dluxe Birmingham & Solihull Autumn Issue 17 2015

AUTUMN ‘15

FOR BUSINESS & LEISURE

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S T Y L E TO M A K E YO U R M O U T H WAT E R .

B U T D O N ’ T J U S T TA K E O U R W O R D F O R I T.

THE MAILBOX BIRMINGHAM 0121 616 6000 HARVEYNICHOLS.COM

‘15

Letter Editor Autumn

CONTENTS...

06 THE EDIT What’s on the top of our shopping lists and ringed in our diaries this season.

from the

22 SPOTLIGHT We chat to Tony Maudsley as he prepares for the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray The Musical at The New Alexandra Theatre this December.

I’ve heard it called #SuperSeptember and the way things are shaping up, it’s no overstatement, as Birmingham gears up to unveil its most important fashion collection in its history.

The levels of investment in the city have been breathtaking and we’ve been divulging details of the changing face of the city for what seems like years now and this September/October, the retail masterplan finally comes to fruition giving Birmingham the opportunity to really present itself as the nation’s Second City. Move over Manchester.

Harvey Nichols’ new store spearheaded the retail renaissance earlier this September. The store heralds a new, contemporary styling and direction for the fashion heavyweight. Now, more than ever, it represents the city’s finest retail environment: it really is something to behold and intensely seductive. Joining Harvey Nichols and the Mailbox’s revitalised retail offering are Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Gieves & Hawkes, Clements and Church and many more. Its ambition of becoming Birmingham’s answer to Bond Street seems within easy reach, surely, as the newly packaged Mailbox is infinitely more cohesive and, just as important, undercover. The new-look Mailbox is to be unveiled in October.

Grand Central is taking the middle ground with a mix of high-end High Street stores such as The White Company, Neal’s Yard, Foyles, Hobbs, Joules, Jones the Bootmaker and, of course, anchor store, John Lewis, who has wisely invested to make this branch a flagship outside of the Big Smoke. Where Grand Central is really going to do well is in the creation of its incredible F&B offering: here you can expect the likes of Giraffe, Carluccio’s, Tapas Revolution and Paul’s – we’re very excited about this one as their pastries are amazing!

If that’s not enough, Birmingham’s High Street is taking centre stage with this year’s Style Birmingham Live events. Hosted by TV heartthrob, Mark Wright, the city is awash with catwalk shows, fashion demonstrations, make-up masterclasses and much more over the weekend.

SM

Happy Autumn,

friendly

AUTUMN ‘15

FOR BUSINESS & LEISURE

26 FOR HER The perfect look for ladies that lunh, how to contour and the inside scoop on this year’s Clothes Show Live.

32 FOR HIM Tailoring trends for the best dressed gent and a look at this season’s biggest purchase- the winter coat.

40 LIVING Blue is the colour of my true

love’s heart. It should also be the colour of your living room- with copper accents of course...

46 MOTORS Alfa Romeo’s new Giulia,

has it got what it takes to take on the BMW M3?

48 TRAVEL How about a trip to The Bay?

We have the inside scoop on San Francisco and Kevin Urquhart visits Baku as it attempts to take the title of the next Dubai.

52 DINING Win an amazing night out courtesy of Henry Wong and Malmaison, we review brunch at Gas Street Social and look at some Sin Free Treats at Harvey Nichols.

58 DIARY What’s happening and what’s happened in the West Midlands this season.

AUTUMN 2015 ISSUE 17

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In short, there has never been a better time to be a Brummie.

Go. Explore. Enjoy. Be proud.

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70 PAPERWORK West Midland’s

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united.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Jonathan Fraser Group Editor In Chief

Fly nonstop from Birmingham to New York/Newark with connections to more than 300 destinations across the Americas.

Cover Image courtesy of House of Fraser

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© 2015 United Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

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74 PEOPLE We catch up with The Belfry’s Head Chef Glen Watson to find out what inspires both him and his menu.

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MANAGING DIRECTOR Kevin Urquhart Kevin@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07713 740 272

MARKETING Sarah Potter sarah@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07587 056969

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GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Jonathan Fraser Jon@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 0772 580 9654

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Disclaimer: Copyright 69 & dluxe BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements. The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. © 69 Magazine Ltd 2015

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What’s whetting our whistles in the dluxe office

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It’s already been an exciting year for the Mailbox. From the launch of Everyman Cinema, Gas Street Social and Aluna earlier in 2015, to the recent unveiling of the highly anticipated Harvey Nichols store, there’s more to come as the countdown to the new Mailbox continues…

Fashion Forward Luxury retailer Harvey Nichols has opened the first of its new design concept stores at Birmingham’s Mailbox, the blueprint for all future Harvey Nichols stores. The new store is double the size of its predecessor and has been designed to respond to today’s customer expectations and provide a stage to display the best-edit of product in an environment that is both innovative, experimental, and creative, with style and technology working together seamlessly.

The store is set across 45,000 square feet, organised as an ‘all in one floor’ retail layout combining women’s and men’s fashion, beauty and hospitality on the ground level and a mezzanine for the beauty treatment rooms.

The main Harvey Nichols entrance features a 5m x 3.5m digital screen with content updated regularly as an evolution of the traditional shop window display, showcasing dynamic and exciting content to draw customers into the store.

Visitors walk through an immersive 12 metre long “tunnel” of led lights before being greeted by the Harvey Nichols Concierge team who are on hand to offer traditional services like coat check and valet parking.

The Concierge area also offers one of our favourite parts of the new store: a ‘state of the art’ digital 360 mirror with time delay so you can record your own twirl and give yourself a full 360° view. You can even share the image on Twitter with friends in case you need a second opinion on a new outfit.

The central space is dedicated to Beauty with Womenswear, Menswear and the Accessories and Shoes departments located around the store’s perimeter. At the bottom of a stunning spiral staircase, you’ll discover the brand new Harvey Nichols Restaurant and Bar. With a menu curated exclusively for Harvey Nichols Birmingham by Michelin-starred chef, and proud Brummie, Glynn Purnell, the new eatery has redefined the expectations for in-store dining.

Hot off the Press!

Mailbox has announced three more fashion heavyweights who’ll be joining them this Autumn: Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Clements & Church. These join Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani, LK Bennett, Jaeger and Gieves and Hawkes.

Wine & Dine The Mailbox’s enviable canalside location provides the perfect setting to enjoy the unique range of bars and restaurants, whatever the occasion. Serving an irresistible selection of cuisines from around the world, including Italian, French, traditional and contemporary English, two new openings this year have already proved popular.

Gas Street Social brings industrial chic to Mailbox, providing the perfect place for sharing and socialising. Award-winning cocktails from the renowned Shaker Group are teamed with social plates and a tempting food menu perfect for quick bites, lazy lunches or an evening out. The newly introduced bottomless brunch each weekend, and an express lunch menu throughout the week, ensures Gas Street Social is a must-visit (see the main review on page 57).

Also new this year, Aluna brings its own unique drop of magic to the Mailbox.

Specialising in expertly created cocktails pushing the boundaries of cocktail making, Aluna is a feast for all your senses, delivering a healthy dose of dramatics with each drink. Expertly crafted, and unlike anything else you’ll find in Birmingham, there’s also a delicious food menu to help soak up the moreish cocktails.

Everyman Cinema is another new addition to the canalside area, delivering luxury film to the Midlands for the first time. Home to signature sofa seating across its three screens, you’ll find a mix of the latest new releases alongside iconic classics and exclusive events with an updated schedule each week. For a bite to eat, the irresistible Spielburger is just one highlight from the food menu, featuring meals and snacks that can be delivered directly to your seat or enjoyed in the cinema’s cosy lounge area.

Coming soon

There’s not long to wait until your new Mailbox will be unveiled, so to keep up to date with the latest news and announcements, visit www.mailboxlife.com dluxe-magazine.co.uk 7

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The Mailbox Unveils Newest Retailers In Run-Up To October Relaunch

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WIN A PAMPER HAMPER WITH PAVILIONS BIRMINGHAM! Whether you are in need of a post summer beauty blitz or you’re just looking to update your make-up bag must-haves, our beauty hamper pamper prize is for you.

We’ve teamed up with Pavilions Birmingham to offer you beauty products from M&S, L’Occitane and PHB Ethical Beauty, worth up to the value of £200.

Indulge in some me time with treatments from PHB, enrich your hair ready for winter with L’Occitane’s nourishing hair masks, before preening yourself with autumn’s must-have colour palettes from M&S.

For your chance to win simply visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click on competitions. Terms and Conditions apply

THINK PINK Perfect for pundits anda players alike, Thomas Pink’s rugby collection includes luxe cashmere rugby jerseys alongside shirting and accessories in a patriotic palette of red, white and blue. The collection also includes Thomas Pink’s iconic athletic fit shirt - a slim shirt in stretch cotton specifically designed to accommodate the combination of muscular shoulders and a narrow waist.

The stretch fabric sits comfortably over broad shoulders allowing ease of movement and the waistline is tapered by the contour side panels and back darts. The ultimate choice for rugby players and budding sportsmen!

Launching at the beginning of September it will be available in-store and online - just in time for the first England vs. Fiji match on Friday 18th September! Prices will start from £79 for shirting, £99 for knitwear and £16 for accessories!

Buy online at thomaspink.com

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SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL The Babyzen YOYO is a revolution for parents who travel with babies and toddlers as when folded it can be stored in the overhead compartment of an airplane.

Suitable from birth with a newborn nest which attaches to the stroller chassis, the Babyzen YOYO appeals not only to globetrotting parents but also to mums who are looking to make life easier when using public transport, going up stairs or finding space at home or in the car!

Prices for the complete newborn pack start from £375. Find out more at www.whitestep.co.uk

Stylish

INTERIOR SOLUTIONS

Combining a wonderful mix of nostalgic elegance and simple style take your home from plain to perfect with the new inspirational interior design collections at Leekes.

For the latest looks from leading brands such as Harlequin, Designers Guild, Romo and Osborne & Little visit our Interior Design Studio where you’ll receive expert advice on how to mix and match patterns and prints with confidence.

To book your free design consultation visit: Leekes Bilston, Great Bridge Road, W Mids. WV14 8LB Leekes Coventry, Junction 3 M6, W Mids. CV6 6PA Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

Style Birmingham L i ve is b ac k !

S T Y L E B I R M I N G H A M L I V E – T H E C I T Y ’ S FA S H I O N A N D S H O P P I N G E V E N T OF THE YEAR – IS BACK. AND IT’S BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER. HOSTED BY TV PRESENTER, MARK WRIGHT, STYLE BIRMINGHAM LIVE WILL B E A N U N M I S S A B L E W E E K E N D O F FA S H I O N , S H O P P I N G A N D B E A U T Y. On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September, 2015, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s stunning Gas Hall will be transformed into a spectacular festival of fashion, showcasing the latest autumn/winter styles and collections from a host of high street retailers and shopping centres. Retailers to take to the catwalk include Jigsaw, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser, Moss Bros, Hawes & Curtis and award-winning independent retailers Liquor Store and Disorder. Retailers from Bullring will also be presenting the latest looks from brands including Radley, Cos, Warehouse, Coast, Reiss, Karen Millen, New Look, Jones Bootmaker, Debenhams and Michelle Keegan’s new Lipsy collection.

The event will feature six catwalk shows across the weekend – all hosted by Mark Wright – as well as fashion advice from style expert for the show, Mark Heyes. Best known for his regular fashion slots on morning TV, as well as his host of celebrity clients, Mark Heyes is one of Britain’s most trusted fashion stylists.

on hand unveiling this season’s hottest nail trends on the catwalk.

Famous for catwalk colour, fashion collaborations and its extensive celebrity client list including Victoria Beckham, Alexa Chung and Poppy Delevigne, Nails inc is the UK’s number one nail bar chain.

If that wasn’t enough, House of Fraser will be hosting Bobbi Brown masterclasses for all Style Birmingham Live ticket holders. Amy Conway, Bobbi Brown Pro Artist – personally trained by Bobbi herself – will be helping you create the perfect look and giving you all the backstage secrets. Having worked at London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week and her work featured in the likes of Glamour, Women’s Health and The Guardian, this is an opportunity certainly not to be missed. For a seat at this ultimate makeup masterclass, visit the Backstage Beauty stage in House of Fraser at 12.15pm, 2.15pm or 4.15pm on Saturday 26th September or Sunday 27th September.

At Style Birmingham Live, everyone is treated like a VIP, with entry into the show, a welcome drink on arrival, plus an exclusive goody bag and access to retailer offers and activities.

Award-winning hairdressing company, Francesco Group, has been selected as this year’s hair partner. Owned and run by the Italian Dellicompagni family, the brand will be bringing style and luxury to the Style Birmingham Live catwalk, revealing this season’s latest hair trends. Appearing alongside Francesco Group will be MAKE UP FOR EVER, confirmed as the official makeup partner for the show. The renowned cosmetics brand behind the hugely popular HD Foundation, will be transforming the models with key autumn/winter looks and makeup creations. Nails inc will also be 10 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

For more information about Style Birmingham Live, visit www.stylebirminghamlive.com. Tickets are available to buy now at www.theticketfactory.com.

Cosmetic Surgery:

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Don’t Always Take It At Face Value

THERE’S BEEN A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN COSMETIC SURGERY IN RECENT YEARS, BUT WHAT EXACTLY CAN IT BE CONTRIBUTED TO? IN THE CITY CITED AS THE ‘SURGERY CAPITAL’ OF THE UK, WE CHAT TO BIRMINGHAM-BASED CONSULTANT PLASTIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE AND AESTHETIC SURGEON, MR HIROSHI NISHIKAWA, TO ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO SURGERY… Taking into account the events of the PIP scandal, from your perspective, what’s the biggest problem in the cosmetic surgery industry? The biggest problem is regulation, as much cosmetic surgery is carried out by inexperienced and poorly-trained surgeons. The other is proper audit of results and appraisal of private practitioners. The word “industry” exemplifies this. Cosmetic surgery is another form of healthcare delivery and should be regarded and regulated as just that.

What are the key things to consider when getting cosmetic surgery? Cosmetic surgery is the surgery of essentially normal people and its purpose is to change the form to improve appearance and sometimes function. With the correct information and advice, a patient can judge whether the benefit is worth the process, discomfort, the recovery time, the cost, the scars and longevity of the results of the procedure. I do not regard surgery carried out for “medical “ reasons cosmetic. The definition is important.

Who do women cite as their ideal person they want to look like?

This doesn’t happen as often as you think. When it comes to faces most cosmetic surgery will be about rejuvenation, looking as young as you feel. For rhinoplasty it is true some patients will show me pictures of the ideal nose, however it may not be possible to achieve and much of cosmetic surgery is making sure the probable outcome matches expectations.

Do you expect mens’ procedures to become more commonplace?

They already are, especially in the areas of gynaecomastia and facial rejuvenation.

What is the most popular procedure you do? The most popular procedures in my practice, which may not reflect average cosmetic trends, are Facial procedures (facelifts and rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty), breast augmentation, liposuction, lipofilling, breast reduction and mastopexy.

Why do you believe there has been an increase in cosmetic surgery in recent years? The reasons are multifactorial: economic factors such as the rise in the FI index, more money in the economy means people are more likely to spend; cultural factors as we’re seeing in the UK where cosmetic change has become more acceptable; and the increase in availability of cosmetic provision.

Unfortunately, the quality of this cosmetic surgical provision has not been uniform and needs regulation.

What makes a good cosmetic surgeon? Firstly, a cosmetic surgeon must be a good doctor, with thorough training. Cosmetic surgery should be no different from any other form of healthcare delivery.

Experience and judgement make a good surgeon, those that stand out have the emotional intelligence to fully understand the needs and expectations of the patient and make sure there is no mismatch with what is possible.

You’ve pioneered a new anaesthetic, tell us how this changes cosmetic surgery. Local anaesthetic and sedation is now a wellestablished method for providing safe and stable conditions for many forms of surgery. In lay terms, the technique combines Local Anaesthetic and powerful painkilling drugs to enable surgery without the need for General Anaesthetic and, often, overnight stays in hospital. It means surgery is a viable option for many more individuals and recovery times are much, much quicker with a greatly reduced chance of nausea and vomiting.

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A lot of women choose not to tell friends/family about their decision to have surgery or claim their decision is for ‘medical’ reasons. Do you think even in 2015 there is still some negative stigma surrounding plastic surgery? In my experience most patients will tell their partners or close friends. However, it is a purely personal decision and there are cultural reasons for the coyness or secretiveness about cosmetic surgery in the UK. I can understand that discretion will always be important.

For more information, or to book a consultation with Mr Nishikawa, call The Westbourne Centre on 0121 456 0895 or drop in at 53 Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3SJ. Check online for their regular Meet The Surgeon events, too at www. westbournecentre.com

A BIG HELLO TO OUR NEW NEIGHBOUR Feel free to use our car parks And our restaurants And our cafĂŠs Just being neighbourly

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GET INSPIRED AT THE GOOD FOOD SHOW

RAISING MONEY FOR CITY HOSPITAL’S A HOOT! You can’t have missed Birmingham’s Big Hoot which saw over eighty artistically ornamental owls take up in residence in and around the city. Now art collectors and owl enthusiasts are being offered the chance to bid for one of the 89 individually decorated giant owl sculptures at The Big Hoot auction on Thursday 15th October at Thinktank.

The auction will be hosted by Fieldings Auctioneers, co-founded by Nick Davies from BBC’s Flog it! Plus, Will Farmer from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow! The auction is expected to raise over £500,000 for Birmingham’s Children Hospital with designs by graffiti artist Temper, Birmingham-born A-lister Ozzy Osbourne and self-confessed Doctor Who fanatic, Stephen McKay ‘Dr Whoot’ expected to be in particular interest to collectors.

If you’ve seen an owl you want to give a home to, visit www.thebighoot.co.uk auction to find out more about bidding.

Do you have a passion for delicious food, exciting new flavours then get ready to be inspired by the likes of Paul Hollywood, The Hairy Bikers and Michel Roux Jr. at the Good Food Show this festive season!

Returning to the NEC from the 26th -29th November and sponsored

by Lexus and Kenwood, it’s the perfect place to enjoy live cooking demonstrations, interviews and book signing sessions plus discover new appliances and kitchen gadgets.

Sample local delicacies from independent and artisan producers who’ll be bringing a truly regional flavour to one of the UK’s biggest food shows, and don’t forget to start your Christmas shopping early in what’s sure to be foodie heaven!

Find out more at bbcgoodfoodshow.com

Mile-high house hunters and Airborne auction bidders Low cost airline Norwegian, which offers passengers free on-board WiFi, has revealed the favourite websites and mile-high surfing habits of UK passengers.

News websites, property portals and online auction sites all feature in the surprising list of UK passengers’ top ten most visited websites in the sky. The news websites of the BBC, Guardian and Daily Mail make up three of the top four places showing that whether they’re escaping the UK for a break, heading home from holiday or on their way to a business meeting, UK passengers are keen to keep up with the latest news back in Britain.

The Rightmove property site appears at number 5 on the list showing that the nation’s obsession with looking at property even extends to their holiday time. Online auction site eBay appears at number 10 on the list suggesting that, despite heading off for a well-earned break, UK passengers can’t face being outbid on a bargain while they are in the sky! Online shopping site Amazon also features in the top ten showing that UK passengers never need an excuse to shop – even if they are 38,000 feet above ground!

Norwegian Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl said: “As the first European airline to offer free on-board WiFi, we have a fascinating insight into UK passengers’ surfing habits at 38,000 feet. “From checking the latest news and house hunting, to online

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shopping and auction sites, Norwegian’s UK passengers are clearly making the most of our free on-board internet to stay connected to their favourite sites.

The top ten list of most visited websites by UK passengers is: 1. bbc.com 2. google.com 3. theguardian.com 4. dailymail.co.uk 5. rightmove.co.uk 6. amazon.co.uk 7. nationalrail.co.uk 8. gatwickairport.com 9. reddit.com 10. ebay.co.uk

The comprehensive fleet offers clients a choice of cars: from a sumptuous Bentley Continental Flying Spur to the popular and spacious Mercedes Vianos.

All the vehicles are clear from exterior company signage, which is a unique Licensing exemption for the company within the City area, and all offer privacy glass and a suited, professional Chauffeur to whisk you away after a long tiring day!

Kamran Saleem comments; “With parking and traffic becoming a greater problem to contend with in most major cities and airports, there is a strong argument for choosing to be driven. Taxis and other low end cars for hire are not sometimes befitting the need or requirement, and this is where this WA Chauffeur service slots in perfectly. Our service means you can use the drive-time as you see fit: it might give you extra preparation time before a big meeting, or conversely, a chance to unwind after a long day. This can be priceless for our clients�.

Once the sole preserve of the rich and famous, the (not so humble) chauffeur service is cruising to a record year for Birminghambased, WA Chauffeurs.

Established in 2001, WA Chauffeurs is owned and operated by Kamran Saleem, a local born and bred entrepreneur (and also MD of Motorserv) and provides high-end, luxury cars and people-carriers for a wide variety of occasions - be that social or business.

Operating within Birmingham and its surrounding towns as a norm, WA Chauffeurs also regularly transport clients across the country for scheduled transfers, meetings and leisure events. With a vast number of vehicles on standby, any large corporate event or roadshow can be coordinated and covered with ease. WA Chauffeurs also specialises in secure Government transport services and is a fully licenced Birmingham Council operator, so you can have confidence in both your car and your driver.

Far from the likes of Uber, the WA drivers can take bookings for a day/week rate and will drive to direction within certain set parameters. Keep your diary completely flexible and dynamic, and you can really have a bespoke service delivered on demand. And it may not just be for yourself either; WA often transport client’s children and staff to locations as desired. With enhanced CRB checks carried out on all drivers, and a higher level of security clearance also offered, any level of document or possession can be entrusted and delivered

by WA as required. A bit like the Transporter movie but in a real life context!

Often important company papers, case notes, and children are entrusted to the drivers, and again the familiarity and reliability of an established operator with references to boot comes to the forefront.

So for a bespoke service, or just for a routine transfer, WA Chauffeurs can provide a solution that works for you. Prices are highly competitive and the company believes in establishing repeat business and a relationship with their clients, so the cars and drivers, can be made to feel like an extension to your own fleet and provisions, more than a one off outsourced service.

Call 0121 622 8129 or visit www.birminghamchauffeurs.com

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Chauffeur Services: not just for the rich & famous

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Gran Canaria Turns Up Heat on Medical Tourism post-operative recuperation and/ or holiday relaxation in sumptuous surroundings and sub-tropical climes. On both counts, Gran Canaria has it in (buckets and) spades. It’s a far cry from the lurid delights of Playa del Ingles.

It always starts with a ‘just’ when it comes to Gran Canaria. ‘I’m just going to Gran Canaria’, we say, almost apologetically. It’s a short-haul, equatorial island that’s long suffered from an image problem. To many, it’s Blackpool with sunshine (it is), but there’s another side to the island that might surprise you, as it’s super high-end and a favourite with many celebs looking for a discreet nip/tuck, whilst on the move… www.grancanariawellness.com is an initiative by The Gran Canaria Spa, Wellness & Health Association on the island, who are collectively turning up the heat on their spa, thalasso, medical and recuperation credentials; repositioning themselves as a year-round destination for well-heeled travellers looking to combine surgery,

MINI GETS MAXI

Everybody loves a Mini. Probably the most credibly classless car you can buy, the Mini was, by definition, Mini but not anymore. The new MINI Clubman has grown to VW Golf like proportions and offers four side doors alongside its characteristic barn style rear doors.

Available in Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S derivatives the new Clubman is still packed with MINI character and priced from £19,995 OTR- not cheap but each Clubman does come as standard with the MINI Excitement Package which projects the brand logo on to the ground beneath the driver’s side door mirror when the car is opened and closed – cool!

Find out more at www.mini.co.uk

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The Association have chosen to work with 13 of the best spa hotels on the island, all of whom are within easy reach of the island’s state of the art medical facilities. Whilst we visited the stunning 5-star Seaside Grand Residencia Hotel and sister-hotel, Seaside Palm Beach (which is part of the prestigious Design Hotels organisation) purely for relaxation reasons, the facts behind Gran Canaria’s medical tourism offering are compelling.

A spokesperson comments; “The medical facilities on the island, the doctors and nurses in all hospitals and clinics are highly qualified as well as fluent in English.

Hospital superbugs are virtually nonexistent, the cost of treatment is up to 40% less than other UK and European medical tourism destinations (thanks to a strong sterling/euro conversation rate) and no waiting lists make it an ideal destination to meet your medical needs safely and in the most comfortable settings possible”.

For more information, visit www.grancanariawellness.com, www. hotel-palm-beach.co.uk and www.grand-hotel-residencia.co.uk

grandcentralbirmingham.com

WHERE RAILS OF STEEL LEAD TO RACKS OF STYLE We’ll meet Where mirrored Walls surround Birmingham’s neW heart. Where We can eat on the go or spend nights on the toWn. Where We Walk Beneath a canopy of glass.

Where the next discovery Begins.

40 premium shops, 20 eclectic restaurants & one of the biggest John lewis department stores in the uK all above a transformed new street station

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ELEGANT OFFICE If copper wasn't already the metal of the moment, it certainly is now, thanks to this striking collection of office essentials from British Designer, Tom Dixon.

The Cube range of stapler, desk tidy, pen and tape dispenser makes a bold and practical statement in any office environment.

The Cube range by Tom Dixon is available from John Lewis. The stapler, shown below costs £60.

Grab a pint with your pooch The King's Head, Harborne, just made it easier to have a drink with man's best friend by becoming ‘Dog Friendly'.

Previously pooches were relegated to the beer garden of this historic venue but manager at the popular social hub, Richard Perry, decided to open up the 200 capacity bar area to dog owners and their four legged friends.

There are a few ‘house rules' however to ensure that no unruly wet noses end up in any unexpectant diners seared seabass or locally sourced sausages. Dog's should be cute, quiet, well behaved, toilet trained and polite !

The King's Head, Hagley Road, Harborne, B17 8BJ thekingsheadbirmingham.com

KIDS GO UKULELE CRAZY IN HARBORNE THIS HALF TERM Children from across Birmingham will be able to go ukulele crazy with The Strings Club this October Half Term as the awardwinning holiday camps returns to The Blue Coat School from 26 – 30 October.

Packed full of high-quality, fun-filled unmissable musical experiences, The Strings Club’s Ofsted-registered holiday camps will engage and inspire your child and help them to develop a love for music as well as essential life skills.

The camps are an ideal introduction to music for both complete beginners and budding string players – with free hire of an instrument included.

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Each day features exclusive musical workshops and activities alongside high-quality guitar, violin and ukulele classes led by top strings teachers. At the end of the week, the camp concludes with a grand concert – so children can proudly show what they have learnt.

The Strings Club Holiday Camps can be booked for a half day, full day or for the full week experience. Wrap around care from 8.30am to 5.45pm with its Early Bird and Late Clubs costs just £5 per session. Child care vouchers are also now accepted.

The Strings Club Holiday Camps cost £30 per day from 10am – 3.30pm.

Find out more at thestringsclub.org or call 0121 369 1950.

in the Second City. It is no surprise that this innovative bunch wanted to take it one step further, spotting an emerging trend fresh from the streets of Shoreditch and Spinningfields, where the Metro Man flourishes and men will happily take tea together, rather than heading to the pub, be that for business or pleasure.

The doilies have been ditched in favour of an altogether less frilly affair at La Tour: simple stacking plates of superlative savouries include: New York Deli Club Sandwich, Welsh Rarebit & Brioche Croutons, followed with Pork Pie and Mustard, Scotch Egg, Sausage Roll and a Cheese & Bacon Scone with Butter. Unless you’re wearing elasticated pants, you may wish to loosen your belt yet further to finish with their Hot Mini Donuts with Chocolate and Caramel dipping sauce. All served with a choice of teas as standard, or else a bottle of beer, cider or ale. All they ask is that you arrive hungry. I’m so glad I did.

It would be remiss in this review not to mention that everything served is handmade on-site at La Tour by their own team of dedicated chefs. Clear plates are evidence enough of the quality of the fare, much of which is locally sourced, right down to the Ale by Purity.

My partner is sweet. Everyone says. I, on the other hand, am their nemesis: I’m most definitely someone of the savoury persuasion, which is why I was particularly pleased to learn of La Tour’s new Gentleman’s High Tea, which launched this month.

Doing what it ‘says on the tin’, this is a tea fit for gentlemen. A modern, groomed gent, admittedly, but a chap that loves the finer things in life. A man who knows himself. Confident in his intentions and forward-thinking in his persuasions. Someone, I’d like to think, like me. And my mate, Terry who came along for the treat.

Hotel La Tour is a multi-award winning (and stunning) hotel and restaurant and their High Teas have long been famed for being one of the sweetest

Being regular commuters to the Big Smoke, it’s been a matter of time before the Gentleman’s High Tea concept hit the city and we’re confident that this tasty proposition will catch on. I’ll certainly be back.

To book call 0121 718 8000. Hotel La Tour, Albert Street (near Selfridges), B5 5JT. www.hotel-latour.co.uk

WIN!

Here’s a tasty prize that will whet anyone’s whistle: Gentleman’s High Tea for Two PLUS an Overnight Stay in one of Hotel La Tour’s City Rooms!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to www. dluxe-magazine.co.uk . For terms & conditions, see online.

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Gentleman’s High Tea: From London to La Tour

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COUNTRY CRAFTS AT HATTON Fancy a trip away from the hub bub of the high street?

Hatton Shopping Village is home to many independent shopkeepers offering an eclectic shopping experience.

Once the largest craft village in the country, set in 1830’s Victorian farm buildings not far from Warwick, Silversmiths can be found in their workshops working alongside those selling homemade soaps and candles, as well as traditional sweets. There’s also a master craftsmen glassmaker offering traditional mouth blown glassdefinitely not something you’d find in your local shopping mall!

The shopping village is open seven days a week (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm. Visit www.hattonworld.com to find out more.

#DiscoBullHead @ Bullring

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM A N D A RT GA L LERY

With September set to be one of the most exciting months for innovation and creativity in Birmingham, Bullring shopping centre, the city's number one retail destination, will be playing its part by unveiling a specially commissioned large-scale light installation.

Launching on the 24th September for two weeks, there will be shows each evening creating a visual phenomena at Bullring. The final performance will take place on 8th October coinciding with Bullring's first student event of the term, giving students the chance to enjoy the performance whilst taking advantage of amazing discounts and offers.

Created by artist Josh Harker, the designer behind the iconic Burning Man sculpture "Shogyo Mujo”, Disco Bull Head will also be joined by performances from local music, dance and cultural groups, uniting the community's diverse population into one place.

Shoppers at Bullring shopping centre can get involved with the Disco Bull Head by taking selfies during performances posting these to social media using the hashtag #DiscoBullHead. Keep in touch by signing up to the Bullring newsletter at www.bullring.co.uk, downloading their new ‘Plus’ App, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter & Instagram @bullring

Arenacross ACTION Full throttle Arenacross action returns to the Genting Arena, Birmingham on Saturday & Sunday 23 and 24 January as a start-line packed full of World class motocross racers tour the UK for eleven rounds of handlebar-banging craziness.

Joined by a hot-list of globally acclaimed Freestyle Motocross stars, if choreographed music, lasers, LED and pyro are your thing – be prepared for two action-packed nights of entertainment for the entire family!

Tickets priced from £21.60 for adults and £11.70 for children and are available from www.ticketfactory.com 20 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is celebrating 130 years at the heart of the city’s culture with a special anniversary exhibition and party in November.

Opened on 28 November 1885 by the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, with the intention of influencing and inspiring the small workshop manufacturers of Birmingham with displays of beautiful creations from across the ages, it is today home to a number of world-class collections including the internationally-significant Staffordshire Hoard treasures and masterpieces by art greats Grayson Perry and William Morris.

A special anniversary exhibition is now running until January 2016 tracing the attraction’s rich past, its current position as a much-loved city tourist gem and the ambitious plans in the pipeline for its future.

Celebrations will be held on November 28, including live music, raffle, entertainment for visitors of all ages and birthday cake in the Edwardian Tearoom. A time capsule will also be created for future museum-goers to explore.

For more information about the anniversary celebrations follow Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Twitter @ BM_AG or like on Facebook.

There’s always much discussion about what ‘fit’ means, and indeed, if you are fit, are you considered healthy? Asks fitness and life coach Darryl Canham of Kaizen Fitness.

Fitness is relative. It's generally about being fit for function and purpose. A top-flight darts player is able to sustain a 4-day tournament and be at his best round after round.

The players on the circuit will do this week in and week out. They are in fact, Fit...

Perhaps not as we generally see ‘Fit’, but they deliver the performance required to hit the board consistently from just under 8 feet away.

The term ‘Fit’ by modern media standards is mostly based upon visual appearance and aesthetics. Yes, you’ll assume that there are higher levels of physical aptitude, when there is a six-pack and some big delts within the equation, yet hitting the gym for an hour every day doesn’t make you a marathon champion! It takes a completely different suite of abilities and fitness markers to be either, yet both are theoretically very fit in the terms of their chosen disciplines.

So, fitness we could see, as our ability to function at a desired level within specified tasks. If that is no more than to head to the office at 8am, complete a day’s work and then head home to relax and watch the TV, and you do that day in and day out, then the good news is You Are Fit! Well done..

As a fitness fan or athlete you are seeking to achieve higher performance levels in specific areas, it’s always about creating controlled stresses and adaptations to increase ability and develop a competitive advantage. Even if that competition is only with yourself, based on last week or last year. When you set goals and parameters within criteria set down by personal motivations, you are taking control of your own fitness. And thus, the chances of making your own perspective of personal fitness a reality, becomes all the more likely.

So, Health.. A definition by The World Health Organisation States ‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’.

There will be professors around the world that will be able to create huge academic theses and wax lyrical for hours around each of these component explanations.

So, let’s try and put it in simplistic terms. An absence of disease or physical ailments, can be down to good luck sometimes, genetics can play a part, our relationship with food and nutrition and certainly bad lifestyle choices can be responsible for ill physical health.

Yet we can add influence to the present and certainly the future state of physical health by moderating calorific intake, avoiding excess

weight, ensuring regular appropriate exercise, avoiding the things that we know are bad for us and getting ones body to work through all its ranges through gentle exercise.

There are theories and fads launched every week in the quest to be healthier, most of these are attached to some commercial or corporate gain. So, often it’s a quick fix that will come and go and not really achieve the impact other than on a short-term basis. None of these are a sustained campaign in health.

See a diet differently to dieting. A diet is what you eat each and everyday, made up of the required personal building blocks of nutrition, dieting is a variation of that norm, to effect change. Consistent healthy lifestyle choices naturally will lead to a consistent state of physical health. It’s better to start healthy, than try and achieve it, after the realisation of an ailment or condition. Get the fundamentals right, do them consistently and do them for life. Know what’s bad for you, excess sugar, bad fats, late night binging, excess alcohol and then avoid them!

Also judging by the WHO definition, there is also a mind, body and spirit balance to overall health and well-being. In these busy times, take time to be present, find a class or activity that takes you mentally away from the pressures of everyday life. Yoga is hugely popular these days, not only for its range opening stretches and core strength qualities, but also its meditative nature. De-stressing the mind will develop a more relaxed physical state, just as a good workout will naturally make you feel more positive and upbeat.

Which brings us to Social Well-being. Speaking philosophically, a healthy life is a balanced life; you should feel connected to like-minded people and communities and engage with life and the world around you. Many believe, herein lies the key to a happy and contented life.

So, there is a distinct difference between Health and Fitness. You can be fit and not be healthy. You can be healthy and not as fit as you would like to be for specific activities.

They are however, intrinsically linked and need to be considered in many of our choices to develop, maintain and prolong an active, balanced and contented living state. And it is that state of complete health and fitness that will certainly lead us towards a better quality of life.

To start your own journey to health and fitness visit www.kaizen-fitness.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 21

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Health or fitness?

Ideally both!

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I’m the cute t h at ya e v YOU MAY RECOGNIZE TONY MAUDSLEY AS THE SUPER TANNED, SUPER CAMP HAIRDRESSER KENNETH DU BEKE IN THE HIT TV SERIES BENIDORM, AND YOU’LL SOON SEE MUCH MORE OF HIS HIGH CAMP ANTICS AS HE TAKES ON THE INFAMOUS ROLE OF EDNA TURNBLAD IN THE CURVE THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF HAIRSPRAY, COMING TO BIRMINGHAM’S NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE THIS WINTER. WITH AN ALLSTAR CAST INCLUDING CLAIRE SWEENEY, PETER DUNCAN AND BRENDA EDWARDS, TONY IS IN GOOD COMPANY BUT HE’S NO ONE TRICK PONY; DLUXE BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL’S SARAH POTTER CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO TALK ABOUT MOVING FROM HAIRDRESSER TO HAIRSPRAY, AS WELL AS HIS IMPRESSIVE CAREER STARRING IN FILMS WITH THE LIKES OF REESE WITHERSPOON, JOHNNY DEPP AND THE HARRY POTTER CAST. I suppose first thing’s first, let’s start from the beginning. How did you get into acting?

Ok well I’m originally from Liverpool, and I actually got into acting by default really. I got into trouble at school and the alternative to detention was attending drama lessons.

Naturally I chose the lessons and as it turns out the teacher was really great. They also ran an after school children’s drama school which I decided to attend and from that I just got the acting bug and carried on.

Well you were obviously a natural as you’ve been in some pretty huge blockbuster films including Harry Potter where you played Hagrid’s half-brother Grawp. How did that come about?

It came about quite specifically. I was in a film called Vanity Fair with Reese Witherspoon. I played her suitor, Joseph “Jos” Sedley. He was quite a soulful character, very warm and likeable, a little misunderstood and a little strange looking, I suppose.

The Director of Harry Potter had expressed that this was exactly the essence and soul of what he wanted for Grawp.

I worked with him for a few weeks on getting into character and he offered me the role. I was honoured to be a part of Harry Potter, even if it’s a small character.

Speaking of characters, who’s been your favourite character that you’ve played so far.

Overall? I think I’ve got to say Kenneth in Benidorm. It’s still ongoing and I’m still loving it. It really is a gift of a part and I get the best lines! I get to say everything as Kenneth that I wouldn’t be able to say in real life.

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So how did the role of Kenneth come about?

Benidorm was actually just a normal run of the mill audition. I had originally auditioned for Steve Pemberton’s role, the Dad Mick, but wasn’t successful. Three years later they asked me if I’d like to audition for the new gay hairdresser they were introducing and I jumped at the chance. I was actually in the middle of a classical play in East London when they held the auditions. I dashed across in my lunch hour feeling very hot and sweaty having ran out of the tube. In fact I think I did most of the audition pulling at my collar and fanning myself and I had to rush off afterwards too!

It sounds like it was a bit of a hectic time.

It was! Funnily enough when I went to the audition, the people who were there to play Kenneth were all very small and skinny; he was going to be very wiry I think.

Really? I couldn’t imagine Kenneth like that now!

Yes, and there’s me, who was the opposite of everyone there. I think they obviously decided to change him after that. And that’s how I got the part.

So, how have you been preparing for the role?

Well I’ve been going to the gym a fair bit to lose a few pounds. The choreographer, who’s fantastic, really pushes people to get the most out of it, so I want to make sure I’m ready physically. There’s obviously a lot of movement and dancing, so I think the gym will help.

Give us the lowdown on the Hairspray story Hairspray is the irresistible feel-good show that is guaranteed to have you dancing the night away. Welcome to the 60’s where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams. You Can’t Stop The Beat as she sets out to dance her way onto national TV with The Nicest Kids In Town. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!

The role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mother, was made famous

by Divine and John Travolta on film and Harvey Fierstein and Michael Ball on stage.

You’re stepping into some big shoes with Edna. What can we expect from your interpretation?

I’m going to bring my own Edna. It’s Edna 2015. We’re changing the mould with new choreography, new costumes, makeup, everything.

So I think for the fans it will be nice to see an updated version of the characters too. It’s a really exciting time for Hairspray. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 23

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est chickie ver did see

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We definitely have! We’ve got Peter Duncan as Edna’s husband Wilbur, Freya Sutton as Edna’s daughter Tracy, Claire Sweeney as Velma Von Tussle and Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle.

Who would you say has been your most favourite person to work with throughout your career?

That’s easy. Julie Walters. I’ve been really lucky to work with Julie. Apart from being such a great actress, she’s a great person to learn from. She makes people feel comfortable and I did learn a lot working with her. I watched her and thought that’s how I want to be. She’s just a really nice, wonderful, unassuming woman.

And who would you say inspires you, acting-wise?

Inspires me? Oh god I don’t know! I’ve been asked that before and I didn’t know… Probably Julie.

Obviously she’s a woman and I’m a man, but she does inspire me.

And a little cliché, but an interesting question. If you could invite 3 people, dead or alive to a dinner party you were holding, who would you invite?

Julie Walters…

Haha we sense a trend here!

Ha yes, Julie for the fun e l e m e n t . H a r v e y Fierstein. He’s the only Edna I saw in H a i r s p r a y , s o i t ’ d be great to grill him on the role. ‘Harvey, how can I win a Tony Award’ haha. And my Nan. She died when I was fifteen so it would be so nice to show her what’s happened since.

So finally, what’s next for Tony Maudsley?

Benidorm and more Kenneth. We haven’t officially been commissioned yet, but I’m not quite ready to hang up my hotpants!

HAIRSPRAY I S AT T H E N E W A L E X A N D R A T H E A T R E , BIRMINGHAM FROM T H E 14TH DEC 2015 - 02ND JAN 2016. T O B O O K T I C K E T S V I S I T WWW.ATGTICKETS.COM OR CALL 0844 871 3011

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”

Well we’re really looking forward to seeing you in it, it sounds all very exciting, and you’ve got a great cast.

I’m not quite read y to hang up my hotp ants !

”

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LET’S DO LUNCH 3

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From fabulously high cheekbones to pristine proportions, shape your way to the perfect face with the art of sculpting.

Just as an artist uses light and shade to add depth to their paintings, the latest must-have products help to shape and define your finest features, while subtle shadowing and highlighting will accentuate your natural beauty. LISA PIDDINGTON, from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, shares5 her tools of the trade.

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The Art of Contouring 7 6 8

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1. Body frock Clare Short Sleeve Vintage Lace Dress True Fur Collar £245 www.bodyfrock.co.uk, 2. Tweed Dress by Victoria Beckham, House Of Fraser £375. 3. Camel Wide Leg Trousers, £50.00, Wallis at The Fort Shopping Park 4. Ravel Sunflower Bag £24.99 5. Sophie Hulme Square grey leather tote £550 Harvey Nichols. 6. Carlo Pazolini Pumps £395 www.carlopazolini.com 7. Alexa Chung for AG Pixie dark blue denim dress £325 Harvey Nichols. 8. Armani Exchange Lapel Detail Jumpsuit £250. 9. Red Herring Burnt Orange Dress, £28.00, Debenhams at Bullring and The Fort Shopping Park 10. Reiss Silk Kayleigh Printed Flippy Dress, Bullring, £195. 11. Wing Tote Lipsy at The Fort Shopping park £55, 12. Tweed Jacket Next, The Fort Shopping Park and Bullring, £60.

1: Charlotte Tilbury sculpt brush, £35. 2: Cover FX Custom Cover Drops, £36. 3: Crème de la Mer loose powder, £55. 4: Laura Mercier flawless contouring palette, £35. 5: NARS contour blush, £30. 6: Rodial eye sculpt, £34. 7: Rodial Sculpting starter kit, £135. 8: Sisley Phyto-Touches powder duo, £66.50. 9: Tom Ford correcting pen, £35. 10: Tom Ford shade and illuminate brush, £58.

ALL PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM BEYOND BEAUTY AND THE SPACE.NK APOTHECARY AT THE NEW SHOWPIECE HARVEY NICHOLS STORE, NOW OPEN AT THE MAILBOX. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 27

CELEBRITY MEDISPA HEADING TO RESORTS WORLD THIS AUTUMN

Leading celebrity hangout EF MEDISPA has announced a new location, confirming that it will launch a state-of-the-art spa, SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA, at Resorts World Birmingham. The award-winning chain of aesthetic clinics, created by world renowned expert, Esther Fieldgrass, is a favourite with the world’s elite and will now offer its services beyond London, where it currently operates in Chelsea, Kensington and St John’s Wood.

SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA is the culmination of almost four decades of industry experience by Esther, and launched in 2006 as one of the UK’s first medi-spas: a one-stop location providing intelligent skincare, face and body treatments – all undertaken by highly qualified practitioners. It is, in Esther’s words; “Inner wellbeing and outer beauty. A unique one stop medi-spa, combining aesthetic treatments with the latest medical advances and traditional complementary therapies. It's Personal. It's Smart. It's Intelligent Skincare with Holistic Health”.

The EF MEDISPA concept has been – and continues to be – recognised as one of the leading clinics in the UK, winning numerous professional and consumer awards including the prestigious Aesthetic Industry Best Clinic Chain and Professional Beauty’s Best Medi-spa/Aesthetic Clinic for the second year running. That it is coming to the West Midlands is very big news indeed…

SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA will be located within the £150m Resorts World Birmingham, offering a luxurious haven for 28 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

visitors to Resorts World Birmingham and those staying at the Genting Hotel, or people who just want to visit for the day to experience the very best and most effective treatments. They will offer a host of spa experiences and beauty treatments for both men and women; including facials, massages, cellulite treatment, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, hair removal, and eye lash tinting

FIVE FAVOURITES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA offers a wide range of treatments for both men and women. Here are five of our favourites that you need to know about: GOT A PROBLEM WITH STRETCH MARKS? Stretch marks occur when your skin is stretched, causing the breakdown of collagen. Carboxy Therapy uses C02, which is present in our bodies at all times, to increase blood flow to the affected areas, resulting in a rush of oxygen and nutrients.

FEELING FAT? Vaser 4D Liposuction is a technique that can create body contour and definition such as a defined six pack. Vaser 4D can define and sculpt those particular areas of the body that men often seek to perfect. It can redefine your whole upper torso, adding muscle definition and giving you a natural, athletic and toned appearance. Profound effects on the six-pack, abdominals, chest, arms, back and any other area you wish to improve

FEEL BETTER FROM THE INSIDE OUT:

and shaping. In addition, SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA will also offer a ‘results driven’ high-end medical treatment menu, which includes acne scarring, rosacea, pigmentation, skin peels, anti-wrinkle injections, and more.

Esther Fieldgrass, Founder of EF MEDISPA, commented: “I’m thrilled to be working with Genting UK to develop SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA at Resorts World Birmingham. We are providing a turnkey package that integrates our unique medi-spa concept into a traditional spa environment. We have seen an evolving trend as regular visitors to spas are now seeking more results-driven therapies. I believe we have designed the ideal blend of treatments to suit the diverse range of visitors to this amazing venue.”

Open to everyone, the spa will include five medi-spa treatment rooms and four traditional treatment rooms. It will also feature a gym, swimming pool, mani/pedi area, and juice bar.

The world of vitamin supplements can be incredibly confusing! You know you should be doing something to improve your skin, hair, and nails and boost your energy levels! At SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA’s Drip and Chill™ bar, you will receive a vitamin prescription tailor-made to your body’s individual needs, but rather than taking orally, this is infused straight into your blood. It will leave you feeling amazing.

NO SWEAT: If you feel you suffer from excessive sweating, their Hyperhidrosis treatment could see you solve your problem, which many of us suffer from, but never admit. It’s an incredibly simple, 30 minute procedure that involves a few small injections into your underarm skin, and you can go back to your daily routine immediately.

You should start to see results after just a few weeks, as the injectable treatment settles into your skin, and you’ll only need a treatment once or twice a year to stop the problem returning.

NEED TO DETOX? The Detox Diet is the effective weight loss programme for those who feel they have perhaps ‘over done it a bit’ or feeling low on energy. If you suffer from stubborn cellulite, water retention, acne or excess weight, The Detox Diet and skin health programme was created to work from the inside out!

TO F I N D O U T M O R E A H E A D O F T H E SA N TA I BY E F M E D I S PA O P E N I N G , V I S I T WWW.RESORTSWORLDBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK AND TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT S O M E O F T H E T R E AT M E N T S O N O F F E R , V I S I T W W W. SA N TA I E F M E D I S PA . CO M dluxe-magazine.co.uk 29

dluxestyle

“It's Personal.

It's Smart. It's Intelligent Skincare with Holistic Health”

JOIN BRITAIN’S biggest FASHION FESTIVAL The Clothes Show has been rebranded and revitalised for 2015 making it hotter than ever before!

The UK’s biggest fashion and beauty event has announced a whole host of headline acts for its 2015 ALCATEL ONETOUCH FASHION THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH CAPITAL FM. Spanning 4-8 December at Birmingham’s NEC, the stage will welcome over 40 models and dancers for a fastpaced explosion of fashion and highenergy performances as well as trend presentations and appearances from special guests including Gemma Cairney & Rae Morris (Friday); Alice Levine & Charli XCX (Saturday); Rick Edwards & Ella Eyre (Sunday) and Joey Essex & Jamie Laing every day.

Book tickets now and experience incredible catwalk shows, gain industry insight with their fashion experts, discover hot clothing brands before anyone else, and see chart-topping megastars rule the stage (although they are staying tightlipped about who’s joining them this year).

YOUR 2015 TICKET GETS YOU: FASHION THEATRE Pulsating drama, emotion and style - don’t miss the spectacular fashion show like no other.

CATWALKS Watch international runway models presenting the very latest designer, high street and graduate fashions.

FASHION & SHOPPING NEW Enhanced seminar programme and Boutique Boulevard as well as bloggers, Liberty exhibition and Graduate ASOS Marketplace.

HAIR & BEAUTY A must-visit for discounts, treatments, tutorials and makeovers from leading brands.

BOOK TICKETS NOW clothesshow.com or call 0844 581 1256 Follow @clothesshow on twitter or find them on facebook.

you’re feeling lucky and want to chance your arm, we’ve only gone and bagsied two/deux/dos WIN! Ifticketos to this year’s event. That’s right: you plus a guest of choice can experience this mind-blowing

fashion extravaganza, courtesy of dluxe Magazine and The Clothes Show . All you have to do is head on over to www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk before Friday 13th November to be in with a chance of winning. Easy.

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Artistic embellishments add interest to the new season.

The catwalks were filled with fabulous floral appliqués, statement jewels, sequins, embroidery and decals. The standout collection came from designer de jour Erdem, who showed beautiful embroidery cross stitching and doily-like cut-outs; while Matthew Williamson chose metallic brocade on skirts and blouses. Mary Katrantzou and Simone Rocha both played around with clever embossing techniques to create raised detailing and pattern. Womenswear Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, MELANIE PRYOR, selects the AW15 pieces that no wardrobe should be without.

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AUTUMN HAIR TRENDS

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Summer is well and truly over, the nights are longer and winter is in on the horizon; however with the season change comes a change hair trends, which on a personal note, is our favourite here, says Dean Vinning of Sixth Sense Salon in Sutton Coldfield.

Throw away the “rule book” with pastel colours:

The good news when it comes to hair colour is there are no rules! Pastel colours have started to become main stream with clients of all ages asking for pastel pink, violet or even green hair… Not feeling that adventurous? then why not go for something less obvious like a peach semi over a blonde to give this season’s hottest colour, Rose Gold. (picture left).

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Still not sure? Check out Helen Mirren’s bubble gum pink hair colour at the BAFTA Awards a couple of years ago? She looked sensational and made women of a certain age seriously reconsider their hair colour choices.

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Choose a hair colour that flatters

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While dying your hair pastel pink may be a step too far, a flattering hair colour can do wonders for your confidence. Your hair colour expert can help you find a colour that suits your skin tone.

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Naturally grey hair can be ageing which is why many women enhance their grey with highlights or lowlights.

Dark skin tones can pull off a blonde salt and pepper look by adding dark lowlights, while those with light skin tones look great with pale blonde tones.

There are also those lucky few who discover that their grey or white hair is actually rather beautiful and complements their skin tone perfectly. Dame Judi Dench we salute you with your gorgeous white hair and trendy short cut!

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Is it time to cut my long hair?

We love long hair here at Sixth Sense Salon, but as we’re coming up to Autumn / Winter we say “ditch the locks”.

Mid-length hair and short hair can look chic and elegant. Bobs and long bobs – as seen on Diane Keaton – will never go out of fashion and can be worn slick and straight or voluminous and wavy.

A texturized short hairstyle – sported by Emma Thompson – can also be a versatile choice as it can be worn slicked back or messy and tousled.

Whatever hair style you choose, ask your stylist for advice on which hairstyle would best suit your face shape.

1: Alice + Olivia embellished dress, £695. 2: Alice + Olivia jacquard dress, £430. 3: Charlotte Olympia embroidered velvet loafers, £365. 4: Kenzo jacquard mini skirt, £320. 5: Markus Lupfer Lara sequinned lips jumper, £295. 6: Mary Katrantzou embellished jacquard dress, £1,565. 7. Temperley silk kimono jacket, £1,195. 8: RED Valentino embroidered collar, £140. 9: Sophia Webster butterfly sandals, £420. 10: Sophia Webster embroidered suede flats. £240 11: Stella McCartney appliqué faux leather clutch, £420.

All items featured are available from the new showpiece Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, either in store, via the Style Concierge service or online at www.harveynichols.com dluxe-magazine.co.uk 31

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It’s IN THE DETAIL

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T a i l o r i n g perfect scents Trends From woody and intense to fresh and fruity, there’s a fragrance to suit your mood. JOHN PAUL McGUIRK, Private Shopper at Harvey Nichols, selects this season’s most covetable scents.

Fragrances are available from the new Harvey Nichols concept store at The Mailbox or online at harveynichols.com.

Whenever I see film clips from the fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan to see what trends may be coming our way it’s always with a slight hint of cynicism, writes Adrian Barrows of The Bespoke Tailor. Gentlemen’s tailoring has long been an industry steeped in tradition where classic designs will never die and no fashionista is ever going to change that. Having said that, there’s always something that filters through from these fashion shows that makes an impact. Whether it’s a particular colour that will be a prevalent or a style of cut that becomes more fashionable, it’s something that I keep a close eye on and showcase in my tailoring.

So, as the evening light starts to fade and we drift towards autumn, here are my thoughts on some of the stand out trends from the fashion shows that will permeate through the tailoring world:

Grey – Grey will be seen everywhere this autumn. Grey suits, sweaters,

scarves, overcoats etc were a big theme in the fashion shows and grey, being traditional, has always been a tailoring favourite. Combining different shades of grey in ties and waistcoats or going for the same hue throughout will be popular during the autumn season.

m o o r g e dlux 1: ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA INTENSA COLOGNE, £81 A reinvention of the classic fragrance – bold notes of bergamot, Sicilian lemon, cardamom, ginger, myrtle, mugwort, neroli and leather.

2: Bottega Veneta Pour Homme EDT, £65 (90ML) Fresh and understated, d i s t i n c t i v e n o t e s o f labdanum, fir balsam and bergamot blend into a sensuous leathery signature.

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Creed

Royaal

Oud

EDP,

£210

(75ml):

Using ingredients which have been prized in the East for thousands of years, Royal Oud celebrates the glamour and spirituality of oriental perfumery.

Checked Tailoring – once again, a traditional favourite. Checked tailoring was a big feature of the London fashion shows and continues to be a strong trend. From classic Prince of Wales checks to more subtle patterns and bolder windowpane checks, the versatility of check designs are what make them so popular.

4: Maison Margiela Untitled EDP, £65 (50ml): Maison Margiela’s unisex scent turns a classical fragrance upside down.

Taking galbanum - the principal element of this fresh, green scent - it contrasts it perfectly with incense and musky cedar.

Statement overcoats – Both single and double-breasted overcoats were featured heavily in the fashion shows. Tailored from wool with loose fitting design in blacks and greys or bolder blues and reds are all going to be popular this autumn.

5: Salvatore Ferragamo Acqua Essenziale Colonia, £44 (50ml): Aromatic notes of

Shearling – There’s a definite seventies theme that is

running its way through fashion at the moment and shearling, a fabric that was big in that era, is making a comeback and will be appearing in all sorts of garments this autumn. Shearling is the skin from a sheared sheep or lamb that has been tanned and dressed with the wool left on .You can expect to see shearling in coats, bags and even jumpers this autumn.

Baggy Trousers – trousers will be getting baggier this autumn, or should I say more relaxed and wide-legged. Trousers with looser cuts and higher waists will be popular. Worn with double-breasted suit jackets and crew neck jumpers, wide-legged trousers will create that classic meets contemporary look.

As autumn arrives, it’s always nice to get back into more substantial fabrics and sartorially embrace what the season brings. If you’re looking to get your wardrobe up to date this autumn then delve into these trends and see what takes your fancy.

FOR M O RE I N F O R MATI O N AB O U T TAI LORING YOUR WA R D RO B E TO T H E S E AS S O N AL TRENDS S E E W WW.T HE B E S P O K E TAI LO R .CO.U K O R CA LL ADRI AN BA RROWS O N 0 79 6 8 4 3 8 717

lavender and clary sage are brightened by notes of orange blossom, revealing the masculine and vibrant side of the fragrance.

6: Shay & Blue Blacks Club Leather EDP, £85 (100ml): Think priv ate

member’s club – a smooth, leather y fragrance.

Round, full and rich.

7: Tom Ford Oud Wood EDP, £145 (50ml): Exotic rose

wood and cardamom give way to a smoky blend of rare oud wood, sandalwood and vetiver, whilst tonka bean and amber add warmth and sensuality.

8: Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Instense EDP, £70 (100ml): Yves

Saint Laurent’s signature scent for men has a woody fragrance bursting with character, featuring sensual and vibrant leather accords.

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WINTER’S COMING 2 1

IN THE WORD’S OF JOHN SNOW, “WINTER’S COMING” BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOUR SENSE OF STYLE HAS TO GO ON THE BACK BURNER. IT’S TIME TO INVEST IN THE SEASON’S BIGGEST STYLE STATEMENT - THE WINTER COAT. 3

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1. Outfit by G-lab, 2. Wool & Leather Coat By Givenchy At Harvey Nichols £660, 3. Stone Island Mussola Gommata Jacket £595, 4. Armani Exchange Suede Jacket £620, 5. Satin Bomber By Acne Studios At Harvey Nichols £425, 6. Shearling Trim Coat, Versace Collection £1245, 7.

Sheepskin Coat, Topman £TBA, 8. Private White V.C. Shearling Collar Pea Coat, Navy, John Lewis £695, 9. Red puffa jacket £90 Farah Vintage @ House of Fraser, 10. Blue padded jacket £330 Boss Green, Hugo Boss.

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Wayne Rooney, James Nesbitt and Calum Best may have all shelled out big bucks for their hair transplant surgeries, but it seems that treatment to restore lush locks is not just for celebrities, according to new research by private healthcare search engineWhatClinic.com

The new season menswear collections are anything but a blank canvas.

Colour and pattern dominate with hyper real prints, cartoons and bold paint splatters on T-shirts, backpacks, trousers and trainers. Givenchy opts for bright orange flames blazoned across sweatshirts and skate shoes; while at Versace, there’s a nod to the history books with all-over Baroque prints.

JAMES BURKE, Menswear Manager at Harvey Nichols celebrates a very artistic AW15.

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Hair transplantation, also known as hair restoration or hair implantation, is the process of permanently restoring hair by transplanting follicular units into balding or thinning areas. Healthy follicles are taken from other areas of the body that are genetically resistant to balding, most often the back or the sides of the head. This can be done by extracting a hairy skin strip from the back of the head (follicular unit transplantation) or removing follicles individually (follicular unit extraction).

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UK enquiries into hair transplant have more than tripled (up 230%) in the past 12 months alone - despite an average price tag of £4,975*. Hair loss clinics in the UK have seen a 165% surge in demand across all treatments But Brits are going to even further lengths – and distances – for fuller heads of hair, with many seeking the treatment overseas.

In terms of volume of enquiries, nearly twice as many British patients have enquired into treatments at clinics in Turkey than in the UK in the past 12 months. In this time, Turkish clinics have also seen a 215% surge in UK-based enquiries for hair transplantation. The average starting price for hair transplant in Turkey is £1,328 - around a quarter of the average cost of the procedure in the UK.

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Whilst Turkey is by far the biggest hotspot for the procedure, with 72% of all overseas enquiries from Brits going to Turkish clinics, other destinations are growing in popularity. In the past year, UK enquiries to hair transplant clinics abroad have increased by 167%. Of all the popular destinations for Brits seeking hair transplant surgery, India has seen the greatest surge in demand, with enquiries into the treatment from UK patients up nearly seven-fold (594%) in the past year. Patients heading to India will make the greatest savings on the procedure, with hair transplant procedures costing as low as £496.

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With countries even further afield offering the surgery for a fraction of its UK price, Ireland - which ranked as the second most popular destination for Brits seeking hair transplants abroad last year - has seen a 62% fall in enquiries into the procedure in the past 12 months.

Dr Levent Acar, Aesthetic Medicine Physician at Cosmedica Hair Transplant Clinic in Istanbul, comments: “About half of our patients seeking hair transplants come from overseas - mostly from UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, Ireland, Australia and Canada. Over the past year, the number of overseas patients that we have treated at our clinic has increased by approximately 75%.

"For hair transplantations, we recommend to our patients that they stay three days at our clinic or at a suitable hotel. During this period the patient has regular check-ups and their healing process is monitored closely.

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"Especially for hair transplantation with FUE, patients don't need stitches.

FUE is a minimally invasive medical treatment with relatively few side effects. All our patients are given antibiotics, anti-oedema and antiinflammatory medication after the surgery, to allow faster healing.

"Sometimes we see patients with allergy or sensitive skin types, and we advise them on what special medication they can take.

"After the operations, we stay in touch with our patients and ask them to send us pictures at different stages - after one week, two weeks, after three, six or nine months - to monitor the healing.”

For more information visit www. .whatclinic.com

All items featured are available from the new showpiece Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox, either in store, via the Style Concierge service or online at harveynichols.com.The new store opened its doors this summer and has already gained an enviable reputation for its coveted edit of the best names in fashion.

1: Alexander McQueen painted skull T-shirt, £260. 2: DSquared2 cartoon print skate shoes, £285. 3: Dsquared2 tattoo print T-shirt, £155. 4: Givenchy printed leather skate shoes, £460. 5: Givenchy printed sweatshirt, £565. 6: Maison Margiela paint-splattered wallet, £255. 7: McQ Alexander backpack, £360. 8: McQ Alexander McQueen graphic T-shirt, £120. 9: Neil Barrett statue-print T-shirt, £170. 10: Paul Smith Jeans marble print T-shirt, £100. 11: Versace Baroque print hooded jacket, £750. 12: Versace Baroque print jogging trousers, £690.

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dluxestyle

TRANSPLANT Artistic Merit TRAVEL

dluxe family y THE TOP TEN RAINY DAY TREATS FOR AUTUMN

JURASSIC WORLD

BLU-RAY / DVD 19TH OCT A box office smash, the long awaited next instalment of the groundbreaking Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World picks up twenty two years after the events of Jurassic Park (1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond.

After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to respark visitor’s interest, which backfires horribly.

Mister Maker Live

New Alexandra Theatre 9th -10th Oct Come and join your ultimate arts and craft hero, CBeebies’ Mister Maker, for his first ever live theatre tour! Packed full of arty adventures there’ll be a big ‘make’ to take part in, super songs to join in with, a fabulous supporting cast, and not forgetting, The Shapes! Yes, you’ll be able to share the fun with Mister Maker’s colourful all-dancing friends Circle, Square, Rectangle and Triangle too! This show is tons of arty fun for mini makers and all the family! http://www.atgtickets.com/ 36 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3D’

CINEMAS FROM 27TH NOV Disney Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend.

WINNIE THE POOH: HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT

£10.99 RELEASED 8TH OCT Winnie-the-Pooh Happy and You Know It Hand Puppet Book is a lovely, interactive storybook for young children full of charming illustrations of Pooh and his friends. Clap, nod, wave and take a bow with Pooh as you follow the classic nursery rhyme text. The puppet is made of soft plush and fits both little and big hands, making this book perfect for sharing.

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JUST DANCE 2016

(NINTENDO WII U) £26.99 20TH OCTOBER If they must spend all weekend on their console at least get them doing something energetic! Just Dance 2016 - the newest game from the top-selling franchise - is here with a whole host of new songs. Bust a move to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson Ft. Bruno Mars and feel the beat in “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor - Just Dance 2016 features an amazing tracklist with visuals that are more creative and breath-taking than ever before. The perfect party game.

GHOST HUNT

SMETHWICK BATHS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 31/10/15 Join the Ghost Knights team for a haunting Halloween of ghost hunting at the spooky Smethwick Baths, certain to be an event to remember.

Built in 1933 the baths at Smethwick are widely reported as one of the most haunted locations in the West Midlands with paranormal activity being reported daily by customers. Explore the underground tunnels which during wartime were used as an air raid shelter, morgue and even a concert venue.

When the lights go out the spirits come out, what will you find?

BONFIRE & FIREWORK DISPLAY

EDGBASTON STADIUM 5th Nov Be dazzled by one of Birmingham’s biggest bonfire and firework displays.

With a full range of family activities planned from 5pm expect to find an onsite fairground, food stall, fun and of course fireworks! Tickets need to be purchased before the event – visit www. edgbaston.com

MESSY DOODLE AND DO: AN ART PAD FOR MINI SCIENTISTS PAPERBACK £5.95 RELEASED 12 OCT 2015

Set off on a doodle adventure with Messy, a sock-eating monster who loves jokes and science. Scribble, colour, fold and doodle your way through this imaginative activity pad and then tear out the pages and pin them up on the wall for everyone to see! Draw a giant sandwich for Messy, hide paper socks for him to find and join up dots for a big surprise!

ONE DIRECTION

BARCLAYCARD ARENA 10, 11, 12 NOV Harry, Niall, Louis and Liam are heading to Brum for three performances at the Barclaycard Arena and this might be your last chnace to see them- something that’s sure to get every little girl (and quite a few Mums too) screaming! www.barclaycardarena.co.uk

PAN

CINEMAS FROM 16TH OCT A magical new version of the Peter Pan story from ‘Atonement’ director Joe Wright. A brand new take on J.M.Barrie’s timeless tale of the orphan boy who wouldn’t grow up starring Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried, and Levi Miller as Peter Pan.

For more fun activities over the autumn visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

dluxe family

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL National treasure Julian Clary shares his joy at writing his debut children’s book The Bolds.

“I always wanted to be a writer when I was a child,” says Clary. “I think writing for children never occurred to me until my agent suggested it. It was a rather inspired idea because it’s very much more fun than writing for adults.” And that is how the flamboyant TV personality came about creating his debut children’s book, The Bolds, a collaboration between Clary and award winning illustrator David Roberts.

Mr and Mrs Bold are quite ordinary; they live with their two children in a very nice house in Teddington, they have jobs and are totally normal except for one thing: they are hyenas. The Bolds have until now lived quite a banal existence, keeping their long, spotted tails and manic laughs under wraps, but when a neighbour gets suspicious it leads to a wacky adventure unlike any other.

Clary admits his inspiration for The Bolds came from directly his own childhood, “Growing up, there was a family in our road who were all quite hairy… As a child I made up stories for myself that they were hyenas, and from there came from book.” This isn’t Clary’s first foray into writing; between 2005 and 2008 he wrote a fortnightly article for New Statesmen magazine, while also penning the two novels Murder Most Fab and Devil in Disguise and his touching and frank autobiography A Young Man’s Passage.

He explains how writing for children is a very different process to his precious endeavours. “You must contact your inner child, which we all have. My inner child as a comedian is quite present all the time, 38 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

so it’s just flipping to thinking like a child and your imagination takes over, you can just go with the flow.” Clary found it to be a creatively liberating experience: “with an adult book you’d think, ‘well that’s a little unbelievable,’ whereas that doesn’t apply with children’s literature.”

Prior to his work as an author, Clary began his comedy career on the 80s cabaret scene and credits his time at university for giving him the confidence to perform. “I was doing cabaret with a girl who was on my course and, in fact, when we left university we carried on; that’s how we got our equity cards. Eventually she got an acting job so I started doing it on my own. I wouldn’t have had the nerve to do it alone to start with!” His outrageous stage shows soon earned him a sufficient fan following to make the jump from stage to screen and since the late ‘80s; Clary has been a staple of British television.

After promoting The Bolds he will go straight into preparing for pantomime season, where he will appear alongside Lee Mead and Marti Pellow in Aladdin at the Birmingham Hippodrome. With all his TV and stand-up comedy success there must be something about pantomime that draws him back to the boards year after year? “What I love is being part of this big company with chorus girls and chorus boys and lavish costumes and proper production values. There’s a different aspect to showbiz than from being on my own. Normally, as a stand-up, you’re on your own sitting in a dressing room whereas there’s the whole theatrical life with panto. I find I don’t mind entertaining children, they’re very sweet, so that’s what I enjoy about it.”

Julian Clary’s The Bolds paperback is published

by Andersen Press and is suitable for children 8+. Aladdin runs at The Birmingham Hippodrome from 19th December until 31st January. www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Edgbaston High School for Girls is a purposeful and vibrant community, providing a 21st Century education based on traditional values.

The School offers excellent standards of teaching alongside stateof-the-art facilities including the 600 seat Octagon performance space, a spacious Sixth Form Centre, swimming pool, athletics track and hockey field.

From the youngest to the most senior pupils, the school’s aim is to encourage, develop and support so that each girl leaves EHS having achieved the best possible academic results and developed the skills and confidence to use her talents widely.

Dr Ruth Weeks, Headmistress, comments: “EHS offers an enriched educational experience; pupils make excellent academic progress and achieve high standards in their work whilst benefitting from a distinctive system of pastoral care where emphasis is placed on nurturing each girl’s strengths and raising self-esteem.

“We wholeheartedly encourage our girls to be independent, to face new challenges and to acquire new skills. Combined with excellent teaching this unique approach offers our pupils a truly rounded education.”

EHS is an independent school for girls. One of the features of EHS is the continuity of education it offers: the Nursery, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form departments on site work together to cater for girls aged between two and a half to eighteen years.

All pupils enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities to excel, both in and out of school. Year on year academic results are outstanding and an extensive variety of sporting and creative interests are encouraged.

Visit EHS to see for yourself: Senior School Open Day on Thursday 24 September 2015, 4.30 - 7.00pm and Preparatory School Open Day on Saturday 26 September 2015 from 9.30am - 12.00 noon. For further information about admissions or scholarships and bursaries please contact the Admissions Office on 0121 454 5831 or email admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk

EDGBASTON HIGH SCHOOL for GIRLS

An independent school for girls aged 2½-18 years

S en i or S cho o l O p en Event

Prep a r ator y S cho o l O p en Event

ursday 24 September 2015 4:30 - 7:00pm

Saturday 26 September 2015 9:30am - 12:00noon

Academic, Music, Sport, Art Scholarships - Means tested bursaries 0121 454 5831 admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk

dluxefamily

E d u c at i o n , E n r i c h m e n t, E x c e l l e n c e

dluxe living Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue? James Montgomery

All product available from House of Fraser 40 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Marks & Spencer

Autumn’s palette draws inspiration from indian ink. Deep, dark and sophisticated Indigo exudes glamour and works equally well combined with warm pinks and mustards as with light greys and charcoal tones. Introduce a little copper to your combination and you’re in home heaven.

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6 1. John Lewis Hulse Pipevine Cushion £55, 2. Harvey Nichols Shan and Blue Blood Orange Candle £35, 3. BHS Blue Chandelier £TBC, 4. Debenhams Ben de Lisis Bulldog £12, 5. John Lewis Malin Cushion Nordic Blue £25, 6. Vera Wang for Wedgwood - With Love Gift Frame £40, 7. Amara Guaxs - Cubistic Vase - Indigo £497, 8. hinstonshome.com Indigo Enamel Coffee pot £17.99, 9. Oscar de la Renta - Trellis Tray - Indigo £663

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Oliver Bonas Opens

in Birmingham The British fashion & lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas is opening its first branch in Birmingham’s New Street Station this autumn.

The store will feature the full range of women’s clothing, accessories, jewellery, homeware, furniture and gifts, all inspired by creative design and fresh thinking.

Oliver Bonas was established by entrepreneur Oliver Tress in 1993, who turned his passion for buying unusual gifts on his travels abroad into a successful British independent business. The addition of the Birmingham New Street branch will take the total number of stores to 46.

Oliver Bonas, Unit 29A Concourse Level, Birmingham New Street Station Birmingham, BN5 4AH www.oliverbonas.com dluxe-magazine.co.uk 41

dluxeliving

HEAVY METAL Elegant metallic accents add sophistication to any room this season. Copper and brass candle holders, lighting and furnishings are the perfect addition for deep blue and indigo schemes. For a more vintage look, add mercury glass and pieces with etching or embossed details. Alternatively pair with clay, marble, wood and leather for a warmer look.

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1. Amara Tom Dixon Etch Pendant Light Brass £340, 2. Oliver Bonas Pineapple £24, 3. Marks And Spencers Sunburst Mirror £199, 4. HomeSense Copper Lamp £49.99, 5. John Lewis Content By Terence Conran Nest of 3 Tables £325, 6. Leekes 30L Copper Bin £60, 7. Metallic Faux Leather Copper Cushion, Very, £15, 8. House of Fraser 24 Peice Copper Cutlery Set £180, 9. House Of Fraser Copper Embossed Set of 2 Bowls £40, 10. Oliver Bonas Lanterns and Terraniums £30 to £32.

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IDEAS INTERIORS RELAUNCHES AS THE STATION

Just off the M42 near Tamworth is the historic town of Ashby De La Zouch and an old Victorian railway station. Set back from the road, it’s a beautiful neoclassical grade 2 listed building with side pavilions and Doric columns in-keeping with the nearby Royal Hotel of 1826. What’s even more stunning than the exterior however, is the interior. And it’s no surprise really, considering an Interior Design company has acquired the building, taking it from a derelict structure with great bones, to what they hope will become a flourishing business offering the best in bespoke kitchens.

Previously called Ideas Interiors – they were based in Loughborough for eight years - the newly named The Station Ashby has been painstakingly created by entrepreneur Steve Housden and his family who wanted to bring their dream of an international-standard interiors store to the region; a showroom that would cleverly combine the very latest in bespoke kitchen and home design - whether from top international designers such as Rempp or Hacker or the hand-crafted, bespoke designs of Steve himself – right through to appliances from household names such as Miele and Glas Italia. It’s a concept that sees the creation of interior solutions, from concept to completion. This ‘one stop shop’ certainly looks like a design for success, as we found out when we visited their stunning new showroom…

The Station is an incredible building: what do you know of its history? The station itself was built for the Midland Railway in 1849 and ran between Burton and Leicester. Ashby was fashionable in the Regency period as a spa and the station echoes earlier buildings in the area like the Grecian baths and the Royal Hotel.

The station was partially built on the remains of the horse-drawn Ticknall Tramway, which previously connected the Ashby Canal with the Ticknall lime quarries. It’s clear that, for many years, Ashby can be seen to be an incredibly well-connected town and we hope The Station will live up to its previous incarnation and see visitors coming from far and wide to visit us.

Have there been any challenges in bringing the building up to date?

What state was it in when you first took it on? When we first took it on, it was rather damp. Lead had been stolen from the roof and it wasn’t spotted for a while, so the damp set in. There was mould and even mushrooms growing in some parts!

The railway station is clearly a beautiful building but what else attracted you to Ashby? The location, really. It has incredible access to the main motorway networks, so it’s really easy to get to, plus it has ample parking. We

also wanted the opportunity to expand our former kitchen business, to be able to offer more choice across every room of the house. The aim is to become THE destination for high-end, inspiring interiors.

Is having so much retail space daunting, or have you plans to make use of every inch at The Station? What services will you be offering here? We have so many exciting plans! We’ve got enough space for each of our room settings to have huge interior pieces displayed, and it’s our intention is to add high-end living and bedroom furniture and children’s bedroom furniture, eventually.

The space at The Station has allowed us to create ‘real life’ room settings, so you can really visualise how it might look and work in your own home. Every appliance and gadget you see in the showroom settings work, too, which is unusual. We’ve carefully picked the appliance brands we wanted to work with, as we wanted to create an environment that showed them off to best effect, again to help you visualise.

So, it’s dinner at The Station? You jest, but our working kitchen installation will be put through its paces, as we’re planning cookery demonstrations and even a supper club. We’re also in the process of developing part of the building into a café and tea room with private dining facilities, although you’ll have to wait until next year to enjoy this.

If you had to summarise what you want to be known for, what would you say? We want The Station to be known for offering incredible, beautiful and practical kitchen and living solutions – from design to fulfilment. We want to be recognized for our care and support from start to finish. We support the client with as little or as much help as they like.

The idea of The Station is for clients to walk through the door and believe that what they see could be all or a part of their home. So whether you want a traditional kitchen or something a little more contemporary, they’ll guide you in the right direction. What’s clear is that every stage in creating a new kitchen or living space is as important to them as it is to you; from concept to completion.

They’ll work with you, offer advice and provide an imaginative and original design that really works for you and your lifestyle. Everyone’s different and it’s this individuality that excites them and inspires their solutions.

For anyone that’s thinking about having a change in their home, we definitely suggest visiting Steve and his family at The Station Ashby, Station Road, Ashby De La Zouch LE65 2GL. Tel 01530 412380 dluxe-magazine.co.uk 43

dluxeliving

A DESIGN FOR SUCCESS:

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PROPERTY I N V E S T O R I N S I G H T

Paul Sherrington, Senior lettings Branch High demand for rental accommodation Manager for Accord Lets in Birmingham City i n Bi r m i n gham City Ce nt r e Centre answers questions from landlords : There is a lot of activity in the Birmingham City Centre property market with developers scouring the city for sites to build residential properties.

This is phenomenally exciting and clearly shows the confidence within the Birmingham property market place.

Households who rent their home privately make the most efficient use of housing stock in comparison to any other tenure, according to figures compiled by Accord Lettings, part of Countrywide plc, the UK’s largest property services group.

Tenants in the UK are less than half as likely to have a spare room in comparison to homeowners. If all of the 135,000 new homes that were built in the UK during the last 12 months went into the private rented sector, they could be expected to house 281,000 people based on how UK tenants presently live. By way of comparison, if every new home went to an owner occupier, just 241,000 people would be housed, which is 40,000 less.

Commenting Jack Simpson, Area Lettings Director for Accord Lettings, said: “While increasing the amount of new homes built is primarily a numbers game, how efficiently these homes are used is also an important factor. The low barriers to move to a more suitable home mean that private tenants have proved themselves to be the most efficient users of space. Conversely, for both owner occupiers and social tenants, the barriers to moving home when it no longer meets their needs are much higher. As a result they generally use housing much less efficiently.

“Both investors and owner occupiers play an important role in ensuring that new homes get built. While investors are willing to purchase units off plan often years prior to completion and provide crucial forward funding, owner occupiers are more willing to pay a premium for a product they themselves will live.

The most successful schemes cater for both markets, balancing affordability with viability.”

When is the best time for my property to be available for lettings?

There is a never a bad time to be letting your property in Birmingham City Centre. Currently the rental market is very strong with a large number of applicants registered with Accord Lets who are looking to rent. Our sales colleagues, from Dixons City Centre, have informed us that an increasing number of properties that would previously have been purchased by Landlords are now being sold to first time buyers which continues to create a shortage of supply to meet the ever increasing demand. This is good news for any Landlord maintaining strong rents and a high supply of quality prospective tenants.

Do I need an inventory for my unfurnished property?

We would highly recommend an inventory for every Tenancy at your rental property. An independent inventory is essential in ensuring that a Landlord has impartial evidence of the condition of their property prior to each Tenant moving in. If there is any damage to the property (for example marks to walls, any damage to the worktop in the kitchen, damage to furniture, marks to the carpet, broken tile (s) in the bathroom etc) you will have no independent proof of the condition of the property prior to the Tenant moving in and, legally, wont be able to deduct any money for repairs from the deposit regardless of the condition of the property at the end of the Tenancy. I would strongly recommend an inventory and think all Landlords should view it as another form of insurance, being a Landlord isn’t a cheap commercial entity and you need to ensure your property is protected.

For further information about the lettings market in Birmingham City Centre or for advice on letting property, please call us on 0121 3691 644.

West 2, Suffolk Street, Queensway, Birmingham, B1 1LW – www.accordproperty.co.uk 44 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Birmingham Lettings

01213 691 637

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INCLUDING VAT (SET UP UP FEE FEE OF OF £250 £250 APPLIES) APPLIES) (SET

OFFER EXPIRES END OF NOVEMBER* VALID UNTIL 31ST JULY 2015. *

Accord

West 2, Suffolk Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B1 1LW Telephone: 01213 691 637 Email: birmingham@accordproperty.co.uk

*Applies to new customers only, The 9.5% including VAT is discounted from our standard full management fee of 19.2% including VAT. Offer valid until 31st July. Inventory fee is required and is dependent on the size of the property, from £150 Inc VAT. Valid for properties within 5 miles of B1 1LW. Subject to successful application and and referencing.

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dluxe mo

THE RETURN OF ALF Unveiled on the 105th anniversary of the founding of A.L.F.A in the renovated Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, Italy, the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia heralds the return of the marque to the compact executive market and regeneration of one of the most evocative of motoring brands, writes Jonathan Fraser.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Alfa Romeo; a 145 Cloverleaf was the first brand new car I bought, so it’s good to see that the new Giulia embodies the core elements that have made Alfa Romeo one of the world’s best-loved brands for drivers -distinctive design; innovative powertrains and a perfect weight distribution.

The taut and compact proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new, rear-wheel drive architecture (all-wheel drive will also 46 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

be available) whilst the engine and major mechanical components have been arranged between the axles to ensure perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The Giulia has very short overhangs, a long bonnet and muscular haunches, while the wheelbase is longest in its class in an effort to maximise stability, comfort and practicality.

Naturally, traditional Alfa Romeo design cues have not been forgotten; the legendary trefoil nose, one of the most recognisable style elements in the automotive world is present and there is a definite feel of an evolved, steroid pumped 159 to the Giulia’s lines.

Inside, premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, are included in an effort to bid goodbye to any memories of the flimsy trim that plagued older Alfas. The design is crisp, fuss-free and driver focused with the main controls grouped together on the

The handling is also set to be trademark good with a sophisticated “Alfalink” multilink suspension solution developed exclusively by Alfa Romeo in conjunction with a new semi-virtual steering axis to guarantee rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners. In combination with electronically-controlled adaptive dampers, the always-perfect footprint allows the Giulia to tackle high lateral forces while still ensuring the steering feels direct, natural and instinctive even at very high speeds.

Straight out of the racing fraternity is the Giulia’s innovative doubleclutch system that allows the rear differential to control the torque delivery to each wheel independently in a bid to improve traction in low grip conditions without having to run up against an invasive stability control system. There is also a new integrated braking system on offer which combines stability control and a traditional servo brake for instantaneous brake response and record-breaking stopping distances.

All of these state-of-the-art systems are governed by the Alfa’s Chassis Domain Control, the ‘brains’ of the on-board electronics which has been assigned the specific task of optimising performance

FA ROMEO small steering wheel in a similar fashion to a Formula 1 car. The other main controls consist of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector (which modifies the car’s dynamic behaviour according to the driver’s selection: Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficient for economy driving and there is a Race function too) and the infotainment system. It’s an interior that is in the most part fit to match its German counterparts and should put to bed any quality concerns.

Under the bonnet is, as you would expect with an Alfa, where the magic happens. A range of state-of-the-art engines, which range from 1.4 to 1.8 turbocharged petrol units as well as four cylinder and V6 diesel, power the new Giulia with an M3 baiting bespoke unit created for the top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio version. Tuned by engineers from a Ferrari background, the flagship V6 turbo petrol powerplant delivers an impressive 510hp, propelling the

and driving pleasure; there’s even a front Active Aero Splitter to actively manage downforce for higher stability and better cornering grip; this is a serious drivers car.

Such technology can weigh heavy, so to maintain its extraordinary weight-to-power ratio, the Giulia employs an extensive use of ultralight materials throughout. For example, carbon fibre was chosen for the propeller shaft, bonnet, roof and seat frames, while aluminium was selected for the engine, suspension – including the front domes and front and rear frames – wings and doors. The rear cross-member is made of aluminium composite and plastic and the braking system uses aluminium callipers and carbon ceramic discs. Despite this weight optimisation, the car also boasts the best torsional rigidity in its class making a better handling, longer lasting car.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is set to released in early 2016, prices are yet to be announced but to keep up to date visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk or visit Johnsons Alfa Romeo Four Ashes Road, Dorridge. B93 8NE Tel. 08433833584 dluxe-magazine.co.uk 47

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Giulia Quadrifoglio from 0 to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds, while also offering surprising fuel efficiency thanks to electronically-controlled cylinder deactivation system. As with all next-generation petrol and diesel engines, this six-cylinder unit is made entirely of lightweight aluminium and still delivers that distinctive Alfa Romeo rasp that complements the car’s performance so well.

dluxe travel

FLY UNITED TO THE CITY BY THE BAY With its stunning bay, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic mix of architecture and steep rolling hills traversed by cable cars, there are many reasons to leave your heart in San Francisco.

Although San Francisco may measure less than 50 square miles, it offers something for everyone – from Michelin-starred dining to deliciously different food trucks, serene waterfronts to vibrant nightlife and exquisite ballet to adrenalin fuelled outdoor pursuits – so whether you seek the vintage charm of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or are feeling adventurous enough to venture into the waters with the vibrant surfing community at Ocean Beach, the City by the Bay has it all.

All this, plus a mild year-round climate mean it’s no surprise that San Francisco is a popular leisure destination throughout the seasons, and with United Airlines it is easy for travellers from the Midlands and Central England to reach this great city.

From Birmingham Airport, United operates year-round nonstop flights to its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, not 48 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

only providing direct access to the Big Apple, but offering conveniently timed connections to San Francisco and more than 300 other destinations throughout the Americas.

Fly to the United States in style with United BusinessFirst and enjoy flatbed seats and refreshing Cowshed brand premium skin-care products as well as a multi-course menu accompanied by a sommelier-chosen selection of wines – an appropriate way to prepare for a trip to the Bay Area, home to some of the world’s finest wine country, including Napa Valley and Sonoma.

United Economy customers benefit from personal on-demand entertainment on board as well as complimentary beer and wine as part of a new, high-quality inflight dining service, whilst United Economy Plus offers up to six inches of extra legroom.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Also popular with travellers is San Francisco’s Chinatown district, the oldest in North America.

Take a stroll here and you’ll discover Grant Street, bustling with mini-malls and restaurants serving authentic Asian cuisine, Stockton Street with its traditional Hong Kong fish markets and the more relaxed feel of Portsmouth Square with Tai Chi and Chinese Chess.

With so much to experience, United helps travellers plan ahead by keeping them connected inflight via smartphone, tablet and laptop. United was the first U.S. carrier to offer onboard satellite-based Wi-Fi and with installation of the technology more than 85 percent complete, the airline now has Wi-Fi on more than 700 of its mainline aircraft. United’s updated mobile app with interactive map feature also makes navigating San Francisco airport simple, allowing you to make the most of your travel time.

Bob Schumacher, Managing Director Sales, U.K. & Ireland at United, said: “Our nonstop flights from Birmingham to our New York hub offer convenient connections to San Francisco and hundreds of other great destinations across the Americas. In addition, our recently enhanced onboard dining experience, and high-quality premium cabin products allow us to provide the best service to our customers.”

FACT BOX United offers nonstop trans-Atlantic service from more U.K. cities than any other airline, including year-round nonstop flights from Birmingham Airport to its hub at New York/Newark, with onward connections to San Francisco over 300 other destinations across the Americas.

Return fares in Economy from Birmingham to San Francisco via New York/Newark start from £668.34 (including taxes, September 2015).

For latest prices, visit www.united.com or call 0845 8444777.

MAKE SURE YOU VISIT...

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Experience the wonders of Ghirardelli Chocolate at Ghirardelli Square, right on the front of the bay. Taste some of the most divine chocolate sundaes, fudge and hot chocolate – absolutely heavenly!

GOLDEN GATE PARK

Within Golden Gate Park are 1,017 acres of stunning scenery and wildlife.

A free shuttle bus can take you to all the main attractions spanning the lengths of the park. Watch the Bisons grazing in the paddock and see the beauty of the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a must see - a long coastal row of delicious restaurants, fresh fish markets and souvenir shops all accompanied by the smell of the sea breeze. The Boudin Bakery is a must!

Taste their famous clam chowder in a freshly made sourdough bread bowl, a recipe used since 1849!

TWIN PEAKS

PIER 39

Famous for the Sea Lions which inhabit the platforms in front of the Pier, attractions include some fantastic shopping opportunities and boat trips on the blue and gold line ferries. You can even come eye-to-eye with the Sevengill Shark at the Aquarium Bay.

ALCATRAZ CRUISES

Take a hike up to the 992ft tall Twin Peaks and see the spectacular views of the entire layout of the streets in San Francisco. One of the magical things about San Francisco is the fog that blankets the city and the Twin Peaks is an amazing spot to watch the fog make its way from the Pacific.

SUNSET BAY CRUISE

Relax and enjoy the sunset in style on a bay cruise. Live commentary and music is provided to create a really chilled atmosphere, followed by a buffet with a fully stocked bar. As the sun sets over the horizon take in the breath taking views of the skyscrapers and famous landmarks.

The former home to some of America’s most notorious criminals such as Al Capone, this Island prison is full of history, infamy and eeriness. This is a very popular attraction so make sure you book at least a month in advance to avoid missing out.

CHINATOWN

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Today it is known as one of the seven wonders of the modern world; the 4,200ft long suspension bridge is an iconic attraction. Why not hire a bike out and ride from Fisherman’s Wharf right up to the bridge and ride all the way across?

GHIRARDELLI SQUARE

Decorated with lamps and pagoda roof tiles, Chinatown is full of culture, history and amazing fresh food. Enter by the famous Dragon Gate on Grant Street.

CABLE CAR RIDE

An amazing way to see the city, cable cars are a historic symbol recognized around the globe and offer real working transportation up the steep hills of San Francisco. From Union Square to the crest of Nob Hill through the pretty streets of Victorian and homes, there is something incredibly romantic about these rides. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 49

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San Francisco is famed worldwide for its dynamic diversity – Golden Gate Park offers over 1,000 acres of natural beauty, stretching even further than Central Park in NYC and featuring an open air music plaza, Japanese Tea Garden as well as paddock of bison – whilst at the southern end of the bay you’ll find the tech giants of Silicon Valley, home to Twitter, Pinterest, Airbnb and Google to name a few.

dluxetravel

BAKu: THE NEw DUBAI?

BAKU, HOME TO THIS YEAR’S EUROPEAN GAMES. KEVIN URQUHART VISITED AZERBAIJAN’S CAPITAL AS IT WAS PREPARING FOR THE GAMES AND CELEBRATING ITS NOVRUZ FESTIVAL; A FESTIVAL OF LIGHT WHERE THE PAST IS LITERALLY PUT BEHIND THEM… One of Europe’s newest member states - and at the furthest reach of (Middle) Eastern Europe, Azerbaijan - Baku has long enjoyed recognition in commercial circles the world over for its rich reserves of oil and natural gas: it is the originating point of the Siberian Pipeline, yet it’s a city not known for its tourism, much less its culture.

All that looked set to change when the city showcased the athletic prowess of over 6000 athletes across 18 purpose-built arenas. The games were a massive marketing opportunity for the city (and country) yet with limited news coverage and some distinctly old school Soviet style PR disasters along the way, it’s uncertain whether the marketing plan actually worked.

That said, one thing that is certain is that Baku is rapidly transforming.

Baku is a UNESCO World Heritage site (thanks to the 12th Century Palace of Shirvanshah in the walled fortress of the Old City being added to the heritage list in 2000 due to its rich, often bloody history) and the level of investment enjoyed in the limestone city is breathtaking and quite unlike anything witnessed before.

Under former Soviet dictatorship rule, the city became an independent state just 23 years ago and is striving to create its own new path – hence the colossal investment - although its Soviet roots still flourish in some aspects the benign billboard grin of the President is never far from your gaze.

Leading the rebirth of the Abershon peninsular is architecture: Baku boasts some of the most striking skylines of any city the world over. The iconic and spectacular Flame Towers being one such example – you may have seen it on some of the BBC’s coverage of the Games. The award-winning British-built (and stunning) Aliyev Centre is built in the shape of the President’s signature when viewed from above and incorporates library, exhibition centre - the floor incorporating Mini Azerbaijan shows in scale the investment in the city’s architecture - and conference centre is off the scale and relegates building such as Selfridges Birmingham to the sidelines.

Their architectural intention is to break records and be the biggest at everything. A ’World City’, in their words.

But it’s not just bricks and mortar; the Government is building a new series of islands called Khazar, just off the Baku coast, which will feature the World’s tallest building - beating the Burj and Kingdom Tower at 3,645ft.

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They are building for the future rather than making monuments to the past and they are (re)constructing at an astonishing pace.

These developments have been quickly consumed by international hoteliers such as JW Marriott, Hilton, the Four Seasons and Hyatt who have all spotted the potential. The smart money has also been invested wisely in infrastructure to entertain the expected masses: Baku promenade is like a catwalk of the most famous names in high-end fashion with Tom Ford starting the procession at the foot of the Maiden Tower, closely followed by Givenchy, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Tiffany, Bvlgari, Dior and Jimmy Choo - in fact, almost every luxury brand In the world. Quite where Debenhams fits in is less apparent, but it’s another sign that British brands have invaded.

This investment also comes at a price. The divide between rich and poor is abundantly evident: they are making the White City of Baku - both in attractions and residential - beyond the reach of the typical Azerbaijanian; evidence of this distinction between the new and old town (bartul) and the new and old money (or lack of) can be witnessed most magnificently from the rotating 360 bar at the Hilton, which, by the way, is unmissable for sunset cocktails. Sorry to be shallow, but you are on holiday.

It is further apparent on the oil fields and their supporting towns - for it is oil that fuels Baku’s growth. Despite being less than thirty minutes from Baku - life in these towns couldn’t be more different. The Oil fields of Zabrat Township offer, on one hand, bleak living and devastated, infertile lands in the eyeline of the multimillion-manat Heydar Aliyev International airport, yet it is vibrant and bustling. Flashes of colour and ornamentation are peddled on street intersections, lambs are skinned by the roadside and Eastern European Ladas dominate the roads. Yet the majority of tourists will never experience this true beating heart of Baku. It is when you do that you see the city in context (and contrast).

Baku is a city on the verge of exceptional things. It is a place in progress whose deep, oil-filled pockets will undoubtedly see it ultimately achieve its ambitions of World City status, but our best advice to seasoned travellers is to visit sooner than later if you want to peer behind the exciting facade and see the best bits of Baku before they’re erased from history. So, is The City of Fire the next Dubai? They’re banking on it...

Here’s a little breakdown of what to expect in the departure lounge, next time you fly from Birmingham Airport…

HUGO BOSS

The Boss menswear collection epitomises authentic understated luxury, offering sophisticated casual looks and premium sportswear designs in an elegant, refined stand-alone store. Boss at Birmingham Airport also offers a range of modern, refined business attire. Classic suits are given a contemporary twist with fine details and optimal fits. The eveningwear range offers clean lines and a timeless appeal.

THE WATCH COLLECTION

Dedicated to designer watches, The Watch Collection offers a wide range of designer and luxury brand watches for both men and women, featuring brands like Tag Heuer, Longines, Tissot, Michael Kors Mont Blanc.

DISCOVER ENGLAND Richard Gill, head of commerical at Birmingham Airport, explains why airports are placing more importance on shopping in the departure lounge than ever before.

The world of travel is constantly evolving as competition gets fiercer and passenger expectation gets higher. Airports are no different and must remain one-step ahead, in order to attract new passengers.

The evolution of the airport over recent times has seen it become far more than just a place where passengers check-in, pass through security and depart for their chosen destination. Now, airports must offer passengers a first-class shopping experience in their departure lounge, backed up with excellent customer service.

At Birmingham Airport, we’ve addressed this growing trend by making sweeping changes to our departure lounge over the past 12 months, designed to give the passenger an unrivalled shopping experience before they fly.

Passengers flying from Birmingham can now expect to see a range of designer brands including Hugo Boss, Victoria’s Secret, Longines and Mont Blanc, to name but a few. We also have other famous names from the high-street too, including Superdry, Next and Pandora. Let’s not forget World Duty Free either, featuring over 17,000 products on display and offering everything from your favourite designer cosmetics and fragrances, to confectionary and sunglasses, all at tax free prices.

Discover England represents the craftsmanship and culture of England and Great Britain.

Choose from a wide range of British made gifts including beautiful welsh gold, leather goods, souvenirs and toys. The specialist souvenir store also offers iconic brands that represent British food; confectionery, teas, biscuits, shortbreads, preserves and local beers. Providing ideal gifts for those you are visiting and last minute present ideas.

VICTORIA’S SECRET

Treat yourself or a loved one to the exciting and exotic fragrances that Victoria’s Secret is known for. This large store boasts a great range of prestige body care and fragrances. The store also offers an extensive range of branded accessories on offer, including underwear, cosmetic cases, bags, scarves, sunglasses, small leather goods and luggage.

NEW SHOPPING ROUTES FOR A/W 2015 Birmingham Airport has launched a number of new routes to shopping destinations across Europe and beyond this year.

we suggest checking out Williamsburg’s cool vintage threads and cutting-edge gifts and West Village’s designer flagship stores and independent boutiques. The city that never sleeps has got the lot!

Vueling and Norwegian have both recently launched new services to Barcelona, supplementing existing flights to the city with Ryanair and Monarch. Barcelona is amongst Europe’s top cities for fashion, where you can find most of the mainstream stores and no shortage of designer outlets.

In March, Norwegian celebrated its inaugural flight to Madrid from Birmingham Airport.

The scheduled service to the Spanish capital, which operates every Monday, Friday and Saturday, is another destination synonymous with shopping.

Shop-a-holics should visit Passeig de Gracia, one of the city’s major avenues. Whether you’re on a budget or pushing the boat out, the shops in this area have it all, and more!

American Airlines launched daily direct flights to New York JFK from Birmingham in May. The Big Apple has bags and bags of shopping areas to choose from. Although the list is endless,

The Salamanca district is one of the most chic neighbourhoods in the city, where you can find cool restaurants, trendy bars and expensive shops. The main avenues are Calle Serrano and Calle Velázquez, but true shopping aficionados must check out the small streets in the area, such as Calle Claudio Coello and Calle Lagasca, both filled with a wide variety of shops.

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TRAVEL NEWS

AIRPORT S T Y L E

dluxe dining

Win With Henry Wong of harborne and Malmaison How would you like to be wined and dined in one of the most prestigious Cantonese restaurants in the Midlands, sampling their signature dishes and washing them down with a glass of champagne? Well, you can be in with a chance of winning just that in this exclusive competition.

A contemporary restaurant that has provided an outstanding culinary experience to each and every customer for the past thirty years, Henry Wong is situated in the heart of Harborne. The diverse menu offers diners the ultimate in Cantonese cuisine, using traditional techniques with a contemporary flair.

Executive Chef, Ricky Wu, is renowned for delicious signature dishes like lobster tail with chilli and garlic, long horn sirloin steak with teriyaki sauce and many more; all made using locally sourced produce wherever possible.

Also on offer is a carefully selected 52 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

wine list, including the prestigious Laurent Perrier champagne; a perfect accompaniment to the high quality ingredients used in their food.

Not only will you and a guest be treated to such gastronomic delights at the restaurant, but you’ll be able to rest your head at the equally prestigious hotel Malmaison at The Mailbox.

Wind down after your meal in one of their beautiful rooms, with a huge bed, moody lighting, en-suite bathrooms, power showers and stacks of little Mal extra luxuries, too.

To be in with a chance of winning a meal for two at Henry Wong of Harborne followed by an overnight stay with breakfast at Malmaison, head over to the competition page on our website, www.dluxe-magazine. co.uk for more details on how to enter.

REVIEW: BRUNCH @ Gas Street Social

Gas Street Social is a quirky-cool restaurant on the main stretch outside the Mailbox. As the name would suggest, they’re all about socialising, with large sharing tables, intimate booth areas and a cosy ‘snug’ area, providing the perfect venue for quick bites and lazy lunches. They’ve also recently just launched a fantastic new brunch menu, and we here at dluxe BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL decided to pop in to see what they have to offer! The menu is vast, from sweet fluffy pancakes, to virtuous granola, full English breakfasts to delights like eggs benedict and sausage sarnies.

They believe in making the most of the abundance of what the land provides and their chefs work closely with suppliers to source local fresh fruit & vegetables, free range eggs & pork! This is most definitely reflective in the taste, particularly in the ‘Gas Street Works’ which is a very hearty and delicious take on the full English. It tasted fresh and didn’t leave that greasy coating on your tongue, and the eggs benedict we ordered were a dream. The combination between the runny egg, the sweetness of the honey roasted ham and the creaminess of the hollandaise sauce was brunch perfection.

Being slightly worse for wear after the night before, and out of pure journalistic curiosity, we opted for a few brunch bellinis with our meals- you can actually get bottomless bellinis throughout the brunch period for just fifteen pounds per person- and they definitely perked us up a little bit! Their free rehydration station is also a god send when you’re feeling ever so slightly delicate. Situated on their central sharing table as you walk in, there is a selection of carafes of iced water infused with fresh fruit and herbs like pink grapefruit & raspberry, cucumber & mint, lemon & rosemary and more. They also have mini bottles of fresh milk with straws in for the kids which are also complimentary. And if that lot doesn’t sort you out, you can also order a half a pint of berocca with your brunch – a stroke of genius!

In short, if you’re hungover, GSS is perfect for you! The atmosphere is chilled and relaxed; perfect for when you’ve had a heavy night, and they employ a live acoustic duo to play calming yet upbeat jazz throughout the brunch period. Everything about Gas Street Social’s brunch experience is cleverly thought out and very well executed.

We’ll definitely be going back, and next time, we’re ordering the berocca!

The Gas Street Social brunch menu runs every Saturday & Sunday and is served from 9am until 1pm. Visit www. gasstreetsocial.co.uk to book online or call 0121 643 0362

dluxe dining

SIN FREE TREATS! ALUNA OPENS AT THE MAILBOX Over-indulged this summer? It’s time to pledge to be beautiful from the inside out with the latest foods that plump, hydrate, boost energy and improve the complexion.

KATIE SAYERS, Foodmarket Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, reveals the latest must-have products for a healthier you.

Of course it’s no secret that fruit and vegetables are an essential part of our daily diet. But did you know that eating potassium-rich avocado is great for under-eye bags? Or that munching a handful of nuts and seeds helps your body retain its natural moisture levels leaving skin soft and hydrated?

Now the food industry has taken the idea of sin-free sweets one step further with treats and drinks that not only taste great but leave you looking and feeling great too!

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Aluna cocktail bar has proved to be an explosive success after launching on to the cocktail scene at The Mailbox early this summer.

The launch party saw fire breathers entertaining guests as they sipped on the magical concoctions that the mixologists whipped up using all kinds of devices.

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1: Against The Grain organic berry biscuits, £4.50. 2: Beauty Candy strawberry candies with collagen, £8.50. 3: Staks of Wow food supplement, £7.95. 4: Kaizen Living organic chia seeds, £9.95. 5: BeautyIn B Ready raspberry, blueberry and acai drink, £3.50. 6: Ohayo Tomorrow spring water with natural Flavouring, vitamins and minerals, £3.75. 7: Ohso probiotic orange chocolate bars, £11.85 for a pack of three. 8: Qnola cacao quinoa cereal, £7.95. 9: Bloom Teas mindpower matcha tea powder, £16.95.

Located against the stylish backdrop of The Mailbox, this cocktail bar has been celebrated as providing a “New generation of cocktails” by Steve Denyer, Radio Presenter and Journalist who was joined by other guests including Free Radio’s Jo Russell, TV presenter Marverine Cole, food critics and bloggers alike including Richard McComb, Chloe Gorman and Alev Dervish.

Their best-selling cocktails include the Bubble gum martini, which is served topped with popping candy and glow stick and the Lava Lamp, served with dry ice and pomegranate caviar which bubbles away just like a real lava lamp!

All items featured are available from the in store Foodmarket Aluna. 128-130 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 and Wineshop at Harvey Nichols Birmingham and online at 1RQ. Tel. 0121 633 9988 www.aluna.uk.com Twitter & Facebook : AlunaUK harveynichols.com.

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Tis the season to relax...

We leave nothing to chance at Hilton Garden Inn Brindleyplace which is why guests return year on year to celebrate the festive season with us.

We work hard all year round to ensure our hotel creates the perfect ambience and our menus reflect the best of British ingredients and great value for money.

So if you have the most important decision of the year to make, rest assured that you are in safe hands. Whether you are booking a corporate Christmas meal, party, or gathering for friends and family, we have it all covered so all you need to decide on is your perfect outfit.

Party Nights ÂŁ31.95 Festive lunches & Afternoon Tea from ÂŁ13.50 Available from 20th November 2015 until 30th January 2016

Christmas 2015

For all enquiries please call Jean on 0121 633 6307 or Email jean.hubball@hilton.com

dluxe dining

F o l l o w i n g months of build up, anticipation and excitement, Birmingham’s new premium shopping and dining destination Grand Central will finally open all its doorsthis autumn. This will be home to one of the biggest John Lewis department stores in the UK and more than 60 other shops and restaurants, including many which are new to Brum.

The restaurant scene continues to thrive with many new chains coming to the city and more independents bringing their concepts to life. The city is officially the place to be.

F.A.C.T.

Going further afield, a new fine dining Indian restaurant has opened in Little Aston Sutton Coldfield against much fanfare. The new venture promises to offer a heavenly fine dining journey.

Set grandly on the corner of Thornhill Road and Burnett Road, Ganesha is set over two floors, with an outside garden terrace and seating upstairs and on the upstairs balcony.

This stylish haven is decorated in muted bronze tones, when you enter you are greeted by a stunning wine library beautifully back lit with striking chandeliers overhead.

Upstairs is a floor to ceiling gloss mural of the Hindu God “Ganesh” which certainly creates a striking centrepiece.

The 70 cover restaurant is the latest venture by Solihull business man Tan Handa who already owns The Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant in Hall Green in South Birmingham and Luxury Lifestyle.

The launch was certainly a night for those who loved the luxury lifestyle with two Rolls Royce Wraiths pulling up outside and glamourous staff to greet the guests with flutes of champagne.

www.ganesharestaurants.co.uk

6 ON BROAD STREET Westside Bid seems to be a hub of activity lately. The controversial but much loved, Bar Risa has been replaced by 6, a new nightclub venue which has a 2300 capacity and six unique music rooms each offering something different.

Inside houses The Junction room, the venue’s main restaurant, plus The Rock room for students to go crazy in and The Cabana Beach room to chill out in.

Don’t worry comedy lovers can still enjoy Jongleurs comedy nights.

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Read more Food news msdeliciouspr.blogspot.co.uk

Pho, a Vietnamese street food diner is coming to Grand Central station’s restaurant complex and can seat more than 90 diners.

The national dish of Vietnam is pho, pronounced ‘fuh’ - an amazingly tasty and nutritious noodle soup served with a side plate of fresh herbs, that looks scrumptious.

I’ve never really been a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, but I am eager to try all the different pho on the menu; especially the Pho Pho Ga which looks like great comfort food for autumn.

Last but not least, is the private SudsnDuds room. Only accessible by a secret entrance on Gas Street, it has a table made out of a bath, teapot cocktails and bird cages!

Pho started 10 years ago as a family-run business serving great value, authentically prepared Vietnamese street food, with restaurants in London, Brighton, Leeds and Manchester and now joins the likes of Tapas Revolution, Carluccio’s and Yaki Nori in Grand Central.

www.6onbroadstreet.co.uk

www.phocafe.co.uk

I was chuffed to hear there is a Delicious room - which you enter through a very fabulously neon lit tunnel to a brightly coloured bar playing retro pop songs - ideal for a girlie night out.

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Launch Wedding Showcase Event

The stage is set for your perfect wedding. With exquisite private rooms, gorgeous suites, a tranquil indoor/outdoor courtyard, heavenly dining and your own dedicated Events Organiser, there can be no more fitting a stage, as you glide elegantly from ceremony to wedding breakfast and beyond.

Sound like a dream? It needn’t be, as Birmingham’s Hotel du Vin is keen to prove when they invite all prospective bridal and civil partnership parties to come and view their award-winning venue for themselves, as they launch their Wedding Showcase on Sunday 27th September, from 11am to 3pm.

RSVP is essential, so if you’re in the research phase for your Big Day and want to see the Hotel du Vin recipe for a chic city centre ceremony, here’s your chance. All brides/grooms will receive a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival.

This event takes place on Sunday 27th September from 11am – 3pm. For more information and to register your interest, call 0121 2000 604 or drop them a line on events.birmingham@hotelduvin.com Hotel Du Vin & Bistro. 25 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2NR

C H R I S T M A S& N E W Y E A R AT HOTEL DU VIN BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS PARTIES IN A PRIVATE ROOM Including three courses with tea, coffee and mince pies.

LUNCH FROM £29.50 PER PERSON | DINNER FROM £37.50 PER PERSON

FESTIVE DINING IN THE BISTRO

Including three courses with tea, coffee and mince pies. For parties of up to 12 people

LUNCH FROM £27.50 PER PERSON | DINNER FROM £33.50 PER PERSON

PUB DU VIN PARTIES

For parties of 40 to 80 people, hire out the pub exclusively with a two course buffet.

LUNCH FROM £19.50 PER PERSON | DINNER FROM £24.50 PER PERSON To enquire about our New Year’s Eve Celebrations please contact us:

0844 736 4250

events.birmingham@hotelduvin.com www.HOTELDUVIN.com HOTEL DU VIN& BISTRO BIRMINGHAM Church Street, Birmingham B3 2NR TERMS AND CONDITIONS: For Pub du Vin parties please note prices are subject to a minimum bar spend.

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HOTEL DU VIN

dluxe diary WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE TO BE SEEN in the west midlands THIS AUTUMN

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

29th Sept - 3rd Oct @ The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. www.belgrade.co.uk This new production of Oscar Wilde’s much loved and brilliantly witty masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest is directed by Lucy Bailey and features Rosalind Ayres, Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Christine Kavanagh and Siân Phillips reprising their West End performances.

The Importance of Being Earnest is known to elegantly lampoon the hypocrisies of a Victorian society and opens as two bachelors, the dependable John Worthing, J.P. and upper class playboy Algernon Moncrieff, feel compelled to create different identities in order to pursue two eligible ladies Cecily Cardew and Gwendolyn Fairfax.

The hilarious misadventures which result from their subterfuge; their brushes with the redoubtable Lady Bracknell and the uptight Miss Prism result in a plot that twists and fizzles with some of the finest dialogue to be found in theatre.

28th September – 3rd October @ New Alex Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Incarcerated at the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone. Andy Dufresne strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red and things take a slight turn for the better. However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched. Widely considered the nation’s favourite movie starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, Stephen King’s classic story takes to the stage in a new production which examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security penitentiary.

Dead Dog In A Suitcase (And Other Love Songs) 29th September – 3rd October

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Based on The Beggar’s Opera, John Gay’s classic musical satire, Dead Dog in a Suitcase (And Other Love Songs) is busting with wit, wonder and weirdness.

An extraordinary Kneehigh cast of actor musicians shoot, hoot and shimmy their way through this twisted morality tale of our times… by turns shocking, hilarious, heartfelt and absurd!

Cliff Richard

29th September @ Symphony Hall

www.thsh.co.uk Join Sir Cliff Richard for the opening night of his 75th Birthday Tour at Symphony Hall.

Celebrating his 56th anniversary in the music business this year, Cliff is the ultimate pop star and indisputably Britain’s alltime greatest hit-maker. His

event

HENRY WONG BLOGGERS

Harborne based Cantonese restaurant Henry Wong invited top Birmingham based bloggers to an exclusive VIP event, recently. VIP Guests were treated to cocktails and Laurent Perrier champagne upon arrival and seated at a special table reserved just for them.

Birmingham’s blogger elite sampled Henry Wong’s signature dishes with a menu consisting of a mouthwatering trio of king prawns in honey pepper, wasabi cream and garlic and lobster and spare ribs in chilli and pepper to start. It was a delicious opening to the night, with accompanying wines flowing as beautifully as the conversation.

Main dishes included long horn sirloin steak in teriyaki sauce, seabass with sweet chill sauce and Cantonese crispy chicken, all with a side of fried rice and Singapore noodles. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, with the entire restaurant at capacity, allowing bloggers to immerse themselves in a true reflection of the Henry Wong experience, with satisfied customers and a live singer covering the classics in a soft and breathy voice.

Finally, the pièce de resistance of the night was a stunning ice sculpture surrounded by tropical fresh fruit, mixed fruit fritters and vanilla ice cream. Bloggers left full and happy, with an Oriental inspired goodie bag in hand, filled with traditional Chinese beer and food. We’d highly recommend a visit to this exquisite restaurant, whether you book yourself in for a meal, or attend one of their fantastic in-house events.

In November, they’ll be hosting a Bollywood themed night on 26th November.

To book your spot, just give them a call on 0121 427 9799 or pop in to see them at 283 High Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B17 9QH. Images by Jas Sansi dluxe-magazine.co.uk 59

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Shawshank Redemption

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launch AMANTIA VIP LAUNCH

remarkable career has included many successful films, musicals, concert tours and television shows, all contributing to the Cliff Richard legend. Enjoy a truly special evening with Cliff to celebrate his landmark birthday.

razor sharp storytelling, a dramatic on-screen world and a heart-stopping soundtrack this one-man adaptation takes us on a break-neck journey through the blood-soaked world of Macbeth.

Anita and Me

Ben Fogle

9th – 24th October @ The Rep

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk This poignant coming-ofage tale follows Meena, the irreverent teenage daughter of the only Punjabi family in the mining village of Tollington.

When she becomes friends with the impossibly feisty Anita, she thinks she’s found her soul mate but her world is turned upside down and she finds herself caught between her two cultures.

Amantia, Birmingham’s tastiest contemporary Spanish & Mediterranean bar and restaurant held their VIP launch recently and authentic Spanish flavour was well and truly on the menu.

The Spanish beer and home made sangria was flowing with guests being treated to a selection of Amantia’s tapas dishes, handed around by the restaurant’s superb Spanish waiting staff.

Esteemed business owners, press, bloggers and friends gathered to find out exactly why Amantia is making such an impression on Bennetts Hill, which has become the city’s hottest new dining and drinking destination.

Amantia is at Bennetts Hill, Birmingham. Tel. 0121 643 3647 www.amantiarestaurant.co.uk Images by Stu Williamson 60 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Fiona Banner -SCROLL DOWN AND KEEP SCROLLING

10th October – 17th January 2016 @ Ikon Gallery www.ikon-gallery.org SCROLL DOWN AND KEEP SCROLLING is the most comprehensive exhibition of Fiona Banner’s work to date, re-presenting key early projects alongside recent and unseen works that span a period of 25 years. “It is not a survey – more of an anti-survey,” says the artist, “A survey suggests something objective, historical, and fixed. This is subjective; nothing else is possible.”

Throughout the exhibition Banner revisits her work with intensity and humour.

Macbeth: Blood Will Have Blood

12th – 13th October @ MAC www.macbirmingham.co.uk Summoned by the arrival of the audience, a macabre Porter leads us into the dark heart of Shakespeare's play, offering young audiences (and their families) a glimpse of life under Scotland’s tyrant King. Using

12th October @ Town Hall

www.thsh.co.uk In Call of the Wild, Ben will recount how the self-confessed urbanite became drawn to, and so enamoured with, adventure, travel and the harsh challenges associated with a life in the wilderness. The show will include tales from his first adventures travelling across South America as a younger man, to some of the toughest trials known to man. Call of the Wild will be an audio/visual supported show.

Stars Wars

16 October@ CBSO

www.cbso.co.uk A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... John Williams lifted his baton and cued one of the greatest scores in movie history.

As the world awaits the launch of Episode VII, conductor Michael Seal, the CBSO and voice actor Marc Silk, who can be heard in the Phantom Menace film, present John Williams’ music from all six Star Wars films, from A New Hope to Revenge of the Sith. The Force is strong with this one!

The Shires

18th October @ HMV Institute www.theinstitutebirmingham.com

The Shires tour the UK this year, supporting American country stars Little Big Town, before launching their own headline tour in April and, if their own lyrics are anything to go by: “People will come, they’ll come from far and wide. They’ll leave their village greens and the big cities behind.”

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AGE 14+

Jesus Christ Superstar

2nd - 7th November @ Birmingham Hippodrome birminghamhippodrome.com

Regent’s Park Theatre. Playing to capacity audiences during its original run, this acclaimed production is guaranteed to grip you from start to finish.

Will Young

4th & 16 November @ Symphony Hall www.thsh.co.uk Jesus Christ Superstar exploded onto the musical scene in 1971 - spectacular audiences and changing the face of musical theatre forever. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through an astonishing, ground breaking score. As compelling today as it was at its inception over forty years ago, Jesus Christ Superstar has some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs from I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Everything’s Alright andGethsemane through to, of course, Superstar.

Lord of the Flies

3rd – 7th November @ The Rep www.birmingham-rep.co.uk William Golding’s 20th Century classic, Lord Of The Flies explodes onto the stage in a remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning

EVENT

Will Young will be visiting Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in November 2015 as part of The Love Revolution Tour, Will’s first tour in four years. The tour comes hot on the heels of the release of Will’s brilliant brand new album 85% Proofwhich went straight into Number One on the Official UK Album Chart.

85% Proof is the sixth album from the multi-million selling Brit Award winning singersongwriter and represents his most accomplished work to date.

Kevin Bridges

6th November @ Barclaycard Arena www.barclaycardarena.co.uk

Scotland’s biggest export, Kevin Bridges, dubbed as “brilliant” by one of his comedy idols, Billy Connolly has had an astonishing rise to success. His 2012 tour, Kevin Bridges – The Story Continues… smashed box office records selling a staggering 45,000 tickets on the first day.

Kevin went on to sell out an incredible nine-show run at the Glasgow SECC Arena. His epic 136-date tour culminated in a sell out run throughout Australia. The DVD of the same name made it to number 5 in the charts for Christmas that year.

The Proclaimers

8th November @ New Alex Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Winter Dreams

7th November www.cbso.co.uk

Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony sparkles with all the crispness of a winter morning. Ravel’s Tombeau de Couperin evokes a lost generation. And Shostakovich wrote his Second Piano Concerto as a birthday present for his son – but ended up with a smash hit.

Youthful music deserves young performers; and if you heard Ben

Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have over the years enjoyed huge successes across the globe and in April this year release their 10th album produced by Dave Eringa (Manic Steet Preachers, Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey) on the Cooking Vinyl label.They have carved a niche for themselves where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide as the emotional honesty, political fire, wit and sing-along raucousness of their songs and their extensive touring has enlightened and entertained fans new and old.

T h e F o r t B at h t u b C h a l l e n g e Staff at The Fort Shopping Park took the plunge as they completed a fun and gungetastic bathtub challenge in aid of charity partner Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC).

With help from bathroom specialists, Bathroom City, faces from the Fort including Centre Manager, Marjan Horne and Operations Manager, Shaun Brown bathed in a tub of custard for more than four hours, raising over £1,220 worth of donations to date.

With the public’s help via a social media vote, it was decided the bath would be filled with thick and gloopy yellow custard instead of mushy peas or spaghetti hoops.

Marjan Horne, manager of The Fort said: “We had such a fun day raising much needed funds for such an important charity - I certainly needed a soak in a tub after the challenge! We are incredibly

62 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Gernon conducting The Planets last season you’ll know why this Shropshire lad is quickly winning a global reputation.

thankful and overwhelmed by the support we have received so far. People are often very surprised that Midlands Air Ambulance is a charity, so please do dig deep to ensure this vital service continues to operate within our region.”

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and The Fort Shopping Park have been raising funds together for the past 12 month through on-site events and in store activities.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is the largest air ambulance operating region in the UK however, the charity receive no Government or National Lottery funding.

Instead, in excess of £6.5 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational; which is donated entirely by the public and local businesses.

To donate to this worthy cause please visit the Fort’s Just Giving page - www.justgiving. com/Fortshopping

news

SPECIAL FEATURE

MALMAISON IS PUTTING THE SPARKLE BACK INTO THE FESTIVE SEASON

ALL YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS GLITZ AND GLAMOUR, RIGHT? WELL, THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT MALMAISON BIRMINGHAM HAS IN STORE AND NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE PART OF THE FESTIVE FUN. Chez Mal, the boutique hotel’s stunning new restaurant, serves up its first slices of turkey on 19 November, with the launch of its Seasonal Prix Fixe menu, which will include a host of delights for £19.95 two courses and £24.95 three courses. The extensive menu includes treats like a warming curried parsnip and chestnut soup, chicken liver parfait, turkey with all the trimmings, pumpkin and chestnut ravioli, classic Christmas pudding and Valrhona chocolate mousse, and much more.

If you’re planning on a group visit in the Private Dining rooms, which also received a makeover this year, you’ll be able to choose from a mouthwatering set menu including pork and pistachio terrine, curried smoked salmon, Ballotine of turkey, braised Aberdeen Angus beef, and crème vanilla and mulled wine poached winter fruits, for just £29.95 per person, including a party favour.

There will also be a Festive Sunday Lunch available on 6, 13, 20, 27 December for £24.95 per person, including a selection of unlimited hors d’oeuvres from Mal’s famous Chef’s Table, a selection of Chez Mal classic mains and desserts, and a glass of bubbly.

If you’re in charge of your work Christmas party then let Mal take the stress out of planning something

special. This year’s theme is Glitter Balls and with prices starting at just £29.95 your team will experience a night to remember. Mal’s providing a glass of bubbly to get the party started, the fantastic Celebrations menu, and a DJ… all you have to do is create the office gossip.

Party nights will be taking place on 27-28 November, 3-4 December, 10-12 December and 16-19 December.

Likewise, if you’re planning your family’s Christmas plans, Mal has a host of options, including Christmas Day Lunch for £85 per person, Boxing Day and New Year’s Brunch for £24.95, and the big night – New Year’s Eve – for £89 per person, including live music, a three course meal, champagne and all of the festivities you’d expect. There are also Christmas Breaks available for £200 each, which include a two-night luxury break, bottle of Bubble Time Champagne and the seasonal menu on Christmas Eve, full breakfast on Christmas day, four course festive lunch on Christmas Day and the unlimited Boxing Day Brunch. Similarly, you can see in the New Year at Mal with all of the NYE fun and an overnight stay for £179 per person.

It’s safe to say, your Christmas should involve Malmaison Birmingham.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK, VISIT www.MALMAISON.COM/BIRMINGHAM dluxe-magazine.co.uk 63

dluxe diary

gallery Summer at vivaanta

Vampires Rock – The Ghost Train

12th November @ New Theatre www.atgtickets.com

Alex

“I love Paris in the springtime, I love Paris in the fall…” and on a November night, we whisk you to a world of pavement cafés, strolls by the Seine and stolen kisses in the lanes of Montmartre. There’ll be tributes to Edith Piaf in her centenary year and Jacques Brel, songs from Gigi and Les Misérables, and sexy little numbers from smoky-voiced chanteuses. Treat yourself to a little bit of la vie en rose, right here in the heart of Brum!

Dara O Briain – Crowd Tickler

To mark Indian Independence Day members of the city’s Asian Business Community and members of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce came together to celebrate an Indian Summer at Vivaanta, the city’s newest Indian fine dining restaurant.

As club ‘Live and Let Di’ burns to the ground, Barron Von Rockula flees. Discovering an abandoned fairground ride, he and his motley crew take refuge – set to lure victims into Rock ‘n’ Roll hell.

A full cast of superb singers, dancers and live band blast their way through some of the greatest ever rock anthems including We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell and Total Eclipse of the Heart.

SHOUT Festival: The Sissy’s Progress 13th November @ MAC www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Located on the Mailbox canal, the restaurant’s official launch later this Autumn and the emphasis is on Seafood and Spice and all things nice!

13th - 14 November @ Birmingham Hippodrome birminghamhippodrome.com

Dara is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week,The Apprentice You’re Fired and Star Gazing Live. Not forgetting his most recent shows Dara O Briain: School of Hard Sums for Dave and Dara O Briain’s Science Club for BBC2. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fasttalking and downright funny live performers working today.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Find out more at www.Vivaanta.co.uk

19th November – 16th January @ The Rep www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Nando Messias was beaten up on the street in an act of homophobic hatred. After years of dreaming up his response, he presents The Sissy’s Progress, a spectacle of surprise, questioning and hyper flamboyance. Part installation, part dance-theatre, part walking performance, the evening engages the violence of city life and the contradictions of gender politics. Join a live marching band, directed by Jordan Hunt, to follow The Sissy’s Progress to its floridly medieval climax.

La Vie En Rose:

13th November www.cbso.co.uk

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When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy stumble upon an enchanted wardrobe in an old country mansion, they discover that it’s a gateway to another world. A world where animals speak and mythical creatures roam. A magical world called Narnia. A fantastical adventure begins but the four soon realise that something is very wrong in Narnia. The wicked White Witch has cast a spell bringing about an eternal winter. Now the children must find the courage within themselves to break the spell and reinstate Narnia’s rightful ruler, Aslan the lion, to his throne.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

PREVIEW

Famous Faces, Family Favourites and West End Hits Coming Soon to Coventry

The Importance of Being Earnest

The Cat in the Hat

The Smallest Show on Earth

With the Summer drawing to a close and the promise of Christmas around the corner (it’ll be here before you know it!), here at the Belgrade, we’re already looking ahead to a jam-packed Autumn season featuring an exciting mix of engaging and entertaining live experiences all under one roof. From award-winning touring drama to the very best in new writing, West End musicals to family favourites, music, comedy, opera and more, our new season promises great entertainment at unbeatable value.

For fans of classic drama, Oscar Wilde's much loved and brilliantly witty masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest arrives direct from the West End from 29 Sept – 3 Oct starring the ever dashing Nigel Havers as Algernon Moncrieff, Christine Kavanagh as Cecily Cardewand and Sian Phillips as Lady Bracknell. Opening the clasp on the relationship between two giants of 20th Century politics, Moira Buffini’s Olivier award-winning comedy Handbagged will visit Coventry from 6 – 10 Oct. If murder mystery is more your thing, Agatha Christie’s legendary box office smash The Mousetrap returns by popular demand from 9 -14 Nov for another instalment of classic suspense.

Plus, look out for visits from Liza Goddard and Brian Capron in a brand new stage adaptation of Peter Sellers’ studio canal classic, The Smallest Show On Earth from 13 – 17 Oct and, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War Two, Terrence Rattingan’s Flare Path will be brought to life on stage in a brand new production starring Mr Selfridge’s Leon Ockenden and Olivia Hallinan.

And of course, we’ve plenty to keep the kids entertained including a brand new musical production of Ian Seraillier’s classic adventure novel, The Silver Sword from 26 Sept – 3 Oct. This will be followed by a visit from The Snow Dragon on 23 & 24 Oct, an all new adventure from the company behind The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom plus a visit from Marty McDonald’s Farm from 26 - 28 Oct and featuring the voice of children’s TV favourite Justin Fletcher MBE (Mr Tumble, Justin’s House, Something Special) as Pongo the Pig! 66 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

The Mousetrap

And with Christmas looming it’s never too early to start planning your BIG festive night out! For a night of festive fun with added frolics, Beauty and the Beast (25 Nov – 9 Jan) is the perfect Christmas treat to share with the family! If you’re looking for a night out with added bite, our alternative B2 Xmas comedy Vampomime (5 Dec – 2 Jan) is the perfect excuse for an office night out but be warned…the Belgrade cannot be held responsible for the loss of any limbs!

And for the little ones, look out for a visit from Santa’s Rusty Robot from 10 – 24 Dec, a magic new show for ages 2-6 years from The Tweenies creator, Ian Lauchlan.

Tickets for all shows are available to book now via the Belgrade Theatre Box Office on 024 7655 3055. Alternatively, you can book online 24 hours a day where tickets are cheaper at www.belgrade.co.uk

ROW

FOOD

FESTIVAL Victoria Square was the destination of choice for the Second City’s epicureans with this year’s Colmore Row Food Festival.

Now in its fifth year, the event, which is organised by the Colmore Business Improvement District, is designed to showcase the culinary talents of the District’s F&B venues. And it didn’t disappoint.

Expertly compered by Phil Oldershaw (pictured), the two-day event attracted thousands of hungry and thirsty attendees, keen to sample an array of mouthwatering internationallyinspired cuisines, as well as traditional British options from the likes of Opus, Purnell’s and Nosh&Quaff.

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Launch COLMORE

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EVENT

HYATT REGENCY BIRMINGHAM HOTEL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF HISTORY

Hyatt Regency Birmingham celebrated its 25th year with a lavish party for their Hyatt Family, community friends and guests to commemorate this spectacular achievement.

Hyatt Regency Birmingham, the four star luxury hotel, opened its doors for business in 1990 as the second Hyatt property in the UK. Located just opposite the Library of Birmingham and five minutes' walk from the exclusive Mailbox and Bull Ring shopping centres, as well as Broad Street and Brindley Place, the venue has always enjoyed a prime location in the city.

Celebrations began with a glass of fizz and welcome speeches by Sir Albert Bore and Mario Flanagan and guests were then treated to anniversary festivities which included cocktails, samples of the new Aria’s menu and entertainment by Aston Performing Arts Academy.

One of the guests, Sky Sports presenter, Gary Newborn returned to recreate a photograph first taken in 1995 at the hotel’s 45th Anniversary. Taken beside current General Manager, Mario Flanagan, the anniversary picture was taken next to the Hyatt shaped birthday cake, created by Dawn Bagnall from D Designs Cakes who had created a similar cake 20 years ago.

In the exhibition rooms the hard work and contribution of Hyatt

68 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Associates was recognised and the hotel’s longest serving employee, Frank Fearon was awarded for his 25 years of service.

“We are excited to commemorate the 25th Anniversary and celebrate the contributions all of our associates at Hyatt Regency Birmingham have made to the community,” commented General Manager Mario Flanagan. “2015 has already been a monumental year for our hotel with the completion of our multimillion pound refurbishment last year. We now have brand new facilities such as our Pub & Terrace, The Gentleman & Scholar and the Presidential Suite which features incredible views over Birmingham’s skyline.”

Joanne Brain, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham, says: “We have twenty five years of history in Birmingham and so we would like to thank our loyal guests, employees and also our owners Hyatt for helping us create great past memories and help us celebrate our silver anniversary with a promising future ahead.”

Hyatt Regency Birmingham, 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, B1 2JZ Tel. 0121 643 1234 www.birmingham.regency.hyatt.com Follow on twitter: @hyattbham

Images by Jas Sansi

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I WAS TERRIFIED. ALL I HEARD WAS CANCER. BUT THANKS TO TEENAGE CANCER TRUST, I KNEW I WAS GOING TO BE OK. When Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer, we were able to give her expert care and support as she fought for her life. There are other young people, just like Charlotte, who are terrified right now and need our support too. As the only UK charity who does what we do, we need your help to be there for them.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY Text TEENS to 70300 to donate £3 and The Body Shop will match your donation*. You can also make a donation in any of The Body Shop stores or online at teenagecancertrust.org/charlotte

This advert has been donated. *Donation match runs to 31st July and is capped at £20,000.

The donation will cost £3 plus a text message at the standard rate. Teenage Cancer Trust (Registered Charity no: 1062559, SC039757) will receive 100% of every donation. Please ensure you have the bill payer’s permission before making this donation.

Photo by Ashley Jouhar

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paperwork

DLUXE PLEASURE MEETS BUSINESS IN THE SECOND CITY

Surf’s up dude...

It’s all about timing, following the pattern and predicting that next big surge; Surfers call it Wave Spying. A Wave Spy is generally a person who is not a local to your beach but they come in, study the surf and sneak a session on your waves. Surfers don’t usually mind this as wave spies can be useful – you just need to make sure they don’t get in your way and steal that wave from underneath you.

I have had the opportunity to be a Wave Spy for family businesses. Working with so many clients that sold businesses or passed them on to heirs, I have been able to see where the surf is good and the waves are perfect. At the moment, three of those places are the automotive supply chain, home fixtures and power generation sectors, each riding the crest of the wave here in the UK and just waiting for you to make your move. As The Beach Boys sang “when you catch a wave you’ll be sitting on top of the world” We go through cycles and I believe that it is a perfect time for all businesses to take themselves from decent growth to higher foundations- coming from Seatle I witness and was impressed by the changes that Boeing made to compete throughout the 80s and 90s; acquisitions, research, relocations, and personnel changes. It’s not just the big boys, companies of any size can leverage this momentum through gaining exposure to new markets and product lines, using technology and getting the most out of their people. We’re always looking at areas of opportunity and with the amount of new homes being built at the moment due to political pressures and the strength of the automotive sector in the UK, it’s these areas that represent the biggest wave, it’s just working out how to ride it. Here are 3 of my 10 strategies that I have built to help companies to “Catch the big wave.”

1. PASSPORT CONTROL

There have been some nervous times when the man at French customs pointed out that I only had 4 months on my passport and he did not have to let me into 70 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

WITH SUMMER BEHIND US, DLUXE BUSINESS EDITOR BART DALTON TAKES BUSINESS BACK TO THE BEACH TO HELP MAKESUREYOURBUSINESSCANCATCHTHENEXTBIGWAVE. France, but just this once he was going to be nice. When going on journeys you need to make sure that your documents are in order. If your paperwork is in place, life is smooth sailing or surfing as the analogy goes. When you come to make significant changes to your business through merger, acquisition or sale then you open up all your papers for the world to see. This means that all of your client agreements, contracts, employment, directors, taxes, pensions, and so on and so on need to be spot on. I have never seen a company that did not need some more work in this area. Make sure you have all of your documents in line. This is one of the first things I ask companies who have grand exit plans.

2. FOCUS ON YOUR ROUTE

In this day of Google Maps and SAT NAVs, it’s easy just to sit back and not really think about how you’re getting to your destination. Cruising on autopilot withiout thinking about pitstops, coffee breaks or even the implications of taking the scenic route can stop you getting to your goal- who wants to miss out on their day on the beach because they were stuck in roadworks? Business is the same: you need to set dates for milestone events including expansion, turnover and exit, to name a few. When was the last time you and your team set short medium and long term WRITTEN goals? The big one we find missing in most business is the exit. There is typically a retirement date for the major shareholder but no exit plan.

3. SANDCASTLES NEED STRUCTURE

Building structures as a kid was always fun and there’s nothing better for creating random free flowing shapes than a sandy beach. At some point though you are going to need some structure to make the shape you want which is when you need your bucket and spade. Combine your soft sand with your bucket and spade and you can build anything. Most family businesses start off just playing in the sand without the tools they need to build a structure. In life they say you should never grow up, but in business if you’re planning a exit from you must start to form the uniform building blocks of systems, teams and opportunities early. ‘Work the System’ by Sam Carpenter has some great ways to easily systematise the business. Some of the first ones you need to look at are how you engage your clients and especially your people. The larger you want to become the more you need to use the proper tools to build with.

So what you waiting for? The waves are high and it’s time to get wet.

Bart Dalton II, Founding Director Gullane & Co www.gullaneandco.com

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iAB CHANGES NAME TO ASIAN BUSINESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The UK’s leading support organisation for Asian businesses based in Birmingham is to change its name.

The Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB), founded in 1987 in the wake of the Handsworth riots, will from now be known as the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

The move has been made to emphasise the close association the organisation has with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), a relationship forged 28 years ago by the late Om Parmar, who became honorary president.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The committee decided that the change of name was needed to emphasise the organisation’s close association with the GBCC. “They have been part of the Chamber for 28 years so it seemed a natural progression. The ABCC will still stick to the original principles of its formation to meet the needs and aspirations of member companies and to develop their full potential.

“It’s vital that the Asian business community continues to make a big contribution to the economic development of the city and the region.”

“The ABCC will continue to support the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, ensuring we have a good cross section of the Asian community.”

Saqib Bhatti, the ABCC’s president said: “This is a fantastic step and it is a recognition of all the varied work that our organisation does

around the region for our members. The Asian Business Community is thriving and having a recognised Chamber within the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Group is a real source of pride.

This is the result of many years of hard work by successive boards and the Operational Team.”

Anjum Khan, the ABCC’s director, said: “We now play an increasingly important role in the development of the local economy as the demographics of the region shift towards those with an ethnic background.

“Asian businesses are diverse and as such membership of the ABCC includes everything from solicitors and restaurants to training companies and wholesalers.

“We have a strong events diary, ranging from seminars, to networking and to social events. Our annual dinner was a sell-out last year and remains one of the most popular and important events in the Midlands business calendar.”

www.birmingham-chamber.com

Stand and Deliver Driving, sitting at work, at home or sleeping in bed means that most people are off their feet for up to 21 hours a day. This means in reality you spend most of your life in a chair or on a bed.

A recent study found that the world’s population could increase their life expectancy by 2 years if they reduce the amount of time spent sitting to less than 3 hours a day.

The vast majority of people usually sit in a chair for most of their working day, then sit in public or private transport to get home and back, and then watch TV on the sofa to recover from the day before going to sleep.

The study highlighted that those who sit for a 5 or more hours in a working day have an increased risk of up to 34% for having heart failure – than those who stand up more. That’s not the only risks by sitting 5+ hours a day your Diabetes risk is doubled, you have a Greater risk of depression and cancer.

Since 1950 sedentary jobs have risen by 83% and most office workers get less than an hour of exercise a week. With this obesity, heart disease and many variants of cancer have risen, and could be attributed to our lack of movement each day.

One way to reduce these risks is by using a Standing Desk whilst at work, which allows you to quickly lift and lower your workstation. Studies also show how those who work in a standing position are more productive by up to 12% than their seated counterparts. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 71

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BIRMINGHAM BUILDER INVESTS IN AN ECO FUTURE

A Birmingham business specialising in providing schools with eco buildings has launched a new project to encourage tree-planting in the UK. As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, Inspired Building Systems has pledged to donate twenty trees for every new school eco building project they receive, launching their ’20 Trees’ project this month supporting Trees for Life.

Statistics from The Forestry Commission have recently shown that tree-planting rates have plummeted. To try and tackle this issue and offset their own carbon footprint, Inspired Building Systems, creators of eco-classrooms for schools in the UK, have started their ’20 Trees’ campaign – enabling the schools that they build for to benefit from eco conscious designs that not only give long-term solutions to the school, but also the ability to encourage and inspire a younger generation to benefit from forests around the UK. For every eco classroom purchased and built by Inspired Building Systems, 20 trees will be purchased from Trees for Life to be planted in UK forests. Gavin Wilkes from the company said “We are really excited to introduce this project.

Restoring a UK based natural forest further supports our environmental goals and provides an opportunity to introduce the benefits of planting trees to schools and our partners. Our commitment to donate 20 trees for every eco classroom project will reduce the impact of our activities and provide a lasting legacy for future generations”.

With their first ’20 Trees’ build signed up this month, the Birmingham based business is hoping to get many more on board and raise more eco-awareness across the UK. “If we can play just a small part of implementing a better future for the children who learn in our classrooms, then we have done what we set out to achieve with this project”.

Find out more about the project at inspiredbuildingsystems.co.uk

Birmingham Barrister launches new book: How To Represent Yourself in the Family Court Long serving Birmingham lawyer Jason Hadden, MBE, a Barrister at St Ives Chambers, has co-written a book to help those who cannot afford lawyers to represent themselves. The book, ‘How To Represent Yourself in the Family Court: Understanding and resolving family disputes without using a solicitor’ will be available on Amazon and all good bookshops from 1st October 2015.

The book covers areas such as contact between parents and children, where a child should live and with whom, where a child should go to school, domestic violence and many other issues where agreement may not be possible. It sets out the law in a way you will be able to understand and apply. The book deals with helping those people who have family disputes and yet can’t afford the costs of a solicitor or barrister and often need to undertake the court process without legal advice.

Jason said: “It was important to write a book to help people unable to afford lawyers understand their rights in seeing their children and grandchildren.

The law can be very complicated and this book makes it easy to understand and certainly user friendly. The legal process can be extremely complex but this book tries to simplify it by using simple plain English. It cuts out the jargon and makes it doable.”

The book, co-authored by Rhiannon Davies, also contains a wealth of practical tips to ensure that you present yourself and your case well throughout proceedings.

You can pre order the book at www.amazon.co.uk and follow Jason on Twitter: @JasonHadden @tweetlawfeet

ARE YOU A DREAM BOSS? Giving employees their birthday off and stocking a vending machine with free treats are two of the things that make a boss a dream boss. That’s according to a recent study of office workers who were asked what attributes would make the perfect company leader.

Many of the things that make an appearance actually happen out of office, such as after work cocktail master classes and a good Christmas party whilst in office treats included a top-notch coffee maker, no ban on social media and sweet treats for the whole team.

These simpler pleasures were accompanied by a few which would leave a business out of pocket, including company cars, gym memberships and free tickets to all their favourite sports.

HERE ARE THE TOP TEN TOPS FOR A HAPPY WORKFORCE 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Giving birthdays off Leaving early on a Friday A free gym membership A constant supply of office sweets Vending machines with free drinks and snacks

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6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Team spa day Extra training courses A voucher on your birthday Time off around Christmas Treating the team to lunch

Rebecca Simkiss Announced as new Chair of BPS Birmingham F u t u r e

Buyers sweet on £16m Bournville apartment scheme Dozens of would-be buyers have flocked to one of the most ambitious residential schemes in recent memory in Bournville. Work has begun on the £16m redevelopment of Franklin House which will see 79 luxury apartments created in the historic and sought after village.

With the scheme set to complete in Spring 2016, developer Court Collaboration has already been deluged with interest from families and young professionals for the studio, one and twobedroom apartments.

Joint Managing Director of Birmingham based recruitment consultancy SimkissGuy, Rebecca Simkiss, has been announced as BPS Birmingham Future’s new Chair taking on the role from Michael Shepherd. Tara Tomes of East Village will be the new Deputy Chair for this 12-month tenure.

At the Malmaison hand-over dinner, Rebecca set out her key themes and objectives for the year ahead. A key focus, befitting her recruitment roots, is to further develop the work Birmingham Future undertakes to provide support for personal and professional development of young professionals working in the city’s business and professional services sector. Rebecca revealed the creation of the Future Mentoring Academy, to build on the reputation and success of the two mentoring schemes it operates, Future Mentoring and Aspire Mentoring. This will see a programme of events and workshops held in partnership with a range of organisations across the city.

Court Collaboration founder, Anthony McCourt, said; "This is a rare opportunity to deliver a major residential scheme in Bournville, described by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation as 'one of the nicest places to live in Britain'. Opportunities like this don't come along very often in Bournville. It is a place people like to live and work and as a result they tend not to leave".

The building was purchased by Court in 2014 in a joint venture with Hong Kong-based Headland Developments.

For further details on the project visit www.thefranklinbournville.com or call 0121 796 0175.

AIR INDIA Connectivity to India Air India has committed to increase its Birmingham-Delhi-Amritsar operation from four flights per week to daily services, sending a strong signal in its confidence in connecting the region’s VFR (visitors, friends and relatives) in the British Asian communities and businesses to the fast growing Indian Economy.

During her inaugural speech, Rebecca reflected on the importance of mentoring on developing skills of young professionals, “Mentoring has had a major impact on my personal career journey, so it is naturally something very close to my heart.

I believe that mentoring lies at the very core of what Future stands for. Our two mentoring schemes bring together aspiring, emerging and established leaders, as individuals who can learn from each other, be inspired by each other and most importantly, be a place for support and the vital port of call that we all need from time to time to in our working lives.”

Uday Dholakia, Brand Ambassador for Birmingham Airport said “We are extremely thankful to Air India for recognising the demand from travellers needing the flexibility of daily services from Birmingham. “The West Midlands receives more foreign direct investment from India than any other region outside of London and Birmingham’s VFR market grew by 71% in 2014. It is now attracting more visitors from India than any English city other than London”.

The launch of the Future Mentoring Academy takes place on 15th October.

Uday Dholakia has led a number of business inward and outward missions to India over the last thirty five years and remains an ardent supporter of enhancing bilateral trade amongst manufacturing SME’s in India and the UK. “The narrative for the Midlands EconomicEngine has to be focused and articulated abroad in a confident and razor sharp manner”, adds Dholakia.

For more information, visit www.birminghamfuture.co.uk

“As a result of this important connectivity, we are working closely with the local chambers and a number of trade bodies to formulate cluster-based inward and outward missions to support bilateral trade and investment. A good example of this collaboration is the recent Make in India Seminar hosted by the Aston University Business School with the Indian Government on 25th September. The seminar underpins the practical and legacy-based support landscape to assist Midlands’ businesses”.

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dluxe people

L-R Dean Cole (Pastry Chef), Glen Watson (Chef Director) and Robert Bates (Executive Head Chef)

WE CAUGHT UP WITH CHEF DIRECTOR GLEN WATSON AT THE PRESTIGIOUS BELFRY HOTEL AND RESORT SITUATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE OF SUTTON COLDFIELD. SINCE JOINING THE BELFRY IN 2013, WATSON HAS OVERSEEN THE MULTIMILLIONPOUND REFURBISHMENT OF THE FACILITIES, WHICH ARE SPREAD ACROSS THE 550 ACRES OF IDYLLIC COUNTRYSIDE. With over 30 years of experience in the catering industry, Watson has had a chance to work with French restauranteur Albert Roux, Anton Edelmann at The Savoy in London and Alan Hill at Gleneagles. We caught up with him as he prepares for a busy calendar of events in the run up to Christmas…

Did you want to become a chef from an early age? Who inspired you?

I was actually on track to probably be an accountant or something like that from an early age; it wasn’t on the radar. Once I started cooking - at that time there was the Roux Brothers and then there was Anton Mosimann who were the famous chefs – I discovered I loved it!

What’s it like working in such a prestigious kitchen as The Belfry’s Ryder Grill?

I think the great thing about working somewhere like the Belfry is that every day is different. Although you do lunch and dinner every day, your customers choose different dishes, so it’s always exciting and challenging.

How would you describe your Christmas Menu in one sentence?

Hmm, “A chance to indulge, to enjoy good food and let The Belfry take care of the dishes”.

Where, do you think is the Food Capital of the world and why?

I think it has to be Paris; I worked at the George V in Paris years ago. They just love ingredients and it’s a way of life.

What do you like to cook when you’re at home? Do you have a guilty food pleasure?

Simple food that might not even involve cooking, sometimes. I love antipasti. I like Iberico hams - it could just be that with a glass of red wine.

And yes, it’s got to be chocolate fondant vanilla ice-cream: nice and gooey in the middle - plenty of calories (laughs).

Who is the most famous/infamous person you’ve ever prepared food for?

A few years ago when they were filming one of the Indiana Jones movies, we did a special charity event and on one table there was Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. I suppose that’s the most famous group of people I’ve cooked for, at one time.

Let’s resurrect the Fantasy Dinner Party question: who would be on your table?

It’s a difficult one to answer. For me, cooking for family and close friends is as good as it gets really.

The Ryder Grill What is the inspiration behind your dishes?

Very simple: seasonality and using great ingredients available at that time.

We like to buy locally, wherever possible, too.

And with that, we bid Au Revoir to Chef Director, Glen Watson. Whilst many of us are looking forward to enjoying the autumn and winter months with parties and balls aplenty, spare a thought for the hardworking, passionate chefs behind the scenes who make our enjoyment all the more tasty. We salute you.

Do you have a favourite dish on the menu?

For me, it’s the Chateaubriand. Because this is a sharing dish, it’s a great way to enjoy a meal with someone. (It’s also something the Ryder Grill is, rightly, renowned for).

The Belfry is @ Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9PR. Tel 0844 980 0600 for more information or visit them online at www.thebelfry.com

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B R I N G Y O U R PA R T Y T O O U R PA R T Y !

in

& at Nailcote Hall Hotel SEPTEMBER Fri 4th ‘MOTOWN’ LEGENDS PARTY with SOUL LEGEND

Enjoy all the moves, the smooth vocals and dance to the hits from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye & more with ‘Soul Legend’. You won’t be able to stay off the dance floor. Plus after show Disco.

Fri 11th ‘MAMMA MIA’ PARTY with ‘SENSATION’ AN ABBA TRIBUTE

Enjoy a great party with our tribute to ABBA. Sensation perform ABBA’s greatest hits including ‘Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Thank You For The Music’ and many more.

Fri 18th A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON with NYA KING Without a doubt, the unprecedented replica of the voice of Whitney Houston. The incredible Nya King brings her amazing Soul and R & B style to pay tribute to this wonderful soul lady

£32.50

£37.50 £32.50

OCTOBER PINK BALL AT THE HALL with 80’s EXPERIENCE Sat 3rd Enjoy our ‘Black Tie’ Charity Ball raising funds for breast cancer. Celebrate a night of nostalgia with the greatest hits of the 80’s. The 5 piece band will take you back to the days of fun, frivolity and great music from the 80’s era.

Wear something PINK!

Sat 10th ‘TAKE THAT’ & ‘WESTLIFE’ SHOW with THAT’S LIFE An amazing tribute to the ultimate boy bands, featuring all the huge hits from Take That and Westlife.

Sat 17th DISCO DIVA PARTY with TAMEKA JACKSON as DIANA ROSS

£49.50 £35.00

The Ultimate Tribute to Diana Ross from her early years with ‘The Supremes’ to her Solo career.

Tameka will captivate and amaze you with her uncanny likeness and voice. Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

£32.50

Over the last 19 years Ian has been performing as a local DJ and has a unique ability to entertain any crowd across a vast spectrum of music genres.

£27.50

Sat 31st HALLOWEEN DISCO with DJ IAN ROGERS

NOVEMBER Sat 7th ‘MOTOWN’ LEGENDS PARTY with SOUL LEGEND

Enjoy all the moves, the smooth vocals and dance to the hits from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye & more with ‘Soul Legend’. You won’t be able to stay off the dance floor. Plus after show Disco.

Sat 14th‘SUPREME’ MOTOWN & SOUL DIVA PARTY with THE MOTELLAS Enjoy a night full of toe tapping Motown classic hits, incuding Diana Ross and The Supremes, Tina Turner & Aretha Franklin.

‘LENNON AND McCARTNEY’ with THE LENNON AND McCARTNEY EXPERIENCE Sat 21st Come and join us with the fabulous Lennon and McCartney Experience with all the hits and the unmistakable sounds from the Fab Four, ‘She Loves You, Help, Yesterday, and lots more!

£32.50

£32.50 £32.50

CHRISTMAS EVENTS DIARY - NOW AVAILABLE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS

TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL - WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

FOR MORE DETAILS OF THE EVENTS IN RICKS BAR & THE MARQUEE VISIT

www.nailcotehall.co.uk

BOOKING HOTLINE CALL: 02476 466174 info@nailcotehall.co.uk YOUR CV7 COMPLIMENTARY COPY Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire 7DE

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