This weekend has felt like Solihull waking up for spring! For us, that meant a walk around town, a browse of the Continental Market, a peek into the new Sostrene Grene on the High Street, and then home in time to make the most of the sunshine, including, yes, the first lawn mow of the year.

It’s also a special milestone, because Solihull Spotlight turns 4 weeks old today since our very first newsletter, and honestly, we’ve been blown away by the support so far. Every kind message, share, recommendation and reply genuinely means a lot. And if we haven’t replied to you yet, we’ve seen your messages and we will get back to you soon!

What’s your favourite sign that spring has arrived in Solihull? Reply and tell us, we might feature some next week.

In today’s edition:

— Max

Heartwood Inns’ new Solihull pub, The Muddy Fox, is coming to Solihull High Street following the group’s acquisition of the former Missoula and Luna site at 140–144 High Street, B91 3SX, opposite Carluccio’s.

The historic building is set to be given a renovation and brought back into use. Plans include a new pub with 25 boutique rooms, helping bring more life, energy and hospitality to the heart of Solihull.

Many of you will know Heartwood Inns from nearby venues such as The Black Swan in Henley-in-Arden or The Red Lion in Stratford-upon-Avon, which gives a good sense for the kind of venue we can expect. For Solihull, a positive addition to the High Street — a characterful new pub and hotel in a recognisable high street spot.

Why it matters: it brings a long-empty landmark building back into use and adds another quality food and stay option right in the centre of town.

👉 Read the Solihull Council announcement

Following World Down Syndrome Day yesterday, this week’s sponsor is the wonderful Solihull Down Syndrome Support Group. They’re a parent-led local charity supporting families and carers of children and young people with Down Syndrome across Solihull and the surrounding area. Founded in 2000, the group creates opportunities for families to connect, share experiences and access support through inclusive activities, events and community sessions.

It’s a brilliant example of the kind of organisation that helps make Solihull such a strong and supportive community. Please take 30 seconds to visit their website, learn about what they do, and share it with someone who should know about them.

👉 If you know a family, school, SEN setting, or local organisation that should know about SDSSG, please share their website with them today: Explore SDSSG

Want to sponsor Solihull Spotlight? If you’d like to get your business in front of local readers across Solihull, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a DM on Instagram at @solihullspotlight or email [email protected] to find out more about sponsorship opportunities, featured placements and how we can help shine a light on what you do.

This week, Louise messaged in to say one of the things she loves most is being able to walk into Solihull town centre and the town centre parks. That’s one of the loveliest things about Solihull, within a short walk, you can go from shops and cafés to green space. It feels especially fitting to mention Malvern Park this week, as the park is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with Solihull Council unveiling the first part of a centenary art installation as part of a year-long celebration. It’s a lovely reminder that these green spaces are part of what gives Solihull its character.

Emma messaged in to tell us she loves the airport viewing benches near Sheldon Country Park and we completely get why. If you’ve ever run, walked or stopped there for a few minutes, you’ll know how special it is watching the planes come in so close overhead. There’s something quite unique about having Birmingham Airport on our doorstep. Of course it connects Solihull to holidays, family visits and business trips, but it also gives the area a real sense of energy and connection to the wider world.

For something a little more relaxed but still a treat, Ortada in Dorridge is a brilliant midweek option. This Turkish restaurant has a Monday and Tuesday deal: £18 per person for a starter, a main, and Turkish tea or coffee. Whether you’re catching up with friends or just fancy a night away from the kitchen, this is a great pick!

👉 See The Menu

Fiesta del Asado in Shirley is worth having on your radar. The stylish Argentinian spot mixes bold food with a fun atmosphere, with hanging plants, vibrant artwork and a striking bar that makes it feel a little different from your usual local dinner option. Their early bird menu runs Monday to Saturday until 6pm, with 2 courses for £25. Expect options like spicy chorizo, juicy steaks and hearty pasta dishes — a very solid deal if you fancy something flavour-packed after work or an easy early dinner that still feels like a treat.

👉 Early Bird Menu

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

It was a tough one for Solihull Moors, who fell to a 3–0 home defeat against FC Halifax Town on Saturday. On the ice, though, Solihull Barons gave local fans something to cheer about with a 5–2 win away at Hull Jets, before returning home to face Telford Tigers N2 on Sunday evening.

• 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 with one of these: FAMILY, FOOD, WALKS, DEALS, LIVE MUSIC, SPORT or HIDDEN GEMS — and we’ll shape next week’s edition around what you want most.

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