In The City - September Web

FREE - ISSUE 6 - SEPTEMBER 2016 

COMPETITION - DINNER, 

BED & BREAKFAST - P11 

CATRIONA HANLY 

A/W COLLECTION - P14 

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ART IS LIFE 

LIFE IS ART 

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR // SPONSORED BY ALPS GROUP 

3 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Shana Owen 

shana@inthecityuk.com 

WELCOME 

LETTER 

FROM THE 

EDITOR 

A 

hearty welcome to our sixth edition of In The City Magazine. As summer 

curtails and we enter into autumn our social activities tend to change from 

outdoors to indoors. What better way to embrace the change of season 

than to fill our social calendar with activities that enable us to appreciate our great 

arts and cultural heritage. This edition brings to you the great painters, flamboyant 

designers and master creators as well as the fabulous places that house them. 

Our Fashion and Lifestyle section starts our theme off in style. Collis looks at ‘high 

sewing’ otherwise known as Haute Couture, with focus on the master of artistic 

fashion flair – the one and only John Paul Gaultier. Our women’s fashion is just as 

spectacular, designer Catriona Hanly showcases pieces from her Autumn/Winter 

2016 range, the fabulous shoot was taken in Ireland and perfectly captures old 

Hollywood glam with a twist of contemporary elegance. 


ART IS LIFE 

LIFE IS ART 

BIRMINGHAM & WEST MIDLANDS 

We carry forth our arts and culture theme in our Monthly Feature which showcases 

artistic jewellery from the famous Jewellery Quarter. If you are looking to own a piece 

of art and are not sure how best to go about it, our guide called ‘Kick Start Your Art 

Collection’ has you covered. Art isn’t just about reminiscing on the old it is also about 

celebrating the new, we do so in the form of street art which of course includes the 

most famous yet elusive street artist of them all; Banksy. 

ITCmagUK 

ITCmagUK 

@ITCmagUK 

www.inthecityuk.com 

In The City Magazine 

G.B. House, 

21 - 27 Milk Street, 

Digbeth, 

Birmingham, 

B5 5TR 

Advertising 

advertising@inthecityuk.com 

0121 230 8333 

Our Travel section will inform you of capitals around the world renowned for their art. 

If this is not enough to satisfy - why not check out our article on ‘Arty Places to Live’ 

in the Property section, we give you the lowdown on creative places to live in the 

UK so you can fully immerse yourself in the arts. Our Nights Out In The City section 

features Brindley Place, one of our go to areas for everything from weekend fine 

dining to Sunday brunch and not forgetting a fabulous Friday night cocktail. 

The region is bursting with great entertainment, you cannot talk about the arts 

without mentioning Royal Ballet companies. One of the most regarded is right here 

on our doorstep, Birmingham Royal Ballet is featured in our Entertainment section, 

be sure to check out their history as well as up and coming performances for the 

remainder of 2016. 

We are excited to bring to you a visually appealing magazine that promises to keep 

you current and will ensure your appetite for all things art is fully satisfied! 

HAPPY READING! 

Shana Owen 

Publishing 

enq@askalps.com 

0121 230 8099

4 CONTENTS // SPONSORED BY ALPS GROUP 

Issue 6 | September 2016 

CONTENTS 

NEWS 

Spotlight | The Rio Paralympics ......................................8 

Not Dogs: The Ultimate Fine Fast Food ...................10 

Birmingham Broad Street Welcomes Bierkeller ....10 

7 

ENTERTAINMENT 

31 

COMPETITION 

11 

Spotlight | Best Beer Festivals Across the UK ....32 

The Birmingham Royal Ballet .........................................34 

Best of Birmingham At The Brummies Awards .......36 

Win Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at Saint Pauls House .11 

FASHION & LIFESTYLE 

FOOD & DRINK 

13 

Spotlight | Catriona Hanly A/W Collection ................14 

The Art of High Sewing (Haute Couture) ...................16 

30 Minute Workout to Melt that Fat Away! ...............18 

Living Life With Vulnerability Yet Strength ..............19 

21 

Spotlight | The Wonder of The Wilderness ...........22 

Good Carb, Bad Carb Guide ............................................26 

Tasty Low Carb Chicken Pie ............................................28 

Birmingham’s Most Indulgent High Tea ......................29 

YOUNG IN THE CITY 39 

Spotlight | The Craze That is Pokemon Go ..................40 

Manga Comic Strip .................................................................41 

NIGHTLIFE 

43 

Spotlight | Highlights of the Illusive Festival ..............44 

- Events listing .......................................................................46 

In The City Magazine created by: In The City Magazine Ltd 

Published by: Alps Group | Sales Director: Darren Tyler 

Editor in Chief: Shana Owen | Editor: Richard Hobson 

Creative Director: Hassan Moulavi | Designer: Jerome Beaumont 

E: advertising@inthecityuk.com 

E: editorial@inthecityuk.com 

T: 0121 230 8333 

Switchboard: 0121 230 8080

CONTENTS // SPONSORED BY ALPS GROUP 

5 

MONTHLY FEATURE 

53 

Biddle & Webb Host local Artist’s Work....................54 

- The Artist Nick Kang ...........................................................55 

All That Glitters in The Jewellery Quarter ..................56 

Kickstart Your Art Collection .......................................58 

Street Art: The Urban Scrawl ............................................59 

NIGHTS OUT IN THE CITY 

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY 

79 

Spotlight | The Brindley Place To Be ............................80 

Cocktail Of The Month: Dr Black’s Zombie ...............82 

85 

Spotlight | Make The Most of Your Social Capital ...86 

The Prestigious MBCC Awards .......................................87 

TRAVEL 

61 

CHARITY 

89 

Spotlight | Art Capitals of The World ...............................62 

Hotel Review: The Exquisite Edgbaston ..................64 

PROPERTY 

MOTORS 

67 

Spotlight | Arty Places to Live ....................................68 

Living Locations For First Time Buyers .......................70 

73 

Spotlight | Difinitively Infiniti ...........................................74 

Selfridges Goes Retro With Morgan 1909 ................77 

Spotlight | Barnardos: Fostering Campaign ..........90 

- Case Studies: The Two Elizabeth’s ..............................91 

WHERE IN THE CITY 

93 

Guide ..................................................................94 

- Restaurants ..........................................................................94 

- Nightclubs ............................................................................98 

- Entertainment ...................................................................98 

- Hotels ......................................................................................98 

- Bars ..........................................................................................98 

All views and opinions expressed by contributors to, and staff of In The City Magazine may not represent the views and opinions 

of the publisher. In The City Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements, advertorials or editorials made in 

this magazine. No part of In The City Magazine may be reproduced or copied in any way without prior written consent of 

In The City Magazine Ltd

www.askalps.com 

alps 

PRINT& DESIGN 

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ACCOUNTANTS 

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MEDIA 

& PUBLICATIONS 

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& LIGHTING 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

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For all enquiries contact one of our team at: 

0121 230 8099 | enq@askalps.com

SPOTLIGHT 

NEWS 

SECTION SPONSORED BY 

RUBRIC LOIS KING SOLICITORS 

WWW.RLKSOLICITORS.COM

8 NEWS // SPONSORED BY RUBRIC LOIS KING SOLICITORS 

THE RIO PARALYMPICS 

The summer might be on the wane as September arrives, but that doesn’t mean that the fiery passion fuelling the 

Summer Olympic Games is over just yet. The final (and quite possibly biggest) harrumph of the athletics calendar 

in 2016, the Paralympics will bring together nations from across the world in a fierce clash of competitive spirits. 

In keeping with the overall brand of 

the Olympic games, the Paralympics 

see Paralympiads from 176 National 

Paralympic Committees go head to head 

in an attempt to bring home a coveted 

gold medal. The Games themselves are 

made up of 22 separate sports and 526 

individual medal events, with athletes 

grouped into ten major categories based 

on their disability. 

Team GB has traditionally maintained 

a strong presence at the Summer 

Paralympics, achieving a whopping 120 

medals at the 2012 Games in London 

(34 Gold, 43 Silver and 43 Bronze). This 

put Britain third in the table, behind only 

China and Russia. Also among Team GB’s 

achievements was the record-breaking 

status of Paralympiad with most overall 

medals, awarded to Sarah Storey with 22 

medals in total – four of which were won 

at those games. Storey was awarded a 

Damehood in the New Year’s Honours 

list in 2012 and will compete in the 2016 

Rio Paralympics, her seventh Games 

since Barcelona in 1992. 

The build-up to the Rio Paralympic 

Games has been filled with anticipation 

as the sporting world looks to the 

listings to see if previous athletes will 

return to defend their titles, or otherwise 

to spot latent talent that could take the 

sporting world by storm in September. 

This anticipation was stoked by the 

Anniversary Games held in July, which 

saw many of the world’s best Paralympic 

athletes return to London’s Queen 

Elizabeth Olympic Park in the build-up to 

the main Games themselves. 

The Rio Paralympic Games will be held 

between the 7th and 18th of September 

and offer Britain another opportunity 

to make a mark on the international 

sporting community. In a wider sense, 

the Games also represent the strongest 

showcase of the indomitable will of the 

human spirit, proving that passion and 

discipline can overcome even the most 

daunting obstacles. 

Expect greatness at the Games and 

don’t be surprised if (much like at the 

Anniversary Games) world records are 

smashed in 2016. 

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT : Aled Davis // Anthony Kappe & Craig Maclean // Daniell Brown // 

David Stone // David Weir // Deborah Criddle // Eleanor Simmonds // Hannah Cockroft // 

Heather Frederiksen // Jessica Jane Applegate // Jonathan Fox // Jonnie Peacock // Josef 

Craig // Josie Pearson // Lee Pearson // Mickey Bushell // Natasha Baker // Neil Fachie 

& Barney Storey // Oliver Hynd // Richard Whitehead // Rowing Team // Sarah Storey // 

Sophie Christiansen // Sophie Wells

NEWS // SPONSORED BY RUBRIC LOIS KING SOLICITORS 

9 

DEFENDING GLORY: 

THE GOLD MEDALLISTS OF 2012 BIRMINGHAM ONLY 

Team GB’s haul at the 2012 Paralympic Games yielded some great results for the nation, as the hard work 

and dedication of the athletes bore plenty of fruit. In anticipation for the 2016 Paralympic Games, In The 

City Magazine has put together a handy table of the gold medallists from 2012 who will be looking to 

defend their titles, or those athletes that won’t be returning for Rio in 2016. 

ATHLETE(S) SPORT(S) EVENT(S) 

RETURNING 

FOR RIO? 

Jessica-Jane Applegate Swimming Women's 200m Freestyle S14 Yes 

Natasha Baker 

Equestrian 

Individual Championship Test Grade II 

Individual Freestyle Test Grade II 

Yes 

Lily van den Broecke Rowing Mixed Coxed Four LTAMix4+ Yes 

Danielle Brown Archery Women's Individual Compound Open 

No: Due to 

changes in rules 

Mickey Bushell Athletics Men's 200m Individual Medley SM6 Yes 

Sophie Christiansen 

Equestrian 

Individual Championship Test Grade A 

Individual Freestyle Test Grade LA 

Yes 

Team Championship 

Hannah Cockroft 

Athletics 

Women's 100m T34 

Women’s 200m T34 

Yes 

Mark Colbourne Cycling Men's Individual Pursuit C1 No: Retired 

Josef Craig Swimming Men's 400m Freestyle S7 Yes 

Deborah Criddle Equestrian Team Championship Yes 

Aled Davies Athletics Men's Discus F42 Yes 

Neil Fachie Cycling Men's 1km Time Trial B Yes 

Jonathan Fox Swimming Men's 100m Backstroke S7 Yes 

Heather Frederiksen Swimming Women's 100m Backstroke S8 No: Retired 

Oliver Hynd Swimming Men's 200m Individual Medley SM8 Yes 

Anthony Kappes Cycling Men's Individual Sprint B Yes 

Helena Lucas Sailing 2.4 mR - 1 Person Keelboat Yes 

Craig MacLean Cycling Men's Individual Sprint B Yes 

Jonnie Peacock Athletics Men's 100m T44 Yes 

Josie Pearson Athletics Women's Discus F51/52/53 Yes 

Lee Pearson Equestrian Team Championship Yes 

Pam Reaph Rowing Mixed Coxed Four LTAMix4+ Yes 

Naomi Riches Rowing Mixed Coxed Four LTAMix4+ No: Retired 

James Roe Rowing Mixed Coxed Four LTAMix4+ Yes 

Eleanor Simmonds 

Swimming 

Women's 400m Freestyle S6 

Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM6 

Yes 

David Smith Rowing Mixed Coxed Four LTAMix4+ No: Injured 

David Stone Cycling Mixed Road Race T1-2 Yes 

Barney Storey Cycling Men's 1km Time Trial B Yes 

Sarah Storey 

David Weir 

Cycling 

Swimming 

Athletics 

Women’s Individual Pursuit C5 

Women’s 500m Time Trial C4-5 

Women’s Road Race C4-5 

Women’s Time Trial C5 

Men's 5000m T54 

Men’s 1500m T54 

Men’s 800m T54 

Men’s Marathon T54 

Sophie Wells Equestrian Team Championship Yes 

Richard Whitehead Athletics Men's 200m T42 Yes 

Yes 

Yes

10 NEWS // SPONSORED BY RUBRIC LOIS KING SOLICITORS 

NOT DOGS: 

FINE FAST FOOD 

Starting up a small business can be 

a daunting task, especially when it 

comes to securing funding to get 

up and running in the first place. Luckily, 

that’s not the case for “Not Dogs”, the 

vegetarian fast-food vendors from 

Birmingham. Securing £10,000 through 

funding on the crowdsourcing site 

Crowdfunder.co.uk, owners Katie and 

Jane are now looking to open their first 

ever restaurant in the city. 

In just 33 days the pair were able 

to secure the £10,000 necessary to 

realising their dream of their very own 

restaurant and now they are looking to 

earn more money to help them open in 

a perfect location. Ultimately, the pair 

hope that in the fullness of time they will 

be able to open a restaurant in every 

major city in the country – not bad for a 

pair who started out in a food van! 

Having done round trips of the country 

in their little purple van (appearing at 

festivals and pop-up events far and 

wide), the pair settled on expanding 

their business after being repeatedly 

asked by customers where their 

restaurant was. All food made by Not 

Dogs is 100% vegetarian, without losing 

any of the instant-satisfaction appeal of 

fast food, taking on dishes in everything 

from their signature Quorn hotdogs to 

breakfast muffins and meat-free burgers. 

Not Dogs has now secured its first 

commercial premises in Birmingham City 

Centre with the help of business growth 

programme Entrepreneurial Spark. The 

site is to be located in the city’s iconic 

Bullring building and is due to open later 

this year. It is expected that Not Dogs 

will be hiring a full team of part-and-full 

time employees to staff the site. 

Due to open later this year, Not Dogs 

is set to become a staple part of the 

fast-food industry, offering great tasting 

meals without any major health or social 

ramifications. Fine dining indeed! 

JULY EDITION 

WINNER 

BIRMINGHAM’S BROAD 

STREET BIERKELLER 

JOANNA 

TERRY 

Oktoberfest might be just around the corner, but 

Birmingham is getting its very own taste of Bavarian 

beer with the city’s first Bierkeller bar set to open 

on Broad Street. The Bierkeller franchise takes its inspiration 

from the traditional German Bavarian institutions of the 

same name, offering huge steins of beer (both German and 

international) as well as hearty food and live entertainment 

to its customers. 

The Bierkeller franchise already has a presence in the North 

of England, but this will mark its first venture in the Midlands. 

Housed on the previous site of Brannigan’s, the Bierkeller will 

be a welcome addition to the already bustling Broad Street 

nightlife scene, bringing touches of cultural education to 

the city centre with traditional Oompah bands and Bavarian 

clothing for the staff. Why wait until Christmas to get a taste 

of Bavaria?

COMPETITION // SPONSORED BY ALPS GROUP 

#ITCMAGUK COMPETITION 

11 

CAN YOU FIND ME 

ELSEWHERE IN 

THE MAGAZINE? 

WIN 

DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST 

AT SAINT PAULS HOUSE 

BIRMINGHAM 

#ITCSTPAULS 

In Conjunction With 

ITCmagUK 

FIND EDDIE TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING A 

DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST FOR TWO @ SAINT PAULS HOUSE IN BIRMINGHAM 

TO ENTER; LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND DIRECT MESSAGE THE PAGE 

NUMBER ALONG WITH THE COMPETITION CODE #ITCSTPAULS 

The winner will be contacted via e-mail on 17 th October and will be 

published on facebook and twitter 

By entering this competition you agree to have your name published on social media. 

Competition closes : 14 th October 2016

Award winning dining 

in Edgbaston 

The Calthorpe Estate within Edgbaston, just a mile from Birmingham city centre, 

is home to an array of award winning places to eat. 

Whether catching up with friends or entertaining in style, take a taste test in 

Edgbaston Village in the wide selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and leisure clubs. 

Take a taste test in Edgbaston Village. 

To book a table visit www.calthorpe.co.uk/dining 

Offices / Residential / Retail / Medical / Leisure / Education

SPOTLIGHT 

FASHION & 

LIFESTYLE 


TITOS LONDON 

WWW.TITOSLONDON.COM

14 FASHION & LIFESTYLE // SPONSORED BY TITOS LONDON 

ABOUT 

CATRIONA 

HANLY 

London based Irish designer Catriona Hanly was 

born with a flair for design and a passion for fashion. 

Having studied her craft at Central St Martin’s in 

London and The Barbara Bourke College of Fashion 

in Dublin, her fashion collections have made waves 

both in Ireland, the UK and the US. She dressed 

Wolfe of Wall Street actress Madison McKinley in LA 

and her stand- out creative designs also caught the 

attention of Amanda Byram, Victoria Smurfit and 

Vogue Williams. 

Photography: Alexandria Hall Photography 

Hair: Michael Doyle 

Make-up: Paula Callan 

Model: Vogue Williams 

Location: Lough Rynn Castle, Co Leitrim, Ireland 

www.loughrynn.ie/00353719632700 

Lough Rynn Tweeds made to measure 

Contact Catriona directly: 

info@catrionahanly.com 

Tel: 07809253278 

www.catrionahanly.com 

Having established sales of her jewellery line in over 

350 boutiques in Ireland, the UK and the US Catriona 

went on to deliver interiors projects in leading hotels 

and private residences across the globe all the while 

gathering ideas and stimulation for fabrics and finish, 

developing a unique and inimitable style. A fashion 

collection was the next logical step for this talented 

designer. 

Dublin’s most stylish fashionistas Ash Quinn, Daniella 

Moyles and Alison Canavan rocked the red carpet at 

the VIP Style Awards in the most daring, delectable 

and debonair looks by Catriona Hanly last year. Her 

designs also stood out in Cheltenham, Ascott and 

The Irish Film and Television Awards. Catriona was 

nominated for Irish Designer of the year 2015, won 

Jewellery Designer of the Year and has caught the 

attention of many celebrities in LA, London and 

Dublin.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE // SPONSORED BY TITOS LONDON 

15 

THE 

GREAT 

ESCAPE 

Irish Designer Catriona Hanly presents Lough Rynn Tweeds 

For Autumn / Winter 2016’17 

or Autumn Winter 2016’17, designer 

F 

Catriona Hanly gives heritage tweeds a 

high-fashion makeover with an explosion 

of colours and pastels. The collection is 

strong, noble, structured and powerful. 

The story is inspired by the great 

estates of the 20th century … with an 

undercurrent of rebellion. Each piece is timelessly chic and 

inclusively ageless and is worn with patrician pride, maverick 

individuality & a hint of attitude. 

Catriona Hanly’s Autumn Winter 2016’17 Collection explores 

the heritage and diversity of tweed and injects new life and 

energy into this iconic cloth. The fabric has experienced a 

renaissance and now carries with it a certain sophistication 

adopted by many subculture movements. Catriona is utterly 

passionate about fabrics and this is a consistent trait across 

all collections so her work with tweeds was both exciting 

and evocative for her. The designer’s signature collars and 

cuffs detailing are once again evident in these timeless 

heritage pieces that make a unique style statement season 

after season. 

An air of rebellion undulates at the centre of the story and 

once again the edginess displayed in the designer’s previous 

collections comes to the fore. Bright colours, bold material 

pairings and contrasting patterns are central to the style. 

The cloth is given a whole new lease of life as colours are 

reshuffled and remixed with combinations of petrol blues 

and emerald greens and shocks of deep purple electrify the 

looks and set the vibe. 

Dresses are structured yet feminine and beg to be worn 

with buttery soft leather gloves. Many of the styles have 

attachable faux fur collars and arm bands to take the wearer 

from day to evening. Midi lengths unfurl in sweeping flourish 

of fur lending the look an adorable charm whilst the classic 

two piece suit is reinterpreted to bring both power and 

pleasure in equal measure. Catriona Hanly Designs are 

available at www.catrionahanly.com and can be ordered 

made to measure just for you! 

Opulent velvet lapels and side stripes, luxurious faux fur 

detailing, fringed trims and decorative buttons add to the 

aristocratic elegance of the collection whilst classic cuts, 

tailored jackets and structured dresses bring a gentrified 

chic. Twill and plain weave tweeds are used right across 

the collection allusive to a titled heritage and high society 

fashions worn for a variety of occasions at country houses, 

lavish parties and sporting events.


HAUTE COUTURE – 

THE ART OF “HIGH SEWING” 

HAUTE COUTURE IS THE MOST ELITIST FORM OF FASHION DESIGN. 

IT INVOLVES TIME – EFFORT – BIG BUCKS AND UNIQUE SKILL. 

H 

aute Couture literally translates as ‘High Sewing’ and is regulated by the French Ministry of Industry and the 

Federation Francaise de la Couture. Legally, for a fashion house to be considered a Haute Couture label the 

following requirements must be adhered to: 

1. A 

must create madeto-measure 

clothing 

for private clients 

and offer 

personal 

fittings 

designer 

2. The 

fashion house 

must have a 

workshop based 

in Paris full time 

with no fewer 

than 20 staff 

3. They 

must present two 

collections per year; 

one in January and 

one in July, which 

must include both 

day and night wear. 

Haute Couture is the crème de la crème of 

extreme fashion at its best. Collections are 

constructed by hand and made from scratch for 

each customer, and usually requires three fittings 

- taking up to 400 hours to make one dress, 

costing up to and sometimes above £75,000. 

Designers usually loan clothes to stars and public 

figures for the biggest red carpet events of the 

year. 

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. 

Jean Paul Gaultier and Haute Couture fit perfectly 

in sync. The master of fashion brilliance who has 

never confused elegance with extravagance; his 

collections have always defied the norm. All hail 

Gaultier a true liberator of fashion…. 

By Collis Sheik - Fashion Editor


30 MINUTE WORKOUT TO MELT THAT FAT AWAY! 

Many a time when conversing with friends and family about keeping fit and engaging in exercise, I’ve been met 

with a consistent response of “I try, I just can’t find the time.” The busier life gets, catering for your health and 

body often gets pushed to the back of one’s mind. It’s the first thing to get crossed off the list of life’s’ priorities 

despite it being essential to dealing with stress and giving yourself the sufficient energy to tackle a hectic lifestyle. 

Don’t fret, there’s some good news: keeping fit and healthy 

doesn’t have to be as time-consuming as you think. I have 

a few simple workout tips to help you burn fat and to build 

muscle. 

What are complex workouts? 

Complex workouts or complexes are a series of weight 

training exercises performed in succession without allowing 

the weight to touch the floor. 

Picture yourself doing 8 reps of overhead presses, sounds 

simple doesn’t it? Well instead of putting the weight down 

after completion, changeover straight into squats. Then 

bicep curls, finally rows, whilst never letting the bar hit the 

floor. If that sounds like it’d be difficult, well you would be 

correct. That’s the point, maximising the effort in the least 

time to achieve the best result. 

The most important point is that these complexes need to be 

as efficient as possible. If you’re not knackered after 20/30 

minutes of a complex workout, then increase the weight, add 

more reps or include an additional exercise. 

Complex workouts usually go as follows: 

1. Select your 4-6 exercises as part of your complex. 

2.Reps: commonly 8-20 for each exercise within the complex 

3. Sets: 3-5 complex sets. 

4. Weight: appropriate for your weakest exercise 

5. Rest: none between sets; between complexes – 2/3 

minutes. 

Here are some ideas for what exercises to include in a 

complex workout: 

Some of the benefits of these complex workouts are: 

• Significantly decreased time spent working out 

• Can be performed at home / on road 

• Increased rate of fat loss 

• Increased stamina 

• Lean muscle development 

• Elevated EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen 

consumption) – this allows the breakdown of fat 

to continue far beyond the end of your workout. 

Not too bad for a 20-30 minute workout right? 

It’s somewhat similar to super sets, with a few key 

differences. There is no rest period in complex sets and it’s 

beneficial to target different muscle groups when changing 

exercise during a set – this gives much needed active rest for 

the muscle groups you’ve just finished working. In addition 

this helps prevent over training or injury. Imagine trying to 

do 3 lower back exercises in a row with no rest, chances 

are your form would deteriorate which could lead to a 

muscle strain. Although keeping the exercises completely 

separate is not always possible and a lot of these motions 

are compound exercises targeting several muscle groups at 

once. 

Another important point is to select the ideal weight whilst 

doing these workouts. A good way to figure this out is 

to know what the heaviest weight you can lift is for your 

weakest exercise. e.g. if 30kg for bicep curls – 8 reps is your 

max, and you want it included in your complex, then that 

should be the weight for the entire complex. 

Full body barbell complex 

1. Barbell high pull 

2. Hang clean 

3. Barbell front squat 

4. Military press 

5. Barbell curls 

Upper body - 

dumbbell complex 

1. Dumbbell bent-over row 

2. Dumbbell push press 

3. Dumbbell curls 

4. Dumbbell lateral raises 

5. Dumbbell incline press 

Full body kettlebell complex 

1. Kettlebell high pull 

2. Kettlebell snatch 

3. Kettlebell push press 

4. Kettlebell squat 

5. Kettlebell swings 

Bodyweight complex 

1. Pull ups 

2. Push ups 

3. Crunches 

4. leg raises 

Go and give this a go! If strength is your main goal, aim for the heavier weight/lower reps range. If endurance and in-workout 

calorie expenditure is your thing, train with lighter weight and higher reps. The October edition will be looking at some helpful 

nutritional tips to boost your metabolism, keep that fat off and to give you additional energy to tackle life’s challenges. 

FOR ANY ENQUIRIES – CONTACT IDREES MUGHAL AT: IDDYM.FITNESS@GMAIL.COM

FASHION & LIFESTYLE // SPONSORED BY TITOS LONDON 

19 

GIVING UP OUR INDEPENDENCE: 

LIVING LIFE WITH VULNERABILITY YET STRENGTH 

by Aamna Khokhar 

H 

ave you decided that if you want the job 

done you had better do it yourself? Does 

this leave you feeling like you’re trying 

to juggle life by yourself? Do you only 

feel connected when you read slogans 

telling you ‘you can make it on your 

own’? Are you strong and independent 

and secretly disconnected and lonely? 

Here in the West we tell ourselves that independence is a 

more admirable trait than interdependence and that we 

can achieve our destiny on our own. We don’t have the 

patience to teach people how we like it done and yet we 

must have things the way we like them. We assume people 

around us are too busy to listen anyway and that we couldn’t 

possibly burden them with our problems or our conundrums. 

Managing careers, families, body image and shiny smiles 

whilst being upbeat and brimming with confidence all by 

ourselves can lead to a frustrating and lonely existence. 

If being open, vulnerable and interdependent is synonymous 

with being hurt then consider what led to that conditioning. 

Consider also that who you are now is different and that you 

have a choice about who you would like to create meaningful 

connections with. Effective ways of doing this are to firstly 

decide that you would like to be close to other people and 

have them as a resource in your life and to be a resource in 

theirs. Give up controlling the outcomes of your interactions 

and enjoy the journey. Make authenticity a priority and share 

openly of yourself and listen intently to the person sharing 

with you. Allow them to sponsor your life and your growth 

and do the same for them. 

In the words of John Donne 

“No man is an island, Entire of itself, 

Every man is a piece of the continent, 

A part of the main”. 

So what does that really mean? 

It means that human beings need connection and intimacy. 

That we are not designed to exist being unknown and that 

we can use one another as resources to help one another 

grow. Despite the reveries of independence, research 

demonstrates that human beings are heavily influenced 

by and dependent upon positive social interactions. Our 

childhood experiences govern the quality of our future 

relationships and our ongoing exchanges shape our 

personalities. So despite the ‘make it on our own’ slogans we 

need meaningful positive interactions that feed our need for 

connection and intimacy and they are vital to our lives and 

well-being. 

Having people around you is not the same as being known 

by people around you and to be known we have to share of 

ourselves. Often we are stopped from opening up. It might 

leave us feeling vulnerable being fully known by someone 

else. However, we need to take comfort in the fact that we 

are all pretty much the same, we all have the same need to 

be heard and regarded. We are all struggling with something 

we need help with, joyous about something else and 

everyone has the same need to feel good about who they 

are. We can become resources for one another and support 

one another’s lives and choices.

SPOTLIGHT 

FOOD & DRINK 


HEINEKEN 

WWW.HEINEKEN.COM

22 FOOD & DRINK // SPONSORED BY HEINEKEN 

THE GREAT BRITISH 

CULINARY ADVENTURE 

The Wilderness; a restaurant based in the heart of the city boasts of a unique dining experience, taking customers through 

a journey unlike any other. The Restaurant currently has a 6 week waiting list, proving that discerning diners are becoming 

more adventurous with their palettes. We catch up with co-founder Alex Claridge to learn more about their venture and what 

makes them so distinctive. 

Tell our readers how it all started 

We began as a restaurant called Nomad - it was me, my 

mate Brian, a suitcase and a few pans. It was mad really, 

but I had these ideas that I wanted to explore and I’ve 

always been stubborn so we just did. I starting cooking 

because I wanted to use it to tell stories, to share ideas and 

such, but you get distracted working for other people and 

their priorities. The only way I could refocus my cooking 

on, well, what I wanted it to say, the bigger picture stuff 

was to do it for myself. There’s never a good time really 

to start and we were woefully under resourced but there’s 

something to be said for just doing it. We had some mad 

times, like really mad, but it was all a blast really. 

(insects for one) as we seek to use native ingredients and 

flavours as our building blocks. 

Our cooking is a mix of the traditional and the hyper 

modern. We seek to draw inspiration and respect the past, 

but present it in new, avant garde ways to offer it to our 

diner fresh, from a new perspective with new potential 

for meaning. Our duck liver parfait, for instance, is a very 

classical recipe - but we serve it in a dark chocolate skull, 

with red wine & pepper beetroot as a jel, then present that 

for the diner as our dish ‘death in the woods’ on a forest 

floor of moss, pinecones and feathers from the hunt. The 

flavours, classical, but the impact, we hope, is to challenge 

expectation. 

Anyhow, somehow people kept coming to this madcap 

pop-up, so we opened a restaurant. People still turned 

out, but then we got into a spot of legal woes with a fairly 

large American company and restaurant, who for legal 

reasons we’ll skirt around the juicy details. Suffice to say, 

nothing clears the cobwebs like a good legal show-down 

with some Americans - if you’ve not tried it, thoroughly 

recommend it. Long story short, we changed our name 

and came back just as hungry for it, maybe a bit more 

angry too, and opened as The Wilderness. It’s the same 

ideas, just with the volume turned up. People keep coming, 

I’m blessed really. 

How would you describe your menu? 

We serve multi course menus - maybe 5 or 6 courses for 

lunch, and 9 upwards for dinner. The format allows us to 

take more risks with our food (if you polarise people on 

one course of three, you’re probably in trouble...) and, more 

importantly, allows us to create a sense of story through 

the course of your time with us. 

We have always been a proudly and ferociously British 

restaurant; we source from around the British Isles but 

no further afield to the exclusion of citrus fruit and lots 

of normal mediterranean staples. We will use the best 

produce available at any given time from across these 

peculiar Isles - sometimes it’s our allotment, but if there’s 

better quality in Scotland we’ll look to there. It’s always 

quality first. This means you’ll find lesser known wild 

ingredients as well as some fairly challenging ingredients 

What makes your restaurant experience different 

to the norm? 

Our dining room is the product of myself and a bunch of 

hugely talented set designers (Stax Creations) - so it looks 

markedly different. I wanted it to mimic the experience 

of eating outdoors, so our guests dine under an artificial 

tree canopy and theatrical lighting to ensure the shadows 

hit the branches as close a possible to being outdoors. 

As the experience unfolds, we also present the menu as 

a story across several chapters versus a more traditional 

menu. Some diners really get into the story approach, 

others just want to enjoy some delicious food and be left 

to their own devices. Whatever’s fine - I’ll keep creating 

this multi-layered approach but at the end of the day I 

just want people to be happy, on their own terms. I think 

there’s nothing worse than when a chef puts demands and

FOOD & DRINK // SPONSORED BY HEINEKEN 

23 

conditions on their diners enjoyment - like, get a grip, it’s 

only food and whilst I enjoy creating a elaborate experience, 

I’m not doing it to prove I’m clever. 

How do first time customers react to the menu? 

I think the biggest surprise to them, and us to a point, is that 

in spite of all the high concept elements of what we do - it’s 

a very grounded, relaxed experience - perhaps more so than 

their expectation of fine dining generally. I think it could 

be very easy for it to feel pretentious, but we’re all just very 

honest, open people, enjoy a good laugh. There are dishes 

that we know have particular reactions, but I love that; I 

want people to have real reactions to the ideas we create. If 

our food doesn’t make you feel something than we might 

as well not bother, we can all go Ladypool Road and grab a 

jalfrezi,a naan and some beers and it’ll be a lot easier for all 

involved. 

things there won’t be any other big projects. Hopefully by 

the end of the year we’ll have a kitchen refurbishment done 

and expansion of our dining room - that’s enough to keep 

me busy. 

Long long term, I have another two restaurants lurking in 

me, and a bar. I run our business as a creative outlet first 

and foremost, which I think has being key to it’s commercial 

success, ironically. There will be another restaurant called 

The Waves and a final restaurant called What was lost - they 

are looking at some of the same ideas as The Wilderness but 

from different angles. Together the three restaurants will be 

the full story and I would like to stay in Birmingham but we 

shall see whether Birmingham wants us! 

What next - you have your main restaurant, any 

further ambitions in the near future? 

My priority will remain The Wilderness for the foreseeable 

future. We’re starting to get kind offers of other bits and 

bobs and I am blessed with a great team there already (my 

sous Oliver has been a god-send) but until we have a strong 

team who feel ready to man the fort if I do look at other 

To book reservation please contact us at : 

tel: 0121 643 2673 | wearethewilderness.co.uk

Bookings 

0121 643 2233 

Pre - Theatre Menu 

Mon - Sat 

4-7pm 

2 for 1 Cocktails 

Mon - Fri from 5pm 

Saturday 12-8pm 

Club Sandwich Deal - £4.50 

Available Weekdays 

12pm - 9pm 

Sharing is Caring - £20 

Sharing platter and a bottle of Prosecco 

Weekdays 12pm - 9pm 

Bottle of house Wine - £9.99 

Weekdays 12pm - 9pm 

Live Music Every Thursday Night 

Club Nights Every Friday & Saturday 

VIP Booths 

The Chameleon Restaurant & Bar 

1 Victoria Square, Hill Street, Birmingham, B1 1BD 

Email: info@thechameleonbam.com Website: www.thechameleonbham.co.uk 

The Chameleon Restaurant & Bar chameleonbham @chameleonbham


GOOD CARB, BAD CARB 

For a long time now most people have been battling with their love of 

carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and rice- including myself. But 

nutritionists and personal trainers no longer regard carbohydrates as 

the devil they once were and believe you can maintain a healthy diet, and 

even lose weight by not cutting the carbs completely. 

This handy pros and cons list looks at the many reasons to enjoy carbs, 

but also why we shouldn’t fill ourselves with them. 

by Huma 

PROS 

Carbs help 

cleanse your 

body and 

regulate 

your system, 

which can 

also prevent 

the onset 

of illnesses 

such as heart 

disease. 

They can help 

to regulate 

cholesterol to 

keep the bad 

type down, 

and the healthy 

type up. 

You can get 

more vitamin A, 

C, Magnesium, 

Iron, and 

Calcium, 

Carotene and 

Foliate with a 

loaf of bread 

then a bowl of 

fruits. 

Carbohydrates 

can give you 

energy when 

you need it 

most, and for 

some it can 

help increase 

metabolism. 

When coupled 

with exercise, 

it can help to 

build more 

defined muscle 

mass. Hence 

why people eat 

carb rich meals 

after a workout. 

Eating complex carbs can 

make you feel fuller so you 

get less hunger pangs, and 

will be less tempted to 

snack. 

CONS 

If you don’t 

exercise, the 

unused energy 

consumed will 

get stored as 

fat. 

Having too 

many carbs 

can cause your 

glucose levels 

to rise.w 

Cutting 

out carbs 

completely can 

help you lose 

weight, but can 

lead to rapid 

weight gain 

for some when 

reintroduced 

Simple 

carbohydrates 

only provide 

you with 

short bursts 

of energy but 

once that runs 

out, your body 

will crash. 

Carbohydrates 

have been 

linked to an 

increased risk in 

type II diabetes 

Diets that involve cutting 

out the carb completely are 

very difficult to maintain 

SUPERFOOD 

OF THE MONTH 

A mouthful of these succulent cherries will help to 

reduce pain in your body post workout, and give 

relief from arthritis pain as it acts as a natural antiinflammatory. 

Cherries also contain powerful antioxidants 

and help to reduce risk of cancer, stroke 

and gout. 

The natural melatonin in this fruit can also help you 

to get a better night’s sleep and regenerate your 

body- which is reason enough to enjoy these cheeky 

cherries in fruit form, or in a juice.

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS 

AVAILABLE NOW! 

If you are looking for a venue with a 

festive sumtuous menu. look no further. 

We have various spaces for bookings 

accommodating 8 to 80, perfect for your 

works Christmas do, festive family function 

or a Christmas meal with your friends. 

Why not go make it that extra bit special 

with our formal dining and canapé options 

or explore our various drinks packages - 

you can even dine in exclusive areas of the 

Hotel. We are also offering group 

accomodation packages so your room is 

only a walk away, perfect to carry on 

partying through the night and the perfect 

option to nurse a festive hangover. 

Make your Christmas memorable with 

Saint Pauls House. 

PRICES START FROM 

£28 

FOR ALL BOOKINGS AND 

ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT 

ONE OF THE TEAM AT; 

E: info@saintpaulshouse.com 

T: 0121 272 0999


LOW CARB CHICKEN PIE 

If you love chicken pie, this recipe won’t disappoint and it’s easily one of the 

most popular recipes from Joe Wicks book; Lean In 15. It’s actually Lean in 

about 60 minutes, but is such a nice treat that you won’t mind the extra effort 

and it is low carb too. 

by Huma 

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4) 

2 large knobs of butter // 1 large leek, washed and chopped into 2cm pieces // 200g mushrooms, roughly chopped // 

4 x 250g chicken breast fillets // cut into bite-sized pieces // 250ml chicken stock // 1 tbsp cornflour // 100ml double cream // 

2 large handfuls of baby spinach leaves // 6 sheets of filo pastry // Drizzle of olive oil // Salad or veg, to serve 

METHOD 

Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C, gas mark 5). 

Heat the butter in a large frying pan over a medium to high 

heat. Add the leek and mushrooms and fry for 2–3 minutes 

until they just start to soften. Crank up the heat to high, 

add the chicken pieces and fry for a further 2 minutes – the 

chicken won’t be cooked through at this point – then pour 

in the chicken stock and let it come to a simmer. 

Meanwhile, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water 

until smooth, then pour into the pan, along with the cream. 

Bring back to the boil, stirring gently, and cook until the 

sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the 

spinach, then tip the whole lot into a pie dish about 28cm x 

15cm. Set aside to cool a little. 

Take a sheet of filo and roughly crumple it in your hands 

– there is no right or wrong to this method! Place the 

crumpled filo on top of the chicken filling in the pie dish and 

repeat with the remaining filo sheets. 

Drizzle the pastry with olive oil, then bake the pie for about 

20 minutes, by which time the filo will have crisped up and 

turned golden brown in places. 

Serve up your pie with fresh salad or some vegetables.

FOOD & DRINK // SPONSORED BY HEINEKEN 

29 

AFTERNOON TEA INDULGENCE 

The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge, 

situated in Edgbaston just moments away from the 

city centre of Birmingham, 

invites you to take Afternoon Tea, 

daily from 12 noon until 6pm in 

the most elegant of surroundings, 

it’s the perfect way to spend the 

day, an indulgent treat from £22 

per person (£25 in December) 

which includes a selection of 

artisan sandwiches, a scrumptious 

variety of seasonal sweet treats, 

accompanied by traditional scones 

with strawberry jam and Cornish 

clotted cream, served with Organic 

Loose Leaf Jing Tea. The team 

have specifically selected this tea 

for its extremely high quality. JING 

defines the modern tea ceremony, an 

experience which absorbs the senses 

and refreshes the body. JING’s teas 

are quite simply beautiful and the 

textures and aromas they produce 

are exquisite. 

Enjoy varieties to include Lemon 

Verbena, Gunpowder Supreme 

and Jasmine Silver Needle, or our own signature tea – the 

Vanilla Black, a pure Assam Tea scented with vanilla pods, 

intoxicating aromas and a natural sweetness, it’s delicious! 

There is also a selection of Ice Tea’s, to include Rosy Cheeks 

– a Turkish Rose, Vanilla Assam Tea with pressed apple and 

fresh lemon – beautifully fruity and floral, or Spring Greens 

which is very popular – Matcha Green Tea, fresh lemon, 

pressed pear & apple with mint. Our 

iced teas are light, refreshing and 

delicious! 

Add a little luxury to Afternoon Tea 

with a glass of Champagne to start, 

or perhaps choose the devilishly 

delicious Moseley Serve! In the 

early 1900’s, ladies would visit each 

other’s houses in the local area and 

have tea parties. However, it wasn’t 

tea they were drinking! They were 

all sipping slyly on gin from their 

tea cups; their husbands blissfully 

unaware. This came to be known as 

the ‘Moseley Serve’, and as a tribute 

to this The Edgbaston offers three 

different tea based gin cocktails 

to accompany Afternoon Tea, all 

served in the most exquisite vintage 

crockery. Please check out the 

website for further details, variety of 

Champagnes and current pricing. 

Afternoon Tea’s can be paired with a 

Cocktail Masterclass for groups of 10 guests or more, priced 

from £55 per person to include an Afternoon Tea and the 

Masterclass. 

For further details please visit the 

website www.theedgbaston.co.uk

MARK@FLEETSTREETKITCHEN.CO.UK 

0121 710 4233 CARRIE@TOWNANDCOUNTRY.CO.UK

SPOTLIGHT 

ENTERTAINMENT 


TOWN & COUNTRY INNS PLC 

WWW.TOWNANDCOUNTRY.CO.UK

32 ENTERTAINMENT // SPONSORED BY TOWN & COUNTRY INNS PLC 

BEER FESTIVALS 

September can be stressful. The days are getting 

shorter, rush hour is kicking back in (especially 

around the school run) and Christmas is just around 

the corner, but here at In The City Magazine we don’t 

like to sweat the little things. The days might be getting 

shorter, but that just means longer nights out on the town! 

Rush hour might be kicking in again, but that just means 

more time to really get your head around the newest Red 

Hot Chilli Peppers album, and even if Christmas is coming 

up fast, that just means the sooner that you’ll be able to 

grab a massive stein of German beer and relax. 

Of course, you don’t have to wait until December to enjoy 

a stein and September also marks the start of Oktoberfest, 

the international phenomenon celebrated in Germany 

which has been exported the world over. To celebrate the 

festivities of Oktoberfest, we have pulled together a list of 

some of the best beer, cider and wine festivals in the UK. 

CAMRA BEER FESTIVALS 

In the world of real ale, it is widely regarded that the 

only organisation that truly matters is CAMRA, that most 

prestigious body for recognising and celebrating real ales. 

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA for short) has made 

innumerable contributions to the beer and drinks industry, 

helping to celebrate many of the country’s most prestigious 

establishments whilst also maintaining high industry standards 

to guarantee that all punters get the most pint out of their 

pound. 

As such, CAMRA Beer Festivals and plenty throughout the 

country, wherein any CAMRA recognised pub (or chain) can 

put on its own Beer Festival in collaboration with the group, in 

return helping to widen the palette of your average ale drinker. 

Held in the highest regard among pub-lovers, CAMRA is a 

British answer to the Bavarian Bierkeller, helping to foster and 

sustain the traditional British pub. 

LEEDS INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL 

Celebrating its fifth year in 2016, the Leeds International Beer 

Festival is held between the 8th and 11th of September and 

sees four days of celebrations for (and featuring) craft beers 

that are brewed in the UK and overseas. A massive fiesta 

featuring thousands of varieties of beers and ciders, as well 

as street food markets and live music by artists playing across 

two separate stages. 

Held at the town hall in the city centre, the Leeds International 

Beer Festival has become a staple celebration on the beerlover’s 

calendar for its hugely inclusive feel and extensive 

programming.

ENTERTAINMENT // SPONSORED BY TOWN & COUNTRY INNS PLC 

33 

OKTOBERFEST 

The event which inspired this whole article, the full 

international Oktoberfest is held in Munich. Not wanting to let 

a good thing go to waste, Oktoberfest has now been adopted 

into a multi-city celebration in numerous UK cities and towns, 

bringing with it the hearty atmosphere of your average 

Bavarian Bierkeller. 

Held between September and October each year (with 

individual dates varying from city to city), Oktoberfest 

draws on its 200 years+ of experience in putting on great 

public events to guarantee an event which will get the party 

swinging. Nominally, all beer sold at Oktoberfest will be 

brewed in Germany, in keeping with the festival’s tradition, 

though contemporary twists have made their way into the 

celebrations over the years, keeping Oktoberfest as the 

absolute must-attend party. 

INDYMANBEERCON 

Or “Independent Manchester Beer Convention” to give the 

event its full and proper title, IndyManBeerCon is held between 

the 6th and 9th of October, making it a true Oktoberfest! 

Now in its fourth year, the festival is held within the stunning 

confines of Manchester’s Grade II listed Victorian Baths. 

IndyManBeerCon has hopped straight into the hearts of UK 

beer lovers by bringing together a miscellany of the most 

progressive, prestigious breweries from around the world, with 

a particular emphasis on breweries located in the UK, USA and 

Europe. At IndyManBeerCon you can find world-class craft 

beers by the barrel (quite literally), although if you’re more of a 

cider drinker you will also find something to cater more to your 

tastes, with multiple speciality ciders also being shipped in just 

for the festival. 

STEEL CITY BEER FESTIVAL 

Organised by the authority when it comes to top-class ales 

and beers, the Steel City Beer Festival is now passing through 

its fourth decade in existence, proving itself as an invaluable 

addition to the UK beer calendar. Legacies don’t come much 

more prestigious nor prolific as this event and this truly shows 

in the masterful way the event is organised and orchestrated 

each year. 

The 2016 event is set to be held between the 19th and 22nd 

of October and (as with previous years) is a celebration of 

not only the UK’s abundant ale, cider and beer breweries, but 

also a celebration of the city of Sheffield itself and its massive 

contributions to the world of industry. Held at Kelham Island 

Industrial Museum, the event is a perfect and appropriate 

celebration of the hard-work that goes into creating great 

tasting beverages. 

GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS 

It doesn’t matter if you’re in Birmingham or Basingstoke, 

Dundee or Dudley, come late November/early December 

you’ll find no shortage of German Christmas Markets hitting a 

town or city near you. Massive celebrations of food and drink 

presented in true traditional Bavarian style, the markets offer 

shoppers a warm respite from going store-to-store, ample 

opportunity to grab some great grub or otherwise enjoy a 

liquid pick-me-up. 

From the iconic traditional foot-long bratwursts to hog roasts, 

there’s plenty of meaty offerings to warm the bellies of the 

weary consumer and in terms of drinks you’ll be spoiled for a 

better winter choice. Be it a massive stein of heady German 

beer, a steaming mug of Gluhwein or a hot mulled cider, the 

German Market offers it all, alongside folksy craft markets that 

gives plenty of offerings for stocking-fillers.


BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET 

In the world of UK Ballet Companies, you’ll often 

hear the same names mentioned time and again. 

Among them is the Birmingham Royal Ballet, one 

of the four major companies based in the UK that 

put on performances which wow audiences the 

world over. Established in 1947, meaning the group 

are now celebrating just shy of 70 years of excellent 

entertainment and culture, the Birmingham Royal 

Ballet feature some of the most athletic feats known 

to man (and woman) as they put on productions in 

everything from Shakespeare to more contemporary 

experimentations. 

Though the company has a near-permanent home 

at the Birmingham Hippodrome, the company often 

travels far and wide in putting on their exceptional 

shows, appearing at venues throughout the UK. 

Among the group’s performances set for the 

remainder of 2016 are the Shakespeare Dream 

Bill (running 15th September to 26th October), 

The Tempest (running October 1st to 29th) and 

The Nutcracker (running 25th November to 13th 

December). 

Exceptional in scope and spectacle, the Birmingham 

Royal Ballet are able to infuse powerful personality 

and energy into each performance guaranteeing that 

even with universally recognised source material, the 

audience will always be thrilled and surprised. 

To Make a booking at the Birmingham 

Hippodrome Contact 0844 338 5000 


ART IS LIFE 

LIFE IS ART 






BIDDLE & WEBB 


SELFRIDGES 


EDITORIAL 

SPACE 

Do you have editorial, 

news, articles etc. Get 

your work featured in 

our next issue 

CONTACT US ON 

t: 0121 230 8333 

e: editorial@inthecityuk.com

Asha’s Birmingham 

12-22 Newhall St, Birmingham B3 3LX 

t - 0121 200 27 67 

e- reservations@ashasuk.co.uk 

w - ashasuk.co.uk 

Join Us For 

Happy Hour 

EVERYDAY 

From 

5pm - 7pm 

ENTS 

Add a little spice to summer... 

Summer Cocktail 

Menu 

A collection of refreshing 

hand-crafted cocktails, designed to 

bring the essence of summer straight 

to your pallet.


THE BEST OF 

BIRMINGHAM TO SHINE AT 

THE BRUMMIES 

irmingham is brilliant. But, you don’t need 

B 

us to tell you that (although we will, and 

do, on a regular basis). Whilst Birmingham 

is consistently recognised for its incredible 

tourism, contributions to popular music 

and art, rich and diverse history, booming 

business opportunities and all-round positive vibes, it’s not 

often that you’ll find the opportunity to recognise the truly 

remarkable thing about Birmingham: the people. 

Well, that is all set to change with the inaugural Brummies 

Award Show, a local-focused event which will give the 

exceptional people of Birmingham the recognition they 

deserve, as well as plenty of cause for celebration within 

the city and greater West Midlands region. Set up and 

organised as a joint partnership between Virgin Trains and 

the Birmingham Mail, the Brummies are a spiritual successor 

to the previous Pride of Birmingham Awards. 

Held at the city’s illustrious Town Hall on October 7th the 

Brummies will be hosted by popular actress/TV personality 

Charlie Brooks (not to be confused with media pessimist 

and progressive TV writer Charlie Brooker). The Awards are 

expected to be a glittering night of celebration, complete 

with live performances, speeches and (of course) the award 

ceremony itself. 

Among the acts confirmed to appear at the show are 

incredible ex-Britain’s Got Talent vocalist Rosie O’Sullivan 

and ELO legend Bev Bevan, each providing entertainment 

in their own inimitable style. The event is also expected to 

attract an array of famous faces, with the likes of Adil Ray 

(of Citizen Khan fame), soul legend Ruby Turner and former 

champion boxer Wayne Elcock all confirmed to attend the 

Awards. 

Tickets to attend the event cost £23, with money raised from 

the show going towards supporting the Birmingham Mail 

Charitable Trust. The event starts at around 8:00PM and will 

form part of an ideal plan for a Friday night in the city.

NOW 

OPEN 

in MERE 

GREEN 

“The best 

parties are 

always in 

the kitchen” 

FIND US ON: Belwell LAnE 

Sutton Coldfield B74 4AB 

fleetstreetkitchen.co.uk 

/fleet-street-kitchen-mere-green 

@FSKMereGreen 

0121 323 2565 

LICHFIELD ROAD (A5127) 

Belwell LAnE 

HILL VILLAGE ROAD 

MERE GREEN ROAD 

LICHFIELD ROAD (A5127) 

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

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WE WOULD LOVE TO 

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We are really excited to be offering you the opportunity to have your work published 

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SPOTLIGHT 

YOUNG 

IN THE CITY 


BRIGHTLET 

WWW.BRIGHTLET.COM

40 YOUNG IN THE CITY // SPONSORED BY BRIGHTLET 

POKEMON GO!! 

Ohh, the game that took the world by storm. Pokemon 

Go. Well, everyone apart from us until recently~! On 

the (very slim) off-chance that you don’t know what 

Pokemon Go is, it’s an AR (augmented reality) game that 

was released by a company called Niantic. And people love 

this thing. The aim of the game is to catch ‘em all, and the 

Pokemon are scattered all around the world. So to play the 

game, it’s mandatory that you go outside. Unfortunately for 

me the game doesn’t work, so I’m still stuck inside, but I’m 

not really complaining (Walking is effort. Don’t give me that 

look.). The popularity of the game has actually gotten to the 

point where people have meet-ups just to play the game. 

Some are even making new friends! (*cries in the background 

because I have no friends*) 

by Raven Knight 

A recent one had about 1000 people! Incredible, right? 

Another had at least 200. Also in the game, there are things 

called Pokestops - like little checkpoints where you can get 

Pokeballs. Funny thing is, some of these Pokestops are in 

places like restaurants, centres and even schools - and in 

people’s houses! 

One great story - a British guy called Sam Clark has actually 

caught all 143 Pokemon in the game, and lost two stone 

whilst at it. He says he walked about 225 km, about five 

marathons. That right there, is dedication. Congrats to 

that guy! Hey, maybe that can be our new resolution for 

school? Just, uh, don’t play Pokemon Go whilst in school, 

you’ll probably get told off by a teacher. (If you are actually 

allowed to use it in school, can you do me a favour and 

teleport me to your school? That would be awesome, 

thanks.) 

GAMES :D 

New in the upcoming games! We’ve got some good 

ones this time: 

Final Fantasy XV - Never played this series, 

but good nevertheless. Coming out on PS4 on 

September 30th. 

Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet - AWW YEAH. 

MY ANIME BABIES ARE BACK. *fangirl noises in the 

distance* Coming out September 9th. 

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Ooohhhh, I 

can’t wait for this game! I’m sure many many fans 

can’t also~ Coming out in 2017. 

Tekken 7 - OH. MEMORIES. I totally rocked beating 

everyone with Lili in this game. And Devil Jin was 

just the best of the best. Coming out in early 2017. 

That’s some of the many, many games you guys 

can look forward to! I dare you to try and beat me 

on Tekken. I dare you. >:)

YOUNG IN THE CITY // SPONSORED BY BRIGHTLET 

41 

by Raven Knight

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NIGHTLIFE 


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44 NIGHTLIFE // SPONSORED BY THE TICKETSELLERS 

ILLUSIVE FESTIVAL 

SEPTEMBER 9TH - 11TH // NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, UK 

LOST STAGE 

The festival’s “main” attraction and the stage which hosts 

the headlining acts, the Lost Stage is as dramatic as they 

come, with a volcano structure spewing plumes of fire into 

the night sky. 

Must See Acts: Gentlemen’s Dub Club, Last Edition, Popes 

of Chillitown 

The hybrid spawn of the UK’s booming 90s club scene 

and the Great British Summer Festival, the Illusive 

Festival of Performing Arts brings together all the 

best elements of its forebears whilst offering its patrons an 

experience unlike any other. Taking its education from the 

masters of entertainment, the festival eschews the populist 

trappings of lesser festivals in favour of putting together an 

event that truly feels like it is for fans by fans. 

To say that Illusive has an illustrious talent pool would be an 

understatement. The Illusive Team boast over a century’s 

experience in crafting top notch festivals and events, a 

handy well-spring of knowledge that they utilise fully in 

making sure their patrons are given the absolute best 

experience possible. 

Illusive Festival was created with two very specific 

over-riding goals. The first was a simple mission statement; 

they would bring enjoyment to people at the smallest 

possible cost, offering unforgettable experiences which 

wouldn’t require a second mortgage to attend. The festival’s 

second aim was aimed more directly at the burgeoning 

underground scene, the simple (but no less great) goal of 

uniting crews and Sound Systems from across the board. 

In both goals the festival has achieved admirably, with the 

2016 event looking to be no exception to their winning run. 

The word “illusive” is defined as “[something] which is not 

real, although seems to be” and this sense of escapism is 

exactly what Illusive Festival hopes to capture by offering 

an escape from the rigors of everyday life. And what better 

escape is there than headed off to a luscious open field for 

a multi-day party with some of the best artists in the world? 

It just wouldn’t be a British festival if you can’t grab a cold, 

refreshing cider or lager. On that front Illusive has you 

covered with a fully licensed bar, open and prepared to fuel 

your party until the wee hours. Of course, humans can’t 

exist on cider and beer alone, so to keep your bellies purring 

with delight Illusive has teamed up with a fantastic range 

of food vendors, ready to cater to your taste-buds with 

suitably good grub for a weekend of dancing and partying. 

Bustling with bands, DJs and performers, the festival offers 

a primo music experience, but also offers up a massive 

array of other activities that are sure to fill 

your attention. Be it shopping 

at one of the many 

stalls, marvelling at 

one of the on-site 

structures or just taking 

in some alternative 

entertainment, you’ll find 

that Illusive has it all.

NIGHTLIFE // SPONSORED BY THE TICKETSELLERS 

45 

ILLUSIVE FESTIVAL BOASTS NO LESS THAN SIX UNIQUELY THEMED STAGES AT ITS 2016 EVENT, PERFECT IF 

YOU’VE GROWN TIRED OF IDENTIKIT STAGE SET-UPS. EACH STAGE HAS ITS OWN INDIVIDUAL DÉCOR AND FEEL, 

AS WELL AS AN EXCITING MIX OF ACTS OLD AND NEW SURE TO EXCITE. 

OFF THE RAILS 

What better environs to showcase the very best of the 

underground music scene than on a stage modelled after 

the London Underground? Off The Rails promises to be 

just that. 

Must See Acts: Mark EG, OB1, Stay Up Forever Takeover 

TAKEOVER 

Most definitely the stage for tech-heads and Electro 

enthusiasts, the Takeover stage borders on Sci-Fi with its 

enormous speakers blasting out the best dance music in the 

galaxy. 

Must See Acts: Akov, Black Sun Empire, Kenny Ken 

IMAGINATION 

For a stage where anything goes, only a name like 

Imagination will do. Featuring artists from across the broad 

spectrum of Trance, the Imagination stage will take you on 

an adventure as far as your mind will allow. 

Must See Acts: Fabio and Moon (Spintwist Records), Scott 

Project (Tracid Traxx), K4NE (One Unit Recordings) 

URBAN MISCHIEF 

There’s no jungle quite like the urban jungle and this is an 

ethos that the Urban Mischief stage has taken to heart with 

a colourful blend of acts ranging from Reggae to Ragga 

Jungle. 

Must See Acts: Mad Professor, Vibronics, Weeding Dub 

Other venues: 

Silent Disco: If you feel that the only way to feel the noise is when it’s good and loud, and can’t stand letting the party end when 

pesky things like “curfews” and “noise limits” come into effect, the Silent Disco is the place for you with its 3-channel headphones 

letting you (and the party) blast out until the wee hours. 

The Triskele Skank Tree Workshop Area: Music might be the bread and butter of Illusive, but the festival also boasts groundbreaking 

concepts like stage/workshop of Triskele Skank Tree Workshop Area for true unique quality. 

Illusive Garden 

The perfect stage for any wannabe DJ who finds themselves hogging the playlist at parties, the Illusive Garden puts you front and 

centre for entertainment as you play music from your chosen device. Be it iPod, Zune or generic MP3, all formats have their place 

at the Illusive Garden, providing a perfect platform to launch your DJ career.


Tim Burgess & Peter Gordon 

Thursday 1st September 

7:30pm - 10:30pm 

Hare and Hounds, Birmingham 

From £17.50 

Cognitive Jazz Therapy 

Thursday 1st September 

8pm - 4am 

Cogs Bar, Birmingham 

Free 

Filthy Girl 

Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th 

September 

1pm Fri - 10pm Sun 

Blaise Castle, Avon 

Camping from £30.90 

Hair and beauty also available 

Moseley Folk Festival 

Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th 


1:30pm Fri - 11pm Sun 

Moseley Park 

Adult weekend from £104.50 

Day tickets available 

Solid Soul 

Friday 2nd September 

6pm - 2am 

The Jam House, Birmingham 

Free before 8pm/ £5 After 

2016 UK Pleasure Boys Evolution 

Tour 


7pm - 11:30pm 

JJ’s, Coventry 

From £13.50 

Paul Towndrow & Steve Hamilton 

Duo 


7:45pm - 11pm 

The Red Lion, Birmingham 

From £10.70 members/ £13.40 

non-members 

Maet Loaf 


8pm - 12:30am 

Arches Venue, Coventry 

From £9 

The 1st Friday Salsa Party 


8pm - 2am 

The Lion Club, Erdington 

From £8 

Reggae and Dancehall Disco 


8:30pm - 2am 

The Venue, Dudley 

From £7 

KOKO Fridays 


9pm - 3am 

The Night Owl, Birmingham 

From £5 

An Evening Session with Victim 


9pm - 3am 


From £8 

Click Friday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 

Snobs, Birmingham 

From £4 

House Of Soul 


11pm - 4am 

Bushwackers, Birmingham 

From £12.50 

Scenic & Advisory presents 

Back To The Future III 

Saturday 3rd September 

6pm Sat - 6am Sun 

The Queens Head, Bromsgrove 

From £16.50 

Solid Soul 


6pm - 2am 

The Jam House, Birmingham 

Free before 8pm/ £5 After 

Pleasure Ladies Nights 


7pm - 10:30pm 

The Hub, Birmingham 

From £13 

Kirvana 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £8 

The Soul Hole 


8pm - 4am 


From £5 

Pro-ject: Worcester Warehouse 

- Annual Acorns Charity 

Fundraiser 


9pm - 4am 

Crystal Warehouse, Worcester 

Form £8 

Mark Dwayne Birthday Bash 

2016 


10pm - 4am 

Myyst Nightclub, Birmingham 

From £8 

Wolverhampton Bassline 

Gathering 


10pm - 5am 

Fixxion Warehouse, 

Wolverhampton 

From £8.50 

Loaded Saturday 


10:30pm - 4am 


From £4 

Sunflower Bean 

Monday 5th September 

7:30pm - 11pm 


From £10 

Eleanor Friedberger 

Tuesday 6th September 

7pm - 11pm 

O2 Academy 3, Birmingham 

From £14.65 

Lionlimb 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 


From £7 

Karaoke & Open Mic 

Wednesday 7th September 

4pm - 4am 


Free 

King Gizzard and the Lizard 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 


From £12 

Big Wednesday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


From £4 


Thursday 8th September 

8pm - 4am 


Free 

Illusive Festival of Performing 

Arts 

Friday 9th - Sunday 11th 


10am Fri - 11pm Sun 

Deene Park, Corby 

Weekend from £78.50 

Lucie Silvas 

Friday 9th September 

7pm - 11pm 

O2 Institute3, Birmingham 

From £11.25 

Mercury 


7:45pm - 11pm 


From £10.70 members/ £13.40 

non-members 

Bon Giovi 


8pm - 12:15am 


From £9 

Legacy 


8pm - 4am 

Streetlife, Leicester 

From £11

BIRMINGHAM’S PREMIER NIGHT VENUE 

FOR BOOKINGS CALL 

0121 631 1600 

2 BRUNSWICK SQUARE, 11 BRINDLEY PLACE, BIRMINGHAM, B1 2LP


Wigan Reunion Allnighter with 

Dave Evison, Jordan Wilson 


8pm - 6am 


From £5 

Core Blimey 


10pm - 6am 

The Tunnel Club, Birmingham 

From £22 

Click Friday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


From £4 

Goldie (Metalheadz) + 

Codebreaker + Funktion One 


11pm - 3:30am 

The Buttermarket / Cellars, 

Shropshire 

From £15 

15 minutes 4 U Presents Stepping 

Out 

Saturday 10th September 

10am - 2:30am 

(Under 11’s no entry after 8pm) 

Aston Students Guild 

U11 Free/ U18 £5.50/O18 £11 



7pm - 10:30pm 


From £13 

Smart Casual 


7pm - 11pm 

The Flapper, Birmingham 

From £6.50 

Elvana: The World’s Finest Elvis 

Fronted Tribute to Nirvana 


7pm - 11pm 


From £9.05 

The Sherlocks 


7:30pm - 11pm 

The Copper Rooms, Coventry 

From £10 

Slade UK 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £6.50 



8pm - 3am 


From £5 



10:30pm - 4am 


From £4 

Naomi Smalls 


11pm - 5am 

The Nightingale Club, Birmingham 

From £7 



4pm - 4am 


Free 

Big Wednesday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


From £4 


Thursday 15th September 

8pm - 4am 


Free 

The Bluetones 


6:30pm - 11pm 

The Copper Rooms, Coventry 

From £23 

Trio Brasil + Mark Lockheart 


7:45pm - 11pm 


From £10.70 members/ £16.30 

non-members 

Explosive Light Orchestra 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £9 

KOKO Fridays 


9pm - 3am 


From £5 

4 Years of ONEDUB 


9pm - 5am 

Rainbow Warehouse, Digbeth 

From £11 

Pure Speedgarage & Bassline One 

Off Special 


10pm - 6am 

The Nightingale Club, Birmingham 

From £8.50 

Click Friday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


From £4 

Birmingham Chilli Festival 2016 


10am - 7pm 

Central Square BrindleyPlace, 

Birmingham 

Free 

Sun City Street Carnival 


2pm - 6am 

Streetlife, Leicester 

From £11 



7pm - 10:30pm 


From £13 

Prodigiosus Charity Fashion 

Show 


7pm - 1am 

David Lloyds, Dudley 

From £20 

Electric Swing Circus Live 


8pm - 11:30pm 

The Big Bull’s Head, Birmingham 

From £11 

Radio Clash 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £8 

Jilted Generation 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £9 



8pm - 4am 


From £5 

Soul Nostalgia Night 


9pm - 2am 

The Hilton Hotel Warwick/ 

Stratford 

From £6.50 

HIGHGRADE 8th Birthday Bash 


10pm - 5am 

Myyst Nightclub, Birmingham 

From £11 (BOGOF available) 



10:30pm - 4am 


From £4

NIGHTLIFE // SPONSORED BY THE TICKETSELLERS 

49 

The Media Launch Party & 

Jerk BBQ 

Sunday 18th September 

2pm - 10pm 


From £5.50 

Crime and Punishment 2011 


7pm - 11pm 

The Sunflower Lounge, 

Birmingham 

From £6.50 

Gutterdammerung 


7pm - 11pm 

O2 Academy, Birmingham 

From £30.95 

Dilly Dally / Weaves / 

abattoir 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 


From £10 

Dan + Shay 


7pm - 11pm 


From £11.25 


From £11.25 


Wednesday 21st September 

4pm - 4am 


Free 

Cavern Of Anti Matter 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 

Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath 

From £11 

Big Wednesday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


From £4 


Thursday 22nd September 

8pm - 4am 

Cogs Bar, Birmingham, Free 

Mothership - Led Zeppelin 

Tribute 

Friday 23rd September 

7:30pm - 10:30pm 

Solihull Arts Complex, Solihull 

From £12 

Dave McPherson 


7pm - 11pm 

The Sunflower Lounge, 

Birmingham 

From £10 

Sundara Karma 


7pm - 11pm 

Simon Spillett Quartet 


7:45pm - 11pm 


From £10.70 members/ £13.40 

non-members 

Dizzy Lizzy 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £8 

KOKO Fridays 


9pm - 3am 


From £5 

DNB Shellaz 


10pm - 5am 

The Tunnel Club, Birmingham 

From £9 

Click Friday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


ART IS LIFE 

LIFE IS ART 






BIDDLE & WEBB 


SELFRIDGES 


EVENT 

PROMOTION 

Do you have an event 

you want to promote 

Advert + Listing spaces 

available 

PLEASE CONTACT US ON 

t: 0121 230 8333 

e: advertising@inthecityuk.com



From £4 

Tokyo World 


12pm - 11:30pm 

Eastville Park, Bristol 

From £38.50 

The AMP All Day Raves 


2pm - 11:45pm 

The Rainbow Arena, Birmingham 

Form £30.50 



7pm - 10:30pm 


From £13 

Stan Tracey Legacy Octer 


7:45pm - 11pm 

Midlands Art Centre, West 

Midlands 

From £13.40 members/ £18.80 non 

members 

Gaye Bykers on Acid 


8pm - 3am 

The Waggon and Horses, 

Birmingham 

From £16.50 

Special Kinda Madness 


8pm - 10:30am 


From £9 



8pm - 4am 


From £5 

Vertual Soul 


10pm - 3am 

Manhattan Bar Broadway, 

Ladywood Middleway 

From £6.50 

Flaunt with Rob Tissera and Andy 

Farley 


10pm - 4am 

Suki10c, Digbeth 

From £11 

Jungle Showdown 2016 


10pm - 5am 

Club PST Rooftop, Birmingham 

From £11 

Anomaly Trance & Hard Dance 


10pm - 6am 

Rainbow Venues, Birmingham 

From £6.50 



10:30pm - 4am 


From £4 

Muslim Marriage Events 


11:30am - 4:30pm 

Tipu Sultan, Birmingham 

From £38.50 

Colleen Green & Cassie Ramone 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 

Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath 

From £9 

Us The Duo 


7:30pm - 11pm 


From £11.25 

Pretty Vicious 


7pm - 11pm 


From £11.25 



4pm - 4am 


Free 

Big Wednesday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


From £4 



8pm - 4am 


Free 

Tassos Spillotopoulos Quartet 


7:45pm - 11pm 

The Red Lion, Hockley 

From £13.40 for non -members 

Member and student tickets 

available 

Fred Zeppelin 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £9 

Le Freak Late Night Disco 


9pm - 4am 


From £5 

Click Friday 


10:30pm - 3:30am 


From £4 

Of Mice and Men 


6pm - 10pm 

O2 Academy, Birmingham 

From £22.50 

From The Jam The A & B Sides 


6:30pm - 10pm 


From £25.30

Fiddle & Bone

alps 

SPECIALISTS IN COMMERCIAL FINANCE 

Accounts 

Bookeeping 

Payroll 

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Mortgages 

Auditing 

Consultancy 

For all enquiries contact one of our team at: 

0121 230 8099 | enq@askalps.com

SPOTLIGHT 

MONTHLY 

FEATURE 


ALPS ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS 

WWW.ASKALPS.COM

54 MOTHLY FEATURE // SPONSORED BY ALPS ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS 

BIDDLE AND WEBB TO HOST 

EXHIBITION OF LOCAL 

ARTIST’S WORK 

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY ©Karen Dhada 

One of Birmingham’s most 

established Auction houses, 

Biddle and Webb, have 

unearthed a collection of a Midlands 

based artist who died nearly a decade 

ago and will be exhibiting his work 

on Thursday 8th September in a very 

special evening showcase. 

Kanwaldeep Singh Kang, who painted 

as ‘Nicks’, spent most of his life in 

Leicester and was killed in a car 

accident whilst he was in Dieppe, 

France in 2007, aged 46. His collection 

of artwork has been with a Cotswolds 

dealer since his death and will now be 

showcased by the auction house in 

September, ahead of a sale in October. 

Kang’s collection is considered distinct, 

especially for an artist who had no 

formal training and was from a Sikh 

Punjabi family, with no real awareness of 

the Art world. 

Biddle and Webb has been trading since 

the 1960’s and is considered to be one 

of the oldest auction houses in the West 

Midlands. Director Michael Biddle said, 

“We first came across Nicks’ work in 

the rear storage room of one of our 

customers. I was instantly taken by the 

vibrancy and skill of the work. I was 

then told a little about his life. There 

was a tear in the eye of the collector as 

he recalled the tragic circumstances of 

Nicks’ death. 

“There’s a whole life in this work and 

anyone interested in skilful, accessible, 

contemporary art will enjoy this body 

of work. We’re proud to be associated 

with Nicks and to have the chance to 

reach out to a wider public.” 

The collection comprises of 150 -200 

pieces, pre-dominantly nudes, with a 

cross-section of full-size portraits and 

smaller pencil sketches.

THE 

ARTIST 

MONTHLY FEATURE // SPONSORED BY ALPS ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS 

55 

Who is the artist behind the collection? 

His sister Mrs Inderjit Bans gave an 

insight to the man behind the canvas. 

“My brother was born to a Punjabi 

family in New Delhi, India in 1959. He 

was the youngest of six children and 

was nicknamed “Nikoo” by us. He was 

about two years old when we came to 

live in England. 

“He was a gifted child, showing his 

talent to sketch and paint even before 

he started school. He sought perfection 

in his creative work but his path wasn’t 

easy to follow. Coming from a humble 

background, being an artist wasn’t 

something that was encouraged, valued 

or supported. 

“He persevered regardless, often 

sinking into spirals of depression 

and isolation. He often felt rage and 

anger at a lack of recognition and 

understanding of his artwork. When 

told by family to get a regular job he 

would reply, ‘But I am an artist’. 

“In spite of all the odds, his passion for 

art never diminished. He always found 

ways to express himself. Somehow he 

was at his happiest when painting and 

at his lowest when parting with his 

work, feeling a sense of loss. I hope 

now like most acclaimed artists he will 

get the recognition and respect he 

deserves.” 

John Noott a retired dealer of paintings 

and watercolours based in The 

Broadway, Cotswolds has been the 

guardian of Nicks’ portfolio of work. He 

was introduced to Nicks by a paintings 

restorer in Leicester. He said, 

“I was always looking for a means of 

exhibiting there but somehow life got 

in the way. I felt his work had a unique 

style clearly influence by artists like 

Gustav Klimt. His colourful, big bold 

work was hugely decorative. 

He was clearly very fond of the female 

form, as seen in his work. As regards his 

influence by his cultural background it is 

distant, maybe the use of sheer colour 

and incorporation of gold leaves. 

As an individual he had a powerful 

personality, quite charismatic. He 

was convinced he was the best artist 

and had an enormous confidence in 

his ability. He was very persuasive, I 

certainly kept buying his pieces! 

I think it shows in his drawings and his 

ability to draw from a pencil from life. 

He was self-taught, had a natural ability 

and got it right. His legacy will be that 

other people are influenced by his work 

as he was really unique.” 

On a personal note, Nicks was my uncle 

and on behalf of his nieces and nephew, 

he opened our eyes up to Art and helped 

us to appreciate its value and place in 

the world. In his earlier days we family 

members would often be the subject of 

his more formal paintings and his foray 

into photography. He was quirky, had a 

bit of a Peter Pan complex about him, 

he was not your conventional Sikh and 

had a sweet and a gentle soul. He never 

married or had children, and his tragic 

premature death means that his artwork 

is his legacy. It represents his natural 

talent and passion in life and it would be 

great for his collection to be seen and 

appreciated to give him the credit he so 

desired.

56 MONTHLY FEATURE // SPONSORED BY ALPS ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS 

ALL 

THAT 

GLITTERS 

In The Jewellery Quarter 

When thinking of art and high culture, most people 

will often think of paintings and sculptures, 

performances and poetry. Inevitably, they will 

begin to draw an internal picture of the type of people 

that attend those events, the typical cultural elite dressed 

in designer outfits and resplendent in intricate jewellery 

pieces. What they might not 

think of, however is that the 

picture they have in their 

minds also reveals a piece of 

art, albeit one which is often 

overlooked… 

I am talking, of course, about 

jewellery. Often an individual 

piece of jewellery will be the 

prized result of many an hour 

spent on intricate design 

work to ensure that the final 

piece is every bit as ornate 

and stunning as any Monet or 

Rembrandt. Yes, be it silver 

or gold, platinum or diamond, 

often the craftsmanship that 

goes into creating high-class 

luxury pieces matches even 

the most ardent and obsessive 

artist’s work. The end results 

often speak for themselves, 

instantly pleasing to the eye 

and guaranteed to get even 

more impressive with each 

closer inspection as you 

explore the intricate work that 

went into the design. 

The design, crafting and 

sale of jewellery has forged 

an industry every bit as 

industrious and far-reaching as 

fashion itself, with designers, 

retailers and makers servicing every possible market from 

cottage-industry inspired individual trinkets, to master 

craftsmen creating luxury design pieces. The UK has long 

held a strong affiliation with the jewellery trade, with 

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter district in particular being 

renowned as the largest concentration of jewellery related 

businesses in Europe. 

These businesses are involved in jewellery as an art form on 

every possible level, from initial design, to practical design 

work on the piece, to the sale of the finalised item. As such, 

it is unsurprising that many stand-out businesses operate 

out of the area, creating top-class jewellery on the global 

stage. In accordance with the Jewellery Quarter’s historical 

significance, it is not uncommon 

to find jewellers in the area have a 

rich history themselves and many 

are family owned businesses 

representing many generations of 

passionate involvement in the art 

of crafting fine jewellery. 

Such is the case with Sonny’s 

Jewellery, a retailer who has 

over a century’s experience in 

master craftsmanship, lending an 

heirloom like quality to the pieces 

that they create. Trading in both 

wholesale and bespoke items, 

Sonny’s creations are typical of 

the kind of deluxe designer items 

that lend weight to the idea of 

jewellery serving as art. 

Conversely, the Jewellery Quarter 

is home too to retailers who 

specialise in more contemporary 

expressions of the craft. Retailers 

like Guildsman Gallery offer 

modernised designs in jewellery 

and silverware, working closely 

with external designers like Quo 

Vardis Jewellery and Susan Vedadi 

to offer an expansive selection of 

designs available to the customer. 

Ultimately, these differences 

represent something of a 

facsimile of the art world itself, 

with movements both in classical 

and contemporary schools ultimately offering a diverse 

selection of products that can be enjoyed by the consumer. 

Jewellery represents the art of master design and craft, the 

true expression of artistic intent for visual value whilst also 

offering a sense of tangibility that is often lost in traditional 

art forms.

© Memory Stather 

© Quo Vadis Jewellery 

© Bruce Dalgleish 

© Jill Gribble 

© David Waterman 

© Jemma Daniels 

© Quo Vadis Jewellery 

© Manu Schmuckwerkstatt 

© Hampson Fine Jewels 

© Sepanta Designs 

© Bruce Dalgleish 

the most diverse selection 

of handmade contemporary 

jewellery & silverware 

in Birmingham’s historic 

jewellery quarter 

l unique, handmade jewellery and silverware 

l buy on the day from an extensive selection 

l bespoke commissions welcome 

l connect directly to the designers and makers 

l Large selection of loose Gemstones & Diamonds 

86 Spencer Street, Birmingham B18 6DS - www.guildsman.gallery - mail@guildsman.gallery - 0121 236 7888 

Open Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 

Find us on Facebook: Guildsman Jewellery Gallery

58 MONTHLY FEATURE // SPONSORED BY ALPS ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS 

KICKSTART YOUR 

ART 

COLLECTION 

(IN FOUR EASY STEPS) 

So you’ve explored the art capitals of 

the UK, gained some insight into the 

wide world of cultural and personal 

expression and now you’re thinking 

it might be time to invest in some art 

of your very own. One of the biggest 

advantages to owning an art piece 

is that often it can be more of an 

investment than a purchase. Yes, quite 

unlike your cherished DVDs (even 

the limited edition fan-pack ones!), 

investing in art can mean recouping the 

cost at a later date, especially if you 

grab an original piece by an artist that 

later comes into vogue. 

To guide you through the world of 

buying art, In The City Magazine has 

created a list of tips to help you get 

your collection started. 

1. DISCUSSION IS KEY 

The art world might have earned some 

criticism for its perceived difficulty on 

newcomers to the market, but in reality 

one of the biggest assets to an emergent 

art collector is to actively participate in 

discussions about the art world to see 

what’s hot. Speak to experts whenever 

possible and do your research to figure 

out the best plan for who to purchase 

and what kind of price range you should 

expect, that way you can go in prepared 

and confident. 

2. SET A BUDGET 

It might seem an obvious point to keep 

in mind, but in the world of art sudden 

fluctuations and impulse buys can greatly 

diminish your ability to purchase wisely. 

By working to a strict budget you will 

have an idea of exactly how much you 

have to spend and can even get an idea 

of what pieces will be available in your 

budget. It makes no sense to look in the 

market for items outside of your price 

range – you might love that Banksy 

original now but that’s sure to diminish 

when you have to take out a second 

mortgage! 

3. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF 

WITH VALUE 

This is essentially a combination of 

the first two points, but it is such an 

important lesson that it deserves a 

heading of its very own. Lean exactly 

what kind of value you can expect to 

pay for a particular piece so that you 

can avoid getting burned on extremely 

inflated prices. With that in mind, also 

be mindful that some pieces can fetch 

massive prices at auction so if you get a 

straight sales offer always research to see 

if that might be better than waiting until 

later. 

4. NO-ONE’S AN EXPERT IN 

WHAT COMES NEXT 

Whilst you should most definitely listen 

to experts when you first look into the 

world of art investment, don’t just jump 

in at the first offer or advice you get. It 

can be easy to be overwhelmed with 

information when you’re first buying and 

just follow whatever advice you are given 

to the strictest letter. Ultimately though, 

ignore the experts (with all due respect) 

because no-one’s an expert in what 

comes next, meaning if you particularly 

love a piece and feel it might have value, 

trust your own judgement as well as that 

of everyone else.

MONTHLY FEATURE // SPONSORED BY ALPS ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS 

59 

Street 

Art: 

The 

Urban 

Scrawl 

When you think 

of the art world, 

you’ll often 

think of classical painters 

and sculptors, of fancy 

galleries and expensive 

tastes where high society 

comes together to enjoy 

pieces of elegance which 

cost more than the 

average house. Otherwise, 

you’ll conjure the image 

of oddball outsiders, 

the typical Andy Warhol 

lookalike in a world of 

berets, turtlenecks and cheap cigarettes, pieces displayed in 

converted lofts and warehouses, incomprehensible sculptures 

made of fluorescent lights, bedroom scenes and pickled 

sharks. The one thing you probably won’t be expecting is the 

image of an artist shrouded in anonymity, creating colourful 

murals and social satire pieces on the side of disused 

buildings, businesses or even the pavement. 

Whilst Banksy is now (somewhat ironically) one of the most 

recognisable names in the art form, the public nature of 

the art itself has lent itself to an explosion of prolific artists 

participating in the global street art movement. In the UK 

alone, cities like Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham have 

seen a rise in large scale street art projects, ranging in scope 

from individual pieces to massive multi-collaborator murals. 

Street art has become exceptionally popular as a form of 

satirical criticism of society, most likely in part thanks to the 

murky legal implications of creating un-commissioned pieces 

on public buildings and for the art’s inherent association with 

counterculture. Though satirists like Banksy greatly dominate 

the street art scene, the public nature of the work (and it’s 

inherent “otherness”) means that such pieces have become 

exceptionally prevalent, especially in countries like the USA, 

UK and China. 

That isn’t to say that all street art is subversive, however. 

The recognition of the beauty of many of the pieces created 

has given rise to popular “sanctioned” movements, with city 

councils and businesses allowing artists to create murals 

on property that had previously been seen as unsightly. 

These sanctioned movements not only give the artists a 

place to showcase their work, but can ultimately increase 

the aesthetic appreciation of a building and even help boost 

property value.

SPOTLIGHT 

TRAVEL 


CALTOURS 

WWW.CALTOURS-COACH.CO.UK

62 TRAVEL // SPONSORED BY CALTOURS 

ART 

CAPITALS 

OF THE 

WORLD 

For the September issue of In The City Magazine we have chosen the world 

of arts as an overarching theme of the magazine. The days might be cooling 

off and the nights may be getting longer, but by no means does that mean that 

you can’t still enjoy a great day out, but if you’re itching for a bit of adventure 

you may want to explore some of the following cities, globally renowned for 

their massive art and culture industry.

TRAVEL // SPONSORED BY CALTOURS 

63 

HONG KONG, CHINA 

Widely recognised as the city where 

East meets West, Hong Kong is a vivid 

city bursting with cultural delights. 

Comprised of both traditional Chinese 

artistic styles and more contemporary 

forms of expression, Hong Kong is a 

true artistic crossroads of styles and 

philosophies. Exhibitions can range in 

scope from celebrations of traditional 

folk paintings, to elaborate textile 

works and sculptures, to more modern 

explorations of arts and culture with 

international photography exhibitions 

held throughout the city. Hong Kong 

also enjoys numerous “living” art shows 

in addition to traditional exhibitions, 

with Cantonese Operas in particular 

hugely popular for culture conscious 

tourists. 

BILBAO, SPAIN 

The city of a thousand sculptures, Bilbao 

has earned much fame in the arts world 

for the unique architecture of its famous 

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed 

by Frank Gehry, The Guggenheim 

houses a variety of contemporary 

sculptures from some of the best 

artists in the world and is almost as 

famous for its fascinating exhibitions 

as it is for its exceptional, eye-catching 

design. Although the Guggenheim is 

the centrepiece of Bilbao’s cultural 

crown, the city also celebrates other 

art movements, including traditional 

preservations of Bilbao’s port history 

at the Museo Maritimo and fine art 

collections at the Bilbao Museum of Fine 

Arts. 

KYOTO, JAPAN 

The onetime capital of Japan, Kyoto is 

now renowned amongst cultural tourists 

visiting the country for its incredible 

array of arts exhibitions and galleries. 

In addition to the National Museum of 

Contemporary Art, Kyoto is also host 

to numerous other similarly popular 

galleries, including the prestigious Imura 

Art Gallery. The art of Japan covers 

everything from the folk paintings of old 

to more modern sculptures and even 

the aesthetically pleasing art of Bonsai. 

Kyoto’s historical significance is hugely 

influential on the art made and displayed 

in the city, but it also embraces modern 

movements including manga at the 

International Manga Museum. 

PARIS, FRANCE 

You can’t talk about art capitals of the 

world without at least making passing 

mention of one of the most artistically 

rich cities in the world, Paris. Home 

of the Shangri-La of all art lovers, the 

Louvre, Paris is quite easily one of the 

biggest and most bustling art capitals 

on the planet. Iconic pieces of art are 

in plentiful supply at the Louvre, with 

pieces including the Mona Lisa, Venus 

de Milo and Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry 

Night Over the Rhonne”, amongst 

countless others. In addition, the city is 

also home to many contemporary arts 

movements, with independent galleries 

in plentiful supply. 

FLORENCE, ITALY 

Italy’s association with the world of art is 

essentially a case study of Western Art 

movements for the past two millennia, 

with the Renaissance in particular 

recognised as a turning point in global 

culture. Though many eyes will look to 

Rome when exploring the artistic culture 

of Italy (and by extension Europe as a 

whole), it is in Florence that you will find 

one of the most astounding Renaissance 

collections in the world. From “The 

Birth Of Venus” to Michelangelo’s iconic 

“David”, Florence has pieces that are 

universally renowned and represent one 

of the biggest historical movements in 

art and culture. 

NEW YORK, USA 

Long associated as the primo arts 

destination of the USA, New York’s 

artistic history is so rich and diverse it 

can only be matched by the city itself. 

Be it the Pop Art movement and frenetic 

genius of Andy Warhol, the distinct 

urban pessimism embodied by Lou 

Reed, or the grimy realist depictions 

of the city on film (most notably in 

Martin Scorsese’s early works), there 

is a palpable sense that the art that 

comes out of New York could originate 

nowhere else. These days, New York 

bustles with art galleries and exhibitions 

aplenty, with astounding discoveries 

awaiting the intrepid…

64 TRAVEL // SPONSORED BY CALTOURS 

THE 

EDGBASTON 

BOUTIQUE 

HOTEL & 

COCKTAIL 

LOUNGE 

The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel 

& Cocktail Lounge, situated in 

Edgbaston, moments away from 

the city centre of Birmingham, 

is an exquisite independently owned 

boutique hotel, a unique refuge of 

timeless elegance with 6 luxurious 

bedrooms, 3 cocktail lounges and an 

external garden terrace. The Edgbaston’s 

6 contemporary en-suite bedrooms are 

of the highest standards and with an 

award-winning cocktail lounge, are very 

proud to present nationally recognised 

bartenders serving classic cocktails with 

wit and style, a throwback to the classic 

era of Martinis before dinner and service 

table side. 

The boutique hotel boasts prominent 

characteristic features throughout 

the hotel, including original Victorian 

architecture evident both inside and out. 

Each of the 6 individual luxurious 

ensuite bedrooms have been individually 

designed and decorated and are 

contemporary and luxurious in design. 

They offer huge comfortable beds and 

an abundance of cushions and throws. 

The striking modern interiors of the 

bedrooms complement the magnificent 

original features of the building. Each 

room was designed by the owners Stuart 

and Darren Insall alongside leading 

interior designer Tony Matters who 

pays homage to the building’s Victorian 

past and early romantic era. Each of 

the rooms is individually designed and 

all are lavishly equipped, to include 

bathrobes, slippers, mini bar plasma TV, 

complimentary tea, coffee and mineral 

water and luxurious Elemis toiletries to 

be enjoyed in the Victorian free standing 

roll top baths. There is free WIFI also 

throughout the hotel. Bedrooms are 

from £115 per room per night and include 

a complimentary Continental Breakfast. 

Serving delicious Afternoon Tea’s daily 

between 12pm until 6pm, afternoon tea 

is paired with sophisticated cocktails 

created by award winning nationally 

recognised bartenders, the team at The 

Edgbaston are focused on quality with 

creativity, served with style and flair. A 

selection of Champagnes, wines and 

beers are also available from 12pm until 

late daily, with a bar food menu served in 

the evening. 

Afternoon Tea at The Edgbaston is a 

stylish affair, expertly designed and 

prepared by award winning French 

Pastry Chef Olivier Briault. It is served in 

the most elegant of surroundings, from 

£22 per person. Artisan sandwiches 

are served with a variety of seasonal 

sweet treats and warm scones with 

strawberry conserve and Cornish clotted 

cream, served with Organic Loose 

Leaf Jing Tea. The team specifically 

selected this tea for its extremely high 

quality. JING defines the modern tea 

ceremony, which absorbs the senses 

and refreshes the body. JING's teas are 

simply beautiful and the textures and 

aromas they produce are exquisite. Add 

a little luxury to Afternoon Tea with a 

glass of Champagne or the devilishly 

delicious Moseley Serve! In the early 

1900’s, ladies would visit each other’s 

houses in the local area and have tea 

parties. However, it wasn’t tea they were 

drinking! They were sipping slyly on 

gin from their tea cups; their husbands 

blissfully unaware. This became known 

as the ‘Moseley Serve’. As a tribute to 

this The Edgbaston offers three different 

tea based gin cocktails to accompany 

Afternoon Tea, all served in the most 

exquisite vintage crockery. 

The boutique hotel regularly hosts 

unique Cocktail Masterclasses where the 

team provide a bespoke event, from the 

simplest of skills to the cutting edge of 

cocktails. 

For further details please visit the 

website www.theedgbaston.co.uk

Non-stop 

from 

Birmingham 

to India 

every day. 

Now that’s 

pukka. 

Or as we Brummies say: Bostin! 

Why not fly direct from our 

Balti Triangle to India’s Golden 

Triangle. Formed by three cities, 

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, it’s one 

of the most popular tourist 

circuits in the world. 

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, 

probably the most photographed 

monument on earth - and here 

it is again. Air India flies non-stop 

to Delhi and also to Amritsar. 

From Delhi you can get connecting 

flights to several other destinations 

including Mumbai, Goa and Kerala. 

So whether you’re going to visit 

relatives, attend a wedding or 

simply to soak up the sun, one 

thing’s for sure, you’re on your 

way to holiday nirvana.

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE 

PLEASE CONTACT US AT: 

t: 0121 230 8089 | e: enq@askalps.com | www.askalps.com

SPOTLIGHT 

PROPERTY 


ALPS ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING SERVICES 

WWW.ASKALPS.COM

68 PROPERTY // SPONSORED BY ALPS ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING SERVICES 

ARTY 

OXFORD 

PLACES 

TO 

LIVE 

V 

isiting cities with galleries and museums is all well and good in whetting your arts appetite, but 

what do you do if you find yourself so in love with the arts world that you live, breathe and dream 

of it? If that sounds like you, or if you are one of the many aspiring artists looking to find a good 

base to surround yourself with artistic pursuit, you may find our guide to the artiest places to live in 

the UK to be perfect in helping you make a move. 

BRISTOL 

BRISTOL 

Well renowned in the art world as the common stomping 

ground of street artist Banksy, Bristol is also beloved for its 

strong celebration of creative pursuits. With a population 

of over half a million people, Bristol has built up a booming 

industry around the arts, acting as something of a capital 

for creative workers in the South of England outside of 

London. Unlike London, however, Bristol’s housing market is 

still remarkably modest, ensuring that workers in pursuit of 

creative fulfilment won’t be saddled with massive price-tags 

for living somewhere convenient. Most notably, international 

animation giants Aardman (the creators of Wallace and 

Gromit and Shaun The Sheep, amongst many others) are 

also found in the city, providing a Willy Wonka-esque dream 

for any aspiring animator living in the UK. 

CAMDEN (LONDON) 

Camden’s pre-eminence as London’s primo creative district 

stretches right the way back to the 1960s, when it’s justoff-city-centre 

location made it exceptionally popular for 

musicians, artists and actors. This reputation has lasted 

right the way through the ages, with modern artists like 

Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty living in the area. In 

more current times, Camden has undergone a massive 

transformation which has both embraced its artistic roots 

with plenty of arts stalls, street art murals and themed 

hipster bars popping up. As a direct result of this, however, 

prices in the area have risen rapidly in recent years, meaning 

that although Camden is safer and more up-market, it also 

falls at the price hurdles of many other trendy London 

boroughs.

PROPERTY // SPONSORED BY ALPS ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING SERVICES 

69 

DUNDEE 

LONDON 

STROUD 

OXFORD 

Home to some of the most prestigious education institutions 

in the world, Oxford has plenty to offer to the prospective 

house buyer. Within the city itself there is plenty to see and 

do, with numerous theatres offering productions all year 

round (ranging in scope from small-time student pieces to 

national bestseller shows) as well as a litany of museums 

and galleries that can be visited. Although Oxford offers 

plenty in-city for the aspiring creative professional, it also 

holds the distinction of being within easy travelling distance 

of some of the UK’s other biggest creative hubs including 

Bristol, Birmingham and London. House prices in Oxford will 

most certainly veer towards the premium price-range, but in 

exchange prospective homeowners are treated to a location 

which is both beautiful and well connected. 

DUNDEE 

One of Dundee’s strongest institutions in the city’s 

support for art is the Duncan of Jordanstone College of 

Art and Design, part of the University of Dundee and a 

strong pillar for fostering and developing interest and 

ability in delivering a strong artistic economy to the city. 

The fourth largest city in Scotland, Dundee bristles with 

creative professionals etching out a living in its beautiful 

borders, journalism in particular acting as a particular 

boon to the economy. Regeneration projects like the 

£1bn Waterfront Regeneration Plan show that the city is 

ever-expanding its infrastructure, whilst the creation of a 

£1.7m creative district forecast strong hopes for the city’s 

creative future. Prices for houses in Dundee have dropped 

drastically since 2005, making it an ideal buyer’s market. 

ST. IVES 

The dream of living by the sea and etching out a living as 

an artist is something so ensconced into the soul of artistic 

fulfilment that it rates as almost as common as neing a 

world-famous actor with apartments in both LA and New 

York. In the UK you won’t find many places more suited to 

the artistic lifestyle than the deep southern town of St. Ives, 

and what the town lacks in big business it more than makes 

up for in artistic opportunity with plenty of galleries and 

schools showcasing art both local and global. Oftentimes, 

property owners in St. Ives will use their purchase as more 

of a holiday home than a permanent residence, but potential 

new legislation could see a crackdown on this, ensuring that 

only those who truly love and live the town will reside there. 

STROUD 

The sleepy villages of the Cotswolds are certainly 

picturesque, but for the creative professional they aren’t 

always productive in offering a place to live that will offer 

a career choice in artistic pursuit. The small town of Stroud 

in Gloucestershire is an exception to this rule. Perfectly 

positioned so that workers can access the region’s bigger 

creative hubs (Gloucester, Cheltenham and even Bristol 

are all within an hour’s commute), Stroud is also a popular 

low-key home location for many UK-based stars including 

Lily Allen and Damien Hirst calling the town home. For all 

its chic appeal, Stroud’s price-range is still reasonable when 

compared with other such hamlets, house prices sitting at 

between around £199,735 and £217,800 for terraced and 

semi-detached properties respectively.

70 PROPERTY // SPONSORED BY ALPS ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING SERVICES 

FIRST 

TIME 

BUYERS 

Taking the first step onto the property ladder can at times 

seem like a huge leap to get into the world of home 

ownership. As such, there are many (many) factors one 

should consider before buying a house, though one of the 

more common (and usually initial) stages of exploring home 

ownership is to pick a location for the property itself. 

After all, you can’t rightly budget properly to purchase a 

property if you have no idea of the average house cost in the 

area you are looking for and as such researching property 

prices and locations is key when exploring. The simple act 

of research can not only give you an idea of how much you 

are looking to pay, but also if you can’t find somewhere more 

cost effective within the same location – especially as some 

postcode areas naturally fetch higher prices than others. 

A recent report by Halifax has revealed a list of the most – 

and least – affordable places for first-time buyers. The UK’s 

largest mortgage lender, Halifax’s report has both surprises 

and affirmations of common knowledge. London properties 

inevitably rank as the most expensive on the list, whilst East 

Dunbartonshire is ranked as the most affordable. 

MOST AFFORDABLE 

(UK) 

LEAST AFFORDABLE 

(UK) 

DISTRICT REGION DISTRICT REGION 

East 

Dunbartonshire 

West of 

Scotland 

Brent 

North 

London 

Copeland (West 

Cumbria) 

North West 

England 

Hackney 

East London 

East 

Renfrewshire 

West of 

Scotland 

Haringey 

North 

London 

West 

Dunbartonshire 

West of 

Scotland 

Hammersmith 

and Fulham 

West London 

Stirling 

Central 

Scotland 

Waltham 

Forest 

North East 

London 

Pendle 

North West 

England 

Lambeth 

South 

London 

Blaenau Gwent South Wales Harrow 

North West 

London 

North 

Lanarkshire 

Central 

Scotland 

Ealing 

West London 

Northumberland 

North East 

England 

Newham 

East London 

Mid and East 

Antrim 

Northern 

Ireland 

Islington 

North 

London

Est. 2006 

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SPOTLIGHT 

MOTORS 


MOTORBODIES UK 

WWW.MOTORBODIESLTD.CO.UK

74 MOTORS // SPONSORED BY MOTORBODIES UK 

Definitively 

Infiniti 

Q30 

“The key to Infiniti is difference. People have become bored of being ushered into the 

predictable premium car brands. They have also become bored of a standard level of 

service. Infiniti is a chance to break away and discover something new… from the personal 

touch of our centres, to the superior specification and styling of our cars.” 

In the world of luxury motors, few 

specialists are more deserving of 

reverence and respect than Infiniti. 

Creators of premium car models like the 

Q30, Q50 and Q70, as well as top-ofthe-line 

vehicles like the QX70, to say 

that Infiniti have cracked the process 

behind manufacturing truly exceptional 

cars is a truism that has held weight 

since the company’s inception in 1989. 

An offshoot of the esteemed Nissan 

brand, Infiniti are their parent company’s 

go-to geniuses when creating cars 

which combine all the elegance of a 

high-end luxury vehicle with the prowess 

of a sports can and the practicality of 

a normal car. The end result is nothing 

short of sublime, an endless line of 

top-class cars which never fail to excite 

the senses or ignite the imagination, 

stretching from the first vehicle to, well, 

infinity. 

“So where can I get myself one of these 

magnificent machines?”, you might ask 

yourself, and the answer is a lot closer 

to home than you might be expecting. 

Located on Small Heath Highway in 

Birmingham (just off the A45), Infiniti 

Centre Birmingham has long been 

supplying avid motoring enthusiasts with 

fine vehicular marvels. 

Acting not only on the company’s 

pledge to only deal in the finest vehicles 

but also to create exemplar buying 

experiences, Infiniti are much more than 

your sales-obsessed average car retailer. 

Infiniti aren’t just a retailer interested 

in making a sail – oh no. Much more 

than that, Infiniti pride themselves on 

offering the kind of aftersales care that 

truly embodies their pledge to provide 

bespoke buying experiences, working 

alongside the customer from day one. 

A fairly recent entrant into the European 

market, but already a contender for 

the crown of the luxury motors market, 

Infiniti haven’t wasted any time in 

making their introductions and proving 

themselves as illustrious and dedicated 

as any other pre-existing brand. Among 

the group’s biggest boasting points, 

especially in the UK market, is the fact 

that all of their Q30 and QX30 models 

on the European market are built in 

England. This means that not only have 

Infiniti created an additional 90,000 jobs 

to the UK work market, but they have 

also managed to spearhead something 

of a British motoring renaissance 

harkening back to the golden age of 

industry. 

Infiniti Centre Birmingham is actually 

one of five Infiniti Retail Group owned 

centres in the UK, but acts as something 

of a flagship business with more stock 

than all of the other centres combined, 

whilst also working in conjunction with 

the other businesses to guarantee that 

no customer will struggle to find the 

vehicle they are looking for. The end 

result speaks volumes of their brand – a 

pure statement of co-operation, with 

a tailor-made service from the get-go 

that guarantees to leave the customer 

feeling near regal with the overwhelming 

attention to detail that Infiniti offer. 

The Birmingham centre offers everything 

from new-and-used car sale to full 

workshop capability (including servicing, 

MOT, valeting and wheel alignment), 

making it the ideal choice for the luxury 

car owner’s adventure into the wonders 

of Infiniti. 

www.infinitiretailgroup.co.uk

Infiniti Q30 

A DIFFERENT 

KIND OF LUXURY 

TAKE 24 HOURS TO DISCOVER THE INFINITI Q30 

The premium active compact. You see the city from a different perspective 

and so does Infiniti Q30. Shaped with dramatic lines and bold proportions, 

it breaks the mould of conventional design. Combining the sportiness of a 

coupé and the empowered stance of a crossover the Q30 breaks new ground. 

HOUR 

test drive 

Infiniti Centre Birmingham 

110 Small Heath Highway, 

Bordesley Circus, 

Birmingham B10 0BW 

0121 272 5751 

host@infiniti-birmingham.co.uk 

InfinitiRetailGroup 

@InfinitiRG 

www.infinitiretailgroup.co.uk 

Infiniti Range Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km) Urban 14.8 (18.9) – 50.4 (5.6), Extra Urban 28.8 (9.8) – 76.3 (3.7), 

Combined 21.6 (13.1) – 64.2 (4.4). CO2 emissions 114-307g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ.

QX30 

Q50 

TAKE 24 HOURS TO DISCOVER THE INFINITI QX30 

The premium active crossover. Feel the passion in the 

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city line. This is the vehicle you want to drive under 

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freedom to achieve the life only you can define. 

HOUR 

test drive 


The technologically refined sports saloon. Life is 

about possibilities. The Q50 enhances the way 

you create them. How you define them. More 

than a mid-size performance saloon, an Infiniti 

Q50 connects to you on a deeper level. 

HOUR 

test drive 

Q70 

QX70 ULTIMATE 


The pulse-racing luxury saloon. You’re here to 

accomplish something significant. The Q70 

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exquisite full-size performance sedan, an Infiniti 

Q70 epitomizes a life of accomplishment. 

HOUR 

test drive 

TAKE 24 HOURS TO DISCOVER THE INFINITI QX70 ULTIMATE 

The formidable crossover force. Live by your own code. Rules are meant 

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Insist on following your passion. It knows where you 

should go. The vehicle that continues to break new 

ground between sport, utility and modern art, the 

Infiniti QX70 Ultimate escapes all classification. 

HOUR 

test drive 

Infiniti Centre Birmingham 

110 Small Heath Highway, 

Bordesley Circus, Birmingham B10 0BW 

InfinitiRetailGroup 

@InfinitiRG 

0121 272 5751 

host@infiniti-birmingham.co.uk 

www.infinitiretailgroup.co.uk 

117174T

SELFRIDGES GOES RETRO 

MOTORS // SPONSORED BY MOTORBODIES UK 

77 

The iconic Selfridges store in Birmingham City Centre is 

celebrating its unique partnership with the legendary 

car firm Morgan Cars by hosting the company’s Morgan 

UK 1909 Edition EV. A car created with a classical aesthetic 

that drinks in Morgan’s prestigious history, the 1909 Edition 

is a model straight out of Wind In The Willows which will 

immediately get car-lovers hearts racing with nostalgia. 

Though this car is created with an entirely nostalgic design, 

its creation also has roots in progressive technology. The 

partnership between Selfridges and Morgan is also due to 

celebrate the launch of the car manufacturer’s first zero 

emission, all-electric car and sees the companies (both British 

institutions in their own right) bring some fresh prestige to the 

world of British motoring. 

As part of this exceptional 

collaboration, both companies 

have worked together to create 

a limited edition of the EV3, which they have dubbed the 

1909 Edition, after the year both companies were founded. 

Both British institutions in their own right, this partnership is 

seen as a perfect mixture of Morgan’s legendary design and 

engineering and Selfridges’ panache for fashion and style. 

The resulting vehicle is nothing less than a work of art and 

will no doubt be as prized as a true treasure amongst flush 

motoring enthusiasts, especially as there will be only 19 

models manufactured.

Retail and Leisure Installations: 

TASC offer a complete site survey service, 

followed by quotation and discussion with 

project directors and managers. After 

acceptance our services include 

ordering, installing and commissioning the 

project. Staff training is also included to 

nominated members of the project team. 

Home Domestic Installations: 

TASC offer a complete turnkey service for 

our domestic customers creating 

sophisticated home surround sound 

solutions and large screen cinema 

entertainment experiences. 

Call us and find out who we have worked 

with over 30 years experience in the 

Leisure and Retail industry. You will not be 

disappointed. 

• Audio 

• Visual 

• Lighting 

• Technology 

• Design 

• Consultancy 

• Installations 

• Maintenance 



t: 0121 230 8098 | e: admin@asktasc.com | www.askalps.com

SPOTLIGHT 

NIGHTS OUT 

IN THE CITY 


TASC 

WWW.ASKTASC.COM

80 NIGHTS OUT IN THE CITY // SPONSORED BY TASC 

THE 

BRINDLEY 

PLACE 

TO BE 

Birmingham might be a city with a no-nonsense working class heart, 

but that hasn’t stopped it from creating some of the glitziest nightlife 

spots in the UK. Far from the hiked prices of London, the biting 

northern chill of Edinburgh and the lazy seaside charms of the deep 

South, Brindleyplace in Birmingham city centre offers revellers a 

litany of top-class night out experiences.

NIGHTS OUT IN THE CITY // SPONSORED BY TASC 

81 

All Bar One 

12G-13G, Waters Edge, B1 2HL 

One of Brindleyplace’s newest 

developments, but no less 

prestigious nor revered for its brilliant 

nightlife offerings, All Bar One is a 

contemporary style cocktail bar that 

will have you sipping away at some of 

the finest spirits known to man all night 

long. Oh-so stylish and hugely popular 

among revellers for its reasonably 

priced cocktails and hugely impressive 

recipe list, All Bar One has wasted no 

time in ingratiating itself into the hearts 

of the Birmingham party elite. Cocktails 

aren’t All Bar One’s only major asset, 

however. In addition to the impressive 

list, the bar also stocks a multitude of 

global wines, able to suit nearly any 

wine taste for any locale. 

Bank 

4 Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 

With an address on Brindleyplace and 

a name like “Bank”, Bank could only be 

the preferred haunt of the Birmingham 

based professional. Beloved for its al 

fresco like atmosphere, Bank is a world 

apart from Birmingham’s modest roots 

and instead revels in the city’s more 

contemporary, classy aspects in an 

environment that is wholly conductive 

to sophistication on the nightlife scene. 

A bar so reliable its name can be used 

as a stand-in for reliability, Bank offers 

a service which never wavers from 

unfailing dependability in the nightlife 

market. As well as a hot bar, Bank is also 

a seasonally inspired restaurant, serving 

exceptional dishes to hungry revellers 

who wish to drink in the bar’s stylish 

elegance. 

Le Monde Bar 

10-12f The Waters Edge, B1 2HL 

It’s only fitting that a bar which 

overlooks Birmingham’s extensive canal 

network should take inspiration from 

its watery surroundings and set up a 

world-class seafood restaurant. A central 

property in Brindleyplace, Le Monde is 

the prime choice for hungry revellers 

seeking out fine fish, shellfish, steaks 

and poultry. As if this wasn’t enough, Le 

Monde also comes with the attached Bar 

No. 10, a primo cocktail establishment 

which makes plenty of promises of finely 

crafted cocktails and flavours that are 

sure to astound. And if that isn’t enough 

to get you feeling classy, Bar No. 10 

also acts as an illustrious champagne 

bar, befitting Brindleyplace’s status as a 

premium nightlife locale. 

Nuvo 

11 Brindleyplace, B1 2LP 

If you are seeking out a classy night 

out with a dash of decadence, Nuvo is 

most definitely the bar for you. A place 

for exclusivity and total uninhibited 

enjoyment, Nuvo offers a nightlife trinity 

that could get any other bar going 

green with envy. On first contact, Nuvo 

is a chic restaurant with plenty of class, 

that will ignite the passion of even the 

most selective foodie. On its second 

level, Nuvo serves as a luscious cocktail 

bar, stocking flavours from around the 

world in a single experience which will 

have you re-evaluating every night out. 

Nuvo’s third function is as a late lounge, 

a hot nightspot where Birmingham’s 

partying elite can gather for an 

unforgettable night. 

Pitcher & Piano 

The Water’s Edge, B1 2HP 

One of Brindleyplace’s biggest aesthetic 

advantages on other districts in 

Birmingham is its resplendent natural 

beauty, enhanced by the network of 

canals that criss-cross through the area. 

Perfectly positioned to take advantage 

of this network and its sedate watertraffic 

sights, the Pitcher & Piano is 

another prestigious chain keeping 

Birmingham abreast of the very best 

in Nightlife experiences. The Pitcher 

& Piano is a perfect chill-out spot at 

any time of day, be it for a pick-meup 

coffee as you arrive in Birmingham 

on a morning, lunch to refuel in midafternoon 

or dining, drinking and 

dancing the night away. 

The Slug and Lettuce 

The Water’s Edge, B1 2HL 

For all the enjoyment one can have in 

a chic bar or restaurant, sometimes the 

only thing that will do is a night out 

at a named institution you can trust. 

For Brindleyplace, this fabled named 

location is The Slug and Lettuce, part of 

the phenomenal national bars chain and 

a permanent highlight on any partier’s 

night whilst visiting the city. Located in a 

prime position, the bar is a short walking 

distance from both The Symphony Hall 

and the NIA, making it perfect for pre 

(or post) show visits. In addition to a 

diverse selection of spirits in all colours, 

shapes and sizes, The Slug and Lettuce 

offers dinner options – perfect if you’re 

hitting the town right after work!

82 NIGHTS OUT IN THE CITY // SPONSORED BY TASC 

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: 

DR BLACK’S 

ZOMBIE 

Inspired by Birmingham’s very own Cluedo, we invite you into a mysterious world of 

tropical indulgence. Check out our simplified version of this tiki twist below! 

INGREDIENTS: 20ML WHITE RUM 

30ML AGED RUM 

10ML OVERPROOF RUM 

30ML PINEAPPLE JUICE 

1/2 PASSIONFRUIT 

10ML BERGAMOT PUREE 

10ML CARAMEL SYRUP 

1 DASH ANGOSTURA BITTERS 

1 DROP WHITE WINE VINEGAR 

Add all ingredients to a tiki mug, fill with crushed ice and 

swizzle until thoroughly mixed. Pack in more crushed ice to 

create a snow cone effect, then garnish with tropical fruits 

and mint. 

Credit: The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge

Who are FP? 

We have over 23,000 customers in the UK and 96% rate us either 

excellent or very good at what we do, we have national field service 

technicians and a UK call centre. 

Our priority is looking after our customers and making sure that we 

exceed their expectations and listen to their feedback so we can 

continuously improve our products and services. 

So why not join our 23,000 customers today who already benefit from 

franking. 

Contact Us 

FP Midshires 

1 Victoria Square 

Birmingham, B1 1BD 

Phone: 0121 314 1445 

Mobile: 07962 652 262 

Fax: 0121 616 0555 

Email: peter@fp-wmid.com 

MIDSHIRES 

MAILING

PRINT, DESIGN, 

LABELS & PACKAGING 

Here at Alps, we’re about more than just 

making things look good. Whether it be 

identity, branding, signage as well as digital 

and print design, we make it our goal to work 

with you right from the off, ensuring a 

smooth process from the initial brief to final 

delivery. 

Our seasoned consultants will no doubt be 

able to offer constructive advice and 

feedback on required aspects, enabling 

clients to reap the rewards of our experience 

in the design world 

Clients can come to us with a fully formed 

idea of what they want or they can leave it to 

our in house design professionals to handle 

everything from the initial brief through to 

the finished, print ready image. 

What we do 

· Design – Including web design 

· Packaging 

· Print 

- Prospectuses and brochures 

- Magazines and newsletters 

- Labels 

- Flyers, posters and postcards 

- Business card 

We have great experience in creating artwork 

that is both innovative and original. 



t: 0121 230 8099 | e: enq@askalps.com | www.askalps.com

SPOTLIGHT 

BUSINESS & 

COMMUNITY 


ALPS PRINT & DESIGN 

WWW.ASKALPS.COM

86 BUSINESS & COMMUNITY // SPONSORED BY ALPS PRINT & DESIGN 

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR 

SOCIAL CAPITAL TO NETWORK 

IN THE MODERN WORLD 

Have you ever considered how much social capital 

you are engaging in, when you say “Message me on 

Facebook,” or “DM me on Twitter,” or “Hook me up on 

Google Plus,” or “Connect with me on LinkedIn?” or “What’s 

your Klout Score,” It is what we do to cement ourselves with 

Social Media and the knowledge economy. 

In the knowledge economy, having access to the latest 

information and content are no longer sufficient for 

competing in the marketplace. Everyone has access to 

the same information. You cannot compete on common 

knowledge - what everyone knows. It is how you engage 

with, connect, mix, and resolve what is known that provides 

advantage. 

The new competitive advantage is social context* – how 

internal and external content/information is interpreted, 

combined, made sense of, and converted to new products 

and services via diverse inputs, opinions, viewpoints, and 

know-how. 

Creating competitive advantage requires social capital – 

the ability to find, utilise and combine the diverse skills, 

knowledge and experience of others, inside and outside of 

your organisation. Social capital comes from the personal 

and professional networks of all employees and connections. 

PEOPLE WITH BETTER SOCIAL 

CAPITAL OFTEN: 

• Find better jobs more quickly 

• Are more likely to be promoted early 

• Enhance the performance of their teams 

• Help their teams reach their goals more 

rapidly 

• Perform better as Project Managers 

• Help their teams generate more creative 

solutions 

• Coordinate projects more effectively 

• Learn more about the firm’s environment 

and marketplace 

• Receive higher performance evaluations 

• Close deals faster 

In the online and networking age, you compete on your 

ability to form and utilise connections and the patterns 

they form! 

Another way of looking at is through Social Selling. People 

don’t do business with companies. People do business with 

people, and that’s why social selling, the process of building 

stronger relationships with potential customers based on 

truly understanding their needs and problems - in short, 

better knowing the people you hope to do business with - is 

so important. 

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 

is a timeless bestseller. It quickly became the salesperson’s 

manual when it was first published in 1937 and has now 

sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. The book is one 

of the first and by far the best for Social Selling in offline 

networking today. If you really want a modern take and up 

to date teachings on how to engage online then there is a 

new book by Timothy Hughes - Social Selling: Techniques 

to Influence Buyers and Changemakers. This brings 

#SocialSelling right up to speed for 2016 

BY KHALID KARIM

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY // SPONSORED BY ALPS PRINT & DESIGN 

87 

MIDLANDS BUSINESS 

AND COMMUNITY 

CHARITY AWARDS 

One of the West Midland’s biggest strengths on the UK 

market is the sheer staggering amount of businesses 

that have started out, expanded or otherwise based 

themselves in the region, turning it into one of the biggest 

regions for international (and national) business outside 

of London. How better to recognise this than that with a 

prestigious awards ceremony, acknowledging the very best 

of the best and at the same time drawing attention to some 

of the more innovative enterprises operating out of the 

Midlands? 

That awards ceremony is the Midlands Business and 

Community Charity Awards (MBCC), which, as the name 

suggests, is an awards ceremony designed to shine a 

spotlight on the otherwise unsung heroes of business and 

community world including charity projects. Created with 

the very pro-positive aim of recognising some of the hardest 

working individuals in the West Midlands, the awards are an 

opportunity to meet likeminded professionals and celebrate 

some good causes championed by local people. 

Due to be held on 29th October at the illustrious Copthorne 

Hotel near Merry Hill (itself a centre of commerce and 

business within the region) and is a joint venture between 

multiple Midlands businesses. Among these are Zeckro Web 

Solutions, Innovative Creations, LNP Sound, Dynamic Security 

Services, DHR Digital and Magic Shirt, representing a wide 

cross-section of business. 

A variety of awards are up for grabs at the event, 

these include; 

• Community Unsung Hero 

• Emergency Services Hero 

• Community Fundraiser of the Year 

• Carer of the Year 

• Volunteer of the Year 

• Survivor Of Crime 

• Business Charitable Fundraiser of the Year 

• Best Business Start-Up 

Each recognising individuals and businesses that go above 

and beyond the call of duty to not only fulfil their roles 

exceptionally, but have a greater impact on those around 

them in the process. 


ART IS LIFE 

LIFE IS ART 






BIDDLE & WEBB 


SELFRIDGES 


LOOKING FOR A 

NEW CHALLENGE? 

In The City Magazine require 

Telesales people to sell advertising 

opportunities to local businesses, 

experience and non experience 

personnel welcome, training will be 

provided. 

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM NOW 

t: 0121 230 8333 

e: advertising@inthecityuk.com

SPOTLIGHT 

CHARITY 


BARNARDOS 

WWW.BARNARDOS.ORG.UK

90 CHARITY // SPONSORED BY BARNARDOS 

BARNARDOS | FOSTERING CAMPAIGN 

“Much has changed over the past 130 

years, but there are still vulnerable 

children who simply need someone 

who can always be there for them. 

“Just as in Victorian times, today 

we’re looking for people, with a 

genuine desire to make life better 

for some of the country’s most 

vulnerable children, to become foster 

carers. 

“Barnardo’s foster carers benefit 

from our experience; we know how to 

support both you and the child you 

care for. 

“If you are considering fostering then 

I would urge you to get in touch with 

our Barnardo’s foster care team.” 

Barnardo’s chief executive Javed 

Khan 

In 1887, Thomas Barnardo, who 

founded the scheme, wrote in 

Barnardo’s publication ‘Night and Day’: 

“We are more and more 

disposed to believe that 

no system is better for the 

rearing of a certain class of our 

children than boarding them 

out (fostering) with respectable 

foster parents.” 

ABDUL’S STORY 

My wife and I are British 

Pakistani Muslim, and we live in 

Birmingham. We live with our 

whole family, we’ve got two grown up 

children, our eldest daughter just had a 

baby, and we’ve also got a ten year old. 

I work in a factory, and my wife looks 

after our family. 

We first decided we wanted to foster 

after visiting an orphanage in Pakistan 

five years ago. We realised how much 

children need love, and a family. We’ve 

been fostering for the past two years. 

We’ve cared for Asian, and white British 

children. At the moment, we are looking 

after two teenage boys, who are seeking 

asylum in the UK. 

Looking after children claiming asylum 

in the UK can be quite demanding. 

My wife, Zahida, does a lot of work to 

support the boys, taking them along to 

appointments and things. Some of the 

meetings can be up to three hours long, 

which can be draining. 

It’s really rewarding to 

see these children get the 

chance to be children. 

The boys play with our 

ten year old too, and we 

all get on really well as a 

family together. 

To be a good foster 

carer, its important to 

be yourself, have good 

parenting skills and to be 

empathetic. Often the 

Asian community doesn’t 

really know what fostering is all about, 

but it’s important to just get involved. 

Going to the Barnardo’s Birmingham 

fostering service was really helpful, 

from the moment we made that initial 

first step, everyone involved was really 

professional, and supportive. 

Unseen Victorian archive records show 

life for first fostered children 

Previously unseen Victorian archive 

records from Barnardo’s, shows what life 

was like for the first fostered children, 

when the scheme was originally 

pioneered in England by the children’s 

charity in 1887. 

Today, in its 150th year, Barnardo’s is 

appealing for more people to come 

forward to look after the 52,000 children 

who live in foster care in England as 

well as those in Scotland, Wales and 

Northern Ireland. 

In 1887, Thomas Barnardo sent 320 boys, 

many from the slums of the East End 

of London, to live with rural villagers 

across the south and east of England 

to experience the fresh air and the 

countryside. Foster carers were sought 

who didn’t live close to factories or 

railway stations, and had space to make 

sure children never slept more than two 

to a bed to help children escape from 

polluted, overcrowded urban slums. 

Children placed in Barnardo’s foster care 

in the Victorian era had often previously 

experienced abuse or neglect. Archive 

medical records show a third of the first 

457 boys who entered Barnardo’s care 

had rickets, 21 had ringworm and they 

often had bad teeth. 

Once children moved into foster care 

they showed marked improvement in 

health and development at school. 

Within two years, the scheme was so 

successful the number of children in 

foster care had more than doubled, and 

took in girls as well as boys. By 1889, a 

quarter of all children fostered through 

the successful scheme were girls. Many 

of the girls who were fostered had been 

at risk of child sexual exploitation, or as 

it was then known “moral danger”. 

Thomas Barnardo continued to develop 

the foster care scheme throughout his 

life, and by his death in 1905, 4,000 

children were looked after in foster care. 

Today, three in four (75 per cent) of 

children in care in England are fostered.

CHARITY // SPONSORED BY BARNARDOS 

91 

ELIZABETH MOUNCEY 

Born: 16 November 1885 

The first known black child to be fostered in England was 

through Barnardo’s. In 1891, six year old Elizabeth was 

found by a neighbour in squalid conditions, next to her 

dying mother. Within a year, her father was also dead. 

Her parents were said to have had a difficult relationship. Her 

docker father was “given to drink” and “constantly misused his 

wife”. He was said to question Elizabeth’s true paternity as, 

Barnardo’s records put it somewhat prosaically; she bore “strong 

evidence of having foreign blood in her veins” but both him and 

his wife had fair complexions. 

After their deaths the neighbour looked after orphaned 

Elizabeth for a few months, while appealing to relatives to take 

her in. Tragically, none felt able to give her a home. 

Two missionaries from different churches in London’s East End 

appealed to Barnardo’s. She was boarded out to a couple living 

in leafy Headcorn, a small village near Maidstone in Kent. 

After six years in the countryside, Elizabeth returned to 

Barnardo’s Girls Village where she undertook training to become 

a domestic cook. She left to enter service, and was recorded in 

the 1911 Census as working as a cook in Croydon. 

Barnardo’s last contact with Elizabeth was in 1946, when she 

asked for help in obtaining a birth certificate so she could obtain 

a pension. At the time she was unmarried and still living in 

Croydon. 

ELIZABETH MATTHEWS 

(alias Hiles) 

DOB: 30 October 1876 

Elizabeth Matthews would have been sent to the 

workhouse, were it not for Barnardo’s. Just a week 

before her 13th birthday, she was taken in by a Mrs 

Smith at a Barnardo’s ‘receiving house’ in Copeley Hill, 

Birmingham. 

A few days later, on 2 Nov 1889, her step-father signed an 

agreement for Elizabeth to be looked after by Barnardo’s 

where she remained for the next eight years. 

The preceding two years must have had been tough for 

young Elizabeth. 

In June 1888, Elizabeth had run away from her step-father. 

She went to her step-grandparents, hoping to seek refuge 

with them. Sadly they were both too poor and too advanced 

in age to support her. 

Her mother had died in December 1887, leaving her with two 

step-siblings and her step father, George Lueds. Nothing was 

recorded about her father. 

Elizabeth’s entry record, number 2,000, describes her 

predicament: 

‘This poor girl ran away from a tramping step-father who 

is a cripple, and earns his living by hawking, begging, and 

singing…. [He is] now roaming the country with one of his 

two children, a boy – and lodging in the lowest lodging 

houses.” 

Elizabeth spent the first two and half years in a Barnardo’s 

home, before being placed with a foster family in the rural 

hamlet of Abbots Roothing in Essex, where she lived for four 

years. 

Elizabeth’s final move was to Barnardo’s Girls Village home in 

Barkingside where she remained for two years to undertake 

domestic training. 

In November 1898 – nine years and two weeks after her 

step father signed the admission agreement, Elizabeth left 

Barnardo’s to enter service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

OR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE PLEASE CONTACT: 

0121 230 8333 | darren@letterboxdirectuk.com

DIRECTORY 

WHERE? 

IN THE 

CITY 

PLACES TO 

EAT, DRINK, 

PARTY, SLEEP 


LETTERBOX DIRECT UK 

WWW.LETTERBOXDIRECTUK.COM

94 WHERE IN THE CITY // SPONSORED BY LETTERBOX DIRECT UK 

RESTAURANTS 

British Restaurants 

Purnells 

55 Cornwall St, 

Birmingham B3 2DH 

0121 212 9799 

FSK Mere Green 

1-5 The Highgate Centre, 

Mere Green, Sutton 

Coldfield, B74 4AB 

0121 323 2565 

Opus Restaurants 

54 Cornwall St, 

Birmingham, B3 2DE 

0121 200 2323 

Simpsons 

20 Highfield Road 

Edgbaston B15 3DU 

0121 454 3434 

Marco Pierre White's 

Hotel La Tour, Albert St, 

Birmingham B5 5JE 

0121 718 8000 

The Rectory Bar 

50-54 St Paul's Square, 

Birmingham B3 1QS 

0121 605 1001 

The Botanist 

14-16 Temple St, 

Birmingham B2 5BG 

0121 600 7430 

The Vaults 

Newhall Place, Newhall 

Hill, Birmingham B1 3JH 

0121 212 9837 

Bank 

Brindleyplace, 4 Brindley 

Birmingham B1 2JB 

0121 633 4466 


ART IS LIFE 

LIFE IS ART 






BIDDLE & WEBB 


SELFRIDGES 


Oriental Restaurants 

Chung Ying 

16-18 Wrottesley St, 

Birmingham, B5 4RT 

0121 622 5669 

Ming Moon Chinese 

Restaurant & Bar 

16 Hurst St, 

Birmingham, B5 4BN 

0121 622 5588 

Shogun Sushi & Noodle 

Bar 

The Mailbox, 27-29, 

Wharfside St, 

Birmingham, B1 1RS 

0121 632 1253 

Teppanyaki 

Unit E1, The Arcadian, 70, 

Hurst St, Birmingham, 

B5 4TD 

0121 622 5183 

Spanish Restaurants 

Amantia 

Apartment 9, Sun House, 

9-10, Bennetts Hill, 


0121 643 3647 

La Tasca 

King Edwards Road, 

Birmingham, B1 2AA 

0121 796 1286 

El Borracho 

65 - 67 Harborne 

Birmingham, B!5 3BU 

0121 454 3568 

Don diego 

5 Manor Rd, Sutton 

Coldfield B73 6EJ 

0121 355 5354 

Italian Restaurants 

Bella italia 

102 New St, 

Birmingham B2 4HS 

0121 643 1548 

Zizzi 

The Mailbox, 

Birmingham, B1 1RL 

0121 643 5605 

Cielo Ltd 

6 Brindley Place, 

Birmingham, B1 2JB 

0121 632 6882 

Cucina Rustina Ltd 

24 Ludgate Hill, 

Birmingham, B3 1DX 

0121 233 2277 

French Restaurants 

le monde 

Brindleyplace, 

Birmingham B1 2HL 

0121 271 0600 

Annexxe 

220 Corporation St, 

Birmingham, B4 6QB 

0121 236 1171 

Edmunds' s Bar 

Brindleyplace, 6 Brindley 


0121 633 4944 

Cafe Rounge 

Bullring Shopping Centre, 

Birmingham, B5 4BG 

0121 616 1463 

Would you like to showcase your 

Restaurant, Bar, Hotel or Club in 

this space? 

IF SO, CONTACT US ON 

t: 0121 230 8333 or 

e: advertising@inthecityuk.com 

American Restaurants 

Ed's Easy Diner 

Barclaycard Arena 

King Edwards Rd 

Birmingham, B1 2AA 

0121 233 4005 

TGI Fridays 

180 Hagley Rd 

Birmingham, B16 9NY 

0844 6920 0225 

Buffalo & Rye 

11 Bennetts Hill, 


0121 643 3312 

Five Guys Burger & Fries 


Birmingham, B5 8BU 

0121 643 0215 

Indian Restaurants 

Blue Mango 

Unit 5, Regency Wharf, 

Broad St, 

Birmingham, B1 2DS 

0121 633 4422 

Celebrity Indian 

Restaurant 

44 Broad St, 

Birmingham, B1 2HP 

0121 643 8969 

Eastzeast Restaurant 

197 Broad St, 

Birmingham B15 1AY 

0121 643 4808 

Asha's Birmingham 

12-22 Newhall St, 

Birmingham B3 3LX 

0121 200 2767 

Maharaja Restaurant 

23-25, Hurst St, 

Birmingham, B5 4BP 

0121 622 2641 

Jojolapa Nepalese 

Restaurant 

55-59, Newhall St, 

Birmingham, B3 3RB 

0121 212 2511 

Praza 

94 - 96 Hagley Road 

Birmingham B16 8LU 

0121 456 4500 

Pushkar Cocktail Bar & 

Dining 

245 Broad St, 

Birmingham, B1 2HQ 

0121 643 7978


Gastropubs 

The Victoria 

48 John Bright St, 

Birmingham B1 1BN 

0121 633 9439 

The High Field 

22 Highfield Rd, 

Birmingham B15 3DP 

0121 227 7068 

The New Inn 

74 Vivian Rd, 

Birmingham, B17 0DJ 

0121 426 3373 

Sack Of Potatoes 

10 Gosta Green, 

Birmingham, B4 7ER 

0121 503 5811 

The Brasshouse 

44 Broad St, 

Birmingham, B1 2HP 

0121 633 3383 

The Shakespeare 

Lower Temple St, 

Birmingham B2 4JD 

0121 616 2196 

The White Swan 

Harborne Rd, 

Birmingham B15 3TT 

0121 454 2359 

Bacchus Bar 

Burlington Arcade, New St, 

Birmingham B2 4JH 

0121 632 5445 

The Country Girl 

1 Raddlebarn Rd, 

Birmingham B29 6HJ 

0121 472 7639 


ART IS LIFE 

LIFE IS ART 






BIDDLE & WEBB 


SELFRIDGES 


Other Restaurants 

Turtle Bay 

Carribean Restaurant 

81-91, John Bright St, 

Birmingham, B1 1BL 

0121 643 1303 

Carat Bistro 

Carribean Restaurant 

27 Warstone Lane, 

Birmingham, B18 6QJ, 

0121 236 0519 

Red Peppers 

Greek Restaurant 

The Mailbox, 117, 

Wharfside St, 

Birmingham, B1 1RF 

0121 643 4202 

Byzantium 

Mediterranean 

Restaurant 

11 York rd 

Birmingham, B14 7SA 

0121 444 5444 

Bodega Bar & Cantina 

Latin American 

Restaurant 

12 Bennett's Hill, 


0121 448 4267 

Fiesta Del Asado 


Restaurant 

229 Hagley Rd, 

Birmingham, B16 9RP 

0121 455 9331 

Al Bader Restaurant 

Middle Eastern 

178-182 Ladypool Rd, 

Birmingham, B12 

0121 773 9818 

Arabian Nites 

Middle Eastern 

Restaurant 

54-76 Bissell Street, 

Digbeth, B5 7HP 

0121 622 2845 

The Wilderness 

1 Dudley St, 

Birmingham B5 

0121 643 2673 

Sabai Sabai 

Thai Restaurant 

25 Woodbridge Rd, 

Birmingham, B13 8EH 

0121 449 4498 

Chaophraya 

Birmingham 

Thai Restaurant 

Spiceal St, Bullring, 

Birmingham, B5 4BW 

0121 643 2424 

Istanbul Restaurant 

Turkish Restaurant 

2 Stockwell Rd, 

Birmingham, B21 9RJ 

0121 448 5223 

Lokman Sofrasi 

Turkish Restaurant 

381 Dudley Rd, 

Birmingham, B18 4HB 

0121 454 4999 

Would you like to showcase your 

Restaurant, Bar, Hotel or Club in 

this space? 

IF SO, CONTACT US ON 

t: 0121 230 8333 or 

e: advertising@inthecityuk.com 

Blue Piano 

South-East Asian 

Restaurant 

26 Harborne Road 

Birmingham, B15 

0121 454 6877 

Selfridges 

English Restaurant 

Upper Mall East, 

Birmingham, B5 4PJ 

0121 600 6869 

Stageside Bar & 

Restaurant 

Deli Bar & Restaurant 

Ythorp St, 

Birmingham, B5 4AU 

0844 338 9000 

Las Iguanas 


Restaurant 

The Arcadian, 70, 

Hurst St, Birmingham, 

B5 4TD 

0121 622 4466 

Rodizo Rico 


Restaurant 

207 Wharfside St, 

Birmingham, B1 1RN 

0121 285 2856 

Athens Café Bar Ltd 

Greek Restaurant 

31 Paradise Circus 

Queensway, 

Birmingham, B1 2BJ 

0121 661 8182 

Himalaya Restaurant 

Asian Restaurant 

1716 Bristol Road 

Birmingham, B45 9QD 

0121 453 4336 

Wagamama 

Japanese Restaurant 

The Water's Edge, 66, 

Broad St,Birmingham, 

B1 2HL 

0121 643 7656 

Malsian Restaurants 


Bugis Street Brasserie 

Paradise Place, 

Birmingham, B3 3HJ 

0121 200 2727 

Rofuto 


160 Broad St, 

Paradise Place, 

Birmingham, B15 1DT 

0121 369 8888

2 

FOR 

1 

COCKTAILS 

Available Thursday & Friday until 

Midnight selected cocktails below 

Bellini 

Cosmopolitan 

Margarita 

Solero 

Mojito 

Mon Amour 

Martini 

Pornstar Martini 

Daiquiri 

Long Island Iced Tea 

Fizz Fridays 

Bottles of Prosecco 

£20 all night 

/MECHUBAR 

WWW.MECHU.COM


Nightclubs 

Entertainment 

Hotels 

Bars 

Nightingale Club 

Essex House, Kent St, 

Birmingham, B5 6RD 

0121 622 1718 

Bushwackers 

103 Edmund Street, 

Birmingham B3 2HZ 

0121 236 4992 

The Chameleon 


1 Victoria Square, Hill St, 

Birmingham B1 1BD 

0121 643 2233 

Legs 11 

193 Broad St, 

Birmingham, B15 1AY 

0121 665 6660 

Mechu 

59 summer row 

Birmingham, B3 1JJ 

0121 212 1661 

Medusa Gentlemans Club 

142 Suffolk Street Queensway, 

Birmingham B1 1LN 

0121 643 2442 

Spearmint Rhino 

64 Hagley Rd, 

Birmingham, B16 8PF 

0121 455 7656 

Nuvo 

11 Brindley place, 

2 Brunswicksquare, 

Birmingham, B1 2LP 

0121 631 1600 

Bambu 

Kotwall House, 

1 Wrottesley St, 

Birmingham B5 4RT 

0121 622 4124 

Myyst 

Unit A304, The Arcadian, 

70 Hurst Street, 

Birmingham B5 4TD 

0121 695 1191 

Pryzm 

182 Broad St, 

Birmingham B15 1DA 

0121 667 4535 

The Rainbow 

160 Digbeth, 

Birmingham B12 0LD 

0121 753 1818 

New Alexandra Threatre 

Suffolk St, Queensway, 

Birmingham, B5 4DS 

0844 871 3011 

The Cescent Theatre 


Birmingham, B16 8AE 

0121 643 5858 

Hippodrome Theatre 

Hurst St, Southside, 

Birmingham, B5 4TB 

0844 338 5000 

Bowlplex Birmingham 

Bowling alley 

Broadway Plaza, 

Birmingham B16 8LP 

0844 477 0491 

Cineworld Cinema 

Resorts World 

Birmingham, 181 Broad 

St, Birmingham B15 1DA 

0871 200 2000 

Odeon Cinema 

220 Ladywood 

Middleway, 


0333 006 7777 

Boutique Hotels 

4* 

The Edgbaston Boutique 

Hotel 

18 Highfield Rd, 

Birmingham B15 3DU 

0121 454 5212 

Saint Pauls House 

14 St Paul's Square, 

Birmingham B3 1RB 

0121 272 0999 

Hotel Indigo Birmingham 

The Cube, Wharfside St, 

Birmingham B1 1RS 

0121 643 2010 

Hotel La Tour 

Albert St, 

Birmingham B5 5JE 

0121 718 8000 

Malmaison 

The Mailbox, 1, Wharfside, 

Birmingham, B1 1RD 

0131 468 5000 

4* 

Ramada Hotel 

160, Wharfside St, The 

Mailbox, 

Birmingham, B1 1RL 

0121 643 9344 

Park Regis 

160 Broad St, 

Bimringham, b15 1dt 

0121 369 5555 

Macdonald Burlington 

Hotel 

Burlington Arcade, 

Birmingham, B2 4JQ 

0344 879 9019 

Hyatt Regency 

Birmingham 

2 Bridge St, Birmingham, 

B1 2JZ 

0121 643 1234 

Radisson Blu Hotel 

12 Holloway Circus 

Queensway, 

Birmingham, B1 1BT 

0121 654 6000 

Marriott 

12, Hagley Rd, Fiveways, 

Birmingham, B16 8SJ 

0121 452 1144 

Hotel Du Vin 

25 Church St, Birmingham 

B3 2NR 

0121 794 3005 

The Hilton Hotel 

The NEC Birmingham, 

Pendigo Way, Birmingham 

B40 1PP 

0121 780 4242 

Crowne Plaza 

Holliday Street, 

Birmingham, B1 1HH 

0871 4234828 

Penthotel Birmingham 

Holloway Head, 

Birmingham, B1 1NS 

0121 622 8800 

Copthorne Hotel 

Birmingham 

Paradise Circus 

Queensway, 

Birmingham, B3 3HJ 

0121 200 2727 

Zaras 

80 Broad ST, Five Ways, 

Birmingham, B15 1AU 

0121 643 3334 

The Slug And Lettuce 

Brindley Place, 

Birmingham, B1 2HL 

0121 633 3049 

Browns 


7 Spiceal Street, 

Birmingham B5 4BH 

0121 643 8708 

The Chameleon 

Restaurants & Bar 

1 Victoria Square, 

Birmingham, B1 1BD 

0121 643 2233 

All Bar One 

12G-13G, Water's Edge, 

Brindley Place, 

Birmingham, B1 2HL 

0121 644 5861 

Harvey Nichols 


65 The Mailbox, Wharfside 

St, Birmingham, B1 1RE 

0121 616 6000 

Gingers Bar 

11 Newhall St, 

Birmingham, B3 3NY 

0121 200 1588 

Jekyll & Hyde 

28 Steelhouse Lane, 

Birmingham, B4 6BJ 

0121 236 0345 

Nuvo 

11, Brindleyplace, 

2 Brunswick Square, 


0121 631 1600 

Viva Brazil 

7 Bennets Hill, 

Birmingham, B2 5ST 

0121 212 1020 

Pitcher & Piano 

The Water’s Edge, 


Birmingham B1 2HP 

0121 643 0214 

Bank 

4 Brindley Pl, 


0121 633 4466

105 Vyse Street 

Jewellery Quarter 

Birmingham 

B18 6LP 

Tel: 0121 236 2426 

info@sonnysjewellery.com 

sonnysjewellery.com

WWW.TURKISHAIRLINES.COM

In The City - September Web

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