Dluxe Birmingham & Solihull Issue 23 Spring 2017

LU E D X BIRMIN GHAM & SOLIHULL

ISSUE 23

for business & leisure

BILLY elLIOT

the Musical

top 5

European holiday destinations

Spring Style s for him

and Her

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY

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temper

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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Tickets £10*, including a gift for all mums.

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A

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Letter Editor from the

Ordinarily, I’d be writing this commentary from my desk at the magazine headquarters. This time around, I’m in a side ward, in an NHS hospital and it gives a different perspective on life. I’ve time to think at the moment, as you can imagine. Lots of it.

What’s become crystal clear from a very personal perspective is just how incredible the NHS truly is. Sure, it’s creaking at the seams in certain areas and it runs at a glacial pace, but the much mis-aligned staff truly are there for the love. It is a vocation rather than a job. From the Porter taking me for scans to the ward staff, I feel humbled at the care they give.

It’s made me grateful, too. My story has a happy ending as I’ve just been told (literally) that I’m due to be released in a matter of days – not everyone is as lucky – but knowing I’m heading home, repaired leaves me wanting to grab life, grab opportunities and achieve that work/life balance that so many of us strive to reach.

Lucky for me, it’s Spring and there’s a wealth of great stuff out there, waiting to be enjoyed. From exhibitions by emerging artists at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – btw, have you visited the Edwardian Tea Rooms recently? Gorgeous – right through to the upcoming theatre productions of Miss Saigon at the Hippodrome, culture vultures have never had it so good.

Fashion has never been better either. There really is no excuse for not being finely turned-out this season. Whether it’s one of the new-breed of grooming studios, or the new season collections in-store at our favourite independents and department stores, Birmingham really is punching above its weight stylistically. It’s exciting and makes you wonder whether we need HS2 to reach London? It’s all going on here. Maybe it’s more for the Londoners wanting to escape?

It would be remiss of me not to mention our brand-new VIP newsletter service that we’re launching this spring. Direct to your inbox, we will be sending all the latest news, features and some exclusive inbox-only competitions to really keep you ahead of the curve. If you’d like to receive this digest, simply email us at info@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk or click on our website and follow the link.

My meds are due in a minute, so I’ll bow out. For now.

We hope you enjoy this Spring edition. Like the NHS staff, it’s been a labour of love and we love having you read our words.

Cover image and this page: Photography by Chris Denner, Art Direction by Jonathan Fraser. All clothing by Next.

We can’t wait for...

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Jonathan Fraser Group Editor In Chief

1st Anniversary of Park Regis: who said size doesn’t count? Rumour has it that it pips MPW by a matter of inches to be the highest restaurant in Brum.

As kids, we’ve all wanted to be Wonder Woman, right? Well, everyone’s fave female crimefighter is given a 21st century make-under in a kind of prequel to the WW we love and know.

It feels early, but we’ve already booked ahead for this summer’s Latitude Festival in July. The most middleclass of festivals, this is a far cry from mosh-pits and mayhem. The 1975 and Mumford & Sons headline.

Joe Wicks could force-feed us McDonald’s and we wouldn’t care: he’s just so darn pretty. June brings his latest tome ‘Cooking for family and friends’. *sighs* The aspiration of generations, Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and the prancing horse has never looked fitter or stronger.

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Enjoy 15% off * your first purchase

CONTENTS...

08 THE EDIT Our personal picks of some of our favourite features and stories.

16 SPOTLIGHT

We chat to the stars of the iconic Billy Elliot, which dances into the Hippodrome auditorium this spring.

26 SHOOT

We all know and love Barbour for its country casualwear, but this spring shoot might have you seeing the luxury brand in a new light.

30 FOR HER All the new season’s key

looks, condensed. Looking good really hasn’t been easier.

34 FOR HIM Helping you be a dapper Don this season. All your key looks and style advice.

38 LIVING

Beautiful homes and gardens are de rigeur this season.

44 TRAVEL Top 5 European City Breaks

this Spring. How many have you visited before?

48 MOTORS

We road test two top campers ahead of summer

54 DINING We check out all of Brum’s latest eateries and report back.

56 DIARY What’s happening and what’s

happened in and around Brum. Your diary will thank you for reading this.

68 PAPERWORK

The latest thinking and topic-led business advice from Brum’s top brains.

74 PEOPLE We chat to Brum’s very own Temper, one of the art scenes most bankable new artists.

GET IN TOUCH MANAGING DIRECTOR Kevin Urquhart Kevin@fu-media.co.uk 07713 740 272

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Lilith Hunt-Sheppard lilith@fu-media.co.uk 07975 970711

GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Jonathan Fraser Jon@fu-media.co.uk 0772 580 9654

MARKETING EXECUTIVE Carey York carey@fu-media.co.uk

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Goddard Stephen@kukucreative.co.uk 07580 136693

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 2017

FOR EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: DLUXE BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL HQ 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RE TEL: 0116 2533 445 6 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

info@fu-media.co.uk / www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk @dluxemag

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GET CRAFTY WITH KIRSTIE Craft enthusiasts will soon be able to put their creative skills to the test, as Kirstie Allsopp brings The Handmade Fair to the West Midlands for the first time this spring.

Taking place from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th May 2017, The Handmade Fair at Ragley Hall, Park and Gardens will bring together Britain’s best handmade products, crafts supplies, and artisan foods mixing shopping, eating and making, all in one place.

The fair programme will include live ‘craft-offs’ from the experts at Mollie Makes magazine, Q&As and demonstrations from some of the country’s best-known makers, and a series of hands-on workshops where visitors can learn new skills such as willow weaving, upholstery, needle-felting and calligraphy.

TV presenter, Kirstie Allsopp, will top the bill on the Friday, before handing over the reins to Liz Earle, skincare specialist and founder of the multi-award winning Fairtrade jewellery range, and Patrick Grant, British designer and judge on The Great British Sewing Bee. The event will feature over 150 hand-picked exhibitors, each selling beautiful products, materials, and tools, as well as delicious food and drink stalls.

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THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS Looking for a truly unique birthday gift? Whether it’s for an important milestone birthday, or simply, another year older another year wiser, the UK’s largest newspaper archive, Historic Newspapers, have the perfect present for any recipient from original newspapers from their birth date to birthday front covers from their birth until today presented in a stunning coffe table style book and presentation book.

Regardless of whether the recipient is one, ten, 50 or 100 years old – Historic Newspapers guarantee to have an original newspaper from the birth date in question. Find out what the headlines were, and what was hot off the press on the day you were born and every year forward, up until the present day.

You can even personalise your gift with a name and message to create a remarkable present. Prices start at £49.99 For the Birthday Edition Book.

Find out more at www.historic-newspapers.co.uk

OWN THE THRONE We adore the Buckingham Palace Armchair; a regal addition to living and entertaining spaces, this statement design is perfectly displayed as a piece of historical artwork, guaranteed to be a conversation starter amongst guests and friends.

Starting life as a traditional 1960s fireside armchair, the original beech frame has been stripped back to the bare frame, treated and then hand painted in a complimentary uniform grey chalk paint before, an original vintage uniform, once worn by a member of the Queen’s Royal Household, expertly cut and tailored to fit the individual parts of the chair is fitted.

Colour coordinating fabrics have been carefully selected to match the texture and rich navy tone of the original uniform, creating distinctive panels in a suitably-fitting royal red tone, that also translates into the delicate piping that edges the chair’s seat and armrests.

The uniform’s original epaulettes, labels and buttons are then intricately hand-stitched onto the chair for a flourish of authenticity.

See the full uniform range at www.rhubarblondon.com

ENJOY AN AFTERNOON WITH AWFUL AUNTIE David Walliams’ Awful Auntie goes from page to stage at New Alexandra Theatre in a brand new production

by Birmingham Stage Company to follow on from their record-breaking tour of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny which recently finished a sell-out fifty-week tour of the UK. Awful Auntie tells the story of Stella, who when she set off to visit London with her parents had no idea her life was in danger. Waking up from a coma three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened.

But not everything Aunt Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie. David Williams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship features a very old car, a very large owl and a very small ghost.

For tickets visit: www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

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A breath of FRESH: air In the Winter edition of dluxe BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL we interviewed Anthony Wardle, co-founder of a major new Contemporary Art Fair in Cheltenham. This issue we look at what art you can expect to see at the Fresh: Art Fair.

“Fresh: is so-called because we’re bringing new faces and new ideas to the art fair world” says Anthony. “Many of our Exhibitors are leading Galleries that are, by choice, rarely seen on the UK art fair circuit.

Many of the artists are already established in public and private collections around the world with others on the brink of acclaim and, like a good wine, showing the quality that will develop over time. Fresh: will be a wonderful place to see and buy art”.

Among the 5,000 works on show, will be a huge range of genres, media, styles and subjects …traditional landscapes and classical still life through abstract, geometric, figurative, Pop, Op and the truly avant garde.

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Fresh: will host forty five galleries from the UK, France and Ireland showing work by artists from five continents.

John Noott of Broadway will show work by Royal Birmingham Society of Artists member Edward Noott. Wren Gallery in Burford will hang the wonderfully evocative architectural paintings of Cyril Croucher.

Paragon Gallery will show the perfectly crafted bronze sculptures of Adam Binder.

From further afield you will see London galleries Thompson’s, Hicks, Eames Fine Art and Gallery Different. Gormley’s Fine Art from Dublin and Belfast will be there and Camburn Fine Art from Chinon, France, showing the sublime and muchcollected paintings of Alan Halliday.

There will be works by honoured names …Bridget Riley CH CBE, Sandra Blow RA, Mary Fedden OBE RA, Sir Peter Blake and many more. If the work of Picasso isn’t there (and it may be) then his onetime muse Sylvette will certainly be on show under her painter’s name Lydia Corbett, exhibited by David Simon Fine Art of Bath. A Gloucestershire girl with a global following will also be there …the distinctive figurative paintings of PJ Crook MBE RWA FRSA will be hung by notable Pall Mall Gallery Panter & Hall. Not all Fresh: artists are celebrated …yet. There will be a strong showing of recently graduated art students. New Blood Art specializes in spotting young talent and giving them a chance to shine, sometimes with spectacular results.

There will be artists painting and sculpting live throughout the show and happy to answer visitor questions about their inspiration and technique. Visitors will be able to see how art is created.

Fresh: will offer original paintings and prints for a few hundred pounds through to large works by acclaimed artists for quite a few thousand. Fresh: is also inviting visitors to bring in up to three old paintings for which Fresh: partner Bonhams will provide free valuations (early 20th century work and earlier).

“There’ll be something for everyone, for all tastes and budgets” says Anthony. Less than 10 minutes off the M5 with unlimited parking and a shuttle to and from the town centre, Fresh is really easy to get to.

Fresh is in partnership with the RWA (The Royal Academy in the West) and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

The Fair is open from 12th – 14th May at Cheltenham Racecourse with tickets at £6 on the door and £6 for two if bought online. Visit freshartfair.net

A New Kind of Art Fair

contemporary CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

12-14 MAY 2017

The first major art fair in the Heart of England Serving Birmingham, Oxford, Bristol and The Cotswolds For collectors and newcomers of all tastes and budgets

45 GALLERIES: 400 ARTISTS: 5000 WORKS: 10 MINUTES OFF M5: FREE PARKING FOR 10000:

v i s i t : f r e s h a r t fa i r. n e t

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SEND BACK THAT WALLPAPER, PUT THE LID BACK ON THE PAINT AND START UNPINNING THOSE CURTAINS AS PANTONE HAVE RELEASED THEIR COLOUR OF THE YEAR AND IT’S ALL ABOUT BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN WITH A LITTLE BIT OF GREENERY.

IT’S EASY BEING

GREEN

Symbolic of new beginnings, this colour represents that revitalising feeling of those first days of spring, when the glimpses of nature start to return. Green is, after all, one of nature’s very own neutrals.

So while it could be daunting to add a bold, zingy green hue into your home, there’s no need to be afraid to mix it into your home decor. Go for something bright and punchy, or pare it back with some more muted shades.

Wallpapers are available at: www.muralswallpaper.co.uk All prints are custom-sized, madeto-order and priced at £25.00 per square metre For more interior tips and ideas, turn to page 38.

NEW NEROLI PORTOFINO COLLECTION Portofino, a resort town on the Italian Riviera internationally recognized for its conflux of arresting beauty and old-world glamour and tradition is the inspiration behind Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino, a collection of all over body sprays that draw upon its dramatic landscape and jet-set sophistication.

A refreshing and invigorating mist to be used all over the body, the Neroli Portofino collection is lightly scented and add are designed to complement their eau de parfum counterparts. COSTA AZZURRA evokes the fragrant and sun-baked landscape of coastal and island Mediterranean woods where pines and oaks mingle with wild-growing herbs and salty water. Whilst FLEUR DE PORTOFINO is inspired by the cascades of flowers from the white acacia tree, a beloved shade tree that dots the Mediterranean’s gardens and avenues, this fragrance contains notes of Sicilian lemon, bigarde leaf, violet leaf, jasmine and acacia honey.

Completing the collection is the MANDARINO DI AMALFI all over body spray that captures the calm idyll of the whitewashed villas lining the cliff sides of the Amalfi coast, this fresh fragrance contains mandarin oil, lemon sfumatrice, basil spearmint and a duet of jasmine.

WWW.TOMFORD.COM

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Wasps in my head and Bubbles in my gut.

Catchy title but the words are not mine. They are a young man’s description of feelings that seemed to be overwhelming him, that forced him to run out of a lesson.

Young people trying to discover and understand their place and prospects in a world that continually lurches from crisis to crisis, often find themselves in a debilitating war with the force we call anxiety, a force that seems to incapacitate, and sometimes consume them.

They don’t understand it, they just know it hurts. Their numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. The plague of anxiety grows and the system, the state, parents, all of us; we create it and nurture it. The internet has opened up the wonders of the world but has an underbelly of rampant evil.

The young and curious often gravitate to this dangerous place, their journey unchecked by indifferent adults. We

give them gadgets that allow them be ever in contact with each other, where innocents are stalked by predators and bullies. We confuse them by pretending that notions of right and wrong are outdated; that only personal choice matters. We can reduce the confusion and anxiety that is damaging many of our young people if we replace indulgence with values such as respect, empathy, generosity and understanding.

Real love makes children feel safe. Right now too many of them feel anxious, lost and alone. Children value parents who set clear boundaries and have high expectations. I have been a headmaster for over thirty years and have seen previously unimagined opportunities and horizons become available for young people. I have also seen many youngsters become crippled by the demands of this new world. We can change things, we can do better. Let’s help the birds with broken wings fly again.

Sir Robert Dowling Executive Headmaster and Chair of the Board of Trustees, St Georges School, Edgbaston

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COCKTAIL WEEKEND SET TO STIR UP THE CITY It’s the news that Birmingham’s cocktail-connoisseurs have been waiting for: Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is back, bigger and better than ever before for 2017. The festival will return to the city from 14-16 July for the third year running and will see cocktail-revelers embark upon the city in a three-day spectacular.

The world-famous premium Cognac house, Courvoisier, has been named as headline sponsor of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2017 and will take up residence at Hotel du Vin for the weekend. ‘The Courvoisier Hub’ will be at the centre of the event with wristband collections and exclusive tasting sessions making it the perfect starting point for the cocktail adventure.

Building on the past two years’ success, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is increasing its capacity for 2017; with more venues taking part in the trail. Founder and organiser Alex Nicholson-Evans said: “After two incredibly successful years and seeing the festival’s support grow, I am so excited to be bringing BCW back for 2017. We’re thrilled to be working with Courvoisier and Hotel Du Vin, and we’re very excited to see what signature cocktail the teams create together. Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2017 is set to be a fantastic event!”

Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is all about getting people to step outside of their comfort zone, encouraging them to venture beyond their local watering hole and regular tipple to discover new venues and experiment with new flavours.

This year, the event is even more impressive and is set to recruit even more of Birmingham’s best-loved bars across a wider city centre footprint, with announcements taking place over the coming months.

Wristbands will be on sale from www birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk and will allow the wearer to enjoy the exclusive signature cocktail in each participating venue for just £4, as well as getting access to free tastings and events too.

NEW BREWERY FOR BIRMINGHAM

The Big Birmingham Soul Night

So many marvellous independent beer places have opened up over the last year in Birmingham, that now beer lovers are truly spoiled for choice. The newest addition to the Jewellery Quarter, Indian Brewery Snowhill, is set to spice things up a little which is great news for beer fans as well as street food lovers and artisan coffee folk.

The Big Birmingham Soul Night is a night that harks back to soul nights of the 60’s and 70’s, programmed by The Night Owl and held at Birmingham Town Hall.

The Indian Brewery has resurrected the old coffee shop, Brewsmiths under Snow Hill’s railway arches, and resurrected it as a bar selling craft beer as well as artisan coffee. Obviously, being Indian you have to throw a bit of masala into the mix, so during the morning it dishes out an innovative breakfast menu and mouth watering street food from midday till late.

Beer is served in craft cans, bottle cask and on draught and include Indian Brewery beers as well as an impressive range of guests ales.

Foodies are well catered for too with a distinct street food style and flavour to the food menu.

As well as bacon, sausage or egg naan on the breakfast menu, diners can enjoy pakora pops, Indian fish and chips and Chaat bombs!

Indian Brewery is at Snow Hill, Livery Street, Birmingham B3 1EU

This beautiful listed building boasts a giant wooden floor, perfect for Northern Soul and Mod style dancing, with an elegant balcony for those who would prefer to just relax and enjoy the dancing below. There will be also a smaller second room of music, with its own bar and seating, record buying and selling and more.

To be held on the 15th April, confirmed to head up this evening is legendary DJ Colin Curtis, who began DJing in the late 1960s at the Crystal Lake Ballroom and the infamous Golden Torch in Stoke and later Blackpool Mecca. He is often cited as being one of the most important tastemakers of black music in the UK. Colin will be playing music from his Torch days, so you can expect the Northern Soul classics that Colin broke and much more, all on original vinyl.

To find out more or to book tickets visit www.thsh.co.uk

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35 Drury Lane, Solihull, B91 3BP 0 7 5 3 4 2 4 8 74 1 p h i l @ c l e m e n t s a n d c h u r c h . c o . u k

D EL I VERING SAR TORI AL EXC ELLENC E clementsandchurch.co.uk

dluxe spotlight

Following the dream

Annette Mclaughlin as Mrs. Wilkinson 16 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

H

aving been seen by over 10 million people across 5 continents and collecting over 80 awards along the way, Billy Elliot the Musical embarks on its first ever UK and Ireland tour this year, with a stop off in Birmingham for eight weeks from 7 March – 29 April. Ahead of the show’s arrival at Birmingham Hippodrome, we caught up with cast members Annette McLaughlin and Martin Walsh to talk childhood ambition, working-class cultures and, what they see, as the secret to the show’s enduring success.

When actress Annette McLaughlin was a child she had a dream – to be a ballet dancer. She trained, she studied, she worked hard to achieve that aim but then she faced bitter disappointment when the Royal Ballet turned her down.

Which means Annette, who has carved out a hugely successful career as an actress on stage instead, understands the yearning in Billy Elliot, the boy who wants to dance.

Annette is currently playing the role of Mrs Wilkinson, the dance teacher who sees the magic in the young Billy in the UK tour of Billy Elliot the Musical. Based on the 2000 film, Billy Elliot the Musical tells the story of a young boy’s dream to become a ballet dancer despite the initial opposition of his family. Set in a northern mining town during the 1984/5 miners’ strike, Billy’s dream ultimately inspires not just his family but his entire community.

Annette’s memories of the hunger to dance have helped her shape the role of the chain-smoking, wise-cracking Mrs Wilkinson.

“I desperately wanted to be a ballerina when I was a child,” she says. “I was a junior at the Royal Ballet, along with Christian Bale might I add - he was the only boy in the class, our very own Billy Elliot. I desperately wanted to get into White Lodge, the Royal Ballet School which Billy auditions for, but I didn’t get in. Instead I went into acting and singing although I still kept up the dance.”

In the event Annette believes acting proved to be the better route for her than ballet, with theatre roles as varied as Mrs Wormwood in Matilda, Babette in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Velma Kelly in Chicago and a 2016 repertory season at the Royal Shakespeare Company performing in The Jew of Malta, Love’s Sacrifice and Volpone.

“I went to the London Studio Centre and that was like the Kids from Fame. It was amazing and we did all sorts of dance and singing. And there’s more room for non-perfection in theatre than ballet so ultimately it was a lucky escape for me.

Although there’s still a little part of me that has that bit of disappointment as I wanted it so badly when I was 11.”

Perhaps it was Annette’s passion for dance which meant the first time she saw Billy Elliot she knew Mrs Wilkinson was her

part. “I have been a big fan of the film and of the show,” she says. “I saw it very early on when it opened at the Palace Theatre in London and I just fell in love with it – it was such an amazing piece of storytelling. It’s a universal story about family, being who you are and your passions in life. “Mrs Wilkinson is a beautifully written part and the arc that she has in the storyline with Billy is something special.

I identify with her character in so many ways. I faced that disappointment of not becoming a ballerina and I think there is a lot of that in Mrs Wilkinson. Then there is a bit of her in all my old dance teachers – that tough love that dance teachers have.

“I told my agent that I’d fallen in love with Mrs Wilkinson and he has always known

“I desperately wanted to be a ballerina when I was a child,” that I wanted the part. I went and met with the director about seven years ago and I was told I was too young! I wasn’t told that this time so I’m finally old enough to play her! Everything fell into place this

time and to be the first person to take the part out on the UK tour is really exciting.

Having been such a fan of the show for so long it’s been great to be a part of it in so many cities.”

Premiered on the West End in 2005, Billy Elliot the Musical has enjoyed massive international success with audiences of more than 10 million worldwide and more than 80 awards. It ran for ten years in London before embarking on the UK tour and productions have been staged on New York’s Broadway, in Sydney, Melbourne, Chicago, Toronto and Seoul. Created by Lee Hall and Stephen Daldry, it features choreography by Peter Darling and music

by Elton John.

The role of Mrs Wilkinson was played by Smethwick’s Julie Walters in the Oscarnominated and BAFTA-winning film but Annette wasn’t concerned about her predecessors.

“When you come to rehearse the character you find her from your point of view and you find things that you identify with.

Everyone involved has wanted this show to be the very best it could be and in the rehearsals we never felt like anyone had played the parts before. We were always encouraged to find our own ways with the characters and to bring ourselves to the show. It’s been a very creative process.

“Mrs Wilkinson is brilliantly flawed, she’s sarcastic but also funny and she has a lot of disappointment in life. But when she meets Billy and sees the talent and the passion in him something happens to her and the passion is re-ignited in her. In teaching him and helping him get to his audition, something comes alive in her. All dluxe-magazine.co.uk 17

bringing up Billy with the help of the youngster’s grandma and brother, Dad wants what’s best for his son – but believes that is mining and boxing, not dancing.

“It was definitely the Dad character that attracted me to the show,” says Martin.

“I’d seen the film so knew he was a very strong character and it’s the humanity of Dad that I love. I’m a newish father myself, I’ve got two children, Ana who is six-anda-half and Zac who is two-and-a-half, so I know that becoming a parent does change your perspective.

those old passions that she had for dance come alive in her again.

“And the audiences also recognise her.

She’s all those teachers that we’ve all had that used tough love - who instead of saying ‘well done’ all the time said ‘no, you can do better than that, come on’.”

Annette has been onstage in both Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon in the past so is looking forward to returning to the city when Billy Elliot plays Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre between March 7 and April 29.

“I was at the Hippodrome in Crazy For You in the nineties, that was one of my first jobs,” she recalls. “It was my first tour and I had a great time doing it, the Hippodrome is an amazing theatre. I also did Noises Off at The REP about seven years ago and had a great time as the audiences really loved that show. I love Birmingham and we’re there for eight weeks so I’m looking forward to really getting to know it again.”

Mrs Wilkinson has one major problem with fostering Billy’s dance ambitions – Billy’s father, played by Martin Walsh.

A striking miner and widower who is

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“At the beginning Dad is very set in his ways and has set ideals about how people should be and how they should grow up and then gradually he becomes more human. At the start of the play not only is he missing from his son’s life spiritually but he’s also missing his wife and has no idea how to be a mum and a dad.

“I love the grit, the humanity and the politics in this story and I love the emotional rollercoaster of Dad’s journey.

We don’t know, any of us, what’s down for

Having been such a fan of the show for so long it’s been great to be a part of it in so many cities.”

us in life and we don’t know what’s round the corner – that’s the joy and the worry.

I’m angry with him for most of the first half but it’s like a game of two halves and after the interval you see his humanity.”

Martin believes that expectations of fatherhood differed back in the 1980s so Billy’s Dad would not have been unusual in his awkwardness in showing his true feelings for his son.

“I’m a dad today and things have changed a lot,” Martin says. “I was never told by my dad that he loved me but I knew totally that I was loved. He never put it into words because they just didn’t then. But I make a point of saying it in my life. In Billy Elliot Dad never tells Billy that he loves him but when I play the character I try to say it to him in different ways. I say it with my eyes or my gestures but it’s not in the script and that’s very much of the time.“Being a dad is a challenge but it’s a very beautiful one and we’re very lucky to be able to play out that family relationship of father and son on the stage every day.”

Billy Elliot visits Birmingham Hippodrome on its first UK Tour from 7 Mar – 29 Apr. For tickets, call 0844 338 5000 or visit www. birminghamhippodrome.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WINE AND DINE AT HOTEL DU VIN

b l o n d i e pollinator

BLONDIE are back in 2017 with their eleventh studio album, POLLINATOR, offering a modern take on the classic, vintage sound of one of the world’s most influential and legendary bands.

Birmingham’s Hotel du Vin have announced a new season of their ever popular tasting nights where guests can sample a selection of wonderful wines and speciality spirits with delicious dishes paired to perfection in house at the Hotel du Vin kitchens.

21st April – Piemonte Italian Dinner £79 – Italian Wine Dinners are always popular at Hotel du Vin and this time they delve into Piemonte which brings us wonderful wines such as Gavi di Gavi, Barbaresco and Barolo, maybe even a little drop of Asti Spumante and more!?

19th May – JB ADAM Alsace Wine Dinner £85 –JB ADAM have been making wine since 1614 in the sleepy town on Ammerschwihr in Eastern France. Benefiting from fourteen generations of expertise; Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Noir could all feature alongside a typical Hotel du Vin banquet of four courses and canapes.

23rd June – ‘A Journey through the Loire’ £79 - with Marek Wilimowski of Bancroft Wines. Famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine, the Loire Valley is home to the famous villages of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Anjou, Samur and Chinon producing wines from the grapes of Chenin blanc, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet franc, Melon de Bourgogne, Gamay, Pinot noir and more.

To book your place call the events team on 0121 794 3005 or drop them an email enquiry to events.birmingham@hotelduvin.com

The last album to be recorded at The Magic Shop prior to its closure, New York’s famed recording studio notably known for David Bowie’s last two albums alongside one by Lou Reed, was a particularly fitting setting to inspire BLONDIE’s musical creativity.

POLLINATOR is a riot of sound and musical colour; its eleven tracks representing the continuation of a 40+ year musical adventure. With DEBBIE HARRY and the band sounding as good as ever, the euphoric track plays like the best party ever thrown, capturing that unique combination of their enviable cool and sheer melodic joy. BLONDIE’s classic writing duo of CHRIS STEIN and DEBBIE HARRY are at the heart of the album’s creation with Pop’s uber writers and chart queens CHARLI XCX and SIA contributing along with The Smiths’ JOHNNY MARR, JOAN JETT and LAURIE ANDERSON.

CAPTURE BIRMINGHAM Capture Birmingham returns to the NEC this March (18-19), offering photographers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of imagery through a series of gallery exhibitions, photo-walks, masterclasses and workshops.

Supported by Visit Birmingham, co-ordinated by The Photography Show and held against a backdrop of some of Birmingham’s most cultural spots, confirmed events include the first UK exhibition of work from pioneering French film director and biologist, Jean Painlevé at the Ikon Gallery and a photography scavenger hunt hosted by meet-up organisation, We All Shoot Photos, where participants will have to find and photograph iconic landmarks.

C12, a group comprising Birmingham photographers, will put on an exhibition of donated prints at the famous Millennium Point. The prints will be raffled at The Photography Show (NEC Birmingham) with all proceeds going to the Disabled Photographers’ Society. The catalogue so far includes a late Adrian Flowers plus work by John Claridge, Lorentz Gullachsen and Joe Cornish, to name a few.

Further events across the weekend of Capture Birmingham include a Light Painting and Long Exposure masterclass led

by Birmingham-based, Mosoca Photography, plus excursions led by Great Barr Photographic Society and Photography by Imran.

The full programme can be found on the Capture Birmingham page of photographyshow.com

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I Want! I Want!

Art & Technology AN ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION EXHIBITION AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

1 APR – 1 OCT This exhibition will present the work of contemporary artists working with technology.

Donations welcome

birminghammuseums.org.uk @BM_AG Funded by:

/birminghammuseumandartgallery

#ACCNationalPartners City of Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery Development Trust

Arts Council Collection is managed by Southbank Centre on behalf of Arts Council England.

Image: Rachel Maclean, Feed Me 2015. Courtesy of the artist, Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London.

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say it with flowers Persian lovers in the middle-ages made the gift of a tulip as a declaration of love - the flower’s black centre representing a heart burned by passion! And in the same spirit, dotcomgiftshop introduce Tulip Bloom, a beautiful new collection of gifts and home accessories which loved ones will adore. Symbolising the transformation from winter to spring, their designers have created a colourful new range adorned with a modern floral motif in an on-trend tropical colour palette. Available now from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RING Searching for the prefect forever ring can be a daunting prospect especially when you think that this is something that you’re choosing something that will last you a lifetime. It’s definitely a job for the professionals such as Johnsons Jewellers where they have a wealth of rings on offer.

So how do you narrow down the wide choice that is available?

THE METAL Most Ladies will naturally choose a metal to match their existing engagement ring with Platinum or Gold being the top choices, whether that be white, yellow or rose Gold.

With Platinum being a pure metal, the colour will always be white and will retain its lustre and shine. Thanks to a re-emergence on the catwalks, the traditional warmth of yellow Gold is becoming the metal of choice for more and more ladies.

But what about the guys? As a wedding ring can be the first ring a man has ever worn he can feel a little self-conscious so it is important that he chooses something that he feels comfortable with. Titanium and Palladium based wedding rings have been popular in recent years and

RANKIN FOR RED NOSE DAY

pawbo

Being away from your pet, even if just for a few hours, can be hard. Whether it’s heading to work, visiting friends or stuck in traffic, sometimes knowing your pet is home alone can add additional stress to your day. But what if you could keep in touch with your four-legged friend? You can with Pawbo+ – the latest pet care innovation to hit the market.

Pawbo+ is a special interactive camera that is controlled via a free app (compatible with iOS/ Android platforms) that allows pet parents to not only hear and see their ‘fur babies’ but they can also interact with them via a treat dispensing camera designed for small dogs and cats, enabling owners to reward their pets for good behaviour straight away.

Up to eight users can chat with your pet through Pawbo+ in built speaker at one time and there are six built-in ringtones to attract your pet’s attention as well as games for interacting with your pet including a laser pointer game that owners can control manually or set to play automatically.

Pawbo+ is available to buy online at £169 22 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

With all the ingredients to become a design classic, renowned fashion and portrait photographer Rankin has teamed up with HomeSense to create exclusive aprons for Red Nose Day 2017 featuring a selection of unique, quirky and quintessentially British animal portraits.

The adult apron, priced at £12.99, will be available to buy in HomeSense and TK Maxx stores from 13th February and online at tkmaxx.com and rednoseday.com. With at least £5 from every adult apron sale going to Comic Relief, the money will help people living incredibly tough lives in the UK and across Africa.

The HomeSense Red Nose Day range, created

by Rankin, also features a new children’s apron encouraging the whole family to join in the bake sale action by getting creative in the kitchen. Further products in the collection include a tea towel, also designed

by Rankin, as well as a leather journal and a colouring-in notebook.

THE STYLE Wedding rings can be made to be as narrow as 1mm and can go up to 12mm in width but you’d need long fingers to be able to carry a ring that wide! The trick is to try as many rings on as possible to find what suits you. Ladies will need a width and shape to complement their engagement ring and it’s important to make sure that the wedding rings sit snuggly next to it. There is a wealth of different patterns from court, traditional court, flat edged, flat top to name but a few. The only way to decide what is best for you is to feel comfortable in the ring and ensure that you are happy to wear the choice of ring for the rest of your life!

This is where a phyiscal store wins hand-down over online.

Every time.

PATTERN? A number of different patterns are available from bead edge to blossom patterns. Or why not try something really different? Add a thumbprint of your bride/groom to be? Or for those with children you could add their thumbprint!

Engraving is also a popular choice for those wanting to personalise their ring; Roman numerals for your anniversary ( he’ll never forget your anniversary that way!)or your names beautifully entwined.

SPARKLE? As the saying goes – diamonds are a girl’s best friend and most ladies are now choosing diamonds in their wedding bands. Anything from a single diamond as a “gift from their groom”, or several diamonds to represent one for each of the children that they may have. Or for those really wanting to go for it and have a fully set diamond band, the choice is endless.

After all that,if you still can’t find what you are looking for, from our vast choice of wedding bands on offer, then Johnsons Jewellers have a resident goldsmith who can design something completely bespoke for you.

Johnsons Jewellers is at 51 Queen’s Road, Nuneaton. www.jonhsonsjewellers. co.uk

BRABAZON BAR LIVE LOUNGE NIGHTS Adding to their impressive entertainment offerings at The Belfry, the award winning resort has introduced the new ‘Brabazon Bar Live Lounge Nights’ on the last Friday of every month.

Taking place in the popular Brabazon Bar, guests can enjoy live music from Birmingham based performers, Apollo Soul. One of the UK’s leading live entertainment acts, Apollo Soul will perform two sets between 18.30 and 23.00 on the live lounge nights.

To complement the incredible music throughout the Live Lounge Nights and to add to a fun-filled night out, there will also be some fabulous drinks offers to help you enjoy your evening. Start the weekend in style catching up with friends, and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying ‘Bubbles at The Belfry’. Between 5-7pm every Friday, a bottle of fizz at the resort is just £20. If you want something a little different, then The Belfry’s fantastic range of cocktails are available all night.

So pencil it into the diary now, join them for the next Live Lounge Night to see the famous Brabazon Bar come to life and make your Friday nights at The Belfry unmissable!

The Brabazon Bar at The Belfry, Wishaw, B76 9PR. www.thebelfry.com

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with Titanium rings starting from as low as £90 this metal has become an affordable option for many. Palladium has also seen a recent surge thanks to its affordability in comparison to platinum. Deriding from the platinum group of metals, palladium is like a sister metal to platinum. It stays white in colour and is hard wearing.

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LITERARY FESTIVAL LINE-UP REVEALED

The Stratford Literary Festival is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary by returning to its beginnings in 2008 with the theme of ‘Sharing Stories’.

The 10th year of one of the UK’s most ground breaking festivals, which takes place between 23 and 30 April 2017, is celebrated with its largest and most diverse programme yet with events ranging from the Romantic poets to the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria, wartime spies to The Great British Bake Off. Headline speakers include the queen of cookery Mary Berry, journalist and writer Andrew Marr, historians and former politicians Paddy Ashdown and Roy Hattersley, former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, former head of the British Army Richard Dannatt, Beirut hostage Terry Waite and Waterstones Book of The Year author Sarah Perry.

This year’s anniversary Festival will build on its acclaimed workshop offering with masterclasses in historic fiction, self editing, how to write to

be published and hands-on practical workshops in paper cutting and calligraphy. It will also welcome leading names in the publishing industry, including Society of Authors Chair Nicola Solomon to advise writers on publishing success, and will host an event showcasing some of the most exciting debut fiction.

There’s also an extensive programme of events for children includes the former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, and many award winning authors and illustrators including Nick Butterworth and Sarah McIntyre, CBeebies Jess French and philosopher Peter Worley, as well as two major projects to encourage children to read and to create bedtime stories with their parents.

Tickets are on sale now. Call the Box Office on www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk. A full programme will be available at www.stratlitfest.co.uk.

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If you’re having a special celebration this Spring why not take it up a level by booking the private dining rooms at Hotel du Vin. The boutique hotel off Colmore Row is offering complimentary room hire when you book in your celebration. For a minimum of 8 people you enjoy great food, great wine and great company in one of the cIty’s top hotels.

I’M YOUR PROVATE DINER, A DI NER F OR NO MONEY

Opus One is chic with tones of decadent purple or choose the regal feel of Krug or even entertain like an aristocrat in the Sassicaia room.

Whatever your taste, you can treat yourself like a VIP and enjoy all the things you love about dining at Hotel du Vin but in the privacy of your own dining room. Perfect for a family gathering, special celebration, dinner or party, and for not a penny extra.

Private dining is available from £40 per person, enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, followed by a three course meal and half bottle of wine. (T&C’s apply) Hotel du Vin is at Church Street, Birmingham. Tel 0121 2000600

Smart Shades that Simplify Your Life Luxaflex® introduces PowerView™ Motorisation Convenience and Control The PowerView™ system can be operated via the free PowerView™ App or via two types of controllers:

mount a PowerView™ Remote or Scene Controller using the PowerView™ Surface, available in three on-trend colours.

With the Pebble™ Remote Control you can easily operate up to six different groups of blinds– either individually or together – with just a press of a button.

They can also be programmed to a “favourite” position. When activated with a single press, the blinds will go directly to that position.

Have fun choosing from a variety of App colour schemes and more than 100 activity icons to personalize each Scene and Room to create your personalized names like “Wake Up”, “Good Morning,” “Lazy Day,” “Lights Out”, or “Gone Fishing” for example. In addition, Power View’s two-way communication system lets you see the current position of each blind and its battery life on the App.

Welcome to the future! You can sit back and relax and let PowerView™ do the work for you while being in full control.

This all-new wireless technology fits perfectly with today’s connected modern lifestyle. It lets you control all of your window blinds from your smartphone, tablet or beautifully designed PowerView™ Pebble™ Remote.

The Pebble™ Scene Controller features an Advanced display screen that lets you scroll and conveniently preview and select ‘Scenes’ – different combinations of blinds and positions – that have been programmed using the PowerView™ App. Two “Favourite” buttons allow you to select your optimum way of having your blinds.

Program your perfect settings and let PowerView™ do the rest. You can customise your ideal combination of light, privacy and warmth, keeping your home perfectly in sync with the time of day and your schedule, while optimizing energy efficiency and keep burglars away when you are not at home, by controlling them from afar using the RemoteConnect feature.

The PowerView™ Pebble™ is available in seven stylish colours to fit in with any style of décor and it is ergonomically designed and actually looks really good on the table.

It is also possible to wall

You can use the PowerView™ scheduling feature to set up your Scenes so they operate automatically. Programme any Scene to activate on specific days and times. You can even schedule multipleroom Scenes to activate simultaneously.

No Need for Hard Wiring Ideal for both newly constructed and existing homes, PowerView™ systems can be powered by batteries or a DC power supply plugged into a nearby outlet, so no hard wiring through walls or ceilings is required. The PowerView Hub allows easy integration with virtually any home automation system via an RS-232 serial connection or IP www.luxaflex.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 25

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E DLU X sty le

PUPPY LOVE

Barbour proves its man’s - and woman’s - best friend this Spring/Summer

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PUPPY LOVE.

She wears: Dock Shirt £59.95. He wears Thorpe Tee £29.95. She wears: Brae Striped Top £39.95.

She wears: Barnacle Top £39.95. He wears: Downpour Coat £249.00. She wears: Fins Casual Jacket £109.00. He wears: Moss Jacket £139.00 all by Barbour. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 29

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GLAMTASTIC

80’s

The season of the ‘70s is finally over and it’s time to evolve into the ‘80s.

Ruffles, shoulder pads and puffed up sleeves are essential for power dressing perfection.

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1. Star by Julien Macdonald £45 Debenhams 2. Shoes by Faith at Debenhams 3. Autograph Dress £55 Marks and Spencers 4. Paige Trouser £110 Hobbs 5. Debenhams Debut £99 6. Sprayed Biker Jacket £295 Topshop 7. Tribe Bangle £125 Furla 8. M&S Collection Pom Pom Trilby Hat £17.50 9. Dune London - Misses - £70 10. Michael Michael Kors Sienna snake-embossed leather heeled sandals -£140.00 Selfridges 11. Metallic Pink Ruffle Trousers, ££8.00 from River Island at The Fort Shopping Park

MAKEUP BAG

MUST-HAVES

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A new season calls for the newest must-haves – and no makeup bag is complete without these latest products. From custom drops to lash defying mascaras, and everything in between, make like a pro with this edit of transformative beauty bests, chosen by HELEN GOUGH, Beauty Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham.

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1: Cover FX Custom Cover Drops, £36. 2: Estée Lauder Double Wear Cushion Stick radiant makeup, £28. 3: Hourglass Curator lash instrument, £78. 4: Hourglass Girl Lip Stylo Lipstick, £26. 5: Iconic London Complete Face six brush set, £75. 6: Iconic London Illuminator Drops, £30. 7: Lancôme Grandiose mascara, £25. 8: NARS Dual Intensity Blush palette, £40. 9: Rodial eyeshadow palette, £35. 10: Yves Saint Laurent Couture eyeshadow palette, £42.50.

11: Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Ink foundation, £32.50. 12: Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious Mascara for false lash effect, £25. All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, either in store or via the Style Concierge service.

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s t ylist’s c hoice

Sunny Side Up I’ll be perfectly honest, I have somewhat reduced my personal collection of sunglasses over the past year or two as I owned far too many and just didn’t get round to wearing them all (it’s not that sunny to warrant 15 pairs!) I decided to condense my collection down to a select few that suit my wardrobe and style perfectly writes personal stylist and dluxe Magazine’s Women’s Style Correspondent Cleo Lacey.

If you didn’t know, I am a massive fan of accessories, I spend more on shoes, handbags, scarves and jewellery than I do on clothes and I see sunglasses also fitting into this ‘essential accessories’ category.

Regardless of where you live or the time of the year, sunglasses are a required part of every stylish women’s wardrobe. We have perennially bad weather here in Britain but it is all too easy to get caught out. If you’re anything like me, squinting and being blinded whilst you’re driving! I carry my sunglasses around with me all the time. There’s a pair in my bag and one in my car so I never get caught out or encourage the fine lines appearing!

However, sunglasses are notoriously difficult to get right. From the shape of your face to your hairstyle and even your hair colour, choosing the right frame can be a bit of a minefield. Couple this with the huge number of styles on offer, the whole experience can become particularly frustrating, confusing and unrewarding.

So, in preparation for the coming sunny weather (positive thinking and all that) and to help you lovely lot get your heads around what sunglasses you might want to wear, here is a short guide to buying the perfect pair of sunglasses:

Suggested Top Tips • Aim to protect your eyes first and foremost.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause a variety of problems for your eyes such as cataracts, burns, and cancer.

• Try before you buy. Don’t buy online without doing your research first. There are too many variables to consider and whether or not a style will suit you depends on a great deal more than just knowing your face shape. Go into a shop and test loads of different styles to find what works for you, even if you then go back online to buy your perfect pair for the best price (remember to note the model number).

• Consider your hair colour/skin tone.

Coloured frames and lenses can be a fantastic way to inject individuality but, as with clothing, certain colours can drain your complexion or clash with your hair colour.

Experimenting is the only sure-fire way to ensure you make the right decision.

• Consider your hair style/length. Hair covers much of our head, so it’s important to remember that it has the potential to completely change the shape of our face. Long hair can often soften features whilst short hair will leave them completely exposed.

• Don’t take the above as gospel. Rules are meant to be broken, so don’t just stick to them if you feel you don’t want to. By all means try different colours, styles and shapes, the advice I have given is never anything more than a guide.

• Remember the classics. Classic frames are considered as such for a reason. They work and have done for decades so don’t be afraid to try a certain style just because lots of other people are already wearing them. Be aware of brands producing updated/ limited edition versions of their iconic styles; there are lots of very similar frames available that are only slightly different, but those small changes can make all the difference.

• Invest. Sunglasses are worthy of investment so don’t be afraid to push the boat out. Better lenses, better build quality and a better overall look are certainly worth the extra cost and should last years. Cheap alternatives don’t look the same, don’t feel the same and won’t have the same protective qualities.

• Sports glasses are for sport. Keep Oakleys for the slopes.

Enough said.

Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses can seem like a daunting task, but it is definitely a challenge worth undertaking. Not only is it hugely important that we protect our precious eyes from the sun but they can also become a trademark of your personal style (and hide a multitude of sins!). Take time over your search and try as many different styles as possible. Enjoy the process of finding them, you’ll know the right ones as soon as you put them on you’ll feel amazing. Once you’ve found them, wear them with pride, just not when it’s raining, not sunny, inside or at night (it’s not cool!).

If you need more help, you know where to find me,

Your Fairy Clothes Mother xx 32 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Cleo Lacey can trace the moment she first fell in love with fashion back to a shopping trip for her first designer handbag on her sixteenth birthday. Working as a Buyer and Image Consultant for high street fashion chains as well as high end designers, including Amanda Wakeley, Cleo now runs her own personal styling and shopping service, helping real men and women to take control of their wardrobe.

E: cleolacey@demi-couture.co.uk / W: www.demi-couture.co.uk Facebook: Demi Couture / Twitter: @cleolacey Instagram: DemiCoutureStylist

P E R FE CTLY PINK

Pink is definitely the colour of the season. From soft delicate hues to bold and shocking, it still screams femininity ... just not like we’ve seen before. On the catwalks, Alexander McQueen, Aquazzura, Balenciaga and Valentino combined the boldest designs and strong silhouettes to prove pink is now a new way of power dressing. LISA PIDDINGTON, from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, shows how the girliest of shades gets a grown-up makeover.

1: Bella Freud cashmere jumper, £390.

2: Fendi 3Jours mini tote, £1,690. 3: Gucci cashmere scarf, £610. 4 Roksanda bell-sleeve top, £650. 5: Isabel Marant Étoile coat, £395. 6: Isabel Marant Étoile cotton blend trousers, £225.7: Kenzo tri-tone silk blouse, £240. 8: Loewe crossbody bag, £875. 9: Gucci fringed suede mules, £450. 10: Valentino Rockstud tote, £1,520.

All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, either in store or via the Style Concierge service.

S U P ERSIZ E S HOPPERS Think XXL and then add another X. Oversized and over your arm the handbag has never been as huge.

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1. Hobbs Wimbledon Tote £189 2. Saint Laurent Large leather tote £645 Selfridges 3. Richmond Large Tote Olive £269 Hobbs 4. Loewe Fortune leather shoulder bag £1925 Selfridges 5. Nine by Savannah Miller Tote Bag, £85.00 from Debenhams at The Fort Shopping Park 6. Anya Hindmarch Ebury Smiley leather shopper £795 Selfridges 7. Mulberry Freya Leather Hobo Bag, Black £895 John Lewis 8. Mono Bag £39.50 Marks and Spencer 9. Star by Julien Macdonald Bag £49 Debenhams 10. Silver Suede Tote Bag, £54.99 from New Look at The Fort Shopping Park 11. Sequin Palm Tree Tote Bag £27.99 from New Look at The Fort Shopping Park 12. Gucci Dionysus Red Leather Tote £1370 Harvey Nichols 13. Victoria Beckham Simple python shopper £1850 Harvey Nichols 14. Coach Turnlock leather tote £350 Selfridges 15. Grey Slogan Tote Bag, £19.99 from New Look at The Fort Shopping Park 16. Lanvin Leather and calf hair shoulder bag £2200 Harvey Nichols 17. Aquascutum Large tote bag £650 Harvey Nichols 18. Stella McCartney Black logo-print canvas tote £150 Harvey Nichols

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C’HIKERS The great outdoors have never been so on trend.

The chic hiking look brings together backpacks, utility footwear and an evolution of the sports luxe theme.

SPECIAL FEATURE

BEAUTIFUL BEARDS

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Whether you’ve mastered the Garibaldi, shaped the perfect French Fork or planning a full-on Bandholz, beards needs lots of TLC to keep them looking dashing. Harvey Nichols Private Shopping Manager JOHN PAUL MCGUIRK reveals the must-have products to keep your facial hair neat and in tip top condition.

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1: Belstaff Black quilted shell gilet £200 2: Debenhams Plaid Green Shirt £35 3: Eastpak £150 4: Tech Knit Hoodie £30 Burton 5: Harvey Nichols Aquascutum Marcus shirt £135 6: Colourblock Runner Jacket, £60.00 from Next at The Fort Shopping Park 7: Timberland 6inch Premium Boot £160 8: Black Stripes Print Tracksuit Trousers, £17.99 from New Look at The Fort Shopping Park 9: Debenhams Burgundy Chinos £30 10: Selfridges Stighlorgan Ronan cotton canvas backpack £120 11: Fracap M120 brown leather boots £240 Harvey Nichols

ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM, EITHER IN STORE OR VIA THE STYLE CONCIERGE SERVICE. 1: Acqua di Parma’s Collezione Barbiere beard serum, £33. 2: Bamford shave oil, £30.3: Captain Fawcett beard brush, £15. 4: Captain Fawcett booze and baccy beard oil, £34. 5: Captain Fawcett moustache wax, £9. 6: Dapper Dan matt paste, £12. 7: Monroe of London matt hair clay, £16. 8: Monroe of London moisturiser and shave balm, £40. 9: Neville beard grooming argan oil, £24. 10: Ruby Red beard oil, £32. 11: Tom Ford conditioning beard oil, £40. 12: Elemis smooth results shave oil, £22.

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THE RISE OF ATHLEISURE

dluxestyle

STYLIST’S CHOICE

Menswear has undergone a renaissance with fashion forward clothing being edged into the mainstream writes dluxe Magazine’s Men’s Style Correspondent Pablo Colella. Somewhere between tailored work wear, stiff denim and stained cotton shirts or baggy joggers lies Athleisure bridging the previously disconnected worlds of fashion and sport.

Where sportswear used to be about the functionality of playing sport, now sending the message of who you are and what you value is more important. Athleisure, curiously, is not dependent on physical activity; in fact the sports element is fairly irrelevant.

The emergence of luxury sportswear is undoubtedly twinned with the changes in modern lifestyle – fabrics are more sophisticated, shapes and silhouettes are more flattering, the colours and logos less garish. The luxury of time to change for the office, to travel or for socializing has gone. Men need pieces that are appropriate for an effortless transition between their work and leisure activities, but that can still be appreciated for their considered style and performance.

The Tapered Jogger Tapered joggers are the perfect example of a tailored athletic look. For those who love skinny jeans, these are an easy alternative for a fitted look, with neutral colours such as grey, navy or charcoal allowing the same versatility as denim.

Luxury Trainer Footwear has played an important role in Athleisure: not so long ago, no sartorially focused man would consider trainers outside the gym; even less than many other items on this list. However, luxury trainers now symbolise relaxed confidence and can be a worn as a smart option. Simplicity should be aimed for when choosing a trainer to ensure an easy transition between day and night. Subtle leather low tops can be worn with a suit and is an easy first step into the trend.

The Sweatshirt There is an important difference you must be aware of before choosing a sweatshirt. Here we are talking athletic sweatshirts; lightweight and with technologies that are breathable – perfect for the daily commute. Remember to buy slim cuts that look great alone or fit well under an overcoat. Aside from comfort, Athleisure is about a certain nonchalance that keeps the charm, otherwise lost if too calculated. In order to maintain this casual feel select neutral colours; white, black, navy, grey to be used as base colours and suitable for all seasons.

Hoodies Often seen as the choice of chavs, students and teenagers this misunderstood option has made a strong return, now being as versatile as any other piece. Sports hoodies come in both heavy weight and thin technical materials that provide a great option for layering. Worn under a blazer they provide both warmth and the perfect mix of Bleisure – business meets leisure. As with this whole trend, fit is key. If the hoodie billows at the front all impact is lost and you end up crossing that fine line to student or worse – football dad.

Surprisingly, the rise of men’s luxury activewear is not coming from major athletic brands such as Puma or Nike and it’s interesting to note that traditional ‘fashion people’ have held long-term contempt for sportswear, ensuring a merged sports-fashion trend never reached mainstream popularity.

Instead, independent brands, born out of frustration at the lack of attention to style in everyday athletic apparel, are now producing the lean and minimal designs that are ‘technical performance perfect’, that have resulted in Athleisure. While I doubt any individual brand will disrupt the market as a whole, these new smaller brands have changed trend dynamics to force larger fashion names to take note and innovate; allowing activewear to reach catwalks and the eyes of those skeptical ‘fashion people’.

With more of us being tempted into an active lifestyle, why not start introducing more activewear into your day-to-day attire? Here is a breakdown of what to choose when it comes to working casual sportswear into your wardrobe .

KEY ATHLEISURE LOOK- Long Line Long line is the term given to pieces – mostly t-shirts – that extend lower than usual, often closer to your knees than your waist. It’s a look favored by Kanye West and one that will cut through most other menswear. To begin, choose a t-shirt or cardigan that is slightly longer than what you would usually wear, make sure it fits snuggly; you are looking for length not bagginess. Your long line piece should be front and centre in your outfit, with all other pieces taking a step back. Jeans should be slim or skinny and remember any long line piece should be kept simple; monochrome colours and light fabrics such as cotton work well. At its core, the Athleisure trend has origins that have been around a long time; from the current renaissance of health. Today young men armed with sustainability, yoga classes and juice cleanses, have a desire to be healthy and sometimes, even more so; to look healthy. The idea of young professionals using comfortable activewear materials as base layers to complement more work appropriate clothing or luxury fabrics won’t be fading out of popularity any time soon.

From classic snapbacks to tweeds, nudes and this season’s must have shade, yellow, the classic cap is the hat of choice for every outfit.

YOU NEED FOR SPRING Update your winter wardrobe in an instant with these new season must-haves that ensure you see in spring in style. JAMES BURKE, Menswear Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, offers advice on the key pieces every man needs to get his hands on for SS17.

THE JACKET, Balmain cotton jacket, £1,800: There’s much truth in the maxim “cast not a clout until May is out” as the British spring weather can be just a little unpredictable. You can put away the big heavy coat though and instead invest in a cotton jacket that will see you through the cooler months and into summer.

Barbour Tartan cap, £30, House of Fraser

Flat Cap, £18, John Lewis

THE DEGRADÉ SCARF, Paul Smith wool-blend scarf, £130: Don’t put those winter woollies away just yet! For spring, go for lightweight wool blend scarves, while a degradé pattern adds interest. Team with your favourite jacket for a chic finishing touch.

THE ROLL-NECK, John Smedley merino wool jumper, £145: No wardrobe is complete without a grey roll-neck – it works just as well under a tailored suit as it does with denims. Opt for natural fabrics; Merino is super-soft, it breathes in warmer weather while it traps heat if it’s cooler outdoors.

THE BIKER DENIMS, True Religion slim-leg jeans, £265: Add interest to your trusty denims with ribbed knees and distressed fabric. Wear with a slogan tee for warmer days or a sweatshirt when the temperature drops.

DSQUARED2 Baseball Cap, £145, Harvey Nichols

Kaszkiet Flat Cap, £69, TK MAXX

THE APPLIQUED SHIRT, Alexander McQueen badge shirt, £645: Appliquéd fashion is huge for SS17 – look out for touches of personalisation without having to do it yourself. This twill shirt will see you through the next couple of seasons in style.

THE SHOWER-READY BACKPACK, Kenzo shell backpack, £115: Opt for something that can handle those April downpours and keep your leather hold-alls for sunnier days. Opt for a bag that stands out from the crowd and stands up to the rain.

THE TRAINERS, Blood Brother suede trainers, £160: Ditch the heavy boots and instead choose trainers that just go with everything.

Camouflage remains a key trend for the new season, while metallics add a modern edge.

A.P.C Camel Courduroy cap, £95, Harvey Nichols

ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM, EITHER IN STORE OR VIA THE STYLE CONCIERGE SERVICE. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 37

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CAP IT OFF

THE TRANSITIONAL PIECES

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DLUliving XE Spring brings with it a natural need to renew and reinvigorate and our homes are no exception. Here’s our look at the top interior trends for 2017.

1. Hand painted style wallpapers With the focus on creating a harmonious natural environment, hand painted (and hand painted style) wallpapers will allow the inspiration of nature and organic forms to flow through the home. These will be paired perfectly with...

Image by Farrow & Ball

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Natural textures Natural textures will come back with a vengeance in 2017 - think stone servers, tarnished metals, rough rope and beautiful wooden bowls.

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Bold trimmings

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When it comes to soft furnishings, bold trimmings will both complement and contrast the natural feel of the home over the coming year.

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Textured glass Textured glass is unquestionably the way to go. A rough, natural finish created through texture, while retaining the beauty of glass, will further contribute to the natural vibe whilst vintage style pressed glass abounds.

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Rough, natural woods Woods will be big business in the year ahead.

From floorboards to tables to shutters, forget highly polished gloss - a natural finish is the only way to go.

1. Oil Spill Print Mural from £25 per sq/m. www.muralswallpaper.co.uk 2. Wooden Bowls (set of 3) £14. 3. Large Grey Block Basket £75 whitestuff. 4. Shore Pot Pourri £4.50 sainsburyshome. 5. Biba zebra print weave throw £60 House of Fraser. 6. RJR. John Rocha Serving Board £20 Debenhams. 7. Oxidised Firepit £69 8.Pineapple Ebroidered Cushion £29.50 Marks and Spencer. 9. Pressed glass vases from £15 Marks and Spencer. 10. Mercury Small Candle £8 Sainsburys Home. 11. Abigail Ahern Cushion £32 Debenhams. 12. Wiltshire Large Sideboard £249 Very. 13.Bali pendant £100 House of Fraser. 14. Letter Rack £14 Sainsburys Home.

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Pastel tones From paints to fabrics, pastel tones are essential for on trend interiors in 2017. Yellow will also make a comeback, again in a muted, pastel tone (think evening sunlight on a windswept beach, rather than anything too bright).

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Rugs will be one way to make a statement in 2017. Patterns that pick up on the pastel tones and natural hues of other objects, while also standing out as a centrepiece, are the way forward.

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Ceramic table lights A big trend for 2017 will be ceramic table lights. Again inspired by nature, these will feature delicate tones and patterning, with greys, light browns and pinks blending beautifully into the other natural materials.

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1. Polaroid Multi Aperture Frame £10 Elements City Framed Print £30 Mason Sofa Colton Charcoal £849 Patchwork Felt Cushion Orange £16 Jackson Cushion Orange £20 Avalon Cover £13 Geo Rug From £39 Dunelm. 2. Green Knitted Throw, 125 x 150 £20 sainsburyshome. 3. Marigold Stacking mug £12.50 marksandspencer. 4. Sainsbury’s Home Yellow Tall Ceramic Vase, £12.

5. M&Co; Home watercolour Daffodil cushion £19.50 mandco. 6. Kenwood 40 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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In 2017 we’ll see chairs imitating art, blending style and comfort in order to stand out as design pieces in their own right.

KMX81 kMix Stand Mixer £499 very 7. Vista bird lamp £80 houseoffraser. 8. Flow Dhurrie Green £20 oliverbonas. 9. Wave Rug £35 very.10. Damask Rug £169 marksandspencer. 11. Vico Table Lamp £35 oliverbonas 12. J by Jasper Conran Gold Table Lamp £95 debenhams. 13. Turquoise Chair £95 Idyll Home. 14.

Kodiac Chair £459 bluesuntree.co.uk

OWN THE THRONE We adore the Buckingham Palace Armchair; a regal addition to living and entertaining spaces, this statement design is perfectly displayed as a piece of historical artwork, guaranteed to be a conversation starter amongst guests and friends.

Starting life as a traditional 1960s fireside armchair, the original beech frame has been stripped back to the bare frame, treated and then hand painted in a complimentary uniform grey chalk paint before, an original vintage uniform, once worn by a member of the Queen’s Royal Household, expertly cut and tailored to fit the individual parts of the chair is fitted.

Colour coordinating fabrics have been carefully selected to match the texture and rich navy tone of the original uniform, creating distinctive panels in a suitably-fitting royal red tone, that also translates into the delicate piping that edges the chair’s seat and armrests.

The uniform’s original epaulettes, labels and buttons are then intricately hand-stitched onto the chair for a flourish of authenticity.

See the full uniform range at www. rhubarblondon.com

Planning your dream bathroom at Leekes Bathrooms are available in all shapes and sizes and whatever your requirements, the experts at Leekes are on hand to make your beautiful bathroom a reality. With options to suit all styles and budgets, you’ll be spoilt for choice and with the right design solution, your investment will last for years and add real value to your property.

Before deciding upon a style, it’s helpful to understand how you are looking to use your space and review the options available. Discover the perfect suite to suit your space from leading designers including Laura Ashley, Utopia, Heritage and Burlington.

Budget Planning your bathroom project is essential - and the best place to start is by calculating your budget. Every project will be priced differently according to its specification and size required and thier design consultants will work with you to advise on all the available options.

Layout The current layout in your bathroom will form a factor in how the space can be used. Considering the size of your space and if you have any special requirements such as integrated storage will form

a factor in your decision. However, if you’re considering a different layout then adapting the room may lead to moving connections such as the water system which can incur additional costs.

Design From a sumptuous sanctuary to a family bathroom, a compact cloakroom or elegant en-suite, discover the perfect suite to suit your space. Leekes’ experienced and knowledgeable designers will create a design according to your specifications and their 3D design and planning service will bring your plan to life.

Tiles & Flooring Choosing wall and floor coverings that complete your look but are compatible for your surfaces is integral. They can supply you with a variety of wall and floor covering options in plain and patterned styles.

Accessories The finishing touches to style your bathroom will often need to be functional. From mirrors to lighting and taps to towel rails they’ve got a wide selection of options and interior finishes to complete your look.

To book a bathroom design consultation visit the studio at Leekes Coventry, call 0333 222 4120 or visit www.leekes.co.uk

dluxeliving

SPRING INTO ACTION – IT’S TIME TO GET GARDENING! Now that the spring equinox of equal day and night has passed, ventilation, especially on sunny days, is critical for greenhouses and conservatories.

Ventilation is important in preventing leaf overheating and plant stress, as it can encourage pests, such as aphids, to attack.

Be sure to open vents, doors and windows if temperatures rise above 13C/55F, ensuring they are closed before 4pm to retain some heat before sunset. The aim is to ensure a balanced daytime temperature of around 15 to 18C (59 to 64F) without draughts or chilling.

Outside, it’s important to start hoeing beds to keep emergent weeds under control. Make sure you start the battle early and show them who is boss!

If you have any ornamental grasses or herbaceous material that was left for interest over the winter, now is your last chance to remove it before the new growth starts.

March is the ideal time to put compost and fertiliser on beds in readiness for the soil warming up and plants springing into growth as spring heats up.

Herbaceous plants that have been undisturbed in the ground for over three years will be losing their vigour, so now is the time to split the congested clumps and give some plants away to friends and family: always a pleasure to receive!

It should be warm enough to sow grass seed towards the end of the month so there’s no excuse not to finish the repair of any grass areas. Remember the old saying – a third to grow, a third for the birds and a third to rot away. If you’re planning an instant lawn this season, now is the ideal time to lay turf – just don’t attempt it if the ground is too wet.

Another thing to bear in mind is to not try and sow seeds too early as seedlings will become too tall and weak if they have to stay inside for too long. If you have a glasshouse where temperatures and airflow can be controlled, you could start 42 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

seed sowing and get an early start, especially for salads, sweet peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Prune your roses once the worst of the cold weather is over, remove dead, diseased or dying stems and open up the centre of bushes – this will help to keep fungi at bay. Feed the plants once pruned with a balanced fertiliser: well-grown plants are far more disease and pest-resistant than poorly growing specimens.

Feeling motivated? Why not visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens for more inspiration. Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B15 3TR www. birminghambotanicalgardens.co.uk

Spring STYLE

AT LEEKES

Invigorate your space and refresh your dĂŠcor with the latest interior looks at Leekes.

The new season is the ideal time to invigorate your interior with the latest collections.

From pretty pastels to moody blues discover inspirational ideas and stylish new additions for every room in your home.

Leekes Coventry, Junction 3 M6, W.Mids. CV6 6PA Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

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DLUXE Top five European city breaks for 2017 Do you need an excuse to leave the British winter behind? With the excitement of Christmas and the New Year well and truly over, taking a short city break doesn’t seem like such a bad idea, does it? What better way to escape for a long weekend than with a cultural city break to one of the top five European cities? Let our mini destination guides help you feel inspired…

Lisbon, Portugal

Flying Time: 2h 50m direct On top of being home to some of the world’s best seafood, Lisbon boasts a warm Mediterranean climate and a mix of traditional architecture and contemporary culture. This capital city’s centre can get very congested, but what better excuse to explore it on foot? Soak up the city’s history and marvel at some of the ancient architecture such as the 16th century Gothic Tower of Belém or the Jerónimos Monastery, with its elaborate portals and serene cloisters.

For a real taste of Lisbon, get lost in the Alfama district, a network of charming cobbled streets. Take a leisurely stroll to the promenade and relax in one of the many cafés, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, hop on the cable car for magnificent views of the city and its coast.

By night, Lisbon’s wine bars are a hazy, alluring delight where you can nestle up with some of the country’s best wines and sample specialty dishes. You mustn’t leave without trying a pastéis de belém – heavenly crispy pasty filled with custard cream and sprinkled with cinnamon.

Enjoy the city like a local and you will soon fall for its warm character and beguiling charm.

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Madrid, Spain

Flying Time: 2h 30m direct Despite being Europe’s highest capital, Madrid remains remarkably clear-skied and warm in the sunshine during the winter months – a far cry from a British winter. Explore the city’s beauty on a stroll through one of its parks. See masterful art by Goya at the ThyssenBornemisza Museum or view 19th century paintings and furniture in the Museo del Romanticismo. Once you’re cultured out, warm up in one of the city’s cosy, character-filled cafés. Order a café con leche with churros and melted chocolate. Madrileños typically eat at 10pm after the afternoon siesta, so if you can wait until then, you’ll experience the city’s true spirit. Skip the touristy spots in the centre and venture out to the neighbourhoods of Malasaña, La Latina or Chueca to dine like a local. For an authentic Spanish atmosphere cosy up in Bodega de los Secretos, a maze of underground 17th century wine cellars, and catch an intimate flamenco show.

Málaga, Spain

Flying Time: 2h 55m direct If you’re planning a last minute getaway to escape the cold, Málaga is the perfect destination. Situated along the southern coast of Spain, it’s filled with beautiful parks, charming plazas and a climate that stays pleasant all year round – what more could you want? The city has a rich culture, boasting approximately thirty museums, including the Museo del Vidrio y Cristal with its stunning collection of glass and crystals and the magnificent works of Picasso in the Museo Picasso, who was of course born in Málaga.

Although it may not have a coastline to brag about, Málaga’s cuisine makes it stand out from the crowd. The city has a range of climates and conditions, making

it a hotbed for all kinds of produce which are showcased in its gorgeous cuisine.

With an impressive 22 stalls, Mercado Merced in the heart of the city showcases traditional and innovative producers. It’s the perfect venue to taste the local gastronomy and experience the authentic atmosphere. Málaga’s port and promenade provide a gorgeous setting for a stroll in the winter sun, with an impressive array of contemporary shops and eateries to stop at along the way. By night, the promenade transforms, offering a buzzing nightlife for partygoers. Sit and relax at one of the many bars or clubs, savour the local wine and look out over the glistening sea.

dluxetravel Malaga

Barcelona, Spain

Flying Time: 2h 15m direct Barcelona has it all – celebrated historical architecture, endlessly vibrant culture, a stunning coastline – so much so, that it inspired the likes of Dalí, Miró and Picasso.

The rolling Collserola mountain range offers an alternative to the bustling city.

Its protected park is home to some 190 different species and provides spectacular views over the Catalonian capital. The city is laced with a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Roman-era.

With traces of the Gothic Middle Ages as well as 14th century cathedrals, old is mixed with modernist creations by the great Gaudi and his contemporaries.

Barcelona isn’t short of places to eat or drink. Find any food from traditional Catalonian dishes, to pintxos Basque-style tapas, to avant-garde Japanese restaurants. You are equally spoilt for choice with bars, from sunny terraces offering panoramic views to cosy taverns with vermouth flowing and acoustic accompaniment. Barcelona is likely to inspire the wild side in you, so make the most of what it has to offer!

Hamburg, Germany

Flying Time: 1h 35m direct Home to Germany’s biggest port and second largest city, Hamburg is a tireless trader. Yet despite its somewhat harsh exterior, the city is full of naval charm.

As diverse as it is charming, Hamburg’s maritime location plays a large role in its culture and cuisine. Its harbour welcomes thousands of ships from all over the world and brims with restaurants and shops. If you’re around on a Sunday, wander down to the Fischmarkt in St Pauli – listen to the market criers selling their wares amidst old German pop songs resonating from the auction hall next door. Explore the city by foot and absorb its fascinating architecture, from the famous redbrick warehouses that line the Speicherstadt archipelago, to the impressive Chilehaus, shaped like an ocean liner with staggered balconies.

At night, Hamburg comes alive. It has lots of chic cocktail bars, dance clubs and live music venues. Sip on a cocktail while you watch the hustle and bustle, dance until the wee hours on board one of the

popular river barges, or take a boat trip on Lake Alster, where you’re sure to soak up the city’s culture.

Getting there

Birmingham Airport offers direct flights to each of these city break destinations with a selection of airlines. Escape the British winter and you could be exploring one of these European cities in as little as 1 hour 35 mins! Find out more and book now at www.birminghamairport.co.uk.

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travel news British Airways flights to return to Birmingham British Airways is to start flying from Birmingham Airport again this May with the launch of four new summer-only routes to the popular European sunspots of Malaga, Ibiza, Palma and to the Italian city of Florence.

They will operate on modern 98-seat Embraer 190 jet aircraft, with spacious cabins and two abreast seating so every customer can have an aisle or window seat.The new return flights will operate once a week at weekends.Basic each way fares from Birmingham to Ibiza from £45 and to Florence, Malaga and Palma from £49 are available to book on www.ba.com.

David Winstanley, Chief Operating Officer for Birmingham Airport, said, “Having British Airways return to Birmingham is not only great news for the airport butalso the Midlands region and we are confident this is the beginning of a long-term growth plan with the airline. “We look forward to welcoming one of the world’s most recognisable and trusted brands back to Birmingham in May.” were handled in January 2017 – giving a 16.1% growth year-on-year compared to the same month last year with demand for long haul seats showing a significant rate of growth at 29.5% and short haul up by 13.4% year-on-year.

Jet2.com and Jet2 City Breaks Launch Two Winter Flights to New York City

Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have announced two trips to New York City for winter 2017 from Birmingham Airport.

United Airlines Hits Two Million Passenger Milestone In Twentieth Year of Birmingham-New York Flights

More than two million passengers have flown between Birmingham and New York/Newark with United Airlines, as the airline approaches its twentieth anniversary serving the route.

Operating non-stop flights from Birmingham Airport, United Airlines provides direct access to New York/ Newark, with onward connections to over 300 destinations throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, including more than 100 served non-stop from Newark. Popular onward destinations taken by Birmingham Airport passengers include Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The Birmingham flights are operated

by Boeing 757-200 aircraft featuring 169 seats – 16 in United BusinessFirst® and 153 in United Economy®, including 45 Economy Plus® seats with added legroom. United Polaris business class, United’s brand new business cabin,

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eatures a reimagined sleep-enhancing experience for intercontinental travellers and includes an elevated inflight food and beverage experience, tranquil custom bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue and exclusive amenity kits with products from Soho House & Co’s Cowshed Spa. United Economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. Seats feature an adjustable headrest and a personal seat-back monitor delivering a multichannel Audio/Video on Demand inflight entertainment system. United Economy Plus offers up to 15 cm of extra legroom.

Located near the front of the Economy cabin, the seats give the added benefit of allowing a swifter exit from the plane on arrival.

Record Breaking Passenger Growth Rates Continue For Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport has entered another year drawing in record breaking monthly passenger figures with January being the busiest start to the year on record for the airport.In total 775,176 passengers

On the back of launching flights and holidays from Birmingham Airport in March this year, Jet2.com and Jet2City Breaks are now going even bigger by launching Black Friday, Thanksgiving and pre-Christmas shopping trips direct to the Big Apple from Birmingham All four-night trips are on sale now.

Packages with Jet2CityBreaks start from £719 per person, and they can be secured now for only £60pp deposit. Jet2.com flight only options are also available from £399 per person, including taxes. For further information or to book visit www. jet2.com / www.jet2citybreaks.com

Vienna Set to Take Off from Birmingham This Summer

Birmingham Airport and German low-cost carrier, Eurowings, will be launching a brand new service to Vienna from the 26th March. The six times weekly operation to Austria’s capital city is in addition to Eurowings’ current programme to Dusseldorf and Hamburg.

All services are planned with an A320 aircraft configured to 180 seats.

Eurowings is part of the Lufthansa Group, further strengthening its presence at Birmingham Airport. Vienna is the largest city in Austria and the country’s cultural, economic, and political centre. It lies in the east of Austria on the Danube River and its history has been shaped by residents including Mozart,

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CARRY ON CAMPING With summer round the corner and more and more of us opting to holiday in the UK, the sales of campervans and motorhomes have been steadily rising. Factor in our currently weakened currency and an ever milder climate and you’ll have to agree that there’s never been a better time to hit the open road and explore England’s green and pleasant land, camper style. To help start your adventure, dluxe considers two of the most popular camper van choices; the new Mercedes V Class Marco Polo campervan and Volkswagen’s ever popular California.

Volkswagen California Continuing a campervan tradition which spans more than 60 years, the Volkswagen California is the only vehicle in its class to be designed, engineered and built in-house. Since its launch in 1988, the California has become the benchmark vehicle in the camper van sector with more than 111,000 being sold to date.

Entry to the California range starts at £37,657 for the entry Beach model which offers up to seven seats and sleeping space for four. The bench-seat easily folds to convert to a two-berth bed across the width of the vehicle, while a manual pop-up roof gives access to a further double bed. A fold-out table and chairs are cleverly stored in the sliding door and tailgate, while an integrated awning makes for a comfortable and practical camping experience. The Beach is available with a 2.0-litre 102 PS TDI engine with a five-speed manual gearbox, and a 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission.

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The California Ocean replaces the SE model from the previous generation, with prices starting from £47,840.

Customers can choose from two engines with either 150 or 204 PS and six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes.

4MOTION four-wheel drive variants mean the ultimate ‘home from home’ can go further and wider afield. The Ocean also adds an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof with lighting, plus a kitchenette with two rings, a fridge and sink.

The new generation California adds a host of safety, comfort and convenience features. These include a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, as well as the option to add innovations such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking for safer and more relaxed cruising. In the cabin the California gains a new ‘premium’ dashboard with wide centre console and car-like feel, plus the latest infotainment system, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and new multi-function display

Find out more at www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

The Marco Polo is based on the popular V-Class, and can seat or sleep four people. It comes with a full range of equipment including a built-in kitchenette with a fridge and hob, plus a two-seater sofa which can easily be transformed into a bed (with underbed storage). It also features a roof bed, accessed via an electrically raising roof; a wardrobe and a generous luggage compartment.

The ambience is that of luxury with as standard, Sport models featuring a twoseater sofa with bed extension; yacht wood flooring in rear compartment (available in a choice of two colours at no extra cost); camping table plus two chairs with storage bag; electrically operated pop-up roof; swivelling driver and passenger seats; automatic three- zone climate control; external connections for power and fresh water; tinted rear windows; 18-inch alloy wheels; ambient lighting; Garmin navigation system; leather upholstery; Active Parking Assist with rear-view camera; and split tail gate.

A choice of two engines are available: 220 d and 250 d, both using a turbocharged 2.1-litre diesel engine.

has focused on making the Marco Polo easy to drive with the option of Lane Tracking package which includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist for £595 and the Driving Assistance package for £1,695 which includes Distronic Plus; Blind Spot Assist; PreSafe; and Lane Keeping Assist.

Campers can also opt for a side awning for extra space at £695 and auxiliary heating for all weather camping at £1,345.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo camper van is now on sale, with prices starting from £53,180 for the entry-level V 220 d Sport. The V 220 d AMG Line is £55,320, the V 250 d Sport £55,055 and the V 250 d AMG Line is £57,195.

Find out more at www.mercedes-benz..co.uk Lawley Middleway, Bordesley, Birmingham B4 7XH

The 220 d has an output of 163 hp with fuel economy of 44.8 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 166 g/km. The 250 d generates 190 hp and 440 Nm of torque, can achieve 44.8 mpg and emits 169 g/km of CO2. A 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission is standard across the range.

For an additional £2,140, AMG Line models add AMG bodystyling; 19inch AMG bi-colour wheels; sports suspension; carbon-look dash; AMG spoiler lip on tailgate; and metallic paint.

Despite its ample dimensions Mercedes

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Mercedes V Class Marco Polo

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PATATAS BRAVAS WITH SHALLOTS, NEW POTATOES AND CHORIZO Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes A delicious combination of flavours and textures, smoky paprika, tender roasted shallots and new potatoes make this an easy, inexpensive crowd pleaser.

You’ll need 20 shallots, peeled 750g new potatoes, washed and halved 100g chorizo, cut into chunky pieces 1 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1-2 tsps smoked paprika 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped.

1 x 350g tub ready-made tomato and chilli sauce Greek yoghurt, to serve

What to do Pre heat oven 200c / 180c fan / Gas 6.

Place the shallots, new potatoes and chorizo onto a roasting tray or in an oven-proof dish, sprinkle over the olive oil, garlic and smoked paprika, toss until lightly coated.

Cook for approx 30 minutes turning at regular intervals, the shallots and potatoes should be cooked and lightly golden. Sprinkle with the parsley.

Heat the tomato and chilli sauce.

BRITISH ASPARAGUS TARRAGON & ALMOND PIZZA BIANCO Serves: 2 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes

You’ll need 100ml crème fraiche 20g parmesan, grated 2 flatbreads 2 tbsp flaked almonds 1 bunch asparagus spears, trimmed Tarragon or basil leaves Few parmesan shavings to decorate

What to do Heat the oven to 180C/160C Fan. In a bowl combine the crème fraiche and parmesan and a good grind of black pepper. Lay the flatbreads on baking sheets and spread with the crème fraiche leaving 1cm gap around the edge, sprinkle with almonds.

Cook in the oven for 10 minutes until the crème fraiche starts to turn golden.

Meanwhile steam the asparagus for 5-6 minutes until just soft. Top the flatbreads with asparagus, add torn herbs and a few parmesan shavings.

Serve, the yoghurt and sauce in bowls alongside the roasted shallots, potatoes and chorizo so you can dip in to them. www.ukshallot.com www.britishasparagus.com 50 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

ADD SOME

G et up and go

TO YOUR DIET SAYS CASSANDRA BARNS

WATER

SEA VEGETABLES

WHOLE GRAIN OATS

Could your tiredness simply be due to not drinking enough water?

Water helps nutrients and oxygen to get where they’re needed in the body and plays a role in chemical reactions that break down food molecules to make energy. So it’s no wonder we feel deflated (literally) when we don’t drink enough. Aim to get about 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day.

Another nutrient that can be lacking in the average person’s diet is iodine.

This trace mineral is vital for making thyroid hormone, which plays a crucial role in metabolism and energy release from food. When we don’t make enough of this hormone, one of the first symptoms is tiredness.

Try swapping sugary breakfast cereal, toast or croissant for whole grain oats: as an unprocessed whole grain, they’re higher in fibre and break down more slowly, providing sustained energy. They’re also a natural source of energy-producing vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, vitamins B1 and B6.

MACKEREL

RAW CHOCOLATE

HIGH-PROTEIN PASTA

One reason for low energy can be a deficiency in a specific nutrient (or nutrients). A common example is vitamin B12, which works with iron to help build healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body.

Mackerel is one of our best natural sources of B12, and also provides other B vitamins and magnesium, which help our body to release energy from food.

If you’re a chocolate fiend – or even if you’re not – then try raw chocolate.

Whereas a standard chocolate bar can give you a quick energy buzz from the sugar content, it’s unlikely to last for long. But raw cacao – the unheated, unroasted version of cocoa – is actually a superfood, rich in energy-providing nutrients such as magnesium and iron. It also contains a gentle stimulating substance called t

As most pastas are made with refined white flour, they’re quickly broken down in the gut and absorbed, giving you a blood sugar high followed by a slump. Instead, try a high-protein pasta such as Clearspring’s Green Pea and Quinoa Pasta. It contains almost twice the amount of protein of standard pasta, and more than twice the amount of fibre. This means that the protein breaks down and releases energy more slowly, as well as filling you up for longer.

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GET READY TO

RUM-BALL

Spirits are set to be high this March, with the return of Itihaas’ popular curry and comedy night at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens. Following the sold-out whisky-fuelled feast last September, the event is back on 31 March, giving guests the chance to indulge in a culinary feast like no other.

The Comedy Rum-Ball will see Itihaas’ head chef Pavneet Sangwan and comedian and chef Hardeep Singh Kohli join forces, this time with Ampersand’s head chef Phil Bradley and rum specialist, Alessio Franzese from London’s famous Rum & Sugar in the Museum of London Docklands.

Combining comedy and curry, the experienced chefs have created a bespoke four-course fusion menu that starts with a selection of canapés, including samosas with a twist, mini fish and chips, and even a shot of soup. Guests will then sit down to enjoy a fabulous menu paired with the perfect rum tipple to accompany each course.

Whilst Hardeep aims to raise the roof, he will also be raising awareness of a cause close to home, as this year’s Comedy Rum-Ball will be supporting Let’s Feed Brum. A local campaign that hopes to help Birmingham’s homeless population, Let’s Feed Brum is uniting restaurants, businesses, and individuals to provide the city’s homeless with food, drink, essential supplies and friendship. Let’s

Feed Brum hopes to create a pathway off the streets by providing the support that statutory services do not, with the aim of reducing homelessness in the city. If the event sells out, like thefirst did, then enough money will be raised to provide almost 4,000 sleeping bags or 780 five-litre flasks that would provide over 9million hot drinks a year.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at £65 and can be booked via ticketing website ChiliTickets or by calling Itihaas directly on 0121 212 3383 or 07493 165 318.

SIN-FREE SIPPING

Picked as one of the top food trends for 2017, low and non-alcohol tipples really are the answer to what to drink when you’re not drinking, whether you’re the designated driver or simply looking for an abstemious night out. From pickle juice to alcohol-free spirits, KATIE SAYERS, Foodmarket and Wine Shop Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, selects her favourite drinks to leave you hang-over free.

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1. Seedlip Spice 94, £29.95: The world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit; Seedlip Spice 94 is an aromatic and earthy blend of copper-pot distillates, including allspice, cardamom and lemon. It is crafted in a similar manner to a gin, just without the alcohol, and has no added sugar or sweeteners. Perfect with tonic and a grapefruit twist.

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2. Seedlip Garden 108, £29.95: The second release from Seedlip, this is a green and floral blend of handpicked peas and hay with spearmint, rosemary and thyme. Mix with bitter lemon or tonic; it’s the refreshing choice for a sin-free sip.

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3. Maggie Beer non-alcoholic sparkling Chardonnay, £12.95: From the doyen of Australia’s cookery scene, this wine cellar must-have uses Chardonnay grapes from the famed Barossa Valley to create a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage that makes a smart, celebratory drink.

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4. Contero Brachetto D’Acqui 13, £19.50: At 5.5%, this low alcohol wine heralds from the Piemonte region of northern Italy. Softly sweet and gently sparkling, it’s perfect as an aperitif or as a dessert wine to pair with fruit or chocolate. A wonderful combination of spice, floral blossom and exotic fruit flavours.

5. The Pickle House original pickle juice, £10.50: Enjoy with “mocktails” and smoothies, this juice is brewed for 12 weeks with sliced cucumbers and spices to create a flavour that is both sweet and savoury. It’s filled with electrolytes which help rehydrate your body with nutrients.

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6 6. Thomas & Evans No1, £3.95: Named after Mr William Thomas and Mr William Evans who produced non-alcoholic drinks during the growing temperance times of the 1880s, this captures the quality of their classic drinks for a new generation. Flavoured with more than 20 ingredients, including green fruit juices filtered through silver birch charcoal, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for summer soirées. And there’s just 99 calories a bottle.

Products featured are available from the in store Wine Shop at Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox, or online at harveynichols.com.

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d i n e anita tom’s kitchen

Tom’s Kitchen has been on my hit list of must try restaurants since it opened earlier this year. Founded by renowned chef Tom Aikens, Tom’s Kitchen has four restaurant sites and three delis across London, making the upcoming Birmingham launch the group’s first UK venture outside of the Capital.

Committed to serving the best seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, Tom’s Kitchen offers British favourites and comfort food classics in a relaxed and informal yet upmarket brasserie setting.

We had lunch on a bustling Friday- perfect for a bit of people watching are the banquettes that front onto the Mailbox- orange leather seating against rich walnut tables. The mood lighting is cosy and you can see the open kitchen and whilst some may be put off sitting exposed in a shopping centre I quite liked it. We were welcomed by the overtly attentive staff and offered our drinks menu.

Bellini’s chosen we perused the menu which offers diners a good choice for a range of eating experiences although expect to pay top prices for the mains.

The light lunch section looks a little more affordable but then being light it should. I chose the most perfect plump scallops for starters served on a tasty risotto bed, rich with the taste of pine nuts (£9). My colleague had the Spicy Crab Cake neatly presented on a dry bed of cucumber and chilli relish.

For mains I had the trio of Norfolk Horn Lamb Cutlets, which were moist and meaty with a lovely spring onion mashed potato (£23). I had Spiced Autumn Squash for sides, it wasn’t meant to go with it, but it sounded great and I wasn’t disappointed. Accompanied by a formidable glass of Argentine Malbec this was shaping up to be a great meal.

My friend had the Poached Monkfish escabeche, saffron sauce, herb crust (£24) The monkfish was sat on a bed of escabeche, which is a kind of vegetable mix of scallions, carrot and puy lentilse with a vinegary marinade. I don’t think I have tried this before and it was an unusual combination with the fish, but hey, who wants ordinary?!

For dessert we had the Chocolate & Peanut Butter Fondant vanilla ice cream (£8) so sinfully decadent I could only manage 4 mouthfuls!

Loved Tom’s Kitchen – will definitely be returning.

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CANAL SQUARE You probably haven’t heard of Canal Square, tucked away behind Brindleyplace canal, but it’s been quietly going about its business for the last six months. Situated in the Glasshouse, formerly occupied by the much-loved Loves restaurant, the small 40-seater venue has been perfecting its own style of fine dining Indian cuisine.

With its floor to ceiling glass frontage and natural light, the atmosphere is intimate and classy. The décor is pretty much the same, warm chocolate brown with turquoise accents and simple brown tables with velvet turquoise tub chairs plus the private dining room rand chef’s table remain. What has changed though is the amazing smell of spices that hits you when you walk in. So much so that you are salivating even before you’re seated to your table.

Many dishes sound familiar in the book bound suede menu, and I was pleased to see they had no fewer than five seafood starters. I chose the Chilli Squid in fresh green chillies, ginger, garlic, capsicums and onions. Served on a pretty shell-like pearlesque plate, it was spiced perfectly. I really liked the texture of the mini squid rings with the peppers, very similar to a jalfrezi dish.

If you are looking for something cool and calm off the beaten track, but hot in style and quality, then you won’t go wrong with a night on Canal Square.

The city’s restaurant scene has certainly got a spring in its step.

Argentinian steakhouse Gaucho is just about to open on Colmore Row, Michelin starred Atul Kochar has set his sights on opening an Indian restaurant at the Mailbox and celebrity haunt the Ivy are scouting the city for locations too.

The city’s Street Food offering is bursting with life as well with the arrival of Indico and The Indian Brewery and the big food and drink festivals are back along with the Birmingham Food Drink & Hospitality Awards.

Birmingham has never had it so good.

a t i n A

Read more Food news at msdeliciouspr.blogspot.co.uk

EDGBASTON BOUTIQUE HOTEL & COCKTAIL BAR The arrival of Spring means the nights are starting to get lighter so there’s more time to enjoy cocktails – perfect timing for the Edgbaston Boutique Hotel to launch a new cocktail menu then.

Entitled ‘The Taste of Birmingham’, the menu has been designed around the rich history, culture and heritage that the city is so well renowned for with drinks inspired by Jewellery, Arts, Textiles, Glass, Metals, Great Minds and Confectionary. There’s also a variety of lighter cocktails with lower booze content but equally enticing flavours, and soft virgin drinks for those still committed to their new year detoxes.

I can’t wait to try ‘A Trifle Bazaar’ which celebrates Birmingham’s Invention of Tennis and is made up of strawberry Wine, Fino Sherry, Finlandia Vodka, Trifle Liqueur and custard!

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sugar Sugar is the new smoking. Now widely agreed to be the main cause of the global obesity epidemic, sugar is seen as a preventable cause of major forms of disease and death.

Better to eat a fatty bag of crisps than fruit say anti-sugar campaigners.

There’s good scientific evidence that the traditional dietary advice stick to a low-fat diet - was wrong.

It was far too easy to believe that if you ate fat you’d get fat, and that fat in itself was the root cause of heart disease and strokes. No-one ever said sugar was exactly good for you, but under the cover of the idea that ‘fat is bad’ we’ve become used to relying on sugar-heavy products as a standard - products as innocuous-looking as low-fat yoghurts, cereals and fruit juices and lots of high-calorie, sugar-rich carbohydrates.

Refined carbohydrates are forms of sugars and starches that don’t exist in nature. They do come from natural whole foods, but they have been altered in some way by processing to refine them.

Examples include table sugar/white sugar (sucrose), corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup, brown sugar. Refined carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing risky spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. This has fuelled obesity and changes in blood fats, also increasing the risks for heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes. The situation has become very confusing, and Government guidelines don`t always help to clear the fog.

Where does that leave someone just trying to keep to a sensible diet? The problem isn’t to do with whether fat is bad for you, or ugar is really bad for you. It’s the ‘bandwagon’ nature of media stories and advice. We’re addicted to sugar, true - and we’re also addicted to novelty, the latest scare, or must-have food.

Both sugars and fats are important for the normal functioning of our bodies. There’s nothing fundamentally ‘wrong’ with either of hem. It’s just an issue of excess. Too much exercise and losing too much weight is also harmful.

So there’s a middle way that will reduce our risk of heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes: - reduce our total fat intake, but also our intake of refined sugars, especially sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup; - look more closely at the ingredients to see whether products include refined sugars such as fructose; - swap fatty and sugary snacks like cereal bars, cakes and biscuits for fruit and vegetables; - go for low-fat milk and dairy products; - ditch the white bread for wholegrain and eat more fish and less processed/fatty meat; - use olive oil; - juices, smoothies, canned and dried fruit are also high in sugar; as far as possible, eat unprocessed fruit and drink more water (a 150 ml glass of orange juice, 250ml smoothie, 30g raisins and 80g of canned peaches amounts to 69g of sugar (around 16 teaspoons).

Five a day should be about ‘real fruit and vegetables’ which is wheremany guidelines have got it wrong and are out of date; - keep a healthy weight, body composition and fitness – in summary move more, eat less and keep an eye on your BMI, body fat %, heart age and metabolic age with a regular health check.

Dr Nick Summerton, GP and Medical Director at Bluecrest Health Screening, www.bluecrestscreening.com

WINE TASTING WITH SIOFRA O’BRIEN

Harvey Nichols Wine Specialist SIOFRA O’BRIEN shares two great bottles that are just perfect to toast the arrival of spring.

Elephas Bianco 2015, Lazio, Italy – £12.50: From Castello Di Torre in Pietra, this white wine blends Trebbiano, Malvasia Puntinata and Vermentino that reel you in from the first sip.

With a bright straw colour and hints of green, there are aromas of apple, white flowers and peach, while a mineral note adds acidity and a long, persistent finish. When we tasted this at my Wine Wednesday evening it worked really well with brie, but as it is so approachable and easy to drink it would go equally well with light fish, white meat and vegetable dishes.

El Bon Homme 2014/2015, Valencia, Spain – £12: This red from Valencia is a blend of 50 per cent Monastrell and 50 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and spends up to six months in French barrels. It has a dark colour and is packed with the scent of black cherries and juicy plums with a hint of oak. On the palate it’s all cherry and plum, with a medium bodied good length and smooth tannins. This wine works well with hard cheeses but would be great with a slow roast lamb or a great homemade burger.

Try a different wine region or grape variety each month. Join Siofra O’Brien in the Harvey Nichols Wine Shop ever Wednesday to enjoy complimentary drop-in taster sessions from 7pm-8pm. Booking is essential, call 0121 616 6024 for more details. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 55

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DLUXE What to see and where to be in the West Midlands this season

MISS SAIGON

26 July – 23 September Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical Miss Saigon – a recent smash hit in the West End - will embark on a major UK tour opening in Leicester next Summer before playing Birmingham Hippodrome from Wed 26 July – Sat 23 Sep 2017.

Miss Saigon tells the story of young bar girl named Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with Chris, an American GI - but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.

Since its London premiere in 1989, Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s epic musical Miss Saigon has become one of the most successful musicals in history. The original Broadway production of Miss Saigon opened on April 11, 1991 with what was the largest advance sale in Broadway history ($37 million). The show went on to play for nearly ten years and 4,063 performances seen by more than 5.9 million people. Miss Saigon has been performed in 28 countries, over 300 cities in 15 different languages, has won over 40 awards including 2 Olivier Awards, 3 Tony Awards, and 4 Drama Desk Awards and been seen by over 35 million people worldwide. Unmissable.

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New Art West Midlands 2017 Until 14th May @Birmingham Museum www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/bmag

One Love: The Bob Marley Musical

This exhibition showcases exciting emerging artists in the region and gives people an insight into the latest trends and concerns in contemporary art. The exhibition provides a vital platform to exhibit the work of artists who have graduated from the five universities art schools in the region. The bright and bold work features a giant rabbit with “Alice in Wonderland” illusions, psychedelic sculptures and much more!

Until 8th April @Birmingham Repertory Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk One Love: The Bob Marley musical is set across a dramatic period in the musical legends life and takes the audience on a spiritual and political journey which celebrates one of the world’s most influential artists of all time by bringing Marley’s inspirational music catalogue to the stage for the first time ever.

Oliver Beer

15th March – 4th June @Ikon Gallery ikon-gallery.org Oliver Beer is a British artist who will be making his grand return to the Ikon gallery since his last exhibition in 2011. This new work, commissioned by Ikon entitled “I wan’na be like you” is a “re-animation” of a scene from the film – Jungle Book.

2,500 local school children from early years until age 13 have contributed to the piece to show the progression of animation through infant years.

Megson’s family folk show

Until 29th April @Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome. co.uk One of the most beloved musicals, Billy Elliot is heading to Birmingham Hippodrome as part of its first ever UK tour after eleven years in the West End. Featuring a timeless score by Elton Jon the musical is nothing short of a sensation, with toe tapping music numbers and amazing dance numbers. This uplifting, funny and powerful story will be one that will stay with you forever.

Images by Jas Sansi.

Billy Elliot

19th March @MAC Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk Award winning folk duo Megson provide authentic, organic and fun folk concerts for big and little music connoisseurs. The duos infectious mix of heavenly vocals and delightful harmonies combine to produce a gentle, entertaining concert fit for pre-school children. The show features children’s folk songs both old and new.

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Tom’s Kitchen Launches at Mailbox

Circus of Horrors

Food-lovers unite: Tom’s Kitchen has now launched a restaurant, bar and deli in Birmingham’s Mailbox – and it’s a cracker, as we found out at the official launch party recently.

Founded by renowned chef Tom Aikens, Tom’s Kitchen has four restaurants and three delis across London, making the Birmingham site the group’s first UK venture outside of the Capital.

26th March @New Alexandra Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-alexandra-theatrebirmingham Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Circus of Horrors returns to the stage with their latest incarnation “The Never-ending Nightmare”.

The show features bizarre, brave and wonderful acts that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. The acts form together in an “Alice in Horrorland” type story and is praised by many. We certainly recommend you don’t miss this one.

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Winnie and Wilber

Open 7 days a week and committed to serving the best seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, Tom’s Kitchen offers British favourites and comfort food classics in a relaxed and informal brasserie setting. The Birmingham restaurant is no exception, serving a menu that combines signature dishes along with some brand-new recipes exclusive to the Second City.

Tom’s Kitchen Birmingham also incorporates a lively yet relaxed bar, welcoming diners from the restaurant, guests wanting to drop in for an after-work beer or pre-dinner cocktail, as well as those looking to while away an evening with friends over a bottle of wine.

Simon Samuels, Partner at Brockton Capital, joint owners of the Mailbox, said, “We’re hugely excited to welcome Tom’s Kitchen to the Mailbox. The Mailbox is home to a number of ‘firsts’ and, being the first venture for Tom Aikens outside of London, this latest opening is no exception” Tom’s Kitchen Birmingham Address: 53/57 Wharfside Street, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RE Telephone: 0121 289 5111 Images by Jas Sansi.

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with images that are based on found objects and arranged as though left by the wind and the tide. He uses the compositions to create narratives that can be interpreted in a number of different ways.

Found Footage Festival: Volume 8

27th March @The Electric www.theelectric.co.uk Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher are back with an all-new edition of the Found Footage Festival, featuring newly unearthed VHS gems found at thrift stores across the U.S. A special screening of this will be showcased at The Electric with one highlight including outtakes and on-air bloopers from over ten years of North Dakota local news.

Peter Wareing

28th March – 6th May @RBSA www.rbsa.org.uk This exhibition displays the colourful ceramic work of Peter Wareing, illustrated

31st March – 22nd April @Birmingham Repertory Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Winnie and Wilber is a new play by Mike Kenny based upon the bestselling picture books created by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul.

Winnie the witch and her black cat Wilber enjoy many adventures together with a sprinkle of magic and is fun for all the family full of songs, laughter and slapstick humour.

Billy Ocean

3rd April @Birmingham Town Hall www.thsh.co.uk Earning himself the title as one of Britain’s biggest recording artists, selling over 30 million in his lifetime, Billy Ocean has announced his new album - Here You Are: The Best of Billy Ocean. His iconic R&B sound will grace Birmingham’s Symphony Hall this April and is sure to get you up and off your seats!

Naomi’s Wild & Scary

8th April @Town Hall Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk Join children’s TV presenter, Naomi Wilkinson, as she

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Indico Street Kitchen Brings Spice To Shirley

think about why we are so often told of the empire’s importance – and whose interests such imagery serves. The Barber’s excellent collection of coins from the Byzantine Empire includes examples from Hungary, Georgia and Armenia.

embarks on her nationwide tour. The show is packed full of surprises and scary creatures as she is joined on stage by “Animal Mark”.

Naomi recalls some of her most exciting wildlife experiences in this fun filled show, suitable for all the family.

Mr Bloom’s Nursery Live!

Indico Street Kitchen exploded into Shirley in a splash of colour, spice and Bollywood magic recently.

The interiors are super vibrant, with walls adorned with Bollywood style art created by an international team of street artists; and the ceiling covered with a multitude of colourful umbrellas to brighten up the rainiest of days.

We especially liked the quirky touches - shelves of tiffins, Indian dolls, and a kitchen area made to look like a truck, it really is a feast for the eyes and you won’t see anything like it in Brum.

Guests got the chance to try the tastiest dishes from the Indian street food menu (displayed in the style of a newspaper), with samples of Gol Gappas, Papri Chaat, Paneer Tikka to authentic juicy Chicken Tikka and Sheekh Kebabs.

Indico Street Kitchen has succeeded in creating a real sense of fun, with an exciting menu. It will definitely take you beyond the usual suburban curry house experience into a place that is warm, colourful and exotic and the Bollywood 70’s soundtrack will have you bopping in your seat – it’s sure to be a sure fire hit! http://indicostreetfood.co.uk 60 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

19th April @New Alexandra Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-alexandra-theatrebirmingham/ Gather up your “tiddlers” and join Mr Bloom and his veggies on their first ever live tour! Help them on their journey as they prepare their allotment for a royal visit.

Through the use of song, play and interaction Mr Blooms Nursery provides an hour long show packed full of fun and strong educational values which will entertain both parents and “tiddlers” alike.

To Sir, With Love

25th April – 6th May @Birmingham Repertory Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Although Rick has fought for his country he still fights for acceptance as the reality of life as a black man in postwar Britain hits him. Despite being a skilled engineer, no employer wants him and eventually he is forced to take a teaching post in a tough inner city school. Ricks class don’t want him and with very little to look forward to after leaving school he bids to unite with them for a better future.

Dreamboats and Petticoats Inheriting Rome: The imperial legacy in coinage and culture

24th April @The barber institute of fine arts barber.org.uk This exhibition uses money to both explore and question our deep-seated familiarity with the Roman Empires imagery.

Visitors are encouraged to

2nd May – 5th May @New Alexandra Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-alexandra-theatrebirmingham This West End sell out sensation features some of the most iconic songs from the rock and roll era. The show is inspired by the 7 smash hit multi-million selling albums of the same name. It was clear that people not only liked listening to the nostalgic anthems but would want to see it in theatre and now’s your chance!

Take That

5th May – 6th May @Genting Arena www.gentingarena.co.uk Nations favourites Take That

AWARDS • DINNER • ENTERTAINMENT

MIDLANDS

FOOD DRINK & HOSPITALITY

AWARDS 2017

Monday 26th June 2017

In association with

@ Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, B5 7QU

®

Tickets are available on our website: www.mfdhawards.co.uk

#MfdhAwards2017 For more nominations, sponsorship or for more information please contact us on: 0121 392 8362 @MfdhAwards

#EAT

/MfdhAwards

#DRINK

#SLEEP

#REPEAT

PLEASE NOTE: Nominations close on the 28th April 2017

BOOK ONLINE to save money

5 – 15 Apr

from £19*

18 – 22 Apr

Kids from £13.50*

6 – 13 May

from £15*

Look for the to save 20% off the cost of your full price tickets when you book equivalent amounts for two or more participating shows at the same time.

See website for further information on ticket prices and other concessions. Ticket prices include a £1 booking fee. No booking fee applies if booked online.

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Rajdoot Tandoori celebrates half a century in service

Rajdoot’s Indian restaurant enjoyed a significant milestone this year when they celebrated 50 years in business. The restaurant which started in humble begins in Digbeth has had a very loyal following over the past 5 decades. Since moving to new premises 15 years ago in Jewellery Quarter, it has still proved a hit with curry lovers who enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of the team in the new venue.

The Mayor, Councillor Carl Rice and his wife Deed Curry (yes that’s right Rice & Curry) presented proprietor Manjit Gill with a trophy marking the 50 years and Chef Basu Dev Mali received a long service award for 45 years.

80 guests from Business and Media raised a glass to wish owner Manjit Gill a happy 50th anniversary. Owner Manjit Gill said: “I’d like to thank everyone who attended our event and celebrated half a century in service with us. It is an honour to have such loyal customers and staff, we wouldn’t be here today without you. We look forward to celebrating the next fifty years!”

Rajdoot Tandoori 78-79 George Street, Birmingham, B3 1PY T: 0121 236 1116 www.rajdootbirmingham.co.uk Follow on twitter: @rajdootindian the fiddle to the concertina with a repertoire that spans from humorous street songs to classical ballads to get the crowd up and dancing.

strongman Zampano and we watch as they embark on their journey through the Italian countryside.

La Strada

are one of the UKs most successful live acts and will return to Birmingham in May. For the first time in the bands history, Gary, Mark and Howard will perform in the centre of the arena floor giving fans a unique experience and night to remember.

The Laramie Project

6th – 20th May @Crescent Theatre www.crescent-theatre.co.uk This play was devised in the aftermath of the kidnapping of 21 year-old student Matthew Shepard.

He was brutally beaten and left tied to a fence post on the outskirts of Laramie.

Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theatre have spent years conducting interviews with people of the town. Disturbingly 62 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

frank, bewildering and at times chilling, exploration of the opinions of the people of Laramie towards homosexuality, social politics, education, class, violence, privileges and rights are shown through the play.

Lankum

8th May @MAC Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk If you’re into folk music then four piece folk band Lankum are bringing the show all the way from Dublin, Ireland.

The group combine their four distinctive harmonies with a range of instruments from

8th May – 13th May @Birmingham Repertory Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk This visually stunning new stage adaptation of Federico Fellini’s Oscar-winning La Strada (The Road) is directed

by Olivier Award-nominee Sally Cookson and features songs performed live on stage by the multi-talented cast. The story unfolds as Gelsomina is sold to sideshow

Make Your Mark

8th – 27th May @RBSA www.rbsa.org.uk Work by finalists in a competition for A Level Art students will be displayed in an exhibition. The competition organised by West Midlands Area of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies to celebrate the national NADFAS AGM 2017 in Birmingham.

V II P P H HO O SS P P II T TA AL L II T TY Y V E X P E R I E N C E S EXPERIENCES

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MÜLLER INDOOR INDOOR GRAND GRAND MÜLLER PRIX BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM PRIX

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La Cage Aux Folles

16th 20th May @Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome. co.uk The fabulous musical La Cage Aux Folles is heading to Birmingham this spring.

This spectacular new version of the much loved musical

by Bill Kenwright will feature West End star John Patridge and Broadway leading man Adrian Zmed. Featuring the well-known songs, I Am What I Am and The Best Of Times, this is a show-stopper not to be missed.

The Wedding Singer

May 23rd – May 27th @New Alexandra Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-alexandra-theatrebirmingham Party like it’s the 1980’s with rock star wannabe Robbie Hart. Robbie is New Jerseys favourite wedding singer and hopeless romantic who is dumped at the altar on his very own wedding day. Robbie goes on a mission to make every wedding he plays just as disastrous as his own in this hilarious musical based on the hit film.

Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more!

with his epic live shows. He will play songs from his latest studio album ‘Wonderful Crazy Night’, as well as his most-loved hits from his commendable career.

Coppélia

Dirty Dancing

29th May – 3rd June @New Alexandra Theatre www.atgtickets.com/venues/ new-alexandra-theatrebirmingham Dirty Dancing is back on the stage! The show, pumped full of energy through the outstanding choreography and music that will take your breath away is a must see!

Dirty Dancing tells the story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

The Addams Family

6th June – 10th June @Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome. co.uk Our favourite weird but wonderful family take to the stage in Birmingham for one week only in the UK premiere of this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys with music and lyrics by Tony award nominated Andrew Lippa. The show will feature a live orchestra sure to entertain all ages.

Elton John

7th June @Genting Arena www.gentingarena.co.uk Elton John has announced his return to Birmingham this summer! The iconic pop artist aims to wow the audience 64 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

The Play That Goes Wrong

Coppélia is a timeless classic from the golden age of classical ballet. The story unfolds as eccentric toymaker Dr Coppélius leaves his doll Dr Coppélia, one of his greatest inventions on his workshop balcony. A mix of magic and comic chaos is released to bring the doll to life in this classic tale.

19th June – 24th June @Birmingham Repertory Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk This multi award winning West End comedy is not one to miss! The scene is set as a 1920’s murder mystery but just like the title suggests everything that could go wrong, does. As the accident prone characters battle on

Sheela Gowda

Oliver! The Musical

27th May – 3rd June @Crescent Theatre www.crescent-theatre.co.uk This timeless Dickens story is brought to life in this everpopular story of the boy who asked for more! Lionel Bart’s sensational score includes some of our classic favourites: Food Glorious Food, Consider

13th June – 17th June @Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome. co.uk

a fundamentalist Christian.

From then on she attended church four times a week.

She thought she was going to heaven but now she’s not so sure. Katy will relive her glory days of certainty and judgement (and unrequited love…) whilst trying to figure out what the hell was going on in her own head.

14th June – 3rd September @Ikon Gallery ikon-gallery.org Indian artist Sheela Gowda’s exhibition is a considered response to the gallery’s architecture entitled – (b.1957).

The art also touches on a range of socio-political concerns arising out of situations often far beyond the gallery walls. Gowda expresses herself through subtle symbolism and poetic treatment of everyday materials.

Katy Brand: I was a teenage Christian

17th June @MAC Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk Comedian Katy Brand puts on an honest fascinating show through her funny exploration of her selfimposed conversion and total immersion in evangelical Christianity. At the age of 13 Katy attended a local church service and became

to reach their final hurdle, hilarious results ensue leaving you with belly aching laughter and a show to remember.

Angels in America

20th July – 27th July @The Electric www.theelectric.co.uk Andrew Garfield is one of the many actors in this two part screening of play – Angels in America. The play, directed

by Olivier and Tony award winning director Marianne Elliott, explores America in the mid 1980’s such as the AIDS crisis and a conservative Reagan administration, New Yorkers grapple with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell.

My S h erry Amou r The family of sherry wines from Andalusia has suffered great reputational damage from cheap, over-sweetened wines flooding the British market in recent decades. However, as Laura Hadland writes, this delicious fortified wine is now shrugging off the vestiges of its granny’s cardigan reputation.

Harvey Nichols have spotted the potential in this historic Spanish beverage and are leading the charge in making it chic and desirable, not only by producing their own house sherries, but also through making it the star of a delicious tasting menu, which we were invited to trial recently.

Upon arrival, we relaxed in the warm and contemporary bar. Our evening began with some Iberian nibbles along with a refreshing long sherry and tonic, a more nuanced affair than the more usual gin offering.

This whet our appetite for the five courses to come, and we were pleased to take our seats in the subtly lit, private dining area.

Under the expert eye of the effervescent in-house wine specialist, Siofra O’Brien, we were guided through a menu that truly demonstrated sherry’s real flexibility and flair as a fine food matching wine. We began with a sharp ewe’s milk cheese and pea salad, which brought out the best in the Manzanilla La Gitana. The straw coloured, light wine had a pleasing salinity which complemented the cheese and capers in the salad beautifully, acting as almost an extra ingredient, both seasoning and pulling all the flavours together.

A beautifully presented deep fried langoustine on a rainbow of Provencal vegetables and violet artichokes followed, the dish having an underlying

Our main was a mouth-watering combination of heavy but balanced flavours – a sumptuous square of pork belly neighbouring wonderfully spicy black pudding, rich wild mushrooms and a delicate jewel of a panfried scallop. This inspirational and textured dish made the nutty, caramel tones of the revered Lustau bodega’s Amontillado all the more enjoyable.

As the meal progressed, the sherry became darker and sweeter. The complexity of Harvey Nichol’s own cream sherry was intensified by the poached pear dessert, particularly emphasised by the warm cinnamon flavours. A flight of three sherries and cheese pairings rounded off the adventure – for me the gorgonzola and cream sherry providing the most memorable combination of salty and sweet – a deeply satisfying pairing.

If you’re kicking yourself for missing out on this cornucopia of flavours, fear not. An equally intriguing Brandy Evening is coming up at Harvey Nichol’s Birmingham on Wednesday 15th March, hosted by the Brand Ambassador for Leyrat and Reviseur Cognac, Thomas Lafleche. On the evidence of the Sherry Dinner, £45 a head will be a small price to pay for the quality of food and the inspired choice of drinks pairings.

Harvey Nichols, The Mailbox, 65 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RE. Tel. 0121 616 6000

Experience luxury hospitalitY

with Amplify

You know us: we love a good knees up but our standards are high. We’ve been to too many private and corporate events over the years that have left us feeling flat and frustrated, which is why we love the guys at Amplify, who we collaborated with on high-end B2B event at the tail-end of 2016 and who we can confidently say amplify the whole idea of luxury hospitality. If you’re looking to upgrade your event experiences, read on…

Amplify is the NEC Group’s premium hospitality business, providing VIP hospitality experiences for concerts, entertainment and sports events at the Barclaycard Arena and Genting Arena, Birmingham.

Amplify offers companies and individuals the chance to “experience live events in a totally new way; delivering a first-class service and an exquisite dining experience with food courtesy of the multi award winning caterer Amadeus”. You can take up an annual membership which gives exclusive access to premium tickets and hospitality or book personal or corporate hospitality on a show by show basis.

Sister venue the Genting Arena also provides an illustrious offer; Tower Deck overlooks the pre-show area of Forum Live and is the first of three private dining areas available at the venue. It is also home to the Lakeside Restaurant and the Air Restaurant; the Lakeside Restaurant offers waterside views and the Air Restaurant is reserved for the exclusive use of Air members with four course contemporary dining as standard. Both have private, direct access to the premium hospitality ShowDeck in the Genting Arena bowl meaning your guests will really feel like VIPs. Sally Walder, Amplify General Manager said: “Our packages cover a wide variety of events, with Olly Murs, Disney On Ice, Take That, Céline Dion and Ricky Gervais amongst some of this year’s examples. Whether you are entertaining clients or visiting us for a family special occasion, booking with Amplify is simple and reliable.”

For membership information and a hospitality events list, contact the team on 0844 338 0333 or visit www.amplify.co.uk

Courtesy of the £26 million Barclaycard Arena redevelopment in 2014, The Foundry restaurant offers exquisite dining facilities in the Barclaycard Arena, decorated with stunning copper to reflect Birmingham’s history in the industrial revolution. The Quartz restaurant is also impeccably styled with shimmering crystal furnishings inspired by the Jewellery Quarter.

The Barclaycard Arena also has two exclusive seating areas- ShowDeck and ShowLounge, plus ten exclusive and luxurious ShowCubes- the perfect way to entertain up to 14 clients, colleagues or friends. Each ShowCube includes a private bar and offers balcony seating, not to mention uninterrupted panoramic views of the arena. Delicious pre-show dining can be arranged when required. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 65

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sweetness which provided a delightful counterpoint to the dry, earthy flavours of the Tio Pepe Fino. This fish course was perhaps the crowning glory of the menu, although as we were so bowled over by the quality of everything, it’s hard to say definitively.

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SWING INTO SPRING

with these musical shows at the Belgrade Theatre The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry always has an eclectic range of shows on offer for music lovers and this spring is no exception. The theatre will be singing and swinging its way into the new season with three exciting musical shows taking to the stage:

enough not to give the game away?

A juicy tale of greed, pride and the power of friendship, this brand new flagship production for the Roald Dahl centenary celebrations promises a dahlicious theatrical feast with live music and songs and gloriumptious designs. A wondercrump treat for the whole family!

Sat 6 – Sat 13 May Bring on the Bollywood in the B2 auditorium The ever-popular show combines all the drama, romance, comedy and glamour of the best Bollywood movies, whilst drawing on influences from classic British literature.

The Pawars have found a potential suitor for their quick-witted and resolute daughter Katrina, who is sharp, sassy and in complete control, until she learns of her parent’s intentions. Enter the dashing Bollywood actor Amit and his newly eligible cousin Ronny – a quiet and withdrawn young British man who is here to scatter the ashes of his love. What could possibly go wrong?

Whether you’re a true Bollywood fan or just fancy a feel-good night out, this is a show that everyone will fall in love with.

Wed - Sat 15 April The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin The award-winning off-Broadway musical by Kirsten Childs.

This cheeky and satirical coming-of-age story looks at how women have been defined by others and themselves from the 1960s to present day, with an original score fusing Motown, pop and R&B – think Sondheim meets Beyoncé!

Viveca, also known to her friends and family as ‘Bubbly’, is a young African American girl who dreams of becoming a dancer,’ We follow her journey from school in 1960s L.A., through to auditions on Broadway. Growing up during the civil rights movement, Viveca chooses to face the realities of racism and sexism with optimism and faith and ultimately discovers her own self-worth.

Tue 18 – Sat 22 April Fantastic Mr Fox Mr Fox is smart, clever and rather fantastic, but he doesn’t realise how determined the farmers are to get revenge. Can he hatch a plan to save his family and friends? Can they outrun the diggers and outsmart the farmers? And can Rabbit shut up long

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Tickets for these shows and more are available now by calling the Belgrade Theatre Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk.

Ages

5+

Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents

By Dodie Smith Adapted for the stage

by Debbie Isitt Experience the magical story live on stage this Christmas

Box Office

Book Online

0121 236 4455 birmingham-rep.co.uk Registered in England 295910 Charity No. 223660

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30 NOVEMBER 2017 – 13 JANUARY 2018

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DECONSTRUCTING

THE HOUSE OF CARDS A mixture of gritted teeth, head shaking, cringing and awe. Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood, lead protagonist in Netflix’s critically acclaimed House of Cards inspires and repulses all at the same time.

As a character Underwood reminds to a Clinton-esque view of a powerful family rising to power using politics, influence and ultimately deceit and treachery. Thankfully Spacey, whilst playing Underwood superbly, appears to have little in common with him.

“If you are lucky enough to do well in life, it is your responsibility to send the elevator back down” he is famously quoted as saying and as an actor, producer and head of the Old Vic he has always highlighted how important he believes it is to have and to be a mentor writes dluxe BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL Business Editor, Bart Dalton.

Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of being a mentor to more than 45 different people directly and 100’s indirectly through programs and classes I have run. Here are some of the top things that being a mentor does for you.

Refocus- There’s no better way to remind yourself about what you should be doing than when you’re telling someone else how to do it. I always find that when I am reminding and refreshing one of my mentees to do something to improve or remove then it puts a mirror up to me to make sure that I am walking the walk.

Teaches- Business is a fast moving beast. Trends and business evolves as we are constantly moving forward and if we don’t review how that affects what we do on a regular basis then it doesn’t allow us to grow, develop and deliver the best to our clients and employees.

Energises- It’s great to witness passion, success and energy. I love mentoring, which I do for free, more than I love my coaching, 68 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

which I get paid very well for.

Creates True Gravity- When you give your heart, soul and tools to someone you never know where it will return . If there are more people out there doing great things then the world becomes a better place.

Recently one of my mentees from many years ago brought me a piece of business that significantly changed my year for the better. It was unexpected and unrequested. The message came to me. “Your help has changed my life and I hope that this small symbol of my trust can replace some of the effort, time and focus that you gave to me.”

SO WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT? WANT TO BE A MENTOR? IT IS SO SIMPLE. Ask your local chamber of commerce, Rotary club, golf pro or business networking club, is there someone that would like to have a once a month meeting to learn not to make all the mistakes you made to getting to become a success(In your own words obviously).

Agree a personal calendar with the mentee and send a list of 5 questions around their goals, current business situation and what they would like to have as an outcome from working with you.

Meet and agree goals and what you want to deliver or help them with.

Repeat the process as many times as you can.

When we build our businesses we do it like Frank Underwood, hopefully with a little less deceit and killing but we have a plan. Mentoring and using your perspective to help someone’s success won’t usually get you to the white house like Frank. I know that if you have big plans then the right mentor would accelerate it There are a number of additional tools I have built to help mentors. If you want to have any of them visit www. bartdaltonconsulting.com Finally BE a mentor and GET a mentor it will change your life!

Bart Dalton, Director. contact@bartdaltonconsulting.com

Europa Worldwide has pledged to donate up to £25,000 to charity as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations by match funding the amount of money staff raise through charity fundraising events this year.

“Since I acquired the company I have discovered that we are lucky to have so many kind-hearted and passionate team members who really care about raising money for causes that mean something to them and their families.

The business has launched its 50:50 charity promise which will see it donate the same amount of money raised by the first 50 staff who take part in any sponsored event in 2017, of up to £500 per employee.

Managing Director at Europa Andrew Baxter said: “The aim of the initiative is to use the business’s 50 years of success as a spring board to support key causes close to the hearts of our staff.

“They do this in their spare time, which is something I’m really proud of as an employer - so as part of our 50th celebrations I wanted to recognise their efforts with our 50:50 charity promise. The business will donate the amount raised by the first 50 employees who complete a sponsored event this year – which means we’re committing to donating up to £25,000.

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Birmingham business promises to match fund employees’ charity efforts up to £25,000

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CADBURY WORLD HEROES RAISE £45,953 FOR CHARITY

Bournville based Cadbury World has helped to give charities a much needed boost, by raising £45,953 in 2016.

The popular attraction has a longstanding commitment to supporting charity projects on a regional and national level, with a number of staff taking part in fundraising or community activities with one employee in particular going the extra mile for three charities in 2016. Penny Dyer, sales manager at Cadbury World, helped to raise more than £20,000 in memory of her son, Harry, who sadly passed away in November 2015. Penny took part in a number of activities including organising an evening event.

The funds raised were donated to 70 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Birmingham Children’s Hospital PICU department, Ronald McDonald House Birmingham and SMA Trust – a charity that raises money for research into Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Help for Heroes. Through raffles and cake sales, employees also raised funds for St Mary’s Hospice.

Another main beneficiary in 2016 was Help for Heroes, a UK military charity providing practical and direct support to wounded, injured and sick service men and women. Michelle Darragh, community champion at Cadbury World, walked the Great Wall of China and helped to raise an astounding £9,200 for the charity.

Cadbury World will be starting its charity campaign for 2017 with the creation of two giant Easter eggs, which the attraction will be donating to St Mary’s Hospice and Help for Heroes. In March, Cadbury World will also be holding a raffle to raise funds for Comic Relief, and a cake sale is planned in April to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Other highlights throughout the year included raising £3,500 for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and creating giant chocolate Easter eggs which were auctioned off by Acorns

For more information, or to book tickets to Cadbury World, visit www. cadburyworld.co.uk

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BUSINESS DUO JOINS LOVEBRUM’S TOP TABLE Following a hugely successful 12 months for LoveBrum, the charity has kicked off the new year with the announcement that two new trustees have joined.

Millennium Point CEO, Judith Armstrong, and Joint Managing Director of SimkissGuy Recruitment, Rebecca Simkiss, have been named as the most recent additions to the board of trustees.

significantly over the coming year!”

After a tidal wave of supporters joining the charity over the past year, LoveBrum continues to build its momentum with the announcement of new trustees Judith Armstrong and Rebecca Simkiss. Judith joins the team as new deputy chairperson trustee with Becky stepping in to support with membership.

To find out more about LoveBrum and the work they do in the local community and how you can get involved, please visit the http://lovebrum.org.uk.

LoveBrum’s monthly voting continues in 2017, placing the spotlight on individual projects at the start of each week, with LoveBrum members then having the opportunity during the final week to vote for the cause they deem most deserving.

Talking about her new role as trustee at LoveBrum, Judith said “I’m thrilled to have become an official trustee for LoveBrum – a charity whose work I’ve admired for a while now. Supporting projects and organizations, and creating opportunities through collaborative working – whether that’s through the local community, business sector, the learning community or young people and families – are the ways in which Millennium Point Trust carries out its work.

“Indeed, over the last six years alone, the work of Millennium Point Trust has seen over £4 million invested in charitable projects that have benefited our great city.

And with the arrival of HS2 and the exciting developments taking shape in Eastside, Millennium Point will soon become the gateway for the city so it’s important now more than ever that we show our support to ambitious organisations like LoveBrum that are ultimately aiming to make Birmingham an even better place.”

Last year marked a year full of achievement for LoveBrum as it introduced a new monthly voting system for members, which saw 12 local charities and organisations awarded £24,000 of funding in order for them to continue to work towards making a better Birmingham. LoveBrum have partnered with several businesses and charity organisations to help promote awareness, provide material donations and volunteering. These include JLR, Resorts World, Clements and Church and more.

Rebecca Simkiss added “Having worked closely with the charity over the last year, both through SimkissGuy Recruitment and as the charity partner for BPS Birmingham, I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the board of trustees at LoveBrum.

“The charity is so unique and I am incredibly passionate about the work LoveBrum delivers, supporting hidden gem projects across the region.We have a brilliant base of members already in place and have created amazing momentum so far, and I am looking to expand this dluxe-magazine.co.uk 71

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looks count

when it comes to business In business looks count, that’s the look of your brand.

Stephen Goddard, Creative Director and Brand Expert at KuKu Creative shares a few tips on how to get your business looking its best.

Your brand is your most important advert, it’s the shop window into your business and it’s the most powerful tool you have to attract new business and customers. This is true for every business whether a global empire, a charity or a new business start-up, yet why do so many businesses get it wrong?

It makes me scream with frustration to see a great product combined with a poor brand.

We all know Apple, Coca-Cola, Tesco, HSBC but what magic do they hold over us? Well, it’s something you can have, too.

Ok, so you have to invest in branding, but it doesn’t mean you have to spend millions either.

Here are the 5 most important pointers to consider to truly create a good looking brand:

1 - CUSTOMERS

Provide your customers with the best possible experience because they’re no longer satisfied with just being handed their cup of coffee - they want an experience, something to remember and a reason to come back. Think about how you can go the extra mile because the better the customer experience, the faster you will build brand loyalty.

2 - CONSISTENCY

A consistent brand takes your business to the next level giving you more recognition and building trust amongst your customers. If there is an inconsistency in your business appearance then this will send out the message that there’s an inconsistency in your service levels, so give your business a quick healthcheck and make sure everything matches up

3 - COMPETITION

Examine your business sector and note the styles and trends that are popular - you will soon see a definite pattern emerging with colours, fonts, tone of voice etc, so try to draw out the best of this, but give it your own unique touch.

Consumers like the familiar so, it’s certainly good to look like your competition but not good to copy them!

Stephen’s talent and skill in brand and design is something that goes back to his early childhood, so very much a born creative. His career, which began as a freelancer, quickly gained him a reputation as someone with an eye for detail and natural flair for creative concepts. Now head of his own creative agency based in the heart of the Midlands, Stephen has advised international banks, pharmacy giants through to charities, consultants and new entrepreneurs.

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4 - CLARITY

We are all time poor and nobody likes to search for the message in your marketing material. Don’t be afraid to be punchy and pointed and remember that authenticity is key here - be clear and honest about what you are selling and the problems you are solving.

5 - CHARACTER

Be brave and ensure you infuse your brand with plenty of personality. Personal branding is becoming more and more relevant, so ask yourself if you are actually a key part of your brand and if so how can this feature in your branding? If not then think of your business as a person and start to carve out what they would really look like.

So, think differently, stand out and go a little ‘KuKu’ @Ku_Ku_Creative www.kukucreative.co.uk hello@kukucreative.co.uk

MANY LEAD advisers find that business owners have mixed emotions when contemplating selling their business. There’s the excitement of the new lifestyle the cash will afford, and the extra time for hobbies or interests, but there’s also anxiety at the loss of a business they have spent a lifetime building. Sellers can also begin to question whether the cash they receive will compensate them for the loss of income from the business writes Adam Wilkins, Head of Brewin Dolphin’s Birmingham Office If these concerns are left unanswered, the willingness to sell can gradually erode and lead to the deal being cancelled. Lead advisers can find they have built up a substantial amount of work in progress that cannot be billed out at full rates with no completion fees to offset substantial time and costs already incurred. It does not take too many aborted deals to negatively affect a lead adviser’s profit margin.

So, why does shareholder sentiment change and how can one question help to identify this? From experience, Brewin Dolphin suggests some deals fall through because the seller discovers the estimated net proceeds from the sale will not fund their (semi) retirement plans or support reinvestment objectives. Having worked on the edge of corporate transactions for many years, Brewin Dolphin understands this problem and can help to mitigate it.

NEW PROPOSITION, NEW TOYS

For more than 250 years Brewin Dolphin has been helping its clients by managing their investments and planning their finances. Today, the firm is entrusted with £36.4bn of clients’ money. A new breed of wealth manager is emerging inside their business which broadens their traditional set of offerings more than ever before. The “old stockbroker” image held by much of the market has been turned upside down with the growth of its Financial Planning team, now comprising more than 100 planners who come equipped with some exciting new toys.

1 – EARLY STAGES OF A DEAL

Brewin Dolphin says one simple question that needs to be asked of shareholders is: “What’s your magic number?” Many shareholders don’t know how much money they will need for a “lifestyle fund” following the sale of their company. Brewin Dolphin can help your clients clarify their thinking with cashflow forecasting software. They will talk in private to shareholders about the lifestyle they would like by compiling a personal cash flow forecast that considers the shareholder’s assets and liabilities, including investments, pensions and debt, and helps inform how much they will need from the sale – the “magic number”. Their forecast can take into account deferred consideration, earn-outs and even account for reserves to cover warranties. It then displays in simple, but effective, graphic terms how long the net proceeds will last.

2 – PREPARING FOR A SALE

As lead advisers and their clients organise the business and its key assets for sale, Brewin Dolphin’s financial planners are on hand to provide advice and help by considering the effects pre-existing tax structures may have on a transaction and providing pensions advice. They can even source the right insurance products, shareholder protection and key person insurance.

3 – POST-COMPLETION

While many shareholders will reinvest in other ventures, Brewin Dolphin finds they will rarely put all their eggs in one basket and, therefore, need advice on how to invest at least a proportion of their wealth. Brewin Dolphin’s investment managers will establish a suitable investment strategy, based on the client’s personal circumstances, objectives and attitude to risk. They create bespoke portfolios to help clients achieve their goals – without the burden of the day-to-day running of their investments. When shareholders know their magic number in advance, they are more comfortable entering the deal arena and we see more deals complete.

Pictured above, Brewin Dolphin Birmingham Corporate

Their wealth managers now complement the services of lead advisers and their clients through all stages of a corporate deal – from marketing and due diligence right through to advising on investing the proceeds post-sale in the most tax-efficient manner. Their experience suggests they add most value when they are involved as early as possible in the exit process – and typically throughout the following three distinct phases.

Exit team of Divisional Directors – (L to R) Mike Duffy, Nick Hinchliffe, Steven Banham and Paul Fielding.

For more information about finding your client’s magic number, contact the Birmingham Office on 0121 710 3500 or via email Birmingham@brewin.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 73

dluxe paperwork

WHAT’S THE MAGIC NUMBER?

E DLU X e l p o e p

TIMELESS TEMPER

Following a year that will be remembered for great loss, internationally renowned artist Temper returns for 2017 with a collection that celebrates cultural icons loved and lost. From Bob Marley to Pablo Picasso, the Timeless works capture the essence of these much missed personalities through an intricate use of spray paint. dluxe Magazine caught up with the artist at his recent exhibition at Castle Fine Art at The Mailbox.

Tell me a little about yourself... where are you from, where did you grow up... what was your childhood like?

What’s next? What plans do you have to develop your art in the future?

There’s too much to talk about here, you’ll have to watch this space! What I will say is that the next year will involve a lot of ambition, a lot of experimentation and a lot of bravery. It’s an interesting time to be Temper!

You’re a ‘local lad’ what are some of your favourite restaurants/ bars in the West Midlands?

I’m from Wolverhampton Eastside, and I grew up around the Deansfield area. My childhood was colourful, all the more so when I discovered graffiti.

Did you have any lifechanging experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today?

I chose to pursue art as a career full time in 1993 when I found out I was going to be a father. It was a ‘now or never’ moment for me, I didn’t want to look back in the years to come and feel like I hadn’t given it my best shot.

Aside from the birth of my children, realising my artistic potential has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been so fortunate in always having the support of my partner Kerry.

What inspires you?

Fear is my greatest driver. Fear of failure, fear of not achieving recognition for the art I want to create. Fear keeps me working to a standard I can take pride in. I put myself under a great deal of pressure as a result, but I do believe that “out of darkness comes light” so maybe I need that fear, what may be perceived as a weakness is my greatest asset.

Do you have any creative patterns, routines or rituals?

I think of myself as having a series of tools in my creative bag.

As ideas come to me, my brain will search out the tools it needs to bring the concept to life, or it will develop new tools to make that possible. My thought processes are very complex. I don’t process the world around me in quite the same way as other people. I no longer do this, but for ages I used to light and incense stick, each time in remembrance of my granddad, to give thanks for his life and to help me clear my mind. He was a huge support and source of inspiration for me; life felt normal when he was around.

I really enjoy Italian food, so Cielo in Brindleyplace and Jamie’s Italian in the Bullring are always top of my list. Even my favourite local restaurant in Wolverhampton, The Island House, was founded by a Sicilian family, although it serves great British classics.

Graffiti holds special significance as one of the elements of hip hop culture and your previous collections have featured hip hop legends Tupac & Biggie. Are you a fan of hip hop?

Graffiti is the first element of hip hop culture. I’ve been involved since it first emerged in Wolverhampton and I still refer to myself as a graffiti artist, as well as a conceptual artist. I don’t do hip hop, I am hip hop; I live and breathe it.

You’ve mentioned in the past you have many books on the industrialist Matthew Boulton. What else do you like to read?

I don’t really read books, but I do manage to absorb information gathered from multiple sources. My particular areas of interest are: history, science, astrology, astronomy, ornithology, the animal kingdom, physics and culture.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Believe in what you do.

You’ve got to be sincere, and that sincerity needs to translate onto canvas.

There’s more to being an artist than just applying paint.

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