Hello Solihull 👋

WOW. The response to Solihull Spotlight has genuinely blown us away. We’re only two weeks in and already closing in on 400 subscribers — passionate locals who want to know what’s happening in their community, thank you!

Our favourite part is hearing from you. Please keep the messages coming — whether it’s for Community Spotlight, a local recommendation, or something you’d love to see featured, you can DM us, message us, or email [email protected]. We read every message.

Today is International Women’s Day, and a chance to celebrate the women who shape our families, businesses and communities. Whether it’s mums, sisters, teachers, entrepreneurs or the women quietly keeping things running behind the scenes — Solihull has plenty to celebrate!

It’s also a good moment to mention that Mother’s Day is next Sunday (15 March). If you’re the “I’ll sort it later” type, restaurant bookings may be getting snapped up — but we’ve included a few local (still available) ideas below.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Solihull’s new low-carbon heat network is entering its final stages, with the Energy Centre at Tudor Grange Park nearly complete and the first buildings expected to start receiving heat and hot water as early as this summer. Powered by high-efficiency air source heat pumps, it will provide places including The Core Theatre, Solihull College & University Centre, Tudor Grange Academy and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, with expansion planned to help cut carbon emissions and future-proof the town centre’s energy supply.

👉 Read more here: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/2026/major-construction-milestones-reached-solihulls-low-carbon-energy-network-prepares-go-1

Full transparency: Build Your Bake is run by my wife, Laura, so I’m slightly biased — but the brownies are genuinely the best (just ask our friends and family)! With Mother’s Day next Sunday, if you’re looking for something a little more thoughtful, Build Your Bake is worth knowing about.

Custom brownies, rocky road, cupcakes… you name it; it's perfect for gifting — whether that’s for Mum, a birthday, or for any occasion.

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

Samantha messaged in, telling us one of the things she loves most about living in Bentley Heath is being so close to the countryside and the National Trust places nearby.

Both Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton are just a short drive away and both are running Mother’s Day events next Sunday (15 March), with cafés open for lunch or cream tea — no booking needed! Entry is free if you’re a National Trust member, (cheaper than one-off entry), or it’s £18 per adult, £9 per child and under 5s go free.

👉 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/packwood-house

👉 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/baddesley-clinton

Ross told us of the brilliant community in Olton, including West Warwickshire Sports Complex — a long-standing local sports club offering everything from tennis and squash to cricket, hockey, fitness classes and social events. It’s one of those places where people go for sport and end up sticking around for the community feel.

👉 https://westwarwicks.club/

If you’re after a Mother’s Day lunch that feels a little more special without leaving Solihull, there are still a few local pubs with availability offering set menus next Sunday.

The most popular slots (1–2pm and 3–4pm) are filling up quickly, but if you’re happy going a little earlier or later there are still bookings available. Here are a few good options if you want the cosy pub feel, but slightly elevated for the occasion.

If you want somewhere that feels a bit more polished for Mother’s Day, The King’s Arms in Knowle has a 3-course set menu. It includes pub-classics and special mains like roast sirloin of beef and sea bass, plus a proper dessert to finish. The 3 course set menu is £36.50 and they also offer a Mothers Day Breakfast. £10 pp deposit required.

👉 https://www.thekingsarmsknowle.co.uk

For something relaxed and family-friendly, The Little Owl is offering a 3-course Mother’s Day menu from 11:30am, built around traditional pub favourites and Sunday roasts. A solid option if you’re planning a big family table and want somewhere easy that everyone will enjoy. It’s £32.50 for the 3-course set menu; I’ve personally tried the Sunday trio (Beef, Pork Belly and Turkey) and would fully recommend. £5 pp deposit required.

👉 https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/midlands/thelittleowlsolihullnec/mothers-day

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

👉 https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/birmingham

If you’re a rugby fan like me, you might have seen the news that Italy beat England for the first time… ever. Not the result England fans were hoping for, but England head to Paris next week to face France, and they’ll be hoping to finish the Six Nations on a high.

A small note before Mother’s Day: we know this time of year can be painful for some. If you’re missing your mum, grieving someone important, or just finding the build-up hard, we’re thinking of you too. If you need support, Cruse Bereavement Support is there to help.

👉 https://www.cruse.org.uk/understanding-grief/managing-grief/grieving-on-mothers-day/

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.

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