News

Opening date for new Sutton Coldfield restaurant

Leave a comment

Med-inspired Willow to open this month in Mere Green

Willow, the latest addition to Sutton Coldfield’s restaurant scene officially opens its doors on Thursday 20th February. The all-day Mediterranean inspired dining concept will be the third Willow site following locations in both Trentham Gardens and Telford.

Willow offers an all-day menu featuring flavours of the Mediterranean coast, served in a stylish, laidback setting and offers an eclectic all-day menu with fresh, high-quality ingredients taking centre stage.

Breakfast and brunch dishes range from the classic Willow Breakfast showcasing ‘full English’ favourites to Turkish Eggs served with smoked Greek yoghurt, chorizo, brown butter,sumac and toasted sourdough. Lighter items including the high protein granola and yoghurt bowl can be found on the Piccolo menu.

The main menu includes a selection of typical Mediterranean dishes, such as king prawn paella, roasted lamb shoulder with a feta dressing and feta & spinach orzo.

Guests can share the Mezze Grill, which includes the likes of lemon & oregano chicken with garlic & saffron cream sauce, lamb kofta, crispy potato latkes and beetroot tzatziki labneh.

In line with the Mediterranean-inspired menu, desserts including warm Greek orange cake with Greek yoghurt icing, cardamom custard and basil poached oranges.

The fully stocked bar provides a wide variety of wines, beers and spirts, as well as a range of expertly crafted cocktails and mixed drinks.

Guests can enjoy a selection of Sangrias, an Aperol Selezione, as well as the Taste of the Med menu featuring the Bella Ragazza Martini incorporating; Malfy lemon gin, passionfruit liqueur, guava purée,
pineapple juice and viola. For those looking for a boozy brunch the offering also includes Bloody Mary’s, Mimosa’s and the Blueberry & Pineapple Colada.

During the day the restaurant is filled with natural light transforming into a cosy softly lit space in the evening. The new Willow site also features a stunning outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco dining and enjoying pre-dinner
cocktails.

Willow says it seeks to infuse every visit with a touch of holiday charm. The new restaurant welcomes guests of all ages as well as being dog friendly with a dedicated menu for four-legged friends. Further enhancing the experience, the restaurant will host regular live music nights, featuring talented local artists, providing a lively backdrop for guests.

General Manager at Willow Mere, comments: “We’re thrilled to bring Willow to Mere Green! Our unique concept features an all-day menu complemented by regular entertainment, creating the perfect dining destination for every occasion.”

News

Med-style restaurant to open in Sutton Coldfield

Leave a comment

Willow at Mere Green to open next month

A new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will open its doors in Sutton Coldfield next month. Parogon Group has unveiled what it describes as exciting plans for its next venue, Willow, in Mere Green,

Willow, the all-day dining destination, is bringing its signature charm to this February, with the opening date to be announced very soon. The launch marks a new chapter for the brand’s expansion plans following the successful launch of the second Willow site in Telford, last year.

Willow is part of Parogon Group’s successful portfolio of restaurants and
establishments. Founded in 2007, the group has multiple venues across
Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire, including The Swan with Two Necks, TheOrange Tree Bar and Grill and Blockhouse Barbecue Grill. The upcoming launch of Willow will be its third location, introducing the popular dining experience to a new audience.

Serving an eclectic menu of Mediterranean-infused flavours in colourful holiday- inspired surroundings, Willow will offer all-day service and provide the ideal setting for families, friends and couples to dine and relax in a uniquely curated setting.

From signature salads to chargrilled kabab skewers, dishes will focus on innovative plates inspired by Mediterranean flavours.

Alongside its all-day main menu, guests can indulge in brunch favourites and a range of lighter lunch options. In addition, Willow also offers a traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings.

The venue will benefit from an outdoor terrace, ideal for al fresco dining and enjoying Willow’s signature handcrafted cocktails. It will host regular live music nights, with talented local artists, providing guests with an entertaining soundtrack to enhance their visit.

Richard Colclough, Managing Director at Parogon Group, comments: “We’re very excited to be launching our next Willow site at Mere Green. The Willow concept has garnered incredible popularity at its existing locations in Telford and Trentham, and we are looking forward to bringing this success to a new audience. Guests have embraced Willow for its year-round holiday atmosphere and signature ‘taste of the Med’ menu.”

Willow, Mere Green, also marks Parogon Group’s continued expansion.

Richard continues: “Opening our first site in the Birmingham area is a huge milestone for the group. After extensive research we’ve determined that Mere Green is the perfect location for our next venture. We look forward to celebrating the upcoming opening and the exciting year ahead!”

In the meantme, Willow invites guests to sign up for updates on the Willow, Mere Green, website for the opportunity to attend the
restaurant’s soft openings, receiving 50% off food during their visit.

News

Sutton care home offers free dementia advice

Leave a comment
Care Uk Trymview hall bristol. photography 2023. Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd

As part of a nationwide initiative, a care home in Sutton Coldfield is inviting local people to its free dementia advice event. On Wednesday 19th February, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, is inviting members of the community to a special event as part of The Big Dementia Conversation.

Thgis is a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and live well with the condition.  

While general awareness of the condition has improved, data from Care UK shows two thirds of people who have a relative living with dementia (62%) initially put their symptoms down to old age. Many Brits remain unaware of the ways older people can lead meaningful lives with the condition, prompting Care UK to relaunch its Big Dementia Conversation for the second year running. 

The ‘Adjusting to a Diagnosis of Dementia’ session at Mercia Grange will be led by Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders. Barbara will share insights into how someone’s journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and offer advice on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way. Complimentary refreshments will be available. 

In addition to the event, the Sutton Coldfield community can also visit a newly launched online advice hub. The hub includes in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia, as well as expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists to learn how to reduce the risks and symptoms of the condition. 

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Most people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime – whether it’s through a loved one’s diagnosis or their own.

“We know just how much of a difference expert guidance can make, which is why we’re looking forward to welcoming Barbara to Mercia Grange for the Big Dementia Conversation. She will be able to provide guidance for carers, while offering insight into what it’s like to live with the condition.

“We’d like to encourage those interested in attending to book their space to avoid missing out.”

For more information on Mercia Grange and to book a place at the event, please call Customer Relations Manager Rachel Mackay on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com

To support people who may be experiencing symptoms of dementia or their loved ones, Care UK has set up a free helpline and advice hub. To find out more, please visit: careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation

News

Sutton Coldfield one of the happiest places in the West Midlands

Leave a comment

Sutton Coldfield is one of the happiest places in the West Midlands according to a new survey. The borough came fourth across the region, behind Stratford, Leamington and neighbouring Lichfield.

The results came after estate agents Rightmove asked 35,000 people across Britain how they feel about where they live and analysed the results.

Rightmove said its study indicates that, overall, residents in Scotland, Wales and the South West are most happy with where they live, while those in the East and West Midlands are the least happy.

The only place in the West Midlands to make the top 20 this year was Stratford, which ranked number 13, with Sutton rated a still creditable 36th on the Rightmove list.

Rightmove looked at topics such as how proud residents feel about where they live, their sense of belonging to an area, community spirit, whether they can be themselves, whether they can earn enough to live comfortably in their area, public transport, sports and recreation, green spaces and artistic and cultural activities when curating their ranking.

Four Oaks resident Marion James said it was a great area to live.

She added: “We have live here for quite a few years now and the place has much to offer with good housing, schools, decent restaurants and having the beauty of Sutton Park on the doorstep.

“The Christmas market has also livened up the town centre.”

The study also found that Gen-Z generation (18 to 24-year-olds) were the most likely to say that they thought they would be happier living in a different area, while those aged 55-plus were the least likely.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “It’s the younger generation who are most likely to say they would be happier living somewhere else, many of whom have to travel to cities for education or to find their first jobs.”

Travel

A Christmas Turkey surprise

Leave a comment

Country has so much offer

Travel by Bill McCarthy

Think of Christmas and you probably think of the actual festive bird, and not associate it with Turkey, the country.
Turkey, Now known as Turkiye, it is a vast nation that spans two continents. 
It offers plenty for tourists, but the legend of Santa Claus may be something of a surprise. Experts in the country say they have uncovered the tomb of St Nicholas, who is believed to be the inspiration for Santa. 

A Christian bishop of Greek origin who was known for giving to the poor, he lived between the years 270 and 343 and the legends are believed to have inspired the Christmas tales we tell today that Santa Claus will bring presents if you’ve been good. St Nicholas’ tomb was found in St Nicholas Church in Demre, in the Antalya district of southern Turkey.

It’s a country of diverse and beautiful regions and further west is the popular tourist area of Marmaris on the Turkish riviera.
It hosts miles of beaches with a range of watersports, including jet skiing and windsurfing with plenty of bars and cafes nearby. 
We booked a holiday package with easyJet and flew from Birmingham to stay  in the large, but good quality Prime Beach Hotel.

It is a couple of miles outside the old town of Marmaris, with the actual beach on its doorstep. Busy, but not so busy as to be uncomfortable.
The area hosts many hotels, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions as well as all sorts of excursions and historical visits.
But it’s much more than sun, sea and sand. For those who want to split their time between sunbathing and absorbing the region’s culture and history, there are fewer finer places. 

Like many countries, its tourism has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and then Turkey suffered the devastating blow of the giant earthquakes in the east of the country, but it is a country with so much to offer and an influx of tourists will have a major beneficial effect on its economy after such disasters. 

It’s a four-hour flight from Birmingham. For those worried about security issues, don’t be, as airport measures are strict with visitors having to go through an initial security check before even getting into the airport proper. Then they go through the usual check-in process. 

Before becoming modern-day Turkey, a state founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, the region was colonised and conquered by many races, from the early Hittites, through to the Greeks, the Romans, Seljuks, Byzantines and the Ottoman Empire. 
Marmaris is known for its striking contrast between modern resort life and ancient history.

Marmaris Castle, which dates back to the 16th century, overlooks the harbour and provides panoramic views of the town and the sea. Now a museum, it offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s past by showcasing historic artefacts from the ancient civilisations that once inhabited the area.
In addition to the historical sites, the surrounding pine-clad mountains create a dramatic backdrop that invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy nature walks, or take boat tours along the coastline and visit the islands, again pine clad. 

These stop off for a swim around the islands before a visit to the bustling market town of Turunc to catch up with your holiday presents.
Back at Marmaris, the area offers beaches, with their golden sands and turquoise waters and are ideal for swimming or relaxing.

Activities of fly and flop the choice is yours with all inclusive taking the financial strain.

Information:

easyJet is expanding its Birmingham operations, visit

https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/holidays-from-birmingham

News

Free bus travel offer this Christmas

Leave a comment

West Midlands mayor unveils public transport boost

Free weekday evening travel is being offered across the West Midlands, on all bus services, in the run up to Christmas this year, in a unique move never seen before on this scale in the UK. 

Between Monday, December 9 and Friday, December 13, all of the region’s buses will be free to use from 7pm onwards, with passengers able to simply hop onboard and travel anywhere across the West Midlands bus network.

The offer, from West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, delivered in partnership with all bus operators across the region, has been designed to encourage people to leave the car at home and avoid the stress and expense of driving and parking during the busy holiday period.

Residents and visitors heading out for some late-night Christmas shopping, a pantomime or to a festive party will not need a ticket or pass during the free travel period, making it even easier and cheaper to enjoy an evening out.

The free bus travel offer highlights the importance of bus services, while supporting the region’s shops, restaurants, pubs, theatres and concert venues. 

It is part of a wider programme to attract first time and long absent users on to the bus network to help tackle congestion on the region’s roads, while supporting the bus industry’s recovery from a fall in passenger numbers and increased fuel and running costs post-pandemic.

Mr Parker said: “From day one, I said that making the bus network better for the people of the West Midlands was one of my top priorities and this offer shows we, in partnership with our bus operators, are taking this challenge seriously by being the only region in the country taking these exciting steps to make a difference.

“So many of us will be heading out for parties, meals, stage shows and late-night shopping trips this Christmas.

“But it can be an expensive time of year, and I hope this free travel offer can help people save a few pounds, make their money go further and see the benefit of travelling by bus while visiting their local high streets and enjoying what our region has to offer this festive season.”

Staff from TfWM and National Express West Midlands will be on hand at key city centre locations to help customers and make sure the scheme runs smoothly during the week.

The free weekday bus travel scheme is expected to drive a 30 per cent increase in bus passenger journeys. The success of the scheme will be monitored to explore the potential for similar initiatives in the future.  

The initiative is part of the £20 million Passenger Incentive Programme which is funded from the West Midlands Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). It aims to encourage people to try bus travel for the first time or return after a period of absence, to support a passenger-led recovery of the local bus network.  

The Passenger Incentive Programme has already distributed over 200,000 weeks of travel credit, generating nearly 2 million bus journeys.    

For more information visit the website.

News

More easyJet flight from Birmingham Airport

Leave a comment

Budget airline easyJet has announced it will add two additional aircraft to its Birmingham base from next summer, providing greater connectivity for customers in the Midlands and supporting around 800 jobs.

The airline says the two extra Airbus A320 aircraft will support 800 direct and indirect jobs from next summer, as well as providing greater connectivity for customers in the Midlands

easyJet operated its largest ever flying programme at Birmingham Airport in its 2024 financial year and flew over 1.6 million customers to and from Birmingham, up 53 per cent compared to last year.

Its more than doubled the number of destinations on its network since opening a base at the airport in March 2024.

The 23 new routes include services to Marrakech, Reykjavik, Hurghada, Prague, Krakow, Rovaniemi and Innsbruck, which took off for the first time this winter.

Now, the arrival of two additional Airbus A320 aircraft will enable the airline to offer customers more choice for flights and holidays across Europe, such as new routes to popular holiday island destinations like Gran Canaria and Malta, which are now on sale.

The new twice-weekly routes will take off from 2 May 2025 to Gran Canaria and from 3 June 2025 to Malta.

Ali Gayward, easyJet UK country manager, said: “Our continued success in Birmingham is a clear testament to the continued popularity of our flights and holidays, with customers choosing us for our trusted brand, unrivalled network and great value fares.

“The growth of our fleet with two additional aircraft will not only support around 800 jobs but is enabling us to further unlock the opportunity of the continuing demand that we see for both leisure and business travel in the Midlands.

“We’re already capturing this opportunity with the launch of new routes next summer, which will provide more customers with greater choice and connectivity, and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”

easyJet estimates the expansion will be worth £27 million in gross value added to the region’s economy.

The airline opened its Birmingham hub in March 2024, with the expansion taking the total number of aircraft based in the city to five Airbus A320.

Tom Screen, aviation director of Birmingham Airport said: “easyJet started its base from Birmingham Airport in March this year and since then its expansion of routes has been phenomenal.

“Offering city breaks, domestic short hops, sunshine holidays and even flights to see Santa in Lapland the airline caters for our customer’s holiday and business travel needs.

“The announcement of these two additional aircraft from Summer 2025 ensures that even more routes and frequencies will be added direct from Birmingham Airport offering customers convenient and competitive flights and holidays.”

For more information visit:

https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/holidays-from-birmingham

News

Panto comes to Sutton town hall

Leave a comment

Making merry with Robin Hood

It’s less than two weeks until  pantomime Robin Hood rides to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall . . .oh yes it is! There’s still time to get tickets for the merriest pantomime in the land!

This Christmas, from December 7 to 31, get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure to Sherwood Forest, where our hero Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor. 

Prepare to sing along, laugh out out loud and witness the most dangerous archery competition you ever did see in this family friendly pantomime!

This year’s pantomime stars 90’s Pop sensation Lolly aka Anna Kumble in the villainous shoes of the Sheriff of Nottingham, while James Bartlett, known for his roles in Hollyoaks and The Dumping Ground, will play loveable comic Will Scarlett. 

Joining them will be the return of beloved Panto Dame Danny Mills as Nurse Little Joan. Full of songs slapstick and silliness, Robin Hood promises to be a truly memorable experience for the whole family.

Will Robin Hood rescue Maid Marion from the clutches of the money grabbing Sheriff of Nottingham? Join us this Christmas to find out! 

Dates: Saturday 7th – Tuesday 31st December
Ticket Prices: £19 (under 16’s) / £26 Adult (16+) / Family Ticket £79 (2 adults 2 children or 1 adult 3 children)
House & Lounge Bar Opens: One hour before show starts.
Show Starts: There are various show times, please see dates/times below.
Interval: 20 minutes
Show length: 2 hours approx.

FREE Parking available in specific car parks across Royal Sutton Coldfield for the festive season subsidised by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.

News

 Sutton Coldfield resident reveals secret to living to 101

Leave a comment

A resident at a care home in Sutton Coldfield celebrated her 101st birthday and revealed the secret to a long life.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, when resident Joy McCliskie celebrated her 101st birthday. 

Reflecting on her long life, Joy said that “trying McDonald’s for the first time at the age of 100” was a highlight. Joy added: “I never feel too old to learn new things”.

She also revealed that the secret to a long life is having a “good set of genes and to keep active”.

On the big day, the home team organised a party surrounded by her friends and family at Mercia Grange. In true celebratory fashion, the team decorated the home’s lounge with balloons, banners and surprised Joy with a special birthday cake, baked by the one of team at the home, for everyone to enjoy. 

Commenting on the day, Joy said: “My favourite part of the day was see my whole family – there were over 20 people at my party! I really enjoyed the cake and being surrounded by family and friends.”

When asked how Joy feels to be 101, she smiled and said: “I feel the same”.

Joy was born in Oldbury on 5th November 1923, before moving to Sutton Coldfield after marrying her husband, Douglas, in 1948. She worked as an SEN orthopaedic nurse at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital for her entire career.

A keen knitter, Joy has two daughters, Alison and Kate, and four grandchildren.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Joy is a beloved resident at Mercia Grange, and it was a pleasure to help her celebrate this tremendous milestone.

“Everything we do centres around helping residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions and Joy’s 101st birthday was no exception.

“It was a delight to hear her sound advice to living a long life which we can all learn from. Let’s all raise a glass in her honour – happy birthday, Joy!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Mercia Grange, please call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com

News

Landmark Sutton Park restaurant to reopen after £1.5m revamp

Leave a comment

Toby Carvery reopens as a Browns Brasserie

A famous landmark restaurant in the heart of Sutton Park is reopening later this month after a £1.5m revamp, creating 50 jobs. Browns Brasserie & Bar Sutton Park will officially open its doors on Thursday, November 21.
Previously the Sutton Park Toby Carvery restaurant, the 18th-century millhouse will be respectfully renovated to pay homage to the Grade II listed building’s history, while introducing Browns Brasserie’s relaxed and elegant interiors.
General Manager Danny Folcarelli commented, “The building has been totally transformed, bringing back to life all of the original features through a careful and well-planned restoration process to create a beautiful new venue.”
Original features will stay in place, such as the 17th-century 12-panel studded front door that was brought from Worcester Cathedral, and the old mill’s leat still runs through the cellar to this day.
From the standalone cocktail bar to the expansive, light-filled dining areas, the restaurant is the ideal setting for a drink, pre- or post-dinner relaxing, as well as all-day dining.
The restaurant opens in time for the Browns festive menu launch with indulgent dishes designed especially for the holiday season. Weekends are not to be missed eitherwith the Browns Bottomless Champagne Brunch, available Friday to Sunday until 2pm, where guests can choose from a selection of delicious brunch dishes accompanied by bottomless prosecco, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritz or Bellinis for £36 per person or unlimited Möet & Chandon Impérial Champagne or Chandon Garden Spritz for just £56 per person.

Round off the weekend with a traditional Sunday roast, freshly carved and served with all the trimmings.
Enjoy alongside live piano every Sunday between 1pm-4pm.

Open all day from breakfast through to dinner, Browns serve classic British comfort dishes and fresh seasonal creations,.