Birmingham Post

Ab Franks ; Hannah Stephenson Meets Ab Fab's Inspiration and Woman of Vision, Lynne Franks

Lynne Franks sweeps into her spacious flat in west London, all wooden floors and big, squishy sofas, a few pieces of ethnic furniture peppered here and there. After more than 30 years in business, she's still rushing around, although she is far less crazy and far more switched on than the Absolutely Fabulous character Edina, who was said to be modelled on her.

Eat to the Beat ; Jo Clements Explains How Pop's Softer Side Is Appealing to the Masses

Once pop success belonged to the rock and roll rebels who gyrated for all they were worth, dabbled in drugs and women, and shocked the nation by swearing on television. Artists from Elvis to the Rolling Stones to the Sex Pistols set the music world alight with guitar riffs, sell-out gigs and controversial charisma. But now it seems to be those with a lush orchestration, a softer touch and a broader appeal who are getting the tills ringing.

Medicated Followers of Fashion ; Emma Pomfret Proceeds with Caution Through a Minefield of Potential Injuries in the Modern Household

Surprising new government statistics have revealed that some of Britain's fastest-growing dangers have arisen not from the usual suspects of crime and disease, but from the latest fashionable fads - such as polished wooden floors and trendsetting micro-scooters. In a recent study detailing exactly how people hurt themselves at home and at leisure, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) discovered that ever-changing fashions and social crazes have led to a substantial increa...

Future Lifestyle Trends to Be Weary Of

FASHION London Fashion Week kicked off on Valentine's Day with a taste of what's to come in the autumn and winter. Wide-legged trousers are losing none of their popularity, while flowing bell sleeves -a la kimono style -and wide cuffs are also set for a fashion renaissance. You can congratulate yourself on being ahead of the style pack -until you start tripping over your own trousers and catching every single door handle on your sleeve as you pass. Naomi Campbell may have fallen over her own ...

Wine Style: On the Grapevine ; Clive Platman Samples Wines for Everyday Drinking

The reputation of Bordeaux is somewhat fearsome. Aristocratic chateaux producing wine only the wealthy investor or collector can afford, and then traded as a commodity at auction. These are wines with amazing longevity, and only discussed in reverential tones. It seems that the bottles and labels are only to be looked at, admired and stroked, but never opened or enjoyed! That would appear to be for the best as the reds have been regarded as being rather thin and weedy, hard, austere and too t...

Brief Taster ; the Chequers, Cutnall Green, Nr Droitwich

Table Talk: That Sinking Feeling ; Alison Davison Gambles On a Re-Review of an Old Venue but Finds It More Than a Little Washed Up: Brown's, South Quay, Worcester 01905 26263 Hhh

A lot of water had passed under the bridge since I last visited Brown's and when I visited recently there was even more water about - the Severn, which flows right outside, was at scarily high levels. We parked the car unsure of whether it would still be in dry dock when we got back. The restaurant has changed hands since my previous visit and a re- review was in order to see whether much had changed with the new owner, Richard Everton, of Evertons deli and the Crown and Sandys in Ombersley. ...

Eating Out: Brief Taster ; Restaurant Bosquet, Warwick Road, Kenilworth -01926 852463

House of Fraser: The Light Fantastic

Lighting -for so long the Cinderella of interior design -has emerged from the shadows to reveal its magical properties. It used to be an afterthought, too often considered last when the decoration, furniture and accessories had been chosen.

Offers: The Mailbox: Spoil Your Mother at the Mailbox ; Win a Meal for Four Plus Spa Pampering

The Mailbox is offering Birmingham Post readers the chance to win an indulgent visit for someone special just in time for Mother's Day. The winner will enjoy a relaxing lunch for four at Denial Bar & Restaurant, with a menu overseen by Michelin starred chef Pat McDonald, a luxurious 'Mother's Day Spa Day' at Obsession Salon & Spa, which includes a full body massage with aromatherapy oils, and a beautiful bouquet from Frangipani, Birmingham's premier florist, all at The Mailbox.

Offers: Classic Getaway ; Win a Weekend Break in Emily Bronte Country

We've teamed up with Classic British Hotels to offer a lucky Birmingham Post reader a fabulous two-night break for two people in a superior room inclusive of a threecourse dinner and full breakfast at Gomersal Park Classic Hotel in the heart of Emily Bronte country. Whether you want to relax in front of a roaring log fire or treat yourself to a city centre shopping spree, Classic British Hotels has the perfect choice. Whatever you're looking for -a romantic getaway for two, a little luxury an...

Offers: Fantastic Offers From Classic British Hotels

Planning your weekend away has never been so rewarding with Classic British Hotels and Advance Booking Discount. If you know when you would like to travel, book your break more than 60 days in advance and receive fantastic discounts of 30 per cent or even more at a choice of magical Classic British Hotels across the UK. There are a fixed number of rooms specially selected at each of our hotels that offer this amazing discount so you can be sure that your room will meet or exceed your expectat...

Post People: Fun of the Fare

Birmingham's taxi drivers picked up a special fare when they stopped off for a hot breakfast at Peppers. More than 60 members of TOA, the Midlands' largest radio taxi service, tucked into a choice of traditional English and spicy Indian breakfast food at the top Indian restaurant in Bishopsgate Street, Five Ways. The complimentary menu included channa masala, parattas and pakora, as well as more familiar favourites such as scrambled egg, hash browns and beans, cooked by top Delhi hotel-traine...

Post People: Trading Places

Post People: The Ka's the Star

A red Ford KA was the prize in 96.4 BRMB's car competition. The final took the form of a live broadcast at Heartlands Ford Kingsbury Road, Birmingham. 96.4 BRMB's Elliott Webb and Claire Birch gave the finalists the opportunity to pick one of five keys but only one would fit the lock. On the last but one attempt Debbie Grealey from Halesowen was successful and picked out the right key and was able to drive home her prize.

Post People: Landmark Launch

Post People: Royal Rose Lunch

Post People: Sweet Soul Music

Miss Moneypenny's, promoters of new pounds 1.1 million lounge club HQ, recently launched the first in a series of Friday night live music sessions called F.L.A.K. which will feature a diverse range of artists including Gloria Gaynor, Imagination, Hot Chocolate, The Real Thing, The Drifters and the Pasadena's. The music venue has support from a number of major music and entertainment industry figures including Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor, BRMB DJ Phil Upton and former East Enders actor N...

Post People: Solo Efforts

Post People: Jogging Memories