The Ticketing Professionals Conference is an annual event that brings together professionals in the ticketing industry to discuss trends, innovations, and best practices. Held in Birmingham, UK, this conference attracts attendees from all over the world, including ticketing managers, customer service representatives, marketing executives, and technology providers.
The conference is typically held over the course of two or three days, and it features a diverse range of speakers, panels, and workshops. The speakers are typically drawn from both within the ticketing industry and from related fields, such as marketing, customer service, and technology. They share their experiences, insights, and best practices, and attendees have the opportunity to learn from their expertise.
One of the key themes of the conference is innovation. With rapid technological advances, the ticketing industry is constantly evolving, and the Ticketing Professionals Conference is an opportunity for professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and tools. Speakers often discuss the use of data analytics, digital marketing, and mobile ticketing, among other innovations. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others and take home ideas and strategies to implement in their own organizations.
The conference also offers valuable networking opportunities. Attendees can connect with others in the industry, share their experiences, and make new contacts. This is particularly valuable for those who may not have many opportunities to connect with others in their field on a regular basis.
Overall, the Ticketing Professionals Conference is a valuable event for anyone working in the ticketing industry. It offers a chance to learn from industry leaders, stay up to date on the latest trends, and connect with others in the field. Whether you are a ticketing manager, a customer service representative, or a marketing executive, there is something to be gained from attending this conference.
Ticketing Professionals Conference 2023 – 22nd to 24th March 2023 at The Vox, Resorts World, Birmingham
Birmingham’s Entertainment District celebrate the success stories in and around Broad Street on a night Velvet Music Rooms take home a hat trick of Awards winning Best Bar Manager, Employee of the Year and Best Bar.
Birmingham’s unparalleled awards celebrations and events calendar kicked off 2023 with the annual Westside BID WOWs Awards.
The WOWs (Wonders of Westside) celebrate the great and the good of Westside BID (Business Improvement District) which manages Broad Street, Brindleyplace and Broadway Plaza; Birmingham’s Entertainment District.
The WOWs have previously been held at The ICC, Edgbaston Stadium, Pryzm Nightclub and during lockdown, online live from CRAFT Fine Dining Restaurant and Bar. This year, the format was reimagined and held at The Crescent Theatre in Brindleyplace.
The venue and format was a huge success with the theatre demonstrating its flexibility to host an awards event. Huge thanks to all the staff at the Crescent for delivering a great night.
Over 200 guests were welcomed by hosts Corey Hadley from Velvet Music Rooms and Jimmy Franks from BBC who introduced Andy Bennet from Ocean Colour Scene and Lorraine Olley from Westside BID.
The first set of Awards were unveiled, lets take a look at the winners;
Best Fine dining – Pushkar
Best Hotel Team – The Novotel
The Best Promo Team Leader – Joseph Jackson at Vodbull
Best Retail – Sainsbury’s
Best Doorman – Richard Keating from Reflex
Best Bar team – Popworld
Best Newcomer – Heidi’s Bier Bar
Best Arts and Entertainment Manager – James Booth, The Crescent Theatre
Best Arts and entertainment venue – The REP Theatre
The Best Promo Team – Vodbull
The evening’s entertainment then continued with the fabulous Tommy Sandhu delivering a stand up comedy set.
I’ve worked with Tommy for a number of years and his energy levels are off the scale. His attention to detail is incredible, when filmed ahead of the evening he spoke about the WOWs encompassing Broad Street and the surrounding area. Given this was his first contact with the Awards event, it demonstrated he had clearly done his homework.
The Best Club Team – Pryzm
Best Casual Restaurant – Barajee
Best Restaurant Manager – Kostas Panagiotidis
Best Bar Manager – Steve Goddard Emmison
Best front of house – Siamais
Best themed Night Out – The Grosvenor Casino
Best Club Manager – Jo Ellerby
Best Door Team – Obar
Best Casual Restaurant – Jimmy Spices
Employee of the Year – Hilli Fletcher
Years of Service Award – Connor Kingsley – Mr Mulligans
Long Service Award – Sadiq Zaman
The most impressive Refurbishment – Rosies
Best Pub – O’Neil’s @ONeillsPubs
Best Club – Rosie’s
Best Bar – Velvet Music Rooms
Andy Bennet and Lorraine Olley wrapped up the formal part of the evening before guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the Theatre bar.
Hospitality was the first commercial casualty of lockdown. The WOWs remind us of the night time economy’s contribution to the UK. Not all venues survived, those under the umbrella of large corporate entities had arguably more protection than the independents.
It was pleasing to see this reflected in independents Pushkar and Rosies both winning two awards and Velvet Music Rooms scoring a hat trick. The teams were clearly delighted on the night.
Big or small, it’s important to recognise the resilience demonstrated throughout this period of upheaval.
Congratulations to all 2023’s WOWs winners who celebrated late into the night. Great job everyone.
How much ground can you cover with 24 hours in Manchester? Jas Sansi finds out in the great Northern City
I’ve been to Manchester a number of times but never on a city break. Trips have always been work related.
I spent a leisurely 24 hours in Manchester this week to right this wrong and I can highly recommend it.
I checked the weather forecast to pick a day where it wasn’t raining. Weather in the Pennines changes faster than Prime Ministers!
Luckily it subsided, parked the car in an NCP (£20 for 24 hours) and checked into The Midland Hotel. This is a great hotel, it feels as if the city has grown around it. Everywhere is within walking distance.
Checked in, unpacked and headed out. First stop; to visit the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, the political activist who helped women get the right to vote. Go see this statute and hold Emmeline’s hand, its quite an experience.
Popped into the stunning Manchester Art Gallery to see the Lowry paintings. The history of Art is littered with representation from the upper levels of society. Lowry is a rare exception to that and his depiction of Working Class communities in Manchester and the surrounding areas is a breath of fresh air.
@mcrartgallery manchesterartgallery.org
Walked over to ChinaTown and had lunch at Try Thai. If you love Thai food, you’ll love this place. They have an express lunch offer for £8.95, the menu options are also very reasonably priced, and wonderfully prepared.
If you do stay at The Midland Hotel, everything in central Manchester is within walking distance. There’s also (geek alert) an incredible Tram network that has a charming ‘toot’ you will hear throughout your stay. Bus network is also great with single fares around £1.60
Did a bit of shopping whilst in town at Slaters. Go see Sales Executive Rakesh Jairath when in store for some great customer service and a great ambassador for the bricks vs clicks retail battle. Many thanks Rakesh
Wore my new clothes for a visit to 20 Stories Manchester for a G n T. What a place. Its owned by D & D London who recently launched Orelle at 103 Colmore Row in Birmingham.
Manchester’s skyline from 20 Stories at night is phenomenal. What would Mr Lowry have made of that?
@20StoriesMCR 20stories.co.uk
Enjoyed dinner and wine at Rosso. This place is very stylish and also very friendly. United legend Rio Ferdinand is a partner in the business, a fabulous place.
@RossoRestaurant rossorestaurants.com
Slept like a baby after its first 12,000 steps. Next morning, enjoyed a full English at The Midland including an awesome lemon muffin which I took with me to enjoy later.
Walked to the Manchester Museum opposite the University. Unfortunately its temporarily closed for refurbishment but it was good to see the University district again.
Popped back to the Manchester Art Gallery and saw this iconic painting ‘A Cheetah and a Stag with Two Indian Attendants’ by George Stubbs (1764). This painting was purchased in 1970 for £220,000, the highest price ever paid for a British painting at the time.
It was partly funded by The Department for Education. Sounds like a great Levelling Up strategy for attracting visitors outside the capital.
Got back to Brum to learn Manchester City Women beat Blackburn Women 6-0 in the FA Cup. Emily Pankhurst would be smiling.
This is a place that knows how to win. Go visit.
Jas Sansi is a freelance Photographer based in Birmingham @jassansi 07930 837 505 – above pics taken on an iPhone
Mani Gill, Rakesh Soni, Jagruti Duggal, Bob Balu and Andeep Mangal (Soho BID)
Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID) receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their work in Birmingham. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. It is the MBE for voluntary groups.
Business Improvement Districts are business led partnerships which are created through a ballot process to deliver additional services to local businesses.
They can be a powerful tool for directly involving businesses in activities and allow the business community and local authorities to work together to improve the local trading environment.
Soho Road, Holyhead Road and Soho Hill are managed by Soho Road BID. The aim of Soho Road BID is to improve the image, business interest and appeal of Soho Road.
To be nominated for a Queen’s Award, a recipient should do work that provides a service and meets a need for people living in the local community, is supported, recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit from it and is run locally.
The Soho Road BID Team were handed the award in a formal ceremony at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Many congratulations to the Soho Road Business Improvement District on winning the Queen Awards for Voluntary Services. It is wonderful news, and I am particularly pleased that the first BID to win this award is based right here in the heart of the West Midlands. Well done to all involved.”
Leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr Ian Ward said: “This richly deserved award speaks volumes about Soho Road BID and its importance to the local community. The BID team clearly understands that Business Improvement Districts are about so much more than business interests, they’re about a sense of place, local pride and community. Well done to all involved.”
Chairman of Soho Road BID, Bob Balu speaking at the ceremony “We believe we are the first Business Improvement District in the UK to achieve this accolade.”
Shabana Mahmood MP “I am very proud to represent the ward managed by Soho Road BID. I congratulate them on their immense achievement in being recognised for The Queen’s Award. You have made the community proud.”
Rakesh Soni, Soho Road BID Manager “I feel immense pride for the Soho Road BID achieving this accolade today, being with the team since 2013, I’ve seen first hand all the efforts everyone has put in, from all the volunteer Board Directors of the BID, all students from the locals schools and colleges, the businesses/organisations and the local residents of our community. This award being received today is for all of them.”
Anjum Khan, Director of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce shared her best wishes to the BID ‘Many congratulations to Soho Road BID in winning the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Its great Soho Road BID have been recognised for their dedicated time to support their local community during times of rapid change and unprecedented challenges. The Queen’s Award is thoroughly well deserved.”
Commenting on the award, Handsworth’s very own Kash ‘the flash’ Gill, four times World Kickboxing Champion “It’s great for Handsworth to be put on the National map as there so many individuals and groups doing some amazing work and finally seeing B21 getting some positive feedback makes me proud.”
Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, Deborah Cadman OBE “I am delighted to see Soho Road BID receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Soho Road BID has worked closely with people living in the local community to ensure businesses can meet their needs.”
Khalid Mahmood MP “I congratulate Soho Road BID on winning The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It demonstrates the value the BID has to the local community. I encourage the BID to continue their hard work in promoting the district.”
Westside BID Manager Mike Olley who heads up one of the most successful Business Improvement Districts in the UK said of the recognition “This is not an easy award to win. People should not underestimate the significance of this award. The Members, Directors, the City of Birmingham and the region should be very proud of what Soho Road BID has achieved.”
Ninder Johal DL, CEO of Nachural, present at the Hippodrome “Every successful society involves people going beyond what is expected of them. It is therefore appropriate that people who put in their own time for the benefit of their communities are duly recognised. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the real pinnacle of such recognition.”
Congratulations to all recipients. Their selfless duty benefits immeasurable numbers of people in our region. The volunteers represent the very best of us and their stories, work and can do spirit is inspiring. It was an honour to be present today and see each of them recognised by Her Majesty The Queen and saluted by the West Midlands Lieutenancy.
Press Release Ends
For more information about Soho Road BID, please contact Rakesh Soni 07944 960766
For additional images, please contact Jas Sansi 07930 837 505
Jas Sansi on writing and playing the music on a cocktail film for Park Regis Birmingham
Posted Friday 27th August 2021
The idea for writing and playing the music for a short film ‘The Roman-esque’ was inspired by an interview I saw with Paul McCartney.
The Beatles legend spoke about how he was spending lockdown; surrounded by family and producing an album entitled ‘Three’ in which he played every instrument as well as singing.
I thought that was incredible. And having storyboarded the film, briefed the mixologist, lit the scene and captured the footage, I decided to write and perform the music.
I’m not Paul McCartney, no one is Paul McCartney but the spirit of his adventure runs through the 39 second film.
A lot of thought went in to the music; it opens with minor chords Am, Em, Dm and Fm7. Each of these represent the ingredients of the cocktail.
The A chord strumming in a 4/4 beat represents the shaking of a cocktail mixer.
The F chord represents crushed ice being poured into a cocktail glass.
The Gm7 is the cocktail pour.
The music switches to G for the first sip.
The film ends on a C representing the ‘ahhhh’ moment of a cool drink.
Enjoy the film. Let me know what you think.
Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer and videographer based in Birmingham.
The poet Philip Larkin wrote a poem called ‘The Importance of Elsewhere.’ Its about identity and the notion of home and foreign lands. I suspect we elevate foreign climes at the expense of what we have here on our doorstep.
Holidays are automatically associated with airports and being elsewhere. The Covid19 pandemic has allowed us to re-evaluate the spaces around us. This may prove to be a positive legacy from the most challenging of times.
I’ve been to New York twice. I’d never been to York until yesterday. It was a long overdue visit. Its nothing like New York, it reminded me of Rome in parts but I’m doing it a disservice, York is incomparable. It’s a place you should experience.
An overnight stay is ideal, but 15,000 steps on a day trip will cover a lot of ground and history. The statue of Constantine the Great outside York Minster is striking. I’ve never seen a statue of him before and I’ve been to Istanbul a couple of times. The Turkish city Constantinople was named in his honour before it was called Istanbul.
Betty’s is an institution and the only time you have to queue for tea other than at a football ground at half time. Don’t be put off by the long line, it moves fairly quickly and you’re about to experience a cultural icon in hospitality.
York Minster is incredible. Pre book a tour of the tower, we couldn’t get one on the day so one for next time. There’s 276 steps to negotiate but I imagine the view is breath taking, literally.
The Shambles is the maddest street you will ever see. I’ve been to narrower ones in Prague and Venice but neither of these were streets in the sense of having shops on either side.
Great to see public performance artists and buskers back out there adding a splash of colour to the streets.
The image above is the York Minster’s Treasurer’s house. It is beautiful. The scale of the house and garden is aesthetically perfect. Note to the kids, being a Treasurer is better than being the Priest.
It was details like the gargoyle’s above that make makes York feel like Rome. These are everywhere and that’s why a two or three day trip is recommended to really get under the skin of this walled city.
The ancient ruins and surrounding walls mean York is an eternal city. It’s a living museum, a seat of learning and a glimpse into the past.
On a practical note, there is parking available in the city, take £13.50 in change with you. This will allow you more than 5 hours parking and the telephone method of paying, ‘Ringo’ is a pain. Great drummer, poor app.
We had lunch at Harkers in St Helen’s Square. This is a Nicholson pub with outside tables which is fab.
Wear comfortable shoes, take a camera and have tea and cake at Betty’s. Who needs to be elsewhere?
State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank celebrate 100 years in the UK with a client dinner at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
Business Leaders share their best wishes as the bank marks their UK centenary.
Photographs and Story from Jas Sansi 21 August 2021
100 years is an incredible milestone. Consider Britain in 1921 when SBI first launched its UK operation;
Leicester University became the first ever crowd funded Higher Education establishment opening its doors for its first students.
Women are allowed to study for full academic degrees at Cambridge for the first time.
The very first British Legion Poppy Day is held, honouring those who fought for Britain including soldiers from the Indian subcontinent.
Sharad Chandak, Regional Head (UK) of SBI shared his thoughts; “The State Bank of India is delighted to be celebrating its centenary of operations in the United Kingdom. Over the last hundred years, the Bank has earned a deep-rooted trust.”
“The State Bank of India has been active in the UK since 1921, growing to become the largest Indian bank in the country. We still consider SBI as an evolving organisation and keep on learning and progressing with the changing times.”
“We are extremely thankful to all our customers and staff members who have been part of this journey. I am delighted to celebrate this auspicious milestone and look forward to SBI UK’s next 100 years.”
Preet Kaur Gill MP for Birmingham Edgbaston congratulating SBI on their centenary said “Since its launch in 1921, State Bank of India has made a definitive mark as the largest Indian bank in the country. It has a fine reputation for building customer relationships that went well beyond just banking. I wish them every success.”
State Bank of India is the 43rd largest bank in the world and boasts a 25% share of the total loans and deposits market in the world’s largest democracy. The global bank operates in 31 countries.
Vishal Bahri (Senior Area Manager of SBI UK Birmingham) said “We have been through a challenging period due to Covid 19. Thank you to NHS staff for all the wonderful work during pandemic and bringing back the freedom to do things that we all enjoy.”
“Thank you to all customers for support and giving an opportunity to serve and choosing to stay with us. SBI UK is growing and adding new customers in UK with every passing day. We have exciting product offerings and we are passionate about customer service.”
“We have built a reputation of being a stable and safe bank over the last 100 years in UK and we look forward to share the success with local businesses and individuals interested to join us in this journey.”
Ninder Johal, CEO of Nachural Publishing and Events speaking about SBI said “In an ever changing world where businesses rarely survive more than a few decades – it is so impressive to see this banking giant continue to serve the needs of business and individuals for a century – access to finance is what leads to a fully functioning and well oiled economy and society.”
SBI started life as the Imperial Bank of India in 1921 and rebranded in 1955 following its takeover by the Government of India.
Henrietta Brealey, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) “On behalf of the GBCC I would like to congratulate the State Bank of India on this truly historic milestone. Our organisations have a longstanding relationship through our Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and we are delighted to see this global organisation, with roots in the local community, continue to flourish.“
The 100 year celebrations at Edgbaston Cricket Ground saw invited guests toast the bank’s centenary in the UK at a stadium no stranger to English and Indian success.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands sharing his best wishes to SBI said “Congratulations to the State Bank of India on their century. 100 years ago investing in the UK must have been an incredible leap, but now we know it was so far sighted. May your next century be even more successful – for sure there’s so much business to be done between our two great countries”
Mike Olley, General Manager of Westside Business Improvement District (BID) shared his best wishes “A big happy birthday to the State Bank of India from Westside BID, the banking and financial services capital of the West Midlands. 100 and looking in exceptional health with significant prospects. Dare we suggest a move into Westside would be a great tonic for growth over the next hundred years?”
Jason Wouhra, President of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) said “The ABCC have great pleasure in offering State Bank of India our hearty congratulations on achieving their amazing milestone of 100 years in the UK. During this time SBI have provided invaluable support to countless businesses and the Asian community. We wish SBI every success for the future. Here’s to the next 100 years.”
Sanjay Pandey, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer speaking on behalf of SBI welcomed guests to Edgbaston saying “Thank you for being part of this celebration. We thank you all for being a part of State Bank of India for so many years and we are only able to celebrate this centenary because of our customers like you. We are very proud to have been here in the UK for the past 100 years. We aspire to be here for the next 100 years and more. Thank you all for being associated with State Bank of India and we look forward to serving you in the years to come.”
In the month India celebrate its Independence, I would like to echo the heartfelt wishes to State Bank of India, shared in this article, on the 100th anniversary of their presence in the UK.
SBI has flown the Indian saffron, white and green flag around the world. For the pride they have injected into the nation, I salute and congratulate the State Bank of India on their 100th anniversary in the UK.
Note to Editors
For more information and images please contact Vishal Bahri
Staycation breaks are here for the foreseeable future so I spent two nights in the capital because its an awesome place and easily one of the best cities in the world.
Caught the train down because congestion and clean air charges and parking fees make driving into London a luxury. Fast train to Euston and then a black cab to W1.
Checked into our hotel; The Dilly in Piccadilly. We were early but the room was available, dumped our cases and headed out.
Enjoyed a Gin and Tonic on Greek Street before lunch at Patara Thai restaurant. Set lunch is £13.50 for a starter and a main. Very much enjoyed the food here. A glass of white and a draft Singha with 12.5% service charge was a few rice grains above £50.
‘We’re not going on a summer holiday’ would never have been a hit for Cliff Richard. It just doesn’t share the optimism and adventure of the original 1963 song.
With overseas holidays still uncertain with amber lists, quarantine rules and vaccination passports, we decided to take a break here in the UK.
My daughter lives in Liverpool so what better excuse to travel 90 miles up the M6 and explore Merseyside.
I’d recommend a visit to the region to anyone, it’s an incredible place. Here’s what we did if you are looking for a three day itinerary.
Day 1
Drove up, parked up and checked into A Hard Day’s Night hotel in the Cavern Quarter. Fab location in the heart of the city with everything within walking distance.
Had lunch at Shiraz Palace on 45 Ranelagh St. I’ve eaten here a few times and its my go to place.
Walked to the TATE Gallery, admission is free for most of the exhibitions but timed tickets are required.
Walked around Albert Dock before dropping into Revolution for happy hour cocktails (two for £10 as long as you order two the same)
Popped back to the hotel for a siesta.
Dinner at Crust, fabulous pizza with the best gluten free pizza I’ve ever seen.
Played pool for an hour (£10) at Boston Pool Loft
Day 2
Went for an early morning stroll. Found the prettiest walkway to enjoy an early morning coffee. It’s part of the Bruntwood Queen Insurance Building. Well worth finding. The coffee shop wasn’t open when we arrived at 8:30am so I bought two from Greggs round the corner and sat on one of the outside tables. The cafe was just opening as we were leaving but they certainly didn’t tell us to move on. All part of the welcome you can expect from the city.
Had brunch at The Brunch Club. The outside seating is a sun trap but the interior is well worth experiencing as well.
Walked to Liverpool Cathedral to see the ‘Peace Doves’ installation. Mesmerising.
We all went to Jasmine Spa where for £20 (30 minutes), they will do to your spine what the chef at Crust Pizza does to the dough. Walked out feeling about 3 inches taller.
Jumped in the car and drove 7 miles to Crosby Beach to see the Antony Gormley art installation ‘Another Place.’ Very moving, a must see.
Back in the city, paid homage to the Beatles statue which has a hidden symbol on each of the four statues, see if you can spot them.
Ended the night with drinks on the terrace of Matou, a pan Asian restaurant with unparalleled views of the waterfront’s architecture before moving to a table indoors to watch the sun set over the Mersey and on a pretty ace staycation.
Who needs overseas travel when the sun shines on the UK?
Jas Sansi enjoys a birthday dinner with his family at Dishoom Birmingham.
And like the candles on his cake, he’s blown away with the new restaurant at One Chamberlain Square.
Birmingham’s latest addition to a mesmerising food scene has been gently unveiled over recent weeks. From Michelin Star Celebrity Chefs, Digbeth Dining and Desi Grill Deliveroos, Brum’s tums have never been so spoilt for choice.
Dishoom Birmingham has landed.
Strange sounding name for a restaurant? Readers who grew up hypnotised by 1970s Indian Cinema will be familiar with the name. Dishoom is the sound effect added when the action hero socks the villain, squarely in the jaw.
Social media has been awash with the arrival of bacon naan rolls and exclusive to Brum, a mutton chaap korma. Expect a flurry of images on Instagram of the big Bombay, Dishoom’s full English Breakfast.
Dishoom Birmingham have rolled out the saffron carpet at One Chamberlain Square. The building is shared with PwC but there’s no accounting for the beauty of the restaurant’s interior. It is simply gorgeous.
Dark wood panelling, calming botanicals, ceiling fans and soaring closets showcasing Bombay goods transport you to distant lands as you step into the restaurant.
The genius of the interior, reminiscent of a bygone era when Irani cafes peppered Bombay is this; it will improve with age. Scuffs, dents and marks will aid the restaurant’s journey from design vision to a neighbourhood favourite. We will make it our own.
Dishoom Birmingham is spectacular in scale. 330 covers is one small step for Naan, one giant leap for Naan kind.
Bookings are not taken for parties fewer than six. The customer experience invites you to turn up, walk in, be welcomed (everyone is welcome), sit down, order, eat, drink, settle your chit, exit and savour the memory.
In view of the Corona Virus, NHS England suggest washing your hands before your meal for twenty seconds. Alternatively sing Happy Birthday twice. If you had come with me, you could have sang it three times.
The team behind the group, including Executive Chef Naved Nasir, and Head Babus Shamil and Kavi Thakrar are credited for introducing Indian Street Food to the UK. As first cities outside of their capitals, Bombay is seamlessly twinned with Birmingham.
Bombay (Mumbai) is an incredible place. If you ever get the chance to visit, take a copy of ‘Maximum City – Bombay Lost and Found’ by Suketu Mehta. I can’t imagine you’ll get time to read it there but persevere, it’s an unparalleled insight to the place.
For local intelligence on where to eat in Bombay and how to recreate the group’s menu, pack a copy of ‘From Bombay with Love’ from Dishoom. This has been my bedtime reading over recent weeks. It’s £26 and available in the restaurant.
The food and drinks in Dishoom Birmingham are inspired by the spirit of Southern Indian states unlike other Indian restaurants in the city, which are a nod to North India. It serves up familiar dishes alongside the unfamiliar.
India has never shied away from the ability to innovate. For two thousand years India endured wave after wave of invasion. From Alexander the Great in 326 BC to Great Britain in 1608, foreigners have been drawn to its fertile soil. India in turn adapted to shifting political landscapes.
Some of India’s greatest leaders and cultural icons are celebrated on the walls of Dishoom Birmingham. Look for the photograph of Independent India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru in cricket whites.
I was particularly struck by the photograph of Bhagat Singh. He’s not someone who will ever earn mention in British history books but his memory has never faded from Punjabi folklore.
Bhagat Singh’s inclusion on the wall demonstrates just how much thought has gone into the restaurant’s design in a region where many people have ancestral ties in Punjab. For younger readers of Punjabi heritage, seek his picture out at Dishoom Birmingham and salute him. Your ancestors will be touched.
The women and men on this wall represent India’s political and thought leaders. They ended the cycle of adapting to the whims of invaders, and started to set the agenda for a post colonial and free India.
The world’s largest democracy has shaped our region’s Indian community from 4000 miles away for over 70 years. For Brummies of Indian origin, it is our collective long distance relationship.
That said, India cannot claim a monopoly on adaptive evolution. Look around in Birmingham and the West Midlands right now. Change emanates on our streets, squares and thoroughfares.
Dust hangs in the air from power tools breaking ground. Ideas are being chiseled from granite blocks of creativity.
Dishoom Birmingham isn’t here by accident. This is a city region on the up. And its marching forward at high speed too.
Dishoom offers a fresh perspective on Indian food and what an Indian restaurant in 21st Century Global Britain looks like. Their compass has steered them to a good place with perfect timing.
Namaste Dishoom Birmingham, or as we Sikhs convey, Sat Sri Akaal (True is the Great Timeless One)
You are welcome. You will flourish. We shall eat well together.
Dishoom Birmingham, One Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3AX
Jas Sansi is a freelance photographer based in Birmingham @jassansi 07930 837 505
Jas Sansi PHOTOGRAPHY 