Eat Like Pavarotti & Forage Like Bear Grylls

JUST OUT OF SUTTON
Eat Like Pavarotti At Pane & Vino

‘Pane & Vino’ translated to Bread & Wine - is there anything better than those two things?

If you are following a keto diet - you might want to look away now.

This is foodie heaven - and although it’s just out of Sutton (by about 1km) it’s well worth a visit.

It’s headed up by the ex personal chef to Pavarotti, Shawky, and Matteo - and with images of a younger chef Shawky and Pavarotti adorning the walls, this intimate and unassuming restaurant on Gravelly Lane in Erdington serves up possibly the most authentic home made Italian food in Birmingham, possibly the UK.

In fact, it’s been so successful, they’ve already opened a second restaurant in the city centre - and that’s the second best Italian in Birmingham for home cooked food.

Think homemade bread and pasta, pizza, slow cooked meats, delicious desserts and great vino.

Right, that’s it… I’ve talked myself in to it and will be booking pronto.

Read more and check out their menu on the website here. You might be shocked by the prices!

GET INVOLVED
Sheila’s Island at Highbury Theatre Centre

In a previous life to writing newsletters I used to run a theatre company - and I can tell you it was one of the best times of my life!

Tonight, at Highbury Theatre Centre on Sheffield Road (Boldmere), there is a production meeting for their new, upcoming comedy drama Sheila’s Island.

Due to be performed in October, tonight’s meeting is the place to be if you want to offer a hand backstage or find out more about auditions for an onstage part.

Interested? Then come along to meet the director at the Production Launch tonight at 7:30pm in the theatre’s Upper Foyer. There’ll be a read through of the play, after which you can decide if you’d like to get involved.

More details on the Highbury Theatre website

YOUR COMMUNITY
Ben Fest At The Plough and Harrow

This Sunday why not have a good time and raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice in memory of Ben Sharratt.

Taking place at the Plough and Harrow on Slade Road from 1pm-9pm, there will be live music, food, fun for all the family, raffles and lots more.

No need to book, just turn up, have fun and support.

Where: Plough and Harrow
When: 1pm-9pm

LOCAL NEWS
Sutton Police Station Up For Sale!

Much to the dismay of local residents, Sutton Coldfield police station has been put up for sale.

The 39,737 sq ft property is being sold as a prime development opportunity and although it’s POA according to Rightmove - we’ve been told it’s in excess of £3M.

The station has stood pride of place in Sutton since the 1960’s and will leave the town centre without a recognised police station for its 100,000 residents.

We understand that the police will use a smaller hub as their base with the library being touted as one possible solution - who’d have thought!

If you want to have your say you can view the petition to save the police station here.

GET INVOLVED
Boldmere St Mikes Needs You

If you’ve still got some football spirit in you after the Euros final then why not help out one of our local football clubs this upcoming season. Boldmere St Michaels FC in Boldmere are looking for staff support for their first team.

Specifically they are looking for:

• A match day kit person to transport team kit and ancillary equipment to away fixtures

• A pre-match host/hostess to welcome both match and visiting officials to the club

• Volunteers to help with match day duties

If you are willing to help please call Alan Parsons (Parso) on 07593 905509 or via email [email protected]

LOCAL LEISURE
Cinema Update

The sign is up (and looks majestic might I add) and it looks like we have an opening date along with prices for the new Royal Cinema.

The new independently owned cinema is aiming for an opening date of 26th July (subject to completion) and will be showing films including Deadpool & Wolverine, Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2 and Twister.

Pricing has also been announced and looks to be just what we said last week - affordable luxury - with no added cost for back row recliners on screen 1.

Prices range from £8.25-£9.75 for adults, children (2-14) are £6.75 at all times and concessions are £7.50 at all times. They also have family tickets for 2 adults, 2 children, or 1 adult, 3 children for £28 off peak and £30 peak.

I for one cannot wait to go and check out this jewel of Sutton restored to its former Art Deco glory.

Not long to wait now!

SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
Leviathan Brewing

Although it’s been going since 2019, Leviathan might well be Sutton Coldfield’s best kept secret when it comes to craft beer.

What started out as a small batch craft brewery has now become a fully functioning tap room with 14 craft beers and ciders on tap as well as cans and bottles.

The craft brewery that is named after a Mastodon album is located on the Reddicap Trading Estate in Sutton, it has a focus on using high quality, natural ingredients and is one of the most unique independent drinking spots in the town.

If that’s not enough then head down when they have a collab on with an independent food company - and combine quality food with quality craft beer. Yum!

Follow them on Instagram here.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Foraging Workshop

This one is a little different and doesn’t take place until the end of August - but is likely to sell out fast - so if you fancy channelling your inner Bear Grylls then get booking now…

Forage Box have organised a Taster Foraging Workshop in Sutton Park on Sat 31st August 10am-12pm - where you have the chance to learn about, identify and eat foods that you forage on the day.

So grab your foraging basket and prepare to see Sutton Park in a whole new, deliciously edible light!

More details and tickets are available here with prices being £25 for adults, £15 for children and under 5’s are free.

RETAIL
Never Lose Those PE Kits Again

Have you visited Sportology in Boldmere? Director Paul Wright reached out to me last week to tell me his favourite restaurant (it’s Mother India btw) - and then we got talking about their PE kit name printing service.

If you are picking PE kit up from Clive Marks (or anywhere else), instead of using their two week service, head on over to Sportology who can print your child’s name same day and at a cheaper price.

And don’t worry - Clive Marks themselves tell you to do this so I’m not upsetting anyone.

Visit their website here

LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEKEND
Where To Catch Your Fave Acts

Today:

• The Summer Variety Show - Town Hall - £25.50

Friday:

• Vox Pockets - The Rhodehouse - FREE ENTRY before 8pm

• Willy & The Poorboys (Jazz Festival) - The Duke Inn 8pm

Saturday:

• The Subterraneans - The Rhodehouse - £11 + BF

• Sheila Waterfield Trio (Jazz Festival) - Simpsons Gin Bar 7pm

• The Cover Ducks - The Boat Inn 8.30pm

Sunday:

• The Spongebob Musical - Sutton Town Hall 12pm

• Calypso Moon (Jazz Festival) - Patty Freaks 1pm

Full list of Jazz & Blues Festival Sutton Coldfield performances thanks to Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield:

Question Time
Sutton Solver

Each week we will have a question related to Sutton Coldfield. Let’s see how well you know your town. The answer will be revealed next week.

Q: What historical building in Sutton Coldfield was originally a medieval manor and hunting lodge and is now a popular wedding venue?

Is it a) New Hall Manor b) Moor Hall Hotel c) The Townhouse

Last week’s answer…

Q: In what year did Sutton Coldfield receive its royal charter from King Henry VIII?

A: It was of course 1528 - when a charter of King Henry VIII gave the town the right to be known as "The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield"