Up close and personal with Heart Drive Time radio host Steve Denyer

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m Steve Denyer and I host the Drive Time radio show on Heart. It’s like a breakfast show but I get people home at night and I don’t have to get up ridiculously early.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?

I live right next to the Mailbox which sounds luxurious, but I actually overlook the AXIS car park. Heart is based in Brindleyplace and it takes me six minutes to walk in, which is approximately two songs!

HOW’S THE COMMUTE?

If I said the six-minute walk can sometimes be a chore and it often takes me hours to get home, I’d be lying. It’s fine, although I’m still late for almost everything (apart from the show, of course).

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

I’ve lived in Brum for 11 years. I’ve noticed in the last two years the city is really going places. Grand Central opening was a game-changer. Since then so many great new bars, coffee shops and restaurants have opened. Now my friends from other cities have started to move here and I couldn’t be prouder.

COFFEE BREAK?

We have a new coffee shop/great food place below Heart called Friska. If you pop in make sure you get the Thai barista Pi to make you a Vanilla Latte – his artwork is amazing, and the coffee isn’t bad either!

LUNCHTIME?

So, I mentioned that Grand Central has changed my life. I love going to the Vietnamese food place called Pho. I always order a Vietnamese salad that I can’t pronounce. Look out for the salad that has banana and beef in it. It’s incredible.

POWERWALKING?

I love the walk home from work especially on a winter’s day/evening. It takes me through Brindleyplace down by the canal side past Mailbox bars and finally home.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?

I could say Grand Central but they’ve had far too much publicity already. I’m falling in love with the Colmore Row Snow Hill area of town. I used to DJ at Hotel Du Vin so I know how beautiful the area is. I’ve been recently to the opening of the new Gusto restaurant and The Alchemist bar. Both share an amazing view of St Martin’s Square. At this time of year it’s so pretty and Christmassy.

AFTERWORK PINT?

Bank restaurant and bar in Brindleyplace has become my first stop after work. It’s great for a quick cocktail. The bar staff are amazing. I know most of them by first name but that’s probably because I go there too much! Try the French Martini. It’s a frothy pineapple affair.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?

Just keep on doing what you are doing. The city is getting bigger and better. You just have to blink and a new bar or eatery has opened up. Birmingham is one of the friendliest and diverse places I’ve ever lived – that’s why I love it.