusive evening with 20-time champion jump jockey Sir AP McCoy – and raised more than £30,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Guests were welcomed by talkSPORT presenter Rupert Bell before enjoying a three-course meal. Sir AP then took to the stage for a Q&A hosted by Sky Sports’ Emma Spencer. Proceeds from tickets for the evening and a raffle and auction on the night will fund 12 future lifesaving air ambulance missions. I

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1 Rupert Bell, Sir AP McCoy, Willie Thorne. 2 Edward Austin, Charlie Todd.

4 Cairi Dyson, Rachel Paddock, Hayley Hankey.

3 Adele Whelan, Martin Whelan, Adam Williams.

5 David Burrows, Tessa Rollings, Rob Fulton. 6 Lorra Bicknel, Jason Levey, Shaun Kelly.

7 Sir AP McCoy, Abbie Hawkins.

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Family and friends celebrate fresh chapter in the Jewellery Quarter epalese restaurant Jojolapa celebrated its move to the Jewellery Quarter with an exclusive event for family and friends.

The family-run business, which was first opened by the nationally-recognised chef Ganesh Shrestha, now has his son Sanju Shrestha taking over the reins as the restaurant continues on a new and exciting journey. I

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1 Alan Sharman, Judi Gilbert, Richard Sternberg. 2 Sanju Shrestha, Mark Moylan. 3 Ganesh Shrestha and family. 4 Derek Inman, Roger Birchall and John James. 5 Sanju Shrestha. Photography by Jas Sansi

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CHARITY BOOST FROM GRAND SLAM EVENING

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Wrestling legend hosts black tie fund-raiser at Nailcote Hall ne of the nation’s most recognisable and memorable wrestlers, Tony ‘Banger’ Walsh, hosted a star-studded event at Berkswell’s Nailcote Hall. Guests included Adam Woodyatt, Nick Owen and Gary Newbon with the black tie evening raising vital funds for local charities. I

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1 Tony and Carole Walsh with take@that. 2 Tony and Tracy Walsh.

David Shortland.

3 Adam Woodyatt, Tony Walsh. 4 Sue Cressman,

5 Tony Walsh with Eddie Kidd, Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown, Duncan Norvelle, David Moorcroft. 6 Sue and Rick Cressman.

7 Bob Hall, Nick Owen, Gary Newbon.

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Award-winning Jeremy Nicholas provides the laughs as guest speaker at Press Club roadcast journalist-turned-comedian Jeremy Nicholas provided the laughs when he appeared as guest speaker at a Birmingham Press Club lunch.

Award-winning Jeremy, who last year enjoyed a successful 27-show run at the Edinburgh Fringe, reminisced about a career which has taken him from the Midlands – where he received a punch from legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough – to the BBC World Service, Channel 5 and being stadium announcer at West Ham United FC. The lunch was held at the Circle Restaurant, Birmingham Hippodrome. I

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1 Claire Fry, Steve Price, Jessica Brabant. 2 Llewela Bailey, Jeremy Nicholas, Bob Warman. 3 Olie Hills, Jo Jeffries, John Duckers, Dorothy Hobson, Simon Pitt. 4 Clive Reeves, Hazel Horton-Peppercorn. 5 Said Khan, Jackie Royal, Kate Canty. 6 Alan Carruthers, Diane Hall, Neil Wilson, Fred Bromwich. 7 Bob Warman, Bob Haywood, Anne and Reg Harcourt. 8 Dean Williams, Chris Mair, Sue Smith, Chris Mowbray.

Photography by Ian Tennant

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WHAT: Barbara Dickson WHEN: 22 and 23 February WHERE: Town Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk The multi-million-selling recording artist returns with her accomplished band performing a wonderful range of material drawing on her folk roots.

WHAT: The X Factor Live Tour WHEN: 17 February WHERE: Resorts World Arena, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com The tour has been one of the most successful annual arena tours in the UK for the past 15 years and this will be no exception. Dalton Harris, Scarlett Lee, Anthony Russell, Danny Tetley… all your favourites will be on show for a cracking night.

WHAT: Aminé WHEN: 17 February WHERE: The Mill Digbeth, www.themilldigbeth.com Acknowledged by many as one of the most creative rappers of our time, Aminé is in Birmingham this month – and it’s well worth a visit.

WHAT: Tim Vine WHEN: 26 February WHERE: Redditch Palace Theatre, tel: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk The undisputed king of the one-liner is back on tour, telling lots of silly new jokes, showing off new homemade props, singing some new daft ditties, and all with the appearance of confidence.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: The Verdict

WHAT: Beauty and the Beast

WHEN: 2 February

WHEN: 19 February to 2 March

WHERE: Belgrade Theatre,

WHERE: Birmingham Royal Ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome,

tel: 02476 553055

www.brb.org.uk

www.belgrade.co.uk

A cruel prince, cursed to spend the rest of his life living in a fantastical castle with the animals he callously hunted, finds salvation in the heart of a beautiful girl. Witness transformations, wild waltzes, soaring birds and the blossoming relationship between Belle and the Beast.

Barry Reed’s smash hit legal thriller has been adapted for the stage by Margaret May Hobbs and following the huge success of its debut in 2017, it kicks off its second UK tour with a glittering new cast. Ian Kelsey stars as the washed-up alcoholic lawyer Frank Galvin.

WHAT: Professor Green

WHAT: Crufts 2019

WHEN: 13 February

WHEN: 7 to 10 March

WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute

WHERE: Birmingham NEC,

www.academymusicgroup.com/

tel: 0844 338 0338

o2institutebirmingham

www.crufts.org.uk

The multi-platinum rapper is one of the crossover stars of British music and recently made his return to music with the Rag’n’Bone Man collaborative single, Photographs.

An awesome live show.

The biggest and best dog show in the world is back, where more than 20,000 dogs will compete to win the prestigious title of Best in Show!

WHAT: Russell Watson WHEN: 17 February WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Singing sensation Russell performs a concert of his favourite music and songs, including hits from his latest album, True Stories.

WHAT: WNO – The Magic Flute WHEN: 7 and 9 March WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel: 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com Welsh National Opera’s irresistible production of this classic transports you to a dream world, full of colourful characters.

A witty story combined with Mozart’s sublime music adds up to an unforgettable opera experience for all ages.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Forward: New Art from Birmingham WHEN: Until 24 March WHERE: Medicine Bakery and Gallery, www.ikon-gallery.org This group exhibition includes work from 25 artists living and working in the city, highlighting the depth and vitality of a wide range of practices. Come and support Birmingham’s thriving artistic community.

WHAT: Michael Bublé Valentine’s Dinner with Jamie Flanagan WHEN: 14 February WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174

WHAT: The National Wedding Show

www.nailcotehall.co.uk Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day dinner with a superb tribute to the Canadian crooner by Jamie Flanagan. All your favourite Bublé classics for a romantic evening d’amour…

WHEN: 1 to 3 March WHERE: NEC, www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk With hundreds of wedding specialists on show, from bridal boutiques and florists to jewellers and photographers, this is a great opportunity to try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your special day at the UK’s biggest wedding show.

WHAT: Glengarry Glen Ross WHEN: 18 to 23 February WHERE: The Alexandra Theatre, tel: 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham After its sell-out run in the West End, this cracking production of David Mamet’s darkly funny classic comes to Brum. The tale of how four increasingly desperate employees will do anything, legal or otherwise, to sell the most real estate. Starring Mark Benton and Nigel Harman (Ricky Roma).

WHAT: Professor Brian Cox Live WHEN: 23 February WHERE: Arena Birmingham, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com Taking audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the Universe, this offers a fascinating insight into the workings of nature at the most fundamental level.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: As You Like It WHAT: Dixieland Crackerjacks

WHEN: From 14 February

featuring special guest

WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre,

Chris Barber

tel: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk

WHEN: 5 February WHERE: Mac Birmingham, tel: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk Join the band for a unique one-off matinee of swinging jazz as they welcome special guest star – jazz legend and trombonist Chris Barber.

A proper toe-tapping treat!

Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head. With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves.

Kimberley Sykes directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.

WHAT: A Night at the Oscars WHEN: 22 February WHERE: Symphony Hall, tel: 0121 780 3333 www.cbso.co.uk/whats-on Roll out the red carpet as maestro Anthony Weeden and the full City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra sweep you down Hollywood Boulevard in this glamorous tribute to some of the silver screen’s most unforgettable themes.

WHAT: Edmond de Bergerac WHEN: 15 to 30 March WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel: 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Inspired by the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond De Bergerac took France by storm and now makes its English-language premiere at the REP. The story of how a desperate playwright draws on his problems to write a new comedy.

WHAT: Half-Term Fun WHEN: 18 to 22 February WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, tel: 0121 212 3383 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Great for all the family. As well as the awesome glasshouse and the beautiful gardens to enjoy there’s also loads of special activities, including arts and crafts and story trails.

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IN THE CITY WITH TOM GALLIMORE, GM OF HOTEL DU VIN

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m general manager of Hotel du Vin Birmingham, a boutique hotel with 66 bedrooms, located in the heart of the Colmore business district. We also have a bistro, champagne bar, pub, spa and several function/meeting spaces.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? I live in Stourbridge and most days I’ll get the train to Snow Hill station, just around the corner from the hotel – it couldn’t be easier!

HOW’S THE COMMUTE? I actually quite enjoy the train journey! Having previously driven long distances each day when I worked elsewhere, anything would be an improvement to sitting in rush-hour traffic. The transport links into the city from where I live are really good and will only improve once they finally finish the roadworks!

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? Birmingham is a great place to work and it only seems to be getting better. The city is going through a real resurgence and the rest of the country is finally starting to take note of that. With new openings, fresh investments and continued construction, Brum is certainly on the up.

THE PLACE TO BE:

Birmingham’s on-going

resurgence is winning the admiration of the rest of

the UK, says Tom

COFFEE BREAK? I’m lucky that Hotel du Vin has so many fantastic spaces for meetings that I’m spoilt for choice. If I do find myself venturing further afield, there’s so many great options in the Colmore business district. A few favourites include Damascena, Java Lounge, Wayland’s Yard and – if it’s after 5pm – Loki Wine.

LUNCHTIME? The hotel’s bistro takes pretty good care of me, however if I fancy a change I’ll usually head over to our sister hotel, Malmaison, in the Mailbox. The Black Angus fillet steak is just unreal!

POWERWALKING? For a bit of fresh air I’ll often go for a stroll along the canal towpaths. They’re a great way to feel like you’re out of the city centre even when you’re still right at the heart of town.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? As a local lad, I’ll always have a nostalgic soft spot for Broad Street and Brindleyplace, based on my misspent youth! Now I’m just that little bit older, I’d have to go for somewhere like Edgbaston or Harborne.

AFTERWORK PINT? There are loads of great places for a drink in town, but as I’m partial to a pint I’ll often stop at the Old Contemptibles on my way to the train station.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? I think a lot of the changes that would make the city better are already underway. Projects like the West Midlands metro and the ongoing work on the Paradise Development, for example, are already taking shape – I think it’s just a case of waiting for them to be fully up and running so we can see the impact of them.

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