I had a wonderful week, culminating in a very sunny bank holiday weekend! I went for drinks on Monday evening at BANK and The Alchemist in Birmingham; The Alchemist has become a tried and true favourite, with its moody lighting and wide array of fun cocktails it makes for a perfect date night. Then, on Wednesday, I had dinner at a personal local favourite of mine, The Bracebridge, situated next to Bracebridge Pool in Sutton Park. They’ve had a new chef in since I last visited and oh my goodness, the food did not disappoint; I’m still dreaming about the Bianca Funghi Pizza!
Clearly good food was at the top of my agenda this week, so on Friday evening I met one of my friends, who helpfully runs a food blog and always knows the best little hidden gems, for some tapas at Txikiteo in the Jewellery Quarter. We then wandered across the road and had a drink and a much-needed catch up in 1000 Trades, a wonderfully unique little bar (with an adorable little puppy running around!).
Then, to finish off a marvelous week, and make the most of the sunshine that blessed us this bank holiday, I spent Sunday afternoon wandering around Sutton Park with another close friend, Sophia. We ended up back at The Bracebridge, just for a drink this time, and found it overflowing with people laughing, eating, drinking and dancing to the DJ that had taken over the venue for the weekend.
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
I absolutely devoured (pardon the pun if you’ve read the book) Before and After by Andrew Shanahan this week; a dystopian novel about a morbidly obese man who tackles the apocalypse. As heart-wrenching as it was humorous (and downright bizarre!) I just couldn’t put it down.
I also read the sequel, Flesh and Blood, just as fast. I really connected with the narrator, Ben Stone, throughout both novels, and was rooting for him to overcome all of his obstacles and survive this deathly pandemic that had hit the world. I don’t know if it was living through recent events, or just great writing, but I know this book will linger in my head for weeks to come.
E. EDUCATING
Once a month I volunteer with Age Concern, a local charity that helps elderly members of the community, and visit a care home. I was chatting away to a few residents this week all about their memories from the war; one woman made me laugh because she said that she had no comprehension of what was happening at the time so thought that air raids were great as they meant late night sing-songs and sweets!
It’s so important to set aside time to listen to the older members of our community and learn from them and their varied life experiences. I always leave the care home feeling like I’ve learnt something so valuable.
P. PLAYING
I’m a great fan of Stephen Sanchez’s debut album Angel Face, even more so after hearing it live earlier this year, so, unsurprisingly, I am equally obsessed with the deluxe edition.
My current favourite deluxe track is The Other Side, but I’ve also had Howling at Wolves stuck in my head all week.
O. OBSESSING OVER
It’s no secret that Sutton Park holds a very special place in my heart, but at this time of year, when the sun comes out, the cows return to Boldmere Gate, and the fields fill up with happy smiling faces, I just love it that extra little bit more.
I love the fact that I’m so obsessed with my local area, and would highly encourage anyone from across the midlands looking for a little slice of nature amidst the city noise to head to Sutton Park; you’ll soon see why I’m so obsessed with it.
R. RECOMMENDING
I am a big lover of tapas, so when my friend Lauren invited me to Txikiteo in the Jewellery Quarter I was ever so excited. Plus, when Lauren invites you for dinner you know the food is going to be good.
We got the anchovy flatbread, which was to die for, grilled prawns, lamb shoulder with lemon Greek yoghurt, and our ultimate favourite: the chorizo and black pudding roasted vegetables. The flavours of everything were just outstanding, and the cosy, European set-up made for the perfect summery vibe (even if it was a torrential downpour outside!).
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
Country music is my (not-so) guilty pleasure, so as the sun shone this week you best believe I took the opportunity of driving around in a convertible shouting crude country lyrics at the top of my lungs. If you can’t do it in summer time when can you, hey?
Love Chloe x
