DLUXE Leicestershire & Rutland Summer 2015 Issue 20

FOR BUSINESS & LEISURE

SUMMER ‘15

WWW.DLUXE-MAGAZINE.CO.UK COMPLIMENTARY COPY

A

SUMMER

Letter Editor

CONTENTS...

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

18 SPOTLIGHT You may have spotted

our penchant for pets at dluxe so it’s no surprise that when we were offered a chat with the Supervet himself we jumped at the chance!

from the

20 FOR HER A swimwear special this

Blink and you’ll miss it. That would pretty much describe Spring here at dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND thanks to diaries that have been fit to burst with new openings, launches, celebrations and events, all of which continuing to cement Leicester’s reputation as the city to watch. We’re immensely proud of our city, our county and our surrounding countryside.

We’re very much focused on everything LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND this summer and you’ll find something local on every page; whether that be a food review or the fashion that’s available from your local store not just online.

In fact the only time we leave the Midlands is in our travel section; this issue we’ve jetted off to Madrid for a sneaky weekend in the sun and we’ve kicked back Caribbean style on the magical island of Tobago.

issue along with travel beauty and some of the best summer dresses for the garden party season.

26 FOR HIM It’s to use all the colours, we investigate summer brights for men.

32 FAMILY The summer holidays will be

upon us before you know it; we’ve looked at what’s on over the summer months to keep all the family amused.

If reading about our trips away leave you longing for some sunshine then we have a special feature on convertible cars for the summer as well as how to make more of your outdoor space at home. We’ve even got some ideas about how to while away those long summer days and keep the kids amused during their break too.

36 LIVING Bring the outdoors in and the

We’re all about eating al fresco too this issue with a best BBQ guide and an alternative recipe idea for all those summer strawberries, perfect for an impromptu picnic!

in France, visit the remotest island in the world and look at some long haul options.

It’s not all play though, our expanded business section looks at how to navigate social media, legacy pension policies and how to manage business advice effectively.

So pour yourself a long drink, get settled in the sunshine and enjoy this summer edition of dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND. We’ll see you again in autumn, just in time Halloween and Bonfire night!

FINE JEWELLERY

dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND

LANES

FOR BUSINESS & LEISURE

SUMMER ‘15

COMPLIMENTARY

25 L OSEBY LANE , L EICESTER , LE1 5DR | LANES J EWELLERS . COM | INFO @ LANESJEWELLERS . COM | 0116 251 2529

Cover Image courtesy of Adrianna Papell

Visit our boutique on Loseby Lane

(2 minutes from John Lewis & the Highcross Shopping Centre )

Leicester’s Luxury Jewellery & Watch Boutique

42 TRAVEL We explore Madrid, eat lots

48 DINING We eat out at 34 Windsor Street and the Cosy Club before firing up the BBQ back home.

54 DIARY What’s happening and what’s happened in the county this season.

60 PAPERWORK How to navigate selling your business and online media.

SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 21

Jonathan Fraser Group Editor In Chief

indoors out!

WWW.DLUXE-MAGAZINE.CO.UK COMPLIMENTARY COPY

64 PEOPLE We chat to Leicestershire author Jamie Mollart.

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

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

HEAD OF FLUFFINESS Teddy Teddy@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk

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

ADVERTISING SALES Lilith Hunt-Sheppard Lil@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07975 970711

GENERAL DOGSBODY Rupert Rupert@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk

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

FOR EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CONTACT: DLUXE LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND HQ 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RE TEL: 0116 2533 445

info@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk / www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk @dluxemag

/dluxemagazine

the edit A LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND SUMMER AT A GLANCE

NEW WALK CENTRE R

A stunning new development combining office space, shops and homes has been announced for the site of the former Leicester City Council offices at New Walk Centre with local developer Ingleby chosen as the preferred contractor.

The two-acre site at the junction of New Walk, Welford Road and Belvoir Street, will include two buildings up to five storeys high, with a central tree-lined public square linked to New Walk, and an open thoroughfare connecting the development to Welford Road.

Between them the two buildings will provide 50,000 sq ft of office space, private housing, and a small amount of retail space. Leicester’s skyline changed forever when demolition firm DSM brought down the crumbling 1970s New Walk Centre office blocks this February 2015, and 4 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

the site is now cleared and ready to be handed over to the developers.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This area of land is a prime development site in the heart of the city and I was determined from the outset that New Walk Centre would be replaced with a development which would be beneficial to the surrounding businesses.

“The proposals for the New Walk Centre site strike the right balance of mixing residential and business use with open space, and will include buildings of a much more sympathetic scale to the surrounding area.

The first parts of the development are expected to be completed and open for business by the first quarter of 2017.

dluxeedit

REIMAGINED

RACE TO SAVE RATTY!

Once a familiar sight along our waterways, water voles have rapidly disappeared from much of the landscape, experiencing the most serious decline of any wild mammal over the last century. The shocking drop in numbers is due to the release and spread of non-native mink across the countryside, and also the loss and degradation of much of our waterways. To ensure that we have a better picture of what is happening to the species nationally and that we are in a position to act quickly when needed, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is launching the first ongoing National Water Vole Monitoring Programme across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Vincent Wildlife Trust conducted two national surveys between 1989-90 and 1996-98 that first demonstrated the dramatic decline of water voles across Britain. The sites that were visited during these two surveys will form the basis of the National Water Vole Monitoring Programme. By regularly resurveying these sites, PTES will be able to identify any changes that have happened since the late 1990s, as well as detect any emerging national trends.

PTES is calling for volunteers to get involved in the National Water Vole Monitoring Programme by conducting an annual field survey on a single site and while no experience is required, those taking part will need to learn how to identify water vole field signs. Participants will be able to choose one or more of the nearly 900 pre-selected sites across England, Wales and Scotland and will be expected to survey their individual site once a year.

If you already monitor water voles you can add your site and data to survey.

To find out more about taking part please visit www.ptes.org/watervoles dluxe-magazine.co.uk 5

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LUXURY TRAVELLER

BOILERHOUSE OPENS AT FOXTON LOCKS Visitors can explore the history of the Inclined Plane in new interactive exhibit with a smartphone app that recreates the famous boat lift using virtual reality The new BoilerHouse at Foxton Locks is now open to visitors following a major investment and development of the facilities at the world-famous lock staircase and Inclined Plane in Leicestershire.

These personalised luxe leather luggage tags by Chambers & Beau in brazil nut leather are hand stamped with words of your choice, creating a lasting gift for someone special. The tag is adorned with a life bead on the strap or a silver ID plate which can contain an additional message.

Measuring 10x5cm the tag makes a perfect gift for a traveller, newleyweds or a loved one but would also work perfectly as a stylish bag charm.

All text is hand stamped and not machine engraved, deliberately uneven and slightly quirky, adding to the character of the item.

Chambers & Beau is run by jewellery designer Amy Elson. With more than ten years’ experience in the jewellery industry, including designing award winning items for many major commercial brands, Amy thrives on designing and creating heirloom quality personalised jewellery that celebrates life.

Chambers & Beau Personalised Luxe Leather & Silver Luggage Tag £32.00 www.chambersandbeau.com

The new attraction brings to life what it was like to live and work on the canals and locks of Victorian waterways and displays a fascinating range of exhibits including an interactive game where visitors can stoke the boiler to create the right conditions for the Inclined Plane, an immersive theatre and the app that brings the boats back to life.

The new ‘Foxton Discovery’ app uses the latest Augmented Reality (AR) technology to recreate the Inclined Plane boat lift. Using a marker system at Foxton Locks, visitors will be able to use their smart phones or tablets to see the Inclined Plane working, precisely as the boats would have made their actual journeys and all in real time.

To download the app, visit Google Play Store, Apple App Store or www.foxton-locks.co.uk.

It is free to download for information but requires a £3.99 in app purchase to unlock the full virtual reality experience. Buying this upgrade gives a free admission into The BoilerHouse.

SUMMER CYCLING As the summer of 2015 fast-approaches the urge to get outdoors and explore over comes all of us and what better way to do it than by bike? We love the hippy ‘dluxe’, summer stylings of the Electra bike range, designed in California where the sun is always shining.

The 70s influence is clear to see thanks to a bold 70s palette – oranges, pinks and yellows and bursts of flower prints throughout.

It’s a real reflection of the latest catwalk trends and there’s even the option of added tassles for the handlebars – well fringing is on every fashionista’s hotlist isn’t it? The bikes may have a retro feel but the technology and design is forward-thinking and modern.

Find out more at www.electrabike.com

6 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

RULE THE ROAD FOR LESS. NEW JAGUAR XE. THE SPORTS SALOON REDEFINED. The new Jaguar XE is here. Our most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon ever. Born from the DNA of the F-TYPE, its sporting intent is clear.

Beneath the taut, aerodynamic design XE has an aluminium-intensive architecture and cutting-edge technologies at its heart. The new XE delivers breathtaking performance and efficiency with a range of engines from a supercharged V6 to a frugal 99g/km of CO2. And from only £26,990, the new XE is ready to rule the roads.

XE FROM ONLY

£26, 99 0

STURGESS JAGUAR

445 NARBOROUGH ROAD, LEICESTER LE3 2RE

STURGESS.LEICESTER.JAGUAR.CO.UK 0116 416 1437

THE ART OF PERFORMANCE Fuel consumption in 1/100km (mpg) Urban 24.4-64.2 (11.6-4.4); Extra Urban 46.3-83.1 (6.1-3.4); Combined 34.9-75.0 (8.1-3.8).

CO2 Emissions 194-99 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ.

Model shown is XE S in Italian Racing Red (with optional 20" propeller alloy wheels with space saver wheel, advanced parking assist pack, panoramic sunroof and lighting pack priced at £48,835).

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Summer time dine at Highcross, Leicester This summer, Leicester foodies, will be treated to a season full of tasty treats and mouthwatering meals at Highcross, Leicester.

Kicking off on the 13th July and continuing throughout August, Highcross’ SummerDine event will give shoppers, amazing offers and discounts from some of the centre’s 40 restaurants, bars, cafes and food kiosks. With dining options from around the world from delicious burgers at Byron and handmade burger co, Caribbean inspired cuisine at Turtle Bay and with the new arrival of TGI’s bringing that Friday feeling to Highcross, there’s definitely something to whet anyone’s appetite.

Visitors can enjoy the tasty savings on offer all summer long, by downloading and registering the new PLUS app or by collecting an offer booklet from the Customer Service Lounge. The free to download app, will notify users of the latest promotions and offers, which can then be redeemed from the selected retailers.

It is also set to be a huge summer for cinema this year, and Showcase Cinema de Lux, Highcross, will be screening all of the blockbusters from action to comedy, including Minions, Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys and Ant-Man. A great array of Event Cinema will also be shown, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Othello, Romeo & Juliet by the Royal Ballet, and the National Theatre’s version of Hamlet, which will be screened in September.

For more information on SummerDine and other events at Highcross, Leicester visit www.highcrossleicester.com 8 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

I AM SUMMER I AM DINING OUT I AM LOOKING COOL

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Simon Says… It’s Festival Time S P L A S H A P P Y

MORE than 100 bands combining the very best local acts and national talent will be taking to the stage this summer at the third Simon Says… festival, De Montfort Hall & Gardens’ home-grown music festival. On July 25 and 26 the festival will be headlined by indie rockers British Sea Power and electronic/rock crossover legends Alabama 3.

The event, which was first staged in 2013 as part of the Hall’s centenary celebrations, transforms the hall and its picturesque grounds into a perfect place to relax with friends and family listen to the sounds of good music, and enjoy great food and drink.

This year’s Simon Says… line-up will also include the summery 70s sounds of Hyde & Beast, bourbon-soaked growl of The Urban Voodoo Machine, and mod / ska anthems from The Moderators.

Local Jamaican ska and reggae merchants El Pussycat will also take to the stage, as well as new Leicester band Ex Comets, roots/reggae from Tann-I Browne and the Ankh Band, and a crowd-pleasing blend of gypsy rhythms and folk storytelling from The Brandy Thieves.

Gaz Birtles, festival programmer and saxophone player for The South, which headlined Simon Says… in 2014, said: “This is one of the few festivals where you can hang out with your friends, family and local community while listening to an unprecedented range of bands which represent the best of local, regional and national music.”

As well as promising music for every taste, Simon Says… features a selection of thirst-quenching bars selling everything from cocktails to real ales and ciders, varied craft and food stalls, and a children’s activity area for younger visitors.

Tickets for Simon Says… are on sale now. Weekend tickets at special advance purchase prices, cost £30 for adults, £20 for students, £10 for under 16s and £7.50 for under 10s. Under-5s get in free but still need to book a ticket.

To book or for more information contact De Montfort Hall on 0116 233 3111 or visit: www.demontforthall.co.uk

Now it’s even easier to laze in the bath all day as the Crosswater Digital range allows users to conveniently control the bath and shower’s water temperature, flow and tub depths via their smartphone or remote control from any location in the home on a wireless network.

With individual memory settings for up to three individuals to store their favourite settings, the colour changing lights visually indicate the temperature and will stop flashing once the user’s desired water temperature has been reached. There’s even a self-cleaning function automatically disinfects the system for easy maintenance and peace of mind.

AVAILABLE FROM: Groby Kitchens, 2A Fir Tree Lane, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0FHT: 0116 2322731, QS Supplies, 72 Forrest Road, Leicester, LE5 0DG T: 0116 2510051 Sherwin Hall Kitchens & Bathrooms, 96 Jarrom Street, Leicester, LE2 7DD, T: 0116 2337775

PIXIE LOTT TO STAR IN curve’s BREAKFAST AT Tiffany’s Pixie Lott will make her acting debut in a theatre play when Curve premièrs a major new production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, an adaptation by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Greenberg. The classic tale written

by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, is being given a new lease of life by director Nikolai Foster as a stage play with music in a new production with the multi award-winning Pixie Lott as Holly Golightly.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is set in New York in 1943. Fred, a young writer from Louisiana, meets Holly Golightly, a charming, vivacious and utterly elusive good-time girl. Everyone falls in love with Holly – including Fred. But Fred is poor, and Holly’s other suitors include a playboy millionaire and the future president of Brazil. As war rages on in Europe, Holly begins to fall in love with Fred – just as her past catches up with her.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s will run from the 3rd to 12th March 2016.

Tickets are on sale now, visit www.curveonline.co.uk 10 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Bright futures lie ahead as Loughborough’s independent schools unite Pupils and staff at Our Lady’s Convent School (OLCS) in Loughborough are gearing up for an exciting start to the next academic year as they prepare to join the Loughborough Endowed Schools Foundation.

OLCS educates boys from age 3-11 and girls from 3-18.

From 1st September, it will become the fourth school in the Foundation alongside Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School and Fairfield Preparatory School.

All four schools have a long history of providing high quality independent education. They are situated on adjacent streets in the town and pupils will share a wide range of facilities and curricular and extra-curricular activities in addition to an extensive transport network which enables children to travel to the schools from across the East Midlands.

A major upgrade of the IT network and computer facilities at OLCS will take place this summer with further investment in facilities planned.

Patricia Hawley, Headteacher at OLCS, said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for our school and for the Foundation. By joining the Endowed Schools family we will maintain our holistic approach to education and all that makes us distinctive, particularly our Christian ethos. At the same time we will benefit from the synergy created by uniting four successful schools, each with different strengths. We all have new opportunities to look forward to.”

Families who are considering an independent education for their children are invited to contact OLCS on 01509 263901 to arrange an appointment, or to attend the Loughborough Endowed Schools Open Day on Saturday 3rd October. There will be an opportunity to meet staff and pupils, take a guided tour of the beautiful campus and specialist facilities, and find out more about the schools’ future plans.

Further details can be found at www.olcs.leics.sch.uk.

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester On now until 27 September

Challenge the enduring myths about one of history’s most remarkable civilisations.

W: visitleicester.info/secretegypt / leicestermuseums

@ leicestermuseum

A touring exhibition from the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, loaned by Birmingham Museums Trust on behalf of Birmingham City Council.

Image © Birmingham Museums Trust.

Think you know about Ancient Egypt?

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AMIR KHAN, FORMER 2 TIME WORLD CHAMPION, SET TO HIT LEICESTER! KKONG EVENTS PROUDLY PRESENTS

On Saturday 15th August, Leicester will be treated to something very special when former two time world champion, Amir Khan, will be in town for an exclusive Q&A evening at Leicester City Football Club.

Amir Khan, born in 1986 in Bolton, Manchester, is now Britain’s highest-profile boxer racking up an impressive professional fight career including becoming the Light Welterweight Champion of the World in July 2009. Khan says about his visit to Leicester; “I’m really looking forward to visiting the multi-cultural city in August to share the stories of my Tickets boxing career in a room full of boxing and sports fans". And Khan £65 has no plans of stopping as talks continue for him to fight the undefeated world champion, Floyd Mayweather. from

We have K Kong Events to thank for putting on this special evening after hosting many successful events over the past few years which has seen Leicester greeted by the likes of Mike Tyson, Vinnie Jones and Paul Merson, to name a few.

Shane Whitfield, Founder and Managing Director of K Kong Events says; ‘Amir Khan is an incredible sportsman and boxing champion with many stories to tell and so I’m excited that we’ve been able to get him to come to Leicester for an exclusive Q&A with our guests.’

The evening will be hosted in the Walkers Hall at Leicester City Football Club, which is expected to sell-out fast. Tables of 12 are available from £650 or individual tickets are £65 per person, with the opportunity to meet the man himself. To book your place, visit www.ticketbomb.co.uk or www. kkongevents.co.uk

LEICESTER CHARITY CALLS ON LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR SUPPORT

WIN AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO AT H NORTH North Bar and Kitchen is bringing the charm and elegance of the quintessentially English custom of Afternoon Tea to Hinckley Road.

Visitors will be able to tuck in to a traditional selection of finger sandwiches, cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a choice of tea of coffee, or even a sparkling afternoon tea which comes with a glass of champagne.

Owner Sally Davis said “While we are contemporary in style, we’re keen to inject a bit of nostalgia into the North Bar experience by introducing traditional afternoon tea. Anyone who is a fan of this nostalgic treat will love our selection of homemade cakes and scones, which are a real indulgence, along with our carefully curated sandwich fillings. We’re also adding a touch of glamour to the afternoon tea revival with a hint of fizz – perfect for anyone looking for a special treat.”

Soft Touch Arts has launched its Brick in the Wall campaign, which aims to raise £5,000 towards its £30,000 target to purchase much needed equipment and finishing work ahead of the official opening of its new £1.1 million Youth Arts & Heritage Centre at 50 New Walk by the Earl of Wessex. Companies are being asked to help put another brick in the wall by donating £200 towards the cause in return for a permanent presence within the new arts centre.

Business and Strategic Director of Soft Touch Arts, Christina Wigmore, said: “In return for their generosity and support, local businesses will have their logo permanently installed within our centre, which will be seen by many visitors for years to come.”

Soft Touch Arts is moving into 50 New Walk in order to expand its creative projects, which include art and crafts, music, fashion, cooking, film, photography and the performing arts. The new facilities will include a healthy eating kitchen, multi-sensory project and performance and exhibition space, a craft and textile room, music rehearsal and recording studios, digital production suites, a craft and textile studio and a sculpture garden as well as improved disabled access.

To be part of the Brick in the Wall campaign please contact Christina Wigmore on 0116 270 2706 chris@soft-touch.org.uk or go to www.soft-touch.org.uk 12 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Afternoon tea is available at North from Wednesday to Saturday, between 2pm and 5pm and priced at £10.50 per person for the tradtional afternoion tea and £17.50 per person for the sparkling afternoon tea.

Booking is essential.

WIN!

We have a Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two to give away, for your chance to win visit www.dluxe-magazine. co.uk and click on competitions.

North Bar & Kitchen is open 11.30 to close, Wednesday to Friday and 10.30am to close, Saturday and Sunday. Call 0116 2255961 or visit northbarandkitchen.co.uk. You can find them on facebook and twitter, just search for northbarandkitchen/ northbarkitchen

WAS YOURS A H O L I DAY ROMANCE OR HEARTBREAK HOTEL? You probably won’t be surprised to hear that January is the busiest month for divorce applications. After all, Christmas can strain the happiest of marriages. But did you know that annual holidays can be just as bad?

Marriages can linger on because you manage to lead separate lives the rest of the year, but the enforced proximity of two weeks together, 24 hours a day, can signal the demise of an ailing relationship.

Many couples hold things together over the school holidays for the sake of the children but decide to divorce when they go back to school.

SECOND BUSIEST E TH W O N IS ER NS SEPTEMB RCE APPLICATIO O IV D R FO MONTH So, if you spent your holiday counting the days until you came home, avoiding intimacy, rowing, ignoring each-other or worse, it might be time to take positive steps to a happier future.

To help you explore your options Emery Johnson Astills offer simple, straightforward advice in a friendly, supportive environment.

Heading our family team is Emma Mitchell, Leicestershire’s Lawyer of the Year 2014 and our

professional experience shows that the best outcome is often achieved through negotiation.

That’s why Emery Johnson Astills provides specialist family lawyers trained in Collaborative Law to help reach a sensible and practical solution that you both agree is ‘fair’.

As experts in this field, we know only too well that not all ex-partners will be reasonable. So, if the going gets tough, we can provide powerful advocacy to fight your corner.

And we don’t just provide legal representation…

We take a holistic approach to divorce because we can understand how a relationship breakdown can impact unexpected areas of your life, including self-confidence.

SO IF THIS HOLIDAY WAS THE LAST STRAW, CONTACT US FOR SOME EXPERT, CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE AND PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL SUPPORT.

0116 255 48 55

www.johnsonastills.com

3-5 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 7AD and Woodgate Chambers, 70 Woodgate, Loughborough, LE11 2TZ

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KEEP THE CORK AND TREASURE THE MEMORY We love the idea behind this, the Bubbly Bauble. An original and thoughtful gift that is truly one to keep, the Bubbly Bauble is designed to house and showcase the cork that released the Champagne bubbles in celebration of one of life's big events. Wedding, engagement, new baby, graduation... the kind of event you'll want to remember.

For that next Champagne occasion, don't just drop the cork into a drawer to be forgotten; pop it inside the glass Bubbly Bauble with the personally penned scroll to record your memory before displaying it each year on your Christmas tree.

Available in green, pink or gold and with the option to have it personally engraved, it’s much more thoughtful than gift vouchers; why not chuck a bottle of fizz in too for good measure?

The Bubbly Bauble is priced at just £19.99 and is available from www.bubblybauble.co.uk

Egypt’s secrets come to New Walk Museum The secret world of the ancient Egyptians is revealed at Leicester’s New Walk Museum & Art Gallery with more than 150 items – including mummies, coffins, sculptures and jewellery brought together in an interactive exhibition that will shed new light on an ancient civilisation.

‘Secret Egypt: Unravelling Truth from Myth’ uses archaeological and scientific evidence to explore how the pyramids were constructed, how the bodies of people and animals were mummified, and how much of what we think we know about this ancient civilisation is simply modern myth.

Matthew Constantine, collections, interpretation and learning manager for Leicester Arts and Museums Service, said: “We are really pleased to be able to bring this exhibition to New Walk Museum.

“It nicely complements our permanent Egyptian gallery, providing more fantastic ancient objects for people to see – and encouraging visitors to think differently about this fascinating ancient civilisation.”

‘Secret Egypt: Unravelling Truth from Myth’ runs until 27 September and admission to the exhibition is free. Find out more at www.visitleicester.info

Derren brown at dmh The multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion is back at De Montfort Hall with a brand new one-man show, Miracle, from the 29th June to the 4th July.

Having confessed that performing live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren is once again looking forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the world’s most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control.

This will be Derren’s seventh show since 2003. Since then he has toured every year and been watched by an estimated audience of over one and a half million people. He has won two prestigious Olivier Awards, for Something Wicked This Way Comes (2006) and Svengali (2012). His last show, Infamous was universally acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.

Tickets are priced from £36.50 and are still available at www.demontforthall.co.uk 14 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Wines & Spirits

Our wines and spirits are chosen with care and love and represent some of the best independent producers and vineyards in the world, made by people with passion and able to purchase from our shop, or enjoy in our Bar.

Shop

Within our beautiful boutique-style shop, you’ll find something for everyone: novice to connoisseur and for every occasion and budget. If you can’t see it here, tell us and we’ll source it for you.

Cocktails

Leicester’s cocktail culture needs their supplies from somewhere and we are the go-to for all your mixology needs. From muddlers to spirits with a twist, we have all the right ingredients.

Private Parties

Quaint, quirky and beautifully restored, the entire building (or parts) can be for your sole use and is the perfect, creative space for any corporate event or private party.

The Gallery

Our new intimate gallery is the perfect place to hire for an exhibition, event or private party. With natural light, white walls and stripped oak floors, The Gallery is the blank canvas on which to create your perfect event.

wines, spirits and event gallery

Shop & Bar

Now Open 11am-7pm (Mon to Thur) and 11am-Midnight (Friday/Saturday) The Case Shop & Bar, 22 Millstone Lane, Old Town, Leicester, LE1 5JN. Tel 0116 262 5567

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New Set Menus Mean Offers ‘Affordable Luxury Every Day’ at The White Peacock

* S** S RE acockor P e OP hite PJuly f a n T S W 2nd e t ’ : ping *** p r

e ed Th day a b a sto s C w h e m rse r n i o u Jo Th c k f sh t , t cou er on a c o g o e n six 45 p ‘P e e n i n a i n m d a st £ u e v t e r t ls an or j ! n f i n o a t e all pers ck co nume With a choice of menus starting at only £14.95 for a two course lunch, The White Peacock is making luxury dining affordable every day of the week. From Sunday brunch to a working lunch; an a la carte experience to their highly regarded 6 and 8 course taster menus, there is something for every occasion and at a price that won’t break the bank.

The precision and quality doesn’t just start in the kitchen either as award-winning Chef Patron Phil Sharpe ensures ingredients are of the finest standard, locally sourced (where possible) and seasonal. This attention to detail is clearly evidenced in the elegant menu as seasonal ingredients are matched with contemporary twists, such as tonka bean and parma violet! The emphasis is always, however, on immensely accomplished and supremely edible dining.

Whether you are looking for a convenient stop for an impromptu meal or the perfect venue for occasions such as summer graduations, The White Peacock offers a unique experience at a price you and your wallet will love.

To find out more visit www.the-white-peacock.co.uk, or call 0116 254 7663, The White Peacock, 14-16 King St, Leicester. LE1 6RJ.

SUMMER READS, JUST PERFECT FOR THE BEACH THE SHEPHERD’S CROWN -TERRY PRATCHETT

THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE- PATRICK NESS,

EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - NICOLA YOON

GO

The late, great Terry Pratchett’s latest Discworld offering has had fans old and young waiting in anticipation since its completion last summer, and it’s finally here. No surprise that the incredibly talented and intelligent Pratchett delivers another fantastic and magical story, well worthy of the wait and of his undeniable genius.

Imagine being allergic to the outside world. No physical contact. No life. Unable to leave your own house. That is the life of Madeline Whittier, until a new boy next door moves in and threatens to tear down the walls she’s built up around her body, and her heart. A tale of love and heartbreak centred on an extraordinary girl.

A GAME FOR ALL THE FAMILY -SOPHIE HANNAH, A modern story with a gothic tone. This psychological thriller is full of shocking twists and turns that will keep you feeling sufficiently, and deliciously, uneasy throughout. The Times calls this “unmissable”, and we’re partial to agree.

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A book which questions our sense of identity, our struggles to achieve our potential and the importance of finding the extraordinary in ordinary life. Patrick Ness at his finest, a beautiful and compelling novel full of valuable life lessons.

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A book the world almost never got to read; the manuscript found 50 years after it was penned by the legendary Author of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel is set in the mid-1950s and features many of the places and characters from the original. We could well have another masterpiece on our hands with this one.

THE TAMING OF THE QUEEN – PHILIPPA GREGORY

Why would a woman marry a serial killer? Because she cannot refuse… The story of Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow in a secret affair with a new lover, has no choice when a man old enough to be her father who has buried four wives - King Henry VIII - commands her to marry him.

Seasonal

SUMMER TRENDS

entertaining

Enhance your outdoor living space with stylish al fresco furniture at Leekes.

Accompany with accessories in bright hues and serve up in style with our floral range of picnicware – perfect for summer soirées.

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

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Al fresco

SUPERVET NOEL FITZPATRICK

NOEL FITZPATRICK MODESTLY SHRUGS OFF HIS ‘SUPERVET’ TITLE - BUT HE'S CERTAINLY A HERO TO OUR NATION'S PETS. DLUXE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM AHEAD OF SUPERVET LIVE,

The busy vet doesn't find time to keep up with his social media - “I will give a message to my secretary to put on Facebook but have never actually looked at the site in my life," he admits - which means he didn't quite fathom the nationwide effect that The Supervet had on the outside world until he first attended the London Pet Show.

Noel Fitzpatrick knew that veterinary medicine was his calling from an early age. Growing up on a rural farm in Northern Ireland, animals were his first friends. Today, running a successful practise in Surrey and at the helm of TV show The Supervet, he still adores his four legged companions. “I much prefer spending time in the company of animals really because they don’t judge you,” he says.

“They allow you to be yourself, they give unconditional love - and most human being are incapable of love without conditions.”

“I only see people come to me with sick animals trying to help them, usually in a state of distress or upset, I don’t really see people who tell you anything about the difference that you hope to make in the real world.”

By age 11, Fitzpatrick was coming to realise that animals weren't being given a fair deal. "I was looking at how humanity had got so much from animals over the years ... every single drug or implant we ever get has to go through animal testing first. It struck me as totally unfair, that animals would give their lives to serve humanity as clinical animals while animals in the UK as pets do not have that technology coming back in their direction."

Determined to give back, Fitzpatrick set up the Humanimal Trust, the running of which he calls his life's goal. "It's about bringing the technology that animals gave us back to help them. It's about funding projects that help study diseases that attacks both humans and animals - if you fund research that helps a dog and a human at the same time then that’s far superior to giving a rabbit cancer to study cancer in humans.

"We want to protect habitats better and preserve life on Earth and look after animals and humans that are going to be affected by bugs, and that feeds into conservation medicine and the protection of species."

Supporting his Trust is hard work - even more so when he’s also operating on patients into the early hours. Fitzpatrick sleeps at the surgery at least a few nights a week, and rarely leaves his practise and his furry inpatients for long. For Supervet Live however, he'll make an exception.

"The Supervet Live Tour is lovely because people want to be there to rejoice in life. And it’s full of living creatures sharing that with human beings who only want three things really; something to love, some health, and something to look forward to."

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“It was actually very moving,” he says with a smile. “It was the first time I’d interacted with real people – i.e. not my nurses or colleagues here – who had actually seen the show. It was really wonderful. The first lady who came up was in a wheelchair. She said she was effectively housebound and that the show kept her company … I only see people come to me with sick animals trying to help them, usually in a state of distress or upset, I don’t really see people who tell you anything about the difference that you hope to make in the real world.”

Fitzpatrick will be taking to the stage for Supervet Live sponsored

by Eukanuba, discussing advances in the veterinary profession, as well as recounting heart-warming success stories from the TV show.

The tour is set to reach the midlands in late autumn with a show at the National Pet Show sponsored by www.gocompare.com at the NEC, Birmingham from the 7th – 8th November.

“Supervet Live is about interacting with the people who want to experience that uplifting joy that a companion animal brings into your life, whether that’s a rabbit, cat or dog … I believe we have a moral responsibility as a society to look after animals. The London Pet Show, though undoubtedly it’s a commercial event for those exhibiting, for me it’s more a physical representation of what’s in my heart and being a vet."

NOEL FITZPATRICK WILL BE PRESENTING SUPERVET LIVE SPONSORED BY EUKANUBA AT THE NATIONAL PET SHOW SPONSORED BY GOCOMPARE.COM AT THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM FROM THE 7TH – 8TH NOVEMBER. WWW.NATIONALPETSHOW.COM

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SUMMER SOCIETY If your diary is fit to burst this summetime you’ll need to make sure you have the perfect dress for every occasion. Here’s our choice of some this summer’s mosty stylish dresses; print or plain, the choice is yours.

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1. Principles by Ben De lisi £58 Debenhams, Highcross 2. Ted Baker Micrcana Dress £229, 3. Alice + Olivia printed satin mini dress, £365, 4. Nieve Printed Dress £169, Reiss, Highcross 5. Pencil Cotton Dress, Lemon Zest £65, Oasis, Highcross, 6. Floral Shift Dress £340, BOSS 7.

Outfit by French Connection, 8. RED Valentino pleated mini dress, £355. 9.Ted Baker Eebrr skater dress -£129 at House of Fraser, 10. Biba Gold Teal silk dress with feather trim £293 at House of Fraser, 11. Coast Lori Issy Dress £125, John Lewis, 12. Ascot dress £220, Jellyrolls Ladieswear13. Lilac ‘Lilly’ jacquard shift dress £150, Linea House of Fraser,

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THE WHITE PEACOCK

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14-16 King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RJ 0116 254 7663

Early Diners enjoy 2 courses for just £19.95 Monday to Friday, 5-7pm

Sunday Brunch 2 course gourmet brunch the last Sunday of every month.

For reservations, information and general enquiries email enquiries@the-white-peacock.co.uk

www.the-white-peacock.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 21

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COSTUME CONFIDENTIAL

OH, TO BE ON THE BEACH! LONG DAYS LOUNGING BY THE OCEAN OR CHILLING BY THE POOL ARE WHAT GETS MANY OF US THROUGH THE DAY TO DAY BUT ALL THAT FUN IN THE SUN IS NOT WITHOUT ITS DRAWBACKS: YES IT’S TIME TO FLASH SOME FLESH AND CHOOSE SOME APPROPRIATE SUMMER SWIMWEAR. FEAR NOT, THE EXPERTS AT MIRACLE SUIT HAVE THE PERFECT ADVICE SO YOU CAN MATCH YOUR SWIMWEAR TO SHAPE LEAVING YOU CONFIDENT IN YOUR COSTUME AND READY TO HIT THE BEACH. be achieved by choosing a swimsuit with pattern, embellishment or shirring detail to the lower part, keeping the top half in a solid colour or less embellished than the lower half. Recommend the Miraclesuit Oceanus www.johnlewis.com

OVAL SHAPED

If you have an oval shaped body then you will have a fuller bust and shoulders and a more rounded waist and hips. We recommend for the shape of the swimsuit a deep V necked style. Also halter neck styles with bust support would suit your shape very well. The bottom should have a fuller coverage. With regard to the fabric, we recommend pattern, shirring or draping in the bust area. This will give the impression of a smaller waistline. For the lower part of the swimsuit we recommend darker or block colour. Recommend the Miraclesuit Sonatina www. simplybeach.com

BOX SHAPED

If you have a box shaped body then your hips, waist and shoulders will all be around the same width.

To simulate a smaller waistline we recommend you look for a swimsuit that has shirring detail around the waist. This will give you a curvier look.

Another good option would be the tankini. If you have a long torso the tankini appears to shorten the torso area. Recommend the Miraclesuit Sanibel www. simplybeach.com

LARGE CUPS

NARROW HIPS

The simple use of a sarong tied over a bikini gives the appearance of wider hips resulting in a more balanced silhouette- see above.

Recommend Rosa Faia sarong www.anita.com

PEAR SHAPED

If you have a pear shaped body then your hips and waist will be wider than your shoulders with your waist being smaller than your hips. If this is you then we recommend that you choose a swimsuit with a pattern, shirring detail or embellishment across the tummy. This will help to define the waistline and balance out the figure. Also a swimsuit which is darker at the bottom will also draw the attention away from the hips and towards the upper body.

Recommend the Miraclesuit Aurora www.monacobeach.co.uk

APPLE SHAPED

If you have an apple shaped body then your shoulders will be broad and your hips small. To balance your figure you should aim to draw attention to your bottom half. This look can 22 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Choose a well-fitting and supportive bikini top, underwired balconette styles are very good to support and shape the bust.

Halter necks can be fine as long as they are not string types which can very easily leave you showing off more than you bargained for! Also avoid large prints which will distort your proportions. Recommend the Rosa Faia Bohemian Glam bikini www. anita.com

WIDE SHOULDERS

A good trick to take the attention off wide shoulders is to choose a well-fitting halter neck bikini or swimsuit. The halter straps create a pleasing ‘v’ around the neck line that serves to draw the eye up and away from the shoulders. If you choose a costume like that pictured from Anita Comfort with multiway straps you can move them around (or lose them altogether) to avoid tan lines once you are settled in your sun lounger. Recommend the Anita Comfort Multiway strap suit www.anita.com

MATERNITY TIP

Tankinis are great for pregnant mums to be who want to soak up the sun on one last holiday before baby comes. They look great and are comfortable to wear as they are not restrictive on the tummy.

A tankini top can easily serve for evening wear by adding a pair of summery trousers in a co-ordinating colour. That means less packing too! Recommend Anita Maternity swimwear www.anita.com

CLUB TROPICANA

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EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH SUMMER’S BRIGHT, MOOD-BOOSTING COLOURS. STATEMENT SHADES OF RED, ORANGE, YELLOW AND BLUE ADD INSTANT WARMTH TO YOUR HOLIDAY MAKEUP BAG. LISA PIDDINGTON REVEALS THE PERFECT PALETTE FOR WARMER CLIMES.

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1. Figleaves Midnight Grace Tiki Padded Halter Top £28, Brief £18 and Tiki Beach Kimono £38 at figleaves.com. 2. M&S Collection £35. 3. Karla Colletto Red Ruched Swimsuit £220, 4. Seafolly Soundwave Tank Swimsuit £88 at figleaves.com. 5. Heidi Klein Abstract print self tie swimsuit £190, 6.Celine Corla cat eye sunglasses £219, 7. Seafolly Kabuki bloom maillot swimsuit £95, House of Fraser, Highcross 8. Miami Plunge Crochet Swimsuit £32. 9. Biarritz Laser etched frill bikini, Boux Avenue. 10. Kurt Geiger Hurb Leather Sandals £ 140, 11. Colourblock Floppy Sunhat £22.00, Accessorize, Highcross.

1: Benefit California Kisses lip shine, £15. 2: Butter London nail lacquer in Thames, £12. 3: Benefit Majorette booster blush, £23.50. 4: Dr Pawpaw tinted ultimate balm, £6.95. 5: Elemis Lime & Ginger body wash, £20. 6: EOS tangerine lip balm, £7.50. 7: NARS eye shadow in Outremer, £18. 8: NARS Matte Multiple in Poppy Red, £30.

9: NARS nail lacquer in Fearless, £15. 10: Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge, £142 (EDP, 50ml). 11: Versace Yellow Diamond Instense EDP, £80 (90ml).

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CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT HAIR FIRST TO BRING OLAPLEX ‘MIRACLE’ PRODUCT TO LEICESTER

America is already agog at Optiplex, a revolutionary new product that is set to take the UK hair market by storm; ever wondered how Kim K got her hair so blonde but kept it healthy? Dluxe Leicestershire & Rutland’s Sarah Potter went to Stoneygate’s Christopher Wright Hair, the first salon in Leicestershire to stock Olaplex, to find out.

Nestled in the heart of Stoneygate Leicester is the creative hubbub of the Christopher Wright hair salon and the home to a product that is nothing short of a miracle. Set to take the beauty industry by storm, Olaplex, a revolutionary mixture that has the ability to protect all types of hair against bleach damage has arrived in the UK, and Christopher Wright has been carefully handpicked - thanks to his links with Aston & Fincher - to be one of the first salons in the UK to stock it, and they’re the exclusive stockist in Leicestershire. Olaplex is a single active ingredient that is mixed with colour, bleach and toners and will reconnect broken disulfide sulfur bonds in the hair, allowing for minimal breakage moving forward. The protection that Olaplex offers is permanent, meaning clients’ hair will retain its strength from the first use.

It is free of silicones, sulfates, phthalates, DEA and aldehydes, which in layman’s terms are all the chemicals that either damage your hair, or mask the damage you’re doing to your hair for a short while. Olaplex can be used for full head colour, highlights, glosses, balayage and toning, and what’s more is that it can be used with 1040 volume bleach, never wavering on it’s level of protection to the hair. With Olaplex you can even use colour directly after relaxing or perming the hair, something which is generally a strict no-no, as these processes normally weaken and damage the bonds of the hair. You can also reach higher levels of lightening and blondes in less sittings without compromising hair condition using this 24 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

wonder product. So if somebody came into the salon and asked for a dramatic blonde transition, with Olaplex that confidence level increases. It can be done without any of the repercussions of just using bleach on it’s own. It’s like hair insurance for clients!

Christopher Wright comments; “I’ve been hairdressing for nearly forty years and it’s very rare that a product comes along and you can see that it’s going to transform the industry: Olaplex

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is one such product. It really is a wonder-product and will offer anyone bleaching or colouring their hair the chance of healthy, shiny hair. We are incredibly excited and very honoured to be the first salon in Leicestershire to offer this treatment”.

This miracle product was the brain child of Dean Christal who had previously been working on a UV-activated silicone that would stay in the hair for up to 25 washes, however wasn’t quite able to nail the chemistry side of it. He then partnered up with Dr Eric Pressly, PHD in materials and Dr Craig Hawker, PHD in chemistry and Olaplex was born. Together, they created one simple concoction that would provide colourists with one simple solution.

When they tested Olaplex, Dean states that “I had a stylist relax a swatch of hair two times, then 40-volume bleach it, then perm it, and the hair was still in good condition. The control sample that had no Olaplex disintegrated halfway through the test. I knew at that point in time that Olaplex would completely change the way hair was chemically treated forever.”

An ambassador in America and celebrity hair colourist Tracey Cunningham swears by Olaplex and uses it on all her clients when they want to be red carpet ready. Her list of leading ladies include the Kardashian sisters, Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow.

So, after having dyed my hair multiple colours and numerous shades of blonde throughout the years, I think I’m well equipped to offer up my judgement on Olaplex. My hair was already quite blonde, and the bleach was taking it’s toll on the ends of my hair, leaving them frayed and fragile.

After a quick consultation with the wonderful hair stylist Mitch, we opted for a lighter, cleaner platinum colour and I am seriously impressed with the results. My hair still felt strong and silky and the most impressive part was that it didn’t have the dreaded ‘candy-floss’ effect when the colour was washed out at the sink! It was true that Olaplex did protect my hair, and the effects have lasted after my departure, with the condition remaining just as strong as that day despite having been washed, blow-dried and straightened at home! It’s safe to say I’m a complete Olaplex convert, and I truly believe that any blonde would think so too.

Christopher Wright Is at 10 Allandale Road, Leicester LE2 2DA .

Tel. 0116 270 7444 www.cwhair.co.uk

MANU JEWELLERY: PERFECT FOR ‘MARBS AND HARBS’ It’s been just over six months since handcrafted jewellery specialists Wilkinson Goldsmiths opened its bejewelled doors on Stoneygate’s leafy Allandale Road, offering bespoke jewellery design services and selling elegant and unique fine jewellery – and they’re already looking ahead and introducing complementary designers and ranges to their shelves.

Stephen Wilkinson, the eponymous Goldsmith behind the shop door – and the man you will often see in the on-site workshop – is on a mission to find unique, quality jewellery for customers old and new, to sell alongside Wilkinson Goldsmith’s design and commission trade.

For Summer 2015, Wilkinson Goldsmiths welcomes Manu Schmuck Jewellery, which is made by hand and sculpted in sterling silver with sandblasted textures, overlaid gold and a diamond or two. It’s been described as “Mini-architecture to be worn on all occasions, with solid elegant curves that make bold, original statements”. Silver isn’t the only material to be used across the Manu Jewellery range; in store you can also see how the designers have used black natural rubber in one Manu-Jewellery necklace.

The piece is quirky, but will be a great Summer statement for those nights out in Marbs, or perhaps a day out in Harbs?

It matters not if necklaces and pendants aren’t your cup of tea, as the ManuJewellery range is full of rings, bangles, bracelets and earrings to tempt you on a treat day. Manu-Jewellery prices start at £100.

Wilkinson Goldsmiths, 4 Allandale Road, Leicester LE2 2DA Tel 0116 2705 375 stephen@wilkinsongoldsmiths.co.uk

Specialising in handcrafted fine jewellery, diamonds and bespoke wedding rings.

Onsite workshop for commissions, repairs and restoration.

High quality silver jewellery.

T E

0116 2705375

enquiries@wilkinsongoldsmiths.co.uk W

wilkinsongoldsmiths.co.uk

4 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, LE2 2DA

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Wherever you’re heading for your summer sojourn make sure you’ve room in your suitcase for the these luxurious travel essentials. JOHN PAUL McGUIRK reveals the products every well groomed chap shouldn;t leave home without.

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9 1: Supercharge your skincare with multivitamins and a shot of natural colour with This Works Energy Bank Sun Flash, £28.

2: Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Face Mist, £23.50, is a comforting toner with a gentle formulation. After application, skin immediately feels awakened and oxygenated with this carefully blended mixture of fruit and plant extracts.

3: Clinically proven to leave your scalp feeling healthier and less itchy, Aveda’s Pureformance Shampoo, £42, certainly deserves its place in your suitcase.

4: Make a fashion statement on the beach with Moschino’s beach towel, £85, featuring the brand’s signature stripes and brights.

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5: Even if you’re not heading off to warmer climes you can still picture holidays in Havana with this Paul Smith wash bag, £125.

6: Perfectly capturing the cool breezes, sparkling clear water and lush foliage of the Italian Rivera, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDP, £142 (50ml), features citrus oils, floral notes and amber undertones.

7: Crème de la Mer’s Reparative Sun Lotion SPF30, £65, offers extensive antiageing benefits, infuses skin with moisture and helps shield it from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Up there with remembering to pack your passport!

8: The sun certainly feels wonderful, but the after-effects may require replenishment and rehydration. La Prairie's Soothing After Sun Mist, £64, naturally calms, soothes and moisturises sun-parched skin.

1. Criminal Photographic print swim short £30 Pineapple print beach towel £25, House of Fraser. 2. Vilebrequin Moorea Swimshorts £195, 3.

Paul Smith Swim Shorts £110 Pilot, 4. Luke-McQueen Clear Sunglasses £70, 5. Navy reversible cotton bucket hat £55, 6. Paul Smith classic stripe swimshorts £89. 7. Gucci Aviator Sunglasses, £220, Cruise. 8.

Boss Black Killifish Swim Shorts, £52, Cruise. 9. SWIMS Navy rubber loafers £105, Pilot, 10. Howick checked swimshorts £30, House of Fraser

9: Designer engraved tips. Gold metallic finish. Green tint lenses ... what more can you ask for from your sunglasses! Cut a dash on the Costas with these super stylish ill.i Optic s by will.i.am, £190.

10: For impeccable sound quality on-the-go, look no further than Bang & Olufsen's BeoPlay H3 headphones, £169. The slick design comes in high on substance, too – they are drilled with 26 ear vents for the most authentic audio. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 27

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COLOUR SPLASH

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GO FOR BOLD THIS SUMMER AND INJECT SOME PRIMARY COLOUR INTO YOUR WARDROBE. FROM ACCESORIES TO SWIMSHORTS, IT’S TIME TO MAKE IT POP.

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1. Blue Harbour Contrast Trim Baseball Cap £15 Marks and Spencers, 2. Yellow Medium Case £69, Debenhams, Highcross 3. Because I’m Worth It T Short £40, Luke 1977, Highcross 4. Shirt £160 Marc by Marc Jacobs, , 5. DSQUARED² White printed cotton T-shirt £125, 6. Y3 Yohji Flip Flops, £65, Cruise 7. North Coast Sunglasses £15 Marks and Spencers, 8. Premium Water Polo Short Superdry, Highcross, 9. Chino shorts £26 Next, 10. Blue Harbour Shoes £59 Marks and Spencers, 11. Buff Stripe Polo £35 White Stuff, 12. Azure leather bomber £725 Alexander Mcqueen, 13. Woven rubber sliders £115 Adidas X Raf Simons, Cruise.

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Weekly Cosmetic Clinic from Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery and would like to take the first step, come and meet one of our experts for a complimentary chat at our dedicated cosmetic clinic, open every week. Our Consultant Plastic Surgeons will go through everything with you - discussing your options, answering your questions and deciding what’s right for you. You will also have the opportunity to meet with a specially-trained cosmetic nurse and tour our state-of-the-art facilities. Appointments are also available at our cosmetic clinic for any non-surgical procedure you may need.

Nuffield Health offer a range of cosmetic surgery procedures including, but not limited to: • Breast Augmentation

• Liposuction

• Eyelid surgery

• Rhinoplasty

• Facelift

• Tummy tuck

Non-Surgical Procedures include: • Acne treatment

• Pigmentation

• Hair removal

• Thread vein removal

• Muscle injections

• Tissue filler injections

Call one of our friendly customer service advisors to book a complimentary 10 minute advice session with one of our Consultants:

0116 274 3755 leicester.enquiry@nuffieldhealth.com

* Initial consultation(s), diagnostic scans/tests and investigations required to establish a diagnosis are not part of your procedure price.** Not including Private Patient Units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of your chosen Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. *** Where necessary, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required. Where a prosthesis is required for your procedure, this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s expected prosthesis lifetime.

Clinically required indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of your condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of your procedure. The Nuffield Health Promise applies for patients paying for themselves and excludes fertility services.

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Choosing the right luggage for you Looking for a new suitcase for your next trip away? With so many luggage options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Leicester’s luggage and leather specialist Cellini offers its top tips on how to choose the most appropriate luggage for your journey.

If you’re flying to your destination, be aware of the airline’s restrictions on the weight and size of your baggage to avoid those pricey excess luggage charges. The weight of your luggage is largely affected by what material it is made from.

Hard outer shells offer the best protection for any fragile items you might be packing. However, these tend to be heavier, which could limit how much you can pack if travelling by plane.

Soft outer shells are the most lightweight and expandable, but your contents, and the luggage itself, will be more vulnerable to damage.

Most manufacturers produce suitcases with four wheels that allow 360° rolling for easy manoeuvrability on smooth surfaces. However, if you’re going to be pulling your suitcase across rougher grounds, two-wheeled cases with larger wheels can be easier to control.

Make sure the handle extends to a length that is comfortable for you and also locks down fully so it won’t get damaged. Look for luggage with smaller grip handles on the sides for easier lifting, and even if it doesn’t match your outfit, a bright suitcase will be far easier to spot on an airport carousel!

A long warranty is a good indication that the manufacturer believes in its product. It’s more cost effective to invest in quality luggage, as it will last you for years to come. Brands such as American Tourister, Knomo and Samsonite are all good choices.

And last but not least, remember to always try before you buy to ensure that you can pull and lift the suitcase easily and comfortably.

Cellini is at 6 Hotel Street, Leicester LE1 5AW, Tel 0116 251 8612

BEACHbody READY?

So we're in the sixth month of the year and your summer holiday is within touching distance. But those resolutions you made back in January to have the kind of sculpted body Greg Rutherford would high-five you for have fallen a little short...

Fear not as we’ve come up with an exercise plan designed to give real world results and help get you back on track in time for your travels. Perform these in a circuit fashion; one exercise after another and only rest after you have done them all once. Repeat three times.

1. Glute bridge - Lie on your back with knees bent. Feet and knees slightly apart pull the core tight and push through your heels and lift your glutes off the floor. Perform 3 sets x12.

2. Side Plank - Lie on your side and come up onto one knee and elbow. Make sure the hips are lifted and the core is engaged, and hang tight for 30-60 seconds.

3. Plank - Lie face down with your forearms on the floor and hands clasped. Extend the legs behind the body and rise up on the toes.

Keeping the back straight, tighten the core and hold the position for 30-60 seconds.

4. Mountain climbers - Start holding a press up position with a neutral spine lift one knee up to the chest with the foot off the floor.

Return to start position and alternate legs. 3x10 (each leg) 5. Wide stance Squats - Keep heels flat bend the knees, push your knees out and bum back until you are as low as you can go. Push back up through the heels of the feet. 3x12 6. Split squats - Put one foot in front of the other. Lower your back knee to an inch off the floor and the front foot flat. Push back up through the front foot. Swap legs and go again. 3x12 (each leg) 7. Shoulder Stabilization Series (T, Y, I) - Lie face down with your forehead on the floor. Arms out wide, palms facing the floor. Lift your hands of the floor and squeeze shoulders off the floor. Moving them above your head make a T, Y and I. Return to start position and go again. 3x10 8. Wall Sit - Slowly slide down a wall until the thighs are parallel to the ground. Make sure the knees are directly above the ankles and keep the back straight and as flat against the wall as possible.

Go for 20-60 seconds per set (or however long it takes to turn those legs to jelly).

Before undertaking exercise or any lifestyle changes always consult a healthcare expert.

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SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND? The barber’s shop has always played an important part in the fabric of British culture. The Barber’s Lounge at Barrie Stephen’s King Street salon embodies the traditional barbershop atmosphere and gives men that classic space to visit, make themselves at home in and leave with a great professional, on-trend haircut or a luxurious wet shave.

Master barber Michael Palmer heads up the Barrie Stephen Barber’s Lounge team, representing Leicester’s very own little piece of retro barbershop glamour and talks us through the allimportant Barber’s Lounge experience at King Street….

How did you get into the barbering industry?

Men’s hairdressing has always been my thing. I was drawn by the fast pace and how I could really express myself. I began to train in a classic style of men’s hairdressing and took courses whilst working in a barbershop in Nuneaton. I loved it and knew it was the right path for me to take and in June 2014 I moved to work at Barrie Stephen Hair.

Why do you think the idea of the ‘traditional barber’ is coming back?

Men can’t get enough of that traditional experience. A space that is just for them – we make it easy but classy – walk in appointments but luxury touches of posh coffee and cold beers in the fridge. ‘Traditional barber’ is all about spending that little bit of quality time to give the client some care and a good experience.

Are there any big trends you’re seeing in men’s hairdressing coming through this year?

We’re seeing a move away from strong razor work and heavily gelled looks with a push towards a natural, more textured look with a little more length.

Think 90’s-chic and the return of curtains!

What are your top products for men?

We love Eufora products in The Barber’s Lounge. The Eufora ‘Exceptional Shave’ gel is an amazing all-round product that works great both pre, during and after a shave! It works great for sensitive skin and tough beards. With the more natural trends appearing, we’re enjoying using lightweight products at the moment such as moulding pastes and blow dry creams to keep some movement and body.

Tell us a bit about the concept of the Barber Lounge- where it came from, how it works, services offered The Barber’s Lounge is very much New York inspired, bringing back the rich and traditional history of the great British barbershop The private club feel is luxe; red snakeskin leather chairs, rustic looking wooden shelving, a fully stocked fridge with chilled beer. It has that old school barbers feel with a modern and edgy twist, which people love. It started out as a walk-in only service but due to its popularity and loyal following, the option to book 30 minute appointment slots was soon introduced. It’s quick enough to be an efficient service but it’s long enough to be able to spend quality time making the client feel good. We offer beard trims, wet shaves and a deluxe wash and cut service. Our £350 a year for unlimited access to Barber’s Lounge services has gone down a storm!

What services are most popular in the Barber’s Lounge?

We see 25-30 beard trims a week. A lot of men also come in for a 30 minute dry cut. Both services are quick and slick but leave a man looking and feeling his best for the rest of the day.

What are the benefits of the in-salon shave?

It’s closer, cooler and classy! Men can come in, sit back with a beer and relax knowing that they can rely on the Barrie Stephen name to deliver a close shave with the ultimate care. It’s a great feeling. It’s good to have more men in the salon and that separation of the barbers and the hairdressers gives men their own space to go and be looked after every now and then!

MICHAEL’S TREND PREDICTIONS This curtained look is a prime example of what’s coming next in terms of men’s hair trends. This look is the more natural and relaxed direction that the styles are heading towards. We’ve seen the huge return of beards and facial hair and now men seem to be letting their hair grow out a little more too.

The emphasis will be on a little more length and fuss-free flicks.

This is a strong look that has retained popularity since the 1920’s and 1930’s. That slicked back and cut-in side parting looks smart yet still has that slightly retro edge that means it’ll suit any man of any style! It’s an old classic that’s going nowhere.

The Barbers Lounge is at Barrie Stephen Hair, King Street, Leicester. Tel 0844 445 2888 or visit www.barriestephenhair.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 31

dluxe family

WITH THE LONG SUMMER HOLIDAYS AHEAD AND THE PROMISE OF GOOD WEATHER, THERE ARE PLENTY OF EXCITING THINGS TO SEE AND DO AROUND LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. WHETHER YOU’RE INTO ADVENTURE PACKED DAYS OUT, TRIPS BACK IN TIME OR CULTURED OUTDOOR FESTIVALS, YOU’RE SPOILT FOR CHOICE THIS SUMMER! BY SHANNON CAREY. JOUSTING AND MEDIEVAL HISTORY VILLAGE,

KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE,

Become a member of the Middle Ages with a visit to the historic Rockingham Castle and a spot of jousting between the Knights of the Nottingham and the Oxford Household, in full battle armour, as the audience cheer on from the side-lines. There will also be fireeating displays, a court jester, plus plenty of stories to teach visitors the traditions of the medieval period. You’re sure to feel like you’ve been transported in time with this special event, with the added bonus of the beautiful Rockingham Castle grounds to behold.

It really has been Leicester’s year in the spotlight and the King Richard III Visitor Centre is the perfect chance to re-visit the story and learn the history behind the last English king to be killed in battle. Standing on the area where his remains were buried, a glass floor allows visitors to see the burial site up close. Other highlights include a lifelike model of the King himself, alongside replicas related to Richard’s reign and real artefacts from the burial site, providing an interesting history lesson for visitors.

SUMMER FANTASIA,

STONEHURST FAMILY FARM,

An evening of musical pieces from all your favourite films, including Matilda, Gladiator and children’s favourite Frozen, this event at the De Monfort Hall promises to be magical. Performed by the Leicester Symphony Orchestra and the Leicester Philharmonic Choir, special guest include two local Leicestershire school choirs, allowing the audience to watch some of the young musical talent from the region. There will be music to suit all ages with the likes of Disney, Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Giuseppe Verdi within the evening’s programme for an exciting opportunity to hear these popular classical songs played live.

Get a true taste for the countryside with a visit to the working Stonehurst Family Farm and its range of farmyard animals. And this farm lets you do more than just see the animals: you can help collect the chicken eggs, watch a cow being milked up close and even hold one of the baby animals to get a real feel of farm life. Take a trip to the tea shops for lunch or the motor museum once you’ve had your fill of the animals, you can also enjoy a tractor ride and a visit to the straw ban to round off your visit,

Rockingham Castle in Market Harborough, 21st June

De Monfort Hall, 20th June

Open from 10am until 4pm across the summer

Mountsorrel. Open from 9.30am to 5pm across the summer

Leicester City Centre, 22nd – 31st August

LEICESTER OUTDOOR LEISURE PURSUITS CENTRE, from 9am to 6pm across the summer

If you want to add some action into your holidays look no further than the Leicester Outdoor Leisure Pursuits Centre. The centre offers a range of adventurous activities, including abseiling, kayaking, air rifle shooting, fencing and many more! There are also environmental studies and bush craft lessons for those who want something a little less dangerous or wanting to learn the key survival skills needed in the wild. The activities suit several different ages, with experienced staff members there to help you feel comfortable, and the centre has been registered with OFSTED, making it the perfect location for a family day out.

THE VICTORY SHOW,

Foxlands Farm, Cosby, Leicestershire, 5th – 6th September

Commemorate the Second World War with a late summer trip to the Victory Show, held in a 100 acre farm site in Cosby. There will be many war-related activities on throughout the course of the weekend, with highlights including tank rides, re-enactment camps and air displays. There will also be a 1940’s themed Dinner Dance on the Saturday night, as well as a range of stalls present across the two days for those wishing to find some war related memorabilia. Expect real-life soldiers, nostalgia and stories a plenty this weekend, making for an enthralling and impressive weekend this summer.

Taking place in the core of the city, this festival promises to provide ten days of fun and exciting events that all the family can get involved in. Encompassing a wide range of interests, from sports and Leicester heritage to arts and music, the festival provides a range of attractions to look forward to. Highlights include the Leicester Belgrave Mela, celebrating the South Asian culture of the city, and the Cosmopolitan Carnival, providing some colourful entertainment moving through the streets. There will also be children’s activities available across the festival, and the event is sure to make you proud to be from Leicestershire.

AVALANCHE ADVENTURE,

Market Harborough, open from 7.30am to 8pm across the summer

TWINLAKES THEME PARK,

Melton Mowbray, open from 10am across the summer Take the whole family out for a day of rides and sunshine at Melton Mowbray’s Twinlakes Theme Park, which boasts 70 acres of amusements, from speeding rollercoasters to play zones for younger guests. Rollerblading rinks, a water park and bird of prey centre also appear alongside the rides, meaning there will be something to take your fancy whether you are a thrill-seeker or not. Expect further excitement with the appearance of children’s favourite Peppa Pig on the 19th August and superstar gigantic robot Titan on the 31st, perfect for a family photo opportunity for your day out!

If you’re a fan of high energy, action packed activities, Avalanche Adventure might just be the place for you this summer. Whether you want to have an hour of quad-biking, paintballing or gliding, the attraction houses a range of popular activities to fill up your summer days.

You can even drive a Land Rover across muddy and uneven terrains like a real life action hero or experience the phenomenon of flight with a try at the Hovercraft experience on offer. Choose from any one of the activities, or buy a special combined package to make it a real adventure day out.

OUTDOOR THEATRE,

Bradgate Park, across the summer Make your theatre trip a little different this summer with various productions being held outdoors at Bradgate Park. The plays on show include: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the 21st June, Rudyard Kiplings’ The Jungle Book on the 19th July and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice on the 9th August. With all of the productions taking place in the Bradgate Castle ruins, this is the perfect combination of theatre and nature, sure to bring each of the plays even more to life for viewers, as well as delivering some fantastic performances of classic works from leading theatre companies.

For more fun activities over the summer visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 33

dluxefamily

CITY FESTIVAL,

dluxe family

Too cool for school

Schools out for summer which means 8 weeks without a uniform. It’s time to think on your fashion feet , here’s our choice of looks for long summer holidays.

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FOR THE BOYS

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PRINTED SHIRTS Layer with T shirts for a casual look up buttoned up for a smart casual look- the key is in the print.

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SLOGAN T’S Make a statement, the slogan T speaks volumes about you and your style.

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CHINOS Jeans are for kids!

T h e ultimate smart casual style statement; team with a p r i n t e d shirt to complete the cool look.

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1. Outfits from Matalan, 2. next Navy printed shirt, 3. next Tan printed shirt, 4. F & F Printed Shirt £, 5. Marks and Spencers Sweatshirt £12, 6 Paul Smith T shirt, £40, Jellyrolls, 7. Slogan T Shirts, Next £, 8 Tan Chino Shorts Next £, 9 F & F skull T shirt £, 10. Marks and Spencers Shorts £9, 11. Outfit by F7F, 12. Balloon dress, Next £, 13. Sakter Dress, Getthelabel.com £, Floral dress, Marks and Spncers £14, 15. Floral dungarees, Next £, 16. Two Peice, Monsson, £, 17. Floral Cap, Marks and Spencers, 18. Blue T shirt, Marks and Spencers £12, 19. Floral Backpack, Marks and Spencers £, 20 Floral Headband, Next, £

L i L D e v i u s at J e l ly r o l l s Having embraced spring summer 2015 with open arms and a big yes please, LiL Devius launches its debut summer warm up collection at Jellyrolls, Leicester. The collection is a mix of edgy striking jersey wear for boys that is equally embraced by girls.

LiL Devius acts as an antidote to the standard twee kidswear usually found in the mainstream stores and offers a grown up feel and high fashion edge for a look that says ‘I'm brave, I'm smart, I'm ready to take on the world, I'm your future and I mean Business!’

Keep a close eye for new additions such as beanies, full tracksuits and Limited edition sweatshirts.

See the range at Jellyrolls, High Street, Leicester.

Tel: 0116 251 9500 or visit www.jellyrollskidswear.com 34 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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FOR THE GIRLS

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BRIGHT PRINTS Whether it’s on jeans, leggings, dresses or skirts, brightly coloured prints are everywhere this summer.

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BREEZY BLUES Perfect for laid back beach days… pale blue hues and floaty whites are the stuff of dreams.

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FLORAL ACCESSORIES From top to toe, floral accessories are well and truly in. Fun jewellery, headbands are footwear with a floral theme are a must!

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dluxe living m a k e

MALKIY SOFA £5,300 WWW.BRABBU.COM

L e t ’s

All product available from House of Fraser 36 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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As th gets e evenin h g gard otter, it’s t s grow l en in o to anhe perfec nger an e x tensi t time t d the w Kitsc o on of e h ou your renovate ather td and living y colou oor acc esso spac our your rful r e. i ki e o back wn paratchenwa s, luxury r door , ju dise ou e help seating summst in timtside of create yo e er ba rbecu for tha ur t e.

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1. next Bright retro bulbs £30, 2. Cuckooland Landhaus Original Bird House in Yellow £24.95, 3. Marks and Spencer Katerini Table and 4 Chairs £599, 4. Debenhams Abigail Ahern Edition Lantern £28, 5. next PVC bunting £12, 6.Tesco Small Charcoal Bucket BBQ Orange £10, 7. Marks and Spencers Ancient Deck Chair Blue Mix £69, 8. Oliver Bonas Turquoise Beach Speakers £36, 9. Amara Hang-In-Out - Single Cacoon - Turquoise £225, 10. House of Fraser Fish melamine from £5, 11. Oliver Bonas Picnic Blanket £45, 12, Occa Home Skagerak Sambito Hammock £109. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 37

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GARDEN GAMES The garden doesn’t just have to be for sunbathing this summer. Turn your lawn into a playground and provide some much deserved fun in the sun for the entire family with these outdoor games, no matter what your age.

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1. Notonthehighstreet.com Gigantic Garden Pick Up Sticks - £24.90. 2. Great Little Trading Co Crazy Golf - £25, www.gltc.co.uk, 3. Notonthehighstreet.com Garden Tumble Tower - £50, 4. Great Little Trading Co Giant Snakes and Ladders - £42, www.gltc.co.uk, 5. Great Little Trading Co Tin Can Alley - £17.50, www.gltc. co.uk, 6. Dotcomgiftshop Boomerang - £4.95, www.dotcomgiftshop.com, 7. Dobbies Trampoline - £44.99, Dobbies Garden Centre, 8. Ellie Ellie Traditional Wooden Rounders - £34.50, www.ellieellie.com, 9. Laura Ashley SS15 Croquet Set - £40, www.lauraashley.com, 10. Aspace Sack Race - £20, www.aspace.co.uk, 11.

Notonthehighstreet.com Limbo - £30, 12. Great Little Trading Co Target Toss - £20, www.gltc.co.uk 38 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

TRISHA PARMAR IS A SOLICITOR AT EMERY JOHNSON ASTILLS, ONE OF LEICESTERSHIRE’S LEADING LEGAL PRACTICES WITH AWARD WINNING SOLICITORS WORKING ACROSS ALL AREAS OF LAW INCLUDING CRIMINAL DEFENCE, FAMILY LAW, SOCIAL CARE, WILLS & PROBATE AND CONVEYANCING WITH BRANCHES IN LEICESTER CITY CENTRE, LOUGHBOROUGH AND COALVILLE. HAVING BEEN WITH THEM FOR 6 YEARS TRISHA COMPLETED HER TRAINING AT THE FIRM AND HAS ENJOYED A VARIETY OF ROLES WITHIN THE TEAM, ONE THING HAS BEEN CONSTANT HOWEVER: HER LOVE FOR THE PRACTICE AND WHAT THEY DO. TRISHA PRIDES HERSELF ON GETTING THE BEST RESULTS FOR HER CLIENTS AND EPITOMISES THE FIRM’S PERSONABLE APPROACHABLE REPUTATION.

What does your role consist of at Emery Johnson Astills?

I am a Solicitor in the Private Client Department. My main practice area is conveyancing but I also work on crime cases so my time is split between the office and representing clients in court or at the police station.

What is conveyancing?

People often think of conveyancing as just buying or selling property and technically it is ‘the legal transfer of property’ but it can cover much more than that. Conveyancing is any transaction involving property so everything from mortgages to leases and declarations of trust to transfers of equity, we deal with it all.

What are the most common questions and concerns you get about conveyancing?

The primary concerns for people are how much it will cost them and how long it will take. We are always really transparent about this, costs are in accordance with our fee scales and we use our experience to estimate the time the transaction will take. Every transaction is different, there may be factors which influence the time scale so we ensure that our clients are updated at every stage.

What advice would you give to those currently looking at moving house?

In the same way I advise my clients, I would tell them to be prepared as this makes the process easier and helps to save time and money.

Preparation involves looking carefully at your finances, researching mortgages and preferably having at least an offer in principle in place. I always suggest having surveys done as quickly as possible and looking carefully at building insurance options. I would also encourage people to look at the geographical area and make sure it meets theirs and their family’s needs i.e. proximity to local schools and amenities, as well as to get a feel for the local neighbourhood to ensure the area suits them.

unexpected issues arise so it can be a challenging. That being said, it does make my job interesting and dynamic.

How do you manage your work/life balance?

I must admit it has taken me a while to get the balance right but the key is definitely prioritising, knowing when I need to stay late and when I can leave early to make up for it. I also try and have regular ‘me-time’ to switch off from work mode.

What does your ‘me-time’ involve?

After putting it off for some time, I finally joined a gym and I try and fit in around three workouts a week as well as going to a yoga class once a week. This helps me to relax and switch off but when that fails a nice glass of wine comes in handy!

Where is your favourite place in Leicestershire?

That is a really difficult question as there are several places that I love. If I had to pick one it would probably be Bradgate Park. It’s a lovely place to catch up with friends and family with a long walk on a sunny evening.

If you could relocate to anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

For me, Leicester is home but if I could take my friends and family with me I would probably say New York. I have been a few times now and I could never get bored of the amazing mix of culture … and of course the shopping!

What's next for you in terms of work and every-day life?

At work I am currently expanding my practice into wills & probate, this is complementary to conveyancing so it will mean I can help clients to a greater extent. On a personal level I am planning a trip away to Madrid with friends soon which I am really looking forward to.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I gain huge satisfaction from achieving good results for my clients; supporting them through the entire journey from initial stages to completion. Moving house can be extremely stressful so I am there to try and ease that stress and make the process as smooth as possible.

And finally, what three words would your family and colleagues use to describe you?

I’m not sure! Well there are probably more than three but I think the main ones are hardworking, loyal and fun which sums me up quite well.

What is the biggest challenge that you face at work?

Every case is different; some transactions go smoothly but sometimes

To find out more about the services offered by Emery Johnson Astills visit www.johnsonastills.com or call 0116 2554855 dluxe-magazine.co.uk 39

dluxeliving

PROPERTY WATCH: CONVEYANCING

dluxe motors

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN A DRIVE THROUGH THE COUNTRY WITH THE ROOF DOWN ONCE THE SUN IS SHINING BUT WHAT TO CHOICE IF YOU FANCY A BIT OF WIND IN THE HAIR MOTORING? WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A SOFTTOP SHORTLIST DESIGNED TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS AND ALL NEEDS AS CABRIOLET CRUISING NEEDN’T BE IMPRACTICAL OR PRICEY.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (from £59,500) Simply gorgeous! The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will reach speeds of up to 155mph but we think it’s best stood still and ogled at! Alfas have the reputation for needing to be driven hard and the 4C spider is no exception thanks to razor sharp handling.

Mini Convertible from £17,850 There’s something about the Mini that just makes you smile and the Cooper Convertible is no exception.

There’s very little room in the back seats and the ride is firm but it’s just sooo cute! The limited edition Highgate model is also fully loaded with options such as toffee leather interior, 17th alloys, special stripes and a brown fabric roof.

Audi A3 Cabriolet from £26,125 Modelled on the new A3 saloon and sporting a more elegant line than its predecessor, the A3 Cabriolet offers all-wheel drive technology and power steering to suit all weather conditions once summer ends. It also comes with a lightweight fabric roof, which opens quickly and virtually disappears into the car, meaning there’s room in the boot for your case too.

BMW 4 Series Convertible from £36,675 The replacement for BMW’s classic 3 series convertible, the 4 Series is all about luxury and comfort thanks to a deluxe interior and three-piece retractable metal roof. Inside you’ll find heated seats and BMW’s touchscreen iDrive system. A clever, lightweight construction means that the metal roof does not weight the car down too much so performance is as sharp as its coupe counterpart.

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C1

Hatchback

from

£7,995

If you crave the sunshine but all you really need is a city runaround then the stylish Citroen C1 may be the choice for you.

The lightweight design and efficient engine reduces running costs, while a spacious interior combined with easy handling make the car comfortable.

A low price doesn’t mean the car isn’t packed with usable features though; all models feature touchscreen technology and integrate with smartphone apps to allow you to tailor your driving experience.

Volkswagen Beetle and Golf Cabriolet from £19,135 ONe is unashamedly style focused, the other much more subtle but both are iconic. Both the Golf and the Beetle Cabriolet offer plenty of space both front and back although the Golf is the most practical choice thanks to a decent sized boot roof up or down.

The Beetle comes with a huge range of retro personalisation options including wheels and roof colour.

Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet from £42,005 The Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet boasts the most up-to-date technology of the Mercedes range, with an Aircap wind deflector and Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, which provides a 3D front view for an enhanced safety system.

A well-built exterior makes this a stylish model, while the wide choice of different engines allows the driver to tailor the car to their own needs.

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dluxemotors

Citroen

dluxe travel

MUST SEE MADRID Madrid is often overlooked for the top spot in people’s must-see mainland Spain escapes, beaten out by the tourist meccas of Barcelona and Marbella.

But if you want to experience life at a different pace and escape the tourist clichés in favour of a perfect blend of local hospitality and upmarket sophistication, then Madrid might just be prove to be the perfect city break for you. Kevin Urquhart explored the city and explains why Madrid really is the ultimate Spanish surprise.

Boasting quaint cultural corners, bustling bars, an unrivalled artistic pedigree and incredible cuisine, Madrid is fast establishing itself as the perfect destination for a well needed weekend getaway. And with Norwegian Airlines now flying to Madrid direct from Birmingham Airport, there really is no excuse not to get on-board.

Arriving in the city the feeling within the streets and among the local people, of which there are around 3.5 million, is delightfully understated. With a blend of cosmopolitan cafe culture and rustic Spanish authenticity it’s the perfect place to sit and let life pass stylishly by. The problem is there is just so much to see! So relaxed is the city that it can be an effort to put down your coffee, open your guide book and start exploring the rich culture and amazing sights this historic city has to offer – believe me the architecture is stunning – even the city’s post office rivals Buckingham P a l a c e i n t h e stateliness stakes.

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The Plaza de Villa, the oldest square in Madrid, (15th Century) is the perfect beauty spot to take some truly stunning photographs and the stylish designer haven of Salamanca, just north of the city, is well worth a visit as is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, home to works by Rembrandt and Dali. The piste de resistencia though has to be the Royal Palace of Madrid. Whilst the Spanish Monarchy no longer resides here, you are sure to feel like a king or queen yourself as you explore the breath taking gardens and exquisite décor of some 3,418 rooms.

Yes, 3,418 rooms.

Whether you want to

SPECIAL FEATURE

dluxetravel

take in the luxurious surroundings at your own leisurely pace or with the help of a tour guide, the Royal Palace of Madrid should definitely be made a priority for your trip.

Visit over the summer months and enjoy their programme of opera in the gardens, too.

All of that exploring should have built up your appetite and luckily on almost every corner in Madrid you’ll find a quirky bar serving Tapas alongside their drinks, anything from crisps and olives to chorizo and manchego cheese, eating and drinking really do go hand in hand in this city. One way to enjoy true Tapas in the city, and a must on every travellers list, is to visit the bustling indoor market. Crammed with artisan stalls all offering dishes from 1 or 2 euros the trick is to explore each stall’s offerings with a glass of chilled cava in hand. It makes for a truly magical dining experience which is as entertaining as it is filling.

For those who prefer their dining a little more formal, restaurants such as Botin, the world’s oldest restaurant built in 1725 offers a menu to match its rich culinary heritage.

This famed restaurant has had only two family owners throughout its 300 year history and was a meeting place for rebels during the civil war. Inside much of its traditional charm is retained and its speciality dish of slow roasted suckling pig is certainly evocative but not recommended for more squeamish visitors. For a more bohemian vibe, the Central Café offers an affordable alternative. Perfect for a laid back lunch; a three course pre siesta feast costs as little as 12 euros. Loved by the locals, it’s also the place to catch some late night jazz in the city.

If jazz is not your thing Madrid offers a multitude of options for a top notch night out. Madrid’s infamous cocktail bar and cosmopolitan club culture is the ideal backdrop to a night of drinks and dancing. For a more authentic Spanish take on a night out on the tiles though, the Tablao Flamenco club is a hive of dancing, singing and clapping, all backed by classic Spanish guitar. If you’re more into people watching than toe tapping then Madrid has more bars per capita than any other city on Earth, so we can guarantee you will find one (or one hundred and one) which are more to your taste.

A must visit location for drinks day or night is the roof top bar at ME hotel in the centre of Madrid on the plaza Santa Ana. Offering stunning views and a great gin and tonic (served in a huge balloon glass) the rooftop bar is stunningly stylish and very much the place where pretty people go so make sure you prepare by ditching the flip flops and sport something more moda.

It’s no surprise then that we’ve fallen head over heels for Madrid; it’s the perfect destination for couples and lone adventurers alike. With its safe streets, easy navigation,

sophisticated bar scene and authentic local charm, you may arrive as a tourist, but you will definitely leave feeling like one of the locals. We can’t wait to get back.

THE FACTS GETTING THERE:

Norwegian operates flights on Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays Fares start from £29.90 from www.norwegian.co.uk The low-cost airline, which offers free WiFi on all flights, is adding almost 30,000 seats to its’ Birmingham network with new services over the coming months including Barcelona, Gran Canaria and Malaga.

STAYING THERE: Radisson Blu Hotel Madrid Prado, Calle Moratin, 52, Plaza de Platerias Martinez, 28014 Madrid, Spain www.radissonblu.com/Madrid Perfectly positioned in the city’s gallery district, the Radisson Blu is a contemporary hotel with in house spa, perfect to relax in after a day of exploring.

Insiders Madrid Walking Tours can be contacted on www.insidersmadrid.com dluxe-magazine.co.uk 43

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PARADIS

It’s not often that we fall in love with somew the island of Tobago however is the exception Jonathan Fraser

I am, in general, a terribly ungrateful person.

Working for a magazine you become horribly spoilt; there’s always something new to see, somewhere new to eat and something amazing to experience. Access to the astounding on a daily basis can, and does, create a cynic.

the beauty of our location. Apparently, bathing in the Nylon Pool is supposed to make you ten years younger; I can think of no more relaxing antiageing treatment; nor could Princess Margaret, a regular visitor to Tobago, who would visit the pool daily. Our day ends paddle boarding around Pigeon Point; a picture of which could define the term paradise in any dictionary.

The same problem occurs when travelling. Visiting foreign climes, notebook in hand and at the bequest of the local tourist board means you are treated incredibly well, are escorted to see the very best your destination has to offer. It’s an amazing experience, but it seldom offers you the chance to experience the reality of the island.

Our days are punctuated with visits to some amazing restaurants; some offering a local menu of fresh fish, curried crab and hot jerk chicken with pigeon peas, plantain, callaloo, macaroni pie and provisions. Other eateries offer anything from American grill house to Thai and Italian style menus although the pepper sauce is never too far away.

Not so my visit to the magical island of Tobago where I was offered a glimpse of the real island, a place away from the corporate hotels that have invaded much of the Caribbean, giving visitors an opportunity to experience real local life on this beautiful island.

Surrounded by the Caribbean and Atlantic Seas, twenty seven miles long and home to just 60 thousand people, all of whom seem to know each other well, Tobago is a destination which embraces tourism and tourists without being exploited by it. This became clear upon meeting our guide Kathleen and driver Hans who had planned an itinerary that would allow us to explore the island as an insider; eating, drinking, liming ( the Caribbean term for socialising, generally with a drink in hand in the sun) locally.

This local focus meant our days were filled exploring the island’s rainforests, watching armies of tiny ants marching across our path loaded up with leaves as hummingbirds flitted amongst us. Swinging from vine leaves, we keep a look out for Manicou and Agoutis whilst picking breadfruit to roast on an open fire. Our guides lead us to a hidden waterfall and swimming pond where we swim before arriving at the beautiful Castera beach to help the local fishermen pull in the nets, as the sun dips down behind the water; our hard work rewarded with bottles of cold Carib beer and warm Coconut Rolls cooked in the village dust oven.

Another day sees us set off by boat from the mangroves to explore the coral reef at Bucco. Travelling by glass bottomed boat, we stop and snorkel for a clearer view before arriving at the Nylon Pool, a sandbank in the middle of the sea, so called because of the crystal blue colour of the water. We walk out of the boat into two feet of water and lie amazed by the experience and 44 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

At night we return to Pigeon Point for the Tobago Jazz Experience, a music festival that sees international artists perform on the island each April. Unlike a UK festival you won’t find a crush of people at the front of the stage or any crowd surfing. Instead festival goers are seated on rows of immaculate white folding chairs for fear of blocking anyone’s view. We were amazed to be right at the front of the stage to see Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and Kool and the Gang perform in the evening heat and surrounded by palm trees.

It’s only for the big name stars that the few will get up and dance, stars such as Machel Montano, Soca music star from Trinidad whose brand of high energy, dance hall style calypso music has since become my own guilty pleasure.

Tobago is a place that stays with you long after you have returned home. A trip to the island strips away the cynicism of the everyday and reopens a world where you can truly relax. It is a place where dreams are made and paradise is truly found.

www.gotrinidadandtobago.com

dluxetravel

SE FOUND

where so much that we’ll write about it twice: n, writes dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND’s

WHERE TO STAY BACOLET BEACH CLUB

A contemporary boutique style hotel that offers 35 rooms across two wings. The hotel has its own private beach, two swimming pools and stunning views. We stayed in the newly finished west wing although all rooms feature king size beds, luxury bathroom, air conditioning and a private terrace balcony. Aimed predominantly at couples, owner Gloria’s background in modelling means that many visitors come from the fashion industry. A great location for those wanting to be nearer the thick of things.

BLUE WATERS INN

The Blue Waters Inn is a tranquil retreat positioned directly on its own beach at Speyside. Overlooking the deserted Goat Island and derelict home of Ian Fleming, the views from the hotel’s infinity pool are simply amazing. Accommodation is well-appointed and made up of traditional bungalow style rooms, all with balcony or terrace. The perfect place to unwind, the hotel also features a dedicated diving school as well as kayaks and a pontoon in the sea to swim to. Bliss.

what to see RAINFOREST

Leave the towns behind and explore the old plantations and rainforests of Tobago. Enjoy amazing views and pick wild Guava whilst listening to the cries of the Chaka Laka birds in the surrounding trees. You can also trek through the forest and enjoy a swim in the pools of a natural waterfall; an amazing experience.

TOBAGO COCOA ESTATE

The island’s only cocoa plantation, see how the cocoa is grown, harvested and processed before being exported to be turned into chocolate. The plantation is home to many different species of plant and some amazing birds- there are 210 different species of bird on the island.

THE FACTS

The Island’s dry season runs from November through ‘til June. Local currency is Trinidad Dollars although American Dollars are also accepted.

British Airways Holidays offers: 7 nights at the 4* Blue Waters Inn from £859 per person for selected departures in September. Includes return flights from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast www.bluewatersinn.com 7 nights at the 4* Bacolet Beach Club from £829 per person for selected Images by Jonathan Fraser and Darrin Des Vignes

TOBAGO JAZZ EXPERIENCE

Time your visit around the end of April to enjoy this amazing three day music festival. The best times to visit are the Friday and Sunday night, you’ll need a quiet night inbetween anyway!

TAKE TO THE WATER

The beaches and waters of Tobago are glorious and the best way to explore them is by boat. Many different trips are available from glass bottomed cruisers to fishing and diving trips. The Coral Reef and Nylon Pool are essential. Trips are easily booked via your hotel reception. Tobago is also gaining a good reputation as a diving resort.

Where to Eat BLUE CRAB RESTAURANT.

Situated in the heart of Scarborough, the wonderful Alison and Kenneth talk you through some traditional ingredients before cooking up a Caribbean treat. With chillies that burn twice and lots of jokes about the size of your plantains this is something not to be missed.

LA TARTARUGA

An Italian restaurant in Tobago? Of course! Located next to the goat racing stadium and infamous Sunday school at Buccoo, la Tartaruga make sits own fresh pasta daily as well as all of its desserts

JEMMA’S TREEHOUSE

Choose your meat and all the sides are brought out family style such as casava pie, callaloo, rice, beans, Tanya fritters, breadfruit etc.

Stunning food and an amazing place to eat it at - a treehouse built around two tree trunks on the beach

departures in September. Includes return flights from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast ww.bacoletbeachclub.com Why not combine your trip with a visit to Trinidad? Flights between the islands is only 20 mins long and cost £15 each way on Caribbean Airlines www.caribbean-airlines.com www.tobagojazzexperience.com www.gotrinidadandtobago.com www.hanstourstobago.com With thanks to the wonderful Kathleen from Visit Tobago, Hans from Hans Tours and Darrin from AMG for an amazing trip. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 45

dluxe health GET YOUR DIET IN SYNC

Former Dempsey and Makepeace star Glynis Barber reveals how she keeps trim and retains that youthful glow at 57 years old. First inspired by nutritionist Fleur Borrelli, the talented duo coined The In-Sync Diet, outlining an evolutionary approach to weight management.

“I think people seem resigned to the fact that as they get older they are just going to become ill, getwrinkles and not look good,” says the ever-youthful actress. “But I do not think that declining and becoming decrepit is a rite of passage.

It’s my belief that lifestyle can really help the aging process.”

Glynis herself is testament to the power that good nutrition and varied exercise can have. Since meeting Fleur Borrelli, a nutritionist and natural wellness advocate, she’s dropped pounds, gained energy levels, and succeeded in staving off the wrinkles.

“I went to see Fleur as a patient a couple of years ago for an unrelated matter,” Glynis explains. “She started talking about diet and I found what she was saying was so interesting. She explained how you eat, what you eat, when you eat, when you exercise, how you drink water and it was so fascinating. I started to follow suit and I got such incredible results that it’s really become a way of life to me.”

The In-Sync diet recommends just two meals a day, and suggests waiting till you’re hungry to eat and thirsty to drink. Glynis explains that as times have changed, our bodies have adapted to constant grazing but in truth, we don’t need breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to maintain us throughout the day. “If you do exercise in the morning in a fasted state you burn fat, you don’t burn muscle,” says Glynis. “I don’t eat little and often like I used to. I tend to have two big meals a day, I don’t snack and I no longer sip water through the day. I wait until I’m thirsty and then I’ll drink a few glasses of water … The main thing I did was cut breakfast down.

Skipping breakfast may not work for everybody so some people may have breakfast and then not have lunch, and then do a little bit of exercise before their dinner. “Your body doesn’t need you to spoon feed it all the time – it’s far better to wait until you’re hungry and wait until you’re thirsty and the body is quite capable of doing that.”

Glynis learned that some of her well-intentioned dietary habits could actually be harmful. “I was eating whole grains which I presumed would be healthy but Fleur explained that intact whole grains tend to grow mould on them which can be quite toxic and have an inflammatory reaction in the gut, which can be ageing. If you commit to the diet completely you have no grains. If I want some grains I’ll have some, but the main part of my diet is grain free.”

Diet aside, Glynis champions a rounded exercise regime. “I do a bit of everything: I do walking, I do weights, I do cardiovascular and I have to say I do think yoga is fantastic. It stretches you, it’s very strengthening, it’s calming and I think it’s an absolutely amazing exercise.”

With daily exercise, an acting career to manage, a book to write and all the other duties that come with modern life, the best of us would be exhausted. “I do have a busy life which can be exhausting at times. I’m in a play at the moment doing 8 shows a week and I’ve been working flat out on the book so it’s a lot,” says Glynis.

“But one of the great things about the In-Sync diet is that it completely transformed my energy levels. A lot of people struggle with their energy and many people suffer from ‘tired all the time syndrome’ (TATTS) but my energy levels have completely transformed. Fortunately I am fit and have the energy that really helps me get through it all. To be honest, without it, I don’t know how I’d be doing all this.”

The In-Sync Diet by Glynis Barber and Fleur Borrelli is published by Autharium

LOSE WEIGHT THROUGH HYPNOSIS

Over eating for most people seldom has anything to do with hunger or their need for energy intake. It is often for reasons such as stress, habit, boredom, tiredness, loneliness, dehydration or an addiction to sugar.

It’s for this reason that many practitioners are apparently recommending hypnotherapy as a weight loss aid. Using hypnosis is said to enable powerful communication between an individual’s conscious and subconscious and by listening to and absorbing key words and suggestions it becomes easy to change patterns, thoughts, beliefs and very importantly habits at a deeper subconscious level.

By creating new associations and patterns, the idea is that the subconscious sends helpful new messages to the conscious so that willpower no longer plays a part in what and how much one eats.

A dedicated guide to using hypnotherapy to assist with weight loss is available to download. The Weight Loss Through Healthy Choices by Maggie Howell, one of the UKs leading clinical hypnotherapists, is designed to enable listeners to be more in control of what, when and how much they eat, be more aware of the reasons they eat unnecessarily, change thinking patterns about food, reduce cravings for sweet and fatty foods and prevent snacking .

Weight Loss Through Healthy Choices is available to download on iTunes and www.hypnosisforhealthychoices.co.uk 46 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Let’s talk about your diet ‘ABS are made in the kitchen’ & if your diet has a weird name you’re missing the big picture! says Sam Roberts of Legacy Training in Loughborough So we’re getting towards the end of June, so hopefully those of you that have been hitting the gym hard are seeing some good changes in your body. If you’re not then perhaps it’s time to pay attention to your eating habits.

The percentage is different for everybod, but food counts for at least 60% of your results in the gym.

Our best before and after pictures are always from people that are spot on with their food. So if you are busting your ass in the gym more than three times a week and not seeing

changes you need to think more about Nutrition.

The good news is this doesn’t have to be complicated especially at the start of your journey.

If you are on the ‘5-2’ diet, ‘cabbage soup diet’ or whatever the latest trend is then I’m sorry but in my opinion you are not going to see lasting results.

This isn’t to say they don’t work, you will lose weight I’m sure but it’s not sustainable so that when you eat ‘normally‘ again the weight will come back on with interest.

Before

After

Here are some simple changes you can make to your diet for maximum effects:

To help us out here at Legacy Training we use Katchicks, specialist supplier of wild meats such as Ostrich, Buffalo, Wild Boar and Zebra. High in protein, they ensure you get a varied diet.

Then for all of our Protein & Food supplements we use Elf Foods in Loughborough (sports, nutrition and wholefood centre).

What I love about these guys is how helpful they are, always happy to offer advice.

My biggest take home point here is that food doesn’t have to be complicated.

You don’t need a crazy diet, you don’t need to starve yourself!

Make small, manageable changes every couple of weeks, plan out your food and be consistent six and a half days a week- you’re allowed a cheat meal, after all we’re only human!

1.

Drink a minimum of 2 litres of water a day; if your body is dehydrated it will store fat easier.

2.

Eat 3 portions of protein a day eg. Red meat, fish, chicken, eggs etc. Protein fills you up for longer and helps build muscle.

3.

Eat 2-3 portions of vegetables a day, eg.

Salads and greens, root vegetables etc.

4.

Swap bread, pasta and potatoes for better carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, rice, gluten free oats and berries. These carbohydrates should provide you with good energy but not make you bloated.

5.

Add in small portions of good fats, 2-3 handfuls of nuts, nut butters, avocados, coconut oil, olive oil. Cook your meat and fish with coconut oil

and drizzle vegetables with olive oil.

legacy-training.com

dluxe dining

STRAWBERRY & ASPARAGUS MINI QUICHES

Quick and easy to make, this summer twist on a classic quiche is perfect for picnics. The final result looks & tastes divine.

SERVES: 6 PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES, COOKING TIME: 35 MINUTES

parmesan together, lightly season, then empty the filling onto the chilled pastry cases.

YOU’LL NEED:

Arrange the asparagus tips and the strawberries over the mixture and using a pastry brush, cover the exposed pastry borders with the whisked egg mix and gently brush the asparagus and strawberries too. Sprinkle with the crushed peppercorns. Bake for about 20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked.

1 tbsp flour for dusting 250g ready roll puff pastry 1 whisked whole large egg, for glazing 75g asparagus tips 150g Sweet Eve strawberries, washed and halved 4 tbsp creme fraiche 2 large eggs, plus 1 extra yolk 10 crushed pink peppercorns 50g Parmigiano cheese, grated salt & pepper

STRAWBERRY MINT & CUCUMBER MARTINI YOU’LL NEED: ½ lime cut in three wedges, 5 slices cucumber, one for garnish, 4 - 5 ripe strawberries, one for garnish, 5-6 leaves mint, plus one sprig for garnish, Handful of ice, 2 ounces Hendrick's gin, ½ ounce simple sugar to taste.

WHAT TO DO:

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 200°c and line a baking tray with baking paper. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into six equal portions, pressing each into a shallow tart tray.

Muddle three lime wedges in the bottom of a cocktail shaker until they release their juices. Add cucumber, strawberries and mint and muddle again. Add ice, gin and sugar and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and condensed. Taste and adjust sugar as needed. Strain cocktail into a chilled glass and garnish with strawberry, limes, cucumber and a sprig of mint.

Prick the pastry all over inside the border, brush with whisked egg mixture and bake for 12-15 minutes then remove and push down the bases inside the borders and set aside. In a bowl, mix the creme fraiche, eggs and yolk and the 48 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

www.sweetevestrawberry.co.uk

dluxedining

FRESH CHEF, FRESH MENU 34 Windsor St should be no stranger to dluxe LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND readers, as we’ve visited many times before. This Leicestershire restaurant set out its stall from the get-go as a destination for serious foodies and has tickled tastebuds since its launch two years ago, garnering serious acclaim and multiple awards in the process. But, like seasons change, so too do menus and chefs, of which both apply. As we found out, with this new (pastry) brush, their menu has been swept clean and challenges you to try 34 Windsor St’s summer menu with a fresh pair of eyes as it’s never looked (or tasted) better…

Setting up a high-end, destination restaurant in the leafy suburbs of Hinckley was never going to be a recipe for overnight success, yet 34 Windsor St have single-mindedly carved out a business that would leave many city-centre eateries begging for more. So appetising is their appeal that they were recently paid a visit by the Michelin team, who left sated and with glowing recommendations.

High praise indeed. We visited on a regular Thursday evening after a hellishly busy day in the office. We were ready – nay, needed – to be spoilt. To be caressed and comforted in culinary terms.

We took a couple of our closest friends: a pair of dears from the neighbouring village of Stoney Stanton. They’d been previously, as had we, for a number of occasions such as Mother’s Day and for Afternoon Tea, so were keen to see how new Head Chef, Arran Shaw, would stir things up.

For those who have yet to visit 34 Windsor St, the venue is a fully refurbished former village pub in Burbage. You’ll spot it by its twostorey high knife and fork graphics emblazoned on the gable.

That this is a restaurant not to be missed is evident immediately, nor its contemporary leanings.

Interior wise, the restaurant has been, clearly, designed by a professional as it is cohesive, contemporary and deliciously stylish.

Whereas once their menu was experimental at the expense of some firm favourites, their new approach is one of, as it transpires throughout the meal, well considered, beautifully executed classics.

This really is a menu for all seasons and all tastebuds.

As we were reviewing, we felt duty bound to choose a mix from the A La Carte menu, aswell as the midweek Supper Club menu, which

offers 2-courses at just £14.95 or 3-courses at £19.95. As a mid-week, can’t-be-bothered-to-cook alternative, it’s hard to beat with tonight’s offering including mouth-watering Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad, fresh apple and rocket; Pan roasted loin of cod, sautéed new potatoes, broad bean & garden pea fricassee served, if you can manage it, with Warm sticky toffee pudding, caramelised banana & white chocolate. Salivating yet? We were.

Their evening menu, which is served from 6-9.15pm, is full of future favourites, too. Let’s get your bellies rumbling with starters such as Slow cooked belly pork, charred baby leeks & damson jelly (£7.95), or how about Pressed terrine of Cotswold white chicken, wild mushrooms and crispy artichokes (£6.95). Vegetarians are, to this day, often still overlooked, but no so here: for example, try Compressed watermelon, Capricorn goat’s cheese, watercress and pumpkin seeds (£5.95) or Cauliflower cooked three ways with a hazelnut and cumin crumb (£5.95).

If starters are the courtship, mains are the marriage – and a very happy one this looks set to be with choices ranging from Fillet of Welsh sea bass, rosti potato, baby spinach, roasted garlic & plum tomato sauce (£18.95) to Rump of lamb, rosemary potato, cucumber & rhubarb (£17.95). All, as we wholeheartedly agreed, were eminently delicious. If we were being picky – trust us, you have to search hard to find fault – the side order of roasted root vegetables were on the hard side of al dente, but the triple cooked chips were sent from God. The desserts, if we are to persevere with the analogy, have to be the affair. Like affairs, they’re meant to be elicit, tempting and naughty – and 34 ticks every box with choices such as Pistachio & dried apricot cake, frozen apricot mousse & pistachio ice cream (£6.95) and Maple roasted pineapple, coconut sponge, banana & malt ice cream (£5.95).

Or for those with a more savoury palate, their cheese board is second to none, boasting full-bodied favourites such as Sparkenhoe Farm Red, Lincolnshire Poacher and Colston Bassett (from £6.95).

Bellies full and coffees finished, we make firm plans to visit again.

Soon. This is a relationship we want to take further, you see. 34 Windsor St’s move to a beautifully executed menu of classics is a bold move and one that takes confidence. Afterall, the sign of a good meal is an empty plate. The sign of a great restaurant is a fantastic reputation and a busy reservations book. 34 Windsor St has both.

Like Michelin, it seems the masses have spoken and we love that the Windsor team have listened. Hugely recommended.

34 Winds or St, B ur bage, L eices ter s hir e, LE10 2EF. T el 01 455 2 34342 . www. 34winds or s t. com dluxe-magazine.co.uk 49

dluxe dining

PICNIC PERFECTION!

BBQ BRITAIN Us Brits are obsessed with cooking outdoors; as soon as the sun comes out then so do the sizzling steaks but what’s the best way to BBQ? Dluxe looks at what makes the different types of outdoor grills and BBQ’s on the market so special.

Gas grill: using either bottled propane or natural gas, quick and easy, but less BBQ flavour on food. Many gas grills now have added features such as side burners for the full indoors outdoors cooking experience.

Charcoal: More expensive to run than gas grills due to the cost of the charcoal but the BBQ’s themselves are much cheaper to buy. They also give food that all important smoky BBQ flavour although heating can be erratic meaning the chances of an undercooked chicken higher. You also have to clean out all that ash…

is

Firepits: A more back to nature way of cooking, this option is more about the cooking experience than the flavour itself. Most firepits are large though so can work well for big groups and they work particularly well for skewers and spits.

Infrared Grill Burner: New outdoor technology that allows perfectly seared food.

You have to be really conscious of cooking times with Infared grills as it’s a much hotter method of grilling. The benefits are that the grills sear in juices from meats making them particularly flavoursome.

DID YOU KNOW? Italians do it best when it comes to al fresco dining so pick up a perfectly prepared picnic from Carluccio’s at Leicester’s Highcross on the way to your chosen sun-filled spot this summer – just don’t forget the sun cream!

The precise origin of the word “barbecue” is unknown but many believe it comes from the Spanish word “barbacoa” which means a wooden frame used to cook meat, a form of fire-pit cooking.

Embrace the Great British summer with a picnic full of homemade, fresh Italian dishes to enjoy when you make a dash from the office to catch the last of the rays, whilst making the most of the weekend in your favourite patch of green, or as the ideal companion to any outdoor festival. Priced at £45, each selection includes generous portions of fresh, summery dishes and is carefully assembled each morning by Carluccio’s chefs.

Choose between the Classic and Vegetarian option, both including three generous courses for two people, which feature an antipasti selection, homemade olive focaccia, a delicious, nutritious salad of pearl barley with grilled aubergine and rocket as well as moreish savoury tarts filled with pancetta and taleggio (or spinach and ricotta in the veggie version). Larger dishes of corn-fed chicken supreme and courgette, mint and ricotta frittata ooze the refreshing and zingy tastes of summer accompanied by a fresh salad of leafy greens with aged, Italian balsamic dressing. Dessert is a slice of indulgence with individual strawberry shortcrust tarts and traditional Piedmont biscotti to finish.

Barbecuingandoutdooreatingandentertainingisthenumber one summer leisure activity enjoyed at home in the UK. 51% of people prefer charcoal barbecues to gas barbecues.

Add an additional bottle of fruity Italian red or chilled white wine, available instore, or make an occasion of it with some bubbles – Prosecco Santo Stefano (£14.75), a refreshing sparkler from the Ruggeri winery pairs particularly well.

In the UK we get through 40,000 tonnes of barbecue charcoal every year.

Compact and convenient, Carluccio’s picnics take care of the prep work so you can simply tuck in and toast the rare rays of sun! Picnics may be ordered up to 24 hours in advance from your nearest Carluccio’s and picked up as a pit-stop en-route to the coast, the park or the beach. Last-minute bursts of sunshine are no problem if your picnic hasn’t been pre-booked, simply choose a ‘chef’s choice’ hamper on the day.

The average number of barbecues hosted per family in the summer is now more than 9 – a sharp rise from the 2.5 a decade ago.

www.carluccios.com/picnics 50 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

The cases of food poisoning in the UK almost double over the summer months. The two major health risks are undercooked meat and germs spreading from raw to cooked meat.

dluxedining

IN

to er osy eh C ux uc vo The .dl to w t 00 £1 nd a ww o.uk it c e sp . Vis ine. er z a ent ub Cl mag

W

FORGET YOUR TROUBLES; COME ON GET COSY It was the middle of an incredibly busy week. The office team barely had a moment for a cuppa let alone anything else. Exhausted and brain fried, I almost forgot I was due at the Cosy Club that evening, but boy am I glad I remembered. Within seconds of walking in, we realised this was going to be just the tonic we needed, admits Lilith Hunt Sheppard.

Fellow dluxe’r, Tara, and I were quickly greeted on arrival and introduced to Dominic, our waiter for the evening. It was soon clear that we couldn't be in better and more knowledgeable hands! Once seated we were offered a bread board with olives and were bought over a glass of lovely, chilled Prosecco! All of a sudden, the stressful week was suddenly getting a lot better, as we began our mid-week wind-down.

After polishing off the tasty bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar it was time for the starters. Tara opted for the Squid and Spanish Chorizo Salad, which was served with a scattering of butter beans. She proffered that the squid was cooked just right, but felt a simple lemon wedge would have added a nice succulent squeeze.

I decided to go for something a little different with the Salad of Smoked Bacon, Black Pudding, Olive Oil Croutons and poached egg! Beautifully presented, it almost looked too good to eat (almost). Tucking in, the flavours fused together beautifully with the black pudding being broken and scattered around the salad defusing what can be, for some, a very strong favour! The poached egg was cooked to perfection with a lovely soft yolk.

With the right combination of leaf and smoked bacon, I'm glad I took a chance on something different.

Once the starters were cleared and another glass of chilled Prosecco served, it was time for our mains. Tara had gone for the 8oz Sirloin Steak with Triple Fried Chips. Dominic recommended the chimichurri sauce, an Argentinian sauce that is bright green in colour with lots of taste, to accompany the steak. I myself opted for the Slow-Roasted, Cherry Orchard, Free-Range Belly

Pork with Mustard Mash and Curly Kale. The beautiful presentation carried through with the mains and mine came complete with a piece of crackling that was totally to die for. Add the pea, mint and ham hock fritter and it certainly was a great combination of flavours.

Tara was just as pleased with her choice and the triple cooked chips are amazing (I pinched some from her plate – sorry, Tara)!

By now we both definitely needed some time to deliberate, cogitate and digest, so while I enjoyed an English Garden cocktail, we looked over the desserts. Tara decided to go classic with the Profiteroles, while I went with the recommendation of the Peanut Butter Cheesecake. For a self-confessed sweet tooth like me, my dessert didn't disappoint and looked incredible served in a kilner jar, although I did find the biscuit base a little too hard. For Tara, who can (by her own admission) eat her own bodyweight in sweet treats yet never put on an ounce, there were certainly plenty of profiteroles.

Filled with rich hazelnut cream, they tasted even better than they looked, which is saying something as the visual appeal of the Cosy dishes is definitely part of their appeal!

It is safe to say that we both feeling incredibly satisfied and infinitely more relaxed. We remark, as we leave that the restaurant is almost full; it’s a combination of groups and couples all coming to dine or drink in their lounge. That such a cross section of customers is frequenting the venue is testament to just how right they’ve got it at Cosy Club and why it’s not uncommon for there to be a one-in-oneout policy on a Saturday night.

All told, the food is tasty and well-presented and the staff friendly and knowledgeable with the right amount of sass. Put that all together and it's easy to see why every day should give you an excuse to sit down and get Cosy!

WIN! We have a £100 Cosy Club voucher to be won, for your chance to win visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click on competitions.

The Cosy Club is @ 62-68 Highcross Street, Leicester, LE1 4NN. Tel 0116 408 0008. www.cosyclub.co.uk/leicester dluxe-magazine.co.uk 51

dluxe dining

WINE AND DINE IN THE LANGUEDOC

“IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A LUXURY GOURMET RESORT THAT WORKS AROUND YOU, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER THAN CHÂTEAU LES CARRASSES. NESTLED AMONG THE ROLLING HILLS OF SOUTH OF FRANCE LANGUEDOC REGION, THE BEAUTIFUL CHATEAU COMPLETES THE SCENE FOR A RUSTICALLY ROMANTIC AND LAID BACK HOLIDAY DESTINATION FILLED WITH FINE WINES AND DELICIOUS DISHES FOR FOODIES” WRITES TARA LOPEZ. On approach to Les Carrasses, driving through quintessentially French villages and endless miles of vineyards, it is easy to feel like you have taken a trip back in time. Greeted by the clean country air and friendly faces of the staff at the château it doesn’t take long to forget all about the hectic world that you have left behind and get settled into your new home from home.

The château and grounds which was built in 1886 has been beautifully restored by owner Karl and his family to keep the traditional charm whilst injecting luxury finishes and modern features. The attention to detail, top notch self-catering facilities and variety in accommodation make this an ideal place for families, couples and friends alike. Steeped in history, each apartment has its own fascinating story from refurbished stables to quaint gardener’s cottages and it is so easy to fall in love with their unique charm. We were staying in Le Grange, a quaint two bedroom cottage beautifully fitted out with stylish en-suite bathrooms and chic furnishings. What’s more, we had our very own garden area complete with swimming pool, BBQ and stunning country views. Honestly, I could have spent the entire weekend at the cottage but in the spirit of adventure I thought it best to explore.

With so much on offer at Les Carrasses from outdoor activities to wine tasting and even truffle workshops it was hard to know where to start.

We opted for the truffle workshop with resident expert and aptly named Claire de Truffes! I must admit that I had reservations about my own level of culinary knowledge going into the session (I love my food but I am certainly no gastronome) but these worries were very quickly subdued when the workshop began in the traditional Languedoc way with a glass of wine.

The workshop proceeded in a similar vein with food and wine being the main motif. There was an abundance of truffles to go around and we were spoilt to a variety of tasters from truffle butter to Brouillade (imagine runny scrambled eggs with truffle flakes – tastes better than it sounds) and even truffle ice cream. As well as tantalising our taste buds, the workshop was an amazing insight into the truffle industry in France and for those who are interested in fully immersing themselves in the experience, Claire is even able to take you truffle hunting!

Speaking of food, Les Carrasses is certainly not short of edible delights, so when you fancy a change of scene from your cosy accommodation, 52 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

the château’s beautiful brasserie and bar areas are well worth a visit.

On our first night (bellies full of truffle) we opted for a lighter dinner with the tapas menu. Sat in an atmospheric bar we were entertained by live music whilst we enjoyed the tastes of what seemed to be a perfect blend of Southern France and Northern Spain. The main restaurant area where food is served from breakfast onwards is equally well designed and mixes fresh ingredients with culinary expertise to bring an a la carte menu that would happily keep you coming back for the duration of your stay to try every single dish.

Although we ate more than our bodyweight in food on the trip, it is fair to say we worked at least some of it off. The heated outdoor pool overlooking miles of orchards was wholly inviting for our morning swim (allowing us more croissants at breakfast) and with bikes available from the château we decided to do some exploring. The nearest village Capestang provides a doable bikeride from the château affording a leisurely route of beautiful scenery and calming canal sides. For those looking for more of a challenge the hills and riversides offer a variety of routes around the area.

Venturing further afield this region is bustling with activity, from the traditionally French market in Narbonne and shopping in Pézenas to wine tours and tastings in La Clappe and even shellfish excursions in Bouziques – staying in such an accessible location means that the Languedoc really is your oyster (pardon the pun)!

This truly is a destination that has it all, ideal for families looking to spend quality time together, friends after a break from their hectic schedules or couples seeking a romantic retreat. Whatever your reason, no excuse is needed to share in the 300 days of Languedoc sunshine (seriously – 300 days!) and with flights running four times a week from East Midlands Airport it is easier than ever to chase the French sun.

For more information visit www.lescarrasses.com , call 0845 686 8067 or email resa@lescarrasses.com

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

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

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

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

Photo by Ashley Jouhar

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dluxe diary THE CAR MAN

16th - 20th June @ Curve www.curveonline.co.uk Matthew Bourne’s internationally acclaimed dance thriller was first seen in 2000, winning the Evening Standard Award for ‘Musical Event of the Year’.

The Car Man is loosely based on Bizet’s popular opera and has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertory.

The familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy garage-diner in 1960’s America where the dreams and passions of a smalltown are shattered by the arrival of a handsome stranger. Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants are driven into an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge.

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CK GOSPEL CHOIR

19thJune @ The Little Theatre www.thelittletheatre.net

most stunning open-air venues for the perfect evening of theatre under the stars.

LABYRINTH

23rd June @ The Curve www.curveonline.co.uk

Children of the Kingdom – a new generation of gospel music perform their brand new show…

GOSPEL AT THE MOVIES. This 16 piece group has toured across Europe and features singers from TV shows The Voice UK and Must Be The Music. Their dynamic new show features songs from movies we know and love so well. ‘Are You Ready For A Miracle’– Evan Almighty, ‘Step by Step’ – The Preacher’s Wife, ‘Joyful Joyful’ – Sister Act, ‘Ain’t No Mountain’ – Sister Act, ‘Man In The Mirror’ – Joyful Noise, Gospel anthem ‘Oh Happy Day’ together with soul and pop classics will have you tapping your feet.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM

21st June @ Bradgate Park www.bradgatepark.org

The Sturgess Jaguar showroom saw the official unveiling of the stunning, new Jaguar XE recently.

Labyrinth brings together two of the UK’s finest dance artists, Sonia Sabri and Ash Mukherjee, for a sumptuous performance of South Asian dance. Initially inspired by Woody Allen’s brilliant one-act play Death Knocks, Sonia and Ash enter an arresting dialogue with their contrasting dance styles centered around opposites: dark – light, negative – positive, material – spiritual. With haunting music score by internationally acclaimed Sarvar Sabri, this high energetic collaboration with provocative drama, skill and speed will leave you mesmerised and emotionally charged.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 25th June @ The Phoenix www.phoenix.org.uk

Over 150 esteemed guests were in attendance and such was the lure of the new car, over 12 orders were taken during the event alone.

Hot on the heels of the incredible F-Type, the XE – which we featured last edition and that proudly proclaims it is redefining the sports saloon sector - is another thoroughbred to add to the Jaguar family and is seen by many to be a real threat to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class market.

The car is now on display at the Narborough Road showroom and available for test driving immediately. The first customer deliveries take place toward the end of June onwards.

Sturgess Jaguar is @ 445 Narborough Road, Leicester, LE3 2RE. Tel 0116 282 6868.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s bestloved romantic comedy. Let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests and meet starcrossed lovers, playful fairies and hilarious travelling players.

Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful new musical score and enchanting woodland puppet creatures.

Picnic with family and friends in the picturesque surroundings of some of the UK and Ireland’s

Take one pair of estranged twin brothers (both called Antipholus), and one pair of estranged twin servants (both called Dromio), keep them in ignorance of each other and throw them into a city with a reputation for sorcery, and you have all the ingredients for theatrical chaos. One Antipholus is astonished by his foreign hospitality; the other enraged by the hostility of his home town.

The Dromios, caught between the two, are soundly beaten for obeying all the wrong orders.

Basing his plot on a farce by Plautus, Shakespeare caps the dluxe-magazine.co.uk 55

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LAUNCH

StuRGESS UNveil stunning new jaguar xe

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EVENT

EMERY JOHNSON ASTILLS CHARITY BBQ & NETWORKING

mayhem of his Roman original to build up a hectic tale of violent cross-purposes, furious slapstick and social nightmare.

The final Globe On Screen film for 2015 brings the perfect light relief to close an epic season of war and tragedy. This sell-out production employed authentic Renaissance costumes and staging and will have cinema audiences roaring with laughter as it crams in “more hilarious anarchy than you can shake a fish, cat or identity-confused servant at.”

unscrupulous waiter, Mrs Willey and the typist’s irate husband gives George an evening of increasingly insurmountable problems and the audience one of uncontrollable laughter.

Come and enjoy an evening of continuous Cooney comedy.

DERREN BROWN- MIRACLE

29TH June- 4th July @ De Montfort Hall www.demontforthall.co.uk

HERITAGE SUNDAYS: TOURS AND OPEN DAYS

29th June @ Leicester Castle, The Magazine and Wygston’s House www.visitleicester.info On the last Sunday of the month the Magazine, Castle and Wygston’s House are open to the public, with visitors invited to explore the buildings on their own or book onto a guided tour with one of the expert Blue Badge guides. Heritage Sundays provide a wonderful opportunity to discover some of Leicester’s historical treasures right in the heart of the city that would normally be closed to the public.

The buildings are open from 11am - 3pm on the last Sunday of every month. Guided tours are also available for a small charge with an experienced Blue Badge guides who can share their detailed knowledge of the history of these fascinating buildings, point out and explain features of architectural interest and take you to into areas with restricted public access. Booking essential. Tours last one hour.

Award winning solicitors, Emery Johnson Astills, hosted a networking bbq and fundraiser event at the 5-star conference and facilities centre, College Court.

The guestlist read like a veritable who’s who of business in Leicester, with attendees arriving from local companies and industries such as accountancy, interior design, property development, press and many more. The guests attending were treated to a gourmet BBQ served by the College Court’s catering team led by head chef Riccardo Corbinzolu, as well as live entertainment from singer Camilla Kent and her band..

The multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion is back on tour in 2015 with a brand new one-man show, Miracle. Having confessed that performing live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren is once again looking forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the world’s most renowned live performers; a dark manipulator of magic and mind control.

CALAMITY JANE

30th June – 4th July @ The Curve www.curveonline.co.uk

OUT OF ORDER

29th June - 4th July @ The Little Theatre www.thelittletheatre.net

Lady Luck was firmly on Emery Johnson Astill’s side weather wise, so guests were invited to unwind in the luxurious sunken gardens of this RIBA multi-award winning conference hotel, whilst enjoying the delicious bbq.

Welcoming speeches were made firstly by College Court Centre Director, Mike Crawford, before being passed to Helen Johnson, foundingpartnerofEmeryJohnson Astills, and her colleague Trisha Parmar from the Conveyancing team, who thanked guests for their presence, encouraging them to take a step away from their corporate sides and enjoy getting to know the other guests, without any of the usual pressures that can be known at formal networking events.

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Richard Willey, a Government minister, plans to spend the evening with one of the Opposition’s young typists, but, as to be expected in any farce, things go disastrously wrong.

When a body is discovered trapped in the hotel’s unreliable sash window, Richard sends for his trusty PPS George Pigden to solve his problems.

The arrival on the scene of an overzealous hotel manager, an Images by Steve Smith.

Calamity Jane can outrun and outshoot any man in Deadwood.

Hard, boastful and desperate to impress, she travels to Chicago on the Deadwood Stage to recruit a star, Adelaide Adams.

But things don’t go too smoothly for Calamity, as everyone in town favours the new girl and she struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check. It takes her long standing enemy

27 NOV – 16 JAN

A CURVE PRODUCTION

BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY LIONEL BART DIRECTED BY PAUL KERRYSON ORCHESTRAL ARRANGEMENTS BY WILLIAM DAVID BROHN

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CAMERON MACKINTOSH AND THE SOUTHBROOK GROUP

EVENT

WILLARD WIGGINS EXHIBITS AT ANTIDOTE ART

Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense, and realise her Secret Love… With an Oscar nominated score that includes ‘The Black Hills of Dakota’, ‘The Deadwood Stage (Whip-CrackAway)’, ‘Just Blew in from the Windy City’ and the awardwinning song ‘Secret Love’, this brand new production of the classic musical from the highly acclaimed Watermill Theatre stars Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, Spamalot) alongside Tom Lister (Water Babies, Emmerdale) and a cast of multi-talented actor/ musicians.

JANE EYRE

3rd July @ Ashby de la Zouch Castle www.chapterhouse.org

the act, delighting audiences everywhere. Winner of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards “Best Live Act” Award 2001.

WEDDING FAIR

18th July @ Belgrave Hall & Gardens www.visitleicester.info

Visit this boutique Wedding Fair in the beautiful surrounding of Belgrave Hall & Gardens. Find lots of ideas for your big day from local suppliers. Entrance £3.50 adults, £2.50 children and concessions. Family ticket £8 (up to 5 people).

RUDYARD KIPLING’S THE JUNGLE BOOK Young governess Jane Eyre arrives at the mysterious Thornfield Hall deep in the Yorkshire moors and meets enigmatic Mr Rochester. So begins this most unforgettable of love stories. When a secret from the past returns to haunt them, can Jane and Rochester’s passion survive the forces that might tear them apart forever?

Adapted from Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents one of the greatest romances of English literature. This beautiful story of undying love is brought alive under a summer sky at some of the most exquisite open-air venues in the UK and Ireland.

Willard Wigan MBE, the globally-renowned microscopic sculptor,celebrated the launch of his own charitable dog’s trust with a VIP event ahead of his week-long PUP UP exhibition at Antidote Art Gallery, Lutterworth recently – in aid of Woodside Dogs Home.

The Midlands based artist has immortalised the Obama family in the eye of a needle, won the Guinness World Record for the smallest artwork ever created and been awarded an MBE by Her Majesty The Queen, but took time from his worldwide tour to stop in at Antidote Art, with whom he has launched the Derek The Dog charity.

VIN GARBUTT

11th July @The Guildhall

Antidote Art is no stranger to hosting events for international artists, but this was a first where the artworks – often carved from a single grain of sand – had to be viewed by a microscope.

As Willard Wigan MBE says, “Often the smallest thing can have the biggest impact”, and his work certainly seems to achieve that, on a global scale. The exhibition, which was for seven days only, is on tour around the world currently, but Wigan will take up a permanent exhibition at the Library of Birmingham later this autumn.

Vin Garbutt is one of the most sought-after and best loved performers on the music scene.

His song writing is witty and powerful; he is a distinctive singer, an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player. His songs always remain fresh and vibrant, and his repertoire is always changing.

Vin is genuinely funny, and his quirky observations of life are always very much part of

Antidote Art is @ High Street, Lutterworth,LE174AY. Tel01455556 951. www.antidoteart.com 58 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Images by Steve Smith.

19th July @ Bradgate Park www.bradgatepark.org

In the magical Indian jungle a new arrival changes the animal kingdom forever. Your favourite animal characters are brought to life to create an enchanting and fun-filled musical show for children of all ages. Join Mowgli on his wonderful adventures with the loveable and wise Baloo the Bear, the powerful panther Bagheera, and not to mention mischievous monkeys and the terrifying tiger Shere Khan!

Rudyard Kipling’s best known and most loved story will be a guaranteed summer hit for all the family at some of the most beautiful gardens of the UK and Ireland. For this performance children are invited to dress up in their favourite animal costume and join in the Jungle Parade in the interval.

MERCHANT OF VENICE

22nd July @ The Phoenix www.phoenix.org.uk In the melting pot of Venice, trade is God. With its ships plying the globe, the city opens its arms to all, as long as they come prepared to do business

RICHARD III

25th July – 9th August @ The Curve www.curveonline.co.uk

1461. As Edward IV is crowned King of England, nobody could imagine the events, the deceit and the struggle for power that would follow. For everyone underestimated the relentless ambition of his younger brother, Richard. Richard III, the future King of England. One of Shakespeare‘s most famous works, the play follows the rise to power of this misunderstood young King. Treachery, passion and murder combine in the lead up to his bloody and violent death on the Bosworth battlefield in 1485.

Directed by Nikolai Foster, this dark, visceral and dynamic production will bring Richard III’s epic story to the stage and will also mark this important year for Leicester, the final resting place of our last Plantagenet King.

Alan Carr Yap, Yap, Yap!

2nd August @ De Montfort Hall www.demontforthall.co.uk

No stranger to yap Alan Carr will be yapping his way around the UK and Ireland with his brand new stand up show Yap, Yap, Yap! The BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian, author and chat show supremo returns to his stand up roots with his hilarious take on life. Yap it up!

THE SECRET GARDEN

28th August @ Rutland Water Park www.chapterhouse.org

PREVIEW

CURVE ANNOUNCE ARTISTIC DIRECTORS’ iNAUGURAL SEASON

Join young Mary Lennox on her journey of discovery as she travels to her uncle’s house deep in the Yorkshire countryside, where unexpected friends and very magical creatures help her unlock the mystery of the secret garden. This most enchanting story, loved by children and adults alike, is presented in some the most beautiful garden settings across the UK and Ireland. Alive with music and song and an array of especially designed puppet creatures, Mary’s story and The Secret Garden promises to capture the very spirit of summer and to be one of the highlights of the open-air garden theatre season.

THE CASEBOOK OF SHERLOCK HOMES 3rd September @ Ashby de la Zouch Castle www.chapterhouse.org

Leicester’s Curve theatre has announced a fantastic new season of work, the first under the helm of new Artistic Director Nikolai Foster.

Must see shows directed by Foster include a new production of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, which runs from the 16 Oct- 8 Nov and features Charlie Brooks as Blanche. A new stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches, co-produced by Rose Theatre Kingston, from 9 Dec – 10 Jan and the premier of a major new production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s starring the multi awardwinning Pixie Lott as Holly Golightly.

Detective Sherlock Holmes has a mysterious new case to investigate when summoned to a nunnery deep in the English countryside. Holmes and his companion Dr Watson join the search for the most elusive piece of treasure known to mankind. With a missing novice, a death in the convent and some very suspicious nuns, Holmes’ newest case promises to be his most terrifying and challenging yet. A murder mystery to be solved and a treasure to be found in this thrilling adaptation of The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company with family and friends in what promises to be a splendid evening of openair theatre in some of the UK and Ireland’s most beautiful venues.

Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said “I am proud to present this new season of work at Curve, my first as Artistic Director. Drama, dance and music all feature prominently, an eclectic slate of work which supports our commitment to developing new and diverse audiences for the future. All of us at Curve are hugely excited to welcome such a talented group of artists and companies to Leicester over the coming months, and sharing work created in our great region with audiences across the UK and further afield.”

Other Curve productions in the new season are Oliver!, the Christmas musical for 2015, and the smash-hit musical comedy Hairspray, which returns for just 13 performances in September ahead of a UK tour, both directed by Paul Kerryson. Theatre goers can also look forward to the launch of the new UK tour of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins whilst A New Adventures’ dazzling production of Sleeping Beauty, directed by Matthew Bourne, with music by Tchaikovsky returns by popular demand after smashing box office records across the UK and the USA. Curve will also be at the heart of Leicester’s Diwali celebrations, and will host a week-long season of work including Nupur Arts Nartan, Confidance, Whose Sari Now? and Strictly Balti.

To see the full season line up and to book tickets visit www.curveonline.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 59

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and there is profit to be made.

With the gold flowing all is well, but when a contract between Bassanio and Shylock is broken, simmering racial tensions boil over. A wronged father, and despised outsider, Shylock looks to exact the ultimate price for a deal sealed in blood.

Polly Findlay (Arden of Faversham 2014) directs Shakespeare’s uncompromising tragedy.

paperwork DLUXE

PLEASURE

MEETS

BUSINESS

IN

THE

MIDLANDS

COORDINATED ADVICE: A PROVEN MONEY SAVER To be able to navigate through today’s business world you need to be much more than just proficient at your job. Today’s successful business demands that as a business owner you need to hold a masters in all things legal, tax, social media, human resources etc so to ensure your business is running in the right direction it is essential that you have a trusted team of Professional advisors around you. But what happens if you have more advisors than a football team has players? And what can you do to make sure they are playing the same game the same way? Theses mixed messages can have an even bigger effect for those involved in a family business writes dluxe’s Bart Dalton.

CONTEXT FRACTURING

Internet, texts, blogs, tweets, and 24-hour news channels bombard us with information that plays into our business decisions. Each of your individual professional advisors also give you advice and guidance on a regular basis.

This advice, provided in insolation, will be the best possible solution they can envision for the business challenge based upon the information they have at the time, and it may not take into account the other advice you have been given. It’s like going to the doctor and he gives you a prescription. Then you go to a specialist about another ailment and she gives you another prescription.

The good news is the prescriptions will work. The bad news is that combined they could counteract each other and create a problem. Each doctor and each prescription functioning alone would have been fine but taken out of context the medicines no longer serve their purpose.

Context fracturing comes to light when the advice conflicts or indeed negativelyaffects another professional advisor’s area; such as a massive tax implication when implementing a legal restructuring of the business.

Having dealt with family businesses for the past 20 years I have seen fairy tales come true when there is coordination and a plan around the goals and desires of the business and its owners, and nightmares when issues and opportunities are handled in isolation. There is no malicious intent on the part of the professional advisor, it’s simply a by-product of your professional team working without clear sight (and understanding) of defined business goals.

This rang true for one of my clients who recently sold a business. The family was being looked after by a well-known firm of accountants who had been working on selling the business for years. The firm was looking at the business without much regard for the family and the people in the business. After a 60 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

long and arduous process of selling, the result created a number of adverse situations both within the business and for the family members involved including overpaid tax and measurable loss in value of the shares. With some coordinated advice these adverse situations could have been avoided.

LEAVING A LEGACY

Successful families looking to make a true lasting impression, a legacy if you will, need to focus and hone in what they do to make sure that they can take as many advantages to enjoy their wealth for generations. Family businesses have it more difficult than most. You usually shouldn’t sack your dad, put your aunt on final warning, or make your sister redundant. That means that you need to use tools that can make people in the business/family adhere to a common written set of guidelines. Gullane &Co have created a tool kit for the clients that we work with to make sure that these tasks get a bit easier.

If you own a treadmill that is now a clothes drying rack, or a set of weights that are holding down a set of school books, then you know it is hard to stick to a routine and that sometimes even with the perfect tools to get you into shape it still takes will power and guidance. The tools listed below are great in theory but only effective if applied with professional guidance and focus.

COMPANY WILL

This non-legal document asks you questions that will make it so that you hone your enterprise value. It can get rid of the hit-and-hope things that come from having plans in your head, and makes sure that partners and directors understand their responsibilities and how they fit into the exit strategy of the business, not only the day to day running of the business.

THE RULES

This really applies to families in business and outlines what is expected of the family members and what they can expect in return. It aligns with family values, work ethics, “how you can stay in the will”.

Once you have these documents the best course of action is to run a full family meeting with all the advisers. You need to make sure there is regular communication on issues that can have major influence on any of the documents to ensure that you reduce stress, increase happiness and avoid costly mistakes. Business is hard and families can be interesting, but to make sure your Family Business succeeds take the right tools and make sure that there are written and un-assumed goals, focuses and outcomes.

Much of the recent media attention surrounding pensions has centered around the income flexibility now available to retirees when accessing their pension pots from April this year. While this is great news for many, there have also been changes by the Government around pension death benefits.

With these now in effect, one of Leicestershire’s leading firms of financial advisors, Newby Castleman (Financial Services) Limited, are urging people to contact them to ensure their beneficiaries receive the legacy in the most tax efficient way.

As of 6th April 2015, the 55 per cent ‘death tax’ for those who die before the age of 75 has been scrapped. This now means an individual’s full pension fund, up to the value of their personal lifetime allowance, can now be passed to a nominated beneficiary when they die as either a tax free lump sum or a tax free income. With these new rules in effect, it is important that people review their pensions and are aware of how these changes will affect the ones they leave behind, should they die.

John Freeman, Consultant at Newby Castleman (Financial Services) Limited, comments: “We are urging people to get in touch to discuss any queries they may have in light of the recent changes we’ve seen to pension death benefits. Although the recent changes mean greater freedom for people wishing to access their pension savings from 55 onwards, it is still important they understand the facts, particularly in light of the new rules now in place and the fact that existing policies may not accommodate the new way in which pensions can be passed on to future generations.”

Market research* has shown that since the pension reforms came into effect, nearly one-third of investors wanted to hold on to their pension money as a tax-efficient way to pass funds on after their death, and nearly two-thirds plan to draw money out of their pension when they stop working.

With many pension providers and policies not offering the new death benefit flexibility, this means that future generations will not be able to use the new pension freedom rules and for some, the only way to access the money may be through buying an annuity.

Thanks to the new reforms, pensions now represent one of the most tax efficient ways of passing on wealth to the future generations while also providing greater choice for beneficiaries on how the money can be used.

John concludes: “Although the Government has set up a new guidance service for those approaching retirement, we still recommend they contact us to get the appropriate support and information which will ensure that individuals are taking full advantage of the most radical pension reforms we’ve seen for over one hundred years.”

Anyone requiring independent financial advice can contact John Freeman, Financial Advisor at Newby Castleman (Financial Services) Limited on 0116 254 9262 or email him at jdf@newbyc.co.uk. *Any reference to tax is based on their understanding of current tax legislation which may change in the future.

The Leicester Mercury Business Awards took place on the 23rd April at the luxurious Platinum Suite, Cobden Street, Leicester. Over 830 representatives from the region’s leading businesses were present at the event, including the sponsors and award category winners and finalists. The evening celebrated the hugely encouraging steps that continue to be made all over Leicestershire; cementing the region as one of the country’s most dynamic economies.

The black tie event saw guests enjoy a champagne reception followed by a sumptuous four course meal. Guests at the awards were entertained throughout the evening by the fantastic presenting skills of Anne Davies, award winning broadcaster and face of BBC East Midlands Today. She was accompanied by journalist and television presenter Paul Ross, who swapped his normal post as co-anchor of London’s 94.9 Breakfast Show for The Platinum Suite stage. The presenting duo entertained the audience with their witty and humorous delivery, highlighting the positive ambiance of the ceremony throughout the night.

Internationally acclaimed comedy performer and musician, Kev Orkian provided the night’s entertainment at the awards, organised by Champions (UK) plc. The Britain’s Got Talent performer captivated the audience with his quickwitted humour and comedy-piano act that had everyone on their feet.

Regional Publisher and Managing Director of the Leicester Mercury, David Simms stated: ‘The evening has been a fantastic success and I am proud to celebrate the achievements of these unique and varied Leicestershire businesses.

My sincere thanks go to the sponsors who continue to support us year upon year.

I would like to congratulate all the outstanding finalists and winners for being recognised at this prestigious awards evening.”

The evening was also a fantastic opportunity to raise vital funds for Rainbows Hospice through a silent auction and a game of stand-up bingo, with the prize being donated by Lumbers Jewellers. The charity offers children and young people with life threatening and life limiting illnesses specialist hospice facilities at their base in Loughborough and money raised ensures that they can continue their important work.

The awards proved to be a fascinating insight into Leicestershire’s developing economy with such a diverse array of business sectors present.

This year’s winners included 34 Windsor St for the Sales & Marketing Award and Lestercast for Company of the Year whilst the award for Not for Profit Organisation went to Action Homeless. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 61

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New call to review Business Awards legacy pension policies Celebrate Success

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business mentors LOUGHBOROUGH F I R M needed to help nurture INCREASES ITS local start ups INVESTMENT Startup Direct is calling for new business mentors to support entrepreneurs in the Midlands region following a strong first quarter of the year, which saw the creation of 50 new businesses, receiving around £350,000 in seed finance.

Loughborough based business Charles Bentley & Son Ltd is strengthening its East Midlands manufacturing base by investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing processes at a cost of almost £400,000.

The company, which is celebrating 155 years in business this year, has received funding from Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership to safeguard manufacturing jobs in the region. In order to access the funding, Charles Bentley & Son has had to protect ten jobs and create a further eight opportunities.

The bulk of the investment has funded the purchase of a state-ofthe-art brush filling machine. The fully automatic, CNC controlled, brush making machine can produce 1200 brush tuffs per minute and will increase production capacity by almost one third.

The partner of the Government’s Start Up Loans scheme, which pledges to match every start up business with a mentor, is calling for local business people to put their own skills and experience to good use by signing up. Mentors are asked to give just fifteen hours of their time over the course of the entrepreneur’s first year of operation, offering general guidance and support over the phone or face to face, as well as acting as a sounding board when needed.

Star51 is a midlands born retro childrenswear business which has enjoyed huge success since its launch last year and is about to see its first collection stocked in House of Fraser online. Founders Banayoida and Paris Theodorou, were matched with local mentor Francis Hazeel, who has over 40 years experience in business. They catch up over the phone once every couple of months to discuss anything from manufacturing margins to fashion shows.

“I’m no fashionista but it’s business advice that Paris and Banayoida need”, said Francis. “I’ve been able to offer advice on matters such as hiring accountants and solicitors, and the cost implications of manufacturing in the UK. It’s nice to feel I can pass the knowledge of a lifetime spent in banking and commerce to a new generation of entrepreneurs. I’m learning about areas of business which are unfamiliar to me, but my age, knowledge and detachment mean I can add real value.”

Star51 founder Banayoida added: “Francis really opened our eyes to long term planning and taught us to look ahead in terms of our financial position. This has helped us maintain a clear vision for the business, rather than allowing ourselves to become bogged down in the day to day.”

Volunteer mentors are a vital part of the support provided to entrepreneurs as they set out on their start up journey. They receive formal mentor training and the opportunity to hone their own skills, expand their networks and gain valuable experience, which can often lead to Non Executive Director roles.

“The start up scene is thriving and we’re working with interesting entrepreneurs in wide spectrum of sectors, all in need of a mentor to help guide them through their first year”, said James Pattison, CEO of Startup Direct.

Startup Direct is a partner of the Government’s Startup Loans scheme, offering loans of up to £25,000 at low interest rates (6.2% APR) over 1 - 5 years. As well as their own business mentor, entrepreneurs also have access to workshops, networking events and a business helpline.

To find out more about being a mentor, visit: www.startupdirect.org or call 0121 629 0357.

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Managing Director, Charles Bentley explains “The real advantage to this machine is that it can change between products very quickly, which will reduce the manufacturing lead times from a full day to having a finished product in your hands within a couple of hours.

He continues “This investment marks a steep change for the business. We are investing in a future that means we can compete with the very best in Europe and also safeguard manufacturing jobs in the East Midlands.”

Charles Bentley & Son Ltd is a Loughborough business that was formed in 1860. The company, which is still owned by the original Bentley family, originally started out providing brushes for Victorian chimney sweeps and is now a multi-million pound operation, with specialisms in the equestrian, cleaning and household sector.

There is more information on Charles Bentley & Son at www. bentleybrushware.co.uk

Says Ann Stanley, Managing Director of Anicca Digital and one of The Drum Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential in Search. Anicca Digital is based on King Street, Leicester, and provides integrated digital marketing services to over 60 clients. From national brands to SMEs, Anicca is the number one Google AdWords consultancy in the Midlands providing specialist services to ecommerce clients throughout the supply chain.

How did you do your Christmas shopping last year? Like many of us, I did the vast majority of mine online. The Centre for Retail Research recorded that although retail sales grew by 2.9% on the previous Christmas, online sales rose by a whopping 19.5%, with almost a quarter of all festive shopping completed online (23.4%). That’s an increase of nearly £2.5billion. So as a retailer how do you get your share of that?

Don’t get left behind

Write regular original content

It’s amazing how many businesses we talk to still don’t have an online presence or have a very basic one. Reasons come in all shapes and forms ‘we don’t get our customers that way’ to ‘we’ve got an established customer base.’ You need a website that reflects your brand and encourages people to seek out your business. Chances are if your customer base is mainly offline then they will be an older clientele that needs supplementing with a younger audience – otherwise your business will literally die off. Alternatively, if online genuinely isn’t a route to market for you, then people will still check out how credible your business is by searching for you on the internet. Having a website and corresponding LinkedIn profiles can be all people need to see to reassure them and secure a sale. Local authorities and affiliated bodies such as LEPs (Local Economic Partnerships) often have grants available for small businesses to invest in technology – following the election, the Government has pledged £600 million in funding for Superfast Broadband. Talk to your local body to find out more.

Google likes creativity and originality. The more content you write, the higher Google will rank your site. So go create! Blog, write articles, get media coverage and post it all! Don’t copy it from other people’s websites (as Google will penalise you for that), and try not to repeat content within your own site. Ensure you post your amazing articles to your social media channels and ALWAYS link back to the site.

Can you be found?

“Having a website Don’t be afraid to pay for it and social media accounts set up is Innovate great, but people have to be able to find them”

You can have the best business in the world but if nobody knows about it, then it will never thrive.

Having a website and social media accounts set up is great, but people have to be able to find them to see what you have to offer. So is your website correctly optimised for Google? It might sound basic but Google your own site, first by your brand and secondly by sector key phrases, for example ‘restaurants Leicester’. How are you performing? We had a business come in last week that wondered why their offline advertising campaign hadn’t worked – a simple Google search revealed that the website was coming up listed as a random Portuguese phrase, something that no one would ever click on. To stand any chance of being found you need to be on the first page of Google listings for your sector.

In competitive sectors, Paid Search may be the only way for you to have any share of leads. Pay Per Click advertising, Shopping adverts, Affiliate schemes or Facebook advertising can all provide genuine sales leads for a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising.

It’s highly measurable and there’s little/ no wastage depending on how targeted your campaign is.

The sector is changing all the time – Amazon is trialling delivery to people’s car boots instead of snail mail and there’s even talk of drones being piloted as a delivery method in the USA. Make sure you are reading about industry changes and how they could best work for you. The beauty of ecommerce is that SMEs can compete with big brands on a level playing field – you are agile, adaptable, have personal service and are quick to respond, unencumbered by a huge infrastructure or layers of bureaucracy.

This is the biggest opportunity for retailers in decades - this year alone the European e-commerce market is set to grow by 18.4% to £156.67 billion, and the next wave of Government investment is predicted to increase sales by a further £500million within the next two years. So get on the wave, start surfing, don’t miss out.

For more information on Anicca Digital’s services and for a free, no commitment website audit, contact Bhavesh Chauhan on bhavesh@anicca.co.uk. Visit www.anicca.co.uk or join the conversation @aniccadigital on Twitter, www.facebook.com/PureAnicca. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 63

dluxebusiness

‘Innovation in Online Shopping Means Investment in Ecommerce is Crucial for Retail Businesses to Survive’

dluxebusiness

10 GOLDEN RULES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA IN BUSINESS 3. Humanise your brand – Social media gives your business the opportunity to reach out and actually connect with your audience instantly. Ask clients and consumers to shout about your good service and plug positive vibes! .

4. Analytics - You have created a Facebook business page but do you

know the numbers of people visiting the page, what pages are most popular or what part of the world your visitors come from? The free Google Analytics tool offers more sophisticated and comprehensive data. Now you can track visitor statistics, traffic sources, visitor countries, and keyword searches.

5. LinkedIn Recommendations –Set up a solid LinkedIn

business page, and then promote through previous clients by way of endorsements. Having a visible online reputation creates an instant transparency that makes potential clients more likely to trust you, word of mouth works wonders.

6. Get Pinterest! – Pinterest is a visual discovery tool that you can use to find ideas for all your projects and interests. Even if you are not a creative company, you can use Pinterest to visualise an idea to potential clients. Add ideas to the boards and effectively communicate a vision without the need for lengthy phone calls or email exchanges.

Social Media business platforms like Facebook are changing the rules on free promotion of your business pages; even if you previously had likes or shares you will potentially lose that. This is due to the aggressive increase in the monetisation of paid ad space - previous free methods of social media promotion may no longer be a viable.

Beyond Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages you now have to be savvy and streamline content to reach your intended target market. Here are 10 golden rules for social media in business.

1. Have a plan! – Set a plan with a budget, as with anything in business you must have a structured idea of your goals then perform.

Your own social media marketing plan will help keep focus and keep costly mistakes down to a minimum.

2. Make the business brand visible – Use social media platforms to engage with customers on a consistent basis. Post a daily thought or a new product or upcoming events to keep up interest. The more targeted people who are aware of your brand, the greater the chance you have of turning leads into paying clients.

7. Social Media Management – Choose a SMM platform as this can manage all Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Instagram and more from one platform. For example, Hootsuite platform includes the ability to schedule unlimited messages across any or all of your social profiles, measure all your social media campaigns in one place with ready-to-go reporting and assign tasks to ensure no message goes unanswered Other Social Media Management platforms include Falcon Social, Giraffe Social Media and Sprout Social.

8. Twitter mining –Consider data mining the business Twitter

account, it is a way to monitor relevant data, keywords, influencers, associated terms, hashtags and other relevant information. gShift, a web presence analytics software provider, now offers a Social Keyword module that mines Twitter to cut through the irrelevant clutter.

9. Stay ahead of competitors –Social Media Monitoring can allow you to stay ahead of competitors by understanding their marketing strategies.

10. Drive traffic to your website - Social media can help increase

traffic to your web page. Always include all websites to all social media platforms.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK Newby Castleman Chartered Accountants, Bray and Bray Solicitors and The Exchange have teamed up to launch Business Exchange Network; a new breakfast networking event which will run monthly.

“We’re creating a networking event that is relaxed and informal and doesn’t involve any formal speeches or rigorous networking formats.

Individuals can come along and make new business contacts over morning coffees and pastries, in a relaxed and friendly setting with no fees, booking or registration required. The Exchange was the perfect venue as it is welcoming and easy to reach,” says Raquel Lesta, Marketing Manager at Newby Castleman.

Cassie Soulsby, of The Exchange, comments: “We are delighted to be hosting this and are really pleased with the response we have already had from the local business community. We’ll also be issuing discounted parking tickets for the NCP opposite at the event, reducing the cost of parking to just £1 per hour.”

Business Exchange Network will take place from 7.30am to 9.00am on the first Thursday of each month at The Exchange, 50 Rutland Street, Leicester.

To get involved please contact Raquel Lesta at ral@newbyc.co.uk or Hannah Wellings at hwellings@braybray.co.uk.

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CORPORATE CONKERS CONKERS, the award-winning visitor attraction at the heart of The National Forest, has launched a new range of corporate adventure days to bring a really wild, outdoor experience to a company’s day out or team building exercises.

Companies can pick a selection of adventure activities and can build a bespoke adventure experience from a wide range on offer including: kayaking, laser clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking, archery, pedal go karting, katacanoeing, bell bottom boats, an 18 stage assault course, bushcraft survival skills and orienteering in the forest, plus the high and low ropes adventure course opening in July.

Chris Sturdy, Regional Operations Manager at CONKERS said: “Although we’re an award-winning visitor attraction with a fantastic family offer, the breadth of outdoor activities available means that we can put on a unique, new experience for corporate team building or company days out and we already have some very satisfied corporate clients who have really enjoyed the experience and returned for more.”

CONKERS provides a full catering service - from light snacks through to a three-course celebration dinner. Accommodation packages can also be arranged.

To find out more visit www.visitconkers.com or call 01283 216633

Accountants that stand out from the crowd...

As experienced accountants, Newby Castleman understands the importance of good business and financial management.

With proper planning and advice, we can provide you with tailored tax-saving solutions.

Contact us today to find out more...

0116 254 9262 www.newbycastleman.co.uk

dluxe people

D L U X E PEOPLE “In the dark I can sense The Zoo. I can’t see it, but I know it’s there.” Leicester’s freshest author and Amazon Rising Star Jamie Mollart takes us into the dark and incessant world of The Zoo, a constant, looming figment of protagonist James Marlowe’s subconscious. The Zoo is the heart of darkness. The Zoo doesn’t blink. Jamie’s critically acclaimed book follows Marlowe’s descent from infamous corporate debauchery into desperate insanity and his fight to regain the family, and sanity he has lost. As an advertising Executive himself though, is it more than just a name Jamie shares with the tainted and notorious James Marlowe? Rae Stephenson caught up with the Author to find out.

As soon as I ask, I can tell this is not the first time he has had to address the question of authorial surrogacy. He humours me though.

He also stresses the importance of the banking crisis and consumerism as influences – heavy topics for any author to tackle, let alone one striving for his first published title.

“No, he’s almost like my worst nightmare! The whole J M thing started as a bit of a post-modern joke. There are certain books that are famous for having main characters related to you, Hitchcock always has a walk on part. I just thought it would be a bit clever... and then I realised that in every interview I ever have, this question would come up!

So I changed it slightly. The ‘J’ and ‘M’ is just a bit of a joke.

Thankfully, he isn’t me. I wouldn’t wish what happens to him on anybody.”

This dedication to his work is not set to slow any time soon, nor is Jamie taking any time to step back and admire his own success. His determination to follow up his debut success with another hit novel as soon as possible (already in the works), and the way he fidgets a little when I complement the book, is telling of how humbling he finds the experience.

Though, he does admit to having a “gut feeling” while writing that perhaps this could be the one to get his name, and his novel, onto the shelves.

“I’ve written three other novels. My first two were rubbish. The third one was getting there.

This one just felt better, I felt I’d improved and I knew the timing was perfect.”

With writing a book about an *almost* name sake, who also happens to work in the same profession, it’s no surprise that since the book’s publication, friends and clients have been desperate to find out if they made the cut for a cameo.

“Everyone’s so worried about it. That’s the first thing that everyone at work said.

Even clients were asking if they would be in it somewhere! But because of what it is about I had to be really careful not to do that. There are only three characters that are actually based on people I know but they are really minor parts. And they did know about it before!”

The meticulous attention to detail didn’t start and end with the names though. In reading the book, there is instantly a richness, a palpable realism to the story which seems to have resonated so well due to Jamie’s real-world experiences.

“I actually spent a lot of time visiting mental health wards for research. I was particularly interested in the really fine balance between ‘sane’ and ‘unable to cope’ and how it is to live on that line between the two. I wanted to capture that. With Marlowe, he is living on the edge anyway and it just takes one more little thing, and it all comes crashing down.”

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Jamie admits he’s a perfectionist, and is still developing that thick skin needed to overcome knockbacks along the way, but encourages prospective writers to not give up. He says receiving the first copy of your own book makes it totally worthwhile.

“The day my book arrived, I opened the package, pulled out the book and to see it all finished with your name on, to see your words on the page, it’s incredible.

I walk into Waterstones and see it on the shelves and it’s amazing.”

He catches himself, and humbly adds: “Some say you have to write a million words before you can begin to call yourself a writer though!” Well we think he’s more than earned the title.

See what all the fuss is about yourself… 5 copies up for grabs. For your chance to win a copy of The Zoo, visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click on competitions.

The Zoo is published by Sandstone Press Ltd

ADULTS £ 30 STUDENTS £ 20 UNDER 16s £ 10 UNDER 10s £ 7.50 UNDER 5s FREE £3 TRANSACTION FEE PAYABLE PER PURCHASE. CASH TRANSACTIONS EXEMPT UP TO 24 HOURS BEFORE EVENT

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