LITKNITS
Sometimesit’seasytoforgetjusthowbrilliantBirminghamis.Familiarity breedscontempt,andallthat!Yes,ofcourse,thecityhasissues(theyalldo) andcouldalwaysbebetter(theyallcould),butreally,wearesoincredibly lucky.Thisthoughtwasuppermostinmymindafterspendinganeveningwithmywifeacoupleofweeks agoinBrindleyplace.
ThereasonforourvisitwastoloseourselvesforafewhoursinthemagicalmusicofJasonMrazat SymphonyHall.Theconcertwasgreatasweknewitwouldbe(we’vebeenhugefansoftheAmerican singerandsongwriterforyears),andthevenuewaspitchperfectwithawonderfulvibe.
Strollingaroundbeforeandaftertheshow,takinginsomelovelyfoodandatmosphere,wewerereminded justhowmuchwarmthandstyleourcityhastooffercomparedtothelikesofLondon,whichiscoldand oftenunwelcomingtovisitors.
AllofwhichmakesthosewhoknockBrumlookrathersadandfoolish.TakeRobertJenrick,theShadow SecretaryofStateforJusticeandShadowLordChancellor,whokickedoffarightspatafterdenouncingpartof Birminghamonarecentvisitfornothavingenoughwhitefacesandlikeningittoaslum.WhatashameMr Jenrickchoosestolookforthenegativesandnotpositives.Buthey,Iguessbeingcontroversialwithcomments basedonignorancegetsyouintheheadlinesandraisesyoursocialmediaclicks.So,that’salrightthen! Despitehavingitsfailings,IalwaysfeelimmenselyproudofBirmingham.Likeitsmulti-culturalpeople, it’sopen,friendly,warm–andtotallyunique.So,dousafavour–don’tknockit,ok?
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.
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News
Bringingyouthebrighteststories fromacrossthecitythismonth
StuDeeley
MasterChef:TheProfessionalswinneron aleapoffaith,mentors–andadirtysecret
KitHolder
FromperforminginTheNutcrackertotaking BlackSabbath:TheBalletontheroad
Food&Drink
Chef’sCornerwithGlennPennieofEdgbaston PrioryClub,plusnews,reviews,recipes&wine
Health
ReleaseyourinnerTravolta,havefunandget fitwiththeUK’stopdancegroup,Diversity
Style
Agreatknitisabeautifulthing–cosy,chicand practical.We’vepickedoutourwinterfaves
BestoftheRest
BeautySpecial
We’vechosenourpickofthisyear’stopadvent calendars–buthurry,they’resellingfast!
Homes
Bows,baublesandbrilliantdecorations.The countdowniswellandtrulyontoChristmas
Travel
’Tistheseasontoski–andthebestslopes arealleasytogettorightherefromBrum
36 40 54 57 64 66
BusinessNews
Allthelatestnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity
What’sOn
Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigs inourround-upofmust-seeevents
UpClose
WithAlexNicholson-Evans,founderand directorofLivingfortheWeekend
LIGHTTRAIL
Luminate,theUKfestivelight trail,issettosparkleonthe darkestofwinternightsasit returnstoBirminghamBotanical Gardensthismonth.Visitorscan weavetheirwaythroughthe gardenswhileviewingstunning lightelementsandinteractivelight playallsettoagreatsoundtrack. Newthisyearisalaserandsearch lightshowsettoamedleyof music.Ontheroutetherewillbe mulledwineandmarshmallowsto toastonfirepits.Thetrailisopen fromFriday28Novemberuntil Thursday1January.
NEWS
BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH
DANCELIKEDIVERSITY STARSHAVEABALL
Diversity,theUK’smostsuccessfuldancegroup,hasopenedanew dancestudioinBirmingham.ThevenueinIcknieldStreetisopento everyone,fromin-persondanceclassesfor‘baby’beginnersaged fouranduptoadultprofessionals,alongwithhireforevents.Dance stylestaughtincludestreetdance,commercialandcontemporary, withweeklylessonsbycoreDiversitymembersthemselves. Diversity’sAshleyBanjosaid:“Birminghamhasalwaysbeena fantasticplacetoperformandourfanshavebeensosupportivesince wewonBritain’sGotTalent.” SeeHealth
Thestarscameoutataspecialeventto celebrateindividuals,fund-raisers, volunteersandcorporatepartnerswho makeMidlandsAirAmbulanceCharity’s lifesavingmissionspossible.Theannual SavingLivesCharityBallwashostedat Birmingham’sNationalConferenceCentre bybroadcasterEdJames,andamong celebritiesshowingtheirsupportatthe eveningwasactressandBirminghamLiving coverstarAnnetteBadland,kickboxerKash ‘TheFlash’GillandcomedianPaulChuckle. Theballraised£70,000topayforvital missions. SeeSocialScene
CLAWSFORTHOUGHT
Notsureyou’dwanttocomefacetofacewiththislittle critteronadarknight.MeettheVampireCrab!He mightlookscary,buthedoesn’tliveuptohisname,as he’sactuallyprettyharmless–anddefinitelydoesn’t drinkblood!TheVampireCrabisamongsomenew arrivalswhichyoucanseeintheRainforestRealmof StratfordButterflyFarm.Anothernewcomeristhemore dangerousandpoisonousSumatranPitViper.Gulp!
CAUSINGASTIR
Something’scookingintheBullring!ProCook,oneoftheUK’sbest-known kitchenwareshops,hasopeneditsflagshipMidlandsstorewhichfeaturesthe firstofanew-lookdesignforthechain.Theoutletisthebrand’sdebutin Brum,whichiswidelyrecognisedforitsthrivingculinaryscene.Itjoins ProCook’s70otherUKstoressellingcookware,tableware,electricalsand innovativekitchengadgets.
EMMA’SNEWROLE
TVpresenterandproudBrummieEmmaWillishasbecomea patronofBirminghamWomen’sandChildren'sHospitaland Charity.EmmahasbeenanadvocateofBirmingham Children’sHospitalformorethan10years.Aspatron,she willraiseawarenessofthecharityandthemuch-needed fundsitrequirestocontinuallypushboundariesintreatment, careandworld-leadingresearch.Emmasaid:“I’veknownfor alongtimehowspecialtheChildren’sHospitalisafterit savedthelifeofoneofmydearestfriend’ssons.”
IT’SANALL-DAYER,FOLKS!
Aspartofits20thanniversary celebrations,theMoseleyFolkandArts FestivalhasannounceditsfirstAllDayer.TakingplaceattheCrossing, Birmingham,on29November,itwill seevariousactsassociatedwiththe end-of-summerfestivaltaketothe stage,headlinedbyviralshanty sensationsTheLongestJohns.Festival managerJohnFellsaid:“We’revery excitedtowelcomebackTheLongest JohnsforourfirsteverAll-Dayer.They wereoneofthestand-outactsbackin 2022.Theirlovefortheshantyformis utterlyinfectious.”
Oh,younaughtyBrummies!Birminghamhasbeennamedthefourthkinkiestcity inEurope,outrankingnotonlyLondon,butalsoBerlinandAmsterdam.Anew reportfromsexualwellnessbrandPleasureChestanalysedeverythingfromsex toysalestothenumberofkink-relatedeventsandshopsineachcity–andfound thatBrummiesarefarmoreadventurousthanmanymightexpect.Withover £7.3millionspentonsextoysper10,000residentsand104sexeventslinedup, thecityisofficiallyoneofEurope’stopdestinationsforsexualexploration.
RACING TO300K
Fiftyteamsfrombusinesses acrosstheWestMidlands tooktothecanalatthe Mailboxandraisedmorethan £300,000aspartof BirminghamWomen’sand Children’sHospitalCharity’s fifthdragonboatrace.The two-dayeventsaw competitorsraceovera200metrecourse.MollyOriviss, marketingmanagerat Mailbox,said:“Weareso proudtohostthislandmark eventatMailboxyear-on-year, andcouldn’tbemore delightedwiththetotal raised.Itisarealprivilegeto playapartintheevent’s success.”
KINKY CROWN HAILKINGBIGGINS!
FAMOUSVOICES
Birminghamhospitalradiostation,BHBNRadio,islaunchingafundraisinginitiativefeaturinganarrayoffamousvoices.Appearingonair areDameJoannaLumley,JeremyIrons,SimonLeBonofDuranDuran, RubyTurner,actorTimBentinckfromtheArchers,SirStephenFry,Gyles BrandrethandAlanTitchmarsh.Individualsandbusinessesare encouragedtodonateorsponsorthestation,ensuringthatitcan continuetofulfilitsmissionofbringingcomfort,companionshipand connectiontothosewhoneeditmost.
RYAN’SCOMEDYWIN
Nowonderhe’slaughing!Sandwell'sRyanSLewishaswon thecovetedBirminghamComedyFestivalBreakingTalent Award.Ryanwaspresentedwithhisawardatapacked GleeClubbyBlackCountrycomedianandbroadcaster DarrenHarriott.Ryanrecognisedthepowerofhumourfrom anearlyage.“WhenIwasfive-years-oldImadeagood friendlaughbyquotingElmo,”herecalled.“Then,atseven, IsawISpywithEddieMurphy.”Ryanmadehisstand-up debutattheHollyBush,inCradleyHeathin2022.
Amerrybandofstars launchedBirmingham Hippodrome’s pantomimeRobinHood.The castswappedSherwoodForest forAstonHallandhadfun gettingtoknoweachaheadof thisyear’sshow.Starringinthe UK’sbiggestregionalpanto isTVfashionista,DJandradio starGokWanasGokScarlet, Birminghampanto favouriteMattSlackasRobin Hood,FayeTozerasMaid MarionandMattCardleasthe dastardlySheriffof Nottingham,plusgueststar ChristopherBiggins,pictured, asKingRichard.Robin HoodrunsfromSaturday 20DecembertoSunday1 February.
BLUEWAVE
AwaveofbluehitSuttonParkashundreds ofwalkerscametogethertoraisemoney forAlzheimer’sSociety,tohelpfundvital dementiasupportandground-breaking research.PeopletakingpartinBirmingham MemoryWalkcompletedeithera3.5kmor alonger6kmroute.Therearearoundone millionpeoplelivingwiththecondition, includinganestimated87,000intheWest Midlands,withthousandsmorecaringfor someonewithdementia.
ALAN’SWORKOFART
WhenFrenchartistAlanReullierrescuedrare blueprintsofLandRover,Leyland,Triumph, MGandvintageMinisfromthescrapheap hedidn’tjustsaveMidlandsmotoring history,hetransformeditintostriking, contemporaryartworks.Now,atthe CourtyardGallery,Solihull,theregion’s motoringlegacymeetspopartinafree exhibitionentitledAlanReullier: Transmissionwhichrunsfrom5to22 November.lansaid:“It’sanhonourto collaboratewithBritishMotorHeritageand contributemyartisticvisiontotheirlegacy.”
GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk
GAMINGFIRST
Twooftheworld’sbiggestgamingandesportseventswillbecomingto BirminghamnextMarch.DreamHackBirminghamwillbethefirst-everfestival heldintheUKinits20-yearhistory,bringingtogethergamingcommunitiesto celebrategames,esportsandinternetpopculture.Featuringoneofthemost prestigiousesportstournaments,ESLOnereturnstotheUKforitsfourthiteration, witha$1millionprizepool,showcasing16oftheworld’sbestDota2teams.The extravaganzawilltakeplaceatthebppulseLIVEarena.
HOTTESTTICKETINTOWN
CurryKingofBirminghamisback! CitycharityLoveBrumhas announcedthatitsfund-raising spectacularwilltakeplaceon 12FebruaryatTheEastsideRooms. Theeventpromisesevenmore flavour,friendlyrivalryand unforgettableentertainment–allinsupportofBirmingham’sunsung communityheroes.Itwillfeatureacurrycook-offliveonstage,celebrity guestsandfoodloversandabanquetandliveculturalentertainment celebratingthecity’sdiversityandculinarytalent.
EATS ANDTREATS
Winter’stastiestshowisallsettoserveupgreatfood.TheGoodFoodShow Winterrunsfrom27to30November2025attheNECandpromisesseasonal delights,gifts–andthechancetowatchtopchefsandexpertsbringfestive recipestolifeonstage.Thestar-studdedline-upincludesJamesMartin,SiKing, LisaFaulknerandMichelRoux.Theshowalsobringstogetherhundredsof handpickedproducers,frombig-namebrandstosmallartisancreators.Perfect foryourpre-Christmasshop!
YES CHEF!
StuDeeley’sCVreadslikearosteroftop Midlandsrestaurants–BrockencoteHall, Simpsons,TheWilderness,Smokeat HamptonManorandnowTheWarwickatMallory Court.Stu’sbeencookingformorethan16years duringwhichtimehisstylehasevolvedhugelyand nowcomefullcircle.SmokeatHamptonManor wasallaboutfireandcookingovercoalsbutat MalloryCourt’snewlytitledTheWarwick restaurant,Stu’sbacktotheclassicaltechniquesand flavourprofilesofhisearlycareer.
He'sstillfindinghisfeetatMalloryandadmits whenhewalkedintothediningroomhewondered whetherhecoulddoit.Stuexplains:“It’sabeautiful diningroom–woodpanels,crisptablecloths, sommeliers–reallydifferenttoSmoke.”Mallory alreadyhasagreatreputationandhashada Michelinstartwice,butStu’sjobistoreinventit fromafoodperspective.
Hesays:“AsmuchasI’dloveastar,it’salsoabout bumsonseats–cookingforpeoplewhocomehere weekinweekoutandforpeoplewho’vefollowed mefromSmokeorMasterChef.”The10acresof gardensareinspiringandwithtwogardenersonsite, Stu’sspoiltwithingredients.Hesaysheadgardener Chris,cametohimwithaspreadsheetrecentlyand askedhimwhathewouldlikefornextyearwhichis thedreamforanychef.
COOKINGGEEK
FightorflightishowStudescribeslearningtocook. Hesays:“Mymumwasaterriblecook–shehatesit whenIsaythat!Iwashands-onfromtheageof11or 12-years-old.”WorkexperienceatJonathan’sonthe HagleyRoadgaveStuaglimpseintoaprofessional kitchenwhichheloved.Hedescribesarrivingat Jonathan’sonhisfirstday:“Iwalkedroundthebackof therestaurantandthesouschefwassatonaYamaha 600playingNineInchNailsandsmokingfags.I’ve neverbeenrebellious,butitappealed.”
Headds:“I’dbeenabitlostwithwhatIwantedto do–Iwasn’tacademic.Evennowittakesmethree businessdaystoreplytoane-mail,soitwasalways goingtobeapracticalcareerforme.Themilitarystyle ofthekitchensuitedme.”Asayoungchef,Stu
describeshimselfasacookinggeekpreferringtospend Saturdaynightathomeexperimentinginthekitchen ratherthangoingout.Itpaidoffbigtime.
StufamouslywonMasterChef:TheProfessionalsin 2019butitwastouchandgowhetherhe’denterthe competitionatall.Hesays:“Itwasdaunting.I’mnot anextrovertandIdon’tcraveattention.I’mjust somehowgoodatwhatIdo.”Studecidedhedidn’t wanttogothroughlifethinking,‘I’dliketodothat’ andthenputtingitoffuntilanotherday.Atthetime, hissonJackwasroughly18monthsoldandStu wantedtosetanexample.Hesays:“Istartedtowonder whatJackwouldendupdoingandIwantedhimto havetheconfidencetojustgoforitwhateverthat mightbe,soItookaleapoffaith.Ithought,ifIgoout inthefirstround,I’llbecomeaplumber.IfIget through,great.IneverthoughtI’dwin.”
MENTORSMONEYCAN’TBUY
StugrewupinBearwoodneverencounteringan Anjoupigeon,blacktruffleorevenawholerabbitaside fromatPetsatHome,sowhenhestartedworking underAdamBrownatBrockencoteHallitwasabitof aneye-opener.AdambecameamentortoStuandhe deeplyrespectedthechef.Adam’sgenerosityand teachingwasintrinsictoStu’sdevelopment.Hestayed fortwotothreeyearsbeforeAdamtoldStuheneeded tobeworkinginaMichelin-starrestaurant.CueLuke TippingatSimpsonswhotookachance,returnedStu’s callandgavehimatrial.
LukebecameanothersignificantpersoninStu’slife anddevelopment.Sturecalls:“I’vebeenlucky.Real mentorslikethatmoneycan’tbuy.I’veabsoluterespect forLuke.He’scaring,family-ledandhelookedafter everyone,madesuretheteamwasokay.He’salwaysin mycorner.”Stustartedatthebottomasacommischef butcaughtLuke’seyeaftercookinganimpressivestaff dinnerandwaspromotedtochefdepartie.
SimpsonsisalsowhereStumethiswifewhowas therestaurantmanager.Oncebabieswereonthe horizon,Stuneededtomoveontoearnmoremoney essentially.AlexClaridge’sTheWildernessinthe JewelleryQuarterprovidedthatopportunitywhereStu becameheadchefandhadhisfirstMichelininspection inhisownright.Hedidn’tgetitthattime.
Ithasn’tallbeenhighendrestaurantsandnotall ofthemhavebeenthriving.AstintatJamie’sItalian wasabitdifferentwheretheyweredoing‘mega numbers’andtherewasLovesinCanalSquare whichStudescribesastheepitomeofafailing restaurantdoingtwo-to-fourcoversanight.The currentstrainsonthehospitalityindustryprovidea significantchallengebutStuthinksthere’sa fightingspiritintheMidlandsfoodsceneand peoplefindwaystomakeitwork.Hesays:“You’ve inspirationalpeoplelikeGlynnPurnellwhoare determinedtokeeppeopleinjobs.”Inthisclimate particularly,Stusaysyou’vegottoaskyourself,‘Is thisgoodenough?’andthenbackyourself.
NOTSOSECRET
WhenStuclocksoffyoucanfindhimeitherat MacDonaldsat1amforaquickfixorevenbetterat KFCorderingaDirtyLouisianaBurger.WhenStu andfellowMasterChefalumniDanLeeareonthe roadindulgingtheir‘bromance’,theycan’tget enoughofit.
Stusays:“It’sgoteverything–goodbread,fried chicken,hashbrown,spicymayo,gherkins,cheese, BBQsauce.Imakearightmess.I’vestartedtokeep ateatowelintheglovebox!”We’resold. ■
©JohanPersson
GEAR SHIFT
FROMPERFORMINGINTHENUTCRACKERASACHILDTO TAKINGBLACKSABBATH:THEBALLETONTHEROAD, BIRMINGHAMROYALBALLETHASBEENAMASSIVEPART OFKITHOLDER’SLIFEANDVICE-VERSA
KitHolderhasenjoyedasparklingcareerat BirminghamRoyalBallet(BRB)dancing someoftheworld’smosticonicrolesand now,aspartofthecompany’sartisticteam,he’s helpingtobringanewgenerationofdancersthrough theranks.ButwithoutSirPeterWright’sNutcracker, hemayneverhavefoundhisdancingfeet.Wecaught upwithKitaheadofthe35thyearofSirPeter’s productionofTheNutcracker–theballetthat changedhislife.
WhenthecompanyformerlyknownasSadler’s WellsRoyalBalletmovedfromLondonandbecame BRBthecouncilofferedSirPetertheopportunityofa purpose-builtstudioinBirmingham.Asathankyou, SirPetergiftedTheNutcrackertothecitywhich remainsinBirminghamtothisday.Kit,whohas danced12rolesintheproductionovertheyears,says: “EverybodylovesTheNutcracker.Mostgreatshows don’tnecessarilysatisfyeverydancer,butThe Nutcrackerdoes.It'saproductionwithalotof opportunityfordancers.”Headds:“Ifyouhada financialheadonyou’dtakeiteverywhere,butthere’s somethingaboutitbelongingtoBirmingham.It’s special.”
Theproductionhasbeenperformedmorethan600 timesinthecitywatchedbyoveronemillionpeople. ForKit,ChristmasbeginswhenthechildrenfromThe Nutcrackercomeintothestudiotorehearse.Hesays: “Someareshy,someareboisterous.Irememberthat feeling–theexcitement,thebuild-up.”
AftermovingfromLondon,thecompanysetup juniorassociateclasseswhichKitwaspartof.Thisled tohisfirstroleonstageinTheNutcrackeragedjust eight-years-oldthatchangedthetrajectoryofhislife. ItpromptedaloveofballetthattookhimtotheRoyal BalletSchoolwithaviewtocomingbacktohishome town–itwasalwaysBirminghamandalwaysBRB. Hesayshe’salwaysbeenhappyhereandhasbeen thrilledtotakeonroleshe’dwatchedasachildin productionslikethePenguinCaféandSwanLake amongmanyothers.
Kitsayshehadagreatrelationshipwithformer DirectorofBRB,SirDavidBintleywhotaughthim somuchasaleaderandchoreographer.When CarlosAcostawasappointedasSirDavid’s successoranewchapterbeganforthecompany.Kit said:“CarlosisCarlos.Iwatchedhimdanceagreat dealasadancer.Hehasdifferentdirection,vision
KitintheSpanishDancefromTheNutcrackerwithMaureyaLebowitzandGabrielAnderson
©BillCooper
andleadership.Hemakesthingshappen,makes ideaswork.”
BlackSabbath:TheBalletisagreatexample.Kit wasatthepointofretiringwhentheideaofSabbath wasmooted.Hepausedhisretirementplanstosatisfy hiscuriosityabouttheshow.Hesaystheydidn’tfinish theshowuntiltheafternoonofopeningnight,soit wastouchandgo,butit’sbeenanabsolute phenomenon.“WhileTheNutcrackerisalotof peoplesfirstballet,soisSabbath.Metalfanstooka chanceonthisandtheaudiencesgowild.When you’reonyourninthshowoftheweek,thatenergy fromtheaudienceiswelcome.”
OvertimeKitbecamemoreinterestedinthe processofcreatingshowsandchoreography,soafter retiringasadancer,hewasthrilledtobepartof BRB’sartisticteamparticularlyworkingwithBRB2 whichshinesaspotlightonsomeofthebestyoung dancersfromaroundtheworldaged18to22.He says:“Igettoworkwithyoungdancersthathave graduatedfromthebestschools.Asacompanywe canattractthattalent.”TheoriginalcohortofBRB2 dancersMaïlèneKatoch,JackEastonFriedaKaden, OscarKempsey-FaggandMasonKingallcompleted thetwo-yearprogrammeandhavenowjoinedthe maincompanyasartists.
ALLCONSUMING
Givenperformingcareersareallconsuming, Kitwasawareofthepitfallsoftransitioningout ofhis.“IstudiedpsychologysoIwasawareof thechallengesofleavingacareerlikemine. Somepeoplegothroughanidentitycrisis,butI’ve beenlucky.Myroleisreallyfulfilling.CoachingBRB2 andwatchingthemnailthechoreographyisbeautiful. Ihavenodesiretobetakingthecurtaincall,soIknow it’srightforme.”
Maintainingthesameleveloffitnesshasbeena tougherask.Kitmakesuseofthegymandphysioon siteatBRBandtriestocycletoworkwhenhecanbut saysit’sverydifferent.Althoughthechoiceisatough one,Kit’spickfromapackedBRB2026programmeis the1932anti-warballetbyGermanchoreographerKurt Jooss,TheGreenTable.Kitdescribesitastheperfect ballet–devastating,fantastic,withnoadditionalfluff. ■
GLENN PENNIE
TheheadchefatEdgbastonPrioryClub thoughthewasgoingtobeamechanicbefore hegotthe‘foodbug’andswitchedtostudying catering–andbecameafanofHeston BlumenthalandBrum’sownGlynnPurnell
Tellusaboutyourcooking
Iwouldn’tsayInecessarilyhaveaparticularstyle ofcooking.Idolikemoreclassicalstylesoffoodand IthinkthatshowswhenIcreatemenus.Wegetalot ofdifferentrequestsformenussoit’simportanttobe abletoadapttotheneedsofguests.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
IstartedoffwhenIwas18workinginpubsand chains.Ineverreallyintendedtobecomeachef growingup.Ioriginallywasgoingtobeamechanic beforeeventuallygoingontostudycatering!OnceI startedwiththatI’veneverlookedback.Iworkedfor brandssuchasMitchells&Butlers,Loungesand Marstonsworkingmyuptoheadchefrolesbefore joiningtheOpusinBirminghamwhereIreally learnedalotaboutfinediningfood.AfterCovidI joinedtheAstonConferenceCentre&Hotel becomingheadchef.Ihavebeenheadchefat EdgbastonPrioryClubforthelast12months,loving everyminute!
Whatdoyoueatathome?
IfI’mbeinghonest,Idon’tcookanywherenearas wellathomecomparedtothefoodIcookatwork. Mostnights,it’ssomethingquickandeasy.Acouple nightsaweekthoughmypartnerandIdofancy somethingabitnicerandithelpsthatweareboth chefs!
Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?And who’sthebestinBrum?
ThebestchefformewouldbeHeston Blumenthal.Ithinkwhathedoeswithfoodis amazingandhowhecanmakeingredientsthat wouldnevernormallygotogetherworksowellis genius.IthinkI’vealwaysreallylikedGlynPurnell asachef.WithhimbeingfromBirmingham, openinghisrestaurantPurnell’sandbeingableto attainaMichelinstarhasalwaysbeensomethingthat hasstuckwithme.
Shareacookingtip
It’slessofacookingtipbutsomethingthatwill helpeveryoneathome!Putadampclothunderyour cuttingboardbeforeyoustartdoinganyprepwork. Thiswillstoptheboardfrommovingwhileyou’re choppingandgiveyoumorecontrol.
Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
GrowingupIlovedhome-stylecooking,so somethinglikespaghettibolognesewasalwaysa favouriteofmine.Evenwhenwewouldgooutfora mealsomewhereIcanvividlyrememberalways orderingspaghettibologneseandgarlicbreadatone specificrestaurantthatwewouldgotoalot.
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
Foodheavenformewouldeitherbeaspaghetti carbonaraorasimplesirloinsteakandchipswith peppercornsauce–eitherofthesetwodishescould bemylastmeal.Foodhellwouldbeanykindof seafood.Seafoodhasneverreallyappealedtome, I’vecontinuedtotrynewthingasI’vegotolder,but thatseatastehasneversatrightwithme.I’vealways reallyenjoyedcookingseafoodandprobablythedish thatIwouldgotoifIwantedtoshowcasemyskills andmyfoodwouldalwaysbeafishdish.
What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?
Ican’tthinkofmanyunusualthingsthatI’veeaten, butifIhadtopickoneitwouldprobablybetripe–the stomachliningfromacow.Tripeisaveryoldfashioneddishandnotsomethingyouwouldseeon manymenusanymore.
Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?
IdothinkifIhadnevergottenintocheffingIwould havecontinueddownthemechanicpath.I’vealways beensomeonewholikedworkingwithmyhands. ■
EdgbastonPrioryClub,SirHarrysRoad,Birmingham,B152UZ. edgbastonpriory.com
ForGlenn’seasyrecipeforthetastiestspaghetticarbonaravisit: www.brumliving.co.uk
GORGEOUSGYUDON
ThisJapanesebeefbowltakesminutestomake,butissuper-comfortingtoeat
Theweatherhasdefinitelyturnedand winter’scoming.It’stimeforcomfortfood, sowhynottrythisgreatrecipe,courtesyof PeteDovastonfromManekiRamen,recently crownedbestJapaneserestaurantintheUK.Gyudon isaJapanesebeefbowlconsistingofthinlyslicedbeef inalightlysweetsaucethattakesjustminutesto make–sothere’sreallynoexcusepeople! ■
INGREDIENTS
■ Thinlyslicedbeef(orleftoverroastbeef)
■ 1onion,sliced
■ 2tbspsoysauce
■ 1tbspmirin
■ 1tbspsugar
■ 100mldashiorbeefstock
■ Cookedwhiterice
■ Springonionsorpickledgingertogarnish
METHOD
Softentheonioninapan.Addthesoy,mirin, sugarandstock.Simmerforafewminutes. Chuckinthebeef–justheatitthrough.Serve overricewithabitofgarnish.Comfortina bowl,sortedin10minutes!
SHORTS NI BBLESand
BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHEXCITING,NEWVIBES. HERE’SOURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS
BRAZILIANBLEND
AuthenticBrazilianrestaurant,BelezaRodizioisopeningatSolihull’s TouchwoodShoppingCentrethismonth.Theeatery,whichwillsitupto 147diners,offerstraditionalrodizio-styleservicewithflame-grilledmeats, includingpremiumcutsofWagyu,carvedatthetableaccompaniedby freshlypreparedsides,saladsandBrazilianspecialities.There’salsoaBrazilian-inspired cocktailmenu,plusaheatedoutdoorterraceandprivatediningareas.Solihullis Beleza’sthirdrestaurant,aftervenuesatStratford-upon-AvonandHull.
DININGATDOCKWORKS
StreetfoodpioneersDigbethDiningClub(DDC) willopenanew450-personcanal-sidedining andeventvenueinthefirstquarterof2026. DDCwilltakeuppermanentresidenceat DockworksWaterfront,BrierleyHill, whereithasheldone-offeventsover thepastthreeyears,aftera£500,000 investmentinthesitewhichhasbeen emptyfor15years.BlackCountry Type–theprojectforthephotographic workofartistTomHicks–hasbeen commissionedtocreateaspace showcasingauthenticandoriginalartwork bylocalartistsaspartofthebuild.
HOTEL’S NEWBOSS
HotelIndigoCoventryhasappointedanew hotelmanager.LewisLewishasmorethantwo decadesofinternationalexperiencespanninghotels, restaurants,barsandthetravelsector,holding leadershiproleswithIHG,Hilton,RadissonHotel Group,JumeirahandMacdonaldHotels. Mostrecentlyhewasdeputyresortgeneral managerinValencia,Spainfor MarriottInternational.
HELLOHIGHLINE
AnexcitingnewnightlifedestinationhasarrivedwiththeopeningofHighLineat ResortsWorldBirmingham.Show-stoppingcocktails,boldglobalflavoursandlive entertainmentareallunderoneroofrightbyResortsWorldCasino.Thefoodmenu includestacos,baobuns,sliders,pizzas,burgers,steaksandclassicmains,served fromlunchthroughuntillate.LivebandstaketothestageeveryWednesday,Friday andSaturdaywhileDJskeepthepartyaliveintotheearlyhours.
MANEKIRAMENWINSTOPTITLE
PIZZAPILGRIMS GRANDARRIVAL
Pizzaloversareinforatreatwiththeopening ofPizzaPilgrims’sfirstBirminghampizzeriaat GrandCentralthismonth.The114-seat eateryfeaturesPizzaPilgrims’s72-hour double-fermenteddough,perfectwhether grabbingapizzabetweentrains,shoppingat theBullringorsettlinginforthefull Neapolitanexperience.FoundersThomand JamesElliotsaid:“Wearereallyexcitedto cometoBirmingham–suchavibrantcity withsomuchculturalandfoodheritage.”
ORELLEREBRANDS
Birmingham’sskylinerestaurantOrellehasbecome24Stories–oneof threerestaurantsoperatedbytheEvolvCollectionundertheStories brand.TakinginspirationfromBirmingham’sculinaryhistory,newdishes onthemenuincludeaBeefCroquettewithhotsauce,inspiredbythe BullringandoldHPSaucefactory,DayBoatCod,payingtributeto Birmingham’sfishmarket,andSaddlebackPorkCutlet,servedwith baconcakeandblackpudding,honouringtheBlackCountry.
ManekiRamenhasbeennamedBestJapaneseRestaurantattheAsianRestaurant&TakeawayAwards.HeldattheLondonHiltonParkLane,the awardsarerecognisedastheUK’sleadingcelebrationofPanAsiancuisine,featuringmorethan1,300nominatedrestaurantsandtakeawaysfrom acrosstheUK.ManekiRamen,whichhastworestaurantsinBirmingham’sJewelleryQuarterandinWorcester,washonouredforitsdepthofflavour andspicingontheRedefinemeatTantanman,whichcombinesJapaneseramenandtraditionalChineseflavours.
ROLLOVERPALOMA
themixologistsatthenewHighLinecocktailbar
Yeah,weknowit’searlybutwe’reembracingtheparty vibesatBrumTowersthankstothisfabulouslittle numberchristenedRollOverPalomabythemixologists atthenewHighLinecocktailbaratResortsWorldBirmingham. Ifyoureallywanttowowyourfriends,gotheextramileand servewiththerecommendedgarnishbelow–it’swellworthit! Butremembertopartyresponsibly. ■
■ 30mlPeachsyrup
■ 15mlFreshlimejuice
■ 50mlGrapefruitjuice
■ 25mlAgavesyrup
■ 50mlTequila
■ 50mlAquafaba
■ 100mlLondonEssencepink grapefruitsoda
METHOD:
Addalltheingredientsapartfromthe sodatoashakerfilledwithice,then shakeandstrainintoacitrussalt-dusted glasswithnoice.Slowlytopwithsodaso itdoesn'tfizzoverandgarnishwithjelly grapefruit(seerecipeandmethod).
FORASUPER COOLGARNISH: INGREDIENTS
■ 4gAgar-agar
■ 350mlStillwater
■ 150mlGommesyrup
METHOD:
Addallingredientstopanandheat.When boilingturntosimmerfor4minutes,then pourintograpefruithalvesandleaveto set,cutintosegmentsforgarnish.
HighLine,ResortsWorldBirmingham, PendigoWay,B401PU.rwb.co.uk
INDICOSTREETKITCHEN
Wedon’twishtosoundsmug,butwe nailedtheuniversityshopping painlesslyinonebriefvisitto Touchwood.Weweresoproudofourselvesthatwe stoppedoffatIndicoStreetKitchentopatourselves ontheback.Ifyou’vevisitedIndicoattheoriginal Mailboxsite,youknowthedrill–amenuaslongas yourarmpackedwithstreetfoodstyledishes,small platesandcurries.There’salsoathalioptionwhich isbrilliantifyouwanttotrynumerousdishesrather thancommittingtoonemaincurryoption.
Wedevouredmanypapadamswiththecustomary pickle,raita,mangochutneyandonioncombination. What’snottolove?Wethenoptedforahandfulof smallplatesandathalitoshare.Firstup,ourfavourite thing–panipuri,puffedupcrisphollowpastrycases withaholeinthetopthatyoufillwithapotatomixat thetablethenpouroveralittlemintwater.They’re delicateandfreshandalovelystarttoameal.Wordto thewise,poptheentirethinginyourmouthinonego elseyou’llbeinahellofamess.
Acrunchysamosachaatwithasoftmoreishmiddleof chickpeas,herbsandspicesservedwithan accompanyingonionrelishwasdelicious.Lollipopfried chickenhadbeenmarinatedinatangychilliandsoy saucethendeepfriedonthebonetomaximisethe flavourandchickentikkabitesweredeepfriedthen tossedinawarming,richtikkamasalasauce.
TheChef’sSpecialThaliwhichwouldbeperfect foronepersonwithoutallthesmallplatesconsisted ofmorepapadams,anexcellentdaalmakhani, makaipalak–aflavourpackeddishofsweetcorn andspinach,aloopyaazkepakora–acrisppakora withpotatoesandonions,spices,herbsandchilli. Thentherewasrice,areallygreatnaan,raitaanda choiceoftwocurries.Weenjoyedlambroganjosh andbutterchicken–bothwereseriouslytasty.
Thethalisoundslikeanenormousamountoffood whenlistedbutthere’sjustasmallbowlofeachsoit’s notoverwhelming.Ifyou’reoutandaboutinSolihull, it’sdefinitelyworthalook.Weassumedwronglythe restaurantwouldbeopenduringTouchwood shoppinghoursonly,butit’sactuallyopenfrom12pm to10pm,sosomethingtobearinmind. ■
CHEERSTOCHRISTMAS!
IT’STHATTIMEOFYEARWHENGETTINGYOURFESTIVEWINESBOUGHTMIGHTBEONYOURMIND.OUR RESIDENTEXPERTDAVIDCARNELOOKSATSOMEOFTHEOPTIONSWELLWORTHEXPLORING
It’sNovember,andbeforeweknowitChristmaswill behere.Theshops,ofcourse,havebeeninfull ChristmasspiritsincetheendofAugust,butthisis themonthwhenmostofuswillgivewhat’sonthewine shelvesextra-specialattention.So,here’ssomeofmy ideasforwhattobuytotoastthefestiveseasoninstyle.
Welcomedrinks
TheclassicchoiceisobviouslyChampagne.Elegant, refinedandaclassicdrinkforcelebrations.Asit’s Christmas,you’reprobablygoingtowantsomethinga bitspecial.Forthat,I’dsuggestthePolRogerPureExtra BrutNVChampagnefromWaitrose(£56).Theslightly drierstylemeansyou’rerewardedwithafresher,more floralwinewithdelicatepeachyandtropicalfruitnotes takingcentrestage.Thiswillalsopairwellwithcanapes andlightstartersifyouareservingthem.
Butthereareothersparklesyoucouldtry.Foranice, refinedCavawhynottrytheRogerGoulartGran ReservaCavaBrut2019/2020whichyoucanfindat www.drinksdirect.com(£17.95).Thishascreamyand
fleshyfruitaromas,withfreshfruitonthepalate,aswell asatoastedandnuttyfinish.
Forsomethingalittleclosertohome,trythe NyetimberBlancdeBlancs2016whichyoucanfindat www.thechampagnecompany.com(£52).Thiswinewas recentlynamedthebestsparklingintheworldatthe InternationalWineChallengecompetitionof1,000 sparklingwines,aswellasreceivinga97-pointrating.
Forsomethinggreatvalueandalittledifferent,pick upabottleoftheveryaffordableGrahamBeck ChardonnayPinotNoirVintner'sSelectionBrutfrom Sainsbury’s(£14.50).TheSouthAfricansparklingwas servedatNelsonMandela’sinaugurationandBarack Obama’selectionparty.Expectcitrusandwhitefruit notes,withanicecreamy,nuttyandtoastyfinish.
AllofthesewouldbepossibleoptionsforNewYear’s Eveaswell!
Themaincourse
Whilenormallyconventionwoulddictatelighter whitewineswithwhitemeat,thecombinationof thingsontheplateforthetraditionalturkeydinner meanslighterwhitesaregoingtobecompletely overwhelmed.SoWhiteBurgundy,Australian ChardonnayorViognierareallgoodwhiteoptions. Wineslikethese,withmorebodyandatouchofoak canstandupbettertotheflavoursonyourplate.
ApotentialWhiteBurgundyoptionwouldbethe LouisLatourWhiteBurgundyfromWaitrose (£18.55).Alternatively,PenfoldsBin311Chardonnay 2023isavailablefromwww.secretbottleshop.co.ukfor £34.95ortheMattIaconisNapaValleyChardonnay 2021canbepickedupfromNakedWinesfor£19.99. Alternatively,theDomainedeSaintFerréolViognier 2022/23is£17abottleatMajestic.
Oftenaredisagoodchoicetoo.Intermsofreds, lighteroptionswouldbeaPinotNoirorBeaujolais, butpotentiallyevenRhoneredsoraRiojacould workinthisscenario,especiallyifthereareadditions suchascranberrysauce,richgravyandpigs-inblankets.
TheBread&Butter‘Winemaker’sSelection’Pinot NoirfromSainsburys(£16)couldworkwelland wouldalsopairnicelywithanymushroomcontainingvegetariandishes.Ifyouwanttogo patriotic,whynotgivetheBarrelfermentedPinot Noirfromwww.aldwickwine.com(£22)ago.You couldjustaseasilyoptfortheChâteaudePizay Morgon2022/2023fromMajestic(£15).Alternatively, theheavierSpanishCuneRiojaGranReservafrom www.ndjohn.co.ukisexcellentvalueatonly£17.95. TheadditionalageontheGranReservaaddsdepth butalsomakesitsmoother.
Andfortheleftoverturkeysandwiches,youmight wanttopickupabottleofPinotNoirfromOregon, suchastheErathPinotNoir2021/22fromMajestic at£25,oryoucouldgofortheChileanErrazuriz EstatePinotNoirfromWaitrose(£10).PinotNoir’s brightredfruitandsofttanninscomplementcold turkeywithoutoverpoweringit.
Dessert Christmaspuddingorcheeseandbiscuits naturallylendthemselvestoricher,sweeterwines.
DAVID’SRECOMMENDATIONS FORNOVEMBERBESTBUYS
SomethingFreshandFruity
Small&SmallGewurztraminer,2024–NakedWines,£14.99. Floral,fruity(white,citrusandtropicalfruits),classicGewurztraminer lycheeflavours,andslightlyoff-drywithsomenicecreaminessonthe finish.
SomethingSparkling: RadaciniBlancDeNoirs–Morrisons,£7. AnalternativeforProseccodrinkers,comingfromMoldovia.Citrusand fleshfruitflavours,withsomehintsofdarkerfruit(cherry).
SomethingEnglish: ChapelDownEnglishNVRose(sparkling)–Sainsbury’s,£33. Notesofredcurrantandstrawberry,withanicebalancedcitrusnote. Someleesagingaddscreamandbiscuitybalance–thinkstrawberries andcream/Etonmess.
Somethingbigandbold: VIK‘A’CabernetSauvignon2022/2023–Majestic,£19. Bigandbold,butstillsilkyandsmooth.Notesofripeblackcurrant, cassis,driedfruits,spiceandmocha.
Somethingclassic: GigondasLeSouiras,ClosdesCazaux2020–WineSociety,£38. Abig,powerfulandcomplexRhoneredwithlayersofblackcherry, spice,coffeeandcaramel.
Somethingdifferent: ErrazurizEstateCabernetSauvignon–Waitrose,£10. Redfruitsonthenoseandpalate,mediumbody,withasubtlefinish ofchocolate,vanilla,warmspiceandahintofbalsamic.
TryGraham’sLate-BottledVintagePortfromWaitrose (£19.25)orRoyalTokaji5Puttonyos,Hungary50cl 2017/18fromMajesticat£27.Occasionallyatthistime ofyear,thebudgetsupermarketsalsohaveicewine whichcanalsoworkwell. Whicheverwinesyoupick,pleasedrinkresponsibly andletmeknowifyoufindanyhiddengems! ■
■ DavidCarneisaWinesandSpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwine expert,BirminghamWineSchoolalumniandauthorofthe alottowineabout.comwebsitewhereyoucanfindmorearticlesonwine. ■ TofindoutmoreaboutfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com
RELEASEYOUR INNERBANJO!
DancefansacrossBirminghamwillbe delightedtohearthatDiversity,the UK’smostsuccessfuldancegroup,has justopenedafantasticnewdancestudiointhe JewelleryQuarter.
Whileweknowthatstruttingyourselfisagreat waytostayinshape,formanyofusthethoughtof goingtoaproperdanceclassisabsolutely terrifying.Butmaybeit’sworthfightingthefear andembracingyourinnerTravoltabecausenot onlydoesdancinggetsyouseriouslyfitbutitalso helpsyouloseshedloadsofweight.Allwhile havingloadsoffuntoo.
So,tohelpyougetoverthehumpherearejust someofbenefitsofdanceandwhyyoushould thinkabouttakingtheplunge:
■ Calorieandfatburning:Dancingisagreat waytoraiseyourheartrate.Youcanburnmore than400caloriesanhour,helpingwithweight management.
■ Improvedcoordination,agilityand flexibility:Oftenyourupperbodyandarmsare movinginonedirection,whileyourlowerbody andlegsaredoingsomethingcompletelydifferent. Keepingagileandflexibleisespeciallyimportant tomaintainasyougrowolder.
■ Improveconcentration:Dancingisamind workouttooasyoulearnandremembernewsteps.
■ Fullbodyworkout:Asidefromheart-health benefits,danceprovidesaworkoutforthewhole body.Fromheadandshoulderrollsthatloosenup theneckandwarmuptheupperbody,tofootwork thatstrengthensandstretchescalvesandankles.
■ Improvedmuscletoneandstrength: Dancingreallymakesyourmusclesworkhard, whichhelpstomaintainandimprovestrength.
■ Strengthenbones:Strongerboneshelps reduceriskofosteoporosis.
■ Increasedaerobicfitness:Movingtothe musicisfantasticforaerobicfitness,building enduranceandincreasingtheconditionofyour heartandlungs.
■ Stressbuster:Dancemovementreleases endorphins,improvingyourmoodandhelping reducedepressionandanxiety.
TYPESOFDANCE
Pickastylethatsuitsyourpersonalityandfitnessgoalsand thenjustcommit!
BALLET –Mostlyperformedtoclassicalmusicfocusingon strength,techniqueandflexibility.
BALLROOM –ForStrictlyfansthatlovesbitofwaltz,foxtrot, rumbaandtango.
HIP-HOP –Thisurbandancestyleinvolvesbreaking,poppingand locking.
LATIN –LivelyanddiverseincludingSalsa,RumbaandSamba. Expressiveandsensual,it’sprobablylesssuitedtotheselfconscious.
POLE –Maynothaveinitiallysprungtomindbutamazingfor muscleenduranceandall-roundbodystrength.
LINE –Performingasimplebutchoreographedsequenceofsteps isfantasticifyou’reworriedaboutfreestyling.
■ Increasedempathy:Tolearnandpractisea danceroutine,youneedtocarefulstudyand replicatethemovementofothers. Communicatinginthiswayhasbeenshownto improvelevelsofempathyandemotional recognition.
■ Increasedconfidence:Feelgoodinyour bodyandmindandyouwillfeelmore confidenttoo.
■ Makesexercisefun:Youmightfindithard togetexcitedabouthoppingonatreadmillbut dancingissomuchfunyou’llactuallywantto keepcomingbackformore.Andallthatsmiling willstimulateyourbraininawayfewother thingsdo
■ It’sforeveryone:Thereareclassesforall levelsandtypes,kidstograndparents.Thereare manystylesofdancetochoosefrom,eachwithits ownattractionssooneisboundtosuityourneeds.
■ It’ssocial:Dancingprovidesagreatwayto meetfunandlike-mindedpeople.
So,ifyou’refeelinginspiredandwanttolearna newskill,getfitandmeetnewpeople,dancing couldbeagreatformofexerciseforyou.Just remembertowarmup,drinkplentyofwaterand don’tpushyourselftoofarortoofast,especiallyif youareabeginner. ■
LIT KNITS
TERRIFIC TEXTURE
Texturedjumper£40, CottonTraders
SNOW FLAKE
CreamFairIsle jumper£29.50,F&F
CLASSIC COUNTRY
Lorrieknitted jumper£219,Barbour
FULLON FAIRISLE
Jumper£40, CottonTraders
AW25catwalkswereawashwith gorgeousknitsandthehighstreethas followed.Aswellaslookingchicwe wantwarmthandcomfortfromourknits,so theyneedtobeeffectivemulti-taskers.We’ve beenshoppingandpickedoutsomeofthis season’sbest.
TIMELESSPIECES
Thereareclassicpiecesthatwon’tgooutof stylefromyeartoyearsoifyou’rebuildingyour knitwearcollectionwe’dstarthere.Aplaingrey knitwhetherit’sacrew,v-neckoracardigan willaddinstantlaidbackcoolandisworth slottingintoyourwardrobe.Wornwithjeansor layeredoveraslipdressorsequinskirt,it’sa hardworker.TUClothinghasalovelyversion onthehighstreetwhileattheluxuryendofthe market,theribbedcardiganfromCitizensof Humanityisstunning.There’smuchtoadmire inbetweentoo.
AFairIslejumperisanotherclassicwhichhasa pleasingnodtoChristmas.Checkoutthechunky versionfromJoeBrowns(pictured)whileBarbour haselevatedthetraditionalwithastylishfunnel neck.Thefinenessoftheknit,colourwayand budgetaretheonlydecisionsyouneedtomake.
JUSTLIKE GRANDAD
ClothingfromBarbour
AH ARGYLE
Brown
midweight
Argylejumper £24.99, NewLook
SHINE BRIGHT
Clothingfrom TUClothing
TEEINGUPKNITWEARHEAVEN
ThedistinctivepreppystyleofanArgylejumper, oncereservedforthegolfcourse,hasgone mainstreamandiswidelyavailableinahuge numberofcolourways.NewLookhasanice exampleinmutedtones(pictured)that’llofferyou versatilityaswellasstyle.Atthehigherend,Alice andOlivia’scroppedversionisgorgeous(pictured.) Tanktopsarehavingamoment.Fromthegrownup,boxyribbedversionatBarbourtocuteand colourfulatOliverBonas,they’reeasytowearand workparticularlywellwhenlayeredoveracrisp whiteshirt.
GRANDAD’SCOOLCARDI
ChunkycardisrockedtheAW25catwalkandhave successfullymadetheleaptothehighstreet. Barbour(again)hasanoversizedpatternedcardigan withazip(pictured)thatoozesstyleandconfidence. TheoversizedfittakesitfromjustwhatGrandad usedtoweartochic.
Therugbyshirttrendwasinitiallybafflingoverthe summer,butinafinecashmereknititmakesso muchsense.TheexamplefromSalts(pictured)is gorgeouswhileEricaDavieshascreatedacableknit versionforGeorgeatAsda(pictured.) Intermsofqualityandsoftnessyougetwhatyou payforwithknitwear,butbearinmindthemore youpay,themoreofafafflookingafteryourknitcan be,soweighitup.Doyouwanttobeabletochuck yourjumperinthewashingmachinewithyour averageloadorareyouhappytohandwash?
Decisions,decisions… ■
CHECK PLEASE Clothingfrom
OliverBonas
INVESTMENT PIECE
BottegaVenetawool
blendcardigan
£1,730,Selfridges
LEOPARD PRINT
Cardigan£20, GeorgeatAsda
KNITTED BOMBER
Pinkandblue
stripedknit£68, OliverBonas
EASY WEAR
Neonpink
cardigan£75, Scamp&Dude
BOLDAND BEAUTIFUL
Claracardigan
£55,JoeBrowns
SPARKLE SEASON
ClothingfromF&F
PERFECT BLEND
CitizensofHumanity
Tabbatharibbedwool
cashmereblendcardigan
£420,HarveyNichols
BACK
Cardigan£36, RiverIsland
DOWNON THEFARM
Farmyardbutton
downcardigan
£78,OliverBonas
CATTHATGOT THECREAM
ClothingfromF&F
£52,FatFace
CLASSIC V
BoucleVneck sweater£99, JohnLewis
FLOWER POWER
Lupinfloralvest
ALPACA CREW
Ribcrew£26, Primark
FIVE ADAY Pinkradishtank £62,OliverBonas
TIE NECK
Cableknitjumper £44,RiverIsland
COOL COLLAB
EricaDaviesx
Georgecableknit poloshirt£18, GeorgeatAsda
TOP CROP
Alice+Olivia
Coralannlayered Argyletop£495, HarveyNichols
SCRUM DAYS
Cashmerepoloshirt£140,Salts
HARVEYNICHOLS ADVENTCALENDAR, £250
HarveyNicholshasnaileditwith astunninglookingcalendar worth£1,000.Itincludes25 productswithanimpressive20 full-sized.Featuringiconic brandslikeLaPrairie, AugustinusBader,Trinny LondonandLaMeritfeels luxurious,plusthere’sa£50 HarveyNicholsgiftcardhiding in50ofthecalendars.
FESTIVECOUNTDOWN
WE’VEPICKEDAHANDFULOFBEAUTYADVENTCALENDARSTHAT’LL BLOWYOURPEDIPEELSOCKSOFF.ASALWAYSSOMEOFTHEMSELLOUT QUICKLYSOIFTHERE’SABRANDYOUPARTICULARLYLOVE,GETINQUICK!
SELFRIDGESBEAUTY ADVENTCALENDAR, £250
Selfridgeshasgonerogueandratherthan thetraditional25giftshasplumpedfora whopping37productsvaluedat£1,100. Twenty-fourofthegiftsarefull-sizedand 35oftheproductsareexclusiveto Selfridges.ExpectbrandssuchasGisou, Moonglaze,CharlotteMensahand Hourglass.Thisisagreatoptionifyou loveexploringdifferentbrands,plusit feelslikedecentvalueintheadvent calendarmarket.
SISLEYXLUKE EDWARDHALL
ADVENTCALENDAR, £640
Agorgeouscalendarinsideandout thankstotheworkofBritishartist LukeEdwardHall.It’sobviously expensiveandyou’dhavetoreally loveSisleytoinvest.Twenty-fiveof thebrand’sfinestproductsfeature fromhairoiltotheiconicBlack RoseSkinInfusionCream,all packagedinariotofcolourand theatre.It’sdesignedtobekeptand reusedsonowastagehere.
JOMALONELONDONADVENTCALENDAR,
£360
WeprefertheclassiccreamandblackJoMalonecalendarsof previousyears,butifyouloveJoMaloneyou’lllovethis.Eachofthe 25segmentshidesatimelesscologne,miniaturecandleorabathand bodyproduct.There’salsoa30mlfestivefragrancewhichsmells incredible.
SEPHORAFAVOURITES ADVENTCALENDAR,£225 Forty-onetreatsmakethiscalendar,worth justover£1,000,themostextensiveofthe bunchwith24full-sized.Thirty-one productsareexclusivetoSephoraand therearegoldenticketshiddeninsome calendarswithtreatsfromvariousbrands. ExpectbrandslikeMeritBeauty,Tarte, GlowRecipeandTower28amongmany more.
COSY SEASON
FINEKNIT
Clothingfrom Matalan
THENEWBLACK
PoloRalphLauren knittedwool cardigan£445, Selfridges
IALPACABLEND
AmiParislogointarsiaalpaca blendlogo£530, HarveyNichols
npartduetothesweepingcinematographyofthe windsweptScottishHighlandsinTheTraitors,wejust wanttowearknitwear24/7andthecosierthebetter. Beforeyoushop,setabudget.Knitwearcanbeexpensive andgenerallyyougetwhatyoupayforintermsofquality andlongevity–justcheckthewashinginstructions.We speakfromexperience.
HOTCOLLABORATIONS
CottonTradershascollaboratedwithactorWillMellor who,whilenotknownforhissenseofstyle,hasputhis nametoacollectionofreallynicepiecessuchastheFairIsle cardigan(pictured)atareasonablepricepoint.Another morepredictablecollabbetweenBarbourandPaulSmithis anotchupinbothstyleandprice.Checkoutthestriped crew(pictured).
Aclassiccrewinaqualityyarnisastaplethat’sascomfy asitiscool.Plain,striped,chunkyorfine,it’llworkwhatever isonyourbottomhalf.ThefineknitpicturedfromMatalan isagreatexample.
Rugbyshirtstylesaren’tforeveryone,buttheyarehaving amomentacrossbothmen’sandwomenswear.Salts Cashmereisexcellinginthisfieldwithgorgeouscolour waysatamid-rangeprice(pictured.)
LUXURYPICKS
Attheluxuryendofthemarket,expecttopaynorthof £400.TakealookatAmiParis,trustyRalphLaurenand CherryLosAngelesandtakecareofthemifyouwantthem tolast.Mostimportantly,keepyourknitwearcleantoavoid thedreadedmoths–it’stheoilsfromyourskinthatattract them,soregularcleaningreducestherisk. ■
CASHMERECREW
Toffeeblushcrew £215,Salts
FAIRISLE
WillMellorxCottonTraders fairisleknitbutton throughcardigan£42, CottonTraders
GREYDAYS
Charcoalcardigan £24,Matalan
POLOMINT
Aquapeppermint polo£245,Salts
CLASSICSTRIPE
PaulSmithx
Barbourstriped crew£199,Barbour
TRUEBLUE
CherryLosAngeles logointarsiacotton knitjumper£400, HarveyNichols
PURPLEPATCH
Crewjumper£35, JoeBrowns
HALLS
HEIRLOOMVIBES
DecorationsfromJohnLewis
We’vebeenbombardedbyretailers’festiveofferings sinceJuly,sowe’veshownsignificantrestraint, butnomore.We’replungingheadlongintothe festiveseasonwithgiddyabandon.Firstup,let’stalkbows. BowsareaChristmasclassicthatwillnevergooutofstyle,but thisyear,they’vehadarevamp.They’vegrown–thebiggerthe betterwithmanyfeaturingboldstripesandsomesnubbing traditionalred,greenandgoldinfavourofbrighter,lighterhuesfor amoremoderntake.TakealookatHabitataswellasDunelm’s hugelysuccessfulcollaborationwithSophieRobinson.Think beyondthetreeandhangstatementbowsoverdoorwaysand mirrorsforaneasywaytoaddsomefestiveflair.Saveabitof moneyandhaveagoatmakingyourownwithleftoverfabric.
TRADITIONALCHARM
Ifyou’reatraditionalist,there’smuchtokeepyouhappy. Neptune,asalways,ispackedwithgorgeouspiecesrockinga countryhousevibethat’llhelpyouachieveatraditionalpolished look.Aswellasdecorationsandaccessories,theirpre-littreesare brilliant.HaveamoocharoundtheEdgbastonstoreforserious inspiration.DobbiesGardenCentreandWebbsarebothpacked totherafterswithtraditionalfestivefindsifyoufancymakinga
dayofit,whileJohnLewishassomegreatclassic decorationstoo.
KITSCHMAS
It’snotjustbowsthathavegonelargethisyear–oversizedbaublesarebringingabitoftheatretoyour treeandbeyond.Somearesolarge,youcanhang themfromtheceilinglikeadiscoball.Kitschiscool andtheshopsarefullofover-the-topplayfulness poppingwithsugaryshadesandretromotifs.Oliver BonasiswinninginthecolourstakeswhileRockett StGeorgeisawashwithpureunadulteratedcamp.
TOPTABLE
Whetheryou’reonanostalgiatriporyou preferabitofminimalistmagic,Christmas tablewareisstunningthisyear.Foraparedback ScandivibeheadtoHabitatandHay.Forrich sumptuouscoloursandabitofgrownup glamour,JohnLewis,M&SandNeptunearetop ofthetreealongwithProCookwhichhasjust openedintheBullringandisseriouslywortha look.Createabitofambiencewithplentyof candlesanddon’tforgettoaddsomefestive greenery.Ifyou’reinStirchleycheckoutHedge foryourChristmasblooms. ■
PLAYTIME
DecorationsfromDobbiesGardenCentre
COLOURPOP
DecorationsfromMatalan
THINKPINK
DecorationsfromHabitat
RIGHTSTRIPES
Stripebow decoration£15, JohnLewis
STAROFWONDER
Pinkstainedglassstar £9.50,OliverBonas
SLEEPTIGHT
Feltsleeping mice£22, NationalTrust
CUTECANDLE HOLDER
Ripleyceramic dinnercandle holder£6,Neptune
TOUCHES FINISHING
Smorestree decoration£5,
WE’VEPICKEDOUTAHANDFULOFFESTIVE DECORATIONSTOADDTOYOURCOLLECTIONTHAT’LL GIVEYOURHOMEACOSY,CHRISTMASSYVIBE
GOODWOOD
Wooden Christmastree £100,minima.
LITTLEACORN Orangeacorn
£4.99,Dobbies GardenCentre
MAESTROPLEASE
Conductorcat bauble£8, JohnLewis
FABFELT
Feltpeardecoration
£5,M&S
TOPTABLE
Blissfulbownapkins £15(packoffour), JoeBrowns
ANIMALMAGIC
Haydenfelt jumpinghare£15, Neptune
FromthePottingBench withAdam
ANDJUSTLIKETHAT,NOVEMBERISHERE!THE WORKYOUPUTINNOWWILLPROTECTYOURPLANTS, TIDYYOURSPACEANDSETYOUUPBEAUTIFULLYFOR
Theclockshavegoneback,theeveningsdraw inbeforeyouknowit,andthegardenseems toslipintohibernationmode.Whilegrowth hasslowedalmosttoastop,thereisstillplentytodo outdoors.Novemberisamonthofwrappingup, tuckinginandgettingthingsinorderbeforewinter reallyarrives.Jobsyoudonowwillsetthingsupfora bloominggreatspring.Herearesomeofmytopjobs forNovember…
Planttulipsattheirbest
Ifyouonlyplantonethingthismonth,makeit tulips.Unlikedaffodilsorcrocuses,tulipsactuallydo bestwhenplantedlaterinautumn,oncethesoilhas cooled.Thishelpstopreventproblemssuchastulip firediseaseandgivesthemthebeststart.Choosefirm, healthybulbs,digaholeaboutthreetimesthedepthof thebulb,andplantthemwiththepointedtipfacing upwards.Tulipslookbrilliantinpots,bordersoreven naturalisedingrass,andtheywillrewardyouwith colouranddramacomeAprilandMay.
Protectyourpotsfromfrost
Terracottapotsinparticulararepronetocracking whenfrostgetsintotheclay,andtenderplantsin containerssufferevenmore.Theanswerissimple:
raisepotsoffthegroundonlittlefeetorbrickssothat excesswatercandrainaway,andgroupthem togetherinashelteredspot.Forpreciousplants,wrap thepotsinfleece,hessianorevenbubblewrapfor insulation.Hardyperennialswillcope,butanything lessrobustshouldbebroughtundercoverifpossible.
Mulchyourborders
Baresoillosesheatandnutrientsoverwinter,but agoodlayerofmulchsolvesbothproblemsatonce. Spreadcompost,well-rottedmanure,leafmouldor barkchipsoverthesoilaroundyourplants.Not onlywillthisimprovethestructureandfertilityof yoursoil,itwillalsosuppressweedsandinsulate plantrootsagainstthecold.Itisasimplejobwitha bigpayoff,anditgivesyourbedsthatneat,finished looktoo.
Prunefruittrees
Nowthatapplesandpearshavedroppedtheir leaves,youcanseetheirshapeclearly,whichmakes Novemberanidealtimeforpruning.Focuson removinganydead,damagedorcrossingbranches,as wellasopeningupthecentreofthetreetoletinlight andair.Thiswillreducedisease,encouragestronger growthandleadtobettercropsnextyear.Usesharp,
cleansecateursorapruningsaw,anddonotworry toomuchasfruittreesaretougherthantheylook. Justavoidplumsandcherriesfornow,astheyare bestprunedinsummertoreducetheriskofsilver leafdisease.
Lookafterthewildlife
Asgardenswinddown,birdsstarttorelymoreon us.Setupfeederswithamixofseeds,suetand peanuts,andtopthemupregularly.Ifyouhavea pond,floataballorplaceastickacrossittostopthe surfacefreezingcompletely,whichensuresthat wildlifecanstillreachthewater.Amessycorner ofthegardenwithleaves,sticksandafewlogs willprovideshelterforhedgehogsandinsects, soresisttheurgetotidyeverythingtooperfectly. Sometimes,alittlemessisthebestkindofcare. So,thereyouhaveit,fivekeyjobsforNovember. Plantyourtulips,protectyourpots,mulchyour borders,pruneyourfruittreesandspareathought forwildlife.Thedaysmaybeshorterandtheweather colder,buttheworkyoudonowwillprotectand prepareyourgardenfortheseasonaheadand makenextspringallthebrighterforit. ■
YoucanfindAdamonInstagram @viewfromthepottingbenchortuneintothe TalesFromThePottingBenchpodcastformore gardeningtipsandstories.Forfurtherreading, headovertoviewfromthepottingbench.com
We’venotmuchtothankCovid-19for howeveritrepresentedanewdawnfor manypeoplewhohadtimetoreallythink aboutwhattheywantedfromlife.SandraPalmerwas oneofthosepeople.Shewasunderthestrictestof lockdownsduetoahealthissuewhichmeantshewas evenmoreisolatedthanmost.
Havingenteredlockdownmakingandsellinglingerie aroundtheworld,Sandraemergedasanartist.She begantakingphotosofflowersinthegardenand creatingsurrealcollagesusingthephotosalongside imagesofsomeofBirmingham’siconicarchitecture. Blackandwhitephotosjuxtaposedwiththevibrancyof theoftheflowersproducedstrikingresults.
Sandrasays:“Iwantedmyarttoberelatable, memorableandtellastory.Ineededtomakeart aboutbeinghappyandpositive.Peoplemock Birminghambutthere’sbeautyoutthere.”Sandra remembersBirminghamintheeightieswhenthecity hadabrutalistenergy:“PrinceCharlescamehere andsaidBirminghamwasaconcretecitywhich promptedthecounciltotrytomakeitmoregreen. NowIthinkthere’sbeautyallaround.”Influenced bythecandidphotographyofTerryO’Neillandthe floralcollagesof17thcenturyartistMaryDelaney, Sandra’sartcelebratesthebeautyoftheeveryday.
GROWINGUPINBRUM
ForSandra,growingupinBirminghaminthe seventiesandeightieswasallaboutplayingoutuntil itgotdark,hopscotch,cyclingmilesonyourbikeand usingtwopapercupsandapieceofstringasamobile phoneandherartfeelsabitnostalgic.Lockdownin manywaysprovidedthesimplerwayoflifethat mirroredchildhood.Sandrasloweddownfocusing onmeditation,artandwalks.Shesays:“Ilikedthe slowpaceoflife.Insomewaysitwasgood emotionally.Youcouldhearthebirdstweetinginthe city.Thingsweresimpler.”
Sandratriestostrikeabalancenow.Shetakes everySundayoffcompletelyinordertorelaxand resetlearningfrompreviousbusinessexperience.She usedtofeelshehadtopostonsocialmediaeveryday, butshe’scutitdowntothreetimesaweek.Herfocus istryingtogetmorepeopletoherwebsiteaswell gettingmorerepresentationinthecity.Sandra’snow sellingthroughOwenDeVissier’sLuxGalleryand
hassomepiecesexhibitedatnewlyopenedSociety BrumalongwithanotherBrummiefavourite,Cold WarSteve.
CHALLENGINGNOTIONS
Sandracompletedacourseearlierintheyearwithart historianandauthorRuthMillingtonessentiallyabout howtogetintogalleries.We’veheardsomanytimes wheninterviewingartistsbasedinBirminghamthatthe sceneisincrediblysupportivewhichwarmsthecockles. RuthMillington’snamecomesuptimeandagainas someonewhochampionsartistsandbringsthem together.OverthesummerSandraexhibitedat Belongings,agroupexhibitionfeaturingthework of20localartistsexploringthemesofidentity,journey, heritageandmulticulturalismorganisedbyRuth. Challengingnotionsthatweonlybelongtoonespace,the exhibitioncelebratedlayeredstoriesandmemories, multiplesensesofselfandtheideaofphysicaland emotional'belongings'.
SandraalsotookpartinOpenStudios–awonderful projectorganisedbyOwenfromLuxwhichallowsartists andcraftspeopletodisplaytheirworkfromtheirown homesorstudios.Thisyearawhopping170artistsover 86venuestookpart.Sandradisplayedherworkat MoseleyExchange.
WHAT’SNEXT?
Sandrahasbeguncreatingcustomcollages–personalisedpiecescentredaroundaphotofromaclient that’sgiventheBrummyArtistcollagetreatment. Christmasgiftanyone?She’dliketosellintomuseum shops,exhibitmore,getmorerepresentationand ultimatelySandrawouldlovetohangsomepiecesinThe GrandHotel.Ifanyoneatthehotelisreadingthis… ■
GROWINGPLACES
BEHINDTHEBUILD
TheLordMayorofCoventryjoinedprimaryschoolpupils forthelaunchofaneducationalhousingexperience.Cllr RachelLancasterandchildrenagedbetween10and11 fromKeresleyNewlandPrimaryAcademywerewelcomed toLioncourtHomes’development,TheCroft,toexplore howmodern,energy-efficienthomesarebuilt,duringa sitevisitorganisedbytheaward-winninghomebuilder. BehindtheBuildisadedicatedexhibitionhomethat showseachroomatadifferentstageofcompletion, highlightingsustainability,innovation,buildingmethods anddiversityinmaterials.
FOOTBALLCUPGLORY
ThefirstwinnersoftheVertuPrimarySchoolsCup werecrownedattheinauguralFinalsDay,heldatSt. Andrew’s@KnightheadPark,homeofBirmingham CityFC.Thousandsofpupilsfromschoolsacross BirminghamandtheWestMidlandstookpartinthe footballcompetition,withqualifyingroundstaking placeattheKnightheadPerformanceCentre,Wast Hills.Thegirls’finalwaswonbyStJohn’sMiddle SchoolAcademy,Bromsgrove,whobeatKingsNorton PrimarySchool.OurLadyoftheWayside,Solihull werevictoriousagainstSmith’sWoodPrimary Academyinthemixedcompetition.
SCHOOL REPORT
NEWPLAYAREALIFTSOFF
BirminghamAirportdonated£5,000topartiallyfunda newplayareaforearlyyearspupilsatBalsallCommon PrimarySchoolAcademy.Theawardwasmadebythe airport’scommunitytrustfund,whichgivesbackto nearbylocalcausesviamonetarygrants.Theplayareawill provideimprovedopportunitiesforoutdoorlearning, physicaldevelopmentandcreativeplay–allimportant andessentialforachild’sdevelopment.Partialfundingfor theprojectwasreceivedfromavarietyoflocal organisations,includingKnowleUnitedCharities,The LantandBalsallParishCouncil.
VISIONFORALL
Midlands-basedorganisationVisionforAllCICdeliveredaBack-to-SchoolUniform GiveawayforlocalfamiliesinneedinErdington.Theinitiativeprovidedschool uniformessentialstomorethan50families.Thegiveawaywasorganisedin partnershipwithWittonLakesCommunityAssociation,WestMidlandsPolice,and RemmerRestaurantsLtd(McDonald’s).LucienDarby,CEOofVisionforAll,said: “Webelieveeverychilddeservestostarttheschoolyearwithprideand confidence,regardlessofcircumstance.Workingwithourpartnersallowedusto makeatangibledifferenceforfamiliesacrossErdington.”
TOPTENNIS
BromsgroveSchoolpupilsTobyWardand CharlieFieldingareacetennischampsafter winningthedoublestitleattheprestigious J30tournament–partoftheInternational TennisFederation(ITF)JuniorTour–heldin Mytilene,Greece.TheITFJ30formspartof theglobalpathwayforaspiringjunior players,openingthedoortohigher-level internationalevents.Lookingahead,both boyshaveambitionstopursuetennisatthe collegiatelevelintheUnitedStatesandtheir successhelpsmakethemstrongcontenders forleadinguniversityprogrammes.
CENTENARYATCOUGHTON
AlcesterGirlGuidescelebrated100yearssincethe firstguideunitwassetupinthetownwithafamily celebrationatCoughtonCourt.Morethan100girls fromGirlGuidingAlcesterandAvonVillagesjoined togethertomarkthecentenarywithaspecial sleepoverandfamilyfunday.MagnusandImogen BirchThrockmorton,wholiveatCoughtonCourt, invitedtheGuidestousetheestatefortheweekend tohonourtheirgreatgrandmotherBetty Throckmorton,whowasoneofthefirstguide leadersinAlcesterin1925.Eachguidereceiveda specialbadgetocommemoratetheevent.
FUNDINGTHEFUTURE
TeninspiringWestMidlands studentsbeginningtheirstudiesat CambridgeUniversityhave receivedthousandsofpoundsin fundingfromtheCambridgeOCR examboard,ledbyMyles McGinley(pictured),tohelp towardsthecostsofuniversity.The studentshaveeachbeenawarded £3,000-a-yearfortheir undergraduatestudiesbythe CambridgeOCRBursary programme.Oneofthestudents, AneekaMaryamwhoattended SuttonColdfieldGrammarSchool forGirls,said:“Thebursarywill allowmetothriveinmydegree andachievefurthersuccessinmy career.”DeborahAmparbinof PhoenixCollegiateinWest Bromwich,added:“Itwillremove theworryoffinancialburdensand allowmetofocusonmystudies.”
‘TISTHESEASONTO SKI
WITHSUMMERADISTANTMEMORY,NOWISTHETIMETO TURNYOURATTENTIONTOPLANNINGAGREATSKIBREAK
Skigetawayscanbeenjoyedbyall,sowhether you’regoingawaywithfriends,familyorjust thetwoofyou,there’saholidayforeveryone. Feelinvigoratedbythefreshmountainairasyousail downthesideofbeautifulmountains.Relax,letyour hairdownandgetyourbodymoving,it’swhatskiing isallabout.
FORFAMILIES
Youcan’tbeatafamilyskiingholidayoverthe festiveperiod,enjoyingheartymealsandhot chocolatearoundthefireinacosychalet.Evenifthe kidsaren’tyetintoskiing,familyfriendlyresortshave arangeofchildcareoptionsavailable,soyoudon’t havetomissoutonyourtimeonthemountain. Therearealsoskiclassesavailable,dividedbyability andage,anddeliveredbyEnglishspeaking instructors.You’llbegoingonfamilyrunsdownthe slopesbeforeyouknowit.MeribelinFranceisthe perfectresortforyourfirstfamilyskiholiday,located intheworld’sbiggestinterlinkedskiarea,Three Valleysandtheresorthasafriendly,village atmosphere.
FORFRIENDS
Thebesttimesareoftenspentwithfriends,sowhy notarrangeagroupskiholidaythisyear?Enjoythe crispmountainairandmakememoriesthatlasta lifetime.Dineonthesideofthemountainbetween
runs,sharingcheesefondueandbottlesofwine–andletyourhairdownintheeveningsatthebest après-skiparties.TheresortsofMayrhofenand SaalbachinAustriaarerenownedfornotonlytheir nightlifebutalsotheirincredibleoff-pistethrough thetrees,soperfectforintermediateskiers.
FORCOUPLES
Ifyourotherhalfislookingformoreofanactive holidayratherthanabitofwintersun,bookintoa boutique,chalet-stylehotelandspendyourevenings snuggledaroundanopenfire.Pickonewithspaand wellnessfacilitiessoyoucanbookinforacouple’s massageafteralongdayoutontheslopes.TheSwiss skiresortofZermattiswidelyregardedasoneofthe mostromanticandpicturesquedestinations.
HOTSPOTS
We’reveryluckyintheMidlandstohaveaccessto somanyamazingchoicesonourgeographical doorstep.Herearesomeofourfavourites…
Austria
Austriaiswellknownforcharmingalpinevillages andvast,well-maintainedslopesthataresuitedto skiersofallabilities.Hometofamousresortssuchas StAnton,Mayrhofen,KitzbühelandLech,thereare alsoagoodnumberofhigh-altituderesortslike SöldenandObergurgl-Hochgurglthatensuregood
snowconditionsrightthroughtoApril.TheAustrian hospitalityissecondtononesoyoucanalsolook forwardtosometrulyawesomeaprès-ski.
Italy
Italy’snorthernbordersarebeautifullydefinedby anarcofenormousmountainpeaks,includingsome ofthetallestintheAlpsandtheunforgettable DolomitesintheEast.Blessedwithseveralbeautiful skiregionswithresortsthatarerichanddiverse,from traditionalscenicalpinevillagestogiantskiareas, thereissomethingtosuiteveryone.Theslopesof PassoTonaleareperfectforbeginnersand intermediateswillenjoytheresortsofSouthTyrol. Expertscanexperiencethechallengingand enormousslopesacrossArabba,Cerviniaand Courmayeur.
Switzerland
EversincewintertourismwasborninStMoritzin 1864,theSwisshaveharnessedthemagicofthe
mountainsasskiperfectionists.Creatememories withthebreath-takingslopesofJungfrauRegion, BerneseOberland–presidedoverbythe‘BigThree’ whichrisetoaround4,000metres,offeringa mesmerisingviewtothegiganticAletschGlacier. TheslopesofZermatt,Villars,VerbierandCrans Montanaaresomeoftheskiresortsthatneedtobe exploredonceyouaresurroundedbythemighty beautyofslopesinSwitzerland.
France
MostBritishskiersandsnowboarderschooseto maketheirwaytoFrance.TheThreeValleysisone ofthemostpopularskidestinationsthatmergeseight skiresorts,includingCourchevel,MeribelandVal Thorens.Inthemiddleofthemountains,the ParadiskiareaoffersskiingbetweenLaPlagneand LesArcs.TheFrenchhaveadiverseaprès-skiscene. FromtheamazingLeFolieDouce,knownforits hugeafternoonparties,totopbarssuchasCocorico, andmore…■
ACESPACE
WOLOHouse,acommercialworkspace forcompaniesseekingasustainableand collaborativespace,haslaunchedinthe formerBritanniaBuildinginNewMarket Streetinthecity’sColmoreBusiness District.Thebuildingboastsfirst-class facilitiesandapproximately48,000sqft ofGradeAofficeaccommodation followingan£8millioninvestment. DevelopedbyBespokeConstruction, workspacesuitesrangefrom2,700sqft to4,900sqft,withanopportunityto acquirethefull48,000sqftasaselfcontainedbuildingforasingleoccupier.
BUSINESS
APPFORPARENTS
Anewappaimedatsavingparentsandparents-to-be thousandsofpoundsbystretchingfamilybudgetshas beenlaunchedbyaBirmingham-basedcompany.Cubbiis thebrainchildofOliviaDavsonandhersisterTanykaand hasalreadyattractingmorethan12,000downloadsafter offeringexclusivedealswithover100trustedUKbrands. ThesistersdevelopedCubbiasafreeappandwebsite afterOlivia’sownexperiencesasa newmum.Shesaid:“Iwantedto createsomethingthatmadefamilies feelvaluedandseen–notjust financially,butemotionallytoo.”
GRAPESUCCESS
AWarwickshirevineyardisraisingaglassto aregionalbusinesssupportprogramme. BlabersHallWineEstatewasestablishedby AdeleandClarkeAdamsin2016inFillongley andhassinceproducedtensofthousandsof bottlesofwhite,red,roseandsparkling wine.Toexpandfurthertheyteamedupwith CoventryandWarwickshireChamberof CommerceandProjectWarwickshire BusinessSupport,targetingcorporateclients andwine-tastingandcraftevents–which hasledtoa55percentincreaseinbusiness withfurthergrowthin2025.
BUSINESSOFTHEYEAR
LogisticsexpertsRöhligUKwas namedBusinessoftheYearatthe SolihullAwards,hostedbySolihull ChamberofCommerce.Judges praisedthecompanyforits sustainabilityandlogisticsexpertise andlocalimpactinSolihullthrough training,leadershipandcharity initiatives.Röhligalsowonthe BusinesswithoutBorderscategory.It workswithmanyindustriesbuthas builtuplocalstrengthinthe furnitureandhomeware,textile, promotionalgoods,constructionand hi-techsectors.Otherwinnerson thenightincludedBirminghamDogs Home,VuAgency,runyourfleetand TouchwoodSolihull.
SocialhousingproviderGreenSquareAccord(GSA)has donated£1,000toInspire2gethertorunaWellbeing ChairFitnessprogrammeforseniorcitizens.The classeswilltakeplaceatGSA’sGhulabAshram shelteredschemeinHallGreen,Birmingham.The donationwillfundfree,hour-longclassesover28 weeks,forupto30peoplelivingatGhulabAshram andKalyanAshram.MohammedImran,directorat Inspire2Gether,said:“Theultimategoalistocreatea rippleeffectofpositivityandempowerment,where seniorsfeelmoreconnected,physicallyactiveand emotionallysupported.”
PADEL FIRST
PurePadelwilllaunchBirmingham’sfirstcitycentreindoorpadelclubin January.LocatedintheJewelleryQuarter,thevenuewillrepurposeaformer JaguarLandRoverengineeringplantintoamodernpadelclubfeaturingfive doublescourts,twosinglescourts,vibrantF&Bspaces,andcorporateevent facilities.ItisPurePadel’sfirstmoveintoBirmingham,followingsuccessful clubsinManchester,Darlington,Stockport,NorthLeeds,andAlderleyPark, withNottinghamandLightwateralsounderconstruction.
SUPER-SIZESHOWROOM
LuxuryjewellerGoldsmithshasopenedthedoorstoitsnewsuper-size showroomatMerryHill.LocatedontheUpperMall,theshowroomspans 6,000sqftandincludesalargeRolexroom,alongwithbrandedareasfor Omega,TAGHeuer,Tudor,LonginesandTissot.JonathanPoole,centre manageratMerryHill,said:“We’recontinuingtoseemajorretailers investinbiggerandbetterspaceshereatMerryHillandthisopeningis anothersignofthecentreevolvinginexcitingways.”
ASPIRING LAWYERS
FOX INA BOX
Stirchley-basedchildren’scostumebrand,AisforAlice Costumes,wonasilverawardattheprestigiousJunior DesignAwards.ItshandmadeFoxinaBoxDressUp SettooktheprizeintheBestCreativePlay(DressUp) category.Thebrandisthecreationofcostumedesigner andmum-of-two,RuthBagnall,whorunsherbusiness fromherhomestudio.Withover20years’experience designingandmakingtheatricalcostumes,Ruthturned hertalentstocreatingimaginative,play-leddress-up setsandaccessoriesforchildren.
LawfirmShakespeareMartineauhaswelcomeditsfirst-evercohortofsolicitor apprenticeswhohaveembarkedonasix-yearjourneytobecomingqualifiedlawyers. JoiningthefirminBirminghamareJessSuttoninconstruction,AmyPressleyinsocial housingandIsabelleRichardsoninresidentialdevelopment.CadieKearneyandPaola NlemchihavejoinedthecommercialpropertyteaminNottingham.Designedtoopenup alternativeroutesintolaw,ShakespeareMartineau’ssolicitorapprenticeshipprogramme enablesaspiringlawyerstobalancepracticallegalworkwithacademicstudy.
PIZZERIAOPENING
IndependentEdgbastonpizzarestaurantSmoke+Ashisopeningasecondpizzeriathismonthin YorkRoad,KingsHeath.Smoke+AshownersClareandPaulCollinssaid:“Aftermonthsofgraft–andalotofpizzaeateninthenameof‘research’–we’refireduptoannounceoursecondhomeon YorkRoad,ExpectthesameneighbourhoodNeapolitanpizzasyouknowandlove,pairedwithour favouritewines,seasonalspinsonclassiccocktails,andafewnewtrickswe’vebeenitchingtotry.”
ABirminghamsocialenterpriseishelpingthecity’syoungpeoplefight backagainstlowconfidence,bodyimagestrugglesandalackof opportunitywiththelaunchofanewyouthprogramme.BreakingGlass CeilingsisaninitiativepioneeredbySheBeastsCIC,whichblendshighenergyfitnesswithvitallifeskills,tobreakthecycleholdingyoungpeople back.Thesix-weekprogrammeworkswitheight-to-18-year-olds,many fromvulnerablebackgrounds.TheinitiativeisthevisionofSadieJones, pictured,SheBeastsCIC’sFoundingCEOandsurvivor-turned-coach.
CONFERENCEBOSS
Birminghamresidentialeventsvenue,ConferenceAston,hasanewhead ofoperations.SamHiggshasmorethan20years’experienceinthe hospitalitysectorandprogressedthroughtherankstobecomegeneral managerin2014.Hisleadershipledtoagroupmanagerrole,wherehe successfullyranaportfolioofvenues,includinghotels,weddingvenues andstadiums.Heoversaw13hotels,includingsixMercureproperties andtwoBestWesternlocations.Beyondhisoperationalexpertise,Samis apassionateadvocateforsustainability.
MAKINGPLANS
Planning,designanddevelopmentconsultancyMarronshashiredfourgraduate plannersforitsMidlandsteams.ThecompanysaystheappointmentofMadeline BaldwininBirmingham,HermioneWaltoninStratford-upon-Avon,William MoraleeinLeicesterandAmanpreetPanesarinNottinghamreflectitsongoing supportofthenextgenerationofplannersandaddressingthenationalshortageof qualifiedprofessionalsinthesector.DavidPendle,planningpartneratMarrons, said:“Investingingraduatetalentisvitalforthefutureofourbusinessandthe resilienceoftheplanningprofessionmorewidely.”
BUSINESS BITES
BOATRACECASH
TheBirminghamofficeofEuropeanlaw firm,Fieldfisher,hashit£11,000in fund-raisingforBirminghamChildren’s Hospitalfollowingthecharity’sannual dragonboatrace.Joining52businesses fromacrosstheregionovertwodays, Fieldfisher’s17-strongteamraceddownthe canalbetweentheMailboxand Brindleyplace.
BIGONBEAUTY
SelfridgesBirminghamhasunveiledthe UK’sbiggestbeautyhalloutsideofLondon. Therenovated,re-imaginedspaceboasts 30,000sqft–a20percentincrease–with37newcountersandexclusivebrands andateamofmorethan300beauty expertsonhand.
SPIRITEDDECADE
ShakespeareDistilleryraisedaglassto 10yearsofcraftingspiritsinStratfordupon-Avonwithaspecialweekendof anniversarycelebrations.Aswellas offeringfreetastings,cocktaildemosand specialdiscounts,thefirmlaunchedtwo newproducts,includingStratfordZero–itsfirst0%ABVspirit.
GROWINGPLACES
AWarwickshirefirmofsolicitorshasopenedasecond officeintheregion–andisplanningathirdaspartof growthplans.HallReynoldsLLP,whichhasanoffice inHighStreet,Bidford-on-Avon,hasexpandedinto Stratfordtowncentre.Thecompany,whichwas establishedinthe1980semploys10peopleofferinga rangeoflegalservicesfromresidentialand commercialpropertythroughtowillsandprobate.Its expansioncomesafterteamingupwiththeBusiness GrowthWarwickshireprogramme.
Black-tieeventraisesover£78,000 aspledgetotaltops£2millionmark 3 2 4 5 6 7 8
1 EdJames,OliHills,AaronJames. 2 NasirAwan. 3 GaryFletcher,InezBrown. 4 NathanandSabrinaDennis. 5 JamilShabir,MikeHopkins. 6 JaneandPaulFaulkner. 7 KatieNiland. 8 JamieandSamFletcher-Goodwin. PhotographybyJasSansi 1
GALADINNERBOOSTS KIDS’VILLAGEAPPEAL
Morethan300guestsgatheredatthenewMastersSuite attheBelfryHotel&ResortfortheKids’Villagegala dinner,raisingmorethan£78,000towardsthe charity’scapitalappeal.Theblack-tieeventbroughtthespiritof childhoodtolifebytransformingthevenueintoamagical woodlandsetting.Guestsenjoyedperformancesfromchildrenat JAKSAcademyandScientiaAcademywithlivemusicfrom ApolloGoldband.Theeveningwasco-hostedbyradiopresenter andKids’VillagetrusteeEdJamesandcharityco-founderSam Fletcher-Goodwin.ComedianAaronJamesledtheauction. ChiefexecutiveKatrinaCookerevealed£2.1millionhasbeen pledgedsofartowardsthebuildproject,withanother£1million neededtopart-openinspring2027. ■
IRISHBARCELEBRATES SUCCESSFULLAUNCH
Over500guestsenjoyhospitality andlivemusicatKatieO’Brien’s
KatieO’Brien’sIrishBarofficiallyopenedits doorsintheheartofBirminghamcitycentre, bringingalivelytasteofIrelandtoTemple Street.Thebar’slauncheventwelcomedmorethan 500guestswhoenjoyedaneveningofwarmIrish hospitalityandlivemusic.Guestsincludedlocal corporatebusinessesaswellasmediaandinfluencers whogotintothepartyspiritwithplentyofbeersand theobligatoryGuinness.Thevenuecombinesthe charmofDublin’sTempleBarwiththedownstairs CavernBarwhichprovidesagreatspaceforprivate parties. ■
4 5 3 2 1
6 7
1 CamilleKempell,AnitaChampaneri. 2 IanMcEwan,RickAhir,LauraMcEwan,VictoriaJinks. 3 SumeerKalyani,LewisWarner,RavneetNandra, CharlieHorner,AmyLakin. 4 ElishaKhan,AranChanna,NatallyCoventry,LiamHughes. 5 BryonKeeley-Johnson,PritLadwa. 6 Jonathan Codona,LucyCodona,JessWalker,GordonCodona. 7 EmmaHowden,LucyPilkington.
CalthorpeEstateshostscelebration ofEdgbastonPrioryClubanniversary 3 2 4 5 6 7
1 RalphMinott,ClaireDaniel,SamBatchelor,HaydnCooper,TomFoley. 2 DeniSharankova,StuartClark,SimonTrimmer,JessWard. 3 KimGreen, ClaireRobinson,RupaParmar,JasonSmith. 4 AlexDixon,LucyGoodway,DemiSwingler. 5 JackSummers,HarveyPearson,TomFoley. 6 DemiSwingler,DanEllis,JamesBishop,JamesBridge,AmandaMorgan. 7 RalphMinott,AdelePogmore,SimonTrimmer,JennaDienn. 1
TheAutumnCalthorpeBusinessCommunity (CBC)NetworkingBreakfast,hostedby CalthorpeEstatestookplaceatEdgbastonPriory Clubaspartoftheclub’s150thanniversarycelebrations. Invitedguestsenjoyedbreakfast,networkingandatalk fromMKReformed,acontemporaryreformerPilates studiothatrecentlyopeneditsseventhsiteinHarborne Road,Edgbaston.■
SAVINGLIVES CHARITYBALL
MidlandsAirAmbulanceCharityheldits annualSavingLivesCharityBall honouringinspirationalindividuals, fund-raisers,volunteers,andcorporatepartnerswho makeitslifesavingmissionspossible.Theblack-tie event,hostedbybroadcaster,EdJames,and supportedbyheadlinesponsor,EBCGroup,raised £70,000,making45lifesavingmissionspossible,21by airambulanceand24bycriticalcarecar.Celebrity supportersAnnetteBadland,Kash‘TheFlash’Gill andPaulChuckle,joinedhundredsofattendeesat theNationalConferenceCentre,Birminghamto recognisethisyear’soutstandingwinnersandtohelp raisevitalfunds. ■
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: FestiveGiftFair
WHEN: 23to16November
WHERE: NECBirmingham, festivegiftfair.co.uk
Acrackingfour-dayshow whereyoucandoallyour Christmasshoppingin onegowithgreat giftsforallages
WHAT: JimmyCarr
WHEN: 10December
WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk
Ifyoulikefast-paced,edgyone-liners thengetreadytobehappy.It’sthefirst timethisrecord-breakingcomedianhas touredinarenasintheUKandhe’llbe bringingalongsomeveryspecial guests,too.
WHAT: CalendarGirlsTheMusical
WHEN: 25to29November
WHERE: TheCrescentTheatre,crescent-theatre.co.uk
BasedonthetruestoryofagroupofwomenfromaYorkshire villagewhodecidedtodosomethingdifferent,thisis wonderfulshowthatcelebratesfriendshipwithstunning musicfromGaryBarlowandheartfeltscriptbyTimFirth.
WHAT: MissSaigon
WHEN: 18to29November
WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com
Thelegendarymusicalisrebornwitha spectacularnewproductionfeaturinga soaringscoreandhitsongsincludingthe MovieinMyMindandtheLastNightofthe World.Awesome!
WHAT: MoulinRouge!TheMusical
WHEN: Nowto15November
WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com
Enteraworldofsplendour,eye-poppingexcess, glitz,grandeurandglory!Aworldwhere Bohemiansandaristocratsrubelbowsandrevel inelectrifyingenchantmentasBazLuhrmann’s revolutionaryfilmcomestolifeonstage.
WHAT: GaryNuman
WHEN: 15November
WHERE: O2Academy Birmingham, academymusicgroup.com
Theelectronicmusicpioneer isontourandcelebrating the45thanniversaryofhis seminalalbumTelekon.
WHAT: Macbeth
WHEN: Nowto6December
WHERE: RSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111
SamHeughanandLiaWilliamsstarin Shakespeare’sstoryoflove,power andambitionintheintimatesettingof TheOtherPlace.
WHAT: TheSnowball CharityParty
WHEN: 29November
WHERE: NailcoteHall, nailcotehall.co.uk
TheannualCharityChristmas Ballreturnsforagreatnight featuringlivemusicfromThe Soundationswhileraisingfunds fortheSalvationArmy.
WHAT: TheNutcracker WHEN: 21Novemberto 13December
WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome,brb.org.uk
Christmasiscoming!Tchaikovsky’s gloriousscore,performedliveby the60-strongRoyalBalletSinfonia, providesthecaptivatingsoundtrack tothisawesomefestiveclassic.
WHAT: SleepingBeauty
WHEN: 19Novemberto3January
WHERE: TheBelgradeTheatre, belgrade.co.uk
It’spantotimeandSleepingBeautyreturnsfora fantasticshowfeaturingfairytalesets,outlandish costumes,abreathtakingdragonandenough laughtertowakeupeventheheaviestofsleepers.
WHAT: KerryGodliman
WHEN: 3December
WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk
Thecomedian,actor,writer,podcasterand broadcasterreturnstothestagewithher straight-talkingcharmandquickwitina brandnewstand-upshow.
WHAT: BirdlandChristmasDecorations
WHEN: 15November
WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre,macbirmingham.co.uk
Afreedrop-ineventonafirst-come,first-servebasis. Getintothefestivespiritwithachancetomakea lovely,bird-inspiredfestivedecoration.
WHAT: SherlockHolmesandthe 12DaysofChristmas
WHEN: 14Novemberto18January
WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk
Alaugh-out-loudfestivemurder mystery.It’sChristmasinVictorian Londonandaflurryofperformersare suddenlydyingmid-sceneintheWest End.StepforwardSherlockHolmes…
WHAT: AdamAnt
WHEN: 15November
WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk
Withacareerspanningmore thanfourdecades,the pioneerofthepost-punkera remainsoneofBritain’smost belovedperformers
CLOSEWITHÁ
ALEXNICHOLSON-EVANS
EACHMONTHWETALKTOTHEPEOPLERESPONSIBLEFORHELPINGMAKEOUR CITYANDREGIONTHRIVEANDPROSPERTOFINDOUTMOREABOUTTHEIR ROLE,HOPES,DREAMSANDWHATMAKESTHEMTICK.THISMONTHIT’SALEX NICHOLSON-EVANS,FOUNDERANDDIRECTOROFLIVINGFORTHEWEEKEND
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
ForoveradecadeI’vededicatedmycareertoculture andplacemaking,andforevenlongerI’vebeeninalongtermloveaffairwithBirmingham.Frommytimeas commercialdirectoratBirminghamMuseumsto launchingBirminghamCocktailWeekend(initiallyasa passionproject),I’vebeenluckyenoughtoexperiencethis cityfromawholehostofdifferentangles.Myworkhas givenmeathousandreasonstoloveBirminghamandI’m onamissiontosharethosewiththeworld.
IT’SWHATIDO
Ihavealwayswornmanyhats.I’mtheDirectorof LivingfortheWeekend,bestknownforcreating BirminghamCocktailWeekendandBirmingham RestaurantFestival.Myworkinthiscapacitycentreson creatingsocialexperiencesthatconnectpeopletoplaceand simplepleasures–workthatcertainlycomplementsmy positionascitycurator.Withthishaton,Itakeacreative director’sroleinthecitycentre,commissioningand developingart,festivals,andculturalactivity.Iworkona wholehostofprojectsthatarefocusedondrivingpositive interestinBirminghamandincreasedvisitornumberstoo.
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
Thoseofuswhocallthisplacehomealreadyknowit’sa showstopper–abrilliantplacetolive,workandvisit.My goalistomakesuretherestoftheworldknowsittoo;that Birminghamisanincredibledestinationforfoodlovers,one ofthegreenestcitiesinEurope,aWorldCraftCity(andthe bestplaceintheUKtobuyjewellery).It’sthecitythat inspiredTolkien,thehomeofHeavyMetal…Icouldgoon.
BIGGESTSUCCESS
I’vebuiltacompanythatnotonlyallowsmetodeliver onmyambitionsforthecitybutthatalsobringsmereal joyeveryday.PartofthatisbecauseIhavetheopportunity tocollaboratewithincrediblepeoplefromsomany differentindustries.
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
Mygutinstinctisrarelywrong.Lookingback, everybusinessideathatdidn’tworkoutwasonemy guthadwarnedmeaboutlongbeforemyheartorhead caughtup.Thesedays,I’mmuchbetterattrusting thoseinstincts.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
Impossibletonameonething!IlovethatIcaneatany cuisineIcanthinkof–thebreadthofchoiceinour diningsceneisincredible.Iadorethatonanygiven Sunday,Icanimmersemyselfinworld-classfineart, wanderalongmilesofcanals(morethanVenice,of course),sipcocktailsfromoneoftheUK’sTop50 cocktailbarsorvisitoneofBritain’sfinestlonggalleries. It’sacitythattrulyhasitall.
DOWNTIME
IfI’mnotmakingthemostofeverythingI’vejust described,thenI’llbeoffexploringothercitiesand countries.Travelandtryingnewthingsgivemesuch immensepleasure.IfI’mnotbookingaplaneticket though,youmightfindmedownatmyallotment,giving mykayakanoutingorexploringonahike.Something aboutbeinginnaturehelpsmeunwind.
