Less than 48 hours ago, we launched #ISupportBirmingham, a hashtag with the sole purpose of helping the businesses and the people of this hugely resilient city through the virus. The response on both Twitter and Instagram has been tear-jerkingly phenomenal, in both content and reach — within three hours #ISupportBirmingham was trending UK-wide. And while the best of Brum looks very different to how it did seven days ago, we're going to keep bringing you exactly that, because just maybe there's more brilliance and beauty in this city right now than ever before. From retailers, to restaurants, to everyone in between, Birmingham is open, if you know where to look.
PEEL'S ON WHEELS
Michelin-starred Peel’s is closing its physical restaurant. But its phoenix-like temporary face? Peel’s Drive Thru, which will allow you to pick up dishes wood-fired in Hampton Manor’s Smokehouse. You can then choose to take your meal home, or find a spot in their 45 acres of gardens to feast. If leaving the house is not for you, how about Peel's on Wheels, immune-boosting gourmet meals, dropped to your door. Help the team decide the menu here. And for every meal bought, Hampton Manor will send one out to someone who is in need. More
TYPEY-TYPE-TYPE
Counteract editor Richard Franks is offering his pen for free. He's happy to help with new web copy that, say, updates customers on the current situation for your business, and he can help you word your closing or — fingers crossed — OPEN status. He's a dab hand at making your content 'web friendly' or optimised for SEO, and he can help you update your blog too. Plus he's a thoroughly nice man, hello@richardfranks.co.uk.
Oh and if Richard is booked up, we can help on copy type things too. Hit us up
SHOP LOCALLY, VIRTUALLY
The high street's maybe whisper-quiet but you can still support your faves via their online shops. Hedge's physical store in the GWA is open for limited hours, with handwashing facilities and an open-door policy. But they're also offering their personal service for remote purchasers. They'll gift wrap, package and post online orders directly, with no charge for UK shipping. They'll even write one of their acesome greeting cards for you. Did somebody say Mother's Day? Shop
ZEN: NOW STREAMABLE
Whether you're a yoga pro or have never tried the stuff, a good old stretch out and some medicine for the mind sounds like something everyone is going to be in the market for right now. Yogaborne has already launched multiple, daily classes, live-streamed from their Stirchley studio. It's £5 for a spot and you'll be sent a link to access the class five minutes before the start time. Book. And keep 'em peeled for more options with I AM YOGI who will also be yoga-ing online shortly.
COFFEE BREAK
Cafes across the city have been adapting their offerings with minimal contact take out options to keep their communities caffeinated and their staff in a job. Kings Heath's Bloom is open for coffee and cake collection from 9am until 3pm. Salcooks will also sort your lunch out, from 11.30am until 2.30pm in the JQ. In the city, Quarter Horse now offers click and collect, while Wayland's Yard and Faculty have gone contactless. If you're self-isolating, 200 Degrees has 50% off its subscription coffee service, plus 50% off for all of those heroes working for the emergency services right now.
WALKIES
The wonderful Birmingham Museums Trust have, of course, had to close. What they didn't have to do was keep their properties' grounds open for free to anyone who wants to use them. They're meeting UK Government advice on ‘social distancing’, which really should be called ‘physical distancing’ right? Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, Soho House, and Sarehole Mill all included. The National Trust are doing the same, so keep an eye out for when you can visit the stunning gardens of Baddesley Clinton (pictured).
SNAPTOGRAPHY
Tam Bernard messaged us immediately. "Ain’t got much cash to donate," he said "but I can take photos". Tam's a brilliant food photographer and he's offered restaurants who are pivoting towards delivery and social media (rather than walk-ins) free food photography, as much as he can accommodate. That way the venues don't need to rely on soulless stock shots. Kris Askey, meanwhile, the genius behind the image at the top, has offered free advice to aspiring snappers. Message him on Insta with photography queries and he'll help as much as he can.
ALCA-MA-HOL
Yesterday, Arch 13 launched Arch 13 At Home. Cheese, meat and wine to your door; they even do a virtual tasting experience. Get six bottles of wine and a selection of cheeses along with a YouTube link where you'll find one of their team guiding you through the vin. Call 0121 794 6636. Elsewhere, the Vanguard are now offering pre-bottled cocktails to takeaway — they last 14 days — while beer gods Paper Duck and Attic Brew have take-out beer options while both explore new delivery plans, as do Burning Soul.
SUNDAY LUNCHIN'
Not winning at supermarket's right now, or perhaps you're self-isolating? Caneat's got three boned, rolled and brined hoggett legs that they'll be roasting up on Sunday from Farmer Tom Jones. Pre-order for collection (or delivery if your postcode starts with B30). Served up with dauphinoise potatoes, greens and gravy, it's £15 for collection or £18 for delivery. Pud bolt-ons also available (do it). Email caneatcafe@gmail.com to order. More
ARTSY
The beautiful Purple Gallery in Bournvillio is now offering free delivery on all purchases over £10. They've always supported local artists and we 'flames emoji' this Carrick Siddall piece of the BT Tower. Also, if you use the code 'ISupportBirmingham' it's 10% off everything. And while art markets like Moseley and the mac are off, artists on the hashtag #ISupportBirmingham will need your hard-earned coin. Brighten your home. It's a good time to do it.
Follow #ISupportBirmingham however you get your social media.
Gaijin Sushi is now available on Deliveroo. Salmon teriyaki rolls will abound. —
Work for the NHS? Firstly, thank you. Secondly, Staying Cool Apartments is offering the entire workforce 25% off stays in their proper swish apartments. Rotunda, bab? The deets — Girl Therapy's virtual self-lovin’ boogie session, The Sermon, is going virtual from this weekend. Amen to that.
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Low'n'Slow to GO launches on Saturday. Initial menu, pricing and order details right here.
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Moseley cafe, Folk Like These, ran a free, live-streamed drawing workshop yesterday. Keep an eye on their Insta for more WFH-busting initiatives like this.
We've got a meeting you can actually attend today (Thursday). Tai Chi in Cotteridge Park is being streamed live on Facebook at 10.30am. Ankle taps all round.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
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