Do you need a little something in your life because this Bistro is truly a breath of fresh air to Redditch. Bringing colour and culture to the town centre where you can expect good music, quality food, fun events and a Latino flavour.

Café Mambo No 5 opened earlier this year and is already a popular destination day and night. With the outdoor seating and signs saying music and entertainment it certainly enticed me.

I walked in to an intimate, cosy room brightly coloured with interesting relics dotted around. It felt as though this place had always been here and I immediately felt at home.

It’s the only privately owned Bistro in town and Steve, the owner said that the, ‘ regular live music, Tapas and continental feel is a real draw’. He also told me that he would like it if a few similar little places opened along side him to create a strip of cafes and bars like being abroad.

The menu is full of homemade food and non-meat eaters will be pleased with the yummy veggie options. There’s also a deli take away and it’s licensed to sell alcohol, great for parties. I ordered a lovely homemade 8oz beef burger, served on ciabbatta, with fries and side salad. Presented on a wooden platter, it was really tasty and just the right amount to fill me up. I finished the meal off with a perfect cappuccino.

Steve employs 12 staff all together who work part time hours and various shifts, between 5 and 25 hrs. I asked Brad and Diane what they like about working there. Brad said ‘it’s good because you see different faces, you give people a good service and they come back’ Diana said’ it’s a great atmosphere when everybody’s together and there’s great parties outside as well on sunny days.’ They told me it has a family atmosphere and everyone gets on really well. Diane also said, ‘all sorts of people come in, all types of people, all ages and they all like the food and the atmosphere’, Brad added ’yeah, we cater for everyone.’ Hearing lots of laughter, I gatecrashed a private party upstairs. I discovered it was the Friends of Gruchet entertaining some French visitors with fish and chips along with wine. They were a noisy lot, not what you’d expect from a mature crowd. Redditch Counsillor Pat Witherspoon had organised the evening and I asked what made her choose Cafe Mambo No 5 for the party, she replied, ‘it’s a small intimate restaurant that will do exactly what we want’. The English hosts were speaking in broken French and the French in broken English with a clattering of plates, wine glasses and French music playing in the background.

Rocktave music school is on the top floor, which adds a lively interest to the whole venue. Steve said, ‘ I’ve been running a successful event catering company for many years and have been looking to do this for a while. Tying up with Rocktave music school to sublet top floor and provide live music helped’ which made me realise how ideas become real with a bit of ingenuity. Steve told me that he couldn’t work for anyone now even though running your own business means dedicating long hours and said ‘I love being in control of my own destiny.’ You can find Café Mambo No. 5 on Redditch Church Green near The Bandstand and Bartleet Fountain. For private parties or information you can email steve@cafe-mambo.co.uk or telephone 01527 757683. Alternatively twitter café mambo no5 or visit their website, www.cafe-mambo.co.uk or go to their Facebook page for news and info about upcoming events which includes everything from DJ Festivals and live Jazz / Soul to family fun days.

Local businesses recommended by Café Mambo No 5: Shari Palace- simply top food Rocktave Music School – They run their business upstairs Muffin Break – best coffee in the Kingfisher Centre