Dluxe Birmingham & Solihull Issue 20 Summer 2016

summer 2016

FOR BUSINESS & LEISURE

Alexandra

Burke

BEST OF THE U.S

EXPERIENCE QATAR

DRIVING

THE MCLAREN 570S

5TH anniversary issue

SHADES OF STYLE

HOLIDAY FASHION

special YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY

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A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH GENIUS REDEFINED MODERN PHYSICS W R O T E T H E W O R L D’S M O S T FA M O U S E Q U AT I O N PITY ABOUT THE SANDALS

ALBERT EINSTEIN used with permission of HUJ. Represented by GreenLight.

THE M E N S W E A R D EST IN AT ION M A I L B O X, B I R M I N G H A M

Great men deserve great style

THE M E N S W E A R D EST IN AT ION M A I L B O X, B I R M I N G H A M

Great men deserve great style

A

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Letter Editor from the

In a city coming to terms with the political landscape post Euro-vote, we are erring on the side of frivolous this season. Afterall, I think we’re all snowblind to the months of campaigning and need something light-hearted and fun to while away the hours this summer – and that’s what we’ve got in (buckets and) spades in this special 5th Anniversary edition.

Culturally, the city’s art and cultural venues have never looked, sounded or performed better; we really do have an embarrassment of cultural riches with venues and productions that appeal to all, irrespective of age, gender, cultural or sexual identity. It affords us the chance to witness such a cross section of arts and theatre – everything from Footloose at the New Alex; Mamma Mia at the Hippodrome through to The Exorcise at The REP. Oh, and a measure of Peppa Pig at the Belgrade. If you can’t find something you love this summer, you’re not trying.

Food wise, the city is on-fire. Never has there been a better time to be a Brummie in food-terms and we’ve been along to check them all out for you in the past month or two. We’ve loved every second of it: from the brand new So Mezze, Button Factory, Rofuto and Viva Brazil to Pirlo’s dessert parlour. We’ve eaten and drank ourselves silly (on your behalf), not least at the inaugural Food & Drink Awards, which has been created specifically to showcase and reward the talents in this sector. We also expect to be loosening our belts at the annual Colmore Food Festival, which takes place 8/9 July.

If you’re in full-on holiday mode, we’ve got your back (and front, and feet) with our essential Style Guide for Men and Women. If you’re like me, you hate packing, we also have an invaluable guide to making the most of your luggage allowance and capsule dressing which came in handy on our recent jaunt to Doha in Qatar. Perhaps you haven’t yet made your mind up? Fear not, as we’ve created a Best of the U.S. feature which gives a lowdown on all of the cool places you might want to consider Stateside – and all of which are easily reached via Birmingham Airport. You’re welcome.

I’m running out of space to tell you about our track day with McLaren; our interview with Alexandra Burke who’s to star in Sister Act at the New Alex later this year or that we have some stonking competitions including a £250 luxury dinner for you and three friends at Harvey Nichols.

That’s me done for the summer. I hope you enjoy this edition and can’t wait to catch up in the Autumn.

COVER STAR: IMAGE FROM MONSOON HIGH SUMMER 2016 Jonathan Fraser Group Editor In Chief

We can’t wait for...

1.

Ronan Keating at Symphony Hall- swoon! 26th-27th Sept.

2.

3.

New Season of Poldark, BBC Onedate to be confirmed. Swoon again!

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5.

The return of the Great Birmingham Run on the 16th October.

4.

Ex Moloko Rosin Murphy continues her solo career with a new album released on 8th July.

FOLLOW US: @dluxemag on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

The Colmore Food Festival full of some of the city’s finest fare! 8th -9th July.

DAW N A striking, seductive encounter The new Dawn has arrived – a Rolls-Royce like no other.

A striking true four-seater, it captures the exhilaration of open-top driving with an interior crafted in anticipation of unforgettable moments between friends.

Anything is possible. Contact us to start your journey.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Birmingham 2635 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull, West Midlands B94 5NH Tel: +44 (0) 1564 787170 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-birmingham.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the Rolls-Royce Dawn: Urban 13.2mpg (21.4l/100km). Extra Urban 28.5mpg (9.9l/100km).

Combined 20.0mpg (14.1l/100km). CO2 emissions 330g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Š Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2016. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

CONTENTS...

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

24 SPOTLIGHT Alexandra Burke has enthralled UK audiences with her performance in the musical hit The Bodyguard. We talk to her as she perpares for Sister Act: The Musical.

28 FOR HER Summertime and the

living is easy- but dressing isn’t always so. We look at one piece wonders, sunglasses to suit your face shape and festival fashion.

32 FOR HIM How to be the best

dressed guest at a wedding, the essential guide on what to pack for a weekend away and short shorts for all.

38 LIVING Outdoors indoors, how to

create the perfect garden room and win a vintage style record player.

42 MOTORS The quintessential British Sport car reinvented; behind the wheel of Aston Martin’s new DB11.

44 TRAVEL We travel stateside to explore the very best of the U.S and dluxe’s Kevin Urquhart explores Doha, capital of Qatar.

50 DINING Salad days? As long as there’s a cold glass of wine served with it we’re happy! We look at what to drink this summer, what to eat and where.

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 Des McDonald, former

Head Chef at London’s The Ivy and the man behind Rofuto, the exclusive new restaurant at the new Park regis Hotel.

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

MARKETING EXECUTIVE Carey York carey@fu-media.co.uk 07587 056969

PR ACCOUNT MANAGER Sarah Potter sarah@fu-media.co.uk

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

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

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

excel INTERIORS THAT

AT LEEKES

“The team at Leekes have exceeded our expectations providing helpful advice and working with us to create our dream kitchen.”

When Mr & Mrs O’Sullivan embarked on some extensive home improvements, a statement kitchen at the heart of their home was a top priority - but this was just the beginning of an even greater challenge for the team at Leekes.

“From the moment we decided on a kitchen style which worked for us, the team at Leekes have exceeded our expectations, providing helpful advice and working with us to create our dream kitchen.”

The home experts were tasked with creating a coherent design scheme and transforming the beautiful countryside residence with inspiring ideas, quality fixtures and a flawless finish.

With the kitchen exceeding expectations, the team at Leekes then took on the bathroom challenge posed by Mr & Mrs O’Sullivan.

The choice of kitchen inspired the interior scheme; with it’s anthracite cabinetry and white worktops providing the starting point for the rest of the living space and continuing the theme into the living area, bathroom and master bedroom.

“We wanted our bathroom to replicate a spa-like sanctuary, ensuring a clutter free space and incorporating suitably stylish yet practical storage solutions.”

The Utopia bathroom furniture selected by the couple offers a sleek, stylish and suitably functional addition, complemented by the mosaic tiles and striking Harlequin Momentum wallpaper.

In the remainder of the house, with the subtle addition of a variety of fabrics and wallpaper from leading designers including Harlequin and Osborne & Little, the team at Leekes created a sophisticated but cosy living space by layering fabrics to give a chic hotel finish with deep colours giving a really sumptuous feel to the room and adding a quality finishing touch.

“Our experience with the Leekes interior design team was exceptional, they not only interpreted our brief perfectly but also managed and scheduled the whole process for us - we are truly delighted with the end result.”

“We worked closely with the interior design team at Leekes who interpreted our brief completely and have brought it to life. We had specific ideas about the design - but we needed help in pulling it all together to create the right look and feel. We wanted our home to be both relaxing and stylish and the Leekes interior design team provided us with the perfect look.”

Leekes Bilston, Great Bridge Road, W. Mids. WV14 8LB Leekes Coventry, Junction 3 M6, W. Mids. CV6 6PA

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Tel: 0333 222 4120

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Online: leekes.co.uk

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Win tickets to the 6th Annual Ragley Hall Battle Proms Picnic Concert!

The stunning lakeside setting of Ragley Hall will once again play host to the final night of the UK’s premier picnic concert series as the Battle Proms returns to Alcester on Saturday 13th August 2016.

In 2015 the ever popular picnic concert saw a record breaking crowd of over 7,000 pack up a picnic and invade the grounds at Ragley Hall for an exceptional evening of sublime classical music, carefully choreographed Spitfire and cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and a stunning firework finale– all part of the Battle Proms experience!

This is a night that many return to year after year for a romantic night out, family celebration or simply for a memorable night out with good friends, and we have 3 pairs of tickets to give away!

WIN! For your chance to win simply visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click on competitions.

Don’t want to leave getting tour tickets to chance? Visit www. battleproms.com to book your tickets and start planning the party! dluxe-magazine.co.uk 9

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HEART OF ENGLAND BIKE RIDE CELEBRATES ELEVENTH YEAR

BEAR GRYLLS LIVE Adventurer, writer and TV host Bear Grylls will transport audiences to multiple environments in an edge-of-your-seat show at Genting Arena.

The 11th annual Heart of England Bike Ride will be taking place on Sunday 17th July and organisers have announced an advanced registration for the hundreds of riders set to take part. Organised by the Knowle and Dorridge Lions Clubs, the ride starts at National Trust property Packwood House and gives riders the chance of a 12, 18, 30 or 60 mile route through Solihull and Warwickshire countryside.

This year’s event will raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Mending Broken Hearts Appeal and local causes. In addition to raising funds for charity, the Lions Clubs say that it’s a great way to get fit whilst enjoying the countryside air.

Paul Wheatley, organiser Knowle and Dorridge Lions Club, said: “This ride seems to be going from strength to strength with over 700 participants last year. We received great feedback from entrants who enjoyed the lovely atmosphere, getting fit, completing a challenge and raising money for such a worthy cause, all at the same time.

It is a great opportunity to spend a Sunday with friends, family or colleagues cycling through the glorious Warwickshire countryside and villages. After the bike ride, food will be available to purchase from the Lions BBQ and there is free entry to Packwood House and gardens. It’s a great day out for everyone!”

Starting between 9.30am and 11.30am at the stunning Packwood House, cyclists will have a choice of approximately 12, 18 or 30 mile circular routes (20km, 30km or 50km) along country lanes in Solihull and Warwickshire. They can also take on the ultimate challenge and cycle 60 miles (100km) by completing all three routes.

Discounted online advance entry is £10 for adults, children 8 years and over £5, under 8 year olds are free. After 10th July an entry fee of £15.00 adult and £7.50 children 8 years old and over applies. The entry fee covers the costs of promoting and organising the event safely and it is the sponsorship money that really makes a difference. Funds raised will go towards the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal, which hopes to raise enough money to fund the groundbreaking research that could help the heart to ‘heal itself’ and prevent thousands of people developing heart failure.

You can register online via www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/bikeride and link through to the BHF website or call them on 0121 661 5100 for a registration form.

A mind-blowing live action and adventure show designed and hosted by Bear Grylls alongside a cast of expert aerial artists and stunt crew, Endeavour: Your Adventure Awaits will take Birmingham audiences on a hair-raising, immersive, theatrical expedition across the globe using state of the art video mapping technology and stunning special effects. Coming to Genting Arena this October, this action-packed live action arena show will celebrate some of the greatest feats of courage, endurance and endeavour through the ages allowing fans to witness the heroism and adventure that have shaped our world.

Bear will guide the audience on a journey, uncovering true life stories of survival from frozen Antarctica and the cruel winds of Everest, to the humid jungle and shark-infested waters. The audience will be swept into the heart of the action, with worlds that appear and fade away before them, they will see the tiny detail of rock crumbling beneath Bear’s feet as he climbs and witness him seemingly swimming with sharks before their very eyes. Through dizzying aerial stunts and intimate storytelling, Bear will reveal the wonder of our planet and the important value of mankind’s indomitable human spirit. A truly breath-taking experience.

Bear Grylls said: “I am so excited to see this show truly come to life, and to be able to take people on this incredibly inspiring journey of courage, heroism and survival against all the odds. With Endeavour we harness so much ground-breaking new technology to take the audience on a very intimate, immersive & at times terrifying journey through some of the greatest and most unknown feats of exploration.”

Endeavour: Your Adventure Awaits, 22 Oct, Genting Arena. Get your tickets at www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 33 88 222

designers of the future given a helping hand

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Two of the West Midlands’ most promising young fashion designers, who put sustainability at the heart of their work, have been guided by industry leaders at Selfridges Birmingham.

of experts in fashion, retail and sustainability.

The talented pair were invited to the store as part of Selfridges’ seminal Bright New Things project, which aims to guide the latest and emerging talent of the future.

Gemma Ramage who works to a unique ‘free size’ concept with her women’s fashion, and Holly Jayne Smith who uses bright organic fabrics and factory offcuts for her designs, both visited the iconic store to meet a team

Gemma, aged 30 from Lichfield, and Holly, 25, from Birmingham were selected from a host of hopefuls, and impressed the Selfridges team with their sustainable fashion designs.

A “RUNWAY” SUCCESS AT FELLOWS AUCTIONEERS Fellow’s inaugural Designer Collection auction proved to be a success, with bidders winning pieces from Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Over 400 lots of handbags and accessories featured in the online auction including a HERMES natural tan ostrich leather Birkin 35 handbag which sold for £7,300.

The Designer Collection was Fellows’ first dedicated branded auction and was co-ordinated by Sophie Higgs in the Vintage Department at Fellows. Sophie commented “it was a joy to work with pieces from such prestigious design houses and see our customers’ reactions at viewing events over the past couple of weeks. Looking at the auction results and hammer prices makes all the hard work worthwhile!”

Fellows auctioneers may have its roots in the 19th century, however this sale took place as a thoroughly modern timed online auction. If bidders couldn’t make viewing events in Birmingham and London, they could read detailed condition reports and view 360° imagery online via www.fellows.co.uk.

Following on from this success, the Vintage Department are already taking consignments and providing free valuations for their next Designer Collection auction.

All lots featured in auctions at Fellows are available to view online at www.fellows.co.uk alternatively contact Fellows on 0121 212 2131 to request a catalogue.

Join us for a great day out for all the family Beautiful gardens, exotic glasshouses, birds, bonsai, gallery, shop, tea rooms and much more Open daily Visit our website for more information

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Find us on:

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SPECIAL FEATURE

We’ll meet at Grand Central Birmingham!

There’s lots of reasons to shop, dine and discover Birmingham’s newest shopping and dining destination. the French bakery and the Nutella crepes from Crêpeaffaire to name but a few. There are some well-known favourites too including Nando’s, Carluccio’s and YO! Sushi.

YOU CAN ENJOY A GLASS OF FIZZ AT THE FIZZ! BAR The rumours are true! Grand Central is home to the first Fizz! bar in Birmingham, where you can buy a glass of fizz on tap. As well as having a special Frizzenti fizz cocktail of the month ( June’s special is the Chambord Royale), you can also enjoy two for £10 on selected cocktails during their aperitivo hour (Mondays to Thursdays between 6-8pm). If you’re not really a fizz fanatic, you can order Peroni and mocktails too.

YOU CAN HAVE A FAMILY DAY OUT Grand Central is a welcome addition to the city’s new skyline and with the convenience of being located above Birmingham New Street station in the heart of Birmingham, it makes it a perfect place to meet whether travelling by train, bus, car or metro. If you haven’t yet discovered what there is to offer, here are five reasons why you should.

YOU CAN SHOP THE LATEST FASHION Grand Central is the perfect hub for a dedicated follower of fashion, whether it be to seek their latest fashion fix or find that quirky standout piece from contemporary designers in John Lewis. The carefully curated pieces from John Lewis’ unique Loved&Found collection is exclusive to their Grand Central store.

Other stores to inspire for the summer include the classic collections found in Jacques Vert, Hobbs and The White Company, through to key season pieces in Cath Kidston, Monsoon, Joules and Fat Face.

For the men seeking to style out their wardrobe, not only do they have the choice of John Lewis’ enviable brand selection, they can also take their pick from TM Lewin, Steel & Jelly and Jones Bootmaker for super slick city style.

If you’re planning a family day out with the little ones, they will enjoy exploring the delights on offer. From shopping for fun and unusual items in Pylones and Tiger to tucking into the junior menus at Handmade Burger Co., Ed’s Easy Diner and Giraffe, they will be entertained for hours!

Foyles bookshop’s children’s corner is a great place to find that perfect bedtime story or new childhood favourite. What’s more, they regularly host free children’s events featuring popular characters, which has to date included Harry Potter, the BFG and Elmer the Elephant.

Their Storybox Festival over the summer is packed with more favourites, including a chance to meet the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland (3 August 2016) – don’t be late!

YOU CAN FIND THE PERFECT GIFT

YOU CAN ENJOY BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER

Whether it be a birthday, anniversary, wedding or the usual seasonal holidays, Grand Central has something for everyone.

You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to food! Whether you’re planning a quick bite to eat or want to treat yourself to a relaxing dining experience, Grand Central has it covered.

Taste the fresh aromatic flavours of Vietnam at Pho, or if you are more tempted by tapas then there’s Tapas Revolution which has recently been crowned as The Best Spanish Restaurant in Birmingham! If it’s more of a British bite to eat that you’re after, then you can enjoy a good old pie, mash and gravy from Square Pie. For the sweet lovers amongst us, there’s a whole host of mouthwatering treats such as the macarons from Paul 12 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

From Paperchase for the stationery addict, Pandora and T H Baker for jewellery to MAC, Neal’s Yard Remedies, L’Occitane and Kiehl’s for the beauty lover. Not to mention the choice at The White Company and Love Aroma for those that love home favourites. For a moment to remember, book an afternoon tea at Caffé Concerto or arrange a scenting experience and pampering hand and arm massage at the Jo Malone London boutique.

What’s more, you can even get a massage or your hair styled at John Lewis’ &Beauty salon whilst you’re there too.

WHATEVER THE REASON, THERE’S LOTS TO DISCOVER AT GRAND CENTRAL. WE’LL MEET YOU THERE!

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY, MCLAREN For any petrol head opening up their email to find an invitation to drive some of the UK’s fastest supercars is sure to put a smile on their face but when dluxe Editor Jonathan Fraser received an invite to get behind the wheel of the new generation of McLaren supercars at the historic Silverstone race track it’s fair to say he was left grinning from ear to ear.

performance is nothing short of breathtaking. The thing that is most striking though is how forgiving the McLaren is to drive. One of the many McLaren technologies the Sports Series shares with its Formula 1™ and supercar cousins is carbon fibre construction creating a super strong chassis that weighs just 75kg and provides immense rigidity and stiffness. This translates into outstanding dynamics providing the 570S with an addictive driving experience and the ultimate in driver engagement. Adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars are paired with a double wishbone suspension that makes the 570S incredibly nimble and responsive to every driver input. It’s a complete joy to drive and makes even the most docile of drivers feel like Damon Hill.

Whether you’re a fan of the new line up or not, any petrol head worth their salt would have tuned in to the new series of Top Gear and seen the new McLaren 675 LT go straight to the top of the leaderboard with a record time around the track, beating the likes of the Pagani Huayra, Lamborghini Huracan and Bugatti Veyron Supersport. What came across from the show’s commentary was not only just how fast the McLaren was but also how entertaining it was to drive; focused firmly on the driver and the experience so I was keen to try it for myself.

The McLaren is in fact so easy to drive that you could imagine it as a daily driver as the 570S is surprisingly practical. Visability is excellent the cockpit is spacious and well equipped with a seven inch tablet style touchscreen housing sat nav, entertainment and climate control settings. Another practical feature for such a low and wide car are the dihedral doors which, whilst looking supercar stunning, actually make it incredibly easy to get in and out of the 570S, especially in a tight parking space as they open upwards.

The driving experience day was held by Rybrook Specialist Cars at the iconic Silverstone circuit. Customers new and old as well as special guests were invited by Rybrook’s Solihull team to come and try some of the latest models for size away from the confines of the showroom.

Amongst the models on trial were the stunning Rolls Royce Wraith and luxurious Dawn, the clever BMW i8, wild Lamborghini Hurrican and a brace of McLarens including the 570S and the 650S Spyder.

So amazing to drive and easy to live with, is the McLaren 570S the supercar that could actually fit into your lifestyle? Contact McLaren Birmingham on 01564 787180 to find out or visit Rybrook McLaren at 2635 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull, B94 5NH www.rybrook.co.uk

After warming up on track behind the wheel of the Rolls Royce Wraith, a car that seemed to defy it’s stature by being so nimble and with so much torque that a heavy gun of the accelerator would see your head snap back into the sumptuous leather upholstery, it was time to explore the McLaren.

I started in the 570S Coupe, a car lauded for being completely drivercentric and performance oriented; equally at home on the track as it is on the open road. With the lightest weight in its class and the highest power to weight ratio, it delivers super car punch and thrills that would shame many more expensive rivals.

Even if you take for granted 0-124mph in a scarcely believable 9.5 seconds, nothing prepares you for the thrill of the 570S Coupé’s race-bred dynamics. With a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8, delivering 570PS, 14 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Palm Print Linen Dress, ÂŁ64

Style Edit: Introducing your Holiday Essentials Edit Style Edit is a directional and versatile edit of the SS16 collections, curated by celebrity stylist Sasha Barrie. Throughout the campaign, key trends are introduced based on the latest catwalk looks, versatile styling pieces and summer social diaries, to offer straightforward style advice and trend-focused quality pieces for all occasions this season. The collections come under the headings of Relaxed Tailoring, Occasions Boutique and Holiday Essentials with all three strands encompassing the Jacques Vert traditions of timeless style and elegance with an on trend, style focused twist.

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H o l i d ay Essentials Holiday dressing is redefined with Style Edit’s Holiday Essentials edit. To encompass this season’s trend for sleek casualwear and luxe outdoorsy vibes, Style Edit has created effortless Spring/ Summer 2016 ensembles. From tropical florals, bold prints and zesty vibrant shades, a manifestation of this season’s high-summer trends are accomplished within this edit. For a sleeker, more casual statement, new denim shapes and relaxed separates add an undoubtedly modern edge to the collection.

This collection is great for a walk on a Mediterranean promenade, giving an air of upmarket Riviera chic. The range is both stylish and versatile with the ability to mix and match each piece, as they have been carefully selected to complement one another. Our favourites are the monochrome linen dresses that are perfect to take you from day to night, as well as feminine cover-up jackets – ideal for when the summer nights get a little colder!

Jacket, coming soon, Pineapple Print Top, £22, White Shorts, £19

Neutral Jumper, £39, Blue Skirt, £29

Undeniably elegant and always of highquality, Style Edit continues to evolve its style identity through a series of collections that are confidently on-trend, modern and sophisticated. With contemporary designs, clean silhouettes and a handwriting exclusive to the brands, punctuated with these three directional edits, it’s time to invest in your summer wardrobe with Style Edit.

Visit www.style-edit.co.uk to see more styles from the Holiday Essentials range.

Blue Jacket, £49

Floral Dress, £99

Lace Dress, £79

Denim Dress, £49

Pineapple Print Top, £22

Linen Dress, £64

White Jacket, £99

Linen Dress, £64

Stripe Dress, £59

WIN! A £250 Shopping Spree at Jacques Vert!

Style Edit are offering £250 vouchers to spend in one of their West Midlands stores. To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click the Jacques Vert story in Competitions.

THE JACQUES VERT FLAGSHIP STORE IS @ GRAND CENTRAL, NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM, B2 4BF. 0121 643 5344 JACQUES VERT IS @ UPPER MALL, BRIERLEY HILL, WEST MIDLANDS, DY5 1QX. 01384 480 286.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WIN A LUXURY DINING EXPERIENCE FOR FOUR AT HARVEY NICHOLS Fancy a VIP dining experience at Harvey Nichols Birmingham? Here’s your chance! We’ve teamed up with the most luxurious name in retail to offer you and three friends dinner at the Chef’s Table in the Harvey Nichols Restaurant and a wine choice picked to complement your meal perfectly.

Situated in the heart of the stylish Mailbox, the Harvey Nichols Restaurant has trailblazed the movement for premium casual dining in the city since it opened nearly a year ago. With Head Chef Mark Walsh at the helm, diners can enjoy a delicious range of starters, mains and desserts that use the best seasonal ingredients, many locally sourced.

The new menu features a range of mouth-watering choices, including: Scorched Provençal squid with Oxspring’s ham;

roasted rump of spring lamb served with warm green pea and bean salad; and slow cooked Hampshire pork belly, baby carrots, leeks and spring cabbage. Delicious desserts include passion fruit and orange delice with passion fruit sorbet, and dark chocolate fondant and peppermint ice cream. There’s also a range of classics, such as the smoked 300g rib-eye steak and the hugely popular Harvey Nichols burger.

Our lucky winner and three friends will take their seats at the Chef’s Table to enjoy a delicious meal cooked and prepared before them by chef Mark, while Wine Specialist Siofra O’Brien will hand-pick a selection of wines (total value for food and drinks up to £250) that will match your choices and enhance your experience.

WIN!

For your chance to win, visit www. dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click on competitions.

Terms and Conditions: One winner will be drawn at random from all valid entries received. The prize must be taken from Sunday-Thursday between July 1 2016 and August 31 2016 (subject to availability) and the winner must book directly with Harvey Nichols. Prize includes a meal for four at the Harvey Nichols Restaurant in Birmingham, with wine, up to the value of £250. There is no cash alternative.

Full Harvey Nichols terms: harveynichols.com/information/ policies/competition-terms/

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DISCOVER BIRMINGHAM WITH When it comes to choosing the right hotel for an overnight

rooms with extra deep baths, complimentary wine and gorgeous

stay in Birmingham, whether for business or for pleasure, it’s

Belgian chocolates.

important to make sure your accommodation is second to none – ideally somewhere in the city centre that is luxurious, modern, comfortable, and boasting top-of-the-range facilities and unbeatable customer service.

Meanwhile, all your food and drink needs are catered for thanks to the delicious Mr White’s English Chophouse restaurant, inspired by world-renowned chef Marco Pierre White. An elegant hideout for amazingly succulent steaks, tempting meat and fish dishes

Hotel La Tour Birmingham ticks all these boxes and more.

and a glass of vintage wine, nothing encapsulates the feeling of

Situated a short distance from the landmark Bullring Shopping

pure luxury more than a sitting at Mr White’s English Chophouse.

Centre, its location puts you at the very heart of the city, allowing quick access to all the places you want to see, from bars and restaurants to museums and libraries.

Perfect for every type of individual including international travellers, businesspeople and couples enjoying a weekend break in England’s second city, as well as groups eager to enjoy

With 174 luxurious bedrooms boasting plush queen-sized

the bright lights of Birmingham’s sensational nightlife, Hotel La

beds, soothing air conditioning, state-of-the-art touchscreen

Tour Birmingham is the undisputed choice for accommodation in

amenities, flat-screen HD televisions and unlimited wi-fi, it has

the city and promises to be your sanctuary during your stay.

all the amenities you could wish for – and for those who fancy a little more indulgence, the hotel also boasts Superior and Suite

So what are you waiting for? Book a stay at Hotel La Tour and discover Birmingham in style, in comfort and in luxury!

Quote a complimentary of Contactdluxe us on and 0121receive 718 8000 and quote ‘Polo’glass to receive prosecco or bottle of Modello when dining in Mr 10% off the best available rate.

Whites English Chophouse.

Albert Street, Birmingham B5 5JT T: 0121 718 8000

E: hello@hotel-latour.co.uk

www.hotel-latour.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIBERTII BEAU

From the Royal Ballet to the West End and now making headway as a professional makeup artist with her own company, Libertii Beau, Trixie Lou is a woman of many talents.

As a child Trixie took dance class at Jeanette Dupont Stage School, Leicester. She also attended weekly associate classes at the Royal Ballet before being offered a place at their prestigious boarding school White Lodge in London, age 10.

She then successfully auditioned for the legendary choreographer Arlene Phillips in her early teens earning a place in her then teenage dance troop, Hollywood. Although nothing became of the dance troop Trixie continued on with her professional dancing career working in the West End at the London Palladium with Bruce Forsyth and theatre’s around the Country with other personalities of the day, such as Tommy Cooper and Les Dennis to name but a few.

After this Trixie moved onto exploring new horizons travelling the world as Professional Lead Dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines and the QE2.

Trixie has now formed Libertii Beau Makeup Artist, (MUA) her own company of just 3 years, specialising in Bridal and Fashion Makeup as well as providing choreographed professional bridal runway shows.

“Makeup has been part of my professional career for as long as I can remember, working in theatre, modelling and choreography. I’m also a qualified interior designer and live my life in colour. Colour is nature’s mood 20 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

board and this is where as a makeup artist I gain a lot of my ideas from initially, I then adapt that tone and texture into my work.’

Her idols and inspirations within the makeup industry include, Eve Pearl, Charlotte Tilbury and Jeffree Star.

They’re makeup ranges are cruelty free and Trixie uses these regularly in her kit. She is a self taught MUA but has updated her skills through makeup courses and regularly stays up to date with trends through other means.

Exciting times are coming up for Trixie as she has just been selected as a finalist in the Midlands Fashion Awards, MUA category, being held in Brimingham later this autumn. Trixie is genuinely thrilled to be a part of this and cannot wait to work alongside other creatives behind the scenes prepping catwalk models for the show. ‘I’m so happy to be involved with such a huge event as I thrive on my own creative abilities and being given an opportunity to express those, is just fantastic! To be able to showcase my work to industry leaders and professionals is something I’m very much looking forward to.”

For more information on makeup and styling, or to hire Trixie please call her on: 07792 728398 email: enquiries@libertiibeau. com or visit her website: www.libertiibeau.com

Model Amber Tutton

YOUR W E L L- B E I N G

CARE WITH QUALITY SERVICES

R E S TA U R A N T DINING

A comprehensive and active programme to support your extended health, Well-being and independence, covering all aspects of your mind, body, and soul.

The best in Care and Support based on your assessed needs, with a hotel-standard services lifestyle.

All-inclusive, with no hidden charges, joining costs or exit fees.

Menu choices at all three meals, with wine served, and everything from fruit and juices to a full English for breakfast, all served to your table, and no washing up!

Please call 01922 262998 or further information or a copy of our full brochure T H E H A W T H O R N S - W H E R E YO U ’ R E I N G O O D C O M PA N Y Erdington Road | Aldridge | West Midlands | WS9 8UH | www.hawthornsretirement.co.uk

The high Field Town House

There’s a new boutique hotel in town.

The High Field Town House, created by the independent, award-winning Peach Pub Company, is tucked inside an elegant Victorian villa in leafy Edgbaston village and brings a touch of country house charm and comfort to a corner of town which is rapidly becoming a super chic place to eat, drink and stay.

Inside the imposing double fronted listed 1860’s villa, which was once a family home, and find twelve individually designed en-suite bedrooms each a little different to the last, each with its own character and style. Like The High Field gastropub next door, takes nature is the cue for its understated yet stylish design.

Restful pale aqua and greys team with bolder splashes of colour and natural materials for a look that’s restrained and yet elegant.

Every room is filled with hand-picked antiques, top quality beds, hand-painted English wallpapers and fabulous furnishings. Period walnut and mahogany pieces carefully chosen from Cotswolds antique shops complement the English woven carpets, fabrics and natureinspired English wallpapers from Bathrooms have powerful rain showers and three of the premium rooms also have free-standing roll-top painted baths in the sweeping bay windows.

The High Field, Town House, 23 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, B15 3DP. Tel: 0121 647 6466 Find out more at highfieldtownhouse.co.uk

Summer Fest COMES TO Solihull

Acts including UB40 Scouting for Girls, The Hoosiers, Kevin Simm, 5ive, The Neales, S Club Party and The Wonder Stuff will be performing at the first Solihull Summer Fest in Tudor Grange Park.

The two-day event will be held on August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday, 27th August and Sunday 28th August) and each day will run from noon till 10pm and will not only feature great music but great food too thanks to two bars, cocktail bar and prosecco garden as well as a host of specialist food stands including Mediterranean and Caribbean street food offerings.

All ticket profits will go to the Help Harry Help Others fund, a local cancer support charity set up in memory of the late schoolboy Harry Moseley who died in 2011 aged 11.

The Line up includes big name acts, tribute band and local performers. Saturday 27th August sees UB40, winner of The Voice 2016 Kevin Simm 5ive, The Neales, S Club Party, The Blow Monkeys , Brother Strut, Samantha Harvey, Connie, The Showhawk, Janet Devlin, Kevin Paul as Elvis, ‘JK’ as Robbie, Glamophones and Chasing Deer.

Sunday welcomes Scouting for Girls, The Wonder Stuff , The Hoosiers, Finley Quaye, Mitchell Brunings, Little Liam, Duke, Oasish, Stereotonics, 2 Weeks Notice, Samuel Rogers, 1Eye, Eagle Empires, Aidan and the Wildfires and Anthony Price.

Tickets start at just £30 per adult per day or £50 for all weekend. Discounts are available for children with under 4s going free and Family passes also available.

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

lost it? find it fast If, like us, you’re constantly losing things then you may just find this tiny gadget very useful, as it helps you track your misplaced, lost or even stolen valuables like keys, wallet, handbag, laptop, bike...or even a pet.

So how does it work? The TrackR is as small as a 10p piece and uses Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone app which tracks its location. It operates on a replaceable battery that lasts for up to a year so even if you’re out of Bluetooth range it does not stop your search.

What’s more, users of TrackR devices have already created the world’s largest Crowd GPS network which means that if you lose your item, all TrackR enabled phones (app) would begin to search for it. If another user came nearby the lost item, that user’s phone would anonymously ping the TrackR server to update the item’s owner with new GPS coordinates of when and where it was last- clever eh?

The TrackR costs just £20 for one with discounts available for multiple units meaning you may never lose anything ever again. www.trackr.co 22 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Photo by Ashley Jouhar

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HALLELUjAH!

It’s been almost eight years since Alexandra Burke’s debut single Hallelujah sold over a million copies in the UK alone; a first for a British Female Soloist. Since then she’s released two albums, received critical acclaim for her role in the hit musical The Bodyguard and is just about to take on the iconic role of Delores Van Cartier in the musical comedy Sister Act, coming to the New Alexandra Theatre on the 12th September. Dluxe Magazine’s Jonathan Fraser caught up over the phone to Alexandra on tour to find out what it’s like to juggle two roles at once, whether we can expect a new album in the near future and how she finds time to relax amidst such a hectic schedule.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today Alexandra, I realise how amazingly busy you must be at the moment. What are we interrupting you doing?

Ah you’re not interrupting! I’m actually in Leeds at the moment, it’s our first week here for The Bodyguard tour and the only thing you’re interrupting, although you’re not really, is me learning my lines. I’m going through the Sister Act scripts as we speak so I’m cracking on with that in between shows.

I’ve just learnt all of Act One and I’ll be going on to Act Two once I’m sure I’ve perfected Act One. For those not in the know Sister Act is based on the smash hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith and tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder and is forced to hide out in a convent disguised as a nun!

So it’s fair to say it’s a very different show to The Bodyguard and the character of Rachel Marron that Alexandra has played for almost two years now.

Oh they’re completely opposite, I mean they are worlds apart! It’s a bit of a weird transition between the two characters but it’s working so far- I dedicate my mornings to being Delores and my evenings to being Rachel Marron. I’ve never had to learn the lines for one show whilst doing another so I am having to really concentrate but it’s good as its keeping me on my toes!

I bet it is! So when does The Bodyguard tour actually come to an end?

We finish on the 26th June in Monaco and

then three days later I go into rehearsals for Sister Act before we open in Leicester on the 30th July, then it’s back to Monaco to start the tour. We come to Birmingham in September. It’s an incredibly tight schedule; I mean next year I can tell you everything I’m doing and where I’ll be which is a funny feeling! Once I finish The Bodyguard in June I will have been associated with it for two years as I started in June 2014.

So how do you manage to schedule some downtime between shows?

Well basically we’ll schedule shows in blocks of three months and then I’ll take a couple of weeks off in between. The last time I took a break was in February which was wonderful as I went to Jamaica to visit my family and then I had a nice week away in Dubai with my boyfriend, although I guess then that’ll be my only holiday up until, ooh I’m not sure! My real downtime is with my family at weekends, that’s if I can get home. That’s my quality downtime.

We came to see you in The Bodyguard in the spring and absolutely loved it – such a slick production and the music is just a delight- it’s a bit like a greatest hits concert isn’t it.

Oh Amazing! Oh it really is. It’s a weird one as When I said I was doing it a lot of my friends just couldn’t imagine how it would work as a musical and then when they came to see it they’re quite shocked at how well it translates from the movie into the musical.

The thing is there’s only four or five songs from the actual film’s soundtrack and the rest are from Whitney’s back catalogue which just

goes to show what great music she had and how her legacy will always continue to live on through her music.

Was Whitney an inspiration to you when you were growing up?

I’ve always been a massive Whitney fan and my Mum in fact had the honour and the pleasure of singing backing vocals for her on Top of the Pops many years ago which is amazing, I mean, the closest I’ll get to Whitney is touching my Mum! My mum actually asked her for some advice for me as a young performer and she passed on that I should continue to work hard and never give up. I actually had Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston’s auntie come and see the show and she gave me her blessing and that to me meant so much, just knowing I had the incredible Dionne Warwick’s blessing. We’ve stayed in touch and funnily enough we only spoke last week, it’s just very strange what this show has done for my life and I’m eternally grateful.

Who were those performers that you were listening to and inspiring you?

Music was always a huge thing in our house.

I grew up listening to a lot of old motown, soul people like Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston of course, Aretha Franklin, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Steve Wonder I mean my background in music is very soulful and still to this day I listen to these amazing legends as you learn so much from them.

I have to say as well that I always listen to my Mum, she is still my biggest inspiration . dluxe-magazine.co.uk 25

dluxe spotlight At what point did you think, hey this is me. Music is what I’m about and this is what I want as a career?

It was the time I saw my Mum sing with Soul to Soul on Top of the Pops, I remember seeing my Mum looking so beautiful and so happy on TV and I never will forget when she walked into the house afterwards and she was all made up, hair was flawless, she just looked fantastic and it made me think I just want that happiness that she’s got. My Mum’s always said that from the day she gave birth to me I’ve always been singing and I can remember it from the age of five and then I was touring with my Mum from the age of nine and every weekend and outside of school I was on stage and singing with a live band; that’s all I’ve ever known.

We all said in the office that we miss you as a recording artist, it’s been a fair few years now.

Ah bless you!

Well with next year already mapped out with touring are there any plans to go back into a recording studio? Is that something you want to do?

It really is! The thing is I actually recorded the majority of my third album before The Boydguard tour. When I first started the tour I was coming off stage and going straight to a mobile studio that I took with me from city to city. I would then start recording and working on tracks after the show. It was crazy as I was working until like four in the morning and that did take a toll on me. I’m surprised that I wasn’t off sick so now I only record at times that I have scheduled off as performing every night in the show can really tire out your voice. The plan originally 26 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

was to finish the album after The Boydguard; I wasn’t going to take Sister Act to be honest I was going to go back into music but then of course my Mum, who is my saviour, sat me down and said to me ‘Look there’s not a lot of roles out there for British black women and you’ve just been given another opportunity and you cannot turn it down’ I mean she was absolutely right, it would have been so silly of me to pass up the opportunity to play such an iconic role so the plan now is to have a year in Sister Act and then in 2017 focus back on the music.

Sister Act is a little different from The Bodyguard as it doesn’t share any part of its score with the film’s soundtrack, it’s a completely original score with all new songs from 8 time Oscar and Tony Award winner Alan Menken.

Yes that’s right and these are big, big songs.

It was the soundtrack that got me to say yes to the show to be honest, I listened to that before I read the script! The soundtrack is just so soulful, it’s full of gospel and if people want to hear fantastic, original music then this is the show to come to. I’d not had the chance to see the theatre production before but I was so shocked at how I could listen to the soundtrack and completely visualise the show through the power of its songs.

The story of the Bodyguard is actually quite harrowing – stalkers, murder etc – it must be a relief to be going into a comedy- are you ready for some laughs?

Oh completely, there are a lot of laughs!

Well Craig Revell Horwood is directing and choreographing the show and I’m really excited as we’ve not worked together before.

I absolutely loved him on Strictly and think

he’s a creative genius so hopefully Craig will just bring the best out of me for the role.

When you’re on tour do you take anything with you to remind you of home or settle you in?

I take my dogs! I have four dogs and they go pretty much everywhere with me- they’re a massive home comfort. I have a Yorkshire Terrier called Alfie, a Chihuahua called Prince, a Pomeranian called Teddy and a French Bulldog called Milo. They won’t be coming to rehearsals in Leicester as I think it’ll be too much for them and me – there’ll be some very long days and I don’t want to leave them too long so they’ll be with my mum or with my boyfriend and then once the shows kick off I’ll have them back.

Do you ever have time to do some exploring when you’re on tour?

I never really get a chance to venture out when on tour because my life consists of rehearsing, learning lines, going to the gym and then doing a show so I had absolutely no time whatsoever. I am such a tourist though so I will find time to explore, I love exploring cities and can’t wait to get started!

Sister Act will be at the New Alexandra Theatre from the 12th - 17th September.

For tickets visit www.atgtickets.com

SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST

Kevin Simm

WINNER OF THE VOICE

brother strut Janet Devlin

Samantha Harvey The Showhawk Duo

Connie Talbot (BGT)

JK as Robbie

Kevin Paul as Elvis The GLamophones Chasing Deer SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST

Special Guest To Be Announced

Finley Quaye LITTLE LIAM

Duke Oasish Stereotonics Mitchell Brunings (The Voice Holland) 2 Weeks Notice 1EYE Mercury

(Queen Tribute)

Samuel Rogers

NEW LOCAL ARTISTS ADDED!!!

SATURDAY

The Neales

SUNDAY

Eagle Empire Aidan & The Wildfires Anthony Price Ben Stancombe

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! www.solihullsummerfest.co.uk /TheSolihullSummerFest

@SummerSolihull

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ONE PIECE WONDERS Remember that Robert Palmer video? Simple shapes, big hair and bold lips.

Thank you one piece, from prints to plain, summer just got sexy.

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Festival FAshion

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One of the best things about festival fashion is the anything goes attitude, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your style sense at home. Do as the celebrities do and go for laidback chic ... HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM shows you how.

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It’s not all about mud, sweat and tears ... there’s more to festival style than simply shoving a pac-a-mac into a rucksack and heading off into the wild. From tribal embroidery to slogan tees, it’s a look that may scream “effortless”, but that certainly doesn’t mean you don’t need to put the effort in. So whether it’s the bohemian charm of Benicassim or the “I’m-with-the-band” vibe of the Glastonbury girl, here’s everything you need to take centre stage this summer.

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1. Sanibel - Miraclesuit - £132 2. Watercult Beach Safari Suit £99 at figleaves.com 3. Robyn Lawley £149.99 navabi.co.uk 4. Lattice One Piece £174 www.wearehandsome.com 5.WITT InternationalSwimsuit Black Print £69.99 6. M&S COLLECTION Tropical Swimsuit £35 7. Robyn Lawley £149.99 navabi.co.uk 8. Gottex Sumatra Shaped Square Neck Swimsuit £153 at figleaves. com. 9. Midnight Grace Malibu swimsuit £40.00 at figleaves.com 10. Nikki De Marchi £185 Ballerina swimsuit - www. nikkidemarchi.com. 11. New Look Black Zig Zag Print Lace Swimsuit £24 12. Escape - Miraclesuit £127 13. Sashat Miraclesuit £145

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ALL ITEMS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS, THE MAILBOX, OR ONLINE AT HARVEYNICHOLS.COM 1: Alice + Olivia crepe mini dress, £345. 2: Hunter rubberised raincoat, £140. 3: Isabel Marant Etoile printed dress, £320. 4: J Brand distressed denim shorts, £145. 5: Isabel Marant silk top, £505. 6: Michael Kors suede bucket bag, £285. 7: NLST cotton blend jacket, £470.8: R13 distressed T-shirt, £185. 9: Saint Laurent wellies, £315. 10: Seafarer embroidered jeans, £365. 11: Valentino leather sandals, £665. 12: Valentino tie-dye shorts, £715.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

THE SCENT OF SUMMER Even if you’re not escaping to a desert island this summer you can still choose a fragrance that captures the essence of beach walks, white-washed villas and exotic florals, says HELEN GOUGH, Beauty Manager at Harvey Nichols...

Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Cedro Di Taormina EDT, £61 (75ml) Vibrant, intense and inspired by the sophistication of Taormina in Sicily. A blend of fresh and zesty notes combined with the intense signature of spice and wood.

Atelier Flou Paradis Paradis EDP, £195 (100ml): The brainchild of Jean-François Cabos, former President of Balenciaga, Atelier Flou is a collection of ten beautiful fragrances. The iris flower combines with jasmine to form the floral heart of Paradis Paradis.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc EDP, £145 (50ml): A floral fragrance with an unexpected spiced opening of cardamom and pink peppercorn. Combine this with ylang ylang, Egyptian jasmine, Tonka bean and coconut for the perfect holiday fragrance.

Heeley Cocobello EDP, £125 (100ml): Light notes of Tahitian gardenia blend beautifully with coconut, Virginian cedar wood and exotic benzoin. A tropical island paradise in a bottle.

Marc Jacobs Cucumber Splash EDT, £38 (100ml): A delectable summer treat, with the crisp cool scent of cucumber. Clean and refreshing, there’s a floral heart of lily of the valley, linden blossom and Dutch freesia.

Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi EDP, £145 (50ml): Capturing the calm idyll of the whitewashed villas dotting the cliff sides of Amalfi. Citrus fruits blend with mint, thyme and wildflowers.

Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk EDT, £65 (100ml): With fresh and radiant notes of bergamot, lemon, pink pepper and ylang ylang, Beach Walk evokes hints of ocean spray. It does what it says on the tin!

TREATMENT TEST: G L A B S N E F E FA C I A L Imagine being able to turn back the hands of time and revitalise tired, dull and weathered skin. Well that’s the promise with G-Labs’ revolutionary Nefe™ Facial,the idea being that you can restore your youthful complexion, re-contour your face, smooth out any fine lines and wrinkles. And all this whilst reducing lacklustre skin elasticity around the neck, jaw, cheekbones, eyes and forehead. It’s the most powerful, intensive and effective 15-point facial without using any invasive or intimidating surgery, Botox or fillers so we sent dluxe’s Carey York to see whether it lived up to its legacy by testing it herself.

The treatment itself is named after the iconic Queen Nefertiti, known for her flawless facial features. Loss of volume is a fundamental component of facial ageing and changes in tissue composition as well as uneven fat redistribution can result in unsightly and unflattering jowls, yet G-Labs is able to reverse these signs of ageing in treatments that are relaxing, soothing and painless.

To say that I was excited is an understatement. Upon arrival the procedures were explained and I chose an area of the face to concentrate my treatment on. The Nefe facial has two-steps. The first is an invigorating, revitalising and relaxing facial specially designed by G-Labs, using some of the world’s rarest concentrations and ingredients.

Even after the initial facial my skin was glowing and looked fantastic!

The second part of the treatment is where the magic really happened.

We had already agreed to concentrate on my dark baggy eyes, something I’ve been conscious of for a while, and that nothing before would remove or conceal. Once I was comfortable on the treatment bed a gel was applied around the eye area. Then the Legacy and VIP machinea that are used by G-Labs, as well as NASA and favoured by many an A-lister actress and model, was simply rolled around the eye area.

Estée Lauder Beyond Paradise EDP, £30 (50ml):

The treatment was relaxing and not at all painful. The machines oxygenate and stimulate your own natural collagen, encouraging it to return to the surface. Once the treatment had been completed I was extremely impressed at the results. My dark circles, fine lines & brow creases were diminished and hardly visible at all. My skin felt smoother, tighter, glowing and replenished. I was amazed and continued to be, as the results last for about a month, just from one treatment.

Fresh, fruity and floral, there’s a heady mix of tropical wetness, zesty freshness and deep florals.

Meet your new summer scent!

There’s a range of Nefe™ Non-Surgical Body treatments too, from smoothing and tightening tummys, reducing stretch marks plus contouring and toning arms and legs and so much more.

Nefe™ Face & Body Non-Surgical Treatments start from £350.00

ALL FRAGRANCES FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE BEAUTY HALL AT HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM OR ONLINE AT HARVEYNICHOLS.COM 30 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Discover the range of Nefe™ non surgical solutions at G-Labs.

Birmingham sessions and events by Appointment 07926 732 582 www.g-labs.co.uk

SHADES OF STYLE The right pair of sunglasses can take you from eyesore to eye candy in seconds but what style actually suits your face shape?

SQUARE FACE

A strong jaw line with wide cheekbones looks great with a rounded or aviator-shaped frame. With such a strongly shaped face, oversized and curvy styles also work well, while creams and neutral tones help to soften and subtly frame the face. Lenses with a rose or warm amber tint add a gentle but retro look overall, for the more laid back lady. Glasses featured: Chloe Aviators, £211, Harvey Nichols.

OVAL FACE

Count yourself lucky, as pretty much any style works on an oval face.

You should experiment with the latest looks such as the resurge of the wayfarer, now updated with an array of colours and printed frames. For pure celebrity status and a pair that screams ‘look at me’, go for a heavily detailed arm. Solid and dark lenses add status; whilst metal frames are a good way of creating a definitive silhouette. Glasses featured: Miu Miu, £216 www.sunglassesshop.co.uk

HEART / DIAMOND FACE

A defined, pointed chin with wide cheek bones and forehead look great with a more quirky, retro shaped pair of sunglasses, such as rectangular or ‘cat-eyed’ sunglasses.

Choose a pair which angle outwards towards to top corner, widening out the face to balance the jaw line. Coloured frames and arms with strong detail will soften the lower portion of your face shape by accentuating the eye area. Glasses featured: Gucci, £198 www.sunglassesshop.co.uk

ROUND FACE

With such a soft shape, definition is key, so slim your cheeks with a frame slightly wider than the broadest part of your face. Soft but angular styles will pull your temple higher, lengthening your face and breaking up the roundness. A double brow style also pulls the eye area away from the mouth, giving you a more defined shape overall. Glasses featured: Next, £15.

An Auction of Antique & Modern Jewellery 16th June, 14th July, 11th August View the full auction catalogue and register to bid www.fellows.co.uk Head Office & Saleroom | 0121 212 2131 19 Augusta St, Birmingham B18 6JA

Mayfair Office | 020 7127 4198

2nd Floor, 3 Queen St, London W1J 5PA

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Shore STYLE

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BEST DRESSED GUEST

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You’ll still be best dressed even if you’re not Best Man with our edit of refined occasionwear from Harvey Nichols Birmingham.

Suit up in style with a range of smart separates from fashion’s biggest names, says Menswear Manager JAMES BURKE. 1 2

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ALL ITEMS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS, THE MAILBOX, OR ONLINE AT HARVEYNICHOLS.COM 1. Shark Trunks, £29.95 White Stuff 2. Hugo Boss floral swim shorts £59 3. Orlebar Brown £255 Harvey Nichols 4. Jungle Swim Short £29.95 White Stuff. 5. Barbour Beacon Shorts £59.99 6.

Swim shorts £18 Next 7. Boardies multi-colour print swim shorts £45 at House of Fraser 8. M&S Opp Woven Swim Trunk in Yellow £7 9. Satisfy Army green shell shorts £190 Harvey Nichols 10.

Howick at House of Fraser 11. Paul Smith London Plain Classic Length Swim Shorts £76

1: Dolce & Gabbana cotton shirt, £225. 2: Givenchy watch, £770. 3: Grenson brogues, £400. 4: Gucci suede loafers, £410. 5: J Lindeberg twill jacket, £315. 6: J Lindeberg twill trousers, £135.

7: Nigel Hall Liberty of London printed shirt, £95. 8: Oscar Jacobson checked jacket, £330. 9: Paul Smith bike racer cufflinks, £85. 10: Polo Ralph Lauren wallet, £60. 11: Ray-Ban clubmaster wooden sunglasses, £253. 12: Valentino appliqued canvas tote, £1500.

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dluxestyle

WHAT TO PACK Packing is an artform. Second guessing your wardrobe requirements can leave you without overseas options; who hasn’t had to front up to dinner in flip flops before? Never again, here’s a few hand luggage packing tips to ensure you’re prepared for every eventuality.

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THE TRAVELLING OUTFIT Avoid shorts at all coststhe plane is always 2 colder than you think it’s going to be. A good tip is to dress as if you’re going for a casual dinner; perfect for any upgrade opportunities and it also means that loafers, 3 sports jackets and jeans etc. don’t take up 4 valuable space in your hand 5 luggage.

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Hand luggage packing is all about embracing the capsule concept- choose individual pieces that can be worn in multiple ways to give you the maximum number of options. Choose a plain, matt finished swim short, that way it can be worn as short as well. Pack a chambray shirt; more forgiving than linen and looks better with a crumple or two. Wear sleeves rolled up with shorts or rolled down for dinner. A slim fit chino, khaki goes with everything, plain T shirt and lightweight sweater, v neck or crew, can be worn together or apart depending on the weather. You can team 7 them with any element of your travelling outfit so you’re ready for any occasion. All you need now are the sunglasses…

BAGS OF TASTE

Bigger isn’t always better. Whether it’s a work trip, weekend away or a two week trip a man’s luggage is both a practical decision and style statement.

Here are some of our favourites.

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1. Outfit Howick @ House of Fraser, 2. Lacoste Linen Shirt £110 3. Gap-Cream Chino Outlet price £39.99 4. Next Tassel loafers GBP £45 5. Boss Black blue striped jumper £139 Hugo Boss 6. Ted Baker Suede baseball cap £55 7. Polo Ralph Lauren Hawaiian grey swim shorts £55, Harvey Nichols 8. Best Of British Shirt £79, Best Of British Suit Trousers £249, Best Of British Trainers £99 Marks and Spencer. 9. Cotton & Linen Mix Three Button Jacket £229 Jigsaw 10. Ray-Ban clubmaster wooden sunglasses, £253 Harvey Nichols 11.McQ £117 www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk 12. Dune Mens Accessories Philip £65 13.Gucci monogrammed backpack, £745 14.Ted Baker Falconwood 4 Wheel Suitcase GBP 199 15.Holdall £50 Next at The Fort Shopping Park.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

This summer’s most stylish wouldn’t be hitting the beach without a perfectly chosen bag packed with perfectly chosen summer essentials. Harvey Nichols Private Shopping Manager John Paul Mcguirk reveals the products he wouldn’t leave home without.

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Dressing perfectly sunshineessentials for the British summer For impeccable sound quality on-the-go, look no further than Bang & Olufsen’s BeoPlay H6 headphones, £329. The slick design offers crystal clear sound quality.

The British summer season is upon us and making sure we’re suited and booted for any occasion is vital for giving a confident and stylish appearance. With the sun finally making an appearance we can all start to venture out into more lightweight clothing and summery tones writes Adrian Barrow, Bespoke Tailor.

Opting for cotton, linen or a combination of the two will allow you to feel comfortable and cool as these fabrics allow air to circulate more freely. Cotton is a natural fibre and breathes really well so it’s ideal for those muggy days we get in midsummer.

Summer is the perfect time to branch out and wear light coloured trousers and shorts. White tailored chinos can sound quite daring but pairing them with a classic oxford shirt in pale blue, along with a dark blue sports jacket can help tone down the trousers and create a smart bold outfit.

Super stylish sliders should be at the top of your summer wish-list, perfect for slipping on and off as you hit the beach. I love these Alexander McQueen leather sliders, £295.

Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster SPF50, £38.90, offers sun screen all skin types. Use under moisturiser or on its own, its UV Smart Booster Technology offers high level protection.

Cut a dash on the Costas with Dior Homme aviator-style sunglasses, £255. A style that simply never goes out of fashion.

If white is not suitable for the occasion, two variations of the same colour will always look good; navy blue chino shorts and a subtle blue shirt or polo shirt will compliment your look – this is a great outfit for those BBQ evenings with friends.

Even your footwear can be bolder as the weather gets kinder – boat shoes, loafers or smart canvass trainers can help keep your feet cool as no socks are required for these types of shoes.

If your summer calendar takes you to a prestigious sporting event such as the Henley Royal Regatta or The Open at Royal Troon, then raising the stakes, and creating a smart tailored look is essential. The Henley Royal Regatta is a perfect excuse to enjoy a quintessentially British event. It is a popular social occasion and there is a party atmosphere in the fashionable pop-up bars that visit from London. Creating a trendy outfit by opting for bright colours and a smart blazer will help you feel at ease in your surroundings.

The Open will showcase some of the best golf in the world. You can watch some of the top players in action and allow yourself to be submerged into the atmosphere by dressing the part.

Tailored trousers and a polo shirt is a must. A V-neck sweater is recommended if the weather is looking unpredictable and a smart cap or trilby hat can be worn to complete the look.

Creating a wardrobe that will keep you cool and fashionable is the main objective but keep in mind that the British weather can be unpredictable so having casual and smart jackets to hand will allow you to create an outfit for any occasion.

Enjoy the summer and make sure that you dress perfectly for it!

For more information about tailoring your wardrobe to the seasonal trends see www.thebespoketailor.co.uk or call Adrian Barrows on 07968 438717

An absolute classic, this Borsalino Panama hat, £155, is the chicest way to shade.

Ditch the Brit abroad reputation and opt for on-trend florals this summer.

These monochrome Dolce & Gabbana swim shorts, £275, look just as good on the beach as they do in the bar.

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

Shiseido Urban Environment Protection Cream Plus SPF50, £31, offers exceptional hydration while protecting against external aggressors such as UV rays, dryness and air pollution.

Pack all your beach essentials in this Porter nylon backpack, £445. Handmade, with adjustable straps and detachable pouches.

Make a fashion statement on the beach with this black and white Moschino beach towel, £85, featuring the brand’s signature logo.

ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM, EITHER IN STORE OR VIA THE STYLE CONCIERGE SERVICE. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 35

PERCEPTIONS

BY SIXTH SENSE SALON

“Beauty is defined by the person, not the perception” -Dean Vinning, Sixth Sense Director In a world that is driven by the media’s perception of beauty, we have forgotten that only 8% of the population actually fits within the criteria of the so called perfect model / person.

Perceptions is the new hair collection from the multi-award winning Sixth Sense Salon in Sutton Coldfield, which recently won the SBS Small Business Award with Theo Pathitis (Dragon’s Den); West Midlands’ Salon of the Year at the English Hair & Beauty Awards and West Midlands’ Salon of the Year at the British Hair & Beauty Awards.

The collection celebrates real beauty and gorgeous everyday hairstyles, as showcased by real clients who wear our hair every day. Be your own kind of beautiful. Be you! We hope you’ve enjoyed our new trends.

Kelly A soft hairstyle has been paired with a dramatic platinum colour for Kelly. She works within the pub trade, so was looking for a style she can easily maintain. We added a block colour to Kelly’s hair (which Sixth Sense have cheekily called Touch Me All Over!) and added a platinum ice pastel toner on top. We gave Kelly s hair an internal disconnected cut to add movement. Products used: System Professional Perfect Hair, System Professional Perfect Ends & System Professional Aero Lifter Mousse

Julie Sixth Sense has been helping Julie grow back healthy hair after she suffered hair loss during chemotherapy treatment. We’ve shaped Julie’s hair into a lovely short pixie cut and keeping her natural hair colour. This makes the most of Julie’s bone structure and is a young, fresh look for women of any age.

Products used: NIOXIN bodyfying mouse, NIOXIN Diaboost / Definition Cream.

Ellie Golden sun-kissed long hair with beautiful cascading waves have been created for college girl Ellie. Like many busy people, Ellie longed for a low maintenance, wearable look. he seamless bronde-effect hair colour was created using a personalised Sixth Sense hair colouring technique internal toning.

Products used: Wella EIMI Natural Volume Mousse and EIMI BB Cream.

Jacob Band member Jacob’s naturally curly hair has been layered and left long so it can be worn messy for a rock star look, or blow dried smooth for a day-time look. By adding the right hair products, Jacob can now transform his looks in an instant.

Products used: Sebastian Taming Elixir, Sebastian Trilliance and Sebastian Micro-Fibre Web.

Angela Business woman Angela needs a stylish yet wearable hairstyle which can take her from the kitchen, where she creates her famous Yipsy Macarons, to meetings with clients. We gave Angela a blunt shoulder length bob which can be worn straight for no-nonsense meetings or in waves for a more relaxed style. We used a new on-trend hair colour effect called Ecaille which gives the hair an almost tortoise shell look. Product used: System Professional Luxe Oil, System Professional Volume Mousse and System Professional Perfect Hold Hair Spray.

Vivien Educator Vivien has been given a short and structured classic cut which is brought to life with a soft brunette with a hint of red/gold. This colour enhances the natural warmth in her skin tone to ensure she remains radiant throughout the day.

Products used: EIMI Body Crafter, EIMI Boost Bounce & EIMI Thermal Image.

Sixth Sense Salon 5 High Street, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1XH Tel.0121 448 0760 www.SixthSenseSalon.co.uk Special thanks to our whole creative team involved in Perceptions Shoot: Hair Team: Conna-Rae, Helen and Dean Makeup: Kari Roberts Fashion Direction: Burbo K’ture Stlist Wardrobe: Disorder Boutique, Walk In Wardrobe and Beautiful Bounty Photography: Talia White Videography: Chris Jones

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With more and more of us working from home the need for a dedicated office space away from the hubbub of family life has never been greater.

Striking ‘shepherd huts’ offer the period and nostalgic appeal of a traditional exterior, but with the capacity for a more modern living environment, while ultra sleek ‘pods’ bring contemporary chic and natural cedar charm to your garden.

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BRING THE OUTDOORS INDOORS

Externally, they’re in a build class of their own too, utilising finest Finnish structural plywood, Western Redwood Cedar cladding and a very robust method of construction common to the Canadian house building industry, which together with superior insulation means toasty warm winters, cool summers - and a sound, lasting investment.

With fitted modern luxuries as standard and a host of optional extras too, these unique new ‘rooms with a view’ are expertly hand crafted for (and put together in) your garden with no planning permission to worry about, messy disruption or costly building works required.

Once your build commences, the whole process can be completed in just a matter of 2-3 weeks for Pods and 4-5 weeks for the Huts and Arca, plus this is one home extension that Garden Hideouts can even help you take along, should you ever decide to move.

Find out more at www. gardenhideouts.co.uk or call their Worcester office on 01905 794445

We can’t all live in the middle of a wooded glade or beside a bubbling brook so for those of us with a more urban outlook how can we bring the feeling of wellbeing and relaxation of the outdoors indoors? Here are our some of our favourite ways to bring the great outdoors in to your interiors.

The easiest way to bring a bit of outdoors in is with plants and flowers. For a spa feel pop these fresh accents into the bathroom; ferns love a humid space and lend a tropical feel to shower time.

Choose natural materials for furniture and accessories rather than metals, glass or gloss. It’s all about texture so why not fill a large glass vase with pebbles from the beach and battery operated fairy lights or use drift wood as an ornament. Group with candles and shells for a truly seaside feel.

Floors made of materials such as bamboo, cork or bleached wood stay warm and have those unique textures that can ground a room as a natural space. Natural stone and slate can feel fabulous with underfloor heating and looks stunning.

Get fruity with the addition of orange or lemon trees in a bright sunny spot. To enhance the look pot in stone garden pots.

Let the natural light flood inside by swapping heavy winter curtains to soft, layered linens for summer.

Try using rattan and garden furniture inside; perfect for a dining space. Decorate the table with tropical fruits and flowers for a true outdoor eating experience.

Driftwood Candles www.ecochic.com

As pictured and including the coordinated interior design schemes, the ‘Chatsworth’ shepherd hut (16 ft L x 8ft 6 inches both W and H) is £24,950, while the ‘Classic’ pod as seen too ( 4.75metre L x 3metre W x 2.5metre H) is £18,950.

The Arca ‘Office/Country Home’ design as pictured, which is more generously proportioned thanks to its 6 x 5 x 2.5 metre standard dimensions, is £36,950 (including the completed design interior.)

All prices are inclusive of VAT, while other sizes are available in all designs, plus handy 0% Finance options are available and these luxury garden rooms are, of course, fully warranted.

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Midlands-based Garden Hideouts offer versatile outdoor living spaces with each hut and pod inner created by a specialist interior designer.

They even come ready fitted and furnished for all sorts of uses – like a study, home office, hobby room, play den, entertainment hub, teenage hangout, extra bedroom.... even a sauna or treatment room.

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HOME SECURITY? LISTEN TO A LITTLE BIRD...

With a recent survey into home security showing that 1 in 5 of Britons with an alarm rarely or never set their burglar alarm because they forget to do so or because they find it too complicated, a simple home security solution such as Canary could well be the option.

With many householders being unaware that not switching on their complicated, wired burglar alarm on can affect their home insurance, potentially leaving them without cover in the event of a burglary, the demand for a simple, reliable and easy to use solution has never been higher.

Canary is a complete video recording based security system packed into a single device you control from your smartphone.

Canary is made up

of a motion and environment activated camera which automatically records activity as it is detected. Its high powered camera will also allow you to watch events unfold as they happen and offers the highest video quality on the market with 1080p HD video, a 147° wide angle lens, digital zoom and built-in crystal clear night vision to record after dark.

Set up in moments, simply download the app, set Canary on a flat surface, plug it in, connect it to the internet, and you’re ready to go, you can even arm it remotely. With no contracts and free cloud storage of recent events, Canary works right out of the box to protect the people and places you care about most.

Available from Amazon, Canary costs just £139 and has the ability to connect multiple units to one system.

WIN A HIPSTERTASTIC LONGPLAYER LEGEND! With the resurgence of vinyl over the last year it’s time to get your mittens on your kittens and invest in a record player, but how do you make sure you’re the coolest daddio in town?

With the Crosley Bermuda Dansette of course! The beautifully stylish turntable can become a furniture-style statement in any setting.

Combining old school with new cool, the Bermuda Dansette Turntable is inspired by the Dansette turntables of the fifties and sixties and has a belt driven turntable mechanism, an auxiliary input, and built-in dynamic full range stereo speakers for richer sound. It also comes with a carry handle to make the Bermuda Dansette portable and convenient.

The Crosley Bermuda Dansette turntable is available to buy from Amazon, Very UK and Littlewoods at a recommended price of £229.99

WIN! We’ve got a gorgeous Crosley Bermuda Dansette Turntable to give away to one lucky reader, for your chance to win simply visit www. dluxe-magazine.co.uk Terms and condition apply.

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G e t yo u r g a r d e n r e a dy f o r s u m m e r A senior horticultural supervisor at Birmingham Botanical Gardens goes over the important gardening tasks for the summer.

The weather’s heating up and it’s the ideal time to be spending time outside in the garden and with the long summer days you can expect to see an energetic growth spurt in your garden as it soaks up all the extra daylight.

You’ll also need to water hanging baskets regularly because they can dry out very quickly when it’s warm. We’ll be tending to ours, which are filled with Begonia ‘Illumination Lemon’ on the Pavilion and around the Lawn Aviary there is a very unusual combination of lime green and black Ipomeas and dark purple Verbenas.

It’s also important to remember your houseplants at this time of year! Increase watering and feeding to once a week to maintain lush and healthy growth.

Most of your houseplants can go outside for the summer – the fresh air and rain will do them the world of good. Make sure they are in a shady spot to reduce the chance of leaf scorch and bring them back inside in late September before the frosts return.

Although your garden is likely to be bursting with colour, the weeds will be out in full force, too. Keep these interlopers at bay by hoeing the borders regularly, particularly on the warmer days.

As for your lawn, leave the grass slightly longer than desired during the warmer weather because longer blades of grass can cope better with drought. However, even if we do have a dry spell, it isn’t necessary to water the grass, unless new turf has been laid or it has been recently sown, because it will soon recover when the rain returns.

However, it is important to water vegetable patches liberally because the heat can dry them out, which could cause the plants to bolt.

If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to sow runner beans. When you do, dig a trench and put in a generous amount of water-retentive material because the beans will need a constant supply of water to help them grow.

Feeling motivated?

Why not visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens for more inspiration. Westbourne Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

WIN!

We have a Year’s Family pass (Two adults, two children) to Birmingam Botanical Gardens to give away to one lucky winner.

For your chance to win visit www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click on competitions. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 41

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A NEW CHAPTER IN ASTON MARTIN’S HISTORY BEGAN AT THE 86TH INTERNATIONAL GENEVA MOTOR SHOW WITH THE UNVEILING OF THE DB11; A BOLD NEW FIGUREHEAD FOR THE ILLUSTRIOUS ‘DB’ BLOODLINE AND AN AUTHENTIC, DYNAMIC SPORTING GT IN THE FINEST ASTON MARTIN TRADITION. Showcasing a fresh and distinctive design language, the DB11 employs pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, it’s the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history and as such is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003.

Following on from the sculptural elegance of the DB10, developed specifically for James Bond, the DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping decklid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic.

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Innovative aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11’s uncluttered surfaces. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake.

Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by; a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear decklid.

Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twinturbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 600BHP and offers a top speed of 200mph1 and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec1.

Inside drivers enjoy a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display instrument cluster that presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrallymounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated

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to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad , the new satellite navigation and audio system have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate.

The DB11 has been designed for everyday life too with a newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

There are also wider door apertures, significantly increased occupant space - especially head and legroom in the rear - fully integrated rear ISOFIX mounting points for a pair of child seats plus a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage making the DB11 a genuine Grand Tourer. There’s also an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options to make sure the interior matches your own personal style perfectly- a good thing as at an expected price of £154,900 this is one purchase you’d want to make sure you got right.

Further information can be found at www.astonmartin.com or visit Stratstone Aston Martin, 94-96 Kidderminster Rd, Hagley, Stourbridge DY9 0QL. Tel. 01562 888380 dluxe-magazine.co.uk 43

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The Best of the US

THE USA IS AN ENORMOUS COUNTRY: ALMOST TWO AND A HALF TIMES THE SIZE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. THE STATE OF TEXAS IS ALMOST TWICE THE SIZE OF GERMANY, TWO UNITED KINGDOMS COULD FIT INTO CALIFORNIA…YOU GET THE IDEA. THAT MAKES PLANNING A TRIP THERE A HERCULEAN TASK. TO SIMPLIFY THINGS, WE’VE CREATED A GUIDE TO THE HIGHLIGHTS OF EACH REGION IN THE USA. NEW YORK CITY: New York really is the city that never sleeps. There’s just too much to do: incredible theatre on Broadway and beyond, global cuisine on every corner, skyscrapers stretching up as high as the eye can see and dozens of museums and galleries. Don’t limit yourself to Manhattan; Brooklyn and the other three boroughs have lots to offer as well.

WHERE TO GO TO IN THE NORTHEAST

MAINE COAST: With its rocky shorelines, pretty towns and friendly locals, Maine’s coast is a quintessential New England destination. It’s ideal for sailing and fishing, or just hanging out by the harbour. Binging on seafood is a must while you’re here; Maine is famous for its lobsters, oysters and clams.

BOSTON: Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the USA’s oldest cities and perhaps the best place to discover the country’s founding. Walk the Freedom Trail that links historic sites from the American Revolution. Boston is also a major sports city with professional baseball, basketball, hockey and American football teams.

UPSTATE NEW YORK: Most New York tourists never get further than the noise and hubbub of the city, but upstate New York is a quiet and serene paradise. The Catskills offer gorgeous mountain landscapes perfect for hiking, while the Hudson Valley has tiny river towns, leafy parks and vibrant arts and farming communities.

NEW ORLEANS: nowhere epitomises ‘melting pot’ quite as well as this FrenchCreole-Southern city. Come to eat – sugar-sprinkled beignets, shrimp-stuffed po’ boy sandwiches, gumbo thick with spices and seafood. Come to learn – French, Spanish and African history, historic architecture, the legacy of Hurricane Katrina. Come to dance – brass bands, jazz clubs, street parades, Mardi Gras.

WHERE TO GO TO IN THE SOUTHEAST

CIVIL RIGHTS TOUR: Integral to American history, the Civil Rights Movement ended racial segregation and paved the way for equality. Visit Alabama and see the Rosa Parks Museum, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the

SPECIAL FEATURE

famous bridge in Selma where one of the movement’s iconic marches occurred. Follow Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, from his Atlanta childhood home to the Memphis motel where he was assassinated.

TENNESSEE AND MISSISSIPPI: Music lovers can’t miss Tennessee or Mississippi. Nashville is the country music capital of the world, and in Memphis, you can see Graceland, Elvis’ former estate. The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues, which laid the foundation for rock’n’roll, jazz and hip hop, and tiny music clubs or ‘juke joints’ still dot the landscape.

GREAT LAKES: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario – these five lakes truly deserve their name; taken together, they are the largest body of freshwater in the world. Their rocky cliffs, lush green islands and wide-open beaches invite both adventure and relaxation.

WHERE TO GO TO IN THE MIDWEST

GREAT LAKES CITIES: The Great Lakes region is also where natural beauty meets enterprising cities. This is the former industrial heartland of the USA, where fortunes were built at the turn of the 20th century. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, have a pint at a craft brewery in Milwaukee, or watch revitalisation in action in Detroit.

CHICAGO: A metropolitan city with a neighbourly Midwestern vibe, Chicago draws visitors for its diverse food scene, world-class museums, and legendary architecture by the likes of Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright. Its winters may be brutal, but it more than makes up for them with its incredible summers: free outdoor festivals and concerts, baseball games at Wrigley Field and lazy afternoons wandering Lake Shore Drive.

GREAT PLAINS: Home to a large Native American population, the Great Plains stretch across the Dakotas and beyond. To learn more about Native American history and culture, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Indian Museum of North America, and also attend a traditional powwow celebration. Wildlife lovers can enjoy the wild bison, big horn sheep and elk that roam freely in this area.

TEXAS CITIES: Explore Texan hospitality through its cities.

Hang with hipsters and listen to the latest indie bands in Austin, feast on authentic Tex-Mex and visit the historic Alamo in San Antonio, go to a rodeo in Fort Worth and enjoy the USA’s largest arts district in Dallas.

SKIING IN COLORADO: Winter in the Colorado Rockies is a skier’s dream – long sunny days, fluffy deep powder and consistent heavy snowfall. At the legendary big ski towns like Aspen, Vail and Telluride, there’s some of the world’s best downhill, crosscountry and backcountry skiing.

Beginners and experts welcome.

NATIONAL PARKS: Celebrate the breath-taking beauty of the American West by exploring the region’s national parks.

From geysers and giant Redwood trees in California to rainforests in Washington and stone formations in Utah, the landscapes here are vast and diverse. You can camp, hike, bike, climb, raft and more.

CALIFORNIA CITIES: No trip to the West Coast would be complete without experiencing California’s two most famous cities: Los Angeles and San Francisco. These rivals share great beaches and thriving restaurant scenes, but they differ a lot as well – LA has sunshine, traffic, urban sprawl and Hollywood, while San Fran has fog, cable cars, compact neighbourhoods and Silicon Valley.

BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT HAS DAILY DIRECT FLIGHTS TO JOHN F. KENNEDY AIRPORT IN NEW YORK CITY (AMERICAN AIRLINES) AND NEWARK LIBERTY AIRPORT (UNITED AIRLINES). FROM THESE MAJOR HUBS, YOU’RE ONLY A CONNECTING FLIGHT AWAY FROM ANYWHERE IN THE USA. LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN. dluxe-magazine.co.uk 45

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GRAND CANYON: The classic image of the American outdoors, the Grand Canyon lives up to its name. Nowhere else matches its sheer scale or its iconic status. More than a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide, it offers countless opportunities for photos and activities.

For a different perspective, descend the canyon and raft the Colorado River, where you’ll find rapids, ruins and relative solitude.

WHERE TO GO TO IN THE WEST AND SOUTHWEST

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TRAVEL NEWS IBERIA EXPRESS LAUNCHES MADRID AND BEYOND!

Turkish Airlines Launches Double Daily Flights from Birmingham Turkish Airlines has launched its double daily services between Birmingham and Istanbul increasing the volume of seats on sale from the Midlands and providing 289 onward global connections from Istanbul.

This increased capacity gives passengers greater choice and flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for business travellers and those travelling long haul. The airline has experienced a significant level of growth since it started operating from Birmingham Airport with five services a week to Istanbul in December 2008. By increasing its frequency every year, the airline has now reached 14 flights weekly.

Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive, Birmingham Airport, added, “I congratulate the Turkish Airlines team on doing a great job here in the region and increasing passenger numbers year-on-year, and for further committing to Birmingham Airport and the wider region. “Turkish Airlines is an award winning carrier and long-standing partner of ours which has gone from strength to strength serving hundreds of thousands of passengers from our catchment. The Turkish Airlines in-flight product is first class and extremely popular with its customers, which is demonstrated by more and more people choosing to experience the service, reliability and affordability it offers from Birmingham and beyond.”

Selim Ozturk, General Manager for Birmingham, Turkish Airlines, said, “Birmingham Airport is a hugely successful base for us and we have grown significantly over the past eight years.

This double daily announcement gives passengers even more choice and with 289 onward destinations via Istanbul throughout the Middle East, the Far East and Africa, Birmingham Airport really is the gateway to the world with our award winning airline.”

To view latest offers on Turkish Airlines flights please visit www.thy.com.

QATAR AIRWAYS START EIGHT WEEKLY SERVICES FROM BIRMINGHAM TO DOHA

Birmingham Airport has welcomed the arrival of Iberia Express serving four weekly flights to the Spanish capital city of Madrid, with connections to more than 30 Iberia destinations across Spain, Portugal, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

All services carry British Airways codes and members of Iberia Plus programme as well as BA’s Executive Club can earn and redeem Avios when they fly with Iberia Express.

The Birmingham flights are scheduled to offer the best connections from Madrid to another 34 Iberia Group destinations, such as Dakar, Buenos Aires, Havana, Mexico City, Montevideo, Santiago de Chile, and São Paulo.

Iberia Express operate a 177 seat Airbus 320 on the Birmingham service, with Business and Economy sections.

To book your seat on board go to www.iberiaexpress.com

CZECH AIRLINES LAUNCH FIVE WEEKLY SERVICES TO PRAGUE

Birmingham Airport is delighted to welcome the Czech Republic’s flag carrier, Czech Airlines, as a new partner serving Prague five times a week.

This direct route gives passengers the chance to visit this picturesque city, known as The City of a Hundred Spires, for either business or leisure at very reasonable prices.

The Airbus A319 aircrafts serving the route have a total of 144 seats in full economy configuration or 12 business and 126 economy class.

To book your seats visit www.uk.csa.cz/en

THOMAS COOK AIRLINES ANNOUNCES WINTER 2016 PROGRAMME

Qatar Airways have started flying between Birmingham and Doha allowing onward connections to more than 150 destinations worldwide from its state-ofthe-art hub, Hamad International Airport.

The addition of Birmingham marks the fourth U.K. gateway for Qatar Airways with the eight weekly services operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted to commence services to Birmingham, our fourth U.K. gateway. This vibrant and economically powerful region represents an important addition to our worldwide network and is a testament to our commitment to the U.K. Passengers now have access to more than 150 global destinations, accessed via 73 flights per week from the U.K., facilitated by smooth 46 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

transfers through our home and hub, Hamad International Airport.”

Birmingham Airport Chief Executive Officer, Paul Kehoe said: “We are extremely excited to be welcoming Qatar Airways to Birmingham Airport.

Connecting the economically vibrant West Midlands region with the rapidly developing capital city of Doha will be hugely beneficial to passengers at both ends of the route. Additionally, the large selection of onward connections on Qatar’s network gives our long-haul travellers access to more of the most popular destinations around the world from Birmingham.”

For more information and to book your seat on board please visit www. qatarairways.com

The airline will base an extra A321 aircraft at Birmingham Airport to support the new programme adding 30,000 more seats for winter sun seekers.

Gambia will go up from one flight per week to two; Tenerife flights will increase from one to four per week; Lanzarote will move from two to three weekly flights and Gran Canaria is new with one flight per week.

Winter 2016 prices include return flights to Banjul on the new aircraft from £324.99 return and Tenerife from £91.98 based on a sevenday stay.

Seats are on sale now through www.thomascookairlines.com

dluxetravel

Qatar The Biggest Little Country You’ve Never Heard Of

OFTEN LUMPED IN WITH THE ‘ARAB STATES’, QATAR LIES SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE RELATIVE LAISSEZ FAIRE LIFESTYLE OF DUBAI AND THE MORE DISCIPLINARIAN RULE OF SAUDI ARABIA. HERE IS A CITY THAT DARES TO DREAM BIG; THAT IS FAST REINVENTING ITSELF AS A LUXURY STOPOVER DESTINATION TO RIVAL DUBAI, CALLING ITSELF ‘THE GATEWAY TO THE WORLD’. IT ALSO REALISES THAT TO BE A WORLD PLAYER – BEAR IN MIND IT’S HOSTING THE WORLD CUP IN 2022 – IT NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING SERIOUS WITH ITS PR ISSUES. DLUXE BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL’s KEVIN URQUHART JUMPED AT THE CHANCE OF VISITING QATAR’S CAPITAL, DOHA, TO FIND OUT FOR HIMSELF… Qatar is a direct flight from Birmingham to Hamad International in Doha. The 6.5hour flight on the Dreamliner 787 skirts you past white topped mountains and great lakes as big as seas, flying over international waters sandwiched between Baghdad, Bahrain and Basra. These are oil rich, war torn, politically and religiously over-zealous states that we are all familiar with from conflict reports on the TV. It is with this media-led view that I enter Qatar, admittedly apprehensive.

Qatar found deep reserves of oil and gas in the 1930s and has, in the past eighty years, gone giddy with wealth with most growth in the past twelve years alone. Its two million inhabitants comprise just 25% locals: the remainder being ex-pats from across the globe – 25,000 of which are British - bringing skills and services to Doha, with many earning tax-free fortunes in the process and a lifestyle to die for. You quickly realise that the business cognoscenti have been dabbling in Doha for decades: 20% of our gas comes from here; bi-lateral trade amounts to over £5bilion currently and Qatari investment in the UK valued at over £30 billion to date. That Qatar investors own half of the real estate in Knightsbridge – including Harrods – should also not go unrecognized, nor that universities such as Coventry are havens for entrepreneurial 48 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Qataris seeking a thorough grounding in business studies.

Almost all construction and infrastructure is bought in / brought in. They are tearing down and rebuilding Doha as a blueprint city for the future, as part of a 2030 vision for Modern Qatar.

Everything appears to be with its own obsolescence in mind. With no restrictions on land, imagination or money, it’s a heady formula! What they lack in taste, they make up for in ambition. The upshot is that this vast flow of international trade, wealth and constant reinvention comes a transitionally more liberal state and somewhere you’re going to want to put on your bucket list in years to come. Doha: the biggest little country you’ve never heard of. It dares to dream big. It embraces reinvention. When you combine this with year-round sunshine, golden beaches, a financial beating heart, and every major luxury shopping brand in the world – plus that it’s only 6.5 hours from UK - what’s not to adore in Doha?

DRINKING IN DOHA:

Qatar is a Muslim state, but that’s not to say it doesn’t drink. Certainly, there is only one licenced liquor store in Doha and you have to have a licence to purchase alcohol, but drink is not difficult to discover with every five-star hotel and resort offering a range of

bars and restaurants that are unsurpassed.

In reality, with so many ex-pats living here, Doha could never be dry, but drinking is most certainly not on display. This will prove to be interesting when the World Cup comes with some predicting ‘drinking zones’ and you wonder if it this drinking genie could ever be put back into the bottle afterwards?

dluxetravel

ShangriLa Hotel

Westin Doha

BARS YOU MUST VISIT:

Nobu at the Four Seasons took five years to build and has been open for a year. Full every weekend. Approached by a lantern lit path that navigates around the Four Seasons Hotel and harbour, showing the multi-million pound yachts to full effect. It is, quite simply, one of the most stunning and achingly hip Inside/outside bars and restaurants in the world.

The Sheraton Hotel’s Backyard has an incredible lounge and club and is one of the hottest places to be seen at: DJs such as Tiesto play regularly. It also operates an anti-glamour dress code, which is highly unusual in Doha.

SHOPPING IN DOHA:

Seriously? Designer shopping is the true deity of Doha. Every (EVERY) luxury fashion brand is vying for square footage in Doha’s 17 malls.

SHOPPING AREAS YOU MUST VISIT:

Souq Wafiq: This appears ancient, but has been purpose built in the style of the traditional souq with a warren of highly fragranced alleys and specialist markets where everything is traded and bartered for: from gold, cloth and handicrafts.

Charmingly, one trader proclaimed to have a wonderful selection of ‘real, genuine fakes!’ Brilliant. The souq also trades in highly prized birds of prey. Such is the esteem of this national sport - and the value of some of the birds being in the hundreds of thousands of pounds – it’s logical that they have a dedicated falcon hospital here, too.

THINGS YOU MUST DO:

Sand Dune Bashing at Sealine: A convoy of Landcruisers literally belt over the

desert – sometimes with all four wheels off the ground – until you hit the Sealine at Khor al Adeid, which is where the desert meets the sea. Your rattled bones are justly rewarded with a beach oasis where you can sunbathed on floating pontoons and eat bbq food under canopies.

Museum of Islamic Art (MOIA): this is one of Doha’s most iconic structures and is breathtaking. Set over three floors and designed by I.M.Pei, it has the largest and finest collection of pieces representing more than 1,400 years of civilisation.

What’s interesting is that many of the artefacts have been bought from the UK and re-interred in Doha. It’s also symbolic of Qatar’s ambition to being seen as a major arts and cultural destination, with more museums in construction as we report.

The Dhow Cruise: The traditional Dhow boat trip was picked up from the harbour and leisurely circumnavigates the MOIA before setting out to sea. A delicious bbq lunch is your reward from leaping off the boat and floating in the salty, cyan seas.

Heavenly.

HOTELS YOU MUST STAY AT:

Doha is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels: the W; the Westin Doha; the St Regis; the Kempinski and the Sheraton, which is proudly lauded as its oldest, having being built in 1982.

One of the new kids on the block is the Shangri La, which is based on the famous La Corniche; a five kilometre promenade that wraps around three sides of the sea inlet. Recently opened, this is opulent, spacious and befitting its five-star stature.

Its seventh floor, open air, rooftop pool is stunning. Also recommended is the chic Westin Doha, which is just out of Doha in

the new New Downtown. It promises to give the best night’s sleep ever and they’re not wrong.

THE FACTS Best Time to Visit: The weather is always glorious, but remember it’s in the desert, so summers are insanely hot. And humid.

Qatar Airways operates an eight times weekly service from Birmingham to Doha with prices starting at £627 return in Economy Class and £3,459 in Business Class.

For more information, visit www. qatarairways.com or call 0330 024 0125.

The Shangri-La Doha, rooms start at £172 per night, depending on season and availability. www.shangri-la.com The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, rooms start at £150 per night. www.westindoha.com Tours can be provided by Qatar International Adventures, visit www.qia-qatar.com www.qatartourism.gov.qa dluxe-magazine.co.uk 49

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dluxe

PERFECT FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING AND PICNICS THESE SIMPLE RECIPES ARE QUICK AND EASY TO PREPARE WITH A DELICIOUS RESULT. WE’VE EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DRINK TOO!

BALSAMIC GLAZED SHALLOT, DOLCELATTE AND ASPARAGUS TART Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes YOU’LL NEED: 16 shallots, peeled and halved 150g asparagus tips 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 320g ready-rolled puff pastry 100g Dolcelatte blue cheese A little milk or egg for glazing WHAT TO DO: Pre heat oven to 200c /180c fan /gas 6.

Place the shallots and asparagus in a griddle pan, add the oil and toss until lightly coated.

INDIAN CHICKEN & CARROT SALAD

Cook over a medium heat turning at regular intervals until softened and beginning to colour, remove the asparagus if it cooks quicker than the shallots.

Serves: 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes

Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and allow to bubble and coat the shallots and asparagus. Set aside and allow to cool.

Unroll the pastry and place on a baking tin, with a sharp knife cut a border around the pastry, approx 2.5 cm from the edge, tap the edges with a knife to separate the layers slightly and prick the middle with a fork several times.

Spoon the shallots and asparagus onto the pastry case, inside the border and top with cubes of Dolcelatte. Brush the edges with a little milk or beaten egg and cook for approx 15 - 20 minutes until golden and risen.

Serve warm with a watercress and rocket salad.

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YOU’LL NEED: 25g butter 1 stick of celery, finely diced 1 clove garlic, crushed 175g Arborio rice 100ml white wine 750ml vegetable or chicken stock, hot 6 asparagus spears, chopped into 1cm rounds, tips kept whole 3 spring onions, sliced 50g Parmesan cheese, grated WHAT TO DO: Mix together the chicken, carrot, almonds, sultanas and salad. Toast the seeds for 1 minute in a frying pan and crush lightly before stirring into the yogurt with the mint. Toss into the salad and serve.

SPECIAL FEATURE

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TOP TEN EDIT: PERFECT BBQ With our fingers firmly crossed for a barbecue summer, KATIE SAYERS, Foodmarket Manager at Harvey Nichols picks her top ten essentials to ensure your outdoor dining is the envy of the neighbours.

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WINE TASTING WITH SIOFRA O’BRIEN As barbecue season arrives, it’s time to match those grilling skills with some great wines to ensure the perfect outdoor party. For real meat lovers, try Minchia Adelaide Hills Australia 2011, £21. A real “wow” from first sip to last, this is one seductive wine: a black cherry bomb with great spice; it’s big, rich and velvety and has great balance.

For those who enjoy fish or chicken straight from the barbie, opt for Tabali Reserva Viognier 2014 DO Limari Valley Chile, £15. An off-dry wine, this pairs well with lightly spiced dishes.

Finally, for those who plump for a rosé, try William Chase Rosé 14, £15. An elegant drink in an equally elegant bottle, there’s notes of white stone fruit and herbs. Dry and crisp with a great finish.

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Siofra O’Brien is the Wine Specialist at Harvey Nichols Birmingham. Join her in store every Wednesday to enjoy complimentary drop-in taster sessions from 7pm8pm. Call 0121 616 6024 for more details.

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1: Chase rhubarb vodka, £45. 2: Glendalough Distillery Wild Summer Botanical Gin, £49.95. 3: Harvey Nichols Pesto alla Genovese, £6.95. 4: Harvey Nichols chilli and lemongrass mayonnaise, £3.65. 5: Lazy Kettle concentrated hickory liquid smoke, £3.75. 6: Mason Jar cocktail shaker, £19.95. 7: Purity Brewing Co gnarly strong black beer, £19.50. 8: Regimental Condiment Company the King’s Gunners sauce, £5.95. 9: Rivsalt pink Himalayan rock salt with grinder, £24.95. 10: Whoop Ass chipotle barbecue sauce, £5.95.

All products available from the Foodmarket at Harvey Nichols Birmingham or online at harveynichols.com

QUICK DRINK? Blackberry Mint Mojito A fantastic flavour combination - the mint and the blackberries go perfectly together giving a fruity twist on this classic! Per Mojito you’ll need: • • • • • • •

1 pint blackberries ½ cup water 6 whole mint leaves Juice from half a lime 2 oz rum 2 oz blackberry juice Soda water

1. In a blender, combine the blackberries and water. Blend until pureed. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve and discard all the seeds.

2. In a glass, add the mint leaves, juice from half a lime and the lime rind, and a splash of the soda water. Gently muddle to release the flavour from the mint leaves. Fill the glass with ice and add the rum, blackberry juice, and top with soda water.

Stir to combine.

Garnish with lime wedge, mint sprig and blackberries.

WIN! A CULINARY ADVENTURE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

The new foodie Netflix app, Simply Good Food TV, is offering one lucky viewer the chance to win a fabulous one to one cookery class with ITV chef Peter Sidwell, from Britain’s Best Bakery.

This lovely prize worth £500 includes space for 3 others to enjoy a culinary adventure to Peter’s Cookery School in the Lake District.

At the school, the lucky winner will have the undivided culinary attention of Peter for the day.

Peter prides himself on cooking and creating simple, fresh and innovative food that focuses on the importance of simple fresh ingredients.

By the end of the day, our lucky winner and their chosen 3 companions will have learnt some great new culinary skills and new recipes to enjoy with friends and family along with a copy of his latest book.

WIN!

For your chance to win visit www. dluxe-magazine.co.uk and click on competition.

To Watch Simply Good Food TV visit for itunes and search for simply good food tv or for android search sgftv or visit www. simplygoodfood.tv dluxe-magazine.co.uk 51

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SPECIAL FEATURE

REVIEW: THE GENTLEMAN & SCHOLAR PUB AND TERRACE @ HYATT One of Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, received a £6m investment last year for its refurbishment which included a brand new bar concept, but it’s only now that we’ve had a chance to pop in and review the food. Tsk Tsk. Open to both guests and non-guests, the Gentleman & Scholar is styled on a traditional tavern with a contemporary twist, and includes a heated terrace looking out onto Broad Street and Centenary Square. It is retro in style from the parquet tiling, original art work, locally supplied furnishing, carpets and real fire burners, which give a homely and comforting feel, even when the sun is shining outside.

created to tie in the Shakespeare 400 anniversary. We quizzed the bar tender about the cocktail and were genuinely impressed at the level of intelligence this drink contained, with modern day interpretations of classic ingredients from the time of Shakespeare. Who knew that hazelnuts were the popcorn of his day and why Frangelico is part of the recipe, or that the honey of today’s cocktail was inspired by the Mead of the 1600s. This passion for mixology was also evident in the mocktail: we were invited to challenge them to make something entirely bespoke.

We opted for a watermelon and basil smash, which did not mourn the lack of alcohol and was absolutely delicious.

We popped down for an early dinner to put the Summer menu to the test. Whether you fancy a light bite, main plate or something sweet, the A La Carte menu offers a tempting range of dishes to suit all tastes. It’s a relatively simple selection, but with international influences, which comes from their new Danish Head Chef. The classics are, as you’d hope, still on the menu, too.

We were informed that the Club Sandwich, Burger and Steak remain perennial favourites, but opted instead for the Nicoise Salad (our dining partner is super-healthy) and the classic Fish & Chips served with tartar sauce and golden malt vinegar.

The salad was a visual treat with the rare Tuna steak complemented by ‘just the right amount of new potato’, saltiness of the capers, green beans, black olivers and eggs that were ‘cooked to perfection’. It’s perfect for a summer lunch, or if you’re using the venue as a pre-theatre dinner location - as it is literally opposite the NIA/Symphony Hall and The REP – as it’s big enough to fill, but not so big you’ll be asleep in the aisles of the theatre.

The fish and chips, being so simple, is always a good barometer of how good a kitchen is and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was so beautifully presented, it was almost a shame to eat it!

As well as fine fare, the Gentleman & Scholar prides itself on its selection of exquisite cocktails, fine wines, champagnes, beers and local ales. We tried the Lady Macbeth, which has been 52 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Being a school night and with holidays firmly in mind, we skipped the dessert course but were tempted by the Cranberry Pavlova with orange cream and the Cadbury Cheesecake. Next time.

All in all, the Gentleman & Scholar has its own identity, separate from the hotel, being the perfect place to enjoy a traditional cocktail, a craft beer or something from their mouthwatering menu. With its heated terrace which opens onto Broad Street, you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy this unique atmosphere so gather up your family and friends and join them for delicious food and drink in this comfortable but exclusive setting.

The Gentleman & Scholar @ Hyatt, Bridge Street, Birmingham. @HyattBham on Twitter and Hyatt Regency Birmingham on Facebook.

The Mailbox’s Gas Street Social celebrated their first birthday in style with a 1st birthday party with balloons, cake, (alcoholic) jelly and ice cream and party bags containing a cupcake and mini Gin & Tonic kit.

Guests were treated to complimentary cocktails and food on the night, but were asked to bring a birthday present in return – new children’s toys and books which could then be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Ah! Pics by Jack Spicer

2-4-1 burgers ALL DAY monday

166 - 168 Wharfside Street, The mailbox, b1 1rl www.gasstreetsocial.co.uk * Cheapest burger free, While stocks last, T&C Apply

dluxedining

GAS STREET SOCIAL CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY WITH PARTY AND PRESENTS

dluxe dining

d i n e a n i ta the Sky’s the limit for rofuto

Who doesn’t love dessert?

Another lavish sky bar has graced the Birmingham horizon thanks to the opening of Rofuto on the 16th floor of the new 4* Park Regis hotel based at the Five Ways interchange.

Pirlo’s is the latest addition to the city’s growing crop of dessert parlours; but this ‘new kid on the block’ sets a whole new standard when it comes to style, standard and substance.

This modern Japanese izakaya-style restaurant and Kurabu cocktail bar has been designed and developed by renowned restaurateur Des McDonald, so high in the sky, it blocks out the hustle and bustle of Broad Street below, leaving you to concentrate on the still of the Birmingham skyline.. aaaaah. You cannot help but love the unparalleled dramatic views from the top floor. The décor is minimalist in warm taupes and a mix of high stool and low table seating; a classy affair in both decor and menu and seriously high end; very Dubai or Shanghai.

The dining area is divided into two main areas; the dining lounge with a 360 degree panoramic view of Birmingham, and the 7 metre long central dining bar featuring open kitchens and theatre styled Yakitori grill counter. The dishes are based on a unique combination of traditional Japanese techniques, such as sushi, robata and tempura, served in a creative modern Japanese style. We started with a little pot of Spicy edamame beans to ‘amuse my bouche’. Alex our waiter persuaded us to share the mixed Sushi platter (£25) so we could enjoy a variety of pieces : two types yellow fin tuna, pickled mackerel, seabass and salmon avocado roll Maki. All created to perfection served on a slate.

The menu is split into sushi, tempura, robata and then dishes from the land and dishes from the sea.

From this we enjoyed a perfect dish of very large and crispy Tiger prawn tempura (£12) followed by Triple glazed Iberico baby back ribs in honey kimchi and an irresistibly pretty edible lotus flower (£11). Beautifully presented, hubby said it was the best ribs he had ever eaten in his whole life!

Then it was onto the mains: a tantalizing dish of saffron Miso black cod, razor clams, pancetta foam (£24) was perfection on a plate. Alongside that we tried the garlic yuzu kosho Spring lamb chops, medium done with semsame seeds. Tender and tasty, it too was another faultless dish, set off with a refreshing mint and watermelon salad palate cleanser (£21) And just when you thought you couldn’t eat anymore, the dessert menu was offered up to tease us.

The Yuzu and lemon tart was sharp and sugary – just how you would expect and the white chocolate martinis came with a bite size portions of marshmallow dessert with a mini glass of vanilla vodka cacao blanc that was incredible strong.

So to sum up, I think you can gather, that this is a very special place. It looks impressive and the level of excellence is unparalled in the city. Now go out and spread the word!

Rofuto, Park Regis, 160 Broad St, Birmingham B15 1DT. Tel. 0121 369 8888 www.rofuto.co.uk

This uber cool dessert restaurant and bakery has just opened in the city centre, near Moor Street Station’s car park bringing a New York loft style cafe experience with high ceilings, exposed brickwork and lots of copper. But most importantly, lots of decadent desserts from lunch until midnight!

So whether you have a passing sweet tooth or you are a committed chocoholic, there’s a plethora of decadent desserts to satisfy your taste buds; from glorioso gelato to wonderful waffles; from kick-ass crêpes to sumptuous sundaes.

Pirlo’s, 6 Coventry St, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 5NH Tel. 0121 582 0586 www.pirlos.co.uk

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

ST PAULS HOUSE- A NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER Saint Pauls House is the city’s latest new boutique hotel to open to the public. A large stylish venue on St Paul’s Square, the place will definitely re-ignite Birmingham’s love for the Jewellery Quarter.

If you just popped in off the street you wouldn’t know it’s a 34-bedroom hotel. The reception and concierge is discretely on the side. What you will be greeted with is a sizeable restaurant that oozes a casual chic; a lot of effort has been put into the personality of the place and it has paid off with a variety of areas to wine and dine to suit your mood.

We dined midweek lunchtime and the place has a real warmth and charm to the place. You can have a casual lunch in the elevated section on the right, have a coffee meeting with your laptop at the bar, enjoy a dinner date in the main restaurant at the rear or enjoy a drinking session in the orangery on the side; with a sliding roof it’s also perfect for al fresco dining. This summer terrace – a rarity in the city – is the perfect spot for barbecues and private parties in the coming months St Paul’s House, 14 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1RB. Tel. 0121 272 0999 www.saintpaulshouse.com 54 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

M o u t h - wat e r i n g mixture of food, music and art at this year’s Colmore Food Festival With more than 30 food stalls, cookery demonstrations and live performances, this year’s Colmore Food Festival will be serving a mouth-watering mixture of food, music, paintings and theatre.

Some of the city’s leading restaurants, bars and hotels will be offering an array of delicious dishes and drinks at the sixth annual Festival, which takes place in Victoria Square on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July.

palates and art palettes will be catered for this year with a special exhibition from Colmore Row-based Reuben Colley Fine Art.

Java Lounge Coffee House, Philpotts and Jake’s Coffee Box will be making their debut Food Festival appearances alongside Colmore Business District favourites Nosh & Quaff, Opus, Metro, Hotel du Vin and Purecraft Bar & Kitchen, amongst others.

This year’s event is sponsored by The Opus Family, which will have an ‘Opus Garden’ in the heart of the Festival area. There are also two live stages: one is the kitchen demo stage, where chefs from BID venues can show off their talents and flair with food showcases and workshops. The second plays host to bands and musicians from in and around Birmingham, creating a truly local event. There will be musicians playing covers, original music, rock, pop, blues and jazz, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Michelin-starred Purnell’s, owned by Glynn Purnell, who recently hosted an edition of TV’s Saturday Kitchen, will also have a stall serving delicious treats.

The Festival prides itself on its taster dishes at no more than £4 each, allowing visitors to try multiple culinary delights without feeling too naughty.

Expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors, the Festival is hosted

by Colmore BID (Business Improvement District) to give the district’s businesses an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer. Taste

Michele Wilby, Executive Director, Colmore BID, said: “We’re lucky to work with some fantastic partners, University College Birmingham and Midland Metro. UCB have great relationships with the venues in the district and supply students for placements in kitchens, bars and bakeries in the area, while Midland Metro will offer discounted travel to and from the Festival on the tram. Join us on 8th & 9th July between 11am -7pm to sample an array of mouth-watering cuisine and coffees, craft beers, cocktails and champagne. There’s loads of seating, you’ll be well looked after… what more could you ask for?”

For more information, visit www.colmorefoodfestival.com

IT’S NOT ONLY THE FOOD THAT’S LOCAL: ACROSS THE TWO DAYS (FRIDAY JULY 8TH AND SATURDAY JULY 9TH), VICTORIA SQUARE WILL FEATURE LIVE PERFORMANCES BY BRILLIANT BANDS FROM IN AND AROUND BIRMINGHAM. HERE’S WHO TO LISTEN OUT FOR: FRIDAY

Auer String Trio A relaxed opening of the festival, this local trio will thrill you all with classic tunes from Vivaldi and Mozart on strings. (11am) Colmore Chorus Colmore Business District’s very own choir will perform food inspired songs. (1.30pm) Steve Ajao Blues Giants This blues favourite will certainly bring the sunshine. Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re listening to a band from the Mississippi Delta. (4pm)

Punch the Air This party band performing as a duo will close the first day of the festival with covers including Kasabian, Kings of Leon, Oasis.

(6pm)

SATURDAY

On The Balcony Karl and Lizzie provide laid-back renditions to ease you into the second day of the Festival. Lionel Ritchie, Adele and Nora Jones covers all feature. (11am) The Glamophones This ridiculously gorgeous trio return by

popular demand, performing songs form the 40’s and modern day hits with a vintage twist.

The Taskers Original songs performed by this exciting five-piece band. Think rock with a heart, accompanied by strings. (4pm) Elements of Song from Aston Performing Arts A fabulously unique, talented, fresh and dynamic group of 10 vocalists covering Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Abba Jessie J, Stevie Wonder and more. (6pm)

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

Sarah Millican: Outsider @ Symphony Hall 16th July www.thsh.co.uk

In the past when you put Sarah Millican outside, she asked things like: “Why? Where is the taxi? Do I need a cardie?” and said things like: “There’ll be wasps. I’ve nothing to sit on. Is that poo? Can we go home?’” But things have changed.

Now she has outside slippers. She can tell a chaffinch from a tit (hey).

But she still can’t tell if it’s an owl or her husband’s asthma.

Sarah Millican is venturing outside.

Bring a cardie.

28th June – 3rd September www.birminghamhippordome.com

A Night at the Proms with the Midland Voice Choir and Orchestra @ Warwick Arts Centre

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malmaison work +play

2nd July www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Beyond The Water’s Edge @ Belgrade Theatre 1st – 2nd July www.belgrade.co.uk

Drawing from every continent we are given stories that move and inspire – from Sweden to Chile and all points between. The drama of love, loss and re-birth mingle with the comedy of daily life, resulting in a captivating series of portraits presented through the words of some of the world’s best poets.

The Midland Voice Choir and Orchestra will this time be performing A Night at the Proms, an evening full of fun, fabulous harmony and emotion.

The sound from 200 singers accompanied by a brilliant orchestra is incredible. With popular songs such as Land Of Hope And Glory, Jerusalem, Battle Hymn Of The Republic, A Mary Poppins Medley and Zadok The Priest, to name but a few, it promises to be a night which will appeal to everyone’s taste, and will send you home with that “feel good” factor.

Footloose @ The New Alex

4th – 9th July www.atgtickets.com

The Johnny Cash Roadshow @ Belgrade Theatre 2nd July www.belgradetheatre.co.uk

Kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose as the explosive rock ‘n’ roll musical sensation Footloose bursts onto the UK stage in a remastered show sure to get your toes tapping.

Kan Xuan @ Ikon Gallery

6th July — 11th September www.ikon-gallery.org

The UK’s No1 celebration of Johnny Cash, fronted by award winning singer/songwriter Clive John, re-creates with astounding accuracy and truly captures the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash show!

This will be the first UK exhibition of work by renowned Chinese

One of our absolute favourites, Birmingham’s iconic boutique hotel, Malmaison, has announced that it is once again staying ahead of the game, with the launch of its new meetings and events space, Work + Play.

Following significant investment, the new-look space recognises that modern workers are tired of dull, expensive and inflexible spaces. Work + Play includes six rooms catering from 2-120+ people, four touch-down ‘pods’ for meetings up to four people, and a breakout lounge. The space matches Malmaison’s style with high tech facilities and flexible spaces; giving people a more stylish option for their meetings and events. We think it’s perfect for events, pitches or presentations where you want some gravitas and need to impress.

Damian Goom, General Manager at Malmaison Birmingham, said: “The team is really excited to officially unveil the new Work + Play concept, and we’re proud that Malmaison has chosen Birmingham as the first city to roll out the concept”.

This launch follows a series of changes at the hotel, including the refurbishment of all 192 bedrooms, the re-launch of MalBar and the Chez Mal and, just last week, the launch of their stunning new penthouse suites.

Formerly known as the Penny Black suite, it has been divided into two with one, the Nirvana suite, taking inspiration from Kurt Cobain and Sid Vicious.

The new suite, complete with mirrored tile walls, disco ball chandelier and round bed, looks set to be the ultimate party-pad suite due to its wow factor! It’s no wonder that it’s the choice of rockstar royalty when they’re in the city.

It would seem that a Malmaison a day, helps you work, rest and play.

Images by Jas Sansi.

Join the ultimate feel-good party at Mamma Mia!, the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.

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Mamma Mia! @ Birmingham Hippodrome

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artist Kan Xuan. It will comprise a wide selection ranging from seminal single screen video pieces dating from the late 1990s through to her latest video installation. Refreshingly unpretentious and economical in style, with familiar subject matter, each exemplifies a profoundly philosophical approach to human experience, in attempts to “represent the state of our daily life, set against this crowded and noisy modern world.” In 2006 Ikon screened her seminal work A happy girl (2002), in which she suddenly appears, dancing naked on a pedestal in a lush garden landscape.

Jesse Bruton @ Ikon Gallery

6th July — 11th September www.ikon-gallery.org

Birmingham has gone all Brazilian this season with the launch of the award-winning restaurant chain, Viva Brazil, which has opened on Bennetts Hill.

This all-you-can-eat rodizio restaurant and bar offers a 200 seat capacity and more than £1.2 million was spent refurbishing the grade II listed building in to an authentic Brazilian steak house complete with an open barbecue grill and luxury bar.

Viva Brazil first opened in Liverpool in September 2010. Following its tremendous success, restaurants have since launched in Glasgow and Cardiff. The chain opened a further site in Newcastle last summer, with Birmingham its fifth location.

Rufus Wainwright @ Symphony Hall 15th July www.thsh.co.uk

Musically, Rufus has collaborated with artists including Elton John, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys and producer Mark Ronson among others. His most recent collaboration is on the title track of Robbie Williams’ latest album, Swings Both Ways, which was co-written with renowned musician and producer Guy Chambers and sung as a duet between Rufus and Robbie.

Oddsocks: Macbeth @ MAC Birmingham Jesse Bruton is one of the founding artists of Ikon, having helped to establish the gallery in 1964. This exhibition tells a fascinating story of artistic development, starting in the 1950s and ending in 1972 when Bruton abandoned painting for painting conservation.

Bruton’s works were inspired by landscapes – alive to the aesthetic possibilities of places he visited, especially in Wales, he made vivid painterly translations based on a stringent palette of black and white and a process of stylistic distillation.

Arijit Singh Live in Concert @ Barclaycard Arena 9th July www.barclaycardarena.co.uk

17th July www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Shakespeare’s dramatic story of ambition turned bad is brought vividly to life in Oddsocks’ hilarious new musical adaptation. Set in an orderly and steampunk-style world of value and decency, the ruling monarch Duncan holds sway with a caring, iron fist. His chief warlords Macbeth and Banquo return triumphantly from the battle field - The Boys are Back in Town and on the way discover supernatural assistance in the trio of the three weird sisters and soon they are on course for promotions.

That’s Entertainment @ The New Alex 19th – 23rd July www.atgtickets.com After a sell-out concert in June 2015 at The SSE Arena, Wembley, History was made, to an audience of 10,000. Rock on Music is proud to bring, once again, the hottest sensation of Bollywood, Arijit Singh live in concert.

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From the producers of the sell out smash hit Puttin’ On The Ritz comes a dazzling song and

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Sispey Lingerie’s 1st Anniversary

Sipsey Lingerie of Solihull’s Mell Square held its first anniversary recently with a charity-based evening that celebrated ‘everything about breasts’. Sipsey Lingerie is the brainchild of Sukhy Nijjar from Walsall and is her first store. Previously she had been an Investment Banker in London.

The boutique prides itself on understanding the needs and body shapes of today’s modern woman. As well as lingerie, Sipsey brings West Midlands Women some of the finest brands in swimwear, shapewear, nightwear and accessories, including Stella McCartney, Simone Perele, Lise Charmel and Melissa Odabash. They also are highly skilled at fittings, too, which is becoming a lost art in the bra world.

The event welcomed Mr Naren Basu who is a Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at the QE, who gave a short talk alongside health screening tests by Eileen Fagen of Solihull Health Check Clinic. A charity raffle raised much-needed funds for local charities, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer and Breast Friends.

Images by Jas Sansi.

STAGE EXPERIENCE 2016

MULTI AWARD-WINNING HIT MUSICAL DIRECT FROM THE WEST END

WED 17 - SAT 20 AUG

TUE 23 - SAT 27 AUG

TUE 6 - SAT 10 SEP

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS A NEW PRODUCTION OF STARRING

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MON 12 - SAT 17 SEP

H

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MON 19 - SAT 24 SEP

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GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3031 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham (bkg fee) Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

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DALLAS BURSTON POLO

dance extravaganza bringing you a sparkling all singing, all dancing feel-good show featuring the biggest hits of the 40s & 50s – live on stage.

With glorious costumes, sumptuous music and a West End cast of singers and dancers, this spectacular show will have you tapping your feet, clapping your hands and singing along.

EdinBrum Previews: Patrick Monahan & Eddy Brimson @ MAC Birmingham 28th July www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Dallas Burston Polo Club have kicked off the season in lavish style with their annual Opening Season Party at their 400 acre estate in Warwickshire.

The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for guests to mingle and dance at the IXL. With over 300 guests attending, this year’s event beat the success of previous years. Guests were greeted with champagne and canapes before being entertained by the stunning vocals of the Gloria Sunset Duo, voted best vintage entertainer at the National Vintage Awards.

As the night drew in, a fantastic firework display took place, which guests gathered outside on the terrace to watch. The display was followed by a set from DJ Scott Grainger to see the guests through to the end of the night.

Patrick Monahan - That 80s Show is a brand new hour of stand up from Monahan who mixes stand up routines about his family leaving Iran in the early 80’s and stories of his life growing up as an Irish-Iranian kid in Teesside during the 80’s, mixed in with stand up about his travels today going out to the Middle East to do shows in 2015/16. And not forgetting some of his trade mark dancing topping and tailing his new show, and everyone gets a hug at the end.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang @ Birmingham Hippodrome

7th – 18th September www.birminghamhippodrome.com

The Simon and Garfunkel Story @ The New Alex 2nd September www.atgtickets.com

One of the world’s favourite musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance.

Can the loveable but whacky inventor, Potts, along with his two children and the gorgeous Truly Scrumptious outwit the bombastic Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children be banished from his kingdom?

Dallas Burston Polo Club, Stoneythorpe Estate, Southam CV47 2DL Tel.01926 811111 www.ixlevents.com

Direct from its success in London’s West End, a sold out UK tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back!

Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50 Anniversary Celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

The King Is Back - Ben Portsmouth is Elvis @ Barclaycard Arena 3rd September 60 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

www.barclaycardarena.co.uk Ben, a multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’s DNA in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs. Having honed his musical talent Ben started his journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005 when he formed the “Taking care of Elvis” band.

Audiences quickly realized that this was someone with a special talent.

Sister Act @ The New Alex

12th – 17th September www.atgtickets.com

The best of this summer’s fashions and beauty essentials were showcased at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ second Seasonal Style Event recently. More than 170 fashion-conscious women gathered at the luncheon to enjoy the best outfits for the coming season and to get the latest make-up tips from one of the country’s leading make-up artists, raising £5,000 for the Gardens’ Glasshouse Appeal and children’s playground.

Leading personal stylist Beth Goodrham shared her style essentials at the ladies fashion show as models took to the stage to show off a range of outfits, all of which were supplied by John Lewis’s flagship store in Grand Central.

The event was also supported by &Beauty at John Lewis, which created the hairstyles for the models, and PRO Bobbi Brown Cosmetics artist Amy Conway, who created the models’ look and provided tips for the guests.

A pop-up boutique featuring a range of other leading brands, including Arbonne, Captain Tortue, Jo Malone, Livto Jewellery, Rachel Simpson Shoes, Fellows, Hannah Walker Jewellery and The Dentists Dorridge, added further glamour to the event.

The Seasonal Style Event is part of a much wider campaign devised by the Botanical Gardens’ Trustees to raise £1million to assist with the refurbishment of the glasshouses, and play areas and to introduce new features. The 15-acre horticultural attraction is an education charity that receives no external funding and relies on visitor membership and admission fees to keep the organisation blooming.

For future fundraising events, visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

More images can be seen at www.dluxe-magazine.co.uk

Mailbox: SieMatic BY Kitchen Gallery

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World class design is being brought to Birmingham’s premier lifestyle and shopping destination, the Mailbox, with the opening of the groundbreaking new flagship SieMatic kitchen studio at the Mailbox.

Thought to be the first time in the UK that a luxury kitchen company has opened in a high-end shopping mall, the new showroom is being brought to the Mailbox by Kitchen Gallery, which already has award-winning showrooms in Shirley and Stratford-upon-Avon.

SieMatic is recognised as one of the leading international brands in bespoke kitchen design, catering for residential projects and luxury yachts.

The studio, features SieMatic’s first private, apartment-style VIP Design Room, where customers, architects and designers can relax while they discuss designs, while listening to music and enjoying refreshments.

Kitchen Gallery at the Mailbox is open Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm, and Sunday opening for appointments only. images by Madison One Media

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Stars of Stage and Screen Sent To Coventry THIS Autumn comedy and kooky charm as Audrey 2 takes to the stage once more from Wed 26 – Sat 29 Oct. Starring X Factor’s Rhydian Roberts as dentist Orin Scrivello, be sure to snap up your tickets while they last!

For lovers of classic drama, Alan Ayckbourn’s Relatively Speaking is a delightfully witty and beautifully crafted comedy of mistaken identity and chaotic courtship running on the Main Stage from Mon 31 Oct – Sat 5 Nov. This brand-new production brings together two of Britain’s favourite household names, Robert Powell, star of The Detectives and Jesus of Nazareth and Liza Goddard, best known for her roles in Life of Riley, Doctor Who and Bergerac.

With the Summer in full swing and the promise of a new season just around the corner, Belgrade Theatre is looking ahead to a jam-packed programme featuring an exciting mix of engaging and entertaining live experiences all under one roof.

Fans of theatrical suspense can look forward to a brand new production of Emelyn Williams’ psychological thriller Night Must Fall running on the Main Stage from Wed 28 Sept – Sat 1 Oct and starring BAFTA award-winning actress Gwen Taylor as Mrs Bramson.

If it’s a musical that takes your fancy, the multi award-winning West End show Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story is a must-see for anyone looking for a fun, feel-good night of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia arriving from Wed 12 – Sat 15 Oct. Or, if 1950s sci-fi is more your thing, cult musical Little Shop Of Horrors comes jam-packed with hilarious An all new production of the Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy returns to the UK starring Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, The Bodyguard).

Directed and choreographed

by Craig Revel Horwood, Sister Act is the feel-amazing musical comedy based on the smash hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith.

For You, Just a Minute, Qi, The News Quiz and of course GBBO.

Daniel O’Donnell @ Symphony Hall 20th September www.thsh.co.uk

SUE PERKINS LIVE! in SPECTACLES @ Birmingham Town Hall 18th September www.thsh.co.uk

Sue is best known for being one quarter of double act Mel and Sue. In 2008 she won the BBC show Maestro culminating in her conducting at The Last Night of the Proms. She has collaborated with food-critic Giles Coren on the Supersizers series, created the acclaimed travel documentary The Mekong River with Sue Perkins and is a regular contributor to Have I Got News 62 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

It’s no surprise that Daniel O’Donnell is one of the best loved artistes of our time, both at home and abroad. He is the only artist in the world to score a hit in the UK album charts every year for the last 28 years! This includes his latest album release ‘The Hank Williams Songbook’ which entered the charts at number 5.

For a political satire with added bite, Dead Sheep tells the true story of how Mrs Thatcher, once the most powerful woman in the world, was brought down by Geoffrey Howe, her one time friend and political soul mate. Running on the Main Stage from Wed 19 – Sat 22 Oct, this razorsharp comedy of heartbreak, betrayal and good old-fashioned backbiting stars original Spitting Image voice-artist, Steve Nallon as Margaret Thatcher and Graham Seed as Ian Gow, best known for playing Nigel Pargetter in the long-running Radio Four drama, The Archers.

And of course, it’s never too soon to start planning for Christmas with three exciting new shows guaranteed to top up your festive spirit levels this yuletide. Whether it’s a traditional family panto with Dick Whittington (Wed 23 Nov – Sat 7 Jan), a sprinkling of festive silliness in alternative Xmas thriller, Private Dick Whittington (Sat 3 – Sat 31 Dec) or a first introduction to theatre with Santa’s Polka Dot Pirate (Thurs 8 – Sat 24 Dec), there’s a seasonal show to satisfy every age this Christmas!

Tickets for all of these shows are on sale now via the Belgrade Theatre website. To book, call the Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are cheaper.

Mandela Trilogy @ Birmingham Hippodrome

20th – 21st September www.birminghamhippodrome.com The amazing life of Nelson Mandela is brought vividly to the stage by Cape Town Opera in a large-scale celebration and tribute to the man who touched hearts and minds around the world. Told in three parts, by a cast of over 60 South African performers, the music and story match the vastly different phases of Mandela’s journey from freedom fighter to president.

stands. Test out the latest bikes from the best brands at the show on our four test tracks, including the outdoor crit track, an ebike village, indoor kids track and outdoor MTB.

Alvin Ailey @ Birmingham Hippodrome

23rd – 24th September www.birminghamhippodrome.com

The Cycle Show @ Birmingham NEC

22nd – 25th September www.thenec.co.uk

Last year’s Cycle Show was the biggest in its 14 year history, hosting a record-breaking number of bike companies and welcoming over 27,000 bikeloving visitors over four days.

The 2016 version will be even bigger with a new hall added for the dirt jumping contest and extra space for even more

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey continues to wow audiences and critics around the world.The allstar line up will include Ailey classics as well as new works by some of today’s most acclaimed choreographers.

Ronan Keating @ Symphony Hall

26th – 27th September www.thsh.co.uk Right now, Keating is all about this album… the album of his life. A record on which he’s dug deep, pushed hard and been

BOOK ONLINE to save money

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dluxe diary

unafraid of wearing his heart (and his tunes) on his sleeve. The album is the first fruits of not only a rejuvenating relationship with his new record label Decca, but also a genuinely content place in life and love. These are instantly affecting songs of celebration and emotion, of love and loss and more importantly… honesty.

RSC Live: Cymbeline @ Warwick Arts Centre

28th September www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Cymbeline is a ruler of a divided Britain. When Innogen, the only living heir, marries her sweetheart in secret, an enraged Cymbeline banishes him. But a powerful figure behind the throne is plotting to seize power and murder them both. Innogen embarks on a dangerous journey that will reunite Cymbeline with a lost heir and reconcile the young lovers. Melly Still directs Shakespeare’s rarely performed romance.

Little Shop of Horrors @ The New Alex

27th – 1st October www.atgtickets.com Seymour Krelborn, the assistant at Mushnik’s Flower Shop in downtrodden Skid Row, becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers a strange and exotic plant. He names it Audrey Two in order to impress glamorous Audrey, the colleague he’s secretly in love with.

Audrey Two quickly starts to wilt, putting Seymour’s job and dream future with Audrey at risk. Accidentally pricking his finger, Seymour discovers Audrey Two needs a little more than plant food to thrive. The plant grows into a bad-tempered, foul-mouthed carnivore whose voracious appetite becomes increasingly difficult to satisfy.

How far will Seymour go for the woman of his dreams?

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GREAT STYLE INSPIRED BY HARVEY NICHOLS

Birmingham’s best dressed were out in force as Harvey Nichols hosted its first gentlemen’s evening in its new store.

The Great Men Deserve Great Style event offered guests a range of fashion and grooming services alongside complimentary beers and whiskey tastings.

Goodlife Barbershop set up shop in the luxury Mailbox store and offered traditional barber services and shoe shining, while the team from Clements and Church hosted an expert master class on tying the perfect bow tie.

Grenson:Lab were on hand to design and personalise beautifully handmade English shoes, and Atelier & Repairs upcycled clothes and accessories.

Photos by ANDY ESPIN

BIRMINGHAM FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS The who’s who of the city’s hospitality industry were out in force to celebrate the first ever Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards. Brum’s very own Alison Hammond off duty from ITV’s This Morning hosted the proceedings and was on hand to announce 30 awards at Edgbaston Stadium.

Big winners of the night were The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel and Hampton Manor who were ecstatic to win a hat trick of awards. Charity partner Love Brum raised £2000 for Birmingham and District Deaf Children’s Society.

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

in

& at Nailcote Hall Hotel JULY

Sat 2nd ‘AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY’ with BRIEFCASE BLUES SOUL BROTHERS Celebrate a great ‘July 4th’ by dancing the night away with non-stop movie hits with our sensational American duo, £32.50 party with all the hits such as ‘Can’t Turn you Loose’, ‘Gimme some lovin’ and ‘Soul Man’.

Sat 9th WORLD CUP WINNERS 60’s PARTY with REVOLVER

A real 60's party night with the fabulous Revolver playing all the hits. A great way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of England winning the World Cup in 1966.

ROSS DISCO DIVA PARTY with TAMEKA JACKSON Sat 16th DIANA The ultimate disco party night with the No 1 tribute to Motown Diva Diana Ross, You Can't Hurry Love, Chain Reaction, Baby Love & lots more hits!

£39.50 £32.50

AUGUST Sat 13th THE ULTIMATE ‘BOY BANDS’ SPECTACULAR with ULTIMATE BOY BANDS This Spectacular Show delivers the hits and choreography from the most memorable boy vocal groups including, Take That, Westlife, JLS, Blue and Backstreet Boys.

£35.00

SEPTEMBER DIVA’S SHOW with THE DREAMETTES Sat 17th AMOTOWN Stunning Trio of Ladies in full Motown Glamour Singing and Dancing to original choreographed

routines.

Guaranteed to fill the dance floor with all your favourite Motown hits including Diana Ross and The Supremes, Martha and The Vandellas, Tina Turner, Mary Wells and Aretha Franklin.

Fri 23rd ‘HEART & SOUL’ PARTY with HARRY CAMBRIDGE

Tribute to Luther Vandross from ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ winner Harry Cambridge, including hits from Barry White, Lionel Richie & many more. Plus after show Disco.

£32.50 £35.00

OCTOBER PINK BALL AT THE HALL with 80’s EXPERIENCE Sat 1st Enjoy our ‘Black/Pink Tie’ Charity Ball raising funds for breast cancer medical equipment. Celebrate a night of

nostalgia with the greatest hits of the 80’s. They’ll take you back to the days of fun, frivolity and great music from the 80’s era.

Wear something PINK!

Fri 7th OLLY MURS & BRUNO MARS PARTY with ROBBIE GLENN

An amazing evening with the UK’S No.1 Tribute to Bruno Mars & Olly Murs. Capturing the hits, the moves, the voices and unique style of these two fabulous performers complete in one show.

Sat 15th TAKE THAT’ SHOW with FAKE THAT

An amazing tribute to the ultimate boy bands, featuring all the huge hits from Take That... Back For Good, Could It Be Magic, Everything Changes & more.

Fri 21st BACK TO THE 60’S PARTY with REVOLVER

Enjoy a great 60’s party night with lots & lots of your favourite hits... The Beatles, The Searchers, Kinks, Herman’s Hermits, Manfred Mann and many more.

BENSON - STEVIE WONDER PARTY with NAT AUGUSTIN Fri 28th AGEORGE double Tribute to George Benson & Stevie Wonder, bringing all the hits of these two iconic artists such as, Never Give Up, The Greatest Love of All, Superstition, Lately, Isn't She Lovely.... and many more. Plus after show Disco with DJ Franco.

£49.50 £35.00 £35.00 £35.00

£29.50

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

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE THE FULL CHRISTMAS EVENTS DIARY

www.nailcotehall.co.uk

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

dluxe diary

The Rep Announce Thrilling New Season For A/w ’16

Birmingham Repertory Theatre have announced a new season of work for Autumn and Winter 2016 that includes three world premieres alongside a thrilling programme of new stagings of classic plays and brilliant stories.

The Autumn and Winter season in the main auditorium, The HOUSE, opens with a stylish contemporary spin on Oscar Wilde’s classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest (9 – 24 September), in a coproduction with Curve, directed by Nikolai Foster. Following this, and visiting The REP the week the Conservative Party conference takes place in Birmingham, is Dead Sheep (26 September – 1 October) by ITV’s Tonight reporter Jonathan Maitland - a play about former chancellor Geoffrey Howe’s savaging of Margaret Thatcher in one of the greatest resignation speeches ever made. Dead Sheep stars Steve Nallon (Spitting Image) as Margaret Thatcher and Graham Seed (The Archers) as Ian Gow. Acclaimed theatre company, Kneehigh return with an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips (6 – 15 October) in a co-production with The REP and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Michael Morpurgo is one of the UK’s most beloved and successful authors whose work includes War Horse, Kensuke’s Kingdom and Private Peaceful.

The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips retells Morporgo’s novel about the preparation for the D-Day landings and is directed by Emma Rice.

The Exorcist (21 October – 5 November) is unleashed on the stage at The REP for the first time in the UK This classic novel and legendary film adaptation terrified a whole generation, and now director Sean Mathias (No Man’s Land, Waiting For Godot) brings it to life for a special Halloween season at The REP. Programmed alongside The Exorcist is Séance by Glen Neath and David Rosenberg (18 – 29 October) – a 15-minute immersive performance that takes place in absolute darkness inside a shipping container outside The REP in Centenary Square.

Following last year’s record-breaking Christmas show, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The REP is set to thrill audiences once again with a swashbuckling voyage to Treasure Island (25 November – 7 January). Adapted for the stage by Bryony Lavery and featuring newly 66 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

composed music, director Philip Breen will bring this timeless classic to The REP’s epic stage. The Christmas season also sees two shows for younger audiences: Room On The Broom (22 December – 8 January) and the ever-popular, The Snowman (11-15 January).

In THE STUDIO, Ian McDiarmid leads the cast as Enoch Powell in the world premiere of What Shadows (28 October – 12 November) by Chris Hannan. Starting with the explosive ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech that he gave at the Midland Hotel, Birmingham in 1967, What Shadows questions the effects of that 30 years later, from the point of view of one woman whose childhood was shattered by the toxic situation that followed.

The REP and the CBSO come together for an epic world premiere: Cold Calling: The Arctic Project (8 – 12 November). Commissioned

by The REP from acclaimed composer Nick Powell, and set against a backdrop of beautiful Arctic landscapes, this innovative piece explores love, loneliness and loss. Featuring actress Jan Pearson performing text by Anthony Neilson accompanied by live music from the CBSO and projections from Simon Wainwright, this promises to be a captivating and unique live experience.

Love (26 January to 11 February) by REP Associate Director, Alexander Zeldin and his company in a co-production between The REP and the National Theatre, considers the bonds of love that keep people together and looks at the families who are placed in temporary accommodation.

In 1976, 19 million people watched Birmingham-born ice-skater, John Curry win Olympic Gold. Just hours after his victory, he was “outed” as gay by a German tabloid. Written and performed by Tony Timberlake and directed by The REP’s Associate Director Tessa Walker, Looking For John (15 – 19 November) is a powerful, heartfelt and comic story of one man’s obsession with a forgotten icon and his journey to get his hero celebrated once more.

Tickets for the new season are on sale now. Call the Box Office: 0121 236 4455 or book online at www.Birmingham-rep.co.uk Social: @BirminghamRep

9 - 24 SEPTEMBER

6 - 15 OCTOBER

Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Curve present

Kneehigh, in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre, presents

946: THE AMAZING STORY

21 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER Bill Kenwright, in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, presents

THE EXORCIST

OF ADOLPHUS TIPS

Adapted by Emma Rice and Michael Morpurgo

A play by John Pielmeier Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty

#OnlyAtTheREP THRILLING STORIES & BOLD ADVENTURES Join in the conversation

birminghamrep

@birminghamrep

@therepbirmingham

Autumn & Winter Season 2016 Box Office

0121 236 4455 Book Online

8 - 12 NOVEMBER

25 NOVEMBER - 7 JANUARY

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

TREASURE ISLAND

BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company presents

Regent’s Park Theatre presents

By Jane Austen in an adaptation by Simon Reade

Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660

By Bryony Lavery. Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson

dluxe ork w r e p a p BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS GAMES ARE BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER Raring to get your running shoes on ahead of Rio 2016?

Longing to show your colleagues who’s boss at bowls?

Time to settle a work rivalry with the tug of war? Now is your time: the Birmingham Business Games are back for the second year running, taking place on Wednesday 13 July.

Taking place at Perry Barr’s Alexander Stadium, up to 16 teams made up of Birmingham’s prominent business men and women, will battle it out to prove their prowess. Competitors will take part in softball, volleyball, athletics challenges, bowls and tug of war throughout the event, with the most successful team being crowned the champions in the evening’s closing presentation ceremony.

This year, Sport Birmingham has joined forces with LoveBrum to raise the profile of the event and the brilliant work done by both charities.

Commenting on this year’s competition, Amy Bird from Sport Birmingham said: “We are delighted to be working with LoveBrum on this year’s Business Games! Here at Sport Birmingham we feel that its objectives of supporting local projects that deliver real change align perfectly with our own charitable aims of encouraging Birmingham residents to live a healthier and more active lifestyle.

“Networking events can all start to seem a bit static, but the games make meeting people fun. We are keen for teams to embrace the Birmingham Business Games and we’re looking forward to making this year’s event bigger and better, encouraging people to take part in sport with a smile on their faces, whilst also raising money for two fantastic charities.”

The Birmingham Business Games are Sport Birmingham’s flagship event for workplaces. In addition to these games, Sport Birmingham works with partners to drive up levels of participation and success in sport at the grassroots level, working with support clubs, coaches and volunteers to ensure that Birmingham offers many opportunities for communities 68 dluxe-magazine.co.uk

from all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate and enjoy the benefits that being physically active has to offer. This includes the important role that sport has in addressing social isolation, improving educational attainment, combatting crime and anti-social behaviour and driving economic growth.

Launched at the beginning of 2015, LoveBrum supports hidden gem projects across Birmingham that are often volunteerled and that deliver real change. The charity aims to profile around 40 causes per year, with 12 receiving £2,000 funding complemented by a years’ business support. These projects are promoted as part of a new monthly vote, introduced for 2016, where members find out about a cause every week and vote for their favourite at the end of the month.

LoveBrum’s chairman Tim Andrews added: “We are so pleased to be working with Sport Birmingham and having attended the event last year, I can vouch for how much fun is had and how worthwhile the connections made are. I’m excited to return this year with LoveBrum as a partner, with the funding from the event going a long way towards helping so many admirable causes from across the city.”

Organisations are encouraged to enter mixed teams of 10.

The cost per team is £200, which supplies competitors with a t-shirt, goodie bag, food and a complimentary drink during the presentation ceremony. The deadline for teams to sign up is Friday 1 July but with places limited to 16 teams, you had better be quick off the mark! However, if you don’t fancy breaking a sweat, there are lots of other ways that you can get involved: Sport Birmingham and LoveBrum would be delighted if your company would like to sponsor the games or donate any prizes as part of the evening’s raffle.

To register your interest, please go to sportbirmingham. org/Birmingham-business-games or to find out how you can support the games, please contact Amy Bird on 0121 296 5175 or email Amy at amy.bird@sportbirmingham.org

Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie. Plague pestilence famine and war.

Leonardo Donatello Michaelangelo Rafael and of course Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. History and literature have been full of powerful individuals and dynamic duos but to get true strength four has always been the power number writes Bart Dalton.

Following an extremely successful 2015 the world renowned Belfry Hotel & Resort has appointed James Stewart as their new Resort Director.

Stewart has had an exciting and progressive career in Hotels and Golf Resorts across the UK. Following his senior roles with Forte Hotels as Regional General Manager, Stewart has also worked as Resort Managing Director most notably for Bowood Hotel Spa & Golf Resort and Mottram Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort.

Having been crowned England’s Leading Resort last year at the World Travel Awards, for 2016 The Belfry has been nominated for three awards; England’s Leading Resort once again, Europe’s Leading Resort and England’s Leading Conference Hotel. Having hosted the Ryder Cup on a record 4 occasions, The Belfry is famous the world over as a golf haven with its 3 courses and golf academy. Set in over 500 acres of West Midlands countryside, the resort also boasts 319 signature bedrooms, 14 luxury suites, a Spa and Health Club, a significant gastronomy offering, sophisticated bars and an on-site nightclub.

For reservations please visit www. thebelfry.com, email enquiries@ thebelfry.com or call 0844 980 0600

Most of our strongest financial powers in the world rely on what the great boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr calls T.M.T. or The Money Team. In business and in personal life these are usually comprised of a tax person, a legal person, a money person and sometimes the goto guy- the magic four. I have been studying more and more about how powerful people rely on teams to fill in the gaps in strengths that each of us possess and without fail there has been no one in my study that has made it to the top single handedly. I mean they do say no man is an island and I would add to that that anyone who is an island will find life more difficult than it should be. This might be coming true more than we think when it comes to the upcoming Brexit initiative.

When you become independent you are a great source of egocentric ideas. When you allow your ideas to be shared it can relieve pressures and expand opportunities.

I have compressed this study of the power team into my new book that comes out this year called True Gravity. The premise is built around those successful people that have a vast network of people and spend too much time spreading their energy and ideas over too many people.

You can make powerful changes in your life if you can hone the three elements that you have at your disposal in a plan. These tools are Energy, Time and Focus there are simple tools and practices that will allow you to separate the time wasters from pace setters. Building your team, which in this case is your close knit group of 3 and you.

This makes your team of 4. You must do 4 things to get this team going.

1.

Choose the players and their roles in the team.

2.

Share your thoughts, feelings and most importantly your goals.

3.

Create a story that combines what you all do best.

4.

Design a plan and get your message out to create your wealth.

You need to make sure that all your efforts are focused and this will be an amazing time for you to become ‘a fours’ to be reckoned with; see what I did there? It always sounds so simple but those of us that have been out and built a business by networking would attest that to get this right you need to have a plan. If you need any more help or ideas ,True Gravity will be out soon; it should give you all the tools you can use to create your success.

Bart Dalton II, Founding Director Gullane & Co www.gullaneandco.com dluxe-magazine.co.uk 69

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THE BELFRY may the FOURs be with you...

WELCOMES NEW RESORT DIRECTOR

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Pre-nuptial love

BRUM’S BUSINESSES JUMP ABOARD NEW CHARTER SERVICE

Lawyers should, as a rule, never be invited to weddings. Whilst the majority of the congregation look at the bride and groom through a romantic haze, offering blessings of joy and happiness; we lawyers look at the couple with the notion that one or both will be telephoning us within a month or maybe a year begging us to extricate them from the other says Jay Hadden, Family Barrister at St Ives Chambers.

A Birmingham businessman has launched a new corporate boat charter service to offer firms an alternative to traditional hospitality and events.

Before you suggest I am some humbug or killjoy, latest statistics show that 42% of marriages end in divorce. As a result, it is becoming more common for the besotted couple to take advice from a lawyer prior to getting married to protect their assets (save of course for their hearts: they are damned) should they ultimately get divorced.

This brings us to the legal initiative of a ‘pre-nup’. A pre-nuptial agreement is basically an agreement entered into between the couple in writing prior to getting married, which sets out who gets what should the marriage end.

For older couples, or where one wants to ring-fence savings or an inheritance, then this can be very appealing. There is of course, as ever, a legal conundrum. Prenups are not strictly legally enforceable.

The Court has wide range of discretionary powers to distribute the family assets as it sees fit, in an attempt to bring about fairness.

“Get real: it’s about the money”

The Court regards the roles of homemaker and economic provider as of equal value to the welfare of the family.

However, and this is why it is a very good idea to arrange a pre-nup, the Court will take it into account when exercising its discretionary powers. It’s about protecting your assets should the marriage fail. That makes sense. Perfect sense. So should you be considering walking down the aisle, for that ultimate of romantic rendezvous, perhaps your best man (or woman) should be your lawyer after all, standing side by side, for richer or poorer.

Jason M Hadden, family barrister at St Ives Chambers Birmingham and occasional wedding crasher...

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Le Creux is headed by Tim Andrews, who has over 25 years’ boating experience, to give businesses a new route for their corporate hospitality needs. Managing Director of Tyseley-based printing and signage company, Hollywood Monster, and CEO at Birmingham City Ladies Football Club, Andrews understands the needs and benefits of such services: “Through Hollywood Monster, I have seen just how important it is to build business connections, and Le Creux is a great way for businesses to do just that. We take on the responsibility for planning your day; starting in Lymington, where our luxury yacht, Rum Runner, is moored. The team manages everything from accommodation and entertainment, through to health and safety; we want everyone on board to have a fantastic experience whilst travelling with us.

Businesses can hire Rum Runner and sail The Solent for as little as £1,500 per day for 10 guests, with Le Creux taking responsibility for putting together packages and itineraries that will impress clients and unite employees. Some of the Birmingham’s top businesses have already hosted events aboard Rum Runner, including Birmingham City Football Club, Prologis, HJ Wealth Planning, Savills, SIG Roofing, and Hollywood Monster.

“In addition to business networking, I am also using Le Creux to help give back to the community by donating some of the revenue to great causes. Through these corporate days, we have donated over £50,000 to charity – which is a fantastic achievement. It is such a privilege to be able to support these fantastic causes, all of which are helping to improve the lives of others and help them through difficult times. I am really passionate about giving back to the community and I think it’s important that local businesses help support local causes,” Andrews continued.

To find out more about Le Creux, visit www.le-creux.com

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High profile events, such as race days, offer a perfect environment to network and solidify friendships.

The Art of networking & how to do it properly.

With the amount of “networking” events on offer in every city & town across the globe these days and the pressure of being out there marketing your business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending your time in a whirl wind of breakfast, lunch and dinner events, giving out hundreds of business cards, stressing about whether you crammed everything you needed to into your 60 second pitch, and getting trapped in the corner with someone who’s business you have nothing in common, says Torie Blythe Richardson. But there is a better way…

My strategy for good networking is simple: do plenty of research before you go, don’t go to sell, go to be sold to, and be interested and interesting in the order.

Networking is simply about meeting other people from all walks of life & businesses. When I’m organising my events, I choose something that will be intriguing to my guests. I often link a high profile charity with an interesting pastime such as country pursuits, golf, a shopping event or a drive day and ensure it goes hand in hand with a stunning venue that has a great reputation for food & drink. These days we are all after memorable experiences.

Research before you go, Google or YouTube the previous event or try to find someone that has been before. Ask the organiser for a list of attendees before you go and be strategic: if there are specific people you would like to meet, request to be seated next to them or let the organiser know you’d like an introduction.

If an event isn’t right for you, don’t go for the sake of it; politely refuse but if you attend make sure you get the best out of it.

Once you’ve done your research on the event, the people and the dress code, make contact with the people you wish to meet prior to the event, via social media. Let them know you’d like to meet them and that you’re attending; it makes a great foundation when you actually do.

A lot of people go networking hell-bent on selling themselves and/or their company. Think about it, if everyone has that strategy it makes a room full of people selling with no one to buy! Go with the intention of having a good time, enjoying the food & drink, the surroundings and company. Anything else is a bonus.

Walking in to a room full of strangers can be daunting for even the most outgoing of us, however if you’ve already introduced yourself to your chosen contacts or the organiser it’s easier, as it gives you a foundation for your first conversation and will give you the confidence to ‘work the room’ later.

I give out very few business cards unless I’m asked, but I gain many and when I get one, my mind is whirring with who in my network I know that I could introduce that would be of benefit to that new contact.

My preferred way of obtaining a card is “Do you know…….? I’m happy to introduce you; they may be able to help. Do you have a card I can pass on?” It makes a refreshing change from the exchange I encountered a few weeks ago of “Here take my card, we must have coffee, please excuse me there are loads of people to meet.” It’s networking not speed dating.

My golden rule in life and in business is that if you aren’t comfortable asking your contact for a favour then the relationship needs work on both sides. When you have given and can ask for a favour in return, you know you’re there.

And finally I always follow up, not via email or with a LinkedIn request but by phone with a further invite to an event, lunch or to pass on an introduction to someone who will help or buy from them.

I may be old fashioned and agree electronic communication has its place, but in my book relationships are built personally and take time, effort and trust.

Torie Blythe Richardson is MD of the JonJo O’ Neill Partnership. www.thejonjooneillpartnership.com

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CBSO MARKETING DIRECTOR HANDED BYPY BATON Over 800 of Greater Birmingham’s professionals attended BPS Birmingham Future’s flagship awards, which recognise and reward top talent in the business and professional services sector.

This year’s overall winner is Abby Corfan, Director of Marketing & Digital at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. With over a decade of experience promoting the city’s cultural offering, Abby picked up the Marketing & Communications award before being crowned Overall BYPY16 Winner.

Ahmed Farooq, Chair of BPS Birmingham and a member of the BYPY16 judging panel, said: “Abby demonstrated to the panel what it takes to be a director. She is knowledgable about her product and passionate about reaching and attracting audiences; skills which are clearly core to being a successful marketer. She understands the power of establishing a collective voice – something critical to the cultural and professional sectors, but also to the future of Greater Birmingham at large.”

Birmingham. Initiatives like the Future Mentoring Academy, which launched last October; our new Professional Services Week taking place this month; as well as a brand new Leadership Development Programme connect senior leaders, young professionals and students to provide real opportunities for personal and professional development..”

“Everyone at Birmingham Future is looking forward to working with Abby on our programme over the coming year and making a real difference to the city!”

Abby joined five of her fellow young professionals who also picked up awards on the night:

•

Finance: Ben Collins, Assistant Director, EY

•

Legal: Russ Hill, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs

•

HR, Recruitment & Training: Ruqia Sharif, Human

Rebecca Simkiss, Chair of BPS Birmingham Future, added: “This has, by far, been one of the most competitive years – we have seen such fantastic talent and our decision on judging day was extremely difficult. A huge well done to Abby.”

•

Property & Construction: Mike Lally, Associate

Director, Buro Four

•

Technology: Mike Brooman, CEO, Vanti

Rebecca added: “BYPY is our flagship event, part of a programme of activities which aim to develop talent and ensure young professionals can help shape the future of our sector and Greater

In addition, Mary Agbesanwa from the University of Birmingham picked up the 2016 ‘Aspiring Talent’ Award, which acknowledges the rising stars of the business and professional services sector.

Gateley Plc’s Mike Ward was also recognised as the 2016 ‘Inspiring Leader’, for his dedication to the region’s BPS sector.

Resources, HS2 Limited

As part of her prize, Abby secured a place on the Common Purpose Navigator course, designed for emerging leaders. Other sponsors of BYPY16 included Santander UK, Gateley Plc, Squire Patton Boggs, SCC, the Mailbox, Malmaison Birmingham, SimkissGuy Recruitment, Hotel La Tour, and the Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy. The event was held at the ICC and hosted by TV personality Jake Humphrey, alongside BPS Birmingham Chair Ahmed Farooq.

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RISE OF THE DIGITAL city Birmingham’s continual evolution as one of Europe’s brightest cities is because of culture, investment, development and an influx of tourism from across the world.

Adapting and being at the forefront of change is one of Birmingham’s strengths and with new infrastructure and the latest technology, the way the city looks and feels is changing too, says Phil Hulme of Seven Capital, who are responsible for some of the city’s most exciting regeneration projects, including the recently opened Park Regis Hotel.

A prime example of this is the development of the city’s outdoor digital LED advertising screens, providing a shift away from traditional billboard ads. On just a short trip through the city you can now see more digital screens assimilated into architecture than ever before, from New Street’s digital ‘media eyes’ to those integrated into the building of the four-star Park Regis hotel. In fact, Birmingham’s digital screen portfolio is more sophisticated than most other cities across Europe and perhaps it’s only a matter of time before the city may have the chance to create the world’s newest Times Square or Piccadilly Circus.

Technology has moved a long way from paper and paste posters and neon. As more media content is consumed digitally, particularly outdoors, brands know that their ads are making a different kind of impact on a cityscape and are being increasingly creative, which is good for consumers and fun for the visual environment. With digital out of home (“DOOH”), screens adapt to the time of day and what’s going on - maybe promoting a breakfast cereal during the morning rush hour, or designer jackets when it’s raining - targeting consumers when they’re most receptive. They’re interacting with social media, using trending data from Twitter to govern their dynamic DOOH content. They are surprisingly cost effective too, making a high impact billboard a possibility for smaller businesses.

Birmingham has so far welcomed digital screens. Even the brand new Harvey Nichols store has an indoor surround screen that creates an experience for shoppers to walk through at the entrance to the store, so perhaps with just a little bit of encouragement the city could be closer to having its own large scale ‘media architecture’ attraction.

Phillip J Hulme BSc (Hons) MSc RealEst is Managing Director of Seven Capital, a boutique investment house specialising in Media Architecture. www.SevenMediaUK.com

Summertime brings with it some of the biggest and best outdoor events; a time to enjoy the warm weather and take in some first-class entertainment. The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2016 will welcome top celebrities, first-class golfers and thousands of spectators to the beautiful Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire on the 26th-29th July.

Last year’s event welcomed record crowds and this year’s tournament is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Celebrity spotting is one of the main attractions of the Championship and as well as showing off their golfing skills, stars will take to the stage for exclusive Q&A sessions about their careers; a once in a lifetime opportunity for many fans.

There will be a host of stars from the world of entertainment including comedian Jasper Carrott OBE and legendary Coronation Street actor William Roache MBE. Fans of Strictly Come Dancing may be lucky enough to spot Len Goodman or James Jordan practising their swing and there will even by an appearance from MasterChef’s star judge Gregg Wallace!

Also going head-to-head will be two boy band superstars: Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden, formerly of Westlife. Sports enthusiasts will be able spot the likes of motor racing legend Nigel Mansell CBE, top goalkeepers Peter Shilton OBE and Peter Schmeichel MBE, Rugby World Cup winner Neil Back MBE and Olympians Gail Emms MBE, Derek Redmond and Mark Foster.

Ashes-winning cricketer and man of the series against Sri Lanka Jonny Bairstow will also return for the second year running. Also from the world of cricket, legendary opening batsman Geoffrey Boycott OBE will make his debut at the Championship.

Perrier Award winning comedian Dominic Holland will host the entertainment, which includes three Gala Balls that will take place over the course of the Championship.

As always, there will be two days of celebrity filled action, and another two days where some of the world’s top golfers will compete in the Professional Championship. For the ninth year running, this will be hosted by two-time Major winner and the most successful European Ryder Cup Captain of all-time Tony Jacklin CBE. As testament to the event’s success, the prize fund has been increased by over 18% to a record €150,000, with the winner taking home a cheque for €50,000.

The Championship will also host a bustling tented village which is the best place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Each year, major retailers set up tents stocked with the best brands in luxury and golf.

Keen golfers will have the opportunity to browse through the latest equipment or hone their game using state-of-the-art technology. People looking for some relaxation will find a tent dedicated to providing luxury spa treatments given by experts in the health and beauty trade, while champagne flows throughout the day.

This year’s Championship will take place 26th-29th July 2016 and everyone is welcome to attend any or all days of the Championship which is covered every year by Sky Sports. Visitors are certain to enjoy some first-class entertainment and spot more than a few famous faces.

Register for free tickets on the new-look Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship website www.britishpar3.com dluxe-magazine.co.uk 73

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Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship

dluxe e peopl

Rofuto is Birmingham’s latest modern Japanese restaurant set high in the City skyline, atop Park Regis at over 140 feet with incredible 360 degree views. The brains behind it is restaurateur Des McDonald - he was head chef at The Ivy by his mid-twenties and spent 12 years in the boardroom running some of London’s greatest restaurants including Scott’s, J Sheekey and Dean Street Townhouse. Dluxe caught up with Des to hear more about his career and the inspiration behind Rofuto.

“My father was in restaurants and my uncles were bakers from Ireland.

From an early age I was working in different restaurants in London. For me it was second nature. I remember friends of mine would go over to the park and play football and I’d be going of to work. I wouldn’t call myself entrepreneurial but I always wanted to make some money so I could buy some nice clothes and enjoy myself. I didn’t want to be wasting time.” Des tells us as he looks out across the Birmingham skyline, sipping an espresso.

Des has had quite an impressive career, after starting on the shop floor he became Head Chef of the legendary Ivy restaurant in London at just 26. He went on to become CEO of the Caprice Group, overseeing some of London’s greatest restaurants.

So what was it like being Head Chef at The Ivy? “Places like The Ivy are 500-covers-a-daymachines, so you have to keep the motivation going from 6.30am in the morning to way past midnight seven days a week. It was an incredible place to be then and we cooked for everyone imaginable including Elizabeth Taylor, Pele, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.”

With three decades of experience and several board positions, Des made the decision to go it alone. So why risk it all? “I’d had a fabulous career but it was time to do my own thing. The timing was right, I’d achieved what I could with that group and I wanted to develop my own brands, single-handily pull my group together, and do something for myself.”

And develop his own brands he did. Surprisingly enough for the legendary Ivy Chef, his first solo venture was a chippy, why? “I’ve always loved fish and chips – I like great produce, served in a simple fashion.

Fish and chips is the British treat and I think some do it well – but there was a massive gap in the market for improvement, hence Vintage Salt.”

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Des’ solo success continued, with the opening of a classic British brasserie, Holborn Dining Room at London’s Rosewood in 2014 and a barbeque restaurant concept; Q Grill. He also partnered with Selfridges to open a series of pop-up rooftop restaurants and a second Vintage Salt opened in the City near Liverpool Street. Next, Des ventured further afield to launch The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen and Burr & Co on George Street in Edinburgh and The Refectory Kitchen & Terrace at The Royal York Hotel. That’s quite a lot of success in a short amount of time, do you ever feel like things are moving to fast? “You’ve always got to know what your like-for-like sales are. Focus on quality, ingredients, your menu and numbers. Otherwise it’ll come and bite you on the arse.”

So why is Birmingham next on Des’ restaurant hit list? “It’s great what’s going on in retail and restaurants in Birmingham. It’s an amazing time to be in Britain’s second city, there’s a real buzz of new energy about the place and independent guys are doing really interesting things.”

Rofuto is izakaya-style and serves Japanese food in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. So what was the thinking behind his latest concept? “I’ve travelled extensively in Tokyo and Singapore and have been working on a Japanese concept for a while. Rofuto offers really great food and drink that won’t intimidate people. Japanese food might sound quite different, and people automatically think of sushi but how about amazing tempura prawns, chicken on skewers from the Robata grill, katsu chicken curry or Wagyu beef?”

The interiors are equally impressive; do you think this is an important part of the restaurant? “Definitely, Rofuto has got the wow factor, it’s especially dramatic at night when you walk in and see the city all lit up, and we’ll provide the sights, sounds and smells. I love theatre in a restaurant and the dramatic light installation over the central area is where this happens – bar staff shaking cocktails, serving snacks to people sitting around the bar. The kitchen is mostly open so you can watch your food being cooked over the coals of the Robata grill and sushi being rolled. You can also use our bar at Rofuto for drinks, great cocktails, a fantastic wine selection and the best views.”

So what’s next for Des? “I like to be busy, I’d get bored doing one restaurant, and I’m used to doing more than one thing. This business is an early start and a late finish so there’s lots of hours to fill in the day.

I’m developing two other hotel dining rooms but my main focus is still Rofuto, we’ve just opened so there’s lots to keep me busy.”

Rofuto, Park Regis Hotel, 160 Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1DT For reservations email reservations@rofuto.co.uk or call 0121 369 8888 www.desmcdonald.com

THE GAME. CHANGED.

Sometimes a car will come along that breaks the established rules.

The boundaries of progress are challenged. The impossible becomes the possible. Sports Series by McLaren is such a car. It recalibrates the senses. It redefines performance. It changes the game.

McLAREN SPORTS SERIES. For more information contact McLaren Birmingham on +44 (0)1564 787180 or visit www.birmingham.mclaren.com

McLaren Birmingham, 2635 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull West Midlands B94 5NH www.birmingham.mclaren.com Official fuel consumption figures in UK mpg (l/100km) for the McLaren Sports Series (3,799 (cc) petrol, 7-speed Seamless Shift dual clutch Gearbox (SSG)): urban 17.2 (16.5), extra urban 38.4 (7.4), combined 26.6 (10.7). Official combined CO2 emissions: 249g/km.

The efficiency figures quoted are derived from official NEDC test results, are provided for comparability purposes only, and might not reflect actual driving experience.