Dluxe Birmingham and Solihull Winter 2016

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Letter Editor from the

Can someone please tell me where this year has gone? I know it’s a cliché to say that time speeds by even quicker when you’re advancing in years, but come on, this is getting ridiculous. I blinked and lost October and November and here we are, at the threshold of ringing in the New Year.

2017. Unbelievable.

2016, for all its haste, has been a corker here in the West Midlands. But behind the glitz, the glamour and the outstanding opportunities our great city offers, there is an unfortunate flipside. We were saddened to see the levels of homelessness on the streets of Birmingham recently. It may be that ‘they’ have always been there, but more hidden, but because of the upheaval of the city centre – in particular the demolition of the old library – Birmingham’s homeless are more visible than ever and needing our support.

It’s fact that Birmingham’s homeless population greatly outnumbers that of the rest of the country. Aside from London, Birmingham has the largest number of homeless people with the Department for Communities and Local Government’s statistics showing that in June 2016 there were 1,152 cases. To put this in context, the city with the next largest homeless population is Manchester with 665 people. Whilst a majority of these cases will eventually be housed by the council, there are still hundreds who have no other options besides hostels, squatting, or rough sleeping. It was this rough sleeping we witnessed, in great number.

After taking to social media to voice our concerns, we were thrilled to learn about an incredible outreach program called Let’s Feed Brum – an initiative by the charity, Inspiration Support. Ben Rafiqi, the founder of the charity told us; “Let’s Feed Brum is exactly what Birmingham has been waiting for and I am so excited to be part of the movement. Five years ago I went out one night with a flask of coffee and a friend; since then we’ve grown into a network of committed volunteers that provide sandwiches, hot drinks, essential supplies and friendship to those living on our streets.

However, there is still a long way to go and I sincerely hope that Let’s Feed Brum can make this happen,” Ben said. One of the first restaurants to put their money – or rather food – where their mouths was Itihaas from the city’s Jewellery Quarter, who are hoping to feed more than 100 people a night, as part of the scheme.

They say that it’s the giving, rather than the receiving that inspires most joy, so in this season of goodwill, why not make it your resolution to give a little and get involved. Every little helps.

For more information, visit letsfeedbrum.com

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

See you in the Spring,

We can’t wait for...

1.

This year’s German market stays in Birmingham longer than ever you have until the 29th Dec to visit.

2.

3.

Holidays are coming... the Coca Cola truck is coming to Birmingham on the 17th December

JK Rowling fans rejoice! Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is in cinemas now - perfect for little Potters!

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Jonathan Fraser Group Editor In Chief

4.

Climb aboard the Polar Express at Thomas Land, Drayton Manor Park and Zoo running until NYE.

5.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s Swashbuckling tale of adventure, Treasure Island, is at The Rep until the 7th January

Styled by

THE FACES OF THE FORT

READ OUR STORIES AT WWW.THEFORT.CO.UK

CONTENTS...

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

14 SPOTLIGHT We talk to comedien Omid Djalili ahead of his new stand up show coming to Birmingham next year.

20 SPOTLIGHT Hippodrome Chief Executive Fiona Allan on her plans for the city’s cultural landmark.

24 GIFT GUIDE The ultimate festive

gift guide for him, for her and for the family.

30 READ MY LIPS Evening and partywear for him and her, exclusively by Next.

36 FOR HER Evening jumpsuits, exquisite accesories and winter boots.

36 FOR HIM Putting on the glitz, winter coats and festive fragrances.

40 LIVING How to dress the perfect tree and how to protect the garden this winter.

44 TRAVEL Warm up with some Winter Sun and we visit Paradise Island, Bali.

48 MOTORS Something for the weekend? We’ve fallen for Fiat’s retro reinvention of the classic 124 Spyder.

50 DINING Ginger Christmas Cake, Italian treats and bottomless brunches.

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

68 PAPERWORK Pensions, investments, careers and West Midlands business in focus.

74 PEOPLE We talk to Anthony Wardle ahead of the Fresh Arts Fair.

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

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE Lilith Hunt-Sheppard lilith@fu-media.co.uk 07975 970711

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

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

COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE Ben Walker Ben@fu-media.co.uk

Disclaimer: Copyright 69 & dluxe BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements. The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. © 69 Magazine Ltd 2016

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

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

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The Big Sleuth aRRIVES IN Bear-mingham Fancy putting your artistic skills to practise and presented all across Birmingham? Then the Big Sleuth needs you.

The Big Sleuth will bring together local businesses, charities, schools and community groups to transform hundreds of blank, giant Sun Bears with imaginative and individual works.

Artists will be given the chance to decorate in any artistic form, Wild in Art’s latest sculpture of a Sun Bear, created specifically for Birmingham. The Big Sleuth event will then see a hundred giant bear sculptures displayed across the city to help raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Successful Sun Bear designs will be presented to the event’s sponsors in February and commissioned artists will receive an honorarium of £850. At the end of the event, the sculptures will be sold at auction to raise much-needed funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

A free, family-friendly event, The Big Sleuth will see 100 giant bear sculptures (and bear cubs created by schools and young people) leave their paw prints all over the West Midlands as the city gets set to be known as Bear-mingham in 2017.

So do you think you’re up for the challenge? Then submit your ideas before midnight on Monday 2nd January.

To download an artist pack and to get involved visit visit thebigsleuth. co.uk/artist dluxe-magazine.co.uk 9

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140 Years of AUCTION Excellence

140 years has seen six generations of the Fellows family go from strength to strength, moving the Auction House based in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter to increasingly larger premises and expanding to the capital.

The firm was established in 1876 when William Henry Fellows, who was well established as pawnbrokers, with shops across the West Midlands, was left with an unwanted order of bicycles he decided to sell them by auction and Fellows & Sons was established.

As the auction business grew, William was followed into the business by his son Francis Henry who grew the jewellery auctions, selling items belonging to refugees escaping the Russian revolution.

Now into the third generation, William and Albert followed in their father’s footsteps and the business continued to flourish. The brothers handled a wide variety of goods from refugees fleeing Nazi persecution who were able to smuggle out some of their wealth.

By the swinging seventies, Antony joined the business and proceeded to run the company with his wife Muriel. In 1986, they were joined by their daughter Jayne and later, her husband Stephen. Jayne and Stephen Whittaker now run Fellows with their daughters Alexandra and Nicola working in the newly opened London office in Hill St, Mayfair.

Fellows now offers close to 100 specialist auctions a year including sales for jewellery, watches, silver, antiques and handbags. Stephen Fellows, Managing Director of the firm said “We’re delighted to be celebrating 140 years in the fine art auction industry. Although still being in family ownership after 6 generations may not fit every business model, it is a testament to the relationships built up over the years with buyers and vendors alike. We are lucky to be blessed with a professional, motivated and enthusiastic staff who have taken the firm to the position which it now enjoys.”

In celebration of this anniversary Jayne and Stephen invite you to join the Fellows team for a glass of fizz and piece of cake at the Watch Sale on the 28th November and at the Antique & Modern Jewellery auction, on the 7th December, both held at Augusta House, 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham.

To view lots or to find out more about Fellows visit www.fellows.co.uk or call them on 0121 212 2131 to request a catalogue.

ILLUMINATING BIRMINGHAM

For the first time, the Magical Lantern Festival is heading to the second city that is Birmingham this Christmas period. Brummie visitors will be pleased to hear that one of Birmingham’s best-loved icons – the Bullring Bull – will be brought to light in the form of a 3.5 metre replica lantern.

The family show will be illuminating Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 25 November 2016 to 2 January 2017 and is set to be an unmissable spectacle this season.

A fusion of art, heritage and culture, the Magical Lantern Festival will be exhibiting lanterns like you’ve never seen before: guests’ first glimpse of Christmas at Birmingham Botanical Gardens will be a giant 12-metre wide lantern entrance, which will light the way to a stunning trail around the gardens. From Santa and his reindeers to flowers and animals, these giant lanterns will light up the beautiful ponds, woodland, gardens and pathways of the Birmingham attraction.

Birmingham is one of three cities to host these mesmerizing creations: both Leeds and London will be showcasing the lanterns too, making the Magical Lantern Festival a truly national event. It is the perfect festive family event, and with food and drink stalls thrown in too, it’s one not-to-be-missed.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at £12.50 adults, £10.50 concessions, £8.50 children and £38 for a family ticket. For more information about the festival and to book tickets, visit www. magicallantern.uk.

SECOND CITY GETS SNAP HAPPY EXHIBITION Nowadays everyone is on their phones, tweeting, snapchatting and of course instagramming their favourite moments. Instagram account, IGersBirmingham aims to highlight the Instagram photo community in Birmingham and are hosting their first exhibition celebrating the very best snaps of the second city.

Social media enthusiasts and lovers of photography are joining together to celebrate the wonders of Birmingham using the #igersbirmingham. To celebrate the momentous year for the IGersBirmingham community, they will be holding a public exhibition on the 3rd December at Nest in Digbeth where members of the public can see a collection of images from instameets and “Photo of the Day” posts featuring the city.

The exhibition takes place on Saturday 3rd December, 12noon to 5pm, at Nest, c/o Glen Howells Architects, 321 Bradford Street, Digbeth, B5 6ET. 10 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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Crafted with quality and innovation, we offer the perfect solutions to connect your kitchen and dining room to create a social space to cook, dine and entertain.

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

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LINKSTREET

BIRMINGHAM’S HOTTEST NEW INDY STREET LINKSTREET, THE WALKWAY BETWEEN BULLRING AND GRAND CENTRAL, HAS BECOME THE CITY’S HOTTEST DESTINATION FOR MUST-VISIT LONDON-STYLE INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES. HERE IS OUR HANDY GUIDE TO SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES, WHICH WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE TOO… CEREAL KILLER CAFÉ Birmingham’s first cereal café has just opened at LinkStreet with a 90’s theme complete with arcade games and cereal memorabilia. Cereal Killer Café offers over 100 different brands of cereal from all corners of the globe as well as 20 flavours of poptart and 100 types of milk including salted caramel and chocolate cookie. You have to try one of their Cereal Cocktails, which are different mixes of cereal, toppings and milk.

BARBER BARBER The Barber Barber brand prides itself on impeccable service and extensive knowledge in the craft of men’s haircutting and bespoke shaving, in luxurious surroundings, and offers precision beard sculpting, traditional cut-throat shave and a ‘Lil Rascal’s Shampoo Cut and Finish’ for the little ones.

IRREGULAR CHOICE Irregular Choice has opened their first store in Birmingham at LinkStreet. The iconic footwear and accessories brand offers customers a range of women’s footwear as well as their popular wedding collection and brand collaborations.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

VINCENT VAN DOODLE Vincent Van Doodle originally started as a temporary pop-up shop at LinkStreet and has since opened in a shop unit allowing more space to showcase product. The local independent art and homeware brand has some real treats for the home including iconic film posters and mugshots of some of the greats.

PRETTY GREEN Premium menswear label, originally founded by Liam Gallagher, can be found at LinkStreet offering a range of clothing, footwear and classic vinyl.

LUKE 1977 Luke 1977 has recently moved from Lower West Mall to LinkStreet in a bigger shop unit meaning more space to showcase key collections. If you have a little one to dress too take a look at the Luke Junior collection, you’ll have the coolest little dude in the Midlands.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK Local based bamboo clothing brand, Positive Outlook, have just opened a pop-up shop at LinkStreet just in time for Christmas.

The brand, which embraces a positive outlook for life, offers both menswear and womenswear collections.

RELIGION Popular fashion brand, Religion, which boasts a number of celebrity fans has opened its first store outside of London. The shop offers the very latest from the brand’s menswear and womenswear collections.

CAFFE NERO The popular coffee shop has a new-look for LinkStreet. Sink back into one of their comfy leather armchairs and watch the world go by with a coffee in hand. And if you’re feeling Christmassy then opt for one of their festive drinks such as the Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate or Salted Caramel Latte.

LINKSTREET IS CHANGING ALL THE TIME… IN ADDITION TO THE NEW SHOPS AT LINKSTREET THERE ARE NEW AND EXCITING POP-UP SHOPS OPENING THERE ALL THE TIME. WE’RE TALKING SMALL INDEPENDENT BRANDS, LOCAL HANDMADE PIECES AND NEW UPAND-COMING DESIGNERS. NO TRIP TO LINKSTREET IS EVER THE SAME.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LINKSTREET AT BULLRING VISIT WWW.BULLRING.CO.UK. JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING #LINKSTREET. BULLRING IS OPEN UNTIL 10PM ON WEEKDAYS DURING DECEMBER.

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SCHMUCK FOR A NIGHT

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Djalili is hitting the road again with a new tour, ‘Schmuck for a Night’, taking in more than 90 towns and cities over the next eight months. we talk to the multi-award winning comic about keeping his mind sharp, being shot by a Rolling Stone and reading the Chilcot report in its entirety.

Before UK Tour Omid Djalili discusses his acting career and what to expect on his new tour, Schmuck for A Night with Ben Williams.

The new show’s called ‘Schmuck for a Night’. Why Schmuck?

I like the word ‘schmuck’. It means ‘fool’ or buffoon. You have to be a schmuck to do comedy in today’s climate. I’m embracing the schmuck in me to take on the big issues of our day. Plus, it’s a word that ends with ‘uck’ which can only be a good thing.

We found the show mellower than your other tours. Is that fair to say?

I’ve become less frenetic. I used to dance every two minutes in between the stand up. I can’t even remember why. It was mentioned to me that when I danced audiences were laughing at me not with me. So it was either stop dancing or ban my manager from the gigs.

Are audiences disappointed about the lack of dancing?

Yes. Right. You touch on Brexit, ISIS and Trump in the show. It’s a long tour, will the show change while you’re on the road?

Well, I think the show will change even while I’m on stage. It’ll be so current sometimes audiences won’t laugh until they get home and turn on the TV. Are you looking forward to that challenge?

Of course. Although, my main challenge is getting the audience in a good mood again after my support act Boothby Graffoe has been on. Sometimes people haven’t finished boo-ing until a few minutes into my act.

(Laughs) You produced a show known as the ‘Iraq Out & Loud’ project at the Edinburgh Fringe, which involved reading the Chilcot report in full, 24 hours a day. How did the idea come about?

I was on the phone to Boothby in July when

I said, “We should do a show at next year’s Edinburgh Festival where we just read the Chilcot report 24 hours a day.” He mentioned it to a promoter called Bob Slayer, and rang me back and said, “There’s a guy called Bob who’s mad enough to do it this year.” So while Bob was building a shed to stage it in, we were contacting all our friends in comedy to read it and kick the idea off. It took 285 hours and 1444 people to read it. I read too. It was a truly one off experience.

It was a great idea. The Edinburgh Comedy Awards judges certainly thought so, awarding it the Panel Prize.

“I’d say, and anyone who’s worked with him as an actor would agree, Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones, was probably the most extraordinary...”

At my age, winning an award? What a pleasant surprise. Though, I’ve found when an idea is really good it’s no longer your idea.

The idea belongs to the collaborators. In fact, the idea felt like it belonged to the comedy industry. Comics do nutty things all the time at the festival. Sometimes it’s a 24-hour show, sometimes mad benefit gigs, but sometimes an idea really captures the Zeitgeist.

Comedians are very adept at smelling bs – by which I mean sensing when we’re being fobbed off - so it was important to us that the readings were a simple, non-political, people-powered, public service.

Did you find anything funny in such a serious report?

Yes. It was in the final moments of the readings - after 285 hours and 1444 people the very last paragraph of the Chilcot report is: ‘How to read the Chilcot report’ [laughs]. It was a great punchline.

You were involved in another project about similar subject matter, as executive producer on the documentary ‘We Are Many’ about the 2003 protests against the war in Iraq. Are you proud of the film?

It’s not comedy but you could easily say it’s my crowning achievement so far. I’ve worked on the project for the last five years, countless edits, screenings, meetings, discussions… the fact that Universal Pictures bought it, that it’s been so well received and hit number one

on iTunes in about ten different countries, you could say I’m very proud of it. A film promoting worldwide public opinion as a ‘Second Superpower’ has got to be doing good.

Will the film and the Chilcot report reading make a difference, do you think?

You can never quantify the impact of such things, but certainly it felt like they were important projects to be part of. In this life you’re either a problem or a solution. I’d like to think these projects – which raise more questions than answers – are firmly entrenched in the solution camp. Or at least trying to be!

Your stand-up isn’t particularly political or agenda-based, though.

Well yes and no. I’m not party political if that’s what you mean. I have no party political agenda. But I’ll talk about what’s going on around us trying to contribute to the discourse… in fact that’s what the show should have been called: ‘Schmuck Talks About What’s Going On Around Him Trying To Contribute To The Discourse’.

You’ve just been cast in The Nutcracker with Morgan Freeman and Keira Knightley.

How is that going to feel filming and then showing up at a theatre to do stand up?

Am I? What are you my agent? News travels fast! (Laughs) You’d think it’d be weird but it has never phased me. Once in Barnet years ago I was late so didn’t change and came straight to the theatre from the set of The Mummy at Shepperton Studios and walked straight on stage in my film costume. I went on stage in full 1930s Egyptian prison warden garb. I even heard a crowd member say “well at least he’s making an effort.”

Away from stand-up, you have an impressive acting CV and have worked with Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Robert Redford, Johnny Depp, Mike Myers, Sarah Jessica Parker… Who’s been most fun to work with?

That’s a tough one… (thinks) I’d say, and anyone who’s worked with him as an actor would agree, Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones, was probably the most extraordinary.

He played the father of Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 3’.

His character shoots and kills my character for no reason. This seemed to bother him. In fact, he shot me about 14 times and after each take he’d come up to me and say, “listen, you do know I don’t mean this?” After every take. It was almost like a joke but it wasn’t.

Bang! and he’d shuffle up and say “nothing personal mate, I hope you realise”. Then after another take, with the same sincerity and intensity “it’s all acting. You know that. You’re not upset with me, are you?” Once he shot me and just said “forgive them Lord, they know not what they do”. The final time he shot me he just stood over me and mumbled “we’ve all got issues… it’s all about mummy innit?” How right he was.

‘Omid Djalili: Schmuck for a Night’ will be at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on May 5th 2017. For tickets visit www.thsh.co.uk / whats-on or call 0121 780 3333

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dluxespotlight

O

mid Djalili might now be known to millions for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters and West End appearances, but he started his career in fringe theatre, moving on to the theatres of Central and Eastern Europe in the early ’90s, and then the alternative comedy circuit. And although he’s swapped dingy pub rooms for the big theatres, it’s still live on stage doing stand-up where he’s at his best.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

THE LOUNGE CO. LAUNCH AT LEEKES COVENTRY

Home Department store Leekes Coventry have launched a revolutionary new concept in sofa buying with the new Lounge Co. sofa galleries and touch screen consoles in store.

Customers can begin by using the contemporary mix of on-trend sofas and chairs display models to experience the quality and comfort of the new range and then use the in-store interactive touch screen stations to perfect their choice from over a hundred fabric options plus a huge choice of shapes, colours and finishes. There are thousands of design variations to consider and lots of ‘mix & match’ opportunities for a truly unique look and to aid final selection, free fabric swatch packs are also available, with ‘family friendly’ options also part of the range.

Offering a wealth of experience, The Lounge Co. is backed by the furniture group responsible for G Plan, Parker Knoll and Duresta with all sofas and chairs from The Lounge Co. made to order in Britain with free delivery direct to customer homes.

Find out more at www.leekes.co.uk or visit the store at Silverstone Drive, Junction 3 of the M6, First left before the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, CV6 6PA

new season of theatre at The REP Birmingham Repertory Theatre has announced a new season for spring and summer 2017 in which universal stories and shared experiences are explored across The REP’s three stages.

The REP’s artistic Director, Roxana Silbert, said: “This season we focus on stories about bringing people together. From a whole country united through Bob Marley’s music in One Love to individuals united by their love of football in Stadium; a teacher and his pupils looking for acceptance in To Sir, With Love to a loving family whose unity rapidly unravels in What’s In A Name?

In our new season we have five premières and three re-imagined classics, exhilarating shows for families, imaginative and powerful new plays to explore, and one-night only specials – all the ingredients for audiences old and new, and a programme that we hope will spark conversations that continue long after the show has finished.”

Season highlights include: The UK première of What’s In A Name? (27 January – 11 February), a razor-sharp new comedy, starring Nigel Harman (EastEnders)and Sarah Hadland (Miranda) Inspirational reggae music brought to the stage in the UK première of ONE LOVE: The Bob Marley Musical (10 March – 8 April),A major revival of Tommy, The Who’s iconic rock musical (17-27 May).Eugene Ionesco’s comic masterpiece Amédée (23 February – 10 March), newly adapted by the leading comedy and theatre writer and director, Sean Foley. Directed by REP Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert.

The season also includes the best touring productions in the country with shows including the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s irreverent William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (Abridged) (14-15 February), the jaw-dropping spectacular Cirque Berserk (20 – 26 February), Sally Cookson’s visually stunning staging of Fellini’s Oscar-winning masterpiece, La Strada (8 – 13 May) and the multi-award winning West End hit comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong (19 – 24 June).

For tickets visit birminghyam-rep.co.uk or call their box office on 0121 236 4455.

Twitter @BirminghamRep | Facebook / birminghamrep | Instagram @therepbirmingham

Rush Trampoline park to open in Birmingham Join in on the latest craze as the adrenaline pumping Rush Trampoline Park heads to Birmingham. The new park will open on 26th November and boasts over 30,000 square feet of adventure, excitement and challenges. With everything from climbing challenges and the battle beam set to test your balance as well as never, dodge-ball and basketball courts, it’s perfect for letting your competitive side out.

Rush also have an exclusive Ninja Warrior course, combining elements of the popular television series Ninja Warrior and using equipment from parkour, climbing and rope courses to create a fun, new adventure. With obstacle training 18 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

being the latest trend hitting the fitness industry Rush UK is one jump ahead of the rest.

Rush Birmingham is set to boast the longest tumble lanes measuring at 68ft, giving you the chance to perfect your flips and tricks in even more space. If that’s not enough then how about Laser Lanes - trampolines with lasers going across them and your mission is to cross them without touching the lasers. Swing across the foam pits, jump up and punch the bag then test your slack-lining skills across a bed of trampolines. After that you’ll be ready to join the circus!

Rush is at Unit 6 Avery Dell, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B30 3DZ. For further information visit, www.ruskuk. com

A New Kind of Art Fair

contemporary CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

12-14 MAY 2017

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dluxe spotlight

FIONA ALLAN : Birmingham Hip

F

iona Allan’s career in the cultural sector has spanned both artistic leadership – before joining Birmingham Hippodrome last autumn as Chief Executive and Artistic Director she has worked as Head of Programming at the Sydney Opera House, and Artistic Director of Wales Millennium Centre- and executive leadership including the role of Chief Executive at Curve, one of the UK’s leading producing theatres.

Dluxe Birmingham & Solihull talks to her about the importance of theatre in Birmingham, her plans for Birmingham Hippodrome to add further to the cultural output of the city and whether she can still unwind with a night at the theatre.

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You’ve been in post a little over a year now. How are you finding Birmingham?

It’s a great city with real energy and determination, and so much going on. I seemed to have arrived at a time of rapid change and renewal, and it’s exciting to play a part in visioning how the city will be in the future. Culture has a huge role to play in shaping that agenda.

What has surprised you about the city?

The extent to which Brummies talk themselves down, and hide their light under a bushel. This is an amazing place and we need to be shouting about it.

Are West Midlands audiences different to those in the East Midlands?

I was particularly proud at Curve that we had an audience reflective of the diverse demographics of the city. I think we all

need to be working harder in Birmingham to ensure that arts and culture have broader appeal across communities and that we are engaging the widest audience possible.

Your career has taken you to many different locations. How does the cultural landscape of Birmingham compare?

We are very lucky in Birmingham to have the full mix of big high profile international companies like Birmingham Royal Ballet and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and a vibrant fringe and startup scene. It’s a great place to be creating and producing.

Is Birmingham passionate about theatre?

Birmingham certainly loves the huge touring musicals and having legendary pantomimes! But I think here in Birmingham, as in most of the UK outside

enough to try something new.

How does the theatre engage with its community?

In many ways - we have a creative learning team who run an extensive schools and access programme. We also present a programme of free and outdoor events : this year including Furious Folly in Sutton Park, the Summer in Southside weekend and the B-Side Hip Hop festival. My plan is to have the building open during the day so that we become a space where communities can gather and take part in a range of activities, or just catch up for a coffee!

The Hippodrome is well known for staging some big, big shows but these tend to be touring productions rather than produced work. Do you miss the excitement of new productions being developed in the building?

London, there is risk aversion around new work and new writing. Perhaps we all need to do more to encourage audiences to see theatre that is completely new.

How important is The Birmingham Hippodrome as part of that?

We play a part in this, especially through the work that is presented by the Hippodrome, DanceXchange and others in our smaller studio space, The Patrick Centre. We also commission artists to create new work for outdoor festivals every year, and have a commitment to presenting new contemporary dance on our main stage. Just recently we presented Vamos Cuba!- a show made in Havana, that the Hippodrome partnered with Sadler’s Wells Theatre to commission.

Audiences who came absolutely adored the show, and were on their feet every night. I hope we can encourage our fabulously loyal audiences to trust us

What’s your plan for the Hippodrome?

My plan is to make the Hippodrome a place for all people in Birmingham and the wider region, a truly welcoming and accessible space that rivals the great arts centres in London and across the world.

What can we look forward to at Hippodrome?

“We are very lucky in Birmingham to have a full mix of big high profile international companies like BRB and CBSO, and a vibrant fringe and startup scene. It’s a great place to be creating and producing.”

I love producing and working at Curve was always a big buzz.

But don’t forget, the Hippodrome is home to both Birmingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange, who are developing new productions in the building all the time.

And the Hippodrome’s new partnership with Sadler’s Wells Theatre and The Lowry in Salford, The Movement, will see us producing more large scale dance work as well.

ppodrome

work harder to diversify casting: having different faces on our stages will also help bring in new audiences.

56% of the 400 or so productions at the Hippodrome each year are musical theatre based whereas just 3% is drama.

With cuts to funding in the arts prevalent do you feel the pressure to put ticket sales ahead of breaking new ground in theatre?

Is there anything wrong with being populist?

Well the Hippodrome is a very large stage and a very large auditorium so it needs to be an equally large scale drama production to make sense to programme at the Hippodrome- a Curious Incident or War Horse. These don’t come along very often.

What challenges do you think theatre faces in bringing in new audiences and how are you reacting to them?

Making work relevant, telling stories that reflect a broader population, the overreliance on star casting, the reduction in arts education in schools, economic uncertainty and consumer caution: there are multiple issues. We respond by stepping up our outreach and community based activity, looking at accessible pricing for shows, and working more closely with schools and higher/further education providers. The sector also needs to

In the next 12 months: a daytime coffee shop and increased free and low cost activity on site, a more extensive programme in the Patrick Centre, and some terrific free outdoor events. In the longer term, more mainstage work that the Hippodrome has curated or co-produced to appeal to a younger and more diverse demographic.

Theatre is a predominantly leisure time orientated business yet running it needs to happen 9 to 5 as well- is being artistic director and CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome a total lifestyle commitment?

Yes, but it is a satisfying one. I really do believe that art has the power to transform lives, help people to view the world differently, and create cohesion between communities. We live in a very divided United Kingdom and now more than ever the arts can help bridge social divides.

What do you find the most frustrating?

Never ever having enough hours in the day. And not being able to see nearly as much theatre as I would like.

How do you unwind? Can you still do that watching theatre?

I can’t watch theatre without thinking about it with a critical eye, so although I do a lot of it on weekends, it’s not great for unwinding. Exercise is the thing that keeps me sane, especially horse riding.

I’ve had some injuries this year that have slowed me down, and that’s been very frustrating. My new year’s resolution is to be building a lot more exercise back into my life.

This winter audiences can enjoy Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker from the 25 November to 13 December and Dick Whittington from the 19 December to 29 January. For tickets visit birminghamhippodrome.com

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The decision to plan a new kitchen is the beginning of an exciting process But it is often accompanied by uncertainties - especially when it is your first time planning a kitchen, or your first time in a long while.

Maybe you’ve already browsed interior design magazines and kitchen brochures. Perhaps you’ve asked friends and relatives for their opinions and experiences. Then you’ve probably noticed that kitchens can’t be bought like televisions or cars; they can’t be taken on a test drive, and it’s difficult to compare performance. A kitchen is more of a “virtual” product. It only exists once all its parts are installed and set up in your home. That is why it is so valuable to have a professional partner such as Kitchen Gallery at your side to support you with his or her expertise and creativity: your SieMatic consultant are on hand in each of Kitchen Gallery’s Award-Winning showrooms to design the most beautiful furnishing style for your Kitchen; SieMatic consultants are experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge. All of our Kitchen Gallery Designers keep up-to-date with

regularly scheduled training courses and seminars through SieMatic Academy, which informs our designers on topics such as new designs, technical innovations, and the latest materials. But SieMatic consultants possess even more skills: they are experts at listening. Only those who spend time discussing your questions and needs with an open ear can help you make the decisions that are best for you in the long run.

Wherever you encounter the name Kitchen Gallery, you’ll get a picture of timeless, elegant design for the kitchen and the best combination of masterful craftsmanship and advanced technology.

There are kitchen salespeople - and then there are SieMatic by Kitchen Gallery consultants. You’ll soon discover the difference when it comes to customised solutions for planning, design and equipment for your kitchen to meet your needs and desires.

Get to Know the World of SieMatic at Kitchen Gallery and Discover the Most Beautiful Furnishing style for your Kitchen.

Mailbox Showroom - Level 1, 7 Commercial Street, Birmingham, B1 1RS. T: 0121 272 7880, Solihull Showroom- Century House, 100 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3BH. T: 0121 744 3953, Stratford Upon Avon Showroom- 257 Birmingham Road, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire, Cv37 0BF.

Make a difference to THE LIVES OF dementia sufferers this Christmas Finding the ideal Christmas gift can be a tough feat especially for those who are living with Dementia.

It is estimated that 25 million people, that’s around 42% of the UK population, know a close friend or family member with dementia. So for nearly half of the population gifting occasions can be fraught with a sense of guilt or helplessness as the usual gifts are no longer appropriate or seem too impersonal.

This is where Unforgettable come in. They offer clever and empathetic products that address the everyday realities of living with dementia for both the person and the families and friends affected.

Clever products such as the Dual Display Clock. When a loved one struggles with time orientation it can often lead to confusion, repetitive questions, anxiety, agitation and night time wandering. The Dual Display Day Clock has been designed help to ease these issues through it’s simple, yet well-designed functionality. You can either switch between the clock showing the time (in 12 or 24-hour format), day, month andyear, or have it display as ‘Now it’s Thursday morning’. This clock can work from the early stages of dementia, to the mid and later stages when it is better to only provide simple phrases to enable time orientation.

All products have been carefully thought out to not only aid someone with dementia but also provide them with a thoughtful and helpful gift, especially for Christmas.

The full range can be viewed via unforgettable.org/gifts 22 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Miss Macaroon adds fizz to gREAT WESTERN aRCADE Combining two of our favourite things, Macaroons and Prosecco, Miss Macaroon has opened in the Great Western Arcade in Birmingham.

Adding some fizz and sweet indulgence to Birmingham, Miss Macaroon offers 30 different types of macaroons, whilst enjoying a glass of prosecco, a couple of our favourite things.

The store has already proven to be a hit with City shoppers, workers and people looking for a different ‘social’ meeting place, with the unique ‘mixing decks’ allowing visitors to create their own great tasting macaroons.

New varieties of dark chocolate and cherry and

matcha green tea will join traditional favourites of salted caramel, fresh raspberry and Sicilian pistachio, with Rosie also offering a world first ‘personalised’ option, where customers can have logos, words or even their face printed on their macaroons in less than one hour.

Prosecco, carefully matched to the sweetness of the macaroons by Connolly’s Wines, is available, along with a drinks menu that features indulgent hot chocolate by Valrhona and ‘Aurelio’ golden artisan beer by Two Fingers Brewing Co, who directs their profits to Prostate Cancer UK.

For more information visit www. missmacaroon.co.uk

Fellows is one of the UK’s leading auction houses, holding close to 100 sales each year across antiques, coins, medals, jewellery, silver and watches.

To consign an item for auction please visit www.fellows.co.uk/valuations View catalogues and bid online at www.fellows.co.uk Head Office & Saleroom | 0121 212 2131 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA

Mayfair Office | 020 7127 4198

3 Hill Street | Mayfair | London W1J 5LA

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1: Juice Pro Travel Case www.bitmore.co.uk £34.99 2: Personalised Sparkling Rose Gift Set, 75cl, John Lewis £25 3: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium 90ml, £87, available from The Perfume Shop at The Fort Shopping Park 4: Arabella Womens Red Leather Gloves with Shades of Red Braided Barcode Liberty Tana Lawn £110 at gizellerenee.com 5: 18ct White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Pear Shaped Drop Pendant £9245 Johnson Jewellers 6: Hedgehog Slippers £7 from Tiger uk.flyingtiger.com 7: Spanish Made Simple Omar Allibhoy at Amazon.co.uk £13.60 8: Selfridges Exclusive Vintage Playing cards ‘Prosecco made me do it’ glitter neon sign £120 9: Vitamix S30 from £299 www.Vitamix.co.uk 10: Judge Slate 35cm Lazy Susan £40.60 www.hartsofstur.com 11: S plus Sleep Solution at splus. resmed.com £129.95 12: My Burberry Festive Edp 90Ml £92 13: Chase Marmalade Vodka in Gift Tube - £37.95 chasedistillery.co.uk 14: Chimento 18ct Rose gold Bamboo Diamond Set Bangle £2820 Johnson Jewellers 15: Selfridges Selection Salted Caramel Panettone 1kg £14.99 16: Vanroe lavender butterfly compact mirror £19.99 at www.vanroe.com 17: 18ct White Gold Dazzling Diamond Dropper Earrings £1375 Johnson Jewellers 18: An Italian Afternoon hamper, £55 Harvey Nichols 19: Gingerbread man robe, £28, available from Debenhams at The Fort Shopping Park 20: Sony Bluetooth Speaker at sony.co.uk £49.99 21: Whilst I Was Out by Sara Stewart, £8.99 at Amazon.co.uk 22: Rose & Lemon Turkish Delight £9.99 mrstanleys.com 23: Lindy Cromo IEM-75 £69.98 at Lindy.psd 24: Giant Cracker at Joeandsephs.co.uk £15 25: Chocolate Scotty Dogs £4.50 mrstanleys.com 26: iFit Vue, RRP £99 at Nordictrack.co.uk dluxe-magazine.co.uk 25

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1: Compact Camera with 30x Optical Zoom £369 at sony.co.uk. 2: Citrus Beard Oil, £8.99 at powerhealth.co.uk 3: English Pewter Company Stag Mini Decanter Glass Set, John Lewis £108 4: Flamers Bucket, certainlywood.co.uk £16 5: Wentworth Puzzles - Snow is falling £29 at www.wentworthpuzzles.com 6: Hand Warmer, £22.90 at Zippo.co.uk.7: iFavine in Gun Metal at John Lewis £399 8: Selfridges Sister Gourmet Jingle Bell brownie mix £12.99 9: Tudor Fastrider Blackshield Gents Watch £3370 Johnson Jewellers 10: The Famous Grouse Smoky Black RRP £20 at thefamousgrouse.com 11: Chase Vodka In Tin Gift Pack £34.95 chasedistillery.co.uk 12: Fermentation Kit, John Lewis £34 13: Nescafe Dolce Gusto by Krups Movenza - Brushed Black £169.99 at Dolce-gusto.co.uk 14: Harvey Nichols The Man Reviver hamper, £140 15: Braun Multi Groomer – RRP £69.99 Amazon.co.uk 16: iFit Vue, RRP £99 at Nordictrack.co.uk 17: Bull Dog Beard Care Kit at Boots £12 18: Lindy BNX-60 Headphones RRP £89.99 at Amazon.co.uk 19: Hennessy X Scott Campbell £79.99 20: Ben Rothery Pheasant Cushion, John Lewis £15 21: LEFF 24 Hour Brick Clock by Erwin Termaat at John Lewis £269 22: Kodak Pixpro SP360 £249.99 at Argos 23: Jealous Sweets Magical Christmas Cracker, £8.99 - Stockists Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, www.thejealouslife.com 24: Guiness world records 2017 book, £10, available from WH Smith at The Fort Shopping Park 25: Liquorice Pipes £4.99 mrstanleys.com 2: Hugo Boss, Boss The Scent 100m, £64, The Perfume Shop at The Fort Shopping Park dluxe-magazine.co.uk 27

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1: Walk-A-Long-Caterpillar £12.99 from Amazon 2: Wet Head, John Lewis £19.99 3: Toft knit your own monkey kit at John Lewis £30 4: Pom Pom WOW! Decoration Station www.character-online.com £29.99 5: Haribo Mega Stars 300g £2.49 6: Dancing Reindeer £5 uk.flyingtiger.com 7: John Lewis Children’s Monster Slippers £12 8: Wooden Giraffe £9.99 from Hape Toys 9: Jealous Sweets Revolution Christmas Cracker, £8.99 Stockists Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, www.thejealouslife.com 10: Little Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy www.character-online.com £49.99 11: High Seas Rocker £75.95 from Amazon 12: Jelly Belly Beanboozled, John Lewis £25 13: Selfridges Exclusive Matte Black Troll 15cm £50 14: Pie Face Board Game, £19.99 at Selfridges 15: John Lewis Paw Patrol Adventure Bay Block Set £24 16: Playful Santa micro cracker Puzzle £9.95 at www.wentworthpuzzles 17: JoJo Maman Bébé - Reindeer Fair Isle Jumper www. jojomamanbebe.co.uk £22 18: Jellycat Bashful bunny 67cm £75 at Selfridges 19: Reindeer, £12, M&S at The Fort Shopping Park 20: Superman Hallmark Itty Bittys at Amazon.co.uk £5.50 21: Felt Novelty Characters, £19.50, M&S at The Fort Shopping Park 22: Castle Blocks £19.99 from Hape Toys. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 29

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Read My Lips

Sumptuous looks for the from Next.

festive season exclusively

Left: Chloe wears Black Velvet and Spot Mesh Top £28, Black Velvet Trousers £28, Black Beaded point ankle boot £85, Tassel Earrings £12 Ben wears Grey textured double breasted suit slim fit £75, Grey textured trousers £35, White Mini Collar Slim Fit Shirt £22, Bow tie £8, Pocket square 3 pack £10, Black Derby Shoe £78 Below: Chloe wears Bronze jumpsuit £85, Rose gold Choker £7, Black Boxy Fringe Clutch £28 Ben wears Black Velvet Jacket £80, White Mini Collar Slim Fit Shirt £22, Black Tuxedo Fit Trousers £29, Burgundy tie £14

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Above: Chloe wears Black Floral Ruffle Blouse £28, Black Velvet Trousers £28, Mink Chain Clutch £22. Ben wears Burgundy Marl Suit Jacket £60, Black Tuxedo Fit Trousers £29, Black Roll Neck £22 Right: Ben wears Blue Gingham Double Breasted Jacket £90, Blue Gingham Trousers £50, White Mini Collar Slim Fit Shirt £22, Navy signature textured silk tie £18, Burgundy Oxford Brogue £55. Chloe wears Grey Sparkle Fringe Dress £40, Black Velvet Twisted Platform £35, Black Velvet Clutch £25, Enamel Sparkle Bracelets £8.50, Gunmetal Tone Diamante Choker £12

Credits: All clothing featured available from Next. Photographer Chris Denner, yourperfectday.co, Art Direction Jonathan Fraser, Stylist Kimmy Rolf imageconsult.co.uk Hair Danique www.daniquehairdressing. co.uk, Make up Libertii Beau libertiibeau.com Location The Belmont Hotel, belmonthotel.co.uk Models Chloe and Ben from Alan Sharman Agency alansharmanagency.com 32 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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JUMP IN TO EVENING WEAR From cocktail parties, family dinners and the annual office shindig, the jumpsuit offers a super comfortable yet stylish look that’s sure to work for every party, every night!

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FINISHING TOUCHES For a stylish end note this Christmas, look no further than our accessories edit from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM. Take your cue from the great Italian designers and finish off your party outfit with a stylish flourish. From heirloom clutch bags to statement heels, you’re guaranteed to feel fabulous this festive season.

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1: Bronze Wrap Jumpsuit £120 Phase Eight 2: Corina Halter Neck Jumpsuit,Night Navy, Reiss £225 3: Dahlia Floral Print Jumpsuit, £99 Somerset by Alice Temperley 4: Knotted Jumpsuit, Karen Millen £235 5: Lace and Chiffon Jumpsuit, Black £149 Jacques Vert 6: Josie Wrap Jumpsuit, Navy Sugarhill Boutique, Online Exclusive at John Lewis £48.00. 7: Tilson off-the-shoulder cutout stretch-crepe jumpsuit, Roland Mouret £1395 Net A Porter. 8: Paisley velvet-trimmed embroidered tulle and crepe jumpsuit, Self portrait £320 9: Alberney Crepe Jumpsuit, Navy, Phase Eight £140 10: Jumpsuit River Island, £55 11: Dark Olive Jumpsuit £100 French Connection

PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM OR ONLINE AT HARVEYNICHOLS.COM 1: Dolce & Gabbana embellished laced bag, £2,600. 2: Aquazzura embroidered pumps, £530.3: Fendi cuff, £460. 4: Francesco Russo patent pumps, £390. 5: Fendi bag charm, £700. 6: Gucci clutch, £1840. 7: Gucci knotted sandals, £485. 8: Valentino lace pumps, £560. 9: Valentino My Rockstud bag, £3,720.

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Tom Ford Velvet Orchard Lumière

WINTER BOOTS Our favourite thing in the Winter wardobe has to be a pair of statement boots. Here’s our pick from the designers and the High Street.

Tom Ford introduces Velvet Orchard Lumière, a new spellbinding and fresh fragrance from the Tom Ford Orchard Collection.

The fragrance opens with Italian bergamot and mandarin whilst a hint of honey adds a warm dimension. Succan absolute, a hyper-purified rum extraction, lends a caramelized sugar cane note.

Further floral notes include jasmine absolute, Turkish Rose Oil and lush Cattleya Leopoldii orchid to intertwine with the familiar Black Orchid fragrance, a signature of the Tom Ford range. At the base, vanilla is intensified and rounded out with labdanum, sandalwood and myrrh.

The classic fluted- glass bottle with art deco- inspired lines has been recast in a matte dark purple finish whilst the gold-toned embossed plaque and golden neck cord ensure that Velvet Orchid looks as good as it smells.

Tom Ford Velvet Orchard Lumière is released on 30th January, available at John Lewis and Selfridges Birmingham or online at tomford.com 1

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For the first time, the eponymous make up line by Kat Von D has come to the UK, debuting exclusively at Debenhams.

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From celebrated artist, musician and tattoo artist to global beauty phenomenon, Kat Von D has created an iconic, high-performance, cruelty-free, brand that is vegan, wherever possible, and specialises in longwear, high pigment and full coverage products.

The UK launch includes multiple beauty categories, featuring artisan quality make-up brushes, foundations, concealers, eye shadows, lipsticks and powder formulations that combine powerful pigments to deliver long wearing, flawless and full, customisable coverage.

1: Scarlett boots £170 Dune 2: Suprema Fringe Boots £229.95 Moda in Pelle 3: Norland Over the Knee Boots, Black Steve Madden £160 4: Niida Knee High Boots, Tan, Ted Baker £240 5: Knee High Boot at Debenhams £119 6: Ivy Kirzhner Stardust boots £840 Harvey Nichols 7: Burgundy suede over-the-knee boots Saint Laurent £930 8: Burgundy Velvet Knee High Boots, Dorothy Perkins £49 9: Knee high Boots, River Island £75

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The make-up line is inspired

by Kat’s own desire for colours, products, formulations and tools that don’t exist in the marketplace currently.

Kat Von D Beauty is available online at Debenhams.co.uk

after dark SPECIAL FEATURE

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Channel your inner Gothic beauty and bring a dark air of mystery to the festive party season. A catwalk favourite for the new season, blacks and greys struck a dramatic note at Dior, Elie Saab, Dsquared2 and Maxmara. We asked HELEN GOUGH, Beauty Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, how to achieve this most striking of party trends.

From smoky eyes to jet black lips, Goth-inspired makeup was seen in force on the AW16 catwalks. Marc Jacobs opted for raven lipstick teamed with intense eye liner on the top and bottom lash lines, while Rodarte softened the look with deepest berry lips courtesy of NARS Audacious Lipstick in “Liv”. However, the runway highlight for me was at Elie Saab, where chic-rock smoky eyes were paired beautifully with muted lips.

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Perfect for creating a sense of drama at this time of year, achieve this most dramatic of trends by keeping your foundation pale and your cheeks natural. Build the colour across your eyes by using light grey or white tones as a base then darker shades to add definition. Go for statement lashes and shimmering silver for glamorous impact.

Pucker up with barely-there lip shades. Achieve a fuller pout with a deep berry shade or for the brave amongst us, plump for black lips that will certainly leave their mark under the mistletoe.

Products featured are available from the Ground Floor Beauty Hall at Harvey Nichols Birmingham or online at harveynichols.com

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1: Chelsea Beautique lashes, £18.50. 2: NARS unrestricted matte eyeliner, £21. 3: Estée Lauder little black liner, £22. 4: Lancôme hypnôse mascara, £23.50. 5: Cover FX total cream foundation, £35. 6: NARS lipstick in Rosecliff, £21.7: Stila smudge pot, £13. 8: Tom Ford Black Orchird EDT, £64 (50ml). 9: Trish McEvoy eye definer, £12. 10: OPI nail lacquer Lady in Black, £13. 11: Yves Saint Laurent contour eye marker, £23.50.

christmas is a gift at GRAND CENTRAL It’s the most wonderful time of the year filled with present buying for the ones we love (and naturally a few treats for ourselves!). Whether it’s a stocking filler or something more special, Grand Central Birmingham can help to find that perfect present with its glorious range of gifts. Make it her best Christmas yet with some of our favourite finds for the special lady in your life.

Urban Decay ( inside John Lewis)– Full Spectrum Eye Palette - Urban Decay introduces limited-edition Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette, featuring 21 shades of our iconic Eyeshadow (the most ever in any UD palette!)—from bold brights to matte white. We organized the shadows by colour family, creating a rainbow of ombré trios: pinks, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, purples, and even a wildcard row that goes from white to black. The end result? A palette that not only looks stunning, but also delivers tons of options. - £43

Hobbs – Nadine Burgundy Glove - Our Nadine glove is made in beautifully soft black or Bordeaux leather, with a contrasting hair finish outer. Trend inspired yet timelessly chic, they have a silver zip on the outside of the wrist which allows you to easily slip them on and off. All of our gloves are made by Dents of England who, established in 1771, have a distinguished history in the production of fine leather gloves - £79 Tiger – Hedgehog slippers £7 – the perfect stocking filler Love Aroma - Yankee Candle 2 Medium Jar Gift Set - contains Berry Trifle & All Is Bright fragrances £29.99 L’Occitane Best of L’Occitane Gift Set, £68

Neal’s Yard Remedies – Beauty Sleep Organic Collection - Bedtime beauty treats - Beauty Sleep Bath Milk, 100ml • Beauty Sleep Body Butter, 100g • Beauty Sleep Concentrate, 30ml - £45 dluxe-magazine.co.uk 37

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PARTY ON DUDE Your best bib and tucker doesn’t have to be black tie... we look at some alternative options for the party season.

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PUTTING ON THE GLITZ!

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Give a nod towards the sartorial this Christmas for a look that is very much inspired by the quintessential Englishman ... with a few quirky touches. JAMES BURKE, Menswear Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, suggests pieces to ensure you’re never knowingly underdressed this festive season.

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1: Tuxedos from £99, Burtons Menswear 2: Slim-Fit Checked Wool-Blend Blazer, MP Massimo Piombo £575. mrporter.com 3: Foxley silver dégradé glittered loafers £475 Harvey Nichols 4: Navy Floral Print Silk Tie at House of Fraser £40 5: Tie Clips by Howick at House of Fraser £46 6: Black Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper, Reiss £195 7:Check Self Tie Silk Bow Tie, Deep Pink and Green, £59 Thomas Pink 8: Egel grey three-piece stretch wool suit, Oscar Jacobson £795 Harvey Nichols 9: Patterned Silk Pocket Square, Black, HUGO by Hugo Boss £35 10: Floral Print Tie £14, River Island at Bullring 11: Black leather belt gift set, Hugo Boss £110

All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham or online at harveynichols.com 1: Alexander McQueen printed silk bow tie, £100. 2: Balmain tuxedo jacket, £1,605. 3: Alexander McQueen slim-leg trousers, £405. 4: Dolce & Gabbana embroidered velvet loafers, £590. 5: Dsquared2 tuxedo shirt, £485, 6: Larsson & Jennings watch, £245. 7: Giuseppe Zanotti velvet and patent brogues, £630. 8: Simon Carter skull cufflinks, £65. 9 Dolce & Gabbana appliquéd velvet blazer £1,300

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Gentlemen’s o r d e r

THE LONG GAME If Autumn was all about the Bomber jacket then Winter uis firmly focused on keeping coats long...

Gentlemen’s Order is a new subscription based shaving and beard care brand, which brings the modern man back to the basics of grooming.

Launched by Birmingham based, Michael Wells and Kieran Ashworth, the subscription service contains products from three well-known industry trusted brands, The Shave Doctor, Dapper Duke and Kent Brushes.

Unlike many of their competitors, the contents of the subscription boxes aren’t made up of samples from many different brands, instead the business focuses on bringing the highest quality products to men across the UK, in full size products.

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Michael Wells co-founder of Gentlemen’s Order said, “Kieran and myself met at University, and had been saying for years that we wanted to start our own business and work for ourselves.

After months of brainstorming, we managed to arrange a meeting with Jamie Dunn, a well-known entrepreneur from the Midlands. Jamie gave us some good, solid advice, and told us that he thought there was going to be a rise in the subscription based business model.

This is where the cogs started turning and Gentlemen’s Order was born. This didn’t come without setbacks - it was almost called ‘Male Order’ until we realised the questionable connotations. It would have made a great pun though!”

For more information on Gentlemen’s Order, visit www.gentsorder.co.uk

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1: Camel Wool Blend Coat £100, Next. 2: Johnson Longline Peacoat, Navy, HYMN £120 3: Classic Long Wool Coat, Sand Melange, Scotch & Soda £270 4: C-Sintrax Striped Overcoat, Dark Grey, HUGO by Hugo Boss £330 5:Bravo Double-Breasted Peacoat, Navy, Reiss £275 6: Classic Raincoat, Bolgioli £695 7: Engineered Stripe Overcoat, Charcoal Jaeger £325 8: Navy Wool Coat Oliver Spencer £390 9:Crawford pea coat £550 Aquascutum, Harvey Nichols

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Festive fragrance Dark, brooding and deliciously addictive, discover an exquisite Christmas edit of must-have masculine fragrances. Whether it’s the bold bergamot notes of Creed Aventus or the woody and oriental heart of Tom Ford’s Noir Extreme, these stylish scents guarantee a queue under the mistletoe. JOHN PAUL MCGUIRK, Private Shopping Manager at at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, selects his favourites for the festive season.

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Once again, as the festive party season appears on the special events horizon, it’s time for dapper men all over the country to start thinking about how they’re going to dress to impress this Christmas. It can be tough to find the right line between standard be suited elegance and special seasonal flamboyance. You don’t want to appear too ordinary and have people think that you’re a regular bah humbug with no sense of fun. But at the same time you don’t want to overdo the yuletide glam and end up looking like Christopher Biggins in panto. As always, balance is key.

First of all, in a sea of suits and ties, the trick to standing out starts with getting the essentials spot on. So, just in case it doesn’t go without saying, make absolutely sure of the following:

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* Whatever you’re wearing, make sure that it fits - nothing flatters more than a perfect fit * Shoes must be perfect - no one has to see their face in them (unless you’re in the army) but they do need to be clean and uniformly polished

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* If you’re wearing a tie, get it right - nothing says sloppy like a lazy knot * Nails, beard and hair - make sure they’re clean and perfectly groomed Now, with the basics nailed, we’re ready to think about the tailoring.

Here are a few very simple ideas to put the natty in nativity and give your look a festive edge.

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* Tuxedo Jackets. No longer the sole preserve of the strict formal setting, the tuxedo jacket - especially if worn as a separate and tied with a less formal trouser - can really make you shine. If your Christmas party is the smart-casual kind rather than wholly formal, you might want to mix your tux jacket with dark denim for a totally striking highlow, formal-casual combo.

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* Patterned/Checked Suits. Christmas is the perfect time to let your hair down and if you’re feeling confident enough to move away from a single-colour suit, you might want to plump for something patterned or checked. Maybe go for a Prince of Wales check with a neutral jacket.

Or if you have the chutzpah, go for some trendy tartan or something equally bold. * Silk Scarves. Finally, nothing makes a style statement like a snazzy silk scarf. Go for a neutral colour or, if you have the confidence to carry it off, a paisley or even polka dot will make you stand out without being overly flamboyant.

It’s okay to experiment a bit with your attire over the Christmas season.

As long as you don’t go too over the top, you can be forgiven for putting an unusual, but still totally stylish, combination together.

Adrian Barrows, www.thebespoketailor.co.uk

1:Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club cologne, £64 (50ml) 2:Bottega Veneta Pour Homme EDT, £65 (90ml) 3:Creed Aventus EDP, £185 (75ml) 4:Monroe of London No4 Cologne, £79 (100ml) 5:Maison Margiela Untitled EDP, £65 (50ml) 6:Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Homme EDT, £110 (70ml) 7: Tom Ford Noir Extreme EDP, £92 (100ml) 8:Valentino Uomo EDT, £48 (50ml) 9:Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb EDT, £84 (150ml)

ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM OR ONLINE AT HARVEYNICHOLS.COM dluxe-magazine.co.uk 41

dluxestyle

Get Suited and Booted forthe PartySeason

SPECIAL FEATURE

dluxeliving

living

dluxe Avoid family arguments over the festive season with our definitive guide on how to dress the perfect tree.

Image by Farrow & Ball

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Even if the theme is total chaos you need to decide on what you want your tree to look like before you begin.

Take inspiration from the big stores and see how they dress their tree or spend a sleepless night on Pinterest or Instagram for extra inspiration.

A common thread to your design scheme, whether that be colour, shape, materials or style will give your tree a cohesive feel.

Once decided it’s time to go shopping! Make sure you choose ornaments of differing size and scale to add depth and interest to your tree.

dluxeliving

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THEME FIRST:

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LET THERE BE LIGHT! After you’ve spent what seems like a life time untangling the lights that you knew you should have put away neatly last year, it is time to drape them on the tree.

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Before any decorations get on the tree, start by draping the lights from the top round the bottom covering both the back and front of the tree. Starting at the top will mean that the wire will be tucked back at the bottom out of sight.

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START AT THE BOTTOM: Though it’s better to put the lights on from top to bottom, when it comes to applying the decorations, start at the bottom.

The reason for this is logistically as the lower half of the tree branches out wider you’ll need more decorations, which will need to be evenly distributed for a symmetrical look.

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AVOID TINSEL: It may have been a staple of our childhood Christmas trees but tinsel really can over complicate things and distract from all that hard work you spent adding lights and perfectly placed decorations.

Why not try hanging ice drops, strings of bells or even vintage style paper chains.

We’d love to see your finished trees – Tweet your pics to @dluxemag and we’ll arrange a Christmas treat for our favourite!

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1: Champagne Gold Effect Diamanté Stag £25 at Next 2: Christmas cat garland, £5 iwmshop. org.uk 3: Christmas Slate Garland £24.95 romanathome. com 4: Holiday Baking in a Jar Yankee Candle RRP £16.99 5: Grey rosette and foliage wreath 43cm £30, John Lewis 6: Grey wool stocking with fur trim & pom pom £25, John Lewis 7:Infinity star light £55, Next at The Fort Shopping Park 8: Blue silver glitter band bauble, John Lewis £4 9: 50 Piece Silver And White Decoration Set at Next £10 10: Galley & Home Red & Cream All I Want Festive Cushion £12.99 at TK Maxx 11: White and Gold Stag Head. £12.99 at Home Sense

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dluxeliving

Protecting your Garden This Winter The garden experts from Birmingham Botanical Gardens provide their expertise on how to protect your garden from the cold weather this Winter and bringing your garden in doors.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – to be out in your garden!

Temperatures have plummeted but as long as it’s dry, you can start mulching your flowerbeds ( just don’t apply to frozen earth – the mulch will keep the cold in). If you want to get something in the ground, you can still plant tulip bulbs, shrubs and deciduous trees.

It’s a good idea to wrap up certain plants, such as tree ferns and tender shrubs, for the winter period. Shrubs should be wrapped with hessian, or failing that, fleece. Any plants that are not fully hardy should have their crowns covered with straw or bracken.

Other important outdoor tasks include looking at your wooden structures to see what needs to be fixed. Now is a good time to turn your attention to any wooden structures by mending broken panels and treating with wood preservative. Save the painting for next year, though, as it won’t dry in this weather.

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If you feel it’s too cold to stay outside for too long, you can always get a head start on next year by sharpening your blades: a good clean cut lowers the risk of infection, and you may not have time to carry out this task in spring. Clean and oil any tools that you don’t think you’ll use over the winter to ensure they remain in top condition for next year.

When it gets really cold, we like to sit by the fire, dreaming of warmer days and flicking through our seed catalogues.

Bring a touch of the outdoors into your living room with a Christmas Hyacinth, Cyclamen or Azalea from our plant sales area and put them in a cool, but welllit spot in your home for Christmas. A temperature of 13-15C (55-59F) is ideal.

Phalaenopsis orchids and poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) require a minimum temperature of 16-19C (6066F), but do not position them close to radiators, open fires or draughts.

You could even bring container-grown herbs such as chives and mint indoors for forcing on the windowsill – there’s nothing quite like eating home grown produce over Christmas.

Feeling motivated? Then why not visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens for more inspiration.

Check out their website as well at birminghambotanicalgardens.co.uk

it’s

the most

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Join us at the Gardens for some festive fun throughout the Christmas season.

Magical Lantern Festival 23rd November 2nd January

Christmas Fair 3rd December

Find us on:

For more information please contact reception or visit us at; Your support keeps the Gardens growing

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/whatson

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DIRECT FROM OUR

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WWW.BATHROOMCITY.CO.UK WWW.KITCHENCITY.CO.UK

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BATHROOM KITCHEN

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0121 753 0700 FACTORY SHOWROOM

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

SEELEYS ROAD, TYSELEY BIRMINGHAM, B11 2LQ

EXPERTS

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dluxe

WARM UP WITH SOME W As cosy and festive as winter is, it can leave you desperate for some sunshine. A winter sun holiday will warm you right up. There are some questions to consider: If you have to fly 20 hours to get there, is it worth it? If there’s nothing to do but lie on the beach, will you get bored? And do you want to go somewhere a bit new, rather than the tried and true favourites?

Sun-seekers – rejoice! We’ve come up with four alternative winter sun destinations, complete with flying times and average winter temperatures. These sunny spots are all easy direct or one-stop flights from Birmingham. While it’s cold and grey in the UK, you’ll be away basking in the sun.

IF YOU LIKE BARBADOS, TRY CUBA (13 HOURS, 15 MINUTES, 27C ON AVERAGE) Barbados and Cuba are two gems of the Caribbean – energetic but tranquil, relaxing but not boring, developed but authentic.

While Barbados has long been a tropical winter paradise, Cuba has recently been opening up as a major travel destination. If you love the sunshine and pulsing nightlife of Barbados, you’ll enjoy Cuba just as much.

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FEEL THE BEAT: Spanish, Caribbean and African influences merge to create son, salsa, rumba and more. In Havana, hear salsa at the beachfront Jardines del 1830 and jazz at the intimate La Zorra y el Cuervo. Elsewhere on the island, listen to music at Trinidad’s soulful Palenque de los Congos Reales and Santiago’s tucked-away Casa de las Tradiciones.

HIT THE BEACH: What’s a Caribbean holiday without the beach?

Magnificent strips of sand line Cuba’s shores and clusters of cays dot its waters. You can go swimming, snorkelling and diving to your heart’s content. Popular spots include the resorts at Playa Guardalavaca and Varadero, and the more secluded beaches of Cayo Sabinal and Isla de la Juventud.

SEE OLD AND NEW COLLIDE: Its political history and communist government have preserved Cuba’s heritage while the entrepreneurial spirit and widespread diaspora are bringing in new life. Check out architectural treasures in Havana Vieja, or Old Havana, then head to one of the latest galleries or restaurants.

IF YOU LIKE THE MALDIVES, TRY CAPE VERDE (6 HOURS, 26C ON AVERAGE) These two small island nations have a lot in common, with beautiful beaches, vibrant underwater life and a welcoming atmosphere. Cape Verde’s topography is more varied, and its blend of Portuguese and African influences makes for a unique culture. If you’re dazzled by the Maldives’ aquatic riches and friendly people, Cape Verde will wow you too.

IF YOU LIKE MARRAKESH, TRY DUBAI (6 HOURS, 45 MINUTES, 25C ON AVERAGE) History, heat and culture blend to perfection in Marrakesh – colourful souqs full of spices and crafts, renovated riads clad in intricate tiles, desert day trips on camels or 4x4s. If this sounds like your ideal winter sun holiday, why not visit Dubai instead? It’s warmer than Marrakesh in winter and offers another lively version of Arabic culture.

WADE IN THE WATER: There are many ways to enjoy the water in Dubai. Children will love the water playgrounds at the Wild Wadi and Aquaventure waterparks. Two enormous aquariums mesmerise with their sharks and schools of bright fish. Sunset Beach and Al Mamzar Beach Park are great for swimming. If you’d rather not get wet, enjoy an Arabian Gulf view from a rooftop lounge.

GO ON A SHOPPING SPREE: Shopping is a must in Dubai. You can get deals on luxury items at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. To find one-of-a-kind items, wander around the souqs. Haggle over carpets and pashminas at Bur Dubai Souq; saffron and sumac at Deira Spice Souq; and necklaces and bracelets at Deira Gold Souq.

WINTER SUN GO ISLAND HOPPING: Cape Verde is made up of ten islands, each with its own personality.

Sal has tourist resorts and incredible diving; Boa Vista has pristine beaches; São Vicente has music and carnival; and Santo Antão has hiking and green valleys. If booked in advance, travelling between the islands is fairly easy, with regular ferries and small flights.

ENJOY THE SUN: Boa Vista’s beaches are spectacular – over 55km of mostly undeveloped white sand and emerald green water. Santa Monica, Curralinho and Sal Rei are top spots. In winter, you’ll miss turtle nesting season (June – October) and whale watching season (March – May), but you’ll still see dolphins, tiger sharks, manta rays and flocks of migratory birds.

INDULGE IN THE ARTS: São Vicente is the country’s cultural hub, where many artists, musicians and writers make their home. You can hear local musical styles like the poetic morna and the accordionbased funaná throughout the island. Head to the city of Mindelo for a Brazilian-style carnival in February.

EXPLORE THE DESERT: Sand is as much a part of the Dubai experience as sunshine. Massive sand dunes are just outside the city, where you can go sandboarding, dune bashing and camel riding. You can even camp overnight to get a taste of the nomadic lifestyle. Book a tour with an operator who can provide all the gear.

IF YOU LIKE GRAN CANARIA, TRY FUERTEVENTURA (4 HOURS, 22C ON AVERAGE) The Canary Islands are very popular for winter sun holidays.

With seven large islands to choose from, however, there’s a lot to explore in this archipelago. If you always go to Gran Canaria or Tenerife, venture to Fuerteventura, the second-largest island. It’s known for its breath-taking beaches, consistently sunny climate and laid-back vibe.

SOAK UP THE SUN: Beaches are the star of Fuerteventura – long stretches of sand with warm blue water perfect for swimming.

Corralejo in the north is most popular with Brits, while Germans frequent Jandia in the south. Beaches outside the towns offer more peace and quiet. Playa del Matorral, Parque Natural de Corralejo, and the secluded Lobos Island are great options.

RIDE THE WIND: Fuerteventura is a windsurfer’s paradise. With reliable trade winds, sizeable waves and lots of places to take lessons and rent equipment, it’s easy to get active. If the professional windsurfers are too intimidating, you can also surf, kiteboard, snorkel and sail.

TOUR RURAL VILLAGES: Slow down and chill out as you wander through the island’s small villages. Photograph whitewashed stone houses; eat fresh fish and majorero – the delicious local goat’s cheese; and visit one of the several lovely art museums on the island.

BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT OFFERS DIRECT OR ONE-STOP FLIGHTS TO EACH OF THESE WINTER SUN DESTINATIONS WITH A SELECTION OF AIRLINES. FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.BIRMINGHAMAIRPORT.CO.UK dluxe-magazine.co.uk 47

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PARADISE ISLAND Lying just south of the equator and flanked by the Java Sea and Indian Ocean, Bali is without doubt one of the most famous islands of Indonesia. Often referred to as The Paradise Island due to its incredible natural beauty and tropical climate, dluxe Magazine’s Jonathan Fraser flew with Singapore Airlines to explore this Indonesian Idyll.

One of the first things to hit you upon your arrival in Bali, despite the glorious humid heat, is the huge number of statues and temples around the island all of which are surrounded in small offerings and draped in cloths of varying colours. Despite only occupying an area of around 6000km, Bali is home to over 12000 temples. It therefore came as no surprise to discover that the name Bali actually comes from the Sanskrit word for offering.

Offering is inherent to the culture of Bali. Even today there will always be an offering made with even office workers bringing a flower to place on their computer to ensure a successful day’s work. Predominantly Hindu in religion, the Bali people make daily offerings of fruits, flour and incense for the good gods and cigarettes for the bad; it’s all about striking the right balance between good and evil and this is reflected in the cloths wrapped around the statues with black and white checks for balance and harmony, yellow for wealth and white for purity.

Despite these traditions Bali is a bustling island of industry with markets on every corner selling fresh fruit and produce alongside craft shops and some pretty high end

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designer boutiques. The island’s roads are crammed full of interweaving scooters, many of them carrying entire families as well as their luggage. This choreographed chaos of last minute lane changes, u-turns and uncertainty as to rules of the road makes every road trip an adventure. It’s one we’d recommend not to take yourself though as unless you not only have eyes in the back of your head and cat like reflexes you’ll find it much safer and much more relaxing organising a driver through your hotel or ordering a taxi rather than a hire car.

Potato Head Beach Club: If all of that exploring has left you wanting some down time then the Potato Head Beach Club is the place to relax in style. The beach club is home to three restaurants, two bars, an infinity pool and a 500sq m sunbathing lawn that all look over the Indian Ocean. Instantly recognisable, the Beach Club sits like a shabby chic coliseum as its walls are made up mismatched and multicoloured 18th century shutters all salvaged from across the Indonesian archipelago. It’s also got one of the best sunset views in Bali and is host to a programme of parties, exhibitions and installations featuring both local and international DJ’s musicians and artists; we just missed Grace Jones performing there – gutted!

Ubud Monkey Forest: Make sure you put plenty of time aside to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest. Home to dozens upon dozens of grey long tailed Macaque monkeys you can wander around the beautiful landscapes whilst monkeys swing from trees, walk by or sit beside. The monkeys are wild but are more than used to visitors and are friendly and welcoming – especially if you buy some bananas for them on the way in. On our visit there were lots of infant monkeys to see but don’t get too close to little ones as mum will be not far away watching. Call into restaurant Laka Leke for lunch after your visit, it’s just next door.

Montigo Resorts, Seminyak: In a remarkable destination known for its verdant rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf and enchanting dances, lies a new haven — Montigo Resorts, Seminyak. Perfectly combining the tropical idyll with modern comforts in the heat of Bali’s cosmopolitan district. It offers 108 stylish and expansive guest rooms and suites. We were lucky enough to stay in one of their luxurious and spacious Executive Suites with private garden and terrace, huge superking bed which was incredibly comfortable. The suite’s spacious bathroom features twin vanity with a generous sized tub as well as power shower to unwind under after a day of sightseeing.

Markets: Shopping in Bali is great value with approximately 17,000 Balinese Rupeya to the pound as we write this. There are markets everywhere in Bali and it’s the fruit and vegetable stalls offering wealth of unexplored flavours to sample. From Dragon fruit to the snake like skinned Salak Bali fruit - a cross between an apple and a pineapple taste wise and quite dry. It’s always recommended only to sample the fruit you see peeled in front of you as that way you know it’s fresh. There are multiple handicraft districts across Bali with craftspeople specialising in delicate silverwork and gold jewellery as well as intricate carving. The Ubud Art Market offers a wide range of crafts and all incredibly well priced. This is definitely a place to haggle – ask the price and then offer half. You should find your price somewhere in between!

Make sure you sample the range of treatments at the Montigo Resorts’ in house spa during your visit. We enjoyed a wonderful hour long Balinese massage before relaxing in the garden pool and dining at Tyggo, the resort’s stylish bar and restaurant which offers a wide range of Indonesian and western menu options.

We’d thoroughly recommend sampling their Balinese Banquet. www.montigoresorts.com Singapore Airlines offer daily flights from from London Heathrow to Singapore and onwards to Bali. The flight from London takes approximately 12 hours with the onward journey to Bali taking roughly 2.5 hours. For up to date schedules, prices and booking information visit singaporeairlines.com

TRAVEL NEWS THOMAS COOK AIRLINES ANNOUNCES BIRMINGHAM-CAPE VERDE FLIGHTS

Thomas Cook Airlines has announced winter flights from Birmingham to Cape Verde for the first time.

£100m Infrastructure Improvements Announced Birmingham Airport has announced that it is investing £100 million on improvements to its facilities and infrastructure, including hold-baggage screening, self-service check-in, surface access, additional car parking and air traffic control.

The most significant programme is underway to replace the hold baggage screening system with the latest advanced baggage x-ray sortation operation, which will more than double the hourly baggage processing capacity.

Other major improvements include developing a new Drop Off car park, which will be free for 30 minutes and connected with a covered walkway to the terminal entrance. Existing car parks will also be upgraded and a brand new surface car park is planned.

An ambitious programme to double the number of self-service bag drop kiosks will be installed as well as digital check-in branding to improve operational efficiency and aid passengers.

The ATC Surface Movement Radar will be upgraded to enable critical safety enhancements and operational capacity.

Paul Kehoe, the Airport’s Chief Executive, said: “We have seen enormous growth at Birmingham Airport over the last few years and we are currently welcoming 11 million passengers a year through our terminal.

“We’re therefore making this investment to enhance operational efficiency and improve the passenger journey in time for the summer 17 season, when we’ll welcome fifteen new routes with Jet2 and anticipate in excess of 12 million passengers over the next year.

“Looking more long-term, Birmingham Airport is in a unique position as in ten years’ time it will become the UK’s only HS2 connected airport, growing the catchment into London with highspeed trains and serving Birmingham from the capital in c30 minutes.

“We’re therefore working on our master plan to look at options which maximise the benefits of HS2 for Birmingham, the wider region, airlines and passengers.”

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays Announces 2017/18 Winter Programme Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are continuing to expand their operations and build on their recent launch from Birmingham Airport with their first ever full winter flights and holidays programme for 2017/18, including seven brand new routes across winter sun (Madeira), city break (Krakow and Prague) and ski destinations (Grenoble, Geneva, Salzburg, Turin).

The new route is now on sale along with the rest of the short and medium haul seat-only programme for next winter.

James Burrows, Aviation Director for Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “With the start of Comiso and Lesbos next summer and following our £100 million cabin upgrade programme and launch of our pre-order duty free service, Airshoppen, we’re offering even more choice than ever for winter sun from Birmingham.”

Flights from Birmingham to Cape Verde run from November 2nd 2017 until April 26th 2018 and are available from £139 one-way.

To book flights visit www.thomascookairlines.com MONARCH LAUNCHES NEW FLIGHTS TO STOCKHOLM Monarch has added Stockholm to its network for summer 2017 from Birmingham Airport.

Flights start on 28th April 2017 and will operate three times a week on a Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Monarch will be the only airline flying to Stockholm from Birmingham airport. Stockholm is a great city for exploring - with a variety or shops, cafes and museums there is something for everyone.

Visit www.monarch.co.uk to book flights.

BLUE AIR ANNOUNCES FLIGHTS TO LARNACA

Jet2holidays is offering its first ever winter range from Birmingham Airport. With everything wrapped up in one package, holidaymakers have access to great value package breaks across thousands of 2-5 star hotels, with Jet2.com flights, industry leading 22kg baggage allowance and airport transfers included, through a £60 per person deposit.

Offering full ATOL protection, Jet2holidays also includes free infant places on all holidays as well as 0% credit card fees.

seats to winter sun destinations. This includes a huge number of seats to the Canary Islands, with up to 13 weekly flights and over 115,000 seats in total. The programme also consists of frequent flights to popular winter sun destinations such as Alicante (five weekly flights), Malaga (three weekly flights) and Faro (three weekly flights). The addition of weekly flights to Madeira makes this a brand new route from Birmingham Airport.

Next winter will see Jet2.com and Jet2holidays operate their first ever winter sun programme from Birmingham Airport, with over 255,000

To book a 2017/18 winter flight or package holiday visit www.jet2.com or www. jet2holidays.com

The addition of Larnaca, on the south coast of Cyprus, will mean that Blue Air has 10 flights a week from Birmingham Airport. Flights will start from March 2017 and will depart Birmingham each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Prices start from £37.99 one way and can be booked at www.blueairweb.com

dluxe mot ors

Ciao Bella

Styled with classic Italian flair and reviving a storied nameplate, the new FIAT 124 Spider is now available in the UK and brings the authentic, Italian roadster driving experience to a whole new generation of British enthusiasts.

The transformation of Fiat from budget buy to the very definition of city chic lies solely at the oh so pretty doors of the Fiat 500, a car that has given the marquee back its brio. One thing that has been lacking though is something truly aspirational, which is where the new 124 comes in to play, but Sports Cars are expensive things to develop so Fiat have, rather cleverly, collaborated with a manufacturer that has perfected the roadster concept; Mazda. Underneath the pretty body the 124 is pure MX5 apart from the engines, which are strictly Italian.

Designed in the FiatStyle Centre, the front-end of the Fiat 124 Spider encapsulates the essence of its classic predecessor in a modern, bold and incredibly pretty package; broad and muscular but also elegant and perfectly proportioned. The profile 50 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

view is pure classic roadster, with its long wheelbase, a cockpit hunkered low near the driven rear axle and a long bonnet, all tied elegantly together by a horizontal line that emerges from the front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original Fiat 124 Spider.

The nose of the new Fiat 124 Spider also takes its inspiration from the 1966 original with the style and position of the LED headlamps and the hexagonal upper grille all drawing heavily from the details of the classic roadster.

The bonnet of the new sports car also emulates the twin power domes of the second- generation Fiat 124 while the rear view is defined by two main features: the swallow-tail rear wings, the upper surface of which cascade inward toward the decklid, and the

sharp horizontal tail lamps with their distinctive ring shape. An integrated rear spoiler enhances the aerodynamic performance of the new Fiat 124 Spider, while twin exhaust outlets are a reminder of its sporting pedigree.

To minimise weight, improve longevity and encourage spur-of-themoment open air driving experiences, the multi-layer canvas hood is a manual unit that can be operated in seconds using minimal force and without the driver having to leave their seat. Doing so reveals a cabin built to the highest standard from a variety of top-quality soft-touch and premium materials, painstakingly laid out and fine-tuned to ensure the perfect layout of pedals, steering wheel and gear lever. There’a clear view of the three-dial instrument cluster-it’s effectively the same dashboard as the MX5 so buyers can expect solid

Fiat have decided to make use of the proven 1,368cc MultiAir, turbocharged four-cylinder engine which delivers 140hp and 240Nm of torque to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmission and compact rear differential. The Fiat 124 Spider is capable of accelerating to 62mph/100km/h in just 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph/215 km/h. It can’t match it’s MX5 for the driving experience- longer overhangs from that pretty bodywork and the addition of a turbo charger to the engine means that the MX5’s perfect 50/50 weight balance is no more but the 124 is an entertaining drive none the less.

made from high-tensile materials, has dedicated structural elements designed specifically to dissipate and absorb energy in the event of impact, aided by a steering column designed for energy absorption and a non-intrusive pedal box. A rear parking assistance system, a reversing camera, keyless entry and automatic lights and wipers also improve safety, security and convenience.

Three trim levels will be offered in the UK: Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus. Standard equipment on the entry-level Classica version includes air conditioning, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless engine start and a powerful infotainment system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, WiFi, two USB ports and a multimedia control knob is available as a £500 option.

The Fiat 124 Spider’s suspension uses a double-wishbone layout in front and a multilink in the rear, specifically tuned for greater stability while braking and turning, while the dualpinion electric power steering system has been specifically tuned to give the Spider a responsive, Italian feel. The 124 Spider offers more of cossetted driving experience; exciting enough in the bends but without compromising comfort and refinement.

The mid-range Lusso version is equipped with that seven-inch infotainment system as standard, but adds satellite navigation with 3D maps and the Parkview rear parking camera as well. It is also equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated leather upholstery, automatic climate control, front fog lamps, keyless entry, chrome exhaust tips and a premium silver finish on the windscreen frame and rollover bars.

Safety is taken care of too thanks to an extensive range of active and passive safety devices. A voice-controlled infotainment system (with Bluetooth), LED rear light clusters, four airbags, TPMS, cruise control, a speed limiter and ESC with ABS and EBD are all standard, as are seat belts with pre-tensioners and Constant-Force Retractors (CFR) to control the degree of force applied by the belt onto the occupant and then gradually release it in a controlled manner. The body,

The top Lusso Plus model builds on the excellent specification of the Lusso model by adding adaptive LED headlamps, LED DRLs, automatic lights and wipers and a nine-speaker BOSE sound system (including stereo headrest speakers on both seats).

Prices for the FIAT 124 Spider starts at £19,545 OTR for the Classica version, with the Lusso Plus trim at £23,295. www.fiat.co.uk

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quality throughout. Fiat have added some glamour with a fine selection of leather seats – we love the toffee shade which can be specified on the ergonomically designed steering wheel as well as the seats.

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dluxe

ADD SOME SPICE TO YOUR WINTER FESTIVITIES WITH THIS DELICIOUS G This is a wonderfully rich and decadent Christmas cake with a twist. Spiced with Stem Ginger in Syrup and studded with Crystallised Stem Ginger, this is joyfully gingery and has just the right amount of stickiness!

YOU’LL NEED Ingredients: 75ml Ginger Wine plus extra for ‘feeding’ 200g Opies Crystallised Stem Ginger roughly chopped 200g Currants 50g Opies Cocktail Cherries roughly chopped 200g Dark Muscovado Sugar 280g Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup 3 Medium Free Range Eggs 250g Self Raising Flour 1 tablespoon Ground Mixed Spice For the Marzipan layer: 20g Reserved Stem Ginger Syrup 500g Marzipan For the Royal Icing layer: 500g Icing Sugar 3 Egg Whites Juice of ½ a Lemon 1 teaspoon Glycerine

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In a large bowl, place the softened unsalted butter and dark muscovado sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy.

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Whisk the eggs together, and add to the creamed butter and sugar mixture a tablespoon at a time, beating well in between additions.

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Rinse the cherries in water – dry with kitchen paper and add to the weighed flour, this will stop them sinking to the bottom of the cake.

6 Pour 20g of the syrup from the Stem Ginger Jar and

set to one side. (You will need this to spread over the

cake after baking).

Place the rest of the jar – syrup and Stem Ginger pieces

into a food processor or blender and whizz until you

have a puree. (It doesn’t have to be exceptionally smooth.)

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Then gently fold in the flour and chopped cherries, the mixed spice, then the soaked fruit and Crystallised Stem Ginger and lastly the pureed stem ginger in syrup.

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Scoop the mix into the prepared tin, smooth the surface and place on the newspaper in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours.

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Remove from oven and allow to cool in the tin for around 15 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

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You can then ‘feed’ your cake with extra booze should you choose to. Create tiny holes in the top with a tooth- pick and weekly, drizzle a couple of tablespoons full of Ginger wine into the holes. Wrap between feeds and keep in a cool place.

METHOD You will need one 15cm/6inch cake tin, greased and lined on the bottom and insides with baking paper and wrapped in a couple of sheets of newspaper. Place a slim wad of newspaper on the shelf of your oven shelf to sit the cake on too to protect it whist baking.

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The night before (or at least a couple of hours before – the longer ahead of time you do this, the better…) place the chopped stem ginger and currants and ginger wine into a bowl. Cover and allow to soak overnight.

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The next day: Set the oven to 150C oven, 140C fan

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Add a touch of Italian chic to your festive feasting this season, from the traditional Tuscan panforte cake to Aperitivo before the main event. And of course, what better way to toast your friends and family than with a glass of Prosecco.

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KATIE SAYERS, Foodmarket Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, selects her favourite treats from Italy this Christmas.

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GINGER CHRISTMAS CAKE 11

Once ready to ice, with a pastry brush, brush a thin layer of the reserved ginger syrup over the cake. Fill any holes with little pieces of marzipan and then roll out the block of marzipan to ½ cm thick and lay over cake.

Trim the edges and leave to set for a few hours or overnight.

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To make your royal icing: place the icing sugar, the egg whites and glycerine into a large bowl and preferably with a stand mixer or electric hand whisk, whisk until stiff peaks form.

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Place icing into a piping bag.

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You can ice the cake however you like, we like to splodge icing on to the marzipan layer in piped peaks all over, but be creative! The icing will set hard, but not teeth crackingly hard – due to the addition of the glycerine in the mix and will help keep the cake fresh and delicious until you decide to crack it open.

What a joy!

Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup (350g £2.50) & Crystallised Ginger (200g £2.35) are both available from Tesco.

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8 1: Harvey Nichols Aperitivo hamper, £35 2: Harvey Nichols Baci Di Dama biscuits, £8.50 3: Cà dei Frati Rosa dei Frati 2014, £18.75 4: Harvey Nichols panforte classico, £7.95 5: Giuseppe Giusti balsamic vinegar of Modena, £12.95 6: Seggiano Calabrian baked fig, £6.50 7: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco NV, £18.50 8: Tenuta di Fassia organic white truffle extra virgin olive oil, £11.95

All products featured are available from the Foodmarket and Wine Shop at Harvey Nichols Birmingham and online at harveynichols.com

WINE TASTING

WITH SIOFRA O’BRIEN

Anyone who has travelled in Italy will be more than aware of the amazing range of wines the country has to offer, thanks, in part, to its rich tapestry of indigenous grape varieties. With that in mind, I have chosen two great wines that will add an Italian touch to your Christmas feasting.

Firstly, from the Broglia family of Piemonte, is Gavi "La Meirana" 2015, £17.50. Made from 100% Cortese, this is a dry white with lovely acidity and is laden with lemon and apple fruit making

it the ideal accompaniment to the roast turkey and trimmings.

Heading south to the sunny island of Sicily and a brand new wine to me, Cos, Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2013, £24. Created by three university friends using a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, this distinct bottle is packed with instant aromas of black cherry, plum and raspberries alongside notes of tobacco. It shows great freshness and pairs well with white meats or, for the vegetarian diners, it works perfectly with Aubergine Parmingiana. Salute!

Siofra O’Brien is the Wine Specialist at Harvey Nichols Birmingham. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 53

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AN ITALIAN CHRISTMAS

REVIEW: BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT HARVEY NICHOLS omelettes to pancakes and fruit salads, you’d be hard pressed to not find three dishes that suit you. The ‘Bottomless’ aspect of the Bottomless Brunch, refers to the Champagne, which is unlimited for two hours.

Our waitress, as well as being friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, was not shy about topping up our glasses and there was a serious possibility of our brunch extending into a boozy lunch.

The champagne itself is a definite highlight. It is Harvey Nichols’ own brand NV champagne, deliciously crisp and dry and an excellent accompaniment and compliment to all of the food.

Who would have guessed that corned beef hash would go so well with Champagne? Certainly not me, but this was just one of the high points that I experienced at the Harvey Nichols Bottomless Brunch writes Martin Farrow.

Brunch is always a tricky meal, simultaneously lauded and maligned, and difficult to get right, especially at higher end eateries which often have too much style at the expense of substance. So it was with slight trepidation but an open mind that a friend and I took ourselves to Harvey Nichols for their Bottomless Brunch.

The restaurant itself is a welcoming and stylish environment, the walls lined with an overwhelming array of bottles of wines, champagnes and spirits and an open view into the impressive kitchen space. The lighting is subdued but not dark, and soft eighties tunes add a pleasing background hum.

So what does the Brunch entail? For £50 a head you have three items from the Brunch Menu; there are twelve to choose from and with a really well selected and wide variety of dishes there is something there to suit every palate. From devilled sardines to homemade granola,

Wanting to try as much as possible, my guest and I ordered differently and so sampled six of the dishes, a full half of the menu, and it did not disappoint. All of our dishes were delivered promptly when requested, fresh and hot. The standout dish for me was the corned beef hash and fried egg. Beautifully presented, the flavours were fantastic, wonderfully peppery with just the right quantities of meat and potato, and the perfectly cooked, buttery egg ideally offsetting the saltiness of the corned beef. Other highlights included the pancakes, served with deliciously tart fruit compote and mouth-watering Chantilly cream, and the homemade porridge which comes with a lavender honey so tasty I could guzzle it by the pint.

If I was to make any tiny criticism it would be about the salmon and scrambled eggs, simply because there was not a great deal of salmon on the plate. Given how well everything else was done this, whilst still delicious (particularly the scrambled eggs; creamy, plentiful and just the right consistency) suffered in comparison.

Overall, the Bottomless Brunch is a really pleasing experience. The £50 price tag may seem hefty, but you leave feeling you’ve had tremendous value for money. The staff are perfect hosts, the environment welcoming, the food is superbly tasty, well presented and portioned.

Combining all this with a seemingly limitless amount of champagne leads me to thoroughly recommend a visit.

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

DINE IN STYLE WITH MALMAISON THIS FESTIVE SEASON mouth-watering celebratory menu this Christmas. You can also choose from two venues, their Chez Mal brasserie or one of their exclusive private dining rooms, making for a truly magical festive occasion.

For more of a leisurely festive lunch, there’s really nothing like spending the day at Malmaison Birmingham. You can enjoy a delectable two or three course meal from their own festive lunch menu and in the spirit of Christmas they’ll even give you a complimentary arrival drink for pre-booked and pre-paid guests.

Who says you can only celebrate in the lead up to Christmas?

At Malmaison they believe in keeping the spirit of Christmas alive even after the big day has gone. If you’re looking for an alternative to left overs on Boxing Day and are tired out from all the cooking when it reaches New Years’ Eve then you can indulge further with their exclusive brunches.

These consist of a complimentary glass of Prosecco, selection of all you can eat hors d’oeuvres from the chef’s table and classic brunch dishes such as Eggs Benedict, the Big Brunch Breakfast or a prime rib Sunday Roast, followed by a choice of a delicious dessert.

Tis the season to celebrate and what better place to do it at than The Malmaison, where you can enjoy a festive lunch or evening of delicious cuisine and a cheeky tipple or two with family, friends or work colleagues. Malmaison’s sommelier has sourced the very best wines and their head chef has created a 54 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

For those who have to work in December, then why not party with Malmaison in January? Enjoy all the trimmings with their celebrations menu, great offers and entertainment, whether you’d like a simple group celebration or a proper Christmas party with the whole shebang. They’ll make your Christmas dreams come true.

Find out more at www.malmaison.com or call 0121 7943004 to make a booking. The Mailbox, 1 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 2JR.

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LOBSTER PENINSULA Following a formidable revamp and renovation, a brand new seafood restaurant has brought new life into Birmingham’s Futurist Cinema.

The cinema dates back to the early 1900s and officially opened in July 1919, making it one of the oldest cinemas in the country as well as being the first cinema in Birmingham to screen “talkies” following the revolution of sound within cinema.

It stopped functioning as a cinema in the 1990s due to the rise of the multiplex cinema and then lay derelict for years. The new owners of the restaurant have taken great care to maintain the historic features of the building’s architecture whilst also breathing new life into the space.

Now it has been transformed into an impressive looking restaurant, which takes up half of the original theatre space. The Mediterranean influence is evident in the Spanish restaurant style tiling on the bar, but the design emphasis is very much on keeping the grandeur of the Futurist Cinema.

Situated on John Bright Street by the New Alex Theatre, diners enter by a sweeping granite grey staircase with an impressive French chandelier hanging overhead. This leads up to a casual bar area that can hold 60 before the main 88 cover restaurant.

origin. His menu uses top quality seafood sourced from Scottish shores from the Bullring market.

Appetizers include such delights as Lobster Bisque and Lobster Chowder – a delicious creamy soup with vegetables and chunks of lobster served with crusty bread. Or you can enjoy a Sharing Platter of calamari, blanch bait and wedges; Chilled Oysters, Steamed Mussels, Garlic Prawns or Honey and Lemon Chicken Wings.

The offering is definitely upmarket and the mains include some incredible sharing platters such as Silver Platter – a variety of chilled seafood and tropical fruits at £25pp. As you would expect, the most expensive is the Gold Platter – grilled lobster, calamari, prawn skewers, white bait, mussels, fries, spicy rice and salad at £49.

Or if it’s just Lobster For One you can have Lobster and Crayfish Scampi and Chips or the Lobster Peninsula Surf and Turf, which is bound to delight seafood lovers.

Leading the whole operation is General Manager Nuno Peres said, “We have put together a strong wine list and ten classic cocktails including Old Fashioned, Martini and Sidecar.”

Oh and just one more thing, on the top floor is a fabulous state of the art 200 square metre nightclub which will only open on Fridays and Saturday nights until 3am.

The nine strong kitchen team is led by Head Chef, Saming Saetang; a Brummie of Thai

Lobster Peninsula – a great place to eat, drink and play!

The team behind Edmunds have rebranded their Brindleyplace restaurant as ‘Edmunds Bistro de Luxe’ to focus on classic French country cuisine, cooked in a modern style.

ingredients from wherever they are best, and recreating those dishes for the modern palate is what I do best.”

Celebrating the individual regions of France, the new dishes will be priced individually and guests will be able to enjoy the new menus lunch and dinner. Head Chef Didier Philipot commented, “My passions are seasonality, sourcing and flavours. In my home country of France the regions showcase the food of their land, the “Terroir” which influences the ingredients and flavours of every dish. Sourcing the perfect 56 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

INDICO A fabulous new dining experience has descended into the suburban delights of Shirley, Solihull. Visitors to the Parkgate Shopping Centre on Stratford Road will be able to delight in the culinary joys of Indian street food and the vibrancy of the sub continent.

The new venue is reminiscent of a movie scene from Monsoon Wedding, the walls are adorned with Bollywood style pop art and the ceiling covered with a multitude of colourful umbrellas.

There is street art on each wall that has been hand painted by a variety of street artists from around the world using different styles but similar theme of Indian street life.

In the corner is the open kitchen in sunshine yellow made in the style of a wagon,. Set over two floors with a mezzanine level and bar area seating 140, it really is a feast for the senses.

The menu has been inspired by authentic street food of India you will be able to enjoy dishes such as gol gappa (puffed hollow pastry rounds filled with seasoned potatoes and chilled mint flavoured water), and pav bhaji (a typical Mumbai style anytime meal, a spicy blend of mashed vegetables with light battered toasted bun). The opening of Indico has been highly anticipated and is sure to be a roaring success.

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READ MORE FOOD NEWS AT MSDELICIOUSPR.BLOGSPOT.CO.UK

Starting from simple daily French country soups through to starters from just £7 and mains from just £15 Edmunds Bistro de Luxe will also be offering a Prix Fixe lunch menu and early evening 2 courses from just £19.

The new offering from Edmunds Bistro de Luxe, comes straight off the back of the restaurant receiving two AA rosettes.

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

THE RED SHOES

7-11 Feb Birmingham Hippodrome www.birminghamhippodrome.com A beloved fairytale and Academy Awardwinning movie, The Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a new score arranged by Terry Davies using the mesmerizing music of golden-age Hollywood composer, Bernard Herrmann (most famous for his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles and Martin Scorsese). An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences; The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.

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now trying his hand at fiction writing. His debut novel ‘Holding’ has been described as a surprising and compelling read; filled with dark humour, imaginative characters and deep emotion. Graham invites the audience to discuss his new idea with him for an evening of engagement and creativity. You also get a copy of the book at the performance.

The Nutcracker

@Birmingham Hippodrome birminghamhippodrome.com 25th November- 13th December Heading to the Birmingham Hippodrome, is a Birmingham Royal Ballet production of The Nutcracker, with festive energy that will have you charmed from start to finish. A classic for Christmas, the Nutcracker is perfect for all ages.

Alan Car: Alanatomy

Agnes Obel

@Birmingham Town Hall Tuesday 29th November www.thsh.co.uk Native to Denmark, Agnes Obel has captured Europe with her unique voice and ability to engage with audiences. Classically trained, she uses her piano to complement her voice alongside her heart-felt lyrics which she crafts herself.

@Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall 17th December www.thsh.co.uk Alan Carr is heading to Birmingham in December to coincide with the launch of his new memoir, Alanatomy.

Join Alan with an evening of laughter and comedy. Each attendee will also be able to get a copy of Carr’s new memoir at the event.

An Evening with Graham Norton

@Birmingham Symphony Hall Sunday 4th December www.thsh.co.uk Everyone’s seen the Graham Norton Show right? Well, he’s

Images by Jas Sansi.

Passenger

@The O2 Academy Birmingham Tuesday 29th November www.academymusicgroup.com Passenger became a household name after the release of his hit single ‘Let Her Go’ and now he begins his UK tour to support his eighth studio album. Joined by a 5 piece band, they create a visual and audible feast for the senses as they perform his classics alongside his new material.

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Tommy Hilfiger VIP SHOPPING

Fans of fashion came out in force for the first Tommy Hilfiger VIP Shopping Evening in conjunction with our sister magazine, SIXTYNINE degrees. Tommy is the name on every fashionista’s lips this season thanks to the Gigi Hadid collaboration, which has achieved sell-out status across the world. VIP guests were not only treated to delicious canapes and champagne from Malmaison, but an extra special one-night-only discount, so we could all treat ourselves without feeling too guilty.

The Overtones

@ Symphony Hall

10th December www.thsh.co.uk The five guys who make up the highly regarded vocal harmony group are back for one night only in Birmingham in December.

The five piece group together ‘50s harmonies with modern pop, with their debut album featuring an array of original tracks.

Status Quo

Tommy Hilfiger is at Mailbox, Birmingham. uk.tommy.com Images by Steve Smith at stevedotphoto

@Barclaycard Arena 16th December www.barclaycardarena.co.uk/ whats-on The iconic rockers that are Status Quo are heading to the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham to play their biggest hits. Selling over 100 million records worldwide, they will have you rocking out no matter where you are seated in the arena. Don’t forget to check our The Amplify hospitality upgrades to make your gig experience rock!

Andre Rieu

@Genting Arena 21st December www.gentingarena.co.uk Andre Rieu will be bringing his musical genius to perform a classical instrumental line 60 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

up, with the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra. If you’re a fan of classical music, this is by far the musical event that you’ll need to see this December.

Chicago the Musical

@New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 12th Dec-31st Dec www.atgtickets.com Whisk yourself away to the 1920s when Roxie Hart brutally shoots her husband dead and get lost in the drama that comes with a murder trial, a love story and the tricks of a smooth talking lawyer. A new production of Chicago returns in Birmingham, with well-known songs form the feature film and west-end show.

Christmas Party Night

@The Glee 17th December www.glee.co.uk Spend Christmas with some of the best comedians that The Glee has to offer. Along with some good laughs, try the excellent food amongst the superb atmosphere that will ensure you have more fun than anywhere else. For each Christmas party The Glee has lined up excellent stand-up comedians that will cement your night as one to remember. Treat someone to an early Christmas gift with these shows !

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The Play That Goes Wrong is heading to the Belgrade in Coventry in January. The show, tells the story of The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society who are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong does! As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue.

An Amplified Evening

Dick Whittington

@Birmingham Hippodrome 19th December- 29th January birminghamhippodrome.com Starring singer, actor, presenter and entertainer John Barrowman, soap-star Steve McFadden, legendary comedy-duo The Krankies, Matt Slack – who makes a triumphant return to the Hippodrome stage for this fourth panto season – and I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, audiences can expect plenty of laughs, outrageous costumes, wonderful sets and scenery, and some amazing special effects.

Fraser Urquhart Media in conjunction with Amplify hosted a luxurious evening with a guest list to die for that was a who’s who of the city’s elite business world.

With champagne and canapés in hand, attendees got to experience what Amplify has to offer for an evening of networking, entertainment and exclusive VIP hospitality at the Barclaycard Arena.

Amplify is the NEC group’s premium hospitality business, providing VIP hospitality experiences for concerts, entertainment and sports events at the Barclaycard Arena and Genting arena in Birmingham. At the event guests got to see first-hand the exclusive VIP area and what it has to offer if you want to upgrade your gig experience.

Dirty Dancing

@Belgrade Theatre 30th January- 4th February www.belgrade.co.uk Have the time of your live with Dirty Dancing heading to Belgrade Theatre. Full of passion, romance and heartpounding music and dancing the musical is better than ever in this new production. The performance also features hit songs, Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby and Do you love me?, which will have you singing along the whole way through.

Mary Shelley Supreme Queen

@Belgrade Theatre 19th January www.belgrade.co.uk Are you ready for an evening of nostalgia? Front man, Scott Mailey plays an uncanny and realistic Freddie Mercury, with the voice, presence and persona. Featuring a talented band, this Queen tribute night will have you singing and dancing along.

@The Crescent Theatre Birmingham 29th Jan-11th Feb www.crescent-theatre.co.uk Mary Shelley may sound familiar to you as the creator of the dramatic character Frankenstein, however have you ever considered how dramatic her own life was? This biographical play illustrates her dysfunctional upbringing with her father, a radical philosopher, and her elopement with a poet aged 16. Join her on her journey through 19th century society.

Future guests include Strictly Come Dancing, Bruno Mars and Harry Potter in concert!

For further information visit www.amplify.co.uk

The Play That Goes Wrong

@Belgrade Theatre 24th-28th January www.belgrade.co.uk The multi-award winning West End smash hit comedy, 62 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Wonderland

@New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

JEWELLERY QUARTER WELCOMES NEW ART GALLERY Contemporary photography gallery Argentea has opened its doors on St Paul’s Square in the heart of the vibrant Jewellery Quarter.

The gallery will be showing contemporary photography from both British and international artists with the aim being to promote and support the careers of emerging and established artists by providing a platform to exhibit their work.

The gallery opens with two exhibitions; on the white walled ground floor ‘Notes for an Epilogue’ by Hungarian photographer Tamas Dezso, whose large scale, painterly images depict a time of transition in Romania and Hungary following the fall of Communism in the late 1980s.

The gallery’s serene grey walled space is the perfect backdrop for Edinburgh based photographer Robin Gillanders’ contemplative ‘A Lover’s Complaint’. Comprising a series of intimate, black and white still life images, they are a visual response to a series of haiku based on Roland Barthes’ book A Lover’s Discourse. www.argenteagallery.com.

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event Jacques Vert Party Collection Preview Evening Winter, for many of us, is a blur of social engagements, whether that’s catching up with friends or meeting colleagues or clients for one last hurrah before the festive shut down. The pressure on our wardrobe and looking good – often from desk to disco – is enough to send anyone into a tizz. Thankfully, the kindly folk at Jacques Vert in Grand Central launched a special preview evening recently to showcase their brand new (and rather fabulous) Party Collection, designed with the modern woman in mind. Outfit crisis over. Check.

Jacques Vert is at Grand Central, Birmingham. Tel 0121 643 5344.

Images by Steve Smith.

6th Feb-11th Feb Following sold out shows in Tampa, Texas and Tokyo, the highly acclaimed show lands in Birmingham this winter for its UK premiere. The wondrous play will transport you to a world of magic, intrigue and fantasy as we watch Alice get lost in another enchanting dimension.

Jack Whitehall

Shirley Valentine

@Genting Arena 16th February www.gentingarena.co.uk Award winning stand-up comedian, Jack Whitehall is back on tour bringing his new live show to Birmingham in February. The show, Jack Whitehall: At Large will feature brand new jokes and comedy from Whitehall.

Sean Lock- Keep It Light

OperaUpClose: La Bohème

@MAC Birmingham 9th Feb-11th Feb www.macbirmingham.co.uk Grow up with the idealistic graduates, who want to follow their dreams and party until the sun comes down, live amongst creatives and try and make ends meet. Watch as relationships blossom, unfold and rekindle. Filled with humour, drama and tragedy.

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Jonathan Pie: Live

@Birmingham Town Hall Friday 17th February www.thsh.co.uk Join the news reporter who hates his job, hates his colleagues and hates…the news! An evening not for the faint heated, expect an angry, potty mouthed middle aged man ranting about UK politics and all that is wrong in the media. For a refreshingly frank take on the British news, search for tickets!

@Birmingham Hippodrome 27th-28th Feb birminghamhippodrome.com He’s been in the game for 15 years, yet he still never fails to come up with highly intelligent, witty and original performances. The imaginative scenes that Sean Lock conjures up in his head and his commentary on the human condition leaves the audience in constant stitches.

@New Alexandra Theatre 6th-11th March www.atgtickets.co.uk Premiered back in 1986, Willy Russell’s classic comedy is heading on a new tour for its 30th anniversary. Starring Jodie Prenger, the comedy tells the story of a Liverpool housewife whose best friend takes her on a trip to Greece for two weeks that will change her view on the world.

The Commitments

@New Alexandra Theatre 13th-18th March www.atgtickets.co.uk Direct from a successful and record breaking two year run in the West End, the BAFTAwinning film classic, musical version is heading on tour.

With over twenty soul classics performed live on stage, it is bound to be a fabulously-fun night out.

HARVEY NICHOLS AW16 TRUNK SHOW

Birmingham’s most stylish enjoyed a luxury fashion and dining experience as Harvey Nichols hosted its AW16 Trunk Show. Staged in the store’s Restaurant, guests were treated to a three course meal that complemented the different scenes from the autumn and winter fashion show.

Brands featured during the event included Moncler, Balmain, Nicole Fahri, Balenciaga, Neil Barratt and Stella McCartney and scenes picked up on the key seasonal menswear and womenswear trends of vintage vamp, berry colours and chic outerwear.

VIP HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCES amplify.co.uk / 0844 338 0333

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FIVE MINUTES WITH...

JASON MANFORD

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leading ladies at birmingham hippodrome

‘Leading Ladies, Birmingham Hippodrome’s fast-growing network for like-minded ladies, enjoyed an exclusive glimpse behind the ‘seams’ of Birmingham Royal Ballet to celebrate the world premiere of David Bintley’s magical new adaptation of The Tempest.

How did you get into comedy?

I worked at a comedy club in Manchester at 16. One night a few acts failed to materialise and the desperate promoter asked if anyone fancied doing a bit! So I did!

Who would you say are your comedic icons? Well Peter Kay was the first act I saw live who just blew me away. I thought he was fantastic. But growing up I loved Billy Connolly, Les Dawson and Tommy Cooper. I loved how my family would have tears in their eyes watching them.

How do you come up with fresh content? I’ll let ya know when I do! Ha! No I just listen to people, I read a lot, I have a radio show every Sunday on Absolute which forces me to come up with stuff.

But listening is the best way, I’m never the centre of attention at parties, I’m always listening though! (That sounds creepier than I meant it to!).

How would you describe the process of putting together a comedic show? Would you say it’s fully scripted or a bit of improvisation as well? I’d say for me it’s mainly 70% scripted, it has to be. But it’s very rarely in the same order. Then I like to mess about and chat and use new thoughts and see how it goes.

You started off your career in 1999 and have developed your career appearing in quite a few shows and most recently a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

How did this come about? I was always interested in musicals, did them all at school and college and university so when I saw an advert for an actor to be cover Pirelli in Sweeney Todd, I made my agent get me an audition!

After four auditions for it I got it and was suddenly on stage being murdered by Michael Ball! It was magical!

Do you prefer theatre to stand up? Is it the same buzz? No stand up is always the greatest thing you can do because it’s just so personal and direct. But I adore doing theatre and being part of a team.

Jason Manford’s DVD First world Problems is out now.

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As part of the event, BBC Presenter Joanne Malin was joined by members of the Birmingham Royal Ballet creative team to bring guests up-close with some of the exquisite costumes featured in the show and to explain more about some of the intricate techniques involved in bringing a brand new set of costumes to life.

A selection of original costume sketches from the show were also on display for guests to view whilst a prize draw raised over £1000 in support of Birmingham Royal Ballet and Hippodrome CREATIVE education and outdoor arts programme. birminghamhippodrome.com

Style and Fashion at Midlands Fashion Awards The most fashionable and stylish individuals were out in style to celebrate the annual Midlands Fashion Awards which took place at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Centre, an event which recognises emerging talented designers from across the Midlands region.

Collections from those who had successfully secured shortlisted spaces were showcased in a vibrant catwalk to rival the recent London Fashion Week.

Ahead of the fashion show, guests were able to view the shortlisted accessory designers’ collections at the welcome reception with selected pieces featuring on the catwalk as part of the show. The show was presented by husband and wife duo Adele and Jamie Roche with sponsors Steel & Jelly providing Jamie’s

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outfit from their AW16 collection.

This year’s event, now in its ninth year, saw another sell out for the show and continues to see a year on year increase in application entries to the awards with entries being received from some of the highest ranked universities for fashion in the region including Birmingham City, Coventry, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent as well as established independent designers.

The Category winners were as follow: Young Designer of the Year: Sophie Gordon, Emerging Designer of the Year: Sophie Pittom, Independent Designer of the Year: Helen Howe, Accessory Designer of the year: Alexa Milne Jewellery, Make-up Artist of the year: Chelsea Moore midlandsfashionawards.co.uk

This brand new adaptation directed by Olivier Award nominee Sally Cookson ( Jane Eyre National Theatre, Hetty Feather West End), will feature a cast of multitalented actor-musicians and boasts a beautiful score by composer Benji Bower.

It’s a soul-searching story filled with beauty, sadness, humour and acute observation.

La Strada tells the tragic and tender tale of wide-eyed Gelsomina who is sold by her impoverished mother to the brutish strongman Zampano, a travelling sideshow performer. Their journey through the Italian countryside leads them to a ragtag touring circus where they meet Il Matto the free-spirited tightrope walker, who tries to rekindle Gelsomina’s broken spirit.

MASTERPIECE OF MODERN CINEMA ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE Federico Fellini’s 1957 Oscar-winning film, La Strada (The Road), is being brought to life on stage in a spectacular new production for 2017. La Strada will make its UK premiere at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre before embarking on a national tour and transferring to London at The Other Palace, the newest addition to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Group.

This much-anticipated new production will be performed on the Belgrade’s Main Stage from Sat 11 – Sat 18 February 2017 as part of their newly launched Spring Season, packed full of spectacular shows.

Other highlights of the Belgrade’s exciting Spring Season include new play, Made in India, by Satinder Chohan – a thrilling drama about motherhood and blood ties between women and nations in a brave new world. Plus, there’s plenty of fun for families with the stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild and the Roald Dahl 100 celebrations continue with Fantastic Mr Fox! If you’re planning at big night out, they have a fantastic selection of feel-good shows as well including Dirty Dancing, Thriller Live, Shirley Valentine and Footloose.

For full listings of what’s on at the Belgrade Theatre this spring and to book tickets visit www.belgrade.co.uk

BOOK ONLINE to save money

The Belgrade Theatre and Tamasha Theatre Company in association with Pilot Theatre present

by Satinder Choh an

PRIO to th R WES e ENDT

A thrilling new drama about motherhood and surrogacy 24 Jan – 4 Feb

from £10.50*

11 – 18 Feb

from £19*

22 – 25 Feb

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

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

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bef ore they shot JR Ewing...

Before they shot JR Ewing In the 80’s, TV’s Dallas brought us the Ewing family from the Lone Star State; a family led by Stetson-wearing JR Ewing whose weekly goal was to make sure that everyone in the family knew exactly who ran things.

Incidentally, JR ended up being on the wrong side of a bullet, whilst the world waited with baited breath to see who he’d pushed too far as he battled his way into control of the family firm writes Dluxe Birmingham & Solihull’s Business Editor Bart Dalton.

Way before that came the literary figure of aristocrat Ethan Allen Hawley, who had to turn his world upside down to restore his family name to what it once was. Steinbeck’s, The Winter Of Our Discontent, takes us through the tribulations of a man whose goal is to impress the world around him and live up to his social class norms.

From riches to rags and back again is a theme that many people have dwelt on over the last number of years thanks to an economy that has expanded and contracted with frustrating regularity. It’s this desire to return to a golden era of prosperity and good fortune that are at the root of many political changes happening in our world. We live in extraordinary times where planning for our future success is more important than ever, so should we follow the example of our hero Ethan and employ his plan to return himself and his family name to a higher economic class?

Well it involved three steps, all of which were firmly focused on Ethan and to hell with everyone else. First, he robbed a bank; the second part involved turning his illegal immigrant boss over to the authorities, so that he could purchase his store; and the final piece of the puzzle involved taking a very important plot of land away from the town drunk, Ethan’s ex-best friend. Ethan 68 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

believed that all of his woes were external and that his actions, no matter how heinous, justified the means and to some degree we have looked at things over the past year in the same Ethan-esque way.

If we look at the elections in the US, the Brexit vote, and the way we look at society in general then the old phrase in journalism “If it bleeds it leads” resonates. Overall we are humanly built to not be able to look away from things that are distressing. So how do we break this human instinct?

Practice and a plan!

Let’s break the discontent. The way we can do this is working on one thing at a time. The biggest tool we have to make this all come together is our attitude. You know that I am a huge fan of lists and making action plans. This comes through in my business, my books and classes I run. Almost as much as we love a car crash, Eastenders or a verbal punch up between politicians, we love 3 proven ways to trim your waist line, 4 vegetables that prevent aging and 10 proven ways improve your memory. Let’s look at making the next year better using a combination of some of following.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Write 2 Thank you notes a week.

Keep a journal.

Read a feel good article every day.

Donate 1 hour of your time to Charity a month.

Write down one big goal to complete daily. Do it and congratulate yourself.

Learn a new joke or laugh.

Remember that other people have agendas too. If yours is beneficial to someone tell them.

Smile, remember that it is very hard to say anything bad when you smile and it is addictive.

We will leave it at 8 because that is my lucky number! As an American, people love to tell me their views on the world and

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especially how we are ruining the world with our imperialism and dominating attitude. I just have to sit back and laugh at the sweeping generalisation. This made me look at what makes it so that I could do to make sure that I was not contributing to the depression spiral or get defensive about the conversation. I had to approach with a different slant and it always starts with a smile.

Ethan gets so depressed about the steps he took to get to the top and restore his family name that he feels like he wants to kill himself. There is a ray of hope as his daughter shows no signs of being sad and manipulative like Ethan had to be.

He returns to his house from the spot where he was going to end it all to give his daughter the support she needed to keep the family name alive and thriving.

Use some of the tools above or some that you create yourself to make it so that we all have a better year going forward. As the gloom sets in on the rainy season, let’s shine through and bring Summer in the Winter by burning our own bright and powerful tools for breaking through the bad news.

No matter who is president or Prime Minister, whether we are in or out, most of your day to day life won’t change. Stay positive, focus on what you can control and pass a smile around. If you can give this to a family member, an employee, or a neighbour then we will make it better.

Steinbeck says so eloquently that we need to help someone else succeed to break away from the negativity that we are drawn to, “Else another light might go out…”

I am looking forward to bringing light to the winter of our discontent.

Bart Dalton Director of Taurus Wealth Management and author of True Gravity. Passion for helping people maximise wealth. www.tauruswealth.co.uk

60 MINUTES office exercise If you’re bogged down with work, then the chances are you’ll be sitting at your desk for the majority of the day… but what if this is detrimental to your health?

Recent research has shown that being inactive or not exercising could lead to an early death, especially for office workers.

Bodybuilding.com has recommended that a brisk walk or work-out can add extra years to your life and scientists have discovered that a 20-25 minute walk every day can help prevent you from dying prematurely.

Alternatively, weekly vigorous workouts, which can be provided by the Bodybuilding. com team, could help prevent the likes of cancer, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, according to some more research.

Andrew Ivers, Senior Marketing Manager at Bodybuilding.com says: “We all know what it’s like to be stuck to a desk for numerous hours a day, as we begin to feel lazy or fatigued, so that’s why we’re targeting this issue and helping office workers get up on their feet.

“We know about the dangers a lack of

activity can have on our bodies, so using our expert knowledge and easily-accesible videos we plan to combat these problems by helping people get healthy, while enjoying a new fitness regime.

“Although the impact of exercise is greatest among people of an average weight, even those with a high body mass index (BMI) levels have benefited from a brisk 20-25 minute walk.

“Overall, avoiding inactivity theoretically reduces the risk of death from any cause by 7.35%, according to the the scientists. After looking at the effects of obesity and exercise on 334,161 European men and women over a 12 year period, they discovered that people who participated in moderate levels of daily exercise were 16-30% less likely to die than those classed as ’inactive’.”

Desk exercises tend to help with keeping yourrelaxed muscles active, helping to keep mind and body in tip-top condition throughout the day. Try rotating your ankles to get the blood flowing through the legs and other activities such as squats and leg lifts, using your desk as a prop.

For further information visit bodybuilding.com

The Rise of the UK’s Muslim Mumpreneurs

The UK is seeing a huge rise in female Muslim entrepreneurs opening new businesses whilst juggling hectic family lives. Say hello to a rising crop of female Muslim mumpreneurs who are shattering stereotypes and inspiring confidence in fellow women to start new businesses.

The Muslim consumer market is now one of the biggest in the world growing at nearly double the rate of the global economy.

According to a report by Thomson Reuters, the Muslim consumer spending on food and lifestyle products and services has been estimated at $1.8 trillion in 2014 and projected to reach $2.6 trillion in 2020.

It is estimated that females currently form 50% of start-ups from the Muslim community – with this figure set to rise further in the future.

“The stereotype of Muslim women stuck in the kitchen and carrying out household chores are long gone,” said Tahir Mirza, founder of the Muslim Lifestyle Expo.

One Muslim mumpreneur is Birmingham’s Nazia Nasreen who has an online Islamic toy store called Ibraheem Toy House., the UK’s first online Islamic toy store founded by the mother of two in 2014. In just two years, the number of products it offers has grown from four to more than 200 from 30 different suppliers from around the world selling educational toys and books, including dolls in hijabs and colourful prayer mats.

“It is refreshing to see how these mumpreneurs are shattering the myth that Muslim women are held back and oppressed. It’s a booming industry and these mumpreneurs are working hard in their 9-5 jobs and in their spare time are setting up successful businesses in a wide range of sectors.

Nazia now plans to design her own product range in the near future with plans for further expansion.

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How to Land your dream JOB Stuck in a job you hate but nervous or unsure about how to change it? Good news, we can help! We’ve teamed up with Midlands recruitment specialists, SimkissGuy Recruitment and over the next few editions will be interviewing several of their recently placed candidates to discover how they helped them land their dream jobs.

Meet Kirsten Allan, six months ago Kirsten was stuck in a mundane role at a national supermarket but was desperate to develop her career in an industry that excited and challenged her. Today, Kirsten is Front of House Executive at the dynamic city property agency, FleetMilne Property. Here’s how she did it.

Kirsten, why did you want to move into the property industry?

I’ve always been extremely interested in property and from a career perspective felt it was an industry that I could work long-term in, people will always need a place to live! It’s also an incredibly fast paced industry, meaning I’ll need to be constantly learning and evolving, which is a challenge I relish.

You don’t have any previous experience in this sector, how difficult did you find getting interviews?

It was difficult. I found a lot of people were unwilling to give me a chance because they assumed that given my current role I wouldn’t have the necessary skills and this definitely affected my confidence.

Luckily for me, Emily from SimkissGuy Recruitment actually took the time to get to know me, discover what my aspirations were and what kind of roles I’d feel comfortable applying for.

How did you overcome the lack of experience in your CV? People have more experience than they think! Although technically as a home shopper I was putting bananas in a basket, you need to recognise the skills that employers are looking for.

So, whilst I may only have been packing bananas, ensuring that they weren’t bruised or damaged and packed correctly actually demonstrated my attention to detail and strong work ethic.

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After Emily secured you the interview at FleetMilne Property, how did you prepare?

I basically stalked the company online! FleetMilne Property has a great reputation in the city so I was already aware of them, but Emily helped me ensure that I understood what type of properties FleetMilne specialised in and had a more rounded knowledge of the current market. She also advised me to research the people interviewing me, something that I’d definitely recommend as I think it helps make the actual interview a little less daunting.

How many interviews did you have before you were offered the role?

Technically I only had one interview, but following my face-toface chat I also needed to complete a Belbin Test to give them an idea of whether I would work well in their existing team. When I first applied for this role it was only a five-month fixed term contract but I’ve now been made a permanent member of the team. It just goes to show that you shouldn’t turn any opportunities down as you just don’t know what they could lead to – I suppose you could consider my five-month contract an extended interview!

Finally, do you have any advice for others looking to work in the property sector?

Never be afraid to ask as many questions as you can! It’s a fastpaced industry so do your research, spend time on sites like Rightmove and Zoopla to get a good feel for the current market and keep up to date. It’s all definitely worth it though; I’ve grown so much in the last six months that I wouldn’t recognise the person I was before. I was severely lacking in self-confidence but now I love going to work and meeting new people!

For further information on how Simkiss Guy Recruitment can help you land your dream job visit www. simkissguy.com

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

in

& at Nailcote Hall Hotel

DECEMBER 2016 Fri 9th Sat 10th Fri 16th Sat 17th Mon 19th

THE ULTIMATE SOUL PARTY with THE BOOZE BROTHERS HITS OF THE DECADES PARTY with JARZINO THE ULTIMATE ‘BOY BANDS’ SPECTACULAR with ULTIMATE BOY BANDS SWINGING 60’s & MOTOWN PARTY with THE KRYSTALETTES ‘HEART & SOUL’ PARTY with HARRY CAMBRIDGE

£42.50 £37.50 £37.50 £35.00 £32.50

Tue 20th Wed 21st Thu 22nd Fri 23rd Sat 24th Sat 31st

OLLY MURS & BRUNO MARS PARTY with ROBBIE GLENN ‘LENNON AND McCARTNEY’ with THE LENNON AND McCARTNEY EXPERIENCE THE No.1 ROD STEWART TRIBUTE with GARRY PEASE THE ‘WHITNEY HOUSTON’ DISCO DIVA PARTY with NYA KING DINNER IN THE OAK ROOM RESTAURANT with MIKE SULLIVAN NEW YEARS EVE BACK TO THE 80’S PARTY with 80’s EXPERIENCE & SUZI WOODS

£35.00 £32.50 £32.50 £32.50 £39.50 £75.00

JANUARY 2017 Sat 7th Sat 21st Sat 28th

THE LATE CHRISTMAS PARTY with DJ FRANCO ‘BACK TO THE 80’s’ PARTY with THE GR80’s UK’s No1 GARY BARLOW TRIBUTE with BOOTLEG BARLOW

£27.50 £29.50 £29.50

FEBRUARY 2017 Fri 3rd Sun 5th Sat 11th Tues 14th Fri 24th

‘SWINGING 60’s & MOTOWN’ PARTY with THE KRYSTALETTES PERFECT BRIDES WEDDING FAYRE at NAILCOTE HALL HOTEL GEORGE BENSON - STEVIE WONDER PARTY with NAT AUGUSTIN THE No.1 ROD STEWART TRIBUTE with GARRY PEASE OLLY MURS & BRUNO MARS PARTY with ROBBIE GLENN

£32.50 £32.50 £37.50 £32.50

TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 3 COURSE MEAL - WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

Our Full Spring & Summer Events Diary 2017 is now available PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE FULL DETAILS

www.nailcotehall.co.uk

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

dluxebusiness

No matter where you stood on brexit...

No matter where you stood on the EU referendum, one thing is for certain; we are now working in a whole new landscape and a whole new world of opportunity awaits. We simply need to have the courage to grasp it writes Saquib Bhatti of Younnis Bhatti.

The result of the vote on the 23rd June shook the political establishment but for the everyday Brit, life simply goes on.

At a recent dinner hosted by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce for their key supporters, patrons and friends, I, as the President, made this very point.

Ultimately, when the politicians have had their say and policymakers have finished their tinkering, it is the businesspeople and the hard working people of our communities who continue to deliver the results.

After all, what good is a trade policy if there are no businesses to take advantage of it? Business is done person to person, deal by deal. It is precisely why, I believe, institutions such as the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, are more important now than they have ever been.

As a region, we are diverse talented and resourceful. More and more so, our politicians, policymakers and business leaders are coming together, working closely with each other and the people they represent making sure that Greater Birmingham and the wider region are fantastic place to live work and play. It is why we are had the most levels of start-ups outside London in 2015 and increasingly we are being recognised internationally as a global city for manufacturing and services.

Of course the arrival of HSBC’s retail headquarters in 2018 and the advent of High Speed Rail are further indications of the meteoric journey this City is about to embark on. Government has also recognised the great responsibility that each and every one of us has and

more powers have been devolved from central government and handed down to an elected mayor next year. Given our relatively good value when it comes to property prices, I wouldn’t be surprised if more and more multinationals decide to leave the heady rents of Canary Wharf and relocate to Britain.

So what can we do? More of the same and much more of it. It is time to shout from the rooftops about how great our city is. The city’s leaders, business and political, are working hard, in unison, to make sure that our region is a great place to “live, work and play”. Undoubtedly, we are already well on our way to becoming a global destination for many and this is set to continue. We all need to make sure that our networks, personal and professional, know how great a place Greater Birmingham is and it is only set to become greater.

When it comes to business, the new influx of people will mean that we are going to be opening our doors to new markets and new consumers.

I continue to see a strong correlation between the increasing strength of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and the wider economic growth that the region is experiencing.

This leads me to two conclusions. Firstly, if you are thinking about setting up a business or have an idea that you want to launch, now is the best time in 8 years to launch it. With entrepreneurial hubs and business support programmes open all over Greater Birmingham, there is a lot of support out there. In October 2015, I launched the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub which is a one-stop shop for any business to use for any support that they may need.

Secondly, we are on the cusp of a second renaissance. We have the talent, energy, vision and leadership to hold our own on the global stage. If we harness this and work towards a better future for our city, great things will happen. So, the next time the politicians and the policy makers think about writing a speech or coming up with a big new idea, they look at us and think, “let’s do what Greater Birmingham did.”

NEW LIFESTYLE WORKING AT THE COLMORE MoreySmith, one of Europe’s leading design practices, has completed a major refurbishment and rebranding of The Colmore Building, upgrading the building to include the creation of a state-of-the-art 6,000 sq ft gymnasium, treatment rooms, an onsite coffee house, cycle facilities, luxury changing rooms, a drying room and an impressive double-height entranceway.

All of the new facilities within the building have been designed to offer workers a more lifestyle-friendly working environment. The gymnasium and treatment rooms are available to all workers and can be booked out at any time via a user friendly online booking service.

72 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Find out more at www.thecolmorebuilding.com/the-building

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Fresh: Art Fair comes to the Midlands this spring showcasing nearly 5,000 works of contemporary art by over 400 painters and sculptors from 45 of Britain’s best galleries. We talk to cofounder Anthony Wardle about this exciting new event at Cheltenham Racecourse.

So, first of all, what is an art fair?

Quite simply, it’s a place to see and buy art, a large exhibition of paintings and sculptures where all the work is for sale. Some fairs are for artists to sell their work direct to the public, but the bigger fairs are for Galleries that have the great advantage of expertise. Galleries know their markets so clients can ask questions and buy with confidence. People can spend hours, even days, traipsing round their local art galleries, so a fair is a quick and easy way to see large numbers of them in a couple of very pleasant hours.

You call it a new kind of art fair, what’s new?

Well, quite a lot. Most important is that Fresh: is the first major contemporary art fair in the Heart of England. There are no serious fairs between London and Manchester, and amazingly, nothing serving Britain’s second city, Birmingham.

In another first, we’ve formed a partnership with International Fine Art Auctioneer Bonhams. Most people have a couple of old paintings they’d like to sell but many don’t know how to go about it. Visitors to Fresh: can bring up to three old paintings or sculptures, early 20th century or earlier and get a free valuation by Bonhams experts. They can make room for new contemporary art and in the spirit of the Antiques Road Show, may discover a treasure in the attic.

Why choose Cheltenham Race Course to host the fair?

Cheltenham lies at the centre of a population hub. There are ten county towns and cities with 5.4 million people within an easy drive. Half a million people flock to Cheltenham’s Literature, Music and Racing Festivals each year. We thought it was about time there was an art fair.

Most art fairs are in city centres so it’s either public transport or parking problems. Cheltenham’s world famous Racecourse is a 74 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

fantastic venue less than ten minutes off the M5, easy to get to from Birmingham and Solihull and with unlimited free parking.

And before you ask, there’s no racing.

Cheltenham is well worth a visit in its own right. It’s a splendid Regency town with fabulous independent shops, bars and restaurants. Because the Park & Ride is at the Racecourse, visitors to Fresh: can leave their cars all day, free of charge and take the bus for the five minute journey to and from the town centre. So people can make a day of it.

Who is Fresh: Art Fair for?

Fresh: is for everyone, for all tastes and budgets. It’s for people who buy art to live with and to give lasting pleasure. It’s for people who collect art for the love of it, with a discerning eye for an asset.

And it’s for people who may be new to art who can sometimes find visiting galleries a little intimidating or who simply lack the time to drive around half a dozen of them when they can visit Fresh: and see 45 in a couple of hours.”

What can visitors expect?

Most of the work will be original with some sculpture and original prints in limited editions. Most will be by living artists, some of them established and celebrated such as Sir Peter Blake, Gerald Laing and Sophie Ryder, as well as quite a lot of emerging talent from all over the world. Prices will range widely from as little as £200 to £20,000.

We’ll host some of Britain’s best galleries and some that are less well known, but all of them showing high quality art from the traditional to the avant garde. Frequent fair visitors will see fresh faces. New visitors can expect a fascinating experience, a warm welcome and a relaxed way to see and buy art.

Fresh: Art Fair is in partnership with the Royal Academy in the West and The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

Fresh: will be at Cheltenham Racecourse from 12th - 14th May. Visit Freshartfair.net

26 JAN - 11 FEB

27 JAN - 11 FEB

LOVE

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the National Theatre present

By Alexander Zeldin

A moving portrait of love enduring even in the most challenging of circumstances

Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Just for Laughs Theatricals presents

A hilarious new comedy featuring Nigel Harman (EastEnders) and Sarah Hadland (Miranda)

10 MAR - 8 APR

Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents

ONE LOVE

THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL Music and lyrics by Bob Marley Written and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah

#OnlyAtTheREP COME TO THE PLACE WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE! Join in the conversation

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@birminghamrep

@therepbirmingham

Spring & Summer Season 2017 Box Office

0121 236 4455 Book Online

17 - 27 MAY

BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK

19 - 24 JUN

The New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich in co-production with Ramps on the Moon presents

Mischief Theatre Company presents

The Rock Musical Reborn For A New Generation

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Music & Lyrics by Pete Townshend Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, Additional Music and Lyrics

by John Entwistle and Keith Moon

By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields The smash-hit comedy that will leave you aching with laughter!

Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660