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EXCLUSIVE: THE MOST EXCITING
COLLABORATION LAUNCH IN YEARS
Possibly the most tantalising food and drink creators in Birmingham are getting it together to create something truly intriguing on Bennetts Hill. Chef Alex Claridge, creator of The Wilderness (pictured left) and bartender supreme James Bowker (right), who you really should have had the good fortune to meet at The Edgbaston, have got their hands on a four-floor property, next to where Adam's started out. Bringing the next iteration of The Wilderness to life with the help of this eerie launch video, there will be a 40-cover food offering (The Wilderness currently does just 24) and, on a separate floor, a 60 to 70-cover bar which they've yet to name. And as far as interiors go they're keeping schtum — a lot about this venture is to remain a puzzler — but expect even more from the kitchen, which will be significantly bigger and more resourced than the restaurant's current home, and the sort of mad touches for which The Wilderness has become synonymous. "We've seen what can be done with a sane mind," Alex told us "thankfully we don't have that problem." Keep your eyes on this email for more news.
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FILM OF THE WEEK: A GHOST STORY
As summer dies down and the blockbuster circus leaves town, how’s about a palette-cleanser from digital destruction? You won’t get more lo-fi than this – largely set in a single house, it’s the story what happens when one unnamed half of a couple (Casey Affleck) dies in a car crash, only to return to haunt the house he shared with his wife (Rooney Mara). In a pretty big gamble, the ghost is played by Affleck literally wearing a sheet over his head, like he’s going trick-or-treating. If you can get beyond that – some will find it ridiculous, others will get it – you’ll not find a horror, but film of quiet ambition, as Affleck witnesses events future and past on the same scrap of earth he silently haunts, gaining wisdom as he observes the lives of those who cross his path. It’s a Marmite flick, to be sure, but don’t forget some people love Marmite.
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WOMEN & PROTEST MAC & BIRMINGHAM
It's Autumn at mac Birmingham. Okay it's not but the team has this week launched their September programme, with women at its centre. Including events, visual arts and workshops, the central exhibition at Women & Protest is based on an exploration by Sarah Payen of the peace protests at Greenham Common and the role that females played. The season has a strong link to the Craftivism movement, which uses traditionally “feminine” or “domestic” arts such as sewing and embroidery to protest in quieter, non-violent ways. Don’t Blow it Handkerchiefs is one of three workshops being led by founder of the global Craftivist Collective, Sarah Corbett. Embroider a powerful message on a handkerchief as a way of influencing people to make a positive difference. And get a natty materials kit while you do. On October 7, it’s £22.
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Venue: The Meat Shack, 17 Thorp Street, B5 4AT; website
Choice: Dutch Piggy (£8) Chooser: The streaky bacon made us do it
When was the last time you held a person in your arms because a burger tasted so damned good? For us, it was an hour before we wrote these words. And the manager at The Meat Shack didn't even look surprised — we weren't the first to very nearly weep over the meaty mysticism, and by God, we won't be the last. Aged beef patty adorned with dripping Dutch cheese, American cheese and streaky bacon is what this pocket of perfect is about, with ketchup, chipayo and crunchy onion flakes to do both texture and a gentle piquant. We hadn't even finished our first bite when we started lapping the room with Conga-esque excitement. And if you're all about the heat, opt for a Hell Shack (£7.50) complete with green chilli relish and Rib Man Holy F**k Sauce. Two bites were delicious but enough for us on this one — our companion in yum literally exhaled "Holy F**k" before totally getting the sauce on an almost meditative level. So very good with Birmingham Brewing Co's Pale Brummie — a thirst quenching citrusy little number. And as for the great Meat Shack vs OPM debate, we have a very clear response — we'll be eating precisely twice as many burgers. Menu
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EYES DOWN, BOTTOMS UP
Two little ducks are putting the balls back in bingo, and you are cordially invited. Accompanied by two hours of bottomless beveraging (choose from Prosecco or Amstel) this ain't your normal competitive number crunching — think gold sequin jackets, a lotta-lotta-laughs, ludicrous amounts of hair gel and musical sojourns of the not entirely serious persuasion. Taking place at The Button Factory on August 27 and led by those crackers quackers from Rafiki's Cuisine, we ran a study and it turns out this is the best Sunday of the year to go out out, what with the day following being a bank holiday. For a bottomless billet in advance, there are a limited number of tickets for £20, rising to £25 when the first release sells out. Or get a seat for a tenner if you're not saucing. Either way, the team is putting on bar snacks for bingo-ers. And, just like in Pat Sharp's Fun House, there are prizes to be won.
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