Alexandra Taylor: Writer

“That’s the cell,” says Stuart, indicating a storeroom with a grilled metal security door. “We get put in there if we’re naughty.” Stuart, one of the trustees of the Mosley and Kings Heath Men’s Shed, is giving me a guided tour of their impressive workshop. He’s quick to dispel any misconceptions that it’s a men-only space. “Yes, it is aimed at older people and specifically men, but it’s not exclusive to either of those groups, and several of our members are women. If people can get to us, they’re welcome,” he says. “Even people with physical problems that mean they’re unable to use the equipment, they can supervise the work room, or just come for a chat.” The Men’s Shed movement started in Australia in the mid 1990s in response to concerns over social isolation and depression in older men. It has now spread to dozens of other countries, and there are over 200 sheds in the UK, with more joining the network every week. “It’s a place to spend time, to potter, make someth...

I’m sitting with Carrie and Fran in Loco Lounge, talking about death. A little morbid for a Monday afternoon? Well, no actually. Carrie and Fran run ‘A Natural Undertaking’, and their open and positive approach towards the subject has helped them win several accolades, including the title ‘Green Funeral Director’ in this year’s Good Funeral Awards. “We’re so touched that the families we’ve worked with went out of their way to support and nominate us,” says Fran. “That means the world to us. It’s a big challenge, in the middle of the UK’s second biggest city, to try and put a bit of green in everything, but we do what we can.” Carrie was born in Marston Green Maternity Hospital and, apart from a short stint in Manchester, has lived in the area her whole life. Fran came to university in Birmingham twenty four years ago and never left. They’re passionate about the area and supporting other independent businesses. “We work with a number of florists, celebrants, caterers, venue...

The festive season is when our local pubs come into their own, so what better time to celebrate the entertainment they’ve been providing in our neighbourhoods for hundreds of years.  It was the Romans who first brought taverns to the UK, but the real boom came after the introduction of gin in the 17th century. Now there are around 48,000 pubs across the country, 73 of those within a 5 mile radius of Birmingham city centre. A time traveller going back to experience a 17th century alehouse would perhaps be surprised at how little has changed. Just like the bands that you can enjoy today (Hare and Hounds and The Station in Kings Heath, Patrick Kavanagh and The Bull’s Head in Moseley), live music has always gone hand in hand with the drinks on offer. Many premises also included a card room or a billiard room, and by the end of the 18th century, saloons or lounges were another common feature. This was a room where, for an admission fee or higher drinks prices, singing, dancing,...

Congratulations to Carters of Moseley! They’ve just been awarded a star in the 2016 Michelin Guide. Birmingham now has five Michelin starred restaurants, more than any other English city outside London, and is fast gaining a reputation as a delicious destination for gastro enthusiasts. Our little corner of Birmingham is particularly special. When Carters were awarded the Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year in 2015, the publication’s editor commented, “I wish every town had a restaurant of this standard.” We’re very lucky having such an acclaimed eatery on our doorstep, but posh nosh isn’t the only dish our neighbourhood has to shout about. There’s a smorgasbord of options to suit every palette and pocket, all within a fifteen minute walk. For that all important first date, when you want to impress without breaking the bank, my advice would be to take a trip to the Mediterranean, courtesy of Byzantium in Kings Heath or La Plancha in Moseley. You can share a tempting...

Every December thousands of people flock to Birmingham from all over the country, hoping to find gifts for their loved ones in high profile shopping destinations such as the Frankfurt Christmas Market or the Bullring.   But here in Moseley and Kings Heath, we have no need to brave the heaving crowds or pay over-inflated tourist prices in the city centre. By staying close to home this Christmas we can support our local traders and save a few quid into the bargain. Forget the German-style stalls lining New Street this year. Kings Heath and Moseley will both be holding farmers’ markets and craft markets in December - perfect for picking up locally grown veggies for the Christmas table, a beautiful piece of artisan pottery for your sister, or a jar of something tasty for your best mate. The Moseley Christmas Lights will be switched on, with accompanying stalls, activities and entertainment, on Saturday 5th December and the MAC is also holding craft markets packed with hand mad...