Birmingham Living February 2026 (issue152)

SOWETO KINCH

Inthisweirdworldweliveintoday,it’snicetoknowthatsomethingsneverchange.Likelove andmarriage.MultiplesurveysshowthatasmanyasonemillionBritswillgetengagedthis month–manyonValentine’sDay.That’squiteathought!AndFebruary,asawhole,isthe mostpopulartimeoftheyearforcouplestyingtheknot.So,unsurprisingly,wehereatBrumTowersare joiningthebiglove-inwithromancetotheforeinthismonth’sissue.

OurbiggerthanusualStylesectionaimstogivebrides-to-besomegreatideasastheyprepareforthebig day,withthefocus,ofcourse,onthedress!Thechoiceofwhattowearhasneverbeenwiderormore bewildering,especiallyasthenorm–traditional,flowing,classicwhite–hasbeenthrownupintheairby allsortsofcolourful,tailoredalternatives!Aswellaswhattowear,we’vealsoputtogethersometopbeauty tipsandproductstomakesurebridesreallysparkleonthebigday.Andwehaven’tforgottentheguys,as wetakealookatwhat’son-trendforgroomstowear!

OurFood&DrinksectionhasastrongValentine’svibe,whileourHomespagesfocusonthatimportant room–thebedroom–withplentyofideasofhowtogiveitastylishnewlookfornewlyweds.Andforthe restofus,too…

RegularBirminghamLivingreaderswillknowthatwealwaysliketobangthedrumforthecity’sbrilliant independentbusinesses.So,ifyou’repoppingthequestionthismonth,don’tforgettocheckoutour fantasticlocalshops,storesandserviceswhocanofferallthehelpyou’llneedasyouplanforyourbigday. HappyValentine’s!

DavidJohns

Coverimage: SowetoKinch

Photographyby IzaKorzak

EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk

FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS: DavidCarne,AdamKirtland ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk

DESIGNER: TracyDuffy

PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn.Imagelibrary:shutterstock.com PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR: JonathanCarter

RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110 ©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560

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News

Bringingyouthebrighteststories fromacrossthecitythismonth

SowetoKinch

Saxophonistandbroadcastertalksabout discoveringjazzandmagicofHandsworth

SeventhCircle

FromabijoushedintheBlackCountryto acavernousformerfactoryinDigbeth

Food&Drink

OyetolaAkandeofNigerianfinedining eateryEmpress,plusrecipesandwine

Health

Ski-sydoesit!Stayfitandhavefunby headingtotheskislopesthisEaster!

BridalStyle

Congratulations,you’reengaged!Now you’llbeneedingadressforyourbigday

BestoftheRest

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Homes

Is2026theyearweditchthewhitelinen infavourofabitofdramainthebedroom?

FromThePottingBench

AdamKirtlandshowshisgarden someloveforValentine’smonth

MusicMan

Nizlopi’sLukeConcannononlife,love, parenthood–andsuperfan,EdSheeran

BusinessNews

Allthelatestnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity

What’sOn

Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigs inourround-upofmust-seeevents

UpClose

WithJackQuddus,founderofNeonCow andBirminghamLightFestivalcreator

BULLSBONANZA

Anincredi-bullprojecthasraisedmore than£241,000forBirmingham Hospice.BullsintheCitypublicart trail,whichranfromJulytoSeptember 2025,brought128bullsculpturesto 88locationsacrossthecity.Thetotal raisedcamethroughsponsorship, merchandisesales,communityfundraising,eventsandanauctionofthe bullsthataloneraised£161,850,with top-sellingsculptureBabyOzfetching anamazing£13,500.Hospicechief executivePaulBythewaysaid:“Bullsin theCitycapturedtheheartof Birmingham,andweareoverwhelmed bythegenerosityofeveryone.”

ODYSSEYOFDANCE

BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH

ElmhurstBalletCompany,thegraduateperformancecompanyof ElmhurstBalletSchool,willpresentOdysseyatElmhurstStudioTheatre, BirminghamonFriday6andSaturday7March(andattheLilianBaylis Studio,Sadler’sWellsTheatre,LondononSaturday14March).Nowin itseighthyear,ElmhurstBalletCompanyisaninitiativetoprepare studentsforlifebeyondtraining.Intheirfinalyear.Odysseyinvites audiencesonajourneythroughstoriesoldandnew,celebratingeach dancer’sprogressionfromstudenttoartist.

MidlandsAirAmbulanceCharityis launchingitsannualWearitRedcampaign thismonth.SponsoredbyM6toll,the campaignofferssupportersmanywaysto takepartbeyondsimplywearingred, includinghostingbakesaleswitha‘bakeit red’twistandcreative‘paintitred’activities. Thosewhoregisterviathecharity’swebsite willreceiveafreedigitalresourcepackfull ofinspiringfund-raisingideasandtips, alongwithaspecialmessagefromthe charity’slifesavingaircrew.

BELLA’S£2MAPPEAL

AyounggirlfromNorthfieldjoinedstaffatBirminghamChildren’s Hospitaltolauncha£2millioncharityappealtotransformitsEmergency Department,wherealackofspaceiscreatingabarriertothetreatment andcareitcanoffer.BellaHancox,15,whowasbornwithcerebral palsy,andhermumHazel,knowthechallengesfamiliescanfaceinthe unit–they’vespentthelastthreeyearsinandoutofhospitalmanaging thechronicpainBellaexperiences.Thedepartmentisdesignedtocare for40,000patientsayear,butactuallytreats67,000.

JOYOFTHEBIGGIVE SIGNATURESCENT

BirminghamHippodromehasraisedmorethan£51,000tohelpmakethearts moreaccessibleforyoungpeopleacrosstheWestMidlands.TherecordbreakingtotalwaspartoftheBigGiveChristmasChallenge,theUK’sbiggest collaborativematch-fundingcampaign.Thankstosupportfromthe Hippodrome’sBigGiveChampion,theReedEducationalTrust,donations madeweredoubledandwillsupporttheHippodrome’sworkwithover30 partnerschoolsandcolleges,giving30,000youngpeoplethechanceto learn,performanddiscovertheirpotentialthroughthearts.

Villagepub,theFleurdeLys,inLowsonford,has teamedupwithArtibusYardinKenilworthto createabespokescentpromising‘anoasisof calm’forguests.Theaward-winningpub,better knownastheoriginatorofthefamouspiebrand, hasworkedwiththeartisancandlemakerto createasignaturescentthat’salsoavailableto purchaseasadiffuseroil.The‘recipe’blends cedar,fig,andcardamom–notesthatwere chosenincollaborationwithlicenseeEmma Woodhouse,pictured,tocomplementtheage andcharacterofthepub.

LIGHTSYOU’LLLOVE

BirminghamissettolightupforValentine’sweekendwith illuminatedartworkstakingoverthestreets,squaresandpublic spaces.TheBirminghamLightFestivalspectacular,whichtakes placeacrossthecityfrom12to15February,willinclude EdgbastonVillageandBirminghamBotanicalGardens.Edgbaston VillageNightMarketwillgivevisitorsthechancetoexplore GreenfieldCrescentanddiscovernewindependentmakers,while theCBSOandCanalandRiverTrustwillreprisetheirBringingthe LightLanternProcessionfollowinglastyear’ssuccess.

STAR

UnitedBy2022isstartingthenewyearinstylebyrecruitingforarangeof volunteeropportunitiesattwooftheUK’sbiggestsportingeventsin2026. VolunteerdriverapplicationsarenowlivefortheLexusBirminghamOpen, offeringauniquechancetosupportworld-classtennisandworkattheheart ofthetournament.Inaddition,volunteersarebeingsoughtforawide varietyofrolesattheEuropeanAthleticsChampionshipsthissummer,one ofEurope’spremiersportingshowcases.

DREW’S CASH DRIVE

DrewHanslowmadeapledge toraisemoneyforacharity whichmadehisdreamof drivingacarcometrue.The 30-year-oldfromKidderminster whohasalbinismand nystagmuswhichimpairshis vision,promisedtowalkfive millionstepsin2025–andhe achievedhisgoal,raising £5,500.Afterattendinga drivingdayin2015organised bySpeedOfSight,Drewhas nowenjoyeddriving experienceswiththecharity17 times.Hehasalsobecomea regularvolunteerandoneof thecharity’sambassadors.

ATTRACTION MICHELINMAN

MUSICINTHEMARKET

AfamousbluesclubislaunchingweeklygigsthismonthataBlack Countryindoormarket.Henry’sBlueshousewillberunningtheshows atWestBromwichIndoorMarketfrom7-10pmeveryFridaywithstreet foodanddrinksavailabletohelpsupportthelocalnight-timeeconomy. BandsappearinginFebruaryaretheShufflepack,HoneyboyHickling BluesBand,theShakedownBrothersandChickenboneBluesBand.

SCIENCEONSTILTS!

Arestaurantheadedbya MasterChef:The Professionalswinnerhas beenaddedtothe prestigiousMichelin guide–lessthanayear afteropening.The WarwickatMalloryCourt Hotel&Spain LeamingtonSpaopened inJuneunderthe stewardshipofStu Deeley,deliveringBritish diningwithboldflavours andthefinestlocal produce.Stusaid:“This recognitionbythe Michelinguideinsucha shortspaceoftimeis testamenttothehigh standardsupheldbyour fantasticteameveryday.”

Femalescientistsonstiltsarepartofanewseasonof eventsfromBirminghamMuseums.Thehigh-stepping boffinsareatThinktanktocelebrateWomenandGirls inSTEMdayonSaturday7February.Meanwhile, visitorstoBirminghamMuseum&ArtGallerycanenjoy pilatesclasseswithadifferenceinthePre-Raphaelite galleries.AndonValentine’sDay,artistandwriterLeahHickeywillbeleadingaVictorianValentines workshop.Youngervisitorsagedeightandabovecantakepartinachildren’sjewelleryworkshopon selecteddatesattheMuseumoftheJewelleryQuarter.

NEWLOOKPHOENIX

BirminghamPhoenixhasunveiledanew brandidentityaheadofTheHundredcricket competitionthissummer.TheEdgbastonbasedfranchisesaidthenewbranding “drawsonthecultureandcreativesparkof theregionwhileembracingthevibrant coloursthathavebecomesynonymouswith thePhoenix”.Arefreshedlogoisinspiredby thechevronshapesintheWestMidlands andcityofBirminghamflags,whilethe Phoenix’scolourshavealsobeentweaked andincludeSabbathBlackinanodtothe city’sproudmusicalheritage.

MISFITSDATE

SIDEDISHISSERVED

Anewannualpop-upeventseries,SideDish,iscomingtoBirminghamthis month,bringingtogetherlocalfoodvenues,livecomedyandfund-raisingfora Birminghamcharity.SideDishwilltakeplaceatvenuesincludingTigerBitesPig, TxikiteoandtheButtonFactory,withmorelocationstobeannounced.Funds raisedthroughticketsaleswillsupportAnawim,aBirmingham-basedcharity workingwithwomenfacingpoverty,abuseandhomelessness.Moredetails: yuup.co/side-dish

SPRINGINTHEIRSTEP

Picture:JakeTurney

Birmingham-basedartsorganisationand charity,MisfitsMusicInstitute,willhostan eveningofconversationfeaturingawardwinningmusicianDrKadiatuKanneh-Mason atRoyalBirminghamConservatoireon18 February.TogetherwithclarinettistAnton Clarke-Butler,DrKanneh-Masonwillexplore thechallengesandtriumphsofcreatingartas Blackmusicians,inspiredbyhercritically acclaimedbook,ToBeYoung,Giftedand Black.MisfitsMusicInstituterunsaccessible musicalgroupsforadultsacrossBirmingham, supportingmentalhealthandwellbeing.

GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk

Getreadytoenjoydance, Asian-style!SampadSouth AsianArts&Heritage’spopular AsianSpringeventwillreturn nextmonth,showcasingthe region’sdiversedanceformsat RoyalBirmingham Conservatoire.Theeveningon Sunday22Marchbringstogethervarieddancegroupsfromacrossthe Midlands–fromtheintricatefootworkandexpressivestorytellingofKathak tothelively,high-energymovesofBhangra.

YEAROFTHE HORSE

Birmingham’sChineseNewYearCelebrationswill takeplaceinBirmingham’sChinatownonSunday 22FebruarytowelcometheYearoftheHorse. Shiningaspotlightonthefantastictalentwithinour region,expectawonderfulcelebrationthat promisestowowaudienceswithbothtraditional andmodernmusic,danceandtheatre performances.XinNianKuaiLe,Birmingham!

CAN’T FAKETHE FUNK

BROADCASTER,SOWETOKINCHTALKSABOUTTHE MAGICOFHANDSWORTH,DISCOVERINGJAZZIN EDINBURGHANDBEINGANAMBITIOUSSWOT

MusicianandbroadcasterSowetoKinchmight havebeenborninLondonbeforemovingto Birminghamagednine,buthe’saBrummie throughandthrough.He’squicktocondemnRobert Jenrick’sdivisiveandfactuallyquestionablecommentsabout Handsworthandhe’sabeaconofpositivityabout Birmingham,fromitsworldclassculturalinstitutionstoits wonderfulpeople.

Sowetohasreacheddizzyingheightsincareerterms.He’s wonmultipleMOBOawardsforbestjazzact,aMercury MusicPrize,aBritishJazzAward,UrbanMusicAwardsand BBCJazzAwardsamongothers.He’sworkedwithourvery ownCityofBirminghamSymphonyOrchestra(CBSO)and theLondonSymphonyOrchestra(LSO)aswellasrecording withjazzlegendssuchasaltosaxophonistGaryBartzand trumpeter,NicholasPayton.

He’saregularonRadioThreewithhisRoundMidnight showfeaturingjazzfromalleraswithlivesessionsandguests aswellasplatformingundiscoveredtalent.HisRadioFour series,RethinkingMusicexploresthecrisisinmusic educationandwhatitmeansformusicallifeintheUKinthe 21stcentury.

Attheendoflastyear,SowetoperformedSoundtracksof theApocalypseattheBarbicanwiththeLSOwhichwillbe releasedasastudioalbuminthespring.Wesuggest,theend oftheworlddoesn’tsoundverylightweight…Soweto explainsthatthemeaningofapocalypseisalsounveilingand thealbumhasatwinapproach–i.e.theworldmightbeon firebutwe’reunveilinghope.Ofthecurrentdarknessinthe world,hesays:“There’snodoubttheglobalmajoritywants lessgenocideandlessstarvation,etc.”

CUMBERSOMESAXOPHONE

AtastateprimaryschoolinLondon,youngSowetofirst pickedupaninstrument.HesaystheEightieswasadifferent timewithalotoffundingformusicinthestatesector.Notso now.OnceSowetomovedtoHandsworthheattendedprivate prepschool,WestHouseinEdgbastonwherehismusic flourishedfollowedbyBromsgroveSchoolwheretherewere manyopportunitiestofurtherexplorehismusicalstudies.

Outsideformaleducation,Sowetowasimmersedinthe artsfromanearlyagethankstohisfather,DonKinchwho wasaplaywrightandhisactressmother.Sowetocreditsoneof Don’sshowsattheEdinburghFringewithgivinghimthe jazzbug.TheshowfeaturedGuyanesesingerand instrumentalistFrankHolderandjazzdancerWillGaines, andwhileSowetowasn’tsurewhatitallmeant,hecouldn’t

leaveitaloneandstartedseekingoutmorejazz.Beforelong hewasluggingaroundacumbersomesaxophone.

Thehiphopinfluencewasspawnedduringthelate EightiesandearlyNinetiesandfusingthetwofeltpowerful andexciting.InspiredbythelikesofDeLaSoul,ATribe CalledQuestandTheRoots,Sowetoembracesbothgenres sayingheneedsboththedirectnessandlyricismofhip-hop andtheemotionalexpressionofjazz.

RICHLYPRIVILEGED

WhileSowetowasprivilegedtoattendgreatprivate schools,hefeelslikehewasfurtherenrichedbyhis communityinHandsworth.Hesays:“Igrewuprichly privileged.ItwasdifferenttomyBromsgrovefriends.They didn’tpassthepakorashoponthewayhomeorgotocarnival beingexposedtoAfricanmusic.Ihadthebestofboth worlds.”Healsobegantoquestiontheideaofwhatsociety viewsashighandlowbrow.

SowetocreditstheculturalcentreinHandsworthwith encouragingcreativity.Thecentreranasummerplayscheme where,amongthingsthekidswereallowedtousethe recordingstudio.Itprovidedaplacetomeet,jamandcreate. ThecommunitywasprecioustoSowetowhichispartlywhy Tory-turned-ReformpoliticianRobertJenrick’sdivisive commentsaboutnotseeinganotherwhitefaceand comparingittoaslumhithard.

Hesays:“HiscommentsaboutHandsworthwerenot properlyexplored.I’maBBCpresenter.Ihaveadegreefrom Oxford.IlivedacrossfromaseniorpartnerinaLondonlaw firm.He(Jenrick)musthavewalkedpasttheSloveniansand thethirdgenerationIrishimmigrants.It’smeanttotrigger peopleandcultivatearacewar.”

Headds:“Formulti-culturallivingcheekbyjowlwe’ve doneagoodjob.AtWestHouseIgottheAstonVillabug fromaJewishschoolfriend.We’dseeourAsianPunjabi friendsontheterraces.Theideathatthereareno-goareasin mycityisridiculous.Thesenefariousactorshavenointerest inreality.”Oftheriseinracistanti-immigrantrhetoric generally,Sowetosays:“I’mconsciousthatwithinmylifetime blackpeoplewerebeingchaseddownthestreet.TheUSis terrifying.Thereseemstobeamnesiaatwork.Ithoughtwe’d hadthesediscussionsandfoughtit.”

AMBITIOUSSWOT

WhenSowetograduatedwithadegreeinModernHistory fromOxfordhewasn’thopingforacareerinmusic.Hesays: “Iwasalwaysanambitiousswot.IthoughtIwouldwalkinto

COVERSTORY

areallygreatjob–itwasadifferenttime.” Sowetolookedintoteachertrainingand appliedforaresearchpostattheUniversity ofBirminghambutwasrebuffeddueto lackofexperience.Hewasthenaskedto performwithGaryCrosby’sJazzJamaica groupinSingapore.Sowetorecalls:“I couldn’tbelievetheywantedtopaymeand Istartedtoconceivemusicasacareer.”

Hehasbeentremendouslycynicalabout themusicindustrynothelpedbyatwoweekstintplayinginthePopIdolbigband whichSowetodescribesasincrediblebut themanufacturedgenreisnotforhim. GaryCrosby’sTomorrow’sWarriors–a programmeofnurturingtalent–helped Soweto,givinghimspacetoincubateideas andworkonthingsandtherestastheysay ishistory.

COOLCOLLABS

Sowetohascollaboratedwithmany greatmusiciansandwewonderifthereare anyBrummieartistshe’dliketoworkwith. Itturnsoutthere’salistaslongasyourarm whichsaysalotaboutBirmingham’srich pooloftalent.NameslikeLadyLeshurr, Mist,Sonnyjim,whohehasworkedwith beforebutwouldjumpatthechanceto again,andhis‘verycool’friendXhosaCole amongothers.

We’vebeeninterviewingtalented Brummiesforover150issues–that’salot ofhigh-profilepeople.Andtherearesome thatstandoutlikeBenjaminZephaniah, StewartLeeandStevenKnightandwe’d putSowetoupthereassomeonewhosticks withyou.Anall-roundgoodeggdoing greatthingsandflyingtheflaginthebest ofwaysforBrum. ■

YoumightknowSeventhCirclethroughits formerMoseleyhomewhereitstayedforthree yearsbetweentheoriginalshedanditscurrent vastDigbethhome.ThefootprintinMoseleywassmall butChezandMarie(RobinChesworthandMarie Hutton)madethebestofitsupportingartistsandserving customerswiththeirsignaturecharmandauthenticity. Mariesaysthetinyframingoperationwasabitlike Tetris,butotherthanthat,Moseleytreatedthemwell.

Smallbusinessowningisnotforthefaint-hearted andthequestion,‘dowestickortwist?’willresonate withmany.Thedecisiontotwistandmakethemove toamassiveformerfactoryinDigbetheighttimes thesizeoftheMoseleygallerywasabiggie,buta goodie.Mariesays:“Wechattedaboutmovingin January2025andsawtheplaceinFebruary,so founditquickly.Itwasadoer-upper.”Onething

Marielearned:“Sandingisnotmycalling!” AftermuchDIY,thespaceissmartbutcrucially welcoming.There’srealscopeforeventsaswellasfor artistsandclientsandthere’scertainlymorespaceforthe framingoperation–it’smoreaworkshopthanadesk. Mariesays:“It’slovelytostepbackandrealisewhatwe’ve done.”There’salsoastrongcreativecommunitythat’s beneficialandjoyful.Thegallery’sBowyerStreet landlordispickyabouthistenantsandseemstobe buildingacreativehub–there’saguitarmakeranda Lambrettarestoreramongothers.There’salsotheBea GoodNeighbourschemeintheareathatdoeswhatit saysonthetinandencouragescommunityandsupport.

HUMBLEBEGINNINGS

It’snotallbeenplainsailingmindyou.Theinitial decisionforCheztogofromasteadysalaryleadinga

teamofartinstallerstobranchingoutonhisownwas atoughone.HerentedstudiosinWolverhampton initiallywhichoftenturnedouttobecold,leakyand justnotfitforpurpose.Thenhefoundagemwhich gavehimmorethanenoughspaceforaworkshop, meetingswithclientsandgalleryspace.

Unfortunately,justasthingsweretakingoff,Covid reareditsuglyheadandChezwasforcedtoscaleback. Projectswerecancelledandhefoundhimselfpaying rentforaspacehecouldn’tuse.Bruisedbut undeterred,Chezbuiltaworkshopinhisgardenfrom whichthebusinesstookoff.Hewasframing,installing andcreatinglateintothenightanditbecameobvious itwastoomuchforoneperson.CueMarie.Shetook theleapin2021,joiningChezandthepluckypair begansearchingforgalleryspacethefollowingyear. Marie’sbackgroundwasingalleriesworkingacross numerousdepartmentsincludingsales,curation, eventsandmanagementwhichbroughtanexcellent setofskillstothetable.

InlateMarch2022,theMoseleygalleryopened

SUPPORTINGLOCAL

SeventhCircle’srosterofartistsisimpressiveandvaried.Among them,there’ssomecrackinglocaltalentincludingOlliIreson,Sophie Rose-Walters,StevenNorton,ImogenMorris,LauraTinald,Sketch AvenueandBlackCountryTypeamongmanyothers. SeventhCircleArtworks&Aesthetics,UnitC3,2BowyerStreet, Digbeth,B100SA.

displayingandsellingartworkbylocalartistsand hostingevents.Themissionhasalwaysbeentoreject artsnobberyandcreateanaccessible,authenticspace connectingpeoplewithartinameaningfulway.The Moseleygallerygrewintojustthatandbecamea joyfulplaceforcustomersandartistsalike.Theyjust outgrewit.

ThemovetoDigbethhasbeen‘reinvigorating’and Mariesaysit’smorethanagallerynow,‘it’safull blowncreativeeco-systembuiltonresilience,redwine andaradicalloveofart’.Amongthejoy,there’sbeen sadnesstoo.Justbeforetheypickedupthekeysto BowyerStreet,Chez’sbeloveddad,Alandied.He’d beenheavilyinvolvedinSeventhCircle’sjourney alwaysupaladderoronhishandsandkneesgetting stuckintoDIYinthegalleryorhelpingChezon installations,sohisabsenceisacutelyfelt,butalso spursthemon.

GREATESTJOY

Thelaunchpartywasajoyfulcelebrationthatset thetoneforthefuture.Despiteallthechanges,Marie saysthemissionhasn’tchanged:“Stillthegreatestjoy iswatchingsomeonewalkinunsure,maybeeven feelingoutofplace,andleavingwithasmile,saying they’llbeback.”Inaworldthat’sriddledwith pretention,ChezandMarie’swarm,authentic approachisrefreshingandinfectious.Here’stoa brilliant2026! ■

&DRINK

OYETOLA AKANDE

Tellusaboutyourcooking

Mycookingcomesfrompurepassion.It’sintuitive, expressive,anddeeplyrootedinfeeling.WhileI’mof AfricanheritageandthoseflavoursshapewhoIam, mypalatecutsacrosscontinents.Iloveclassicrecipes, butIrarelyrecreateadishthesamewaytwiceIalmost alwaysexperiment,substitute,orreimaginean element.Whatexcitesmeisbalance:respecting traditionwhileallowingcreativitytobreathe.What’s mostimportanttomeisthatfoodfeelshonest, comfortingandmemorable–foodthatspeakssoftly butstayswithyou.

Howdidyoubecomeachef?

I’mself-taught,andIsaythatproudly.Myjourney intocookingwasn’tthroughformalculinaryschool, butthroughcuriosity,repetitionandanunwavering loveforfood.I’velearntenormouslyfromotherchefs, cookbooks,travelandtelevision,constantlyobserving, tastingandrefining.Familyplayedahugerole;food wasalwayscentraltoourlives.Mealsweren’tjust eaten,theywereshared,discussedandcelebrated. Thatsenseoffoodasconnectionhasstayedwithme.

Whatdoyoueatathome?

Tobehonest,whateverisavailableandcomforting. Ilikethrowingleftoverstogetherandfleshingitup withsomesalad,friedeggsorsteamedvegetables.No fussmealsthataresimple,nourishinganddeeply satisfying.

Who’sthebestchefintheworld,andthebestin Brum?

BestintheworldformeisMassimoBottura.What Iadmiremostishisgrace.Heisn’tloudor performative,yethisinfluenceisundeniable.He’s knownfortransformingtraditionalItaliancuisine withcreativity,humility,andpurpose,whilealsousing foodasaforceforsocialgood.Thatquietexcellence resonatesdeeplywithme.HereinBirmingham,we areincrediblyrichinculinarytalent,butAktarIslam ofOpheemstandsout.Hisworkisthoughtful, refined,andculturallyexpressive.He’shelpedput Birminghamfirmlyontheglobalfoodmapwhile stayingrootedinauthenticity.Thatbalanceis somethingItrulyrespect.

Isthecustomeralwaysright?

Thecustomerisalwaysimportant,alwaystobe respected,butnotalwaysright.Greatdining experienceshappenwhenthere’strustbetweenthe guestandthechef,andwhenbothsidesvaluethe craft.

Shareacookingtip

Tasteasyougoandtrustyourpalate.Recipesare guides,notrules.Onceyouunderstandflavour,you gainthefreedomtocookwithconfidence.

Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?

Rice.Ilovedricegrowingup.Ienjoyeditpaired withfishorpoultryintomatopepperstews.

Foodheavenandfoodhell?

Foodheaveniswell-seasoned,thoughtfullycooked foodthatfeelsbalancedandintentional.Foodhellis foodcookedwithoutcare,noseasoning,nosoul.

What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?

I’veeatenafewunconventionalthings,butwhat mattersmorethanhowunusualsomethingis,ishow wellit’sprepared.Almostanythingcanbeenjoyable whencookedwithrespect.

Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?

I’dberunningOyettyFoundationfulltime.It’sa charityregisteredinNigeriathatsupportsparentsand carersofchildrenwithspecialeducationalneeds.It’s veryclosetomyheart,andservicehasalwaysbeenas importanttomeascreativity.

Whatdoyourecommendfromthisevening’s menu?

TheEmpressCoconutRice.It’srich,fragrant,and deeplysatisfying.Thecoconutissubtle,not overpowering.It’scookedwithsmokedgoatmeat, smokedturkey,succulentprawnsandmixed vegetables.Ifyou’revisitingusforthefirsttime,I’ll alwaysrecommendourJollofrice. ■

Empress,3StStephensRoad,Stirchley,B297RR. Tel:01215162006,empressrestaurants.co.uk

DIPPERS DELIGHT

MakeValentine’sDaychocfulloflove withanamazingchocolatefondue–anddipawaytoyourheart’sdesire!

Whatcouldbeeasierand moredeliciousthan knockingupanamazing chocolatefondueforyoursignificant other(orbestie)thisValentine’sDay.

Choosedarkormilkchocolate accordingtoyourpreferencebutget theverybestqualityyoucanafford. Butsorry,absolutelynowhite chocolateallowed#choccysnob!. Thengoascreativeasyoulikewith allthedippers.Marshmallows, strawberries,bananas,pineapple, minidonuts,cookies,spongecake… it’sallwelcomeatBrumTowers!

HappyValentines’Day, Birmingham! ■

INGREDIENTS

■ 400gfinestchoccy

■ 85gunsaltedbutter

■ 284mldoublecream

■ 300mlmilk

METHOD

Puteverythingintoasaucepan(orfondueif youhaveonekickingaround)andheat gently,stirringoccasionally,untilmeltedand smooth.Graballyourdippersandenjoy immediately!

SHORTS NI BBLESand

BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHGREATVIBES.HERE’S OURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS

AREYOUREADY‘4’RUDY’S?

Rudy’sPizzaisbringingitsauthenticNeapolitanpizzastoSuttonColdfield.Thebrand’sfourth locationaddstoitsexistingsitesatHarborne,BennettsHillandBrindleyplace.Rudy’sisknown foritslight,double-fermenteddoughmadewithCaputo'00'flour,premiumItalianingredients likeFiordiLattemozzarella,andquickcookingintraditionalwood-firedovens.

FOODHALLFIRSTS

TheCustardFactory’snewAlfredWorksfoodhall, openingthisspring,hasrevealeditsfirsteateries.The hallfromtheBlendFamilyhospitalitygroup,will feature15kitchens,largeoutdoorcourtyard,social gaming,family-friendlyareasandadditionalevents space.ThefirstwaveoffoodpartnersincludesFuego 1987,oneoftheUKstreetfoodscene’sbiggestsocial mediasuccessstories,Baity,knownforchampioning authenticPalestinianflavours,andHouseofHabesha, offeringEritreanandEthiopianfood.

GOODNEWSBREWING

TheIndianBreweryCompanyislaunchingitsthird locationinthecity–atBirminghamAirport.The openingthismonthisamilestoneforthebusiness whichhasbuiltitsreputationonlocallybrewed beersintheheartofBirminghamandan innovativefoodoffering.Theairportvenuewill showcaseitsrangeofcraftbeerspairedwith Indianpizzasandbreakfastnaansandwiches.CEO JaspalPurewalsaid:“AsaproudBrummie,I believeIndianBreweryBHXwillbeanamazing locationforallpassengers.”

PAMPER ANDPUTT

TheBelfryHotelisofferingalimited-edition PamperandPuttpackageforValentine’sDay. Couplescanvisittherecentlycrowned‘England's LeadingResort’foraromanticbreakthatincludesa three-coursemealintheRyderRestaurant, fullEnglishbreakfast,andeitheraroundofgolf ontheDerbycourseora25-minutespa treatmenteach,allenhancedwitha latecheck-outinthe morning.

STOCKSONTHEROCKS

DOUBLETEAM

TwoindependentBirmingham brandsarelinkingupthisspring whenDeathrowPizzalaunchesits secondsiteinsideAtticBrewCo’s StirchleyTapRoom.Theteamis droppinginabrand-new,custombuiltkitchenandfiringoutpizzas sixnightsaweek,plusdaytime serviceonSaturdaysandSundays. AllservedalongsideAttic’smuchlovedbeers,inoneofthecity’s best-lovedcommunitytaprooms. StirchleygetsthesameDeathrow dealthat’sbuiltthecultfollowingin theJewelleryQuarter–oneprice, unlimitedtoppings!

BULLRINGSUSHI

ManahattaBirminghamhaslaunchedStocksontheRocks, astockexchangebarwithdrinkspricesrisingandfalling everyfewminutes,basedonpopularity.Guestsatthe TempleStreetvenuecanenjoydiscounteddrinksbetween 6and10pmeveryFriday,availablefromaslittleas£2.50 whenthemarketcrashes.CEOMartinWolstencroftsaid: “OurBirminghamteamaresuperexcitedtobeintroducing themostthrillinghappyhourwiththepotentialforhalf priceshotsandcocktailswhenthemarket’sright.”

WELCOMETOTHE1879CLUB

TheglamourandexcessoftheProhibitioneraissettohitBrumthismonthwiththeopening ofClub1879atDownstairsatTheGrand.CreatedinhonouroftheGrandHotel’soriginal openingyear,Club1879officiallylaunchesacrossthreenightsfrom12Februarybefore continuingeverySaturdaynightthereafter.Intruespeakeasyfashion,Club1879operatesby itsownruleswithmobilephonesbanned,ensuringconversationanddiscretionreign supreme.Guestswillenjoyathree-coursemenuandalivemusicprogramme.

SushiDoghasopenedatthe Bullring,offeringitstrademark bold,fresh,customisablesushito theMidlandsforthefirsttime. Locatedontheupperlevel,the kiosk-stylevenueseatsupto25 guests.Everydishismadefreshto order,withendlesscustomisation options,fromvibrantveggiesand premiumproteinstoboldhousemadesauces.GregIlsen,cofounderofSushiDog,said:“The city’screative,energeticfood cultureisaperfectmatchfor SushiDog,andtheBullringis alwaysbuzzing.We’reexcitedto bringourfresh,funapproachto sushitotheMidlands.”

BOOTYCALL

Thismonthwe’reraisingaglasstoallyounaughtyValentinesoutthere

WhatcouldbebetterforValentine’sDaythanarather deliciousBootyCall..!Asnaughtyanddeliciousasit maybe,pleaseenjoyresponsibly.

TOMAKEYOUNEED:

■ Acocktailmeasure

■ Cocktailshaker

■ Cocktailstrainer

■ Finestrainerorteastrainer

■ Chilledcoupeormartiniglass

INGREDIENTS:

■ 15mlCirocRedBerryvodka

■ 15mlRaspberryliqueur

■ 15mlPeachliqueur

■ 15mlbloodorangesyrup(GiffardorMonin)

■ 25mlPineapplejuice

■ 25mlCranberryjuice

METHOD:

Addallingredientstoacocktailshakerandfillwith cubedice.Shakeharduntiltheoutsideoftheshaker goescoldandfrosty.Carefullyopentheshakerand finestrainintoachilledcocktailglass.Garnishwith freeze-driedraspberrypowderandenjoy!

ManahattaBirmingham,10TempleStreet, Birmingham,B25BN.Tel:01213878690, manahatta.co.uk

PASTURE

abitdifferent.Theemphasisonprovenance,ethical farmingandsustainabilityisalladmirablebutnot unique.However,thePastureguyshavetakenita stepfurther,owningandrunningtheirownfarm, growingvegetables,fruitandherbs.They’vealso beenawardedthehighestratingforsustainabilityin thehospitalitysectoracrossallareasoftheirbusiness whichsetsthemapart.

OfficiallyPastureisachainwiththreesites,but thatfeelslikeamischaracterisation.Nothingabout itsayschainandourwaitresswasanexcellent example.ShewasinvestedinthePasturestory beyondamerepaycheque.She’dclearlysampledthe menu,lovedherfood,advisedusbrilliantlyandgot usexcitedforournextvisit,convincingusthere’sso muchmoretotry.Weweresold.

COOLIKEABABY

Asyou’dexpect,thechoiceofcutsofbeefis impressiveandwelappedupadelicious,perfectlypink sirloinwithageneroushelpingofbeeffatbearnaise. However,itwasthebitsandbobsaroundthesteakthat wowedus.Forinstance,shortribcroquettesfromthe nibblesmenumadeuscoolikebabies.Arich,unctuous, intenselybeefymiddleencasedinacrispcrumbwas

withshawarmachickpeas,pomegranateandminthada headyMiddleEasternvibeallscoopedupwiththin, crispsourdoughcrackers.

WECOULDTELLYOUBUT…

Thencameaburgerwhichwasnoordinaryburger. Thepattywascraftedfrom45-dayagedbeefservedina softbunwithplentyofpickles,baconjam,crispy shallots,oozingcheeseandasecretsaucethatmadethe wholethingsing.Itwasmessyashell,butwedidn’t care.Weswappedthefriesforbeeffatchipsbutfound themabitmeh.Asideoffireroastedcarrotsonthe otherhand,wasunforgettableandthat’sno exaggeration.CookingwithfireisabigthingatPasture andthismoundofcharred,intenselyflavouredvegwas utterlyfantastic.Thecarrotswereservedwithcrunchy chickpeadukkah,abrightgreenherbyzhouganda curryaioli.Itwasanabsolutetriumph.

Whiletheemphasisismostdefinitelyonbeef, thereareplentyofinventivedishesfornon-meat eaters.Werecommendsittingwithyourbacktothe massivefridgespackedwithgreathunksofageing meatwhichwefoundabitoffputting.Asidefrom that,we’remightilyimpressedandalreadyplanning anothertrip.Thosecarrots…

AMATTER OFTASTE

CANYOUREALLYSMELLANDTASTEDIFFERENTTHINGSINWINE?OURRESIDENT

Here’saquestionforyou.Canyou reallysmellandtastethingsinwine?If allwineismadefromgrapes,canpeople genuinelysmellortasteblackcurrant,cedar,violets orpencilshavings?Isitscience–orthepowerof suggestion?Let’stakeacloserlookandfindout…

Howwetasteandsmell

Aromasandflavourscomefromthreeinteracting systems:

Firstly,Chemesthesis,ormouthfeel. Chemesthesisisthesensationsliketheburnof chilli,thecoolnessofmint,thefizzofcarbonation, ortheviscosityofaliquid.Thesesensationsare triggeredbythetrigeminalnerveaschemicalsreact withmucosalsurfacesinthemouth,nose,throat andeyes.

Secondly,basictaste.Thesecomefromnonvolatilecompoundsdetectedbytastebudsonthe tongue(sweet,sour,salty,bitter,umami).Whileall thesesensationscanbedetectedalloverthetongue, thetipandsidesaremoresensitivegenerallyto sweetandsaltytastes,thebacktobitterflavours.

Finally,aromas.Asignificantpartoftasteis actuallysmell.Asfoodanddrinkevaporatesinour mouthsvolatilecompoundstravelupthenasal passageandactivatesmellreceptors,revealingmore complexaromasandflavours.Wecallthisretronasal tasting.Butwealsodetectaromasdirectlythrough thenoseaswell,whichiswhywineexpertsliketo smelltheirwine.

So,whatmightcreatethesesensations inwine?

Differentflavourscomefromdifferentpartsofthe winemakingprocess.Werefertotheseas‘Primary’–thosethatcomefromthegrape,‘Secondary’–those thatcomefromtheproductionmethods,and ‘Tertiary’–thosethatcomefromage.

Acidity,sugarandbitternessdependongrape varietyandripeness.Ripergrapeshavemoresugar andlessacidity;tanninsinskinscontribute bitternessandastringency,especiallyinred,roséand orangewines.Viscosity(orbody)isamixofsugar and/oralcohol,anditcanusuallybeseeninthe ‘legs’or‘tears’whichrundownourglass.

Volatilecompounds

Mostflavourcompoundssitinthepulpjustunder thegrapeskin.Thesevolatilecompounds–shared witheverydayfoods–explainwhywinessmelllike non-grapeitems.Greenbellpepperaromasinyour CabernetSauvignoncomefrom3-isobutyl-2methoxypyrazine(IBMP).Ifyouexaminegreenbell peppersyouactuallyfindthesamevolatile compound!ThiolsinSauvignonBlancgivethe passionfruitaromas,RotundoneinShirazgivesblack pepperflavours,terpenescreatefloralsmellingwines, EthylcinnamategivesPinotNoiritsstrawberrynose, andmanymore.Inotherwords,itismorethanjust themerepowerofsuggestion.

Productionmethods

Secondaryaromascomefromprocessingofthe grapes.Fermentationproducesalcohol,whichwe oftendetectasawarmsensation.Leesageing(letting thewinemixwithdeadyeastcells)producesbiscuity, briochenotes.Wealsosometimesallowabacteriato converttheharshmalicacidstosofterlacticacids(like thosefoundinmilk)–malolacticconversion.This givescreamy,smoother,butteryflavoursand mouthfeel.Oakintroducesallkindsofflavours dependingonthetypeofbarrel,theleveloftoastithas receivedandwhetheritisneworused.Volatile compoundsinoakaresimilartothingslikevanilla, cloves,coconutandthetoastingcancontributesmoke, toast,chocolate,coffeeandotheraromas.

Ageingthewine

Tertiaryaromasareabouthowthewinechanges chemicallyaspartofageing.Withtime,oxygenand internalchemicalreactionsshiftfreshfruittowards driedfruit,andintroducecomplexflavourssuchas mushroom,forestfloor,nuttyorleatherynotes.

Pullingitalltogether

Thefinalproductisamixofallthesedifferent chemicalsinteractingtogether.Butdon’tworryif yourwinejustsmellslikewine!Identifyingaromas

DAVID’SRECOMMENDATIONS FORFEBRUARY

Somethingfreshandfruity:

KleineZalzeSauvignonBlanc–£10,Waitrose. Agreatexampleofpyrazines–plentyofgreenbellpepper,tropicalfruits, citrusandsharpacidity.Expectanexplosiononyourpalate.

Somethingsparkling:

CrémantduJura–£8.19,Aldi. Crémantisagreatsourceofgoodqualitysparklingwineandthisonefrom Aldi,doesn’tdisappoint.Appleandcitruswithsubtlebriochetofinish.

SomethingEnglish:

GusbourneBlancdeNoir2019–£65,TheChampagneCompany. With27monthsofleesageingyou’llbespottingthebrioche alongsidethecitrus,redfruitsandfruitsoftheorchard.

Somethingbigandbold:

BeroniaRiojaReservaRedWine–£16.50,Sainsbury’s. Redfruitsandcherryfocus,withnicecoconut,vanillaandspiceonthe finish.Notoverlyoaky,andsmoothtannins.

Somethingclassic:

DomaineBernardMichaut‘Beauroy’ChablisPremierCru2022/23 –£34,Majestic.

Apple,pearandmelonwithsomehoneysuckleandstrongmineral notes.Longfinishandcomplex.

Somethingdifferent:

M&SClassicsCoteDeProvenceRose–£10,M&S.

Dryandrefreshingwithstrawberry,cranberryandredcurrantnotes.A nicefloralnotewithsomewell-integratedcitrus.Delicateandgreat valueatthispricepoint.

andflavourstakespractice.Andbadnewsforus men…womenonaveragehaveabettersenseofsmell, sohaveanadvantage.

Nexttimeyoupouraglass,takeamomenttoswirl, sniffandexplore–youmightrecognisemorethanyou expect.Andwhateveryouchoose,pleasedrink responsibly. ■

DavidisaWine&SpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwineexpert,wine educator,alumniofBirminghamWineSchoolandauthorofthe alottowineabout.comwebsitewhereyoucanfindmorearticlesonwine.To findoutmoreaboutfun,informalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)courseonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com

SKI-SYDOESIT!

TEuroperightnowsowhynotreward yourselfwithanalpinetreatandreapthe healthbenefitstoboot.Gloriousfreshmountainair, breathtakingsceneryandawesomefunwithfamily andfriends.Whetheryou'resteppingoutforthefirst timeorifyou’vespentalifetimeslopeside,the benefitsofskiingandsnowboardingarenumerous. Herearejustafewtowhettheappetite…

MIGHTYMUSCLES

Skiingandsnowboardingworkalotofmusclesand aregreatcoreworkouts.Yourthighsdolotsofwork,but theisometricposturemeansyourquadsare consistentlyengagedandweallknowthelong-term benefitsofastrongcore.You’llalsobestrengthening yourcalves,hamstringsandglutestoo.Nice!

STRONGBONES

Yourkneesandlegshavetoenduretheweightand tensionfromyourwholebody,andthismakesthem stronger.Apartfromstrengtheningthekneesand legs,yourboneswillgetstrongertoo,helpingprevent osteoporosis.

FEELTHEBURN

Burningcalorieshasneverbeensuchfun!Experts suggestyoucanexpecttousebetween300and500 caloriesperhour,dependingonyouractivitylevel. Givenhowthehourscanflyby,thisisproper excitingstuffasyoucouldbelookingat3,000calories perday.

HELLOHEART

Skiingandsnowboardingarebothformsofcardio, whichmeanstheyimproveyourcardiovascularhealth, helpingreducetheriskofheartcardiovasculardisease, diabetesandhighbloodpressure

IMPROVEDCIRCULATION

Ridingdownhillisagreataerobicworkout,even moresobecauseit’sdoneoutside,improvingthe efficiencyofyourcardiovascularsystemmakingyour bodymoreefficientatabsorbingoxygenandnutrients.

FUNHIIT

Skiing’saformofintervaltrainingwhichmakesit agreatHIITworkout,almostwithoutknowingit.A gentlechairliftridefollowedbyanintensedownhill sessionisoneperfectlydesignedintervaltraining programmethat’salsoenjoyable.

INTHEBALANCE

Tostaysafeasyoucruisedownthemountain,it’s vitaltoconcentrateonthedynamicmotionofyour body,improvingbalance,stabilityandalsoflexibility

–allgreatforkeepingyousafeduringeverydaylife.

MENTALBOOST

Don’tunderestimatetheamazingpositivemental hityougetfromspendingtimeoutsideinthefresh air,surroundedbystunningnature.Releasingthose endorphinshelpsrelievestressandanxietyaswellas improvesleepquality.

LOVEYOULONGTIME

Thereisgoodevidencethatskiing,especially whenperformedonaregularbasis,cancontributeto alongerlife.Andunlikesomeactivities,it’salsoa sportyoucancontinuetoenjoywellintooldage.

HEALTHYHABITS

Skiingpromoteshealthyeatinghabits.Beforeyou

start,youhavetoenergizeyourbodywithacracking healthybreakfastlikeporridge,nuts,raisinsand bananas.Afterwards,youneedtorefuelefficientlyto helpyourmusclesrecover.You’llnevereatsowell.

SOCIAL,SOCIAL,SOCIAL

Skiingisasocialsport,bothduringandafterthe slopesideactivity,andperfecttoenjoywithfamilyand friends.Itdoesn’tmatterwhatlevelyouskiat,the benefitsofthetopcommunalspiritgeneratedfroma delightfulalfrescolunchontheslopesorlivelyaprés skiinthebarsandrestaurants,ishardtoquantify.

FUNFORALL

Bestofall,it’sfunforpeopleofallages,withtoddles, teenagers,mums,dadsandgrandparentsallenjoying eachother’scompanywhilekeepingsuper-healthy. ■

BRIDAL PARTY

IT’STHETIMEOFYEARWHENROMANCE RULES,SOFORALLTHEBRIDES-TO-BEOUT THEREWE’VEPULLEDTOGETHERA SELECTIONOFTOPTIPS,TRENDSAND IDEASTOENSUREYOU’LLLOOK STUNNINGONYOURBIGDAY!

LONG DROP

Petitebowfauxpearl embellisheddropearring £295,SimoneRocha

THE ONE

BillieVneck wovendress £499,Whistles

BEAU BOW

Pinksparkle bowbead earring£14, Accessorize

TOP TULLE

NeedleandThread Hattieruffled tullegown£184 (was£460), HarveyNichols

DISCO QUEEN

MyMuseivorysatin platform£169,Dune

ISLING BACK

Cuddlingslingback£179,Dune

ELEGANT LINES

Veragownby SassiHolford

sthereamorethrillingshoppingexperiencethan choosingyourweddingdress?Wedon’tthinkso, butwealsoacceptitcanbeabamboozlingand emotionalprocess.Thehandholdingthataspecialist bridalboutiquecanofferprovidesawelcomecocoon fromthenoisethataccompaniesweddingplanning generally.Thisshouldbefun,sohangontothat. Hopefullyyou’llonlydothisonce,socherishthe pampering.

Thedreamisfindingabridaldesignerwho understandsyourvisionandwhoyoucanworkwithto createsomethingmagical.It’sasignificantinvestment, soyouwanttogetthisright.You’retheclientandthe drivingforcehere,sodon’tbeafraidtovoiceany concernsormakechanges,butnevertipintobridezilla territory.It’sunhelpfuloneverylevel.

MODERN TAKE

Clothingandshoes fromMonsoon

DESIGNERSTYLE

Intermsoftiming,mostbridaldesignerswillask youtoallowsixmonths.Respectthisrequestbutif you’replanningashortengagement,there’sno harminaskingthequestion.Bepickyanddoyour researchbeforeyoubookappointments,soyou don’twasteyourtime.Lookatpotentialdesigners, checkouttheirworkandreadtestimonials.Are youonthesamepage?InBirmingham,June PeonyinEdgbastoniswellworthalook. Bridalboutiquesalsohaveplentyofoff-the-peg options,sohaveamoochwhileyou’rethere.Your perfectdressmightberightinfrontofyou.Clearly off-the-pegisamoreaffordableoptionandifit worksforyou,thenhappydays.

ANYTHING’SPOSSIBLE!

Takealookatthebridalofferingindepartment storestoo.SelfridgesandHarveyNicolshavean extensiverangeofoptionsmanyofthemalittlebit different.Ifyou’renotanivorygowntypeofgal, howaboutasleekcreamtuxedoordesignermini dress?Andifyouwanttoinjectabitofcolourinto youroutfit,goforit.Gettingmarriedin2026 meansyou’relessconstrainedbyconventionthan previousgenerationsandanything’spossible. Ifyou’reonatightbudgetandarepreparedto relinquishthehandholdingandexperience,shop smartonthehighstreet.BrandslikeWhistles, NeedleandThread,SelfPortraitandMonsoonare inonthebridalactioninabigway.

SUITS YOU

GabrielaHearstOslo linenblazer£700(was £1,750)andtrousers HarveyNichols

HIGH NECK

JennyYooHartstretchlace mini£465,Selfridges

HIGH STREET

Clothingand accessoriesfrom M&S

SUPER CHIC

Bouclechiffonmidi dress£460,SelfPortrait

THE OG

ManoloBlahnikHangisi 90silksatinpumps £1,035,HarveyNichols

Therentalmarketisalsoarapidlyexpanding.Itticks theecoboxaswellasthefinancial,andcouldmean you’reabletowearagownthatwouldbewell beyondyourbudgetifyouwerebuyingit.Thisworks wellassumingyou’renotplanningtotreasureyour gownand/orhanditdown.Wehaveexperiencewith Hurrwhichwecannotfault,butthereareothers. Despitethosemoreaffordableoptions,there’sstill hugevalueinsittingdownwithabridaldesigner who’llguideyouthroughtheprocessinawaythat youjustwon’tgetfromrentalorthehighstreet. Decidewhat’simportanttoyou–howmuchdoes thepersonaltouchmatterandcrucially,what’syour budget?Shoparound,bepickyandremember,you’re aimingforthebestversionofyourselfratherthan tryingtolooklikesomeoneelse.

IFTHESHOEFITS

You’llprobablybewearingyourshoesforhours,so comfortiscrucial,butyoualsowanttofeellikea princess.Atthetopend,takealookatManolo

TROUSER SUIT

Suitand accessoriesfrom RiverIsland

Blahnik,ChristianLouboutinandJimmy Choowhileonthehighstreet,DuneandL KBennetareworthalook.Foraretrovibe andtheultimateincomfort,youcannotbeat Esska.

Chooseaccessoriesthatcomplementyour outfitanddon’tleavethedetailsuntilthe lastminute.Tryeverythingontogetherin goodtime,soyoucantweakifnecessaryand forhairandmake-uptipsforyourbigday, headovertoourBeautypage. We’dalsorecommendgettingyour bridesmaidssortedearlyonintheprocess,so youcanfocusonyourself.Bearinmindyour bridesmaidsmightbeavarietyofdifferent shapes,agesandcomplexions.Asaformer bridesmaidinthisscenario,everyonewants tosupporttheirbridewholeheartedlyuntil someone’saskedtowearagownthatdoesn’t flattertheirshape.Itcanbeabitfractious,so getitdoneearly.It’sastressyoucanlive withoutclosetothebigday.Oftenthebest scenarioistochooseacolourandfabricfora cohesivethemebutindifferentstylestosuit allyourbridalparty.Youwantthemtofeel great,too. ■

SIMPLE STYLE

OmnesKewfloralprintsatin maxidress£160,Selfridges

PRINCESS BRIDE

GalvanPandorohalternecksatin gown£1,395,HarveyNichols

OLD SCHOOL

Rohelacehemsilkmaxidress £445(was£890),HarveyNichols

MINIMUM FUSS

Dressfrom RomanOriginals

MAXIMUM IMPACT

VictoriaBeckhamIsabella gatheredsatinmaxidress £990,HarveyNichols

SOMETHING BLUE

OmnesNovatie

backsatinmaxi dress£99, Selfridges

GREAT VALUE

Greysatinmidaxi dress£25, TuClothing

INTHE NAVY

Longsleeved gownfromRhoen

THINK PINK

Satindress

£149.99(RRP £549),TKMaxx

COWL NECK

Liviasatincowl haltermididress £110,Monsoon

Satinmidi dress£19.50, F&F

LACE FRILL

Embellishedfrill

midaxidress

£129,M&S

ATTENTION OFDETAIL

Beaembellished tullemaxi£4,995, HuishanZhang

TERRIFIC TRIO

Bridesmaiddresses fromMonsoon

BIGDAY BEAUTY

Bookanappointmentwithyourfavourite skincarebrandandtaketheiradviceona routinetobeginafewmonthsbeforeyour weddingday.VisitSelfridgesstunningnewbeauty hallforabrilliantselectionofbrandsaswellasSpace NKandSephoraalsointheBullring.

We’dalsoadvisebookingaregularfacial.Everysix weeksshouldbefinedependingonthetypeof treatment.WerecommendtheSkinCeuticalsversionsat DrAnaSkinClinicinEdgbaston,butdoyourown research.Wordtothewise,wewouldavoidextensive treatmentsthatwillchangeyourappearanceintherunuptoyourwedding.Ideally,you’lllooklikethebest glowingversionofyouratherthanlookinglike somebodyelse.Yourotherhalflovesyou.

Getintolymphaticdrainageandmakeitpartof yourroutine.Nothingfancybutfocusontheseven mainpointsandspendfiveminutes-isheverydayto getsluggishlymphonthemovewhichwillreduce puffinessandgenerallymakeyoufeelgood.Drybody brushafterlymphaticdrainageforadoublewhammy that’llboostcirculationandkeepeverythingflowing. Yourbodyandskinwillthankyou.

Slatheronanourishingbodylotiondailyforsuper softskin.We’reyettofindanythingbetterthanLaRoche Posay’sLipikarforsmoothness.Ifyourarmsareouton yourweddingday,payextraattentionintherun-up.

Bookregularpedicurestokeepyourfeetintip-top

conditionorpoponanourishingfootsockathome. Massageinarichspecialistfootcreamdailytokeep yourtootsieslookinggood.

Consideryourtan.Ifyou’refaketanning,youneedto reallytrustyourtanner,sohaveafewpracticesessionsa coupleofmonthsbeforethebigdaytocheckyou’re happywiththeproductandtheresults.

Keepyourhairingoodconditionwithregulartrims andhairmasks–westilllovetheoldfavourite,Olaplex. Chattoyourhairdresseraboutideasforyourbigday. They’veheldalotofhandsandwillbeabletohelpyou. Downloadanappthatfocusesonbreathworkand calmingtechniquestominimisestress.Andoncethebig dayarrives,ignoreanyoutsidenoiseandrelishevery minute–it’syourday. ■

HIGHQUALITYCAREINEDGBASTON

AtEdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorinEdgbaston,ourhighlytrainedteamsareexpertsin providinghighqualitycarefromresidential,dementiacare,toshorttermcare.WhilstEdgbaston ManoralsoprovidesNursingcare.Ourbeautifulhomesofferluxuriousfacilities,includinga coffeeshop,hairsalon,loungeareasandoutdoorspacesincludingbeautifulterraceswitha passionatewellbeingteamthatmeansyourlovedone’sdaywillneverbethesame.

Alifestyletailoredtoyou

Atour‘good’CQCratedhomeOakfieldCroftand ‘Outstanding’CQCratedhomeHalecroftGrange ourteamsarepassionateaboutsupportingyouto enjoyafulfillinglife.We’lllearnallaboutyour interestsandpreferencessowecancreateafully personalisedlifestyleplanthatyou’llenjoy;whether it’sgardening,quizeveningsorplayingchess.

Luxuryliving

Ourbeautifulhomesofferluxuriousfacilities, includingacoffeeshop,hairsalon,loungeareasand outdoorspacesincludingbeautifulterraces.

Ourchef-ledkitchenteamsarepassionateabout providinghigh-qualityfoodandthere’salwaysa choiceofnutritiousanddeliciousdishesatevery meal.AtMetchleyManortheyalsohaveanawardwinningHeadChef,Scott.

Hearwhatrelativeshavetosay Werecognizetheimportanceoffriendsandfamily stayinginvolvedintheirlovedone’scareandlifestyle planandourregularrelativemeetingsarepopular.

Inourrecentrelativesurvey,94%offamiliesat EdgbastonManorwereimpressedthatthehome appearstobebasedongoodvaluesandprinciples^ and93%werehappywiththehygiene,groomingand personalpresentationoftheirrelative.

WhilstatMetchleyManor94%offamilieswhere happythattherunningofthehomeappearstobe basedongoodvaluesandprinciples,and89%of familieswerehappywiththemealtimeexperience.

Trustustocare

EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorin EdgbastonarepartofCareUK,thecountry’s mostawardedlargecareprovider.We’vebeen deliveringhigh-quality,person-centredcarefor over40years. ■

TofindoutmoreaboutEdgbastonManorandMetchley Manor,call03300295109

EdgbastonManor,SpeedwellRoad,EdgbastonWest MidlandsB57PR

MetchleyManor,5ChurchRoad,Edgbaston-Birmingham WestMidlandsB153SHCareuk.com/edgbaston

TSLIMFIT

Cutawaycollarslim fitcottontwillshirt

£150,Eton

RELAXEDDAY

Kinnotchlapel

linenblazer

£298,Reiss

heonlystylerulesyouneedtofollow areonesyouimposeonyourself, howeverbearinmindthatwhateveryou choosewilllooksubparifitdoesn’tfitproperly. Whetheryou’redonningacrimsonvelvet,alight linenblazerorasharpsuit,thefitmatters.

Youcanspendalotofmoneyandstilllook likeyou’vebeendraggedthroughaproverbial hedgeifthefitisoff.Toobigandyoujustlook likeyou’veborrowedyourdad’soldclobber, whileburstingattheseamsisneveraflattering look.Evenifyou’vebeenhittingthegymand wanttoshowoffyourbiceps,yourweddingday isnotthetime.Perhapswaitforthehoneymoon. There’sasweetspotsomewhereinbetween toosnugandbillowingandyouneedtofindit. Theonlywaytodoitistogetoutinpersonand tryonmanydifferentstyles.Don’tleaveituntil thelastminute–panicbuyingneverendswell. Onceyou’vepickedyourstyle,don’t compromise.Ifitneedstweakingtofitlikea glove,it’saninvestmentworthmaking.

ARMCANDY

SantosdeCartier palladiumplated sterlingsilver cufflinks£610, Cartier

JACKETIN

Sheltonnotched lapelvelvettuxedo jacket£4,090, TomFord

BOLDCHOICE

StepOutinStyle

velvetblazer

£110,Joe Browns

TAN-TASTIC

Greggoleather

Oxfordshoe

Adecenttailormighthavealongleadtime,so getawriggleon.Aboveallotherdays,youwant tofeelandlookyourbest,soit’snotthetimefor settling.Onceyou’vegotyourbasicshirt/suit combosorted,carefullypickoutyouraccessories topolishyourlook.We’vepickedoutafewideas togetyoustarted. ■

FLYTIE

Dunhillprint

silk-satinbowtie

£170,Selfridges

IFITAIN'TBROKE

Solverblack leathershoe

£99,Dune

DESIGNERLOOK

TomFordShelton fitsharkskin woolsuit£3,490, Selfridges

SHARPSHIRT

PoloRalph Laurenspread collardressshirt

£185,Ralph Lauren

£925,Christian Louboutin

living

HOMES

MAXIMALIST CHIC

COTTAGECORE

AccessoriesfromVery

Onceuponatime,calmingcolours rangingfromoff-whitetobeige dominatedthebedroom,butthisyear we’resayingnotovanillahues.In2026,palettes veerfrompunchyprimarycoloursandpopping pastelstodramaticdrenchingandrichregaltones. Itmightseemabitdaunting,butit’salookthat’s easytoachievewithahandfulofadditionsrather thanstartingover.

Ifyoustickwithyourexistingmaincoloursand themesandintroduceastatementheadboard,some strikingcushionsorswitchupyourbedlinenyoucan createafreshlookwithouttoomuchupheaval.Your bedisthemainfeatureofyourroom,sosimply investinginnewbedlinencancreatesomething specialanddifferentwithoutanyhassle.

Addsomecolourfulcushionsandconsider updatingyourlampshadesforanothersimplewayto freshenupthelook.Stickingwithlighting, rechargeablelightsareagame-changerparticularly inthebedroomwhereasenseoforderiskeyto

creatingarelaxingspace.Walllightsandlampsminus thewireshelptominimiseclutterandallowyouto createaflexiblelightingschemetosuityourneeds.

Arugcanshiftupyourcolourpaletteageareasilytoo. Wethoughtwashablerugswereagimmickuntilwe boughtoneandcanconfirmthey’rebrilliant.They’re thin,soyouwon’tgetasquidgysoftnessunderfoot,but theprosoutweightheconsforus.Ifyou’reafter somethingabitplusherforthebedroom,checkoutthe selectionatLeeLonglands,CookesandNeptunelocally.

Reupholsteryourheadboardinarichfabricthat makesyourbedroomsingoraddanewheadboardin aninterestingshape–scallopededginglookssetto stay.Thesamegoesforwindowcoverings,justmake suretheyblockoutthelighttoensureagoodnight’s sleepwhichlet’sfaceit,iswhatit’sallabout.There’s nopointcreatingastunninglookingroomthatyou can’tgetproperrestin.

Ifyou’reoverhaulingyourroomratherthan titivating,sourceyourpaintandwallpapersamples earlyandlivewiththemforawhiletoensureyouget itright.Don’tbeswayedtoomuchbytrends–ifbold colourandprintisnotyourthing,goeasy.The bedroomismeanttobeyoursanctuary.Ifindoubtgo forneutralwallsandpunchyaccessories. ■

RIGHTSTRIPES

STATEMENTHEADBOARD

Clemmieking-sizeheadboardfrom £595,Conistonsidetable£595and MelfordBritishwoolthrow£147, Neptune

STATEMENT HEADBOARD

Bolzanobedfrom

£3,635,BoConcept

RETROVIBE

Lohkotable lamp£50, Habitat

SUPERSOFT

Woolblend blanket£34.99, H&MHome

TOUCHES FINISHING

ADDSOMEFINALFLOURISHESTOYOUR

BEDROOMANDCREATEARELAXING

SPACETHATMAKESYOUSMILE

LIGHTUP

Josephtablelamp£72 (was£145),OKA

FLOWERPOWER

SandersonNational Trustpoet’srose linen£75, NationalTrust

PRETTY PATTERN

Mylaquilted cotton bedspread£249, Neptune

SCANDIINSPIRED

Scionprairiecushion

£20,Habitat

FUTUREPROOF

Multilife portableGUBI lamp£349, minima.

WASHDAY

Lumuginghamlaundry bag£35,OliverBonas

PINKANDGREEN

Claraglasselectric diffuser£49.50, OliverBonas

Februaryisacuriousmonthinthegarden. Stillwinter,technically,yetfulloflittlehints thatspringisloiteringjustoutofsight, tappingitswatchandwaitingforitscue.Thedays stretchafractionlonger,snowdropsputontheirbest performanceandgardenersbegindriftingoutside moreoften,pretendingthey’re“justhavingalook” whilesecretlyplanningeverything.

It’salsothemonthofValentine’sDay,whichfeels ratherfitting,becauseFebruarygardeningisall aboutsmallactsofcare,gentleattentionandnot expectingtoomuchtoosoon.Herearefivesatisfying Februaryjobstokeepyourgardenfeelinglovedas theseasonsslowlyturn.

TidyGently,NotAggressively

Thisisnotthemomentforadramaticclear-outor anyformofhorticulturalrage.Ondrydays,lightly tidyborders,removeobviousweedsandclearaway winterdebriswhileleavingsomeseedheadsandleaf litterforwildlife.Thinkofitasarespectfulspruce ratherthanafullmakeover.Thegardeniswaking up,notreadyforasurprisebootcamp.

FeedtheSoil,NotJustthePlants

Februaryisanexcellenttimetoshowyoursoil someaffection.Addwell-rottedcompostormanure tobeds,mulcharoundshrubsandgenerallyremind thegroundthatitisappreciated.Healthysoilisthe foundationofeverythingthatfollows,andalittle carenowwillsaveyouplentyofeffortlater.Consider itthegardeningequivalentofmakingsomeoneacup ofteawithoutbeingasked.

PruneWithConfidenceandaSenseof Humour

Roses,fruittreesanddeciduousshrubscanallbe prunedthismonth,aslongastheweatherbehaves itself.Removedeadorcrossingbranchesandaimfor

anopen,balancedshape.Ifyoufindyourself hesitating,secateurshoveringmid-air,rememberthat plantsareremarkablyforgiving.Gardening,much likeromance,oftenrewardsaconfidentapproach ratherthanendlessoverthinking.

StartSeedsandDreamaLittle

Februaryiswhenseedsowingbeginsinearnest, albeitundercover.Tomatoes,chillies,sweetpeasand earlysaladcropsareallkeentogetgoingonasunny windowsillorinapropagator.Thereissomething wonderfullyhopefulaboutsowingseedswhileit’s stillcoldoutside,areminderthatoptimismisan essentialgardeningtool,rightuptherewithgloves andpatience.

ShowWildlifeSomeExtraLove

Foodisstillinshortsupplyforbirdsandother gardenvisitors,sokeepfeederstoppedupandwater fresh.Leaveundisturbedcornersandresisttheurge tobetootidy,becausethosemessypatchesaredoing importantwork.Agardenthatwelcomeswildlife feelsaliveandgenerousandprovidesfarmore entertainmentthananythingontelevision.

Februarymaynotbeshowy,butit’squietly charming.Bytendingyourgardenwithkindness, humourandtheoccasionalstolenmomentof daydreaming,yousetthetoneforthemonthsahead. Afterall,thebestgardensarebuiltonattention,trust andturningupregularly,evenwhenit’scold,damp andyourwelliesarestillslightlymuddyfrom January! ■

YoucanfollowAdamonInstagram @viewfromthepottingbenchorlistentohispodcast TalesFromThePottingBenchformoregardening inspiration.YoucanalsoreadAdam’sblogat viewfromthepottingbench.com.

HAPPYVALLEY

OURWINEEXPERTDAVIDCARNEPAIDAVISITTOAFAMILY-RUN ‘HIDDENGEM’JUSTA20-MILEDRIVEFROMTHECENTREOFBRUM

BuzzardsValley,isa60-acresitelocated justa20-miledrivefromcentral Birminghamandwelcomesaround1,000 visitorsaweek.Owners,brotherandsisterLeon andYvonneJones,havetakenontheirfather Ivan’svisionandcontinuedtodevelopthesitefor wine,leisureandretailpurposes.

Initiallyestablishedasafarm,andtransformed intoavineyardin2001,BuzzardsValleyisnowa thrivingcollectionofsixfishinglakes,afreenature trail,awoodlandretreat,abistroandathriving communityofon-sitebusinesses.

RISINGFROMTHEASHES

ButthethrivingbusinessBuzzardsValleyis today,wasbynomeansguaranteed,andindeed couldbesaidtohaverisenoutoftheashesofa devastatingboutoffootandmouthdiseasewhich endedthepossibilityofcattlefarmingforthefamily. Pivotinginitiallytogrowingvegetables,andthen extremelypopulardriedflowers,Ivanhadagrand visiontocreatesixfishinglakesandplant4,000trees forleisurepurposes.

Thenin2001,cametheinspirationtoplantvines forwinemaking.Ivangottoseethevineyard establishedbeforehisdeathin2007,whensonLeon tookonthemantleofthewinemaking.Sincethen, thesitehasdiversifiedandisnowacollectionof individualboutiquebusinessesandleisureactivities.

TASTEOFNATURE

Acoupleofyearsago,BuzzardsValleyappointed JayneDaleasartisanshopmanager,amovewhich turnedouttobeanothersignificantpartofBuzzard Valley’sdevelopmentjourney.Seeingtheamountof availableland,Jaynebidforfundstocreateanature trailandwoodlandretreat.Thetrailcanbeaccessed freeofchargebetweenMarchandDecember. Anewrangeofwinetastingshavebeenlaunched includingarusticwinetasting,sweetpotatospirit tasting,awineandchocolatetastinganda‘allabout thereds’tasting,aswell.Tastingscanbecombined withfoodfromtheneighbouringKiki’sbistrofor anotherdimension.Thechocolateandwinetasting includeshandmadeBelgianchocolates,whichare verypopularwithvisitors.

Thesitehostsacollectionofbusinessesselling everythingfromfurnitureandspecialistflooringto gardenbuildingsandevenbeautytreatments.The artisanshophasastunningcollectionofproducts. Jaynesaid:“Weprideourselvesonbuyingaslocally aswecanintheartisanshop.Westocklocal relishes,jams,chutney,cheeses,honey,sellingfine foodsanddrinkandgiftsmainlyfromtheUK.We specializeinbespokehampers,makingthem throughouttheyearbutChristmasisourbusiest time.”Boutiquemarketstakeplacemonthly,March toDecember,toshowcaseartisanproducts.

THEFUTURE

Sadly,duetofamilyillness,thevineyardwas dormantin2025.Thefamilyarekeentoseeit broughtbacktolifeandarecurrentlylookingto findsomeonewhowantstotakeonthewinemaking

partofthebusiness.Thispromisestobeagreat opportunityforabuddingwinemaker.Inthe meantime,thethrivingnatureactivities,fishingand diverseshoppingexperiencesaregoingstrong. Whatbetterreason,togetoutandexplorethis hiddengem! ■

Edgbaston’saward-winningPriorySchoolhasappointeda newheadteacher.BarryDohertywasbornandraisedin AcocksGreenandhasledschoolsacrossthecountryaswell asworkinginTheGambia.Theleadershipchangecomes onthebackofPriory’sbestGCSEandA-Levelresultsinits historyandfollowstheretirementofJonathanCramb.The schoolrecentlyachievedtheBritishCouncil’sInternational SchoolAwardandSchoolGamesGoldMarkAward.“My focuswillbeonbroadeningthecurriculumandfurther strengtheningacademicexcellence,”saidthenewhead.

BCUSCHOLARSHIP

MillenniumPointTrustisinvitingambitiousWest Midlandsstudentstoapplyforafully-funded undergraduatedegreeinschoolofarchitecture, builtenvironment,computingandengineeringat BirminghamCityUniversity.Deliveredthrough MillenniumPointCharitableTrust,the scholarshipremovestuitionfeesforone successfulapplicant.Nowinits12thyear,the programmeaimstosupportstudentswhose ideas,driveandpotentialcanmakealasting differencetotheWestMidlands.Closingdate forapplicationsis6March.

SCHOOL REPORT

FLOURISHINGATLIFTFOUR

LiftFourDwellingsPrimaryinQuinton,Birminghamhaswonthe nationally-recognisedSENDInclusionAward,praisedforleaving “nostoneunturned”tosupportpupils.SENDassessmentspecialists atOptimusEducationpraisedtheBirminghamschoolforensuring everychildgetsthehelptheyneedtothrive.Theschool’sbright, welcomingclassroomsandwell-equippedspaceshelppupilsfocus andlearn.Teachersandteachingassistantswerecommendedfor adaptinglearningsoeverychildcantakepartandmakeprogress. CatherineLavelle,SENCOattheAcademy,said:“Everychild deservesthesupporttheyneedtosucceed,andit’sbeenwonderful toseehowourtailoredapproachhelpspupilsthrive.“

MORETONHALLRISESTOTHETOP NEWHEADWELCOMED

MoretonHallSchoolhasbeennamedintheTop20girls’boardingschoolsin theUKintheBest-Schools.co.uk(EducationAdvisers)2025Independent SchoolLeagueTables.Therankingplacesitaheadofseverallarger, nationally-recognisednames.PrincipalMichaelBrewersaid:“Thisisatribute totheambitionandcharacterofourgirlsandtotheexpertiseandcareofour staff,whoensureeverystudentisknown,supportedandchallengedto achieveherbest.”Theleaguetablesarebasedonpubliclyavailable examinationresultsandverifiedsubmissionsfromschools.

SLEEPINGOUTFORCHARITY

FUNDINGVITALRESEARCH

LearnersandstafffromLyndonSchool,Solihull,partoftheSummitLearningTrust,tookpart inthe35thannualBigSleepoutrunbyStBasilscharityandhousingassociationtoraise awarenessoftheissuesaffecting homelesspeople.TheBigSleepout isStBasils’flagshipfund-raiser, bringingtogetherhundredsof supporters.ThegroupfromLyndon Schoolraised£1,900forthisyear’s event.Learnersusedcardboard boxesandSellotapetobuildtheir ownshelter,givingthemaninsight intothelimitedresourcesformany ofthosefacinghomelessness.

LIGHTINGUPELGARHALL

TheNationalYouthOrchestrateamedupwith BirminghamschoolsforafreeconcertatElgar Hall.Morethan700studentsattended,many experiencingaliveorchestraforthefirsttime. Theconcertfollowedtheweek-longShimmer touratvenuesacrossthecountry.The performanceincludedDebussy’sIberiaand Ravel’sRapsodieEspagnoleandmodern compositionsfromAnnaClyneandKarimAlZand,aswellasmusicfromthemusical Wickedandapiecebya13-year-oldstudent whowonaspecialcompetition.

AstonUniversity,Birmingham RoyalOrthopaedicHospitaland theBrazilianAeronautics InstituteofTechnology(ITA)are collaboratingtodevelopan injectablepasteforuseinbone cancersurgeries.Thethreehave formedanewresearchgroup calledITABiomedical TechnologiesforRegenerative Orthopaedics(BioTROCS)and recentlysecuredfundingto developthesubstanceand supporta12-monthPhD scholarshipplacementatAston UniversityforaBrazilian postgraduate.ProfessorRichard Martin,picturedatworkinhis laboratoryatAstonUniversity, said:“Thisareaofresearchhas hugepotential.”

MUSIC MAN

Nizlopi’sLukeConcannonandJohnParker havebeenplayingtogethersincethey were13,andwhenJCBSong–asong aboutfive-year-oldLukeandhisdad–climbedthe chartstwodecadesago,itwasaremarkable moment.Acompletelyindependentbandrunfrom aroominLuke’sparents’houseintheMidlands, thefolkbandwerealwaysaboutintegrityand community-basedvaluesratherthanchasingthe dollar.LukenowlivesintheUSwithhiswifeSteph andtheirson,whohasfocusedLuke’smindin termsofmakinghismusicmatter.

TwentyyearsafterJCBSong,theworldisa differentplacewithmuchtofeelconcernedandangry

about.Lukestrikesusassomeonewhofeelsdeeply andbeingafatherhaschangedthewayhe approacheslifeandmusictoanextent.On fatherhoodhesays:“It’sjustreallybeautiful.I’veless timedothings,soyoujusthavetomakethesethings count.Itcondenseslifeintowhat’simportant.Italso makesmeshowupmoreinmusic.”

PASSIONATEANDPUNCHY

Lukefeelsthe‘apocalypticnatureofthesetimes’and the‘lunacyintheworld’deeplyandfindsspeakingup throughhismusic,crucial.Hesays:“There’ssomuch darkstuffhappeningintheworld,somuchinjustice, sothere’slotsofchallengingstuffonMidnightBloom.”

MidnightBloomisLuke’slatestsoloalbumand whiletherearejoyfulelements,it’spassionateand punchy–aresponsepartlytothedarkpoliticaltimes wefindourselvesin,butalsoaprolongedperiodof illnessandadiagnosisofIBSthatlefthimfatiguedand burntout.Hesayshewasat50percenthealthfor sometimeandlosthiscreativespark.

MovingtotheUSandbuildingalifewithSteph hasbeenwonderful,butalsohardwork.Thepair haveliterallybuiltahomeonaplotoflandin Vermontwhichattimesmeantsleepinginaonemantentwhiletheycompletedamorepermanent andcomfortablestructure.Lukesayshe’sbecome veryhandywithachainsaw.

WhenwechattedtoLukehewastravellingwithhis broodontheHolyheadferrytoDublinforthelast showofEdSheeran’stour,onwhichNizlopiopened forthestar.Thisisn’tasrandomasitsounds.Theygo waybacktowhenteenageEdwasfrontrowatevery Nizlopigigandeveninternedfortheband.

SUPERFANED

AfteraShepherd’sBushgigin2006,ayoungEd SheerancontactedthebandonMyspacetoaskifthey hadanyworkexperienceopportunities.Lukeasked himtosendavideowhichblewthebandaway.Ed wentontoopenforNizlopiandthey’vekeptintouch eversince.EdhasregularlycitedNizlopiasamassive inspirationandchoseoneoftheirtracks,Flooded Quarry,astheonehe’dsaveduringhisDessertIsland Discsinterview.Edsaid:"Basicallyeverythingfrommy liveset–thewayIcontrolmyvoice,thewayIcontrol theaudience,thewayIplaytheguitarevenanduse beatboxandstuff–thiscomesfromthisband."

Whenwetalked,Lukewaslookingforwardtogetting hometoVermontwherelifenowseemsprettyidyllic. He’sthrownhimselfintothemusicsceneandrunsa SecondSundaySessionattheGuildfordCountryStore forlocalmusiciansandstorytellers.He’llbebookinggigs fornextyear,gettingsomemusicinthediaryandideally enjoyingsomepeaceandclarity. ■

LISTENUP

CheckoutLuke’smusicat soundcloud.com/lukeconcannonmusic

VENTUREFEST

Theregion’slargestgatheringof entrepreneursandinnovatorswilltake placeatMolineuxStadium, WolverhamptononTuesday10March. Nowinits11thyear,VenturefestWest Midlandsbringstogetherthebrightest mindsinthebusinessandacademic worlds,offeringaplatformtoraisetheir profilebyconnectingthemwithinfluential decision-makers,nationalinvestors, partnersandsupportorganisations.Itis co-hostedbyWestMidlandsCombined AuthorityandInnovationAllianceforthe WestMidlands,andsponsoredby MedilinkMidlands.

BUSINESS

BEAUTYWINNER

Alocalbeauticianiscelebratingscooping threeprestigiousindustryawards.Paola Spiga’sGlam&GlowBeautyLabin HockleyHeathwasnamedinTheUKTop 100intheSmallBusinessAwardsand wonBestBeautySaloninSolihullinthe3 BestRated2025Awards.Shehasalso beennamedBestMassageTherapistin theQualityBusinessAwards.The accoladesmarkaproudchapterforPaola whohasspentyearsperfectingherskills, workingwithindustryexpertsatsalons inFlorenceandthenWarwickshire.

STATE-OF-THEARTCLINIC

NekoHealth,thepreventativehealthcare technologycompanyco-foundedby HjalmarNilsonneandDanielEk(founderof Spotify),isopeningitsfirststate-of-the-art clinicincentralBirmingham.Its’NekoBody Scanisbilledasa“healthcheckforyour futureself”andincludesassessingmoles andmarksacrossthebody,symptomsof metabolicsyndromeandriskfactorsfor strokeandheartattack,alongwithblood sugarlevelstoassesspre-diabetesrisk. Additionally,itchecksforskincancerand bloodabnormalities.

EOIN’STAXBREAK

Accountancyandtaxadvisory firmBishopFleminghasappointed EoinHeeneyasitsnewcorporate taxpartnertoitsBirmingham office.Eoin,picturedright,has spent18yearsbuildingtechnical expertiseincorporatetaxwhile developingabroad,relationshipledadvisoryapproach.The appointmentenhancesBishop Fleming’scorporatetaxcapability andsupportsthefirm’sambitious planstoscaleitsBirmingham officeintoamajorregionalhub.

FORESTDEAL

ProfessionalservicesgroupGateleyhasextendedits partnershipwithHeartofEnglandForestforathird year.Foundedonasharedvisionforagreener, moreresilientfuture,thepartnershipseesGateley supportthecharityinitsmissiontocreatea30,000acreforest,equivalenttohalfthesizeof Birmingham,throughwoodlandmaintenanceand tree-plantingvolunteeringdaysforitscolleagues acrosstheMidlands.Gateleywillalsousethe partnershiptopromoteaccesstogreenspacesfor disadvantagedschoolchildrenacrosstheregion.

AUCTIONASSOCIATE

BirminghampropertyspecialistsBondWolfehaspromotedJamesRossiterto associatedirectorinitsauctiondivision.James,picturedleft,joinedBondWolfein 2019whentheauctionoperationwassetupasastand-alonedepartment.James, whospecialisesinresidentialproperty,said:“Iamveryproudtohavebeen promotedtoassociatedirectorandexcitedtolookforwardtoprogressfromhere.”

BRIDALOPENING

It’sthemonthofromance,sowhatbettertimeforanewbridalstoreto openitsdoorsinBrum!wed2b,theUKandEurope’slargestandfastestgrowingbridalretailerlaunchedintheBullring–thebrand’sthirdstorein thearea,joiningexistinglocationsinShirleyandWednesbury.Theretailer nowhas41storesintheUKandafurther20acrossEurope.Alldressesare availableoff-the-pegpricedbetween£499and£999.

BEYONDTHEBUMP

TwoWarwickshiremumswholaunchedabusinessto improvetheexperienceofpregnancy,birthand parenthoodforotherfamiliesintheregion,have openedtheirfirstpremisesinMarketPlace,Warwick, todelivertheirservicesandclasses.MelissaSchmidt fromMoretonMorrell,andVickyMorganwholivesin Heathcote,foundedBeyondtheBumpwhichhas alreadysupportedhundredsoffamilies.Theymoved intothenewpremiseswithsupportfromCoventry andWarwickshireChamberofCommercebusiness adviserSaffronMedway.

ABirminghambusinesswomanwhoco-foundedawellbeingcoachingfirmhasbeenrecognisedas oneoftheUK’s100mostinspiringfemaleentrepreneurs.NabilaGardner,whosetupWaysfor WellbeingUKCICin2022,featuresalongsideleadingfemalefoundersfromacrossthecountryas partofSmallBusinessBritain’sf:Entrepreneur#IAlso100campaign,whichcelebratesthemultiachievementsofwomenrunningbusinesses.Nabilaisrecognisedforherworkintransforming howclinicalstandardstranslateintocommunity-ledaction.Shealsoservesasaleadorganiserfor BirminghamDisabilityFestivalandvolunteerstomentorunderservedentrepreneurs.

TOPPROPERTYTRIO

PrincipleEstateManagementcelebratedthreestaffmembersachieving covetedplacesonaprestigiouspropertysectorlist.Operationsmanager EsmeWilliams,pictured,alongwithpropertymanagersJessicaDeller andTanyaMalik,appearedonthelatestPropertyManagement50list,whichhighlightsthetop50 propertymanagersacrosstheUK.JoeJobson,jointmanagingdirectoratPrinciple,said:"We're delightedandveryproudthatthreeofourteamhavebeennamedinthePropertyManagement50.”

GROWINGPLACES

AccountancyfirmPKFSmithCooperhasstartedthenewyear withanumberofseniorpromotions.Thecorporatetaxteam seesAdamZaman,pictured,promotedtocorporatetaxdirector andMattDohertyandNickSkidmoretoseniorcorporatetax managersrespectively.KieranMarshallispromotedtosenior managerofthebusinessrecoveryandrestructuringteam,with KeithWilsonasmanager.Overthepastyear,thefirmreceived 12awardnominations,winningAccountancyEmployerofthe YearattheWestMidlandsBusinessHeroAwards.

FOODCHARITYROLE

FareShareMidlands,theregion’slargestfoodredistribution charity,haswelcomedanewcorporatepartnershipsmanageras partofanambitiousthree-yearplantodoublethefoodit redistributes,feedingthousandsmorefamilies.PaulineClarke waspreviouslyatStBasilsyouthhomelessnesscharityand boastsextensiveexperienceinB2Bsales,accountmanagement andpartnerships,andwillplayapivotalroleinbuildingthe long-termrelationshipsneededtodriveFareShare’sgrowth.

ROXYREWARDS

RoxyLeisurehaslaunchedRoxyRewards,anapp-basedloyaltyschemedesigned tothankloyalcustomersandwelcomenewones.TheBirmingham-based entertainmentvenueopeneditsfirstsitein2020,followedbyasecondlocation in2023,reflectingitsrapidgrowthandpopularity.Thenewloyaltyschemeis partofthecompany’songoingcommitmenttoenhancecustomerexperience.

BUSINESS BITES

AIRPORTRECORD

BirminghamAirportended2025onahighwith arecordmonth.Nearly944,000passengers travelledthroughtheairportinDecember,a 6.6percentincreasecomparedtothesame periodlastyear.Overthewholeyear,theairport recordedmorethan13.6millionpassengers–itshighestevernumber.

FOODACCOLADE

BirminghamhaswonaprestigiousSustainable FoodPlacesSilverAward.Thenationalaward recognisestheinnovativeBirminghamFood RevolutionandBirminghamFoodSystem Partnership,whichpromoteshealthy, sustainableandlocalfood,tacklesfoodpoverty anddiet-relatedill-health,andsupportslocal growersandindependentfoodretailers.

ATTHEDOUBLE

ZurichCommunityTrustispartneringwith twoBirminghamcharities,asselectedbyits employees,inathree-yearinitiativeworth £20,000-a-yeartoeachcharity.Benefitting fromthemovearehomelesssupportcharity SIFAFiresideandLittleHeartsMatter,the UK’sonlycharitydedicatedtosupporting childrenbornwithhalfaworkingheartand theirfamilies.

RACHEL’SONBOARD

TheManufacturingTechnologyCentre(MTC)has appointedProfRachelO’ReillyfromtheUniversityof Birminghamasanon-executivedirectortoitsboard. Rachelistheuniversity’sprofessorofchemistryandprovicechancellorforresearchandhasextensiveexperience inleading-edgechemicalresearchandacademic leadership.Shesaid:“TheUK'sgloballeadershipin manufacturinghasdeeprootsintheWestMidlands,and theMTCbuildsonthatlegacy,unitingexpertisefrom academiaandindustrytoadvancesolutionscriticalto ourfuture,includinginsecurity,aerospaceandenergy.”

Calthorpebusinessgathering enjoysspecialdanceperformance

ACalthorpebusinesscommunityeventtookplaceat ElmhurstBalletSchool,wheresomeoftheschool’s talentedstudentstreatedgueststoaspecialperformance. SchoolprincipalJessicaWardthenpresentedthelaunchofBallet &Beyond,anewrecreationaldanceprogrammedesignedto makehigh-qualitydancetrainingaccessibletoeveryone, regardlessofage,backgroundorpreviousexperience. ■

LAUGHSGALOREAT LANDMARKLUNCH

ComedianSamAveryprovidedthelaughterata recentBirminghamPressClubluncheonheldat theMingMoonRestaurant’sMandarinSuitein Birmingham’sChinatown.Samisalsoatalentedwriter, authoringthebest-sellingbookConfessionsofaLearner Parent.Nearly80guestsattendedtheevent,which coincidedwiththeanniversaryofthefoundingofthe world’soldestpressclub,160yearsago.Raffleprizes includedathree-daystayinaseasideapartmentinWales, afternoonteafortwoattheBurlingtonHotel,fourGolden CircleticketsforcomedyattheCastle,Warwickanda mealforfouratMingMoonRestaurant. ■

PhotographybyAndrewKibbler

4 5 3 2 1

ComedianandauthorSamAveryjoins celebrationofBirminghamPressClub 6 7

1 AngelaHuang,AdrianKibbler,RogerWhitworth. 2 JohnLamb,SueSmith,HowardBennett,JonGriffin. 3 HowardBennett,AlisonBrinkworth, BenRussell,RadcliffeShields,DavidSearle. 4 LlewelaBailey,AshleyBlake,SarahMacleod,JoJeffries,StevePrice. 5 ChristopherandJanMowbray, VijayandAnitaSharma-James. 6 BillGood,JohnDuckers,DerekInman. 7 DorianChan,GrahamYoung,BobandSarahWarman,JohnJames

1 JillyCosgrove,MikeMurphy,StuartBailey,BrianHession,NathanDarby. 2 MarkWilson,MattSmith,MartinPoole. 3 DavidNeate, VinnyBhogal,PaulVarley,DavidGriffiths. 4 JordanKelly,AndrewDavies,ShantelClaire 5 BenRothery,TomPollard. 6 JillyCosgrove, MarkLenton. 7 MartinAdams,HannahGriffin,PaulCook,WillKerton. 1

MfgSolicitorsrecentlyhostedawelcomedrinksand networkingeventinBirminghamtomarkthe appointmentsofcommercialpropertypartner BrianHessionandcorporatespecialistandpartnerMatt Smith.TheeventwasheldatPrimitivoinBarwickStreetwith morethan120guestsfromacrossthecity’spropertyand corporateindustriesenjoyingearlyeveningdrinksand canapes.BrianwillworkalongsidepartnerBenRothery focusingoninvestment,financingandlettingtransactions whileMattwillworkwithpartnerClareLang,advisingon acquisitions,disposals,restructures,jointventuresand corporateadvisorymatters. ■

SNOWBALLAIDS KIDS’TOYAPPEAL

NailcoteHalleventraisesmore than£5,000forSalvationArmy

TheannualSnowBallatNailcoteHallHotelGolf &CountryClubinBerkswellraisedmorethan £5,000fortheSalvationArmy.Thecharityalso receivedsackfulsofgiftsforitsChristmasToyAppeal, whichweredeliveredtodisadvantagedchildreninthearea onChristmasDay,thanksinparttodonationsfromthe 220guestswhoattendedonthenight. ■

WHAT’SONliving

WHAT: TheCaravan,Campingand MotorhomeShow

WHEN: 17to22February

WHERE: NECBirmingham,ccmshow.co.uk

Thego-toeventforthosewholoveexploring thegreatoutdoors.Ahugerangeofnew motorhomes,campervans,caravans,tents andcampingaccessorieswillbeonshow–all underoneroof!

WHAT: Valentine’sDayRomance withYoungLionel

WHEN: 14February

WHERE: NailcoteHall, nailcotehall.co.uk

Amagicalnightwiththeenchanting BabalolaJr,thecelebratedSouland Motownartistwhostepsintothe spotlighttocelebratethelegendary globaliconofromance,LionelRichie.

WHAT: FranzFerdinand

WHEN: 6March

WHERE: O2AcademyBirmingham, academymusicgroup.com

ThefabulousScottishrockbandbringtheir electrifyingglobaltouroftheirsixthstudio album,TheHumanFear,toBrum–andit’s nottobemissed!

WHAT: TopHat

WHEN: 3to7March

WHAT: DalisoChaponda:TopicalStorm

WHEN: 27February

WHERE: GleeClub, glee.co.uk/birmingham Journalists,bloggers,fakenews,satirical news:havewelostthethreadofit all?Daliso’sexplosivenewshow questionsjustwhatthenewsisabout –allwhilehavingarightgoodlaugh.

WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com

Basedontheclassic1935moviestarringFred AstaireandGingerRogers,thissparklingromantic cocktailislacedwithwittycomedy,stunning choreographyandtap-dancingbrilliance.

WHAT: DisneyinConcert

WHEN: 21February

WHERE: SymphonyHall,bmusic.co.uk

Yourfavouritecharactersandmusicfromthe Disneycataloguecometolifeontheconcert hallstageandscreentocreateacinematic experiencelikeneverbefore.

WHAT: TheBoyWhoHarnessed theWind

WHEN: 10Februaryto28March

WHERE: RSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111

Thisupliftingnewmusicaltellsthetrue storyofWilliamKamkwamba,aboy whowantedtobuildawindmill,but nobodybelieveshecan.Asdrought closesinonthefarmandvillagehe loves,everyonepraysforamiracle.

WHAT: YONEXAllEngland OpenBadminton Championships2026

WHEN: 3to8March

WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk

TheAllEnglandremainsthe mostprestigiouseventinthe badmintoncalendaras Birminghamwelcomesthe verybestplayersforsixdays ofhigh-octane,world-class action.

WHAT: PunkOff:TheSoundsof Punk&NewWave

WHEN: 16February

WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk

Fiftyyearssincepunkandnewwave kickedthedoorin,thisone-of-a-kind concertshowstormsthestage,louder, bolderandmessierthanever.With musicfromBlondie,TheRamones, SexPistols,TheClashandmore.

WHAT: MadeintheMiddle:ACraftspacetouringexhibition WHEN: 14Februaryto12April

WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre,macbirmingham.co.uk Drawingtogetherceramics,textiles,jewellery,metalwork andsculpturalworksby37artists,thisexhibitionshowcases exceptionalcontemporarycraftsfromacrosstheMidlands.

ImagebyKeeleyTraae

WHAT: TheBoyattheBackoftheClass WHEN: 25to28February

WHERE: TheBelgradeTheatre, belgrade.co.uk

Afterdelightingaudiencesacrossthecountry,the smash-hit,joyfulplaybasedonthebest-selling novelbyOnjaliQRaúfreturnswithacelebration offriendshipkindnessandcompassion.

WHAT: Showaddywaddy WHEN: 22February

WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com Formedinthe1970s,Showaddywaddyhavebeen entertainingaudiencesforfivedecadeswiththeirdynamic andupliftingliveperformances.Thiscrackingshowwon’t disappointasitfeaturesalloftheirbiggesthits.

WHAT: TheBattle WHEN: 11Februaryto7March

WHERE: BirminghamRep,birmingham-rep.co.uk WereyouBlurorOasis?From thechaosoftheBritAwards totheinfamouschartwar,this isawickedlyfunnydiveinto oneofthegreatestrivalriesin rockhistory.Expectfilthy language.

WHAT: DonQuixote WHEN: 12to21February

WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome,brb.org.uk

Treatyourselfandallyourfamily tosomeSpanishsunshine.This stunning19th-centurymasterpiece tellsanunlikelyadventureof loveanddreamsandis packedwithutterly delightfulmusic.

CLOSEWITHÁ

JACKQUDDUS

BEENTHERE,DONETHAT

I’mthefounderofNeonCow,aBirmingham-based neonsignstore.Ididn’ttakeatraditionalrouteinto businessorthecreativeindustries–NeonCowstarted fromexperimentinginmymother’skitchenafteran eye-openingtriptoNewYork.Whatbeganasaside hustleturnedintoafull-timebusinessworkingwith brandsandvenuesovertheworld–thelikesofNFL teamAtlantaFalcons,HarveyNichols,AstonVilla, ITVStudios,JaRule,SEGA.Beingpartofthe BirminghamLightFestivalwith'MyHeartBelongsin Birmingham’feelslikearealfullcirclemomentand almostlikeahomecoming.

IT’SWHATIDO

IdesignandcreatecustomLEDneonartworkfor businesses,eventsandpublicinstallations.Myrolesits betweencreativityandproduction,turningideas,words andemotionsintosomethingphysicalthatpeoplecan experience.Iloveworkingonpiecesthatliveinpublic spaces,whereanyonecanstumbleacrossthemandfeel something,evenbriefly.

WHATI’DLIKETOSEE

Iwanttocontinueworkingcloselywithbrandsand individuals,listeningtotheirvisionandhelpingturn theirideasintosomethingtangible.There’ssomething incrediblyrewardingaboutsittingwithacustomerand showingthemtheirlogoormessageinneonforthe firsttime.AndI’dlovetokeepexpandingintomore large-scalepublicworkandinstallations.

BIGGESTSUCCESS

BeingpartofBirminghamLightFestivalis certainlyupthere.Creatingapiecethatsitsproudly

inthecityandisexperiencedbysomanypeople feelsincrediblyspecial.Alongsidethat,workingwith BirminghamMuseumontheMADEIN BIRMINGHAMneonsignwasahugemomentfor me,itfeltlikearealacknowledgementofbothmy workandmyconnectiontothecity.Building NeonCowfromthegroundupandseeinghow peopleemotionallyconnectwithwhatIcreateis somethingI’mdeeplyproudof.

BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED

Alwaysmakesureyoucanseethebiggervision, especiallywhenthingsfeelchallenging.It’seasyto focusonwhat’snextorwhatisn’tworking,butI’ve learnedhowimportantitistostop,lookback,andbe gratefulforhowfaryou’vecome,nomatterthe situation.

WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM

Birminghamhasalwaysfeltlikehometome.I’ve beenluckyenoughtotravelandexperiencedifferent citiesacrosstheUKandaroundtheworld,anditreally makesyourealisejusthowfriendlypeoplearehere.

DOWNTIME

IlovehelpingoutatDerekandPauline’scorner shopinCotteridge,mygrandparents,whichhas beenpartofthecommunityforover60years.It’sa greatwaytoslowdownandstaygrounded.Ialso enjoysupportinglocalindependentsaroundme, especiallyGlassHouseBreweryinStirchley,a taproomspecialisingincraftbeers. ■

BirminghamLightFestivalisonfrom12to15February. Moredetailsat:birminghamlightfestival.co.uk