White Cow

the teamAl Hasan“I don’t like curry or rice.”

Favourite song: Hudson Taylor - WeaponsFavourite food: Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food.Favourite film: Little Miss Sunshine.

Emma Hurley“Mmmmm. Beards.”

Favourite song: Keaton Henons - Beekeeper. Favourite food: Five Guys burger.

Favourite film: Shutter Island or on a bad day, Elf.

Jake Wesley-Worrall“I enjoy Taylor Swift a bit too much.”

Favourite song: Green Day - Welcome to Paradise.Favourite food: KFC bargain bucket.Favourite film: Trainspotting.

Sam Holyhead“I once sneezed out a bit of burger and my dog ate it.”

Favourite song: Queen - Fat bottom girls.Favourite food: Sam’s bean bonanza melt.

Favourite film: Fight Club.

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Page 5 - Hungry?If you like eating, why not check out

some of our favourite privately owned eateries?

Page 9 - People of BrumMeet some of Birmingham’s residents and vistors.

Page 11 - Listen.Everyone loves music, so maybe you

should consider involving yourselfwith one of these musical spots.

Page 15 - People of BrumMeet some more of Birmingham’s residents and vistors.Page 17 - Bored?

There’s lots of interesting things to do in

the second city, check out someof the cool things we’ve discovered!

Page 22 - People of BrumMeet even more of Birmingham’s res-idents and vistors.

Page 27 - Goodbye!There’s no more magazine left after this.

Page 23 - Live.Let us show you a lovely place you

cango to keep your lavish lifestyle in

check.

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contents

HUNGRY?

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Food. Glorious food. There are plenty of places around

Birmingham to get yourself a meal, but wants to eat at some mainstream chain resturaunt like Nando’s or McDonalds? The little unkown places are where it’s at. Quiet. Honest. Brilliant. I’ve been searching around Brum for the

best privately owned eateries, and I found some pretty nice places!

The Floating Coffee Co.

As soon as I discovered the existence of this canal boat café I realised I had to go there. My girlfriend and I went for breakfast there one morning and it was fantastic.The atmostphere was wonderful. Being

situated in Brindley Place, the area isn’t as loud and filled with people rushing around.The service was excellent and the food

was delicious. These are all reasons I wanted to talk to them on behalf of the magazine.

I spoke to the owner of the company about her creative little café. Here’s what Emma said...

How long have you been running the floating coffee company?

We opened in 2003. But back then we we’re smaller, we had an old boat and only 3 crew members.

What’s the best thing about working there?

Hmm. Well I’d say the customers. As it’s such a unique café in such a beautiful area, we tend to get a lot of nice people. We also get a lot of hipstery students because those guys love quirky things that aren’t too expensive!

Who’s the worst customer you’ve

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ever had?

Ah. Well, there was this mother and about four kids that came in for breakfast one Monday morning. The previous day was Jenny’s birthday so we all went out for (a few too many) drinks. This family were loud. The mother was screaming at her kids, who wear standing on the chairs and running around. There’s not even enough room to run around, but they managed it. We asked them to be quiet a few times, and had to ask them to leave twice, as the first time they didn’t hear.

And the best customer?

One day a man came in and ordered his breakfast, and chatted to a Sally, James and I for a good hour, before paying £40 for his food. It only cost £6.99! He put two twenties on the counter, said thanks for a lovely morning and left.He now comes for breakfast every

Thursday, still as nice and chatty as the first time he came in. Sadly we don’t get £30 extra everytime haha!

It was lovely speaking to Emma and I’ll definitely be visiting again, and I recommend all of you lovely people do the same.

You can find The Floating Coffee Co. at

The Waters Edge Birmingham

B1 2HL

and they can be contacted via this number:

0121 633 0050

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Sushi Passion

Sushi Passion is pretty self-explanatory. It is a place for those who love to try flavors of different cultures. The store is situated in the western arcade, but walking through the curtain doors, you are teleported to another country.

What would you recommend?

Have more! Are you on a diet or something?

[Laughs] I would but I don’t think I could eat anymore. Sorry, I made a mess. Has anyone used chopsticks as bad as me?

Oh it’s fine. Actually, [laughs] sorry, but last week this one guy, I saw him spend a good couple of minutes trying to pick up his roll. He finally learnt, but he lifted it and tried to bring it closer to his mouth. But, he got into a position where if he moved, the roll would drop on him. So he was there frozen in this position so close to eating it. His pals were all laughing and I had to go over and help him out. But, I think people get used to eating with them after a while. Okay, it doesn’t sound very funny, but it really was!

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I think that was myself at least once today to be frank. What do you think attracts people to this place even when they have no experience with…well Sushi?

That’s easy, it’s the traditional feeling to this place. Well, it isn’t exactly traditional, but it has the features you expect when you see Japanese people eating on TV or Anime. You have the tradition style of sitting on the tatami floor. I try to show people how to sit properly, but you would feel comfortable in the position unless you grew up sitting like that, which I did.

Do you think that is something unique in Birmingham? Finding traditional more appealing than more sushi places that are more ‘western’?

I don’t really know exactly. But, I’d say Birmingham being so diverse is due to the love for other cultures and their food. Especially the food! Like about two weeks ago, I had this guy come in who just went around Birmingham having different types of foods and he chose this place because he felt it was real sushi.

I am not dismissing other places, but eating a different style of food, is more than just the flavor of the food, it’s the cultural experience you get with it that appeals to people now. Like you won’t be able to go into Tesco, get some sushi and call it the sushi experience.

Sushi Passion can be found at:

Great Western ArcadeColmore Row Birmingham

B2 5HU

people of brum

How long have you lived in Birmingham?

I’ve lived here for 57 years, I was born here.

What’s changed the most since you were a child?

The city as a whole is so very different from what it was when I was young. In some cases I wish it was still like it was back then, but since they’ve been doing all therenovations, it’s starting to look like a nice place to be.

What made you stay in Birmingham all your life?

Family. I have quite a big family and they all live in, or very close to Birmingham. Moving away from Birmingham would mean moving away from them, and I could never do that.

What is your favourite thing about Birmingham?

The opportunities!

What sort of opportunities?

There’s so much to do in Birmingham, it’s got such a great culture, you can find work in whatever industry you want to go in to.

Do you think you’ll stay in Birmingham to work?

Definitely! Unless I get the opportunity to work abroad, then I’ll go for that.

Are you both from Birmingham?

Nah, we’re just visiting from Liverpool. Came down to see our mate.

Do you like coming to Birmingham?

Sometimes! It depends when though, in the holidays it’s usually way too chaotic for my liking, but term time, yeah it’s nice.

How’s it different from your home?

It’s big. So very big. There’s so many things and people everywhere it’s insane. Couldn’t see myself getting used to it if I lived down this way.

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L ISTEN.

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Being a music fan I’m always looking out for new music experiences, and with Birmingham being one of the main spots where big bands tour it’s quite difficult to find intimate gigs and places that sell smaller bands records. It’s also difficult to see small foreign bands because they normally miss out Birmingham altogether. However I have found a record store and a venue that offers records for bands you can’t find in HMV or other generic music stores, and a platform where these artists can perform.

The Flapper

The Flapper offers a gig experience that you can’t get at the o2 Academy or the HMV Institute. It’s in the basement of a pub with one punk looking bouncer and no form of barrier, despite it hosting hardcore and punk bands, the one word i’d use to describe it is intimate. Sure, at a gig at the o2 there’s more stage for the act to perform on, but at the Flapper there’s a 5inch high platform and then the audience, there’s no barrier stopping their passions being intertwined with the artist they’ve come out to see.

Any interesting stories?

Like any music venue we have the crowd surfers and the “mosh pits”, but because it’s a tiny venue then it does create more pleasurable (or not) viewing. A very anticipated American band came over back in July and it was a completely sold out show. Citizen, they were called. Brilliant band, anyway… this one dude who had clearly been saving up his anger and frustration started crowd killing, he climbed on or hit whoever he could, whenever he could.

The little bastard wouldn’t stop, even after he tried to get gnarly with the bouncer. Anyway this girl who i think wanted the situation to stop took one for the team, started grinding on him and ended up eating his face. She lead him away, so he

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thought he was getting lucky, she turned away stuck her fingers down her throat, turned around and then puked into his kiss. He then left, pretty damn distraught and she went back in to the gig. Moral of the story, don’t crowd kill kids, you look like a dick and you ain’t getting laid.

I was actually at Citizen and waited for ages to say hi to the vocalist, clearly gave off a fangirl vibe but I was just being patient because no one would let me past. So in the end I labelled him as a self righteous f—ck and walked off.

[Laughs] No way!

Yeah! [laughs] Anyway… any stories that made your heart go all warm? Or are you too hardcore for that?

[Laughs] Well nothing too different from any other venues. But we’ve had fans of bands who’ve had family members die and the artist has dedicated the songs to them which is always sweet. Oh! On that topic I’ve just remembered something, an actual band member had a very close family member die and the whole band during a certain song started welling up, then the one guy who’s family member it actually was just broke down and they all hugged him, the audience members just stood their and let them have their moment and it was kind of beautiful actually.

Wow, I’m surprised. Nobody ruined it?

Nope, no one did.

The Flapper can be found at

Kingston RowCambrian Wharf

BirminghamB1 2NA

Ignite

I, like many have become a sucker for collecting vinyl, and for a while I was having to order records online; a lot of the time I’d have to get them imported from America too which was a very expensive, unreliable situation. I then came across Ignite Records, which sold even the smallest American band’s vinyl. It is a one-man run shop in Oasis, stocking some of the hardest to find records on the planet, as well as well known artists. If you are a lover of this classic format I’d 110% recommend Ignite Records.

What’s your favourite record?

You can’t ask me that, that’s like a Sophie’s Choice situation, well it’s not actually because I wouldn’t choose [laughs]

Is it really that difficult? Will one get killed?

[Laughs] Well yeah because there’s so

white cowmany records that have come out and blown me away, it’s just impossibleOkay then what’s the most popular record you’ve sold?Every kid at the moment loves a band called Basement and let’s put it this way, I’ve had numerous people coming in, finding out I didn’t have a Basement record in for a week, and they’d end up breaking down into tears because they really NEEDED that record to complete their major collection of 15 vinyl.

Damn. So do you think the format is coming back?

Oh definitely. A recent report showed that 800,000 records had been sold in 2014, which is the highest since 1996. I think it’s because vintage is back in style in general, and a lot of kids want to be different so they start a vinyl collection, and then spin them on their £19.99 turntable from Argos. I’m not complaining though, I love the format and I’m glad it’s coming back in because more artists are releasing their singles and albums on record. So yeah... that means more business for me which is great and I can play some new stuff for myself on the format that is pretty much my life.

What’s the stupidest thing you’ve been asked?

There’s one day that sticks out for me [laughs]. This girl comes in and is asking for a Rolling Stones record “Have you got the Rolling Stones in” And I’m like “What are you looking for” and she stares at me blankly and goes “Uhh just the Rolling Stones”. So i start listing out record names by the band, she stops me and then says. “No thanks I’m just after the Rolling Stones”. By this point I know the game, she has no clue what she’s on about so I handed her a One Direction 7” single and she goes (she doesn’t know it’s OD) “Oh yeah this is what I’m after, thanks”. At that point, someone she was clearly trying to impress comes up behind her, sees the record and goes “why the f-ck have you got a One Direction vinyl?” Then they both look awkwardly at each other, her because she’s clearly been a dick and him because he knew that the 7” single was One Direction.

Go check out Ignite at:

Oasis Market110-114 Corporation Street

BirminghamB4 6SX

People of Brum

What is it like doing charity work in Birmingham?

I’ve done work in multiple cities, but Birmingham is by far one of the most giving. Its such a friendly place where people truly care for those in need.

Why the Marie Curie foundation?

Its a great charity that helps a lot of people. I personally have felt the benefits of the work they do as my nan fell ill with pancreatic cancer and they made a massive impact on her standard of living and made her feel comfortable towards the end.

If you had to say anything to the public of Birmingham what would it be? Just, thank you.

What is your favourite thing about this city?

Christmas! Just look at me! I love how festive this city gets, you don’t even have to be Christian, you just end up celebrating it with the rest of the city!

Where did you get that hat?

Oh this, it’s actually my daughters, but I couldn’t find mine so I stole hers (Laughs), I look like I’ve lost my marbles but I think it suits me.

So, other than that hat, what is your favourite thing about this city?

Easily the German markets. I love how festive it makes the city!It’s not even mid-November and already, the Christmas vibe is here. Whether you’re Christian or not, the German markets will have you celebrating the birth of Jesus.

How long have you hunted in this city?

I stalked these streets as i was taught how to hunt, however i left to find other trophies, but i come here once again to hunt the ultimate prize, Man.

What has changed since returning to Birmingham?

The population of your kind grows large giving me multiple prey to choose from. However humans have grown familiar with my presence and have no fear of me anymore, they much rather treat me as a spectacle.

What is your favorite thing about the prey of Birmingham?

Many thing make a the prey of Birmingham trophy worthy, but the best part of the hunt is the smiles I get doing something I love.

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BORED?

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Mark Wilson’s Film Tour

Mark Wilson offers a unique insight into the city of Birmingham with his expertises and knowledge of the films and TV shows that have been produced in the city. He will take you on a journey around Birmingham.

What made you start the tours?

I have always had an interest in film. Where and how they are produced. Plus I like engaging with people so why not? I combined the things I enjoy, it’s like when you know a lot about something it feels good sharing it with people”

What was the best ever tour you’ve ever done?

“ell there has been many, but my most memorable I would say was last September, there was a couple Mandy and Andy, they were really nice people. That night I ended up picking my wife up and we all went out for a meal together, they had their own building firm which they started up with the inheritance that her dad left behind. We chatted until we all got shooed out by the staff we still go out regularly, in fact Andy did some work on my house a few months ago… really nice people

Now I have to ask what’s been your worst tour?

Ha! That’s a good question. You ever come across people that just get a rise when they piss you off, you can see it in their eyes that making you mad is making them happy. A guy came on one of my tours and was the I’m on the phone everyone must hear me kinda blokes. Anyway he had been on and off the phone all day but we came to my favourite part of the tour which is where they filmed Hustle and he decided it was a good time to call his mate and tell him

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about what he got upto on broad street… the whole time I was speaking. The other people on the tour could tell I was frustrated and then this elderly couple turned around to him and told him to have some respect and get off the phone, he grunted at them and just walked off. Then the old man turned back to me and said “What an arsehole” I just creased up and thanked them.

What do you cover on the tour?

A lot! If it was filmed in Birmingham after 1920 it’s most likely on the tour, it’s an all day tour, pub breaks included.

Get in touch with mark on twitter:@Sparks86

Boulder Central

Boulder Central is a bouldering and rock climbing venue open for all ages and levels. Test your strength and agility by scaling one of the hundred routes, and engage yourself with a newly emerging community. For first timers the high experienced instructors will show you the ropes, literally, but for those confident to go it alone, help is always at hand from one of the muscle bound climbing machines that will climb along side you.

What made you want to open a rock climbing venue in Birmingham?

It was a combination of circumstances and passion. My dad was always very active and was the one who introduced me to the sport. He couldn’t really climb by the time I was 20, as he was 64 and his knees wouldn’t let him, but he would still come along and spot for me.

He fell ill in 2010 and couldn’t come with me anymore. One day we were around his house and he handed me a check for £35000 and he said use it. A few months later my wife and I opened this place up it felt right, I asked him why he gave us the money and he said he really thought he was going to die, bless him it turned out just to be the flu and kidney stones. He comes by and watches the competitions we have here, he loves it, he’s proud.

How did you break your arm?

My friend and I, him over there, were heading to the peak district to do some of the routes and when we were packing I fell down the stairs, broke it in two places and was the worst climbing trip I ever had.

People always ask if it was climbing and I mostly save myself the embarrassment and say yeah I fell like 20 ft, got me a few phone numbers in fact.What’s kept you interested in rock climbing for so long?

Umm, I don’t really know, to me it makes me feel like a kid again. When I’m doing a hard route I forget that I’m a 28 year old! Haha! I’m just here to have fun and do something I love and I loose grasp that what I’m actually doing is climbing up a wall in a warehouse because I’m feeling 10 again.

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People of Brum

How long have you lived in Birmingham?

All of my life.

What’s the most interesting day you have had at work?

There has been a few! But most recently a little old lady was trying to carry a washing machine around Birmingham and I approached her to see if she needed help. Turns out she had actually stolen it.

Have you seen any changes in crime in Birmingham?

People are definitely a lot more daring than before! But people are also a lot more desperate, they don’t just steal for the fun of it they steal to live. They’re stealing food for their kids because they cannot afford it. Arresting those people are my worst days.

How long have you lived in Birmingham?

I’ve lived in Birmingham for 23 years, my family moved from Amber Valley when I was 2 months old.

What made your family decide to move to Birmingham?

We lived in a small village and we were the only non-white people there. We were made to feel like outcasts, and my parents knew that Birmingham was full of different cultures and religions so we moved.

How do you feel about the diversity in Birmingham now?

I honestly don’t think you could find a more diverse city. You walk down the street and you see a woman in a hijab hugging a white teenage girl. The diversity is what makes me feel proud to be a Brummy.

What attracted you to this city?

I’m not sure exactly, I think I was sorta drawn to the vibrance of this city. I came from Cardiff, so I was expecting a normal city. But, I was surprised at how different it was. Oh, I don’t mean that in a bad way! It’s just so diverse and refreshing for me.

What did you expect it to be like?

It’s not that it didn’t meet my expectations, it is more about what I didn’t expect the city to include. I didn’t expect the variety of cultures and how they are encouraged to be displayed rather than be oppressed. I think that is what Birmingham is, it’s a city of different types of people and I like that about it.

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L IVE.

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If you are in need of inspiration, food for your soul or even just a T-shirt, Provide is a place I would recommend. A place, that was made for those who wish to express themselves in more than just words.

What would you call provide?

It doesn’t really fit into a genre of store. We sell clothes, magazines, books and art. I want to expand it to something more, maybe a café. But, I guess it would be a lifestyle store in that sense, but I feel like it’s more than just one of your normal shops.

If it doesn’t fit into a genre, do you find it difficult to find a target audience?

Our target audience is the restless. When I say the restless, I mean those who want more in life than just the normal. We have this tagline – “Resources for the Restless”. So we Provide for the restless, the creative driven people who want to find more than the usual store.

So, did you make this for yourself in a way?

Well, yeah. I think I made this in response to how I live. I used to work a normal job with a good wage that wasn’t stressful. But, it didn’t satisfy me. I made this to escape all that and help those in my position. To give them something different, to help inspire them I guess.

How did you manage to switch from a ‘normal’ job to running your own lifestyle store?

I actually can’t believe how lucky I am to get to where I am. But, a lot of work from myself has gone into this place. Setting it up was something I couldn’t

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really afford, but I did it anyway. When I say afford, I don’t just mean money wise, I mean that my social had died and has never really made a comeback because of this place. But, I love it. Music and graphics are my passion and I am so lucky to be surrounded by them on a day-to-day basis.

It being so much stress, would you recommend others go down the same route as you and set up something?

Business isn’t for everyone. That is for sure. The more logical side of me agrees that isn’t great for most people. But, another part of me completely wants to recommend setting up your own place. I live by this…call it a motto and that is “I want to make a life not a living”. So yeah, for those who really want something like this, you must okay with have less money, but you get to do what you want to at the end of the day.

Take a peek at Provide, you can find it at:

Custard FactoryGibb St

BirminghamB9 4AA

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