In a world obsessed by change, one modest York Road terrace stands upright and unmoving, a beacon of continuity for all those who pass by. For thirty years, The Polar Bear has served as a haven for local musos, providing them with a space in which to indulge their passions and connect with like-minded individuals. […]
Established by a young Sohale Abbas back in 1992, it’s fair to say that, over the course of its thirty-year history, Boundary Sports has seen it all: two recessions, one pandemic, and an internet revolution to boot. So how is it that this family-run business, specialising in the sale of hockey and cricket equipment, has […]
A seemingly permanent fixture amidst the ever-changing shopfronts of Kings Heath High Street, Byzantium Tapas Restaurant has defied convention in more ways than one since its establishment on York Road almost twenty years ago. Known for its joyful fusion of people, countries and cultures from across the Mediterranean, Byzantium’s success lies in the simplicity of […]
Tucked behind a narrow alleyway, just off Institute Road, much of ·nook·’s magic lies in its unassuming situation: blink and you might miss it. And yet, a veritable treasure trove of one-off creations and contemporary art pieces, ·nook· gallery & studios is surely one of Kings Heath’s unsung heroes, providing the area with a space […]
Having first set up shop on the High Street all the way back in 2008, Ginseng Tang Acupuncture Clinic has undoubtedly earned its place as a much loved Kings Heath staple. But what is it that keeps locals coming back, time and time again? Karen Li is quick to credit an inclusive and open-minded local […]
Tucked between How Brave is the Wren and The Vintage Stop, on Kings Heath’s York Road, is A Painted Room. This pretty little store specialising in chalk paint and home décor is a fairly recent addition to the area, having opened in 2021 after moving down the road from Moseley when their former premises flooded. […]
Top Banana was vintage before vintage was cool. It was on York Road before York Road was cool. But what actually is Top Banana? I talked to Amanda, who has worked in the shop for over a decade, to find out what makes it tick. Top Banana was founded by Kevin Lyne over 20 years […]
Although The New Photo Company itself has only been on the High Street for less than two years, the shop is a continuation of a Kings Heath photographic legacy. In talking to Supreet, the proprietor of the company, I find out about the legacy of the Suri family in Kings Heath photography, as well as […]
Linens ’n’ Things is an unassuming shop on the High Street, situated between Burger & Sauce and Loco Lounge. At this point, the shop has been in Kings Heath for 25 years – and the owner, Latif has been here the whole time. He came to England from Pakistan in 1997, so he set up […]
Sale! From the 1st to the 12th of December 2023, Seesaw Opticians are offering 30% off their entire range! As soon as you walk into Seesaw Opticians on Poplar Road, you immediately realise that this is not just any old high street optician. The atmosphere is warm and cosy, incense and calming music drift on […]
Hidden Gems: Kings Heath Mirrors and Lighting One of the veterans of the High Street, Kings Heath Mirrors and Lighting has seen it all in their 38 years on Kings Heath High Street – in fact, current manager Jaz reckons every single other shop has changed in the time they’ve been around. Jaz’s dad, Ali, […]