Watch: Handsworth-born chef Adrian Alexander pays tribute to Birmingham's vibrant foodie culture

A new collaboration in Birmingham is shining a spotlight on the city’s cultural and community champions, starting with the inspiring story of a Handsworth-born food trader.

Adrian Alexander, owner of West Midlands Jerk Centre, is the focus of Jerkman, the first in a series of short films commissioned by Hockley Social Club and produced by filmmaker Carl Woods from MADEBYBRUM.

The film profiles Adrian’s journey from a local apprentice to a celebrated culinary figure, highlighting his significant contribution to Birmingham’s vibrant cultural fabric.

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Speaking about the power of food, Adrian said: “One thing I’ve learned from an early age is that food brings people together. From my experiences going to the carnival, eating food with family, going to takeaways, places such as Bing’s, Feeder Nation, Russell’s, it’s always been a social experience with music, good vibes, and it’s just given me good feelings as an adult.”

Adrian’s story encapsulates how food can transcend its role as a meal, becoming a cultural experience that connects communities and traditions.

Projects like Jerkman aim to explore such personal stories to address broader themes of identity and heritage in Birmingham.

Filmmaker Carl Woods, whose work focuses on authentic storytelling, explained: “A large part of showcasing the diversity of Birmingham and the West Midlands is by working with real people and telling their stories authentically.

“It’s about engaging with their communities and cultures, bringing attention to their contributions and fostering pride in the city’s diversity.”

Adrian’s residency at Hockley Social Club is a testament to this approach. He uses the space to introduce Jamaican street food to new audiences, bridging cultural gaps and creating a welcoming environment.

Reflecting on the experience, Adrian said: “At Hockley Social Club, all walks of life come through the doors, and a lot of them haven’t tried or are not familiar with Jamaican street food. It enables me to showcase what I do in an authentic way, and it works really well.

The second thing is a lot of the local community are not familiar with spaces like this, but knowing that there’s food there that they’re familiar with and enjoy entices them to come down.”

The Jerkman project is part of a larger effort to celebrate the diverse communities shaping Birmingham’s identity. With more films and events planned in the coming months, the series aims to foster civic pride and challenge outdated perceptions of the city and its cultural champions.