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As the brains – and tastebuds – behind some of Birmingham’s biggest food and drink events, Alex Nicholson-Evans knows everything there is to know about new openings, signature dishes or classic cocktails in the city.

And now Alex has another foodie role to add to her restaurant CV after being unveiled as the first ever resident drink & dining editor for Staying Cool at Rotunda, the stylish aparthotel at the top of Birmingham’s iconic city centre skyscraper.

From brilliant brunches and working lunches to delicious dinners and late-night cocktails, Alex’s new dining out guides are the go-to for the best of Birmingham.

The Staying Cool guides show how long it takes to reach each venue from Rotunda, with most within walking distance – one of the many benefits of the penthouses and apartments’ central location.

Alex has lived and breathed all things Birmingham for the last decade, working initially as Commercial Director for Birmingham Museums Trust alongside Founder and Director of Living For The Weekend, the company behind the popular city wide events; Birmingham Cocktail Weekend, Birmingham Wine Weekend and Birmingham Restaurant Festival.

Alex has won a number of awards for her work as a champion of the city’s culture and hospitality offering. She won the title of ‘Ambassador for Brum’ in the Independent Birmingham Awards 2019 and was selected as the Future Face of Arts & Culture by the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

Tracey Stephenson, co-founder and joint managing director of Staying Cool, said: “We want all Staying Cool guests to get the very best recommendations when it comes to dining and drinking in the city so who better to ask than the person who organises Birmingham’s annual restaurant, wine and cocktail festivals? Alex Nicholson-Evans knows her fine dining from her prix fixe and every other menu option in between. She’s certainly our go-to person.”

Birmingham’s brilliant independent food and drink scene continues to win awards and rave reviews for its diversity and vibrancy with exciting menus, innovative cocktails and a new generation of chefs getting creative in kitchens in the city centre and suburbs.

Tracey added: “We’re excited to announce Alex as Staying Cool’s resident drink & dining editor. She’ll be sharing her favourite venues to suit any city centre break at our Birmingham apartment hotel.”

Click here to read Alex’s dining out guides and get a flavour of the best of Birmingham.