It's Raining Cats, Dogs & Elephants In Sutton Coldfield

LEISURE
Seats Fit For A King

The anticipation is hotting up as the newly named Royal Cinema gears up for opening later this month.

The refurb looks incredible (see those seats above) and although the opening is not being rushed, PDJ Cinemas (the company behind the venture) told us that they are still looking at a July opening…

So we are merely weeks away!!!

But it’s going to cost a bomb right? Well we did some sleuthing on Facebook…

When one Facebook user stated “I predict there will be no £4.99 seats in this cinema” the cinema replied with a cryptic “you may be surprised”.

We reached out to PDJ Cinema’s and they told us:

“PDJ Cinema ethos is creating affordable luxury cinema… and will see our prices lower than the average ticket price of a majority of alternative cinema chains throughout Birmingham”

They went on to say:

“This will bring life back to Sutton Coldfield, a place where you can escape into film, treat yourself to a drink at our new bar, sit in luxury seating, grab yourself some popcorn… The art deco cinema is being restored to its former glory and we cannot wait to open our doors to the public”

Sounds like great news for the town and the re-opening should bring a welcome boost to the area as well as keeping alive the heritage of the Empire. Bravo!

FOR THE KIDS
Chocolate Isn’t Just For Eating

Kids aged 6-15 are invited to take part in chocolate workshops at Military Chef in Gracechurch Centre this summer.

The 90 minutes sessions will give them an introduction to chocolate (as if they need that), see them making towers, lollies and slabs of chocolate as well as learning piping techniques.

Prices start at £25 and you can book on the Military Chef website here

SOMETHING DIFFERENT
There’s Worse Places To Mill About

This weekend sees the return of one of our favourite summer events - open days at New Hall Mill.

This Sunday why not join in the fun from 10.30am with live music, food, eco and craft stalls as well as a tour around the old mill.

It’s a great family day out that doesn’t cost much and we’ve done it many times before.

Stalls include Bournville Bread Basket, Military Chef, Beekeeper, Maidens Fayre Jams and Chutney, Upcycled Crafts, Kura Ilera Soaps and more.

There’s also face painting and illustrations for the kids.

More details here

LOCAL SPORT
Little Sutton Take Home Top Spot

Little Sutton Netball Club have gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years and now have over 400 girls on their books (two of them are mine).

As an inclusive netball club that also has performance pathways, they cater for all levels and create such a positive environment for so many of our local athletes.

To top it off, this week they’ve just been awarded club of the year and coach of the year at The One Awards.

Interested in getting involved? Reception to Under 19s can express their interest here.

DEALS
An Inji-nious Weekday Offer

Have you tried Inji in Wylde Green yet? Bringing classic Keralan street food flavours and some of the best cocktails in Sutton - all served up in their super funky eatery.

Not only is this place going down well with the locals, but they’ve just joined The Independent Birmingham app (along with other Sutton faves The Bracebridge and Sushido) to give you a whopping 25% off the bill Monday to Thursday 12pm-5pm or 10% any other time.

You’ll need to be an Independent Birmingham member to claim the discount but I’m rejoicing that more Sutton eateries are joining up - meaning more savings for me - and probably a larger waistline to boot!

You can see some of their dishes on Insta here.

Shopping Local
Not Had Enough Of Football Yet?

This Saturday and Sunday sees the return of Football Fun - 8 free to use football tables in Sutton town centre outside House of Fraser.

Organised by Sutton Coldfield BID, have a break from the shopping and get a bit more of your footy fix before Sunday’s Euro final.

When: 10AM-4PM Sat & Sun
Where: Sutton Town Centre

SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
The Bracebridge Terrace

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a walk in Sutton Park… “arghh but there is”, my stomach shouts proudly…

A walk in Sutton Park followed (or preceded) by food on The Bracebridge Terrace.

With its sheepskin seat covers, Bracebridge pool view and on demand outdoor heating - I doubt you’ll be able to give me a better al-fresco dining spot in Birmingham, let alone Sutton.

I took my mum to the main restaurant for Mother’s Day - and yes, it was fab and she loved it.

But it was my more recent visit to the terrace that I probably enjoyed even more - maybe it’s because I wasn’t with my mother 😉

Or maybe it’s because the food was just as good and the setting sublime. It was lunch so we opted for the The Bracebridge Burger with tomato jam, chicken burger with truffle mayo and the chorizo which came recommended and did not disappoint.

You can also order from Sip and Slice and take it over to the terrace if you prefer.

They currently offer a deal for any two mains and two Peroni Capri or house G&T for just £35. Take my money now!!!

You can see the menus and book here

SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Elephants On The March

After spending a day in a Thai elephant sanctuary back in April, the last thing I expected to find in Sutton Coldfield was more elephants.

The Sutton variety are a little more colourful and a lot younger. In fact, they’ve only been around since July 1st and are set to disappear on Sept 8th - so if you want to catch them, don’t hang about.

It’s all part of ‘March of the Elephants’ - a three town collab between Sutton, Tamworth and Lichfield that sees 30 elephants and over 40 mini elephants spread across the 3 towns.

There are 11 to find across Sutton Coldfield with Geo in Mere Green being my favourite so far.

Have you found them all yet? Send us your pics by reply to this email and we’ll feature the best ones next week.

Grab the free app here and get involved.

LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEKEND
Where To Catch Your Fave Acts

Today:

• The Summer Variety Show - Town Hall - £25.50

Friday:

• Sham Radio - The Rhodehouse - FREE ENTRY

Saturday:

• Signing Off UB40 - The Rhodehouse - Tickets £8

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

Was it: a) 1528 b) 1578 C) 1617