Up close and personal with hospitality expert and stroke fund-raiser, Adam Hayes

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’ve worked in the hospitality industry in the Midlands since leaving school, initially helping launch the Living Room in Birmingham followed by stints at various other places including Hotel Du Vin and Bank. In 2013, I had a stroke aged just 29 which paralysed my right side, so I had to learn to walk and talk again. I still have weakness on my right side and do a lot of fund-raising for the Stroke Association including an 88-mile charity walk this month as well as lending support to charities such as LoveBrum and Let’s Feed Brum.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?

I had to surrender my driving licence after my stroke and live in Bournville, so I tend to get the train.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE?

The walk to the station through the village green is just lovely and the train’s pretty regular, so no complaints.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

Birmingham is an amazing place to network. I was living in Nottingham when I had my stroke but I moved back to Brum to be near family and since doing that I’ve met so many people who I now work with. I’m on the judging panel for the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards and Curry King in aid of LoveBrum among others.

COFFEE BREAK?

I spend a lot of time around Colmore Row and for coffee it would have to be 200 Degrees. I also love the independents around the Jewellery Quarter.

LUNCHTIME?

I’m a huge fan of dim sum and went to school with William Wong of Chung Ying, so I like to support them. I also love Laghi’s Deli, Simpsons and Hotel Du Vin.

POWERWALKING?

I exercise a lot and am a member of the Priory in Edgbaston. I love to swim and it’s great for my recovery. The canal walks are great too and in Bournville I’m spoilt for choice. I’m training for a charity walk from Nottingham to Skegness to help raise funds for the Stroke Association.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?

It has to be Brindleyplace. The vibe of the place coming off the canal where old meets new is really interesting.

AFTERWORK PINT?

That’s a tough one, but probably the Edgbaston or El Borracho for a relaxing glass of wine.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?

It’s a continuing battle isn’t it? What I’ve learned from being involved with LoveBrum is that there’s a lot of networking that could be opened up to all. It’s all a bit specific; female networking, media networking, etc. It’s great to get people from different backgrounds and different pay scales together.