Hello Solihull 👋

We know Mother’s Day can bring up a lot of different feelings for us all.

For many, it’s a lovely excuse to celebrate mums, grandmas, step-mums and the women who quietly do so much for the people around them. But we also know today can feel difficult for some, especially if you’re missing your mum or finding this time of year a little heavy. However today lands for you, we’re thinking of you. 💙💛

It’s been a classic Solihull March weekend: a bit cold, a bit bright, and just enough sunshine to tempt you out for a walk before reminding you it’s still coat weather. This week, Solihull is forecast to stay cool, with a mix of cloud, sunny spells and the odd passing shower, before things warm up a little.

So whether you headed out for lunch, wrapped up for a park walk, or used today to reset for the week ahead, we’ve pulled together a useful mix of local news, ideas and events worth knowing about.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Local News

Mell Square multi-storey car park is closing at the end of March

A big change is coming to Solihull town centre: Mell Square car park will close on Tuesday 31 March as part of the first phase of the wider Mell Square / Holbeche Place regeneration plans. Solihull Council tells us the closure is needed so decommissioning work can begin ahead of demolition, with construction work due to start in June. The broader approved scheme includes up to 1,600 homes, retail and new public spaces. The nearest parking alternatives are Poplar Road, Lode Lane Pay & Display, and Dominion Court.

If you know, you know. Melbicks is one of those lovely local spots that’s perfect for a coffee and a wander round. Part of the Blue Diamond Group, they’ve also got a handy loyalty card, which is a plus if you find yourself popping back. I can personally recommend their huge selection of indoor plants. With lots to browse indoors and out, plus a restaurant on site, it’s a lovely place for a relaxed catch-up or an easy mooch around.

Community Spotlight

Mum’s Brunch Club at The Boat — Catherine-de-Barnes

This felt like the perfect one to mention on Mother’s Day. Running every Monday and Thursday from 10am, this mum’s brunch club offers a relaxed chance to enjoy good food, coffee and great conversation with fellow mums. With brunch favourites on the menu and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a really nice way to connect locally and to have a slower morning for yourself.

Men’s Walking & Talking Solihull

The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday, with walkers meeting at 6.45pm to set off at 7pm from the main gates of Malvern & Brueton Park, New Road, B91 3DL. It offers local men a chance to get outside, meet new people and support their mental well-being, whatever the weather. You can find out more via their Facebook group.

The Mid-Week Food Nudge

Eros Knowle, B93 0JU

Eros is an independent Greek and Italian restaurant on Knowle High Street. A good midweek shout if you fancy eating out without it turning into a full weekend spend. They have a set menu available Monday to Thursday. It’s 2 courses for £21.95 or 3 for £24.95, a solid local midweek option for a nicer dinner out.

Bloom Solihull, B92 8JJ

If you’ve not tried Bloom yet, this is your nudge. This independent brunch café is a great local spot for a midweek catch-up, coffee date or breakfast, with a menu that goes beyond the usual and gives you something a bit more special than your standard café stop.

Coming up this week:

A few things worth having on your radar for the days ahead — from creative workshops and family plans to movement, music and local clubs. We’re also working on a dedicated Solihull Events Calendar for the website soon.

Art / Workshops / Classes 🎨

  • Creative Socials at Warwick Arts Centre — Wed 18 March, 1.30pm-4pm
    A drop-in creative session, low-pressure and it’s free. This week focuses on Spoken Word Techniques with Sipho Eric Ndlovu. You can bring your own writing for performance tips, or come ready to write something new with Sipho’s support before trying it out live in a welcoming setting.

  • Sing Solihull at The Core — Every Thursday, 1pm-2pm

    A friendly weekly lunchtime choir for adults of all ages and abilities, whether you already sing or just fancy trying something new. It’s a lovely way to meet people, learn to harmonise and do something genuinely feel-good in the middle of the week.

Family & Theatre 🎭

  • Twycross Zoo — Open daily, 10am-4pm

    If you’re after a proper midweek day out with the kids, Twycross Zoo is a great nearby option. With plenty of animals to see and enough to make it feel like a real adventure, it’s an easy one to keep in mind for a family day that’s a bit more special than the usual park trip.

Move Your Body 🚴🏑

  • Solihull Cycling Club (SCC) — Weekly coaching at Tudor Grange Park
    With hints of Spring in the air, this is a great option. SCC runs sessions from the cycling circuit in Tudor Grange Park, with options for different ages and ability levels. Their coaching generally follows a weekly pattern of Monday evenings for beginners, Tuesday evenings for advanced riders, and Thursday evenings for intermediate riders, making it a great local option for anyone keen to build skills and confidence on the bike.

  • Hampton-in-Arden Hockey Club — Tues, Wed & Sun training

    A great local option if you want to get back into hockey or try a new team sport. Training runs Tuesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm for ladies, Wednesdays 7pm-8.15pm for men’s development and 7.30pm-9.30pm for men’s performance, plus junior training on Sundays 10am-11.30am at Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-in-Arden, B92 0DQ.

  • Pure Retreat, Solihull

    A local beauty-spa option if you want something treatment-led rather than a full hotel spa day. They offer massage, facials, laser hair removal, skin tightening, CACI treatments, waxing and tanning, so it’s a good all-rounder if you’re looking for a bit of self-care locally.

Live Music 🎤

  • Andy Grimwood at The Dry Spy, Knowle — Fri 20 March, 9pm-11pm

    A laid-back local music night, good atmosphere and live music in the heart of Knowle.

  • UB40 Tribute at The Lake at Barston — Fri 20 March, 7pm

    Expect a fun night of familiar hits and singalong energy, a great one for groups or anyone who loves a bit of reggae-pop nostalgia.

  • Doyle’s Bar opening in Solihull town centre this April 🍀

    With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, this caught our eye: Doyle’s Bar Solihull is set to open on Poplar Road in April 2026. Founded by two mates from Solihull, the new independent bar is promising live music, sport, games and great drinks and it sounds like an exciting addition to Solihull town centre.

Sport ⚽🏉🏒

If you’re into your rugby, what a Super Saturday that was! Despite England falling just short against France by a single point, it was a much-improved performance and plenty more encouraging than we’ve seen at times this Six Nations!

Solihull Moors: James Clarke departs

There’s been plenty going on at Solihull Moors this week, with the club confirming that James Clarke has left to join Boreham Wood, bringing to an end what they described as a “hugely memorable spell” at Damson Park. Off the pitch, Solihull Moors and The Solihull Moors Foundation also backed the Unite for Access campaign, supporting accessibility and inclusion for disabled fans and reinforcing the message that football should be welcoming for everyone. After a tough 5-1 defeat away at Wealdstone on Saturday, the Moors are quickly back in action this week, with another National League fixture away to Brackley on Tuesday 17 March followed by a home game on Saturday 21 March, with a 5.30pm kick-off vs Halifax.

Solihull Barons Ice Hockey (Planet Ice Solihull)

NEC Events this weekend:

  • National Homebuilding & Renovating Show – NEC

    Running 19–22 March, this is one for homeowners, renovators and anyone currently deep in a Pinterest board / extension / kitchen-dream phase.

  • Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show – NEC

    Also at the NEC from 20–22 March, this one brings together more than 1,300 classic cars, 160+ car clubs and 250+ exhibitors. Great shout if you’ve got a car enthusiast in the family.

  • National Outdoor Expo – NEC

    On 21–22 March, the NEC is also hosting the National Outdoor Expo — a very decent option for walkers, runners, hikers, campers and anyone in their “I want to be outside more this year” era.

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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