MEET GEOFF LAM PARTNER AT FACULTY COFFEE

WHY ? I ran a coffee shop in St Paul’s Square for 7 years and wanted to move into the city centre and get to know and network with other independent retailers. Since we set up our new business four months ago, the people of Birmingham have been really supportive and many previous customers have followed us to our new location in Piccadilly Arcade, as well as many new customers that love to shop the independent scene in Birmingham.

DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN THREE WORDS: In its infancy

TELL US WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IS AT THE MOMENT? Our salted caramel pecan and dark chocolate brownies – they are so rich and fudgy!

GEOFF RECOMMENDS…. DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM FACT TO Purnell’s Bistro for cocktails SHARE? Autograph for style A 5.5 metre statue of King Kong by Nicholas Monro was Six Eight Kafe for coffee commissioned in 1972 for display in Manzoni Gardens in Bistro 1874 for a date The Bull Ring, where is stood for six months. It was later Pure Bar for a drink with your mates displayed elsewhere in Birmingham, then in Edinburgh, Marco Benito for beauty and is now in Penrith. Left for Dead Records for good music in store Disorder Boutique for being a ground breaking independent WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE COMING MONTHS? We’re really excited about our Cold Brews, which will WHERE WILL YOU BE SOAKING UP THE SUN THIS be available very soon, as well as a wider selection of SUMMER? savoury items on the menu. We’re also really excited I’ll be enjoying a Meat Shack burger at Digbeth Dining about the a number of other independents that are soon Club to hit the city – the scene is growing!

INDEPENDENTS SHOP SHOP INDEPENDENTS

Independent stores are integral to the vast and diverse retail offer in Birmingham, bringing character and vibrancy to the city centre shopping experience. With new independents opening every year, there is always something new to explore in the many arcades, centres and streets within the city.

With a sense of community and spirit of collaboration, it’s the personal service, unique products and specialist advice that sets independents apart.

This summer, ShoppinginBirmingham.com is celebrating the thriving independent scene in Birmingham. We’re introducing you to just a few of the faces behind the hundreds of independent stores, cafés, bars, restaurants and services across the city centre. Be sure to shop the city this summer and discover something special for yourself.

For the latest news, offers, events and competitions direct from Birmingham city centre stores, visit: ShoppinginBimingham.com

@ShoppingInBham

ShoppingInBirmingham

CONTENTS:

FACULTY COFFEE 4-5 LIQUOR STORE 6-7 ALL GREEK 8-9 CLEMENTS & CHURCH 10-11 UN MUNDO 12-13 ISLAND BAR 14-15 ATOO 16-17 PROJEKT21 18-19 ALFIE BIRD’S 20-21 LEFT FOR DEAD RECORDS 22-23

DIRECTORY (A TO Z) 24-29 SHOPPING MAP 30-31

3 FACULTY – PICCADILLY ARCADE MEET GEOFF LAM facultycoffee.com Twitter @facultycoffee PARTNER AT FACULTY Faculty is a small, quality focused coffee and tea shop in Birmingham’s city centre. Located in the historic Piccadilly Arcade, the shop serves brewed drinks to enjoy in or takeaway, as well as a range of retail coffee beans and equipment for sale. WHY BIRMINGHAM? I ran a coffee shop in St Paul’s Square for seven years and wanted to move into the city centre to get to know and network with other independent retailers. Since we set up our new business four months ago, the people of Birmingham have been really supportive. Lots of customers have followed us to our new location in Piccadilly Arcade, as well as many new customers that are loyal to the independent scene in Birmingham.

DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN THREE WORDS: In its infancy.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT AT THE MOMENT? Our salted caramel pecan and dark chocolate brownies – they are so rich and fudgy!

GEOFF RECOMMENDS…. DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM FACT TO Ginger’s Bar at Purnell’s Bistro for cocktails. SHARE? Autograph for style. A 5.5 metre statue of King Kong by Nicholas Monro was Six Eight Kafé for coffee. commissioned in 1972 for display in Manzoni Gardens in Bistro 1874 for a date. The Bull Ring, where it stood for six months. It was later Pure Bar for a drink with your mates. displayed elsewhere in Birmingham, then in Edinburgh, Marco Benito for beauty. and is now in Penrith. Bring back King Kong! Left for Dead Records for good music in store. Disorder Boutique for being a ground breaking independent. WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE COMING MONTHS? We’re really excited about our Cold Brews, which will WHERE WILL YOU BE SOAKING UP THE SUN THIS be available very soon, as well as a wider selection of SUMMER? savoury items on the menu. We’re also really excited I’ll be enjoying a Meat Shack burger at Digbeth Dining about a number of other independents that are soon to hit Club. the city – the scene is growing fast.

5 LIQUOR STORE – MEET PHIL HAZEL liquorstoreclothing.com Twitter @liquorstore_est OWNER OF LIQUOR STORE Instagram @liquorstore

Liquor Store opened its doors in February 2012 at Great Western Arcade. The store is proud to use its expertise to bring customers an eclectic mix of heritage and next generation brands. Each brand has been handpicked to represent its customer with the finest denim, clothing collections, footwear and accessories from around the globe. WHY BIRMINGHAM? PHIL RECOMMENDS…. The store is reacting to the ever crowded high street and fast fashion lines. Brands have been chosen for their The potential of the city is huge, and in our area of retail The Jekyll & Hyde for cocktails - they have that 1920’s history, great quality, new ideas, subtle detailing and for the team’s love and appreciation of what they stand for. there was an opportunity to bring something different prohibition feel with their gin parlour. Liquor Store uses house brands from all over the globe, but also carries ‘Made in England’ brands. All the brands to the current offering. Also a vast amount of brands we Six Eight Kafé for coffee - all about the coffee! have a fantastic story to tell! The store environment is warm and welcoming and the team strive to deliver a high stock were not already stocked in Birmingham, so we Yorks Bakery for lunch – a great feel and always good standard of customer service through superior product knowledge, passion for the store and their manner. could represent brands from across the globe, which food. were new to the Birmingham consumer. Peel & Stone Bakery for something unique - a little hidden gem offering great bread and bites to eat. Cherry Reds for the best burger - the burger with pulled DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN pork on top is a winner in my book! THREE WORDS: Pasta di Piazza for a date – the best Italian restaurant in Growing, scattered, potential. Birmingham (I think). The Lord Clifden for a drink with your mates - especially in the summer, as the beer garden always has a great TELL US WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IS AT THE atmosphere with table tennis and a BBQ always taking MOMENT? place. The Ebbets Field Flannel Grounds crew jacket. It’s a The Church for heritage - fantastic old pub, with a collaboration with this brand and ourselves, so we are beautiful bar and booths. the only place in the world where you can buy this jacket. Ebbets make exact replicas of baseball garments from the 1920s to the 1950s. The major difference to other DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS baseball brands is that they only produce non major IN THE CITY? league baseball pieces from this era. The jacket is what Not currently, but we are looking at putting on a Liquor the stadium workers used to wear and has the team Store party at The Church this summer. logo on the front with the stadium name on the back. We decided to design the same jacket with L for Liquor Store on the front and SPEAKEASY (our strapline) on the back. WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU AND YOUR STORE IN THE COMING MONTHS THAT WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR? We are currently planning an expansion to our store NOW THAT SUMMER’S HERE, WHERE WILL YOU BE and looking to open a ladies denim store. We hope the SOAKING UP THE SUN IN THE CITY CENTRE? expansion will happen by early next year I usually hit a pub for a beer garden (like the Lord Clifden), or The Church has a good roof terrace.

7 ALL GREEK - STEPHENSON STREET MEET LAVRENTIS KONSTANTINIDIS Twitter @allgreekdeli PARTNER AT ALL GREEK All Greek is a small family run independent food shop specialising in fine Greek food products. The store has been open for seven months and all products are hand selected from the best producers all around Greece. WHY BIRMINGHAM? LAVRENTIS RECOMMENDS…. Birmingham has got masses of potential! It has a rich The Bureau for a cocktail - great cocktail menu and cultural background but has not quite yet built the chilled atmosphere. reputation of other cities in the foodie scene. In recent The Lost and Found for style - a grand building with years a lot of effort has been put in by locals to boost beautiful decor. the city’s foodie profile. As the city’s food scene grows, Faculty for coffee - good coffee and friendly service. we have spotted an increased interest in fine Greek food Smithsonia in Piccadilly Arcade for something unique- and also a gap in that market. We’ve seen huge support they have a great selection of gifts and you can always from the locals over the past seven months, and we find something unique in there. hope that their continuing support will help us grow and The Victoria for a drink with your mates - because of reciprocate to the community. their collection of real ales and the informal atmosphere. IKON Barbers or Hush Hair for grooming and beauty - good service and friendly staff. DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN The Bullring markets really ‘say Birmingham’ – they THREE WORDS: have been at the heart of the city since 1166, playing an Up and coming. important role in the city’s development and demonstrate the ethnic diversity of Birmingham. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IN STORE AT THE MOMENT? I actually have three at the moment. DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS Since the barbeque season kicked in we have consumed IN THE CITY? more sausages, and we particularly appreciate the wild Yes, we are teaming up with a company called 4023 (forty boar sausages that we have in store. Another favourite twenty three) to primarily promote genuine Greek food in is Erythrotyros, a cheese dipped in red wine, ideal for Birmingham and the region.The chefs at 4023 have 20+ grilling or frying. And last but not least are Florina red years of collective experience in cooking having worked peppers by the Naoumidis family. Organic peppers alongside their parents in their popular restaurant in grown on the family’s own land – these are stuffed by Greece. Our shared passion for food brought about our hand with cheese or pickled cabbage, and marinated in collaboration and will see the guys at 4023 taking the vinegar and grape must - a great accompaniment for the property next door to us and converting it into an eatery barbecue. offering delicious food to eat in or take away. Together we will be able to offer our customers the gourmet eating and shopping experience at the Greek space that we are creating on Stephenson Street.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER IN THE CITY? The food and farmers’ markets. I like buying my food from the market, and Birmingham has got many food markets selling specialist and fresh produce. With the good weather the whole market experience becomes more enjoyable.

WHAT’S COMING UP FOR ALL GREEK IN THE COMING MONTHS? As people are getting to know us, we are getting requests for a few products that we currently don’t stock. Therefore, in the coming months, we are going to concentrate on increasing the variety of our products to accommodate the needs of our customers.

9 CLEMENTS AND CHURCH - CHURCH STREET MEET MATT RODEN clementsandchurch.co.uk Twitter @clementschurch HEAD TAILOR AT CLEMENTS AND CHURCH Clements and Church is an independent British men’s tailor creating contemporary ready to wear, made to measure and bespoke tailoring. Set up in 2007, Clements and Church not only believes that the art of tailoring is worth preserving but is dedicated to invigorating it. Working with the finest craftsmen in the UK and Europe, the WHY BIRMINGHAM? store delivers the very best in sartorial elegance for today’s discerning customer. Why not? Birmingham is the UK’s second city and home to a population of over a million. Plenty of potential customers!

DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN THREE WORDS: Thriving, varied, inspirational.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IN STORE AT THE MOMENT? My favourite combination at the moment, as it perfectly encapsulates summer, is the colour orange alongside camouflage. It takes two key trends for SS14 a step further. You can dress it up or down with different cotton trouser/denim/footwear options - it’s proving to be a winner amongst clientele and team members alike.

DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM FACT TO SHARE? The Electric in Station Street is the UK’s oldest working MATT RECOMMENDS…. art deco cinema at 101 years old. In my opinion, it’s also Ginger’s Bar at Purnell’s Bistro for cocktails - Fantastic the best. cocktails set in an open, yet intimate venue make this a sure fire winner for me. Liquor Store for style. Yorks Bakery for lunch. Loki Wine for something unique – quite simply, special. The Jekyll & Hyde for a drink with your mates. Benjamin Ryan Hair & Beauty for grooming. Time Square in Great Western Arcade for service with a smile. Swordfish Records on Dalton Street for good music in store. atoo ‘says Birmingham’ – a fantastically well run store, built around a strong and loyal client base. Something for everyone. Bistro 1847 in Great Western Arcade - it’s not easy to do vegetarian cuisine well. They make it look easy.

DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS IN THE CITY? We tend to work with all of the other independents in the city as much as possible. Whether it’s putting together events or just simply pointing clients in the right direction with regards to their specific needs.

WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE COMING MONTHS? Plenty of new products including the introduction of casual tailoring and also denim. 11 UN MUNDO – GREAT WESTERN ARACADE MEET ABIGAIL MUR unmundo.co.uk Twitter @1unmundo CO-OWNER AT UN MUNDO Un Mundo is a Boutique specialising in Spanish fashion, which is unique and exclusive to the UK. The store aims to provide style and elegance to its customers at affordable prices, offering excellent customer service that is personal and friendly. WHY BIRMINGHAM? Birmingham is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, but lacks smaller boutiques with personal customer service. We saw a gap in the market to bring boutique Spanish fashion to the city.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IN STORE? One of the key items in our summer collection is a stylish dress in different shades of blue. It is comfortable to wear and can be worn on many occasions whether during the day or the evening.

ABIGAIL RECOMMENDS…. We love small indies like the Handmade Boutique. Loki Wine for a drink with mates. 16/18 Hair for beauty and hairdressing - the girls are amazing. Six Eight Kafé for a coffee to get you going in the morning.

DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS? Not currently, but we would love to work with different independents from across the city in the future to share experiences and expertise.

DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM FACT TO SHARE? We see a lot of customers coming to shop in Birmingham from across the UK. This is great to see and good for Birmingham’s economy and growth!

WHAT’S COMING UP FROM UN MUNDO IN THE COMING MONTHS? We are very excited to be launching our new website very soon. Customers will then be able buy online, as well as in the store. We are also looking forward to expanding our exclusive brands to bring the best labels to our customers from around the globe.

13 MEET ED SHAWCROSS GENERAL MANAGER AT ISLAND BAR

WHY BIRMINGHAM? I came to Birmingham at the age of eighteen and never looked back. I’ve seen so many changes in the short time I’ve been here and things are constantly changing. There’s so much to do and see and the bar culture is gradually improving with the choice getting better and better. DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN THREE WORDS: Making Brum better!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COCKTAIL ON THE MENU AT THE MOMENT? I love the Zombie cocktail for the presentation and quality of the drink. People can’t get enough of the rummy goodness! It pretty much sums up the bar and our attitude to great drinks, presented well in an un- pretentious environment. It’s all about having fun and drinking banging drinks that are garnished well and served with a smile!

ED RECOMMENDS…. DO YOU WORK WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS IN THE Any Bitters ‘n’ Twisted venue for cocktails. CITY? Yorks Bakery for coffee. We use Cherry Reds and The Victoria for our buffets to Anderson & Hill for lunch - the Bavarian sandwich is go with our cocktail masterclass, as we don’t have the amazing! facilities ourselves and love eating at both! Loki Wine for something unique - the combination of cheese and wine is the key to my heart! Digbeth Dining Club for the best burger - from the DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM FACT TO likes of Meat shack and Low ‘n’ Slow. SHARE? The Electric Cinema for a date. Birmingham is actually the youngest city in Europe with The Pickled Piglet for service with a smile. nearly half the population being under 25. This is great for independents like us, as they are always looking to try new places and new products.

WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE COMING MONTHS? We regularly update our weekend menu and are running a special summer drinks list this season, keeping everything fresh and using local products like Chase Gin. Look out for our refreshing long summer, served garnished with ISLAND BAR loads of fresh fruit straight from Birmingham markets. bar-island.co.uk Twitter @islandbar Instagram @islandbaruk

Island Bar opened its doors to the masses in September 2006. Determined not to be a typical cocktail bar, the team set it up on DIY ethics, to bring a lot of soul and no pretension to the Birmingham nightlife scene and to become a hub for music and drink lovers alike. The team has taken away all the stuffy nonsense of traditional cocktail bars and made the focus all about the drinks. The bar is proud of its range of drinks and the expertise of its staff and thinks customers will be too. Island Bar was voted one of the top 50 bars in the UK by the Independent on Sunday and has one of the West Midlands’ largest collections of rum – over 70 at last count. 15 MEET MING NHAM OWNER OF ATOO

WHY BIRMINGHAM? It’s my home town, I’ve always lived here. Birmingham is not that big, we all pretty much know each other and get on very well. People have come to us for advice on setting up on their own because we’ve been here for so long.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH ATOO? It was a classic case of there was lots of stuff I couldn’t get at the time that I wanted, so the shop was set up to sell things I love personally. Being independent gives you the freedom to grow at your own pace. When the store first launched it stocked a lot of tees and denim based looks, but this has evolved into something more grown up, with more shirts, trousers and casual blazers, that remain lighthearted but smarter.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IN STORE AT THE MOMENT? The Nanamica Newport Jacket in Grey. It’s a double breasted classic jacket but given a twist with the performance ‘alphadry’ fabric. It retails at £325 in store.

MING RECOMMENDS…. The Church for cocktails. Faculty for coffee. Peel and Stone Bakery for lunch. Lord Clifden for a drink with your mates. Pure for sophistication. Honest Skin Care for beauty and grooming. Site Office for the wow factor – a speakeasy bar in a secret city centre location. Westley Richards for heritage and a store that ‘says Birmingham’ - the gun and rifle makers have been in the city for over 200 years.

We would also recommend Autograph for designer menswear – it’s one of the original independents in the ATOO – ETHEL STREET city centre. atoo.co.uk Twitter @atoobirmingham Instagram @atoo_birmingham WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE Atoo opened its doors in 1998 as a sister store to Autograph and since then has established COMING MONTHS? itself as a store in its own right. Voted one of Britain’s 10 Best Independent Menswear Shops by We’ve got more exciting Japanese brands coming into Esquire magazine, the store is now a go-to destination for alternative streetwear, luxury denim store. We organised a secret party in May, ‘atoo and and rare hard-to-find labels from around the world. friends play’, which we’re looking to organise again this After expanding the store in the heart of the city centre, atoo now offers an exciting range of summer. We’re also going into our summer sale this brands and products online, many of which are held exclusively in the area and are available in month and launching a brand new website for AW14 in limited quantities. August. The store endeavours to offer its customers labels that the team love, as well as iconic heritage brands and new up and coming designers. A wide range of both smart and casual outerwear is selected, as well as footwear and accessories for the fashion savvy gent. 17 PROJEKT21 – GREAT WESTERN ARCADE MEET JASON FOREMAN projekt21.co.uk Twitter @P21Clothing DIRECTOR AT PROJEKT21 Instagram @projekt_21

Projekt21 opened its doors in the historic and beautiful Great Western Arcade two months ago. The store hopes to bring a friendly vibe to the heart of the city, while offering in-demand labels and great products to the skate and streetwear scene. WHY BIRMINGHAM? DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS Birmingham is the second city and, while there is an IN THE CITY? existing core retail element here, it is limited to only a few Currently we don’t, but we have upcoming plans to work outlets. We felt that in a city of this size there was enough with and support both local clothing brands and members room to grow the skate and streetwear scene without of the local skate scene looking to increase opportunities treading on anyone’s toes. By being aware of what is for local skaters. In addition to this we will be organising already out there, we are able to bring new and exciting skate events and trips to other skate communities around brands to the area that are not currently readily available. the country.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IN STORE AT THE MOMENT? We have so many exciting brands in at the moment, including Acapulco Gold, Staple and Primitive, that our favourite items change each week, but this week it would probably be the new Primitive 40s Tees.

JASON RECOMMENDS…. Our neighbours at Liquor Store - they offer that slightly higher end cut and sew vibe, great for a more heritage look. atoo for style all day long, hold tight Ming! We love a trip to Boston Tea Party for coffee and cake - really nice guys and a great venue. DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM FACT TO Get yourselves to Anderson and Hill for the best fresh SHARE? made sandwiches with awesome cured meats and In 1899 a lion escaped from the circus and ran wild in cheeses for lunch - We’re big fans of the pastrami! Aston sewage system Wrap Chic offers curry inspired burritos….you don’t get much more unique than that! Ikon Gallery for a date. WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE The super friendly people of Bolongaro Trevor for COMING MONTHS? service with a smile,. We will be holding several in store events and shows with Ideal at the has been the long standing, local brands and artists across the summer. Keep up to skater owned store supporting the scene in Birmingham date with these by asking in store or subscribing to the for over 20 years, these guys are on it. newsletter through the website.

19 MEET DAMIEN FELL & ANDREW PURVIS CO-OWNERS OF ALFIE BIRD’S

WHY BIRMINGHAM? DO YOU WORK WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS IN THE It’s Damien’s home city and it’s up and coming with a CITY? lot of potential. We currently work with Pips Hot Sauce, Boxxed and Fazeley Studios. DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN THREE WORDS: WHERE WILL YOU BE SOAKING UP THE SUN THIS Varied, buzzing & creative. SUMMER? Poolside outside Alfie Bird’s at the Custard Factory.

DAMIEN & ANDREW RECOMMEND…. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM ON THE MENU AT THE Cherry Reds – friendly staff and warm surroundings. MOMENT? Autograph for style– they sell clothes you can’t get The pulled pork burger because the brioche buns are as anywhere else in Birmingham. We also love Provide - sweet as a nut and that spicy BBQ flavour just gets my Damien’s entire wardrobe is from there! tongue zinging! The Warehouse Café for lunch – a great selection of vegan and vegetarian food. The Lord Clifden and The Red Lion for a succulent DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING BIRMINGHAM FACT TO sombrero chicken burger or Fazeley Studios for big SHARE? juicy burgers with tasty crunchy chips! Birmingham is the home town of the mighty Black Stag Barbers in the Custard Factory for grooming Sabbath, UB40, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and Duran – you never have to wait long and there’s always a Duran! friendly chat while you’re there. The Old Crown in Digbeth for heritage – it’s the oldest pub in Birmingham. WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE Nothing ‘says Birmingham’ like the Rag Market. COMING MONTHS? Lab 11 is pretty groundbreaking – great raves & We’ve just hosted Glastonbrummy, our alternative tribute underground music. BrewDog microbrewery on John festival, but there will be lots more World Cup screening Bright Street also fits the groundbreaking bill. parties and a whole myriad of live and club events to look Blakely Browns for something unique– offering forward to. unusual and one off vintage and reproduction furniture.

ALFIE BIRD’S - CUSTARD FACTORY alfiebirds.co.uk Twitter @alfiebirds Instagram @alfie_birds

Described by the team as ‘one damn fine establishment with an unforgettable charm’, Alfie Bird’s opened its doors just over a month ago to bring gourmet eats & beats to the heart of Digbeth. Alfie Bird’s aim is to bring the finest in food, drink, music, arts and more to Digbeth, stimulating the cultural heart of the city centre even further. The venue provides unique experiences, fun parties, gourmet food, exquisite cocktails and so much more.

21 MEET ANDY HADDON OWNER OF LEFT FOR DEAD

WHY BIRMINGHAM? There’s a growing scene of independents in off-pitch places like the Custard Factory that offer an exciting alternative to the identikit high street store. We saw a gap in the market for a great record store selling new records in Birmingham.

DESCRIBE THE INDEPENDENT SCENE IN THE CITY IN THREE WORDS: Promising, different, brave.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IN STORE AT THE MOMENT? The Thai? Dai! Compilation on the Finders Keepers record label. In the 70s there were a lot of bands in Thailand listening to British heavy rock and recreating that sound. The opening track is by a band who obviously listened to a lot of Black Sabbath! It’s essentially ‘Iron Man’ with a unique Thai twist.

ANDY RECOMMENDS…. Alfie Bird’s for a cocktail – it’s within crawling distance from Left For Dead. Brewdog for a drink with your mates.

DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH ANY OTHER INDEPENDENTS IN THE CITY? I’ve worked with the Custard Factory to put on live bands and this is something I’d like to do more of with someone like Alfie Bird’s.

WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR FROM YOU IN THE COMING MONTHS? Left For Dead will be expanding its book range and continuing to grow its vinyl selection. We’ll continue to put on free live in-store gigs and we’re looking at promoting a ‘Left For Dead Monthly Showcase’ of local bands and new talent. LEFT FOR DEAD – CUSTARD FACTORY leftfordeadshop.co.uk Twitter @leftfordeadshop

Left For Dead is an independent record shop at the Custard Factory stocking new releases and back catalogue on vinyl and CD. The store opened its doors six months ago and also sells retro record players, limited edition prints, books and DVDs.

23 STORE DIRECTORY (A - Z)

1Aways Audio Affair Bon Bon Newsagents Chinese Buffet Courtier Cuts Ethos 95 Corporation Street, B2 4UG The Custard Factory, B9 4AA New Market Street, B3 2NH 135 New Street, B2 4NP Steelhouse Lane, B4 6DR 17 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 0121 236 3707 0844 504 0350 0121 236 2976 0121 233 1506 0121 212 3220 www.oneaways.com www.audioaffair.co.uk Chop & Wok www.ethosjewellers.com Bread Collection 17 Cannon Street, B2 5EN Courtney Co. Hairdressing 3D News Autograph 1 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 0121 634 3977 36 Pinfold Street, B2 4DG F 89 The Pallasades, B2 4XJ 15-17 Ethel Street, B2 4BG 0121 246 1212 www.chopandwok.co.uk 0121 643 1899 0121 643 6362 0121 633 3540 www.breadcollection.co.uk www.courtneycohair.com Faculty www.autographmenswear.com Chop & Wok Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD A Brewdog 11 Suffolk Street Queensway, B1 1LT Crockett & Jones www.facultycoffee.com B 81-87 John Bright Street, B1 1BL 0121 643 6430 25 , B3 2BS atoo 0121 616 1339 www.chopandwok.co.uk 0121 236 7351 Finishing Touches 11 Ethel Street, B2 4BG B Beautiful www.brewdog.com www.crockettandjones.com 11 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD 0121 643 3989 10 Cannon Street, B2 5EP Chouchoute Chocolaterie 0121 643 2600 www.atoo.co.uk 0121 643 7617 Bushwackers 40 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU Cyber Candy www.finishingtouchesbeautysalon. www.b-beautifulstudio.co.uk 103 Edmund Street, B3 2HZ 0121 233 1300 80 Bull Street, B4 6AB co.uk adam’s 0121 236 4994 www.chouchoute.co.uk 0121 212 2199 21A Bennetts Hill, B2 5QP Bad Apple Hair www.bushwackers.co.uk www.cybercandy.co.uk Fragile Design 0121 643 3745 4 Burlington Arcade, B2 4JQ Christodoulou’s The Custard Factory, B9 4AA www.adamsrestaurant.co.uk 0121 633 0633 C 6 North Western Arcade, B2 5LH D 0121 224 7378 www.badapplehair.com 0121 236 5845 www.fragiledesign.com Alfie Bird’s Cafe Costes www.hairbeauty.me Designer Leathers The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Benjamin Ryan Hair & Beauty 58 Newhall Street, B3 3RJ 8 The Minories, Bull Street, B4 6AG Frydays 0121 270 6665 117 Edmund Street, B3 2HJ 0121 236 6072 Chung Ying Central 0121 233 2489 32 , B2 4UH www.alfiebirds.co.uk 0121 236 6600 www.cafecostes.co.uk 126 Colmore Row, B3 3AP benjaminryanhair.co.uk 0121 400 0888 Disorder Fumo All Greek Café Neo www.chungyingcentral.co.uk 14 Needless Alley, B2 5AE 77 Temple Row, B2 5BN 33 Stephenson Street, B2 4BH Bicicielo 5-6 Edgbaston Street, B5 4RB 0121 643 2131 0121 643 8979 0121 448 5600 43 Temple Street, B2 5DP 0121 622 5509 Churchills Snooker Club www.disorderboutique.com www.sancarlofumo.co.uk 0121 643 4442 20 Stephenson Street, B2 4BJ Anderson & Hill www.bicicielo.com Callaghan Tailor 0121 633 9061 DJ Tech Direct G 7 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 12 Suffolk Street Queensway, B1 1LT The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0121 236 2829 Biothecare Estetika 0121 643 7334 City Centre News 0121 664 2222 Gavills Auction House and Vintage www.andersonandhill.co.uk 1A, 115 John Bright Street, B1 1BE 6A Temple Row, B2 5HG www.djtechdirect.com Design Studio 0121 643 0643 CB4 Womenswear The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Apple Pie House www.biothecareestetika.com 7 Edgbaston Street, B5 4RB Clements & Church Duvet City 07971 165918 The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 22 Church Street, B3 2NP 2 Gloucester Street, B5 4RB 07515 280902 Bistro 1847 Char Wallah 0121 233 9994 0121 622 1774 Gingermeg’s Vintage www.applepiehouse.com 26 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU Unit 14 High Street, Pavilions, B4 7SL www.clementsandchurch.co.uk www.duvetcity.com/ The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0121 236 2313 0121 633 3681 07891 443993 Asha’s Restaurant www.bistro1847.com www.charwallah.com Cloudo Kids E www.gingermegs-vintage.co.uk 12-22 Newhall Street, B3 3LX 9 Ethel Street, B2 4BG 0121 200 2767 Blakeley-Browns Cherry Reds 0121 270 5348 Edmunds Lounge Bar Gs3 www.ashasrestaurants.com/ The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 88/92 John Bright Street, B1 1BN www.cloudokids.com 106-110 Edmund Street, B3 2ES 15-16 Burlington Arcade, B2 4BL birmingham/ 07769 871844 0121 643 5716 0121 200 2423 0121 643 9292 www.blakeley-browns.co.uk www.cherryreds.com Cocktail Cosmetics www.edmundsrestaurant.co.uk At One Day Spa The Custard Factory, B9 4AA H Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU Bodega Chi Bar & Grill 0121 201 2106 Estilo 0121 233 0600 12 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS 61 Newhall Street, B3 3RB www.cocktailcosmetics.co.uk L8 Bullring Link, Bullring, B5 4BF Handmade Boutique atonedayspa.co.uk 0121 448 4267 0121 233 3150 0121 633 8646 22 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU www.bodegabirmingham.co.uk www.chibar.co.uk Coffee Lounge www.estiloclothing.co.uk 07580 239054 Athens & Napoli 10 Navigation Street, B2 4BS www.handmade-boutique.co.uk 30-32A Paradise Street, B1 2BJ Bolongaro Trevor Chilly Billys 0121 633 9767 Ethos 0121 643 5523 9 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 15-16 Edgbaston Street, B5 4RB www.the-coffee-lounge.co.uk 47 Pinfold Street, B2 4AY Hindleys Bakery www.athensrestaurant.co.uk 0121 236 2443 0121 666 6697 0121 631 3657 128 Steelhouse Lane, B4 6DR www.bolongarotrevor.com Colour and Beauty www.ethosflowers.com 0121 236 2886 83 Bull Street, B4 6AB www.hindleys-bakers.co.uk 0121 233 2879 25 STORE DIRECTORY (A - Z)

Home is Where… J Lisa Shepherd Hair Salon Modern Casuals O Polo Grill Chicken 26 Church Street, B3 2NP 5-7 Temple Row West, B2 5NY The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 38 Pinfold Street, B2 4AY 0121 236 2339 Jinxy Art 0121 236 6981 0123 485 1681 Onu 0121 448 0074 www.homecafedeli.com The Custard Factory, B9 4AA www.lisashepherd.co.uk www.80scasualclassics.co.uk 3 Burlington Arcade, B2 4HD 07743 828231 0121 643 3434 Post Office Vaults HS News www.jinxyart.co.uk Little Chef Montys Sandwich Company 84B New Street, B2 4BA The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 9A Union Passage, B2 4SP Unit 5 Colmore Gate, B4 6AD Onyx Workshop Jewellers 0121 643 7354 John Hollingsworth & Son 0121 236 6607 10 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD www.postofficevaults.co.uk Hub Hair 27 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU Livsstil the Cookshop www.stlmontys.com 0121 633 8220 35 Livery Street, B3 2PB 0121 236 7768 4 The Minories, Bull Street, B4 6AG Primitivo 0121 236 4293 More By Design Opus 10 Barwick Street, B3 2NT Hush Hair JoJolapa Bar & Restaurant www.livsstil.co.uk The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 54 Cornwall Street, B3 2DE 0121 236 6866 35-37 Stephenson Street, B2 4BH 55-59 Newhall Street, B3 3RB 0121 247 7616 0121 200 2323 www.primitivo-birmingham.co.uk 0121 634 3232 0121 212 2511 Loki Wine www.morebydesign.com www.opusrestaurant.co.uk www.hushhair.com www.jojolapa.co.uk 36 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU Profile Espresso 0121 212 9440 More than Vintage P 14 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD I Juliet’s Hair & Beauty www.lokiwine.co.uk 3 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 07788 475524 4 City Arcade, Union Street, B2 4TX Parlour Hair Ian Allan Book & Model Shop 0121 643 4888 Love It! Mount Fuji Queens College Chambers, B1 2AJ Projekt21 12 Ethel Street, B2 4BG www.julietshair.com Studios 55, Newhall Street, B3 3RB 4 Spiceal Street, Bullring, B5 4BH 0121 643 9049 18 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 0121 643 2496 0845 647 1000 0121 633 9685 www.parlourhair.co.uk www.projekt21.co.uk www.ianallanpublishing.com K www.loveitstudios.com www.mountfuji.co.uk Passion for Fashion Menswear Provide Ideal Skate Klassic Koncept M Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe 12 Edgbaston Street, B5 4RB The Custard Factory, B9 4AA The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 9 Lower Severn Street, B1 1PU 34 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 0121 224 8224 0121 224 7392 0121 634 3445 Marco Benito 07852 180257 Passion for Fashion Womenswear www.provideshop.com www.idealbirmingham.co.uk www.blackhairbirmingham.com 18 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD www.mrsimmsoldesweetshoppe. 11 Edgbaston Street, B5 4RB 0121 643 1977 co.uk Prowler Ikon Barbers L www.marcobenito.com Petals of Piccadilly 29-30 Stephenson Street, B2 4BH 32 Stephenson Street, B2 4BH Mutt Motorcycles 17 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD 0121 665 6379 0121 643 6853 Le Keux Vintage Salon McTunney’s Sweet Emporium The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0121 643 2468 www.prowler.co.uk www.ikonbarbersbirmingham.co.uk The Custard Factory, B9 4AA The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0156 273 0429 www.petalsofpiccadilly.co.uk 0121 224 7377 0121 224 7524 www.muttmotorcycles.com Pure Bar & Kitchen Ikon Barbers www.lekeuxvintagesalon.co.uk www.mctunneys.co.uk Piccadilly Cobbler 30 Waterloo Street, B2 5TJ 5 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU N 12 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD 0121 237 5666 0121 236 9080 Left for Dead Meer 07581 292805 www.purebarandkitchen.co.uk www.ikonbarbersbirmingham.co.uk The Custard Factory, B9 4AA John Bright Street, B1 1BN Nails World 0121 773 1526 07738 512010 5 The Minories, Bull Street, B4 6AG Piccadilly Jewellers Purnell’s Bistro & Ginger’s Bar Indoor Market www.leftfordeadshop.co.uk www.meershishalounge.co.uk 0121 236 4334 105 New Street, B2 4HD 11 Newhall Street, B3 3NY Edgbaston Street, B5 4RJ 0121 643 5791 0121 200 1588 0121 622 0201 Lemuria Retreat Metro Bar and Grill Nata www.piccadillyjewellers.co.uk www.purnellsbistro-gingers.com www.bullringindoormarket.net 33 Colmore Row, B3 2BS 73 Cornwall Street, B3 2DF 25 Martineau Place, B2 4UB 0121 233 0556 0121 200 1911 0121 236 5670 Piccadilly Opticians Purnell’s Isaacs Contemporary Indian Dining www.lemuriaretreat.co.uk www.metrobarandgrill.co.uk 13 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD 55 Cornwall Street, B3 2DH 7 Bennetts Hill, B2 5ST Neon 0121 643 2880 0121 212 9799 0121 212 1020 Lerage Beauty Milque & Muhle 10 Edgbaston Street, St Martin’s www.piccadillyopticians.co.uk www.purnellsrestaurant.com www.isaacsrestaurant.co.uk 12 The Minories, Bull Street, B4 6AG The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Market, B5 4RB 0121 633 3333 0121 224 7404 0121 622 4904 Pinfold Dry Cleaners Puro Hair Island Bar www.beautysalons.me.uk www.milqueandmuhle.co.uk 35 Pinfold Street, B2 4DG 1B, 115 John Bright Street, B1 1BE 14-16 Suffolk Street Queensway, News Express 0121 643 8733 0121 616 1168 B1 1LT Liquor Store Mockingbird Theatre and Bar 12 Corporation Street, B2 4RN www.pinfoldsdrycleaners.co.uk www.purohair.co.uk 0121 632 5296 30 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0121 633 9792 www.bar-island.co.uk 0121 236 5830 0121 224 7456 Polo Cafe Bar Q www.liquorstoreclothing.com www.mockingbirdtheatre.com Newsagent 13 Navigation Street, B2 4DD 26 Martineau Place, B2 4UH 0121 439 0034 Quickstitch 7 North Western Arcade, B2 5LH 0121 236 0822

27 STORE DIRECTORY (A - Z)

R Shaz Electronics & Mobiles The Centenary Lounge The Victorian Restaurant Urban Feast Wow Dental 3 Gloucester Street, B5 4RB Snow Hill Station, B3 2BJ 16 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 14 Navigation Street, B2 4DD The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Rawhide Corsets 0121 633 4274 0121 236 8312 0121 643 5575 0121 674 4200 The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Sheila’s Nets www.centenarylounge.com www.urbanfeast.co.uk www.wowdental.co.uk 0121 608 1220 13 Edgbaston Street, B5 4RB The Wellington www.rawhidecorsets.co.uk 0121 622 4022 The Contact Lens Practice 37 Bennetts Hill, B2 5SN Urban Pie WrapChic 5 Lower Temple Street, B2 4JD 0121 200 3115 Middle Mall, Bullring, B5 4BG 3 North Western Arcade, B2 5LH Rex Johnson & Sons Sims Footwear 0121 643 3848 www.thewellingtonrealale.co.uk 0121 643 0040 0121 236 8333 8 Corporation Street, B2 4RN 32 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU www.thecontactlenspractice.co.uk www.urbanpie.co.uk www.wrapchic.co.uk 0121 643 9674 0121 212 3620 The Whisky Shop www.rexjohnsonandsons.co.uk The Couture Company 35 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU Urban Ride Wysteria Lane Six Eight Kafe The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0121 212 1815 The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Unit 15 High Street, Pavilions, B4 7SL Roberts Jewellers 6-8 Temple Row, B2 5HG 0121 608 4445 www.whiskyshop.com 07951 106404 0121 631 1922 10 Temple Row, B2 5HG www.sixeightkafe.co.uk www.the-couture-company.co.uk www.wysterialane.co.uk 0121 212 2615 Thorough Bread Urban Roots www.robertsjewellers.co.uk Smithsonia The Delhi Snow Hill Station, B3 2QD 6 Lower Temple Street, B2 4JD Y 5-9 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD 36 Union Street, B2 4SR 0121 233 0184 0121 643 4747 Roberts Jewellers 0121 643 8194 Yorks Bakery Café 29 Corporation Street, B2 4LS www.smithsonia.co.uk The Dentist in Town Time Square Urban Style Clothing 1-3 Newhall Street, B3 3NH 0121 633 3260 10 The Minories, Bull Street, B4 6AG 8 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU 4 Gloucester Street, B5 4RB 0121 236 8090 www.robertsjewellers.co.uk Sonique 0121 236 8681 0121 233 2888 www.yorksbakerycafe.co.uk Bullring Link, B5 4BF www.dentistintown.co.uk Urban Village Rosen & Nathan 0121 631 3574 Top Tailor The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Yoshe Nail Bar 1st Floor, 17 Cannon Street, B2 5EN www.soniqueclothing.co.uk The Depot 17-19 Martineau Place, B2 4UJ 0121 224 7367 K20 Edgbaston Street, B5 4BE 0121 643 4834 The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0121 236 3266 www.urban-village.co.uk 0121 633 4481 www.rosenandnathan.co.uk/ Stag Creative Barbers The Custard Factory, B9 4AA The Framers Top Tailor Utopia the Country Bar Yum Yum Chicken Rustic Sandwich Shop 07977 319160 The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 16 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD 16 Church Street, B3 2NP 21 Martineau Place, B2 4UB 35 Livery Street, B3 2PB 0121 693 6693 07921 227501 0121 233 3666 07890 010108 0121 233 4444 Staying Cool Apartments www.theframers.net www.bar-utopia.co.uk 150 New Street, B2 4PA Trunk Junkies Vintage Yumm S 0121 285 1250 The Gloves The Custard Factory, B9 4AA V The Custard Factory, B9 4AA www.stayingcool.com 1 Gloucester Street, B5 4RB 0121 224 7365 Sandhu News 0121 622 7067 Tucker’s Victoria Square Café www.yummcafe.co.uk 15 Navigation Street, B2 4DD Stone Willy’s Deli www.the-gloves.co.uk 9 The Minories, Bull Street, B4 6AG 50 Pinfold Street, B2 4AY 0121 643 3605 7 Burlington Arcade, B2 4BL 0121 236 8268 0121 643 1467 0121 643 3023 The Hatman Sandhu News www.stonewillyspizza.co.uk 90 The Pallasades, B2 4DH Twist Café Vintage Hideaway 84 New Street, B2 4BA 0121 643 2047 3 Ethel Street, B2 4BG The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 0121 643 9993 T www.thehatman.net www.twistcafe.co.uk 07999 712726

Sandhu News Talk Of The Town The Jekyll & Hyde U W 12 Cherry Street, B2 5AR 3 Martineau Place, B2 4UJ 28 Steelhouse Lane, B4 6BJ 0121 236 0345 Un Mundo Wayland’s Forge Sara Preisler Gallery Temple Street Social www.thejekyllandhyde.co.uk 20 Great Western Arcade, B2 5HU The Custard Factory, B9 4AA The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 39-40 Temple Street, B2 5DP 0121 236 6056 0121 683 0075 0121 248 4445 0121 643 3378 The Sexy Shop www.unmundo.co.uk www.waylandsforge.co.uk www.sarapreislergallery.co.uk www.templestreetsocial.co.uk 9 Edgbaston Street, B5 4RB Unit 7 Will Murphy Dentistry Schwarma City The Bench 504 The Tanning Shop 8 North Western Arcade, B2 5LH 51 Newhall Street, B3 3QR 23B Martineau Place, B2 4UB The Custard Factory, B9 4AA 49 Pinfold Street, B2 4AY 0121 448 3464 0121 236 7630 07909 394382 0121 643 8281 www.willmurphydentistry.co.uk Serenity www.thebench504.co.uk www.thetanningshop.co.uk Urban Coffee Company 37 Temple Street, B2 5DP 30 Church Street, B3 2NP Wok Your Way 0121 683 0043 The Bureau The Victoria 0121 236 0207 17 Navigation Street, B2 4BS www.serenitybc.co.uk 110 Colmore Row, B3 3AG 48 John Bright Street, B1 1BN www.urbancoffee.co.uk 0121 616 2377 0121 236 1110 0121 633 9439 www.wokyourway.co.uk www.thebureaubar.co.uk www.thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk 29 @ShoppingInBham ShoppingInBirmingham