Hello Solihull 👋

Hope you all had a great weekend! Sunday nights always feel like the “reset button” — the moment you remember you’re meant to plan one or two nice things this week… before Monday arrives at speed.

So here’s your quick, curated Solihull fix: a useful local update, a couple of easy midweek plans (Mon–Thu), and a “coming-up” list you can screenshot and use.

Let’s get you set up for a good week ahead.

— Max

Funding is now up for grabs in Solihull and local groups can apply. Solihull Council says community organisations can bid for £388,964 of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to improve local neighbourhoods in Elmdon, Knowle, Shirley East, Shirley South, and St Alphege. The deadline to submit bids is Friday 22 May 2026. If you’re part of a residents’ association, charity, school, or community group with a “we could fix/upgrade/build this” idea, this is one to forward to the right person.

👉 https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/2026/nearly-ps400000-community-funding-now-available

If you’ve got a birthday or one of those “I should probably bring something nice…” moments coming up, this week’s sponsor Build Your Bake is one to have saved. They do custom brownies, rocky roads, cupcakes (and more) that are ideal for gifting, taking into the office, or just upgrading your weekend snack situation.

👉 Ordering is easy just drop them a message on Facebook and they’ll sort the details with you: https://www.facebook.com/buildyourbake

One of our favourite parts of Solihull Spotlight is hearing what you’re all actually doing, because it’s not ‘influencer’s recommendations,’ it’s real Solihull people telling us what’s actually worth our time.

Emily emailed in with a nudge we all need: if you’re craving fresh air but don’t want a big mission, Elmdon Park is the answer. Quick to get to and easy to park nearby. Nestled on the edge of Solihull, Elmdon Park is ideal for families, it offers run, relaxation and adventure amongst wide open spaces.

👉 https://www.solihull.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/elmdon-nature-park

This one got us thinking: if you want a proper, unfussy café that feels like a local staple, The Picnic Basket is the go-to. Think café comfort, good value, and the kind of place that’s perfect for a catch-up without needing to “make it a thing.” They’ve got indoor and outdoor seating and my personal favourite is the breakfast wrap. If you’re feeling brave, they have their Famous Picnic Basket Challenge. 5 x of everything plus more for £19, but trust us when we say you won’t be able to move afterwards!

👉 https://thepicnicbasket.co.uk/

If you want a midweek treat that feels like a weekend, Hickory’s Earlswood has a full line-up of Smokin’ Deals running Monday–Thursday from 3pm and they’re genuinely good value for what you get. I’ve tried the BBQ blowout and Steak and Shake before and you won’t be disappointed!

This week’s line-up:

👉 See the deals: https://hickorys.co.uk/offers-and-events/smokin-deals-in-hickorys-earlswood/

If you want somewhere that feels properly special but still relaxed: Fox, Hampton Lane is a neighbourhood restaurant in Catherine-de-Barnes with a seasonal, sustainable menu, natural wine, and a lovely “treat but not try-hard” vibe. It runs from coffee + breakfast through to dinner, so it works for both a slow brunch or an easy date-night plan. Albeit closed Monday and Tuesday, this one’s well worth a visit!

👉 Have a look / book: https://www.foxhamptonlane.co.uk

This section includes upcoming events. For a complete list, you'll have to wait for future editions!

Know another run club?
Reply to this email with the name + when/where they meet — I’m building a proper “Solihull run clubs” list and I’ll feature the best ones in an upcoming spotlight. (I’ve already found a few like Centurion RC and Just Start Running, but I know there are loads more.)

The Moors come into this week off a proper chaotic one away at Scunthorpe, a 3–3 draw where Solihull were reduced to 10 men after Tyler French was sent off, and still managed to grab a late point. Big “never say die” energy.

Next home game: Solihull Moors vs Gateshead — Sat 7 Mar, 15:00
If you want a proper local Saturday plan (and a reason to get out the house before 2pm), this is an easy win, football, a good atmosphere, and you’ll still have the evening free.

👉 Fixtures / updates: https://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/first-team-fixtures
🎟️ Tickets: https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en

If you’ve never done ice hockey live: it’s loud, fast, and ridiculously fun, and Planet Ice Solihull is one of the best “different” nights out around.

This week’s fixture: Telford Tigers N2 vs Solihull Barons — Sat 7 Mar, 18:00

👉 Full 2025/26 fixtures: https://solihull-barons.net/new/calendar/2025-26-fixtures/
👉 “Come to a game” info (includes doors / face-off times): https://solihull-barons.net/new/come-to-a-game/

(Barons note: they recommend booking online via Planet Ice or arriving early; doors typically open 4:30pm Sundays / 6:00pm Saturdays depending on face-off time.)

If you fancy a proper big-day-out without going far: Crufts lands at the NEC this week, four days of dogs, displays, shopping, and the kind of atmosphere that feels like a mini festival (even if you don’t own a dog).

📅 Dates: Thu 5 Mar – Sun 8 Mar 2026
📍 Where: NEC (Solihull)
👉 Info / tickets: https://www.thenec.co.uk/events/crufts/

A quick, feel-good wander in town: Surreal Solihull is a free outdoor exhibition. Honouring the legacy of Emmy Bridgwater, the surrealist artist and poet who called Solihull home, this vibrant outdoor exhibition at Solihull Station features newly commissioned work from 29 artists across Solihull and the West Midlands.

👉 Info + details: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/surreal-solihull

• Bin collections: https://digital.solihull.gov.uk/BinCollectionCalendar/
• Council news + updates: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news
• Travel disruptions (West Midlands): https://disruptions.tfwm.org.uk/

Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 let’s chat again on Thursday! Hit reply and tell me what you want more of next week: family, events, food, deals, walking routes, live music, sport, or hidden gems.

P.S. Want your business in front of local Solihull readers? Reply with SPONSOR and I’ll send over our options.