Hello Solihull 👋

We’re mixing things up a little this week.

With the May Bank Holiday weekend just around the corner, today’s edition is packed with ideas to help you make the most of the long weekend, whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for somewhere local to eat, fancy trying something creative, or just want a gentle nudge towards something happening nearby.

As always, thank you for reading, sharing and supporting Solihull Spotlight. Every forward, referral and kind message helps this little local newsletter reach more people across the borough.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Plans have been brought forward for a new housing development in Tidbury Green, with proposals for up to 190 new homes on land east of Tilehouse Lane.

The site covers around 14.8 hectares next to Tidbury Green and Dickens Heath, with the proposals including a mix of home sizes. The plans also say 50% of the homes would be affordable, with open space proposed south of Birchy Leasowes Lane and land safeguarded for possible community use, such as allotments or a community orchard.

For local residents, the big questions will likely be around roads, schools, green space, GP access and how the village changes if the development goes ahead.

The consultation website is currently inviting local feedback.

👉 View the proposal and share feedback

This week’s local partner is Ananda Pearl Yoga & Wellness, a calming Solihull-based space created by Dr Gurpreet Solanki for anyone who feels like life has been moving a little too fast lately.

This one’s special. Gurpreet’s journey into wellness began during a deeply challenging season of grief, overwhelm and perimenopause, when Yin Yoga became a way to pause, soften and come back to herself.

That lived experience now sits at the heart of Ananda Pearl. The classes are about resting, breathing, stillness and giving yourself permission to stop for a moment.

My wife and I tried one of Gurpreet’s classes yesterday and genuinely can’t recommend it enough, we’ll be back! The class was very calming, Gurpreet is super welcoming and exactly the kind of reset you don’t realise you need until you’re there.

At Ananda Pearl Yoga & Wellness, Gurpreet offers weekly Yin Yoga classes, mini retreats and day retreats, with sessions incorporating Yoga Nidra, sound healing and a nurturing atmosphere designed to help you properly switch off.

So if your mind has been busy, your body feels tense, or you’ve simply been craving a bit more calm, this is a lovely local one to explore.

👉 Explore upcoming classes and retreats with Ananda Pearl Yoga & Wellness

A brilliant local event for anyone who wants to walk, jog, run, fundraise, volunteer or simply be part of something bigger this summer.

Race for Life Solihull takes place at Malvern Park on Sunday 14 June 2026, with both 3k and 5k options. It’s designed to be welcoming for all ages and fitness levels, so whether you’re chasing a time, walking with friends, pushing a buggy or running in memory of someone special, it’s all about raising money for life-saving cancer research.

Cancer Research UK is also looking for event volunteers to help make the day happen. Roles could include setting up, supporting participants, cheering people on or helping at the finish line and you can give as little as a few hours.

👉 Volunteer here & Sign up here

A free menopause meet-up is running at The Fox, Catherine-de-Barnes, giving local people a relaxed space to pause, chat and connect.

The group is hosted by Menopause Knowledge CIC with the next session on Wednesday 20 May, 10am–12pm. It is described as a warm, confidential space, and people can register in advance or simply turn up on the day. If you have any questions please contact, [email protected] or [email protected] for further details.

👉 Register Here

A smart country pub and restaurant tucked away on Barston Lane, serving modern British food with a relaxed village feel. It’s a strong pick for a proper lunch, evening meal or Sunday roast-style outing, with food served Monday to Saturday at lunch and dinner, and on Sundays until late afternoon. The pub is also family-friendly, dog-friendly and has parking, which makes it an easy one for a relaxed meal just outside town.

👉 The Malt Shovel at Barston

A cosy independent café in the heart of Knowle, serving homemade breakfasts, brunches, lunches and cakes. A lovely one for a slow morning, a catch-up with friends, or a midweek coffee-and-cake stop while supporting a family-run local spot. Their menus cater for different appetites and the café also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

👉 Elderberry Blacks Café

We’re doing something slightly different this week: a big list of family-friendly things to do in and around Solihull this May Bank Holiday weekend. Whether you want a full day out, something indoors, a local sports fixture or a low-effort family plan, here are a few ideas to have on your radar.

• 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.