Welcome to your daily briefing. Regular readers may recall Madeleine’s ill-fated attempt to fly to Dublin a few weekends ago, thwarted by a faulty plane and a lengthy wait on the tarmac at Birmingham Airport. We are pleased to report that on Saturday, she bravely navigated through holiday crowds again and successfully boarded a flight to Ireland. After a weekend filled with craic in Dublin, she returned in time for The Dispatch’s sold-out hustings event tonight. Those joining us later, we look forward to meeting you. For those who missed out, keep an eye out for upcoming events, as plans are underway. If you have suggestions for themes or speakers, please leave a comment—we read them all.
Low n Slow BBQ Controversy
Andy Stubbs of Low n Slow, a popular street food vendor, has faced criticism on Reddit due to delays in his plans for a Birmingham restaurant, for which crowdfunders contributed £53,000. Stubbs recently announced a residency at a food hall in Hereford, angering his Birmingham donors. In 2018, Stubbs launched a Kickstarter to convert his BBQ stall into a permanent restaurant, offering perks from a signed photo for £10 to tacos for life for £5,000. However, years passed without a premises, leading to frustrated Reddit threads. One user called him a fraud, while another described him as a loser. Stubbs explained that potential locations in Digbeth, John Bright Street, and Moseley fell through due to unsuitability for his meat smoker. He also faced tax issues, learning that 20% of donations would be taxed if not invested in assets. He spent the funds on a prep kitchen in Old Hill instead of a restaurant, and fell into depression. After The Dispatch contacted him, Stubbs emailed donors to apologize and offered a small intimate dinner as compensation. James Seconde, a donor of £150, noted that this step only occurred due to the Reddit backlash.
Camp Hill Line Rivalry and Transport Plans
Rivalry between Mayor Richard Parker and former mayor Andy Street over the reopening of the Camp Hill Line has intensified, with competing local election pledges. Parker focuses on extending the tram to Birmingham FC’s new stadium and upgrading stations near Villa Park, while Labour remains non-committal on new stations. The Lib Dems and Greens support an additional station on the Camp Hill line serving Balsall Heath, and the Greens back reopening the Sutton Park line. The Conservatives are most ambitious, prioritizing rail and metro schemes over Sprint buses and proposing a feasibility study for a Birmingham underground. Critics dismissed the idea, with geography lecturer Simon J Dixon calling it silly due to unsuitable geographical, geological, and hydrological conditions. However, Transport Shadow Cabinet Member Tim Huxtable argued that infrastructure techniques have advanced in the last 20 years and that a step change is needed for Birmingham’s economy. With limited funding and pending reviews, even modest transport plans may remain aspirational.
Other News
A man has been jailed for secretly recording 465 people using the toilet. A stabbing on Frankley Beeches Road left a man in his 20s with serious injuries. Nine men were arrested for drug dealing linked to the Smila line in Lozells. A man has been charged with murder following the death of Asidu Chala. Jude Bellingham bought a 1.2% stake in Birmingham Phoenix cricket franchise, stating he owes the city something. Police are investigating a hit-and-run that killed a 44-year-old man in Bartley Green.
Media Picks
The Observer highlighted improved food at football stadiums, praising St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park for offerings like crunchy fried potatoes with cauliflower curry, deep-fried cheese at Little Greek, pollock from Small Fry, and cauliflower nuggets from Only Jerkin’. Last week marked 50 years since Birmingham playwright David Edgar’s play Destiny, about the rise of the far right in a fictional West Midlands town. Edgar reflected on Substack, and The Observer noted its vision is becoming reality.
Events
Celebrate May Day on Saturday at Sarehole Mill in Hall Green with food, upcycling, and Morris dancers (£8 tickets). On Thursday, attend a lecture on Tudor and Stuart England at the University’s Alan Walters building. Thursday also features the CBSO performing Classic FM’s hall of fame hits at Symphony Hall (from £26). For International Jazz Day, head to 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter on Friday or Samai Thai restaurant on Thursday. On Thursday, Professor Dan Hicks discusses his book Every Monument Will Fall at the University of Birmingham (free). On Saturday, Rosie’s Retro Bazaar hosts a Book Extravaganza at Uffculme Centre (£2 entry).
