Hello Solihull 👋

I know we promised no politics, but before we start, a quick reminder to say that it’s local election day today. If you’re heading out to vote, don’t forget to check your polling station and take your ID with you.

Away from the ballot box, there’s plenty happening locally.

Something new is coming to Touchwood and it involves board games, craft beer, collectables and a very tempting Golden Ticket offer. More on that below.

This week, we’ve also got a funding opportunity for local community projects, a gentle spotlight on a brilliant SEN support group, two tasty restaurant picks, and a rundown of what’s on, from theatre and craft shows to live music, big events nearby, and a pub walks.

As always, thank you for reading and sharing!

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Something a little different is coming to Solihull town centre this month. Game Guru Café is set to open in Touchwood next Thursday 14 May, bringing board games, coffee, craft beers, handmade food, collectables and social gaming nights to the centre.

The idea is simple: a relaxed place where you can grab a drink, sit down with friends, and get stuck into a game, whether you’re a board game regular, a family looking for something new to do, or someone who fancies a slightly different night out.

It feels like a great addition to Touchwood, especially as more people look for social things to do locally that don’t just revolve around shopping. We can’t wait to try this!

Expect games, themed evenings, food, drinks and plenty of chances to get competitive over a table. To celebrate the launch, the first 100 visitors will receive a Golden Ticket, giving them unlimited play for a year for £50 (usually £350).

Are you a board game fan? Hit reply and tell us your go-to game, we might feature the results on Sunday.

👉 Game Guru opens at Touchwood on Thursday 14 May.

We’ve been genuinely blown away by the local support for Solihull Spotlight. What started as a hobby to share positive local news, events and hidden gems is slowly growing into something much bigger and we’d love to work with local sponsors who wants to be part of that journey.

Solihull Spotlight now goes out to 1,000+ local residents, helping people discover what’s happening across the borough each week. If you’re a local business, venue, charity or community organisation that would like to reach a local audience, please get in touch.

👉 Reply to this email to find out more

Do you have a local project that could make Solihull a little better?

The Caremark Community Care Fund is inviting residents, community groups, charities, schools, pre-schools and not-for-profit organisations to nominate projects that deserve a funding boost.

Three winning projects across the UK will each receive £3,000, with ideas ranging from new equipment for inclusive sports groups and food banks, to community gardens, playground upgrades, village halls and local shared spaces.

A judging panel will shortlist 12 projects, including one from the West Midlands, before the winners are decided by a public vote.

So, if you know a Solihull park, school, charity, community group or local space that could do something brilliant with £3,000, this is well worth a look.

👉 Apply here - Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday 31 May 2026.

Safe Space Solihull SEN Support Group was highly commended at this year’s Solihull Civic Honours Awards in the Small Community or Charity Group of the Year category.

The award celebrates local groups and charities that have made a real impact in their communities and Safe Space’s recognition is a reminder of just how important support for families with children who have additional needs can be.

If you’re a parent, carer, grandparent, teacher, or you know a family navigating SEN support, this is a group worth knowing about. A gentle reminder that sometimes the most powerful community work happens quietly, consistently, and close to home.

👉 Find out more here

For pizza lovers, Red Hot Mamma on Station Road is one to have on your radar. They specialise in Neapolitan-style pizza, using simple, fresh ingredients, Italian tomatoes and Caputo flour, the proper Naples-style approach.A lovely local option for date night, family pizza night, or a relaxed catch-up over good food in the town centre.

👉 Red Hot Mamma

If you fancy something colourful, bold and full of flavour this week, Indico Street Kitchen in Touchwood is a strong shout. Think Indian street food, curries, thalis, chaat, butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, paneer dishes, cocktails and plenty of sharing-style plates if you’re going with a group. It’s a nice one for a dinner, a catch-up with friends, or a pre-theatre bite before heading over to The Core.

👉 Indico Street Kitchen

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

Solihull Moors — season wrapped, but still one to watch
The league season may have finished, but Solihull Moors are still worth keeping on your local sport radar. Whether you’re a regular at Damson Park, thinking about going next season, or just like keeping up with local football, it’s a good time to watch for summer updates, season ticket news and new fixture announcements.

👉 Solihull Moors fixtures and news

• 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 Sunday! 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.