Every picture tells a story
Professor Richard Verdi retires at the end of this academic year, after 17 years as Director of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. He looks back on his illustrious career amongst the canvases. more
Brum full of Asha
Asha Bhosle approaches cooking in the same way that she does for her music. more
Who Dares Wins
Artist Arron Bird, aka Ttemper, speaks exclusively to Cityliving after being commissioned to create the centrepiece sculpture for the new Cube development. more
Back on track
Jamie Oliver may have revolutionised the nation's school dinners, but given half the chance, you sense Ashia Hansen could do a similar job when it comes to sport and exercise. more
Champagne supernova
Buying some fizz for Valentine's? James Taylor, senior wine buyer for House of Fraser, Birmingham, looks at the do's and don'ts of buying champagne. more
New York state of mind
I'm no Alan Whicker, but I've been to a fair few places around the world - and few have left such an impression as New York. more
Winter warmers
Faced with a sea of turkey and sprouts in the coming weeks? Try some of these seasonal recipes to add a little variety - and the perfect comfort food for those cold dark nights ahead. more
One of a kind
In the spotlight, larger-than-life Lenny Henry is unable to resist turning into one of the characters that have made him into a household name. Who can blame him? The young man from Dudley has come a long way since being discovered in the Seventies on a television talent show - fame, fortune and a life lived out in public. Annie Roberts catches up with one of the region's favourite success stories. more
Light My Fire
Heat your home in style this winter with these contemporary fires, stoves and fireplaces.
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Treasure chest
Darren Thomas takes the family for a break in Chester - which they discover is much more than just 'home of Hollyoaks' more
Say cheese
Do you know your Stinking Bishop from your Shropshire Blue? Here's everything you need to know to celebrate National Cheese Week which runs until October 2. more
Cornish Cream
Stacey Barnfield enjoys the chic delights of the valley more
No space like home
The passengers on narrowboats that weave their way along the canals in the heart of Birmingham city centre do not know they are being watched. Neither do the ducks that break the evening's silence. High above the waterways a new community has emerged that is breathing fresh life into the heart of the city centre. CityLiving looks behind the doors of one couple who have discovered the good life. more
Makeover Messiah
Nicky Hambleton-Jones is TV's queen of the quick fix when it comes to looking good - so who better to host this month's glamorous Style Birmingham fashion show? Jon Perks spoke to the South African style guru for her thoughts and tips on making the most of yourself. more
The green green grass of home
The kerbside appeal of Westmoor in Lady Byron Lane, a stone's throw from the heart of Solihull, does even the faithful owners admit, little to inspire. more
