Updated 5:32am 5 October 2012

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Steve has a Love of quality and passion at his restaurant

To launch a new restaurant is a risky venture at the best of times. To do so in the depths of a recession borders on lunacy, perhaps. Read

High end dining in Austria's Paznaun Valley

Austria's Paznaun Valley is best known for its skiing, but Paul Fulford discovered its summer delights.Read

Another day in paradise

With a skeptical eye Paul Fulford visits the distilleries of France’s Cognac region.Read

Valuable Victoriana can be found in the most unlikely places - even the garden

Sally Hoban steps out into the garden in search of some valuable VictorianaRead

Sign up for a survey to record local air quality

In January I reported upon the Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) project to encourage everyone to help to find out more about their local environment.Read

The Death Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean (Oxford University Press. Hardback. £12.99)

A huge cloud hangs over Pepper Roux for he knows he is going to die. His family have been preparing him since he was born.Read

Pain Merchants is a fantasy with all the right ingredients

The Pain Merchants (HarperCollins, £12.99)Read

Demob misery of many Second World War heroes revealed in new book

A new book reveals the sad reality that faced soldiers when they returned home in 1945. Richard Edmonds reportsRead

All aboard for a tale of greed, corruption and murder

When the likes of Stephen King, Jeffrey Deaver and John Grisham write tributes on a book cover, then it is a reasonable bet that you are in for a good read.Read

The European royalty who found a Midlands home during World War Two

European governments sought refuge here during the Second World War, reveals Chris UptonRead

Welcome return of the interactive fantasy book

Fighting Fantasy: Stormslayer by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone (Wizard Books), £5.99.Read

Eight By Eight: Exhibition of classic chairs at Bond Foyer, Digbeth

Some fabulous examples of 20th century chair design are on show, says Sally HobanRead

Tom Dale's ROAM kicks off DanceXchange season

International and local ensembles will be in the spotlight when Birmingham’s DanceXchange launches its new autumn/winter season.Read

Phil Gayle returns to city to host BBC WM’s breakfast programme

The much-travelled DJ and newsreader tells Graham Young he will be glad of home comforts while sharing breakfast with Birmingham listenersRead