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Style / Editor’s Letter
26
I
t’s with immense pride that I welcome you to the 50th issue of Style, a milestone which also marks our 10th anniversary. A decade ago when we launched our first edition, Birmingham looked and felt very different. It was a city that was struggling with negative perceptions both nationally and on our own doorstep. With the overall aim to challenge this problem, raise the city’s profile and attract more visitors, the aptly named Retail Birmingham group was formed. Led by Jenny Inglis, the then City Centre Director, and made up of representatives from Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Bullring and Mailbox, the group recognised the city’s potential and wanted to drive forward a positive vision. I won the opportunity to pitch for a retail directory and decided to present a much bolder initiative: a consumer and retail-focused multi-media platform and the city’s first fashion magazine. At the time I wasn’t wholly confident that using the Birmingham name to head up the brand would be received positively, so I recommended branding it ‘Re:Style’, a name that depicted how we were working to ‘Restyle’ the city. It was suggested by the retailers that something more confident was needed and the name Style Birmingham was born. At the time I received some flack for our new title. People joked that it was an oxymoron, while others sniggered at the idea of the city being at all stylish.
Thankfully, we stuck with the idea. And look at us now! I’m immensely proud of how Style Birmingham has grown into its name and now more than holds its own amongst regional glossies. More and more national and international names are now working with us; the sniggers have long gone and in their place is a sense of excitement and respect for what has been achieved. To embrace all that is great about our city, we have used this issue as a celebration, showcasing the great events, institutions, bars and restaurants, shopping malls, theatres and festivals that we now proudly boast. We talk to 2015 BYPY winner and architect Katie Kershaw on page 32 to discover what she loves about the city; while in our Men’s section we have an exclusive fashion shoot and interview with Birmingham resident and Vamp Connor Ball. All this alongside our usual fashion must-haves, beauty buys, food and drink news and much more. It’s only fitting I use this opportunity to thank the original Retail Birmingham team, without their backing and confidence in me to deliver, Style magazine wouldn’t have happened. Today, my team is full of passion for our stylish - yes, definitely stylish - city, and this ensures we continue to evolve, reflect and match the continuing development and transformation of our burgeoning Birmingham. Andrew Riley Editor-in-chief
Issue 1 Issue 24
Issue 3 Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 7
Style / Contents
BIRMINGHAM
Contact@stylebham.com
Editor-In-Chief Andrew Riley
Creative Director Mike Raven
Sub Editor Lisa Piddington
Editorial Assistant Becky Weaver
Designer Simon Konaszczuk
Designer Paige Goddard
andrew@stylebham.com
mike@stylebham.com
Special thanks to
Luisa Hackney, Connor Ball, Paige Goddard, Mel Snow, Natasha Bennett, Ellen Atkinson, Tara Tomes, Rose Gallagher, Diana Stoencheva, Abi Copson, Bookings Models, PJ Ellis, Aid at Bad Apple Hair, Nicolle Rimmer, James Tissiman, Laura Smith, Katie Kershaw, Philip Ellis, Jay Jethwa, Zahra Gobir, Lisa Piddington, Royston Blythe, Harris Gibbs Hair, Ellie Duff, The Central School of Make-Up, Elle Sixsmith, Gary Cardin
Style Birmingham is created by RileyRaven • rileyraven.co.uk • hello@rileyraven.co.uk 0121 769 2808 • Unit 606B, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6NF
The Edit
010 Style Chart The hottest products you need right now 011 Trend Update From purples to checks, here’s what to wear this autumn 015 Autumn Wardrobe Step into the cooler months with these key picks 019 Fashion News The latest collaborations and collections 020 Preparing for Autumn Transform your wardrobe this season with Grand Central Birmingham 021 Intergalactic Take yourself to another dimension and cloak yourself in a galaxy of metallic and jewel tones 032 Me and My Style Katie Kershaw on BYPY and why she loves Birmingham 036 Izzy Bizu We talk to Izzy about her success and her packed festival schedule
Beauty
041 Beauty Talk Rebecca Ferguson shares her makeup favourites and her beauty regime
042 Royston Blythe The award-winning salon share their summer hair rehab tips 044 Beauty Bulletin Our must-have products this autumn 045 All That Glitters Add some sparkle to your makeup with these key looks 049 Get The Look Rose Gallagher’s guide to creating the ultimate metallic look 051 If You’ve Got it…Flaunt it! Rose Gallagher on celebrating your skin
The Insider
054 Boomingham Our city is booming and we’ve rounded up our top reasons why 059 Out and About What to see and do this autumn 060 The Rise of Bastille We chat to Chris Wood about what to expect from a second album 062 Putting Birmingham on the Map Resident writer Tara Tomes on the city’s blooming brands 064 Lights, Camera, Action Unmissable films coming to the big screen
Life
065 50 for 50 From annual events to shopping and museums, here are 50 things we love about beautiful Birmingham 077 A Touch of Fizz Enjoy The best places to get a glass of bubbly in the city 080 Health Kick Maintain your summer body 082 Recipe Delicious Italian meatballs and tomato sauce 103 Weekend Getaways Escape for the weekend at our favourite destinations 106 Escape to the Country Discover the luxury of rural living with Cameron Homes 108 Feeling Blue Dazzle with blues and Aztec prints 110 Win A £500 shopping spree with Grand Central Birmingham 083 Our autumn Man magazine has everything from buying the perfect watch to tackling your post-summer body - don’t miss our interview with The Vamps’ bassist Connor Ball
ON THE COVER TO SEE OUR AUTUMN FASHION SHOOT, TURN TO PAGE 21
Photography: Mike Raven Model: Ellie Duff at Bookings Models Make-up: Abi Copson at The Central School of Make-Up • Hair: Alex and Chris at Harris Gibbs Hair using Tigi Styling: Luisa Hackney, all items available from John Lewis at Grand Central Birmingham Assistant: Simon Konaszczuk Navy fur waistcoat, £195, Helene for Denim Wardrobe, rings, £30 & £39, Vintage collection - All available from John Lewis, Grand Central Birmingham
A DIGITAL EVOLUTION! Download our Autumn issue for iPad. AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD SEPTEMBER 2016
All information is correct at the time of going to press. Please note that prices for items are subject to change so may vary from those mentioned, contact individual stores for definitive pricing information. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without prior permission. We make every effort to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, however, we can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations in all circumstances. Contributors’ opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or of Style Birmingham Ltd. Any material submitted is done so at the owner’s risk, and the company can take no responsibility for the safe storage or return of such material.
8 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
The Mailbox Shopping Centre calvinklein.com
I
heat up
in #mycalvins
Sonoya Mizuno, Actor
Women / Shopping
The Style Chart
From soft slippers to alpaca coats — here’s what we’ll be lusting after this Autumn
EDITOR’S PICK
DOUBLE DUTY
This Nars dual-intensity blush palette with blush, highlighter and contour, is our new favourite beauty multi-tasker. £40, John Lewis
SOFT TOUCH
You’ll want to live in these pretty cashmere ballet slippers when the cold spike hits. So don’t forget to invest! £65, The White Company
RED ALERT
L.K. Bennett’s perfectly crafted new ‘Orla’ tote in mulberry is as versatile as it is beautiful. How could you possibly resist?£175, L.K. Bennett
10 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
LIGHT IT UP
This modern graphic pendant light is sure to become a key feature to add interest to any room. £115, House of Fraser
SKIN SHIELD
Dermalogica’s Photo Replenish Oil combats air pollution with a plant-based formula to help strengthen the skin’s barrier. £56.20, Debenhams
STARRY NIGHT
Subtle sparkle is exactly what your jewellery collection needs and this shimmery Pandora bracelet is the perfect addition £65, T.H. Baker
IT’S A WRAP
Make this stunning belted alpaca coat your investment piece. It will last for years and never go out of style. £499, Jaeger
SHINE ON
Give your sofa a statement shine with this metallic splatter cushion. It also comes in baby pink and pastel green. £28, Oliver Bonas
SNACK TIME
Harvey Nichols is renowned for its quirky food and this mouthwatering Compartés apple pie chocolate bar is a prime example. £6.95
GET JUICING
Love Deliciously Ella? You’ll want to buy her new Smoothies and Juices book for some new inspiration. £10.99, WHSmith
CABLE TIES
The cold shoulder look isn’t going anywhere for autumn, so snap up this statement knit to nail the trend. £39.50, Marks & Spencer
GREEN HOUSE
Citrus, herbal and musky, Jo Malone’s latest invigorating scent, Basil and Neroli, smells like the English countryside. £42, Jo Malone, Grand Central
Miu Miu
Zahair Murad
Tod’s Giambattista Valli
Trend Update
Women / The Edit
Atelier Versace Moschino
Michael Kors
Atelier Versace
Alexis Mabille
Roberto Cavalli
Kenzo
From vibrant violets to classic checks and bigger the better coats, this season brings a variety of options to try now
Purple Reign
Purple is the key to brightening up your wardrobe this season. From this year’s A/W16 shows, fashion designers such as Michael Kors, Moschino and Miu Miu have shown us how to work this trend by using different hues. Wear it head to toe or use classic tailoring to showcase this statement palette. Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 11
Women / The Edit
Check Mate
Tod’s Jason Wu
Burberry
As an autumn favourite, it’s no surprise to see classic checks making a strong appearance this season. From Prince of Wales prints at Victoria Beckham and Burberry to dogtooth, plaid and tartan at Topshop Unique and Tod’s, checks give that extra wow to tailoring. Pick one statement piece and team with plain trousers for catwalk chic.
Lela Rose
Burberry
Victoria Beckham
Topshop Unique
Tod’s
Victoria Beckham Victoria Beckham
12 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Women / The Edit
Topshop Unique
Stella McCartney Chloe
Burberry
Vetements
Marques Almeide
Stella McCartney
Topshop Unique
Alexander McQueen
Supersize Me
If you’re already dreading those cold, dark mornings at least you’ve got the perfect excuse to buy one of this season’s must-have coats. Think oversized, slouchy and billowing sleeves ... Anything goes as long as it’s big, bold and beautiful. Have fun with clashing colours and layers. The bigger and bolder, the better.
Dior
Balenciaga
Stella McCartney
Pucci
Balenciaga
Vetements Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 13
MAILBOX SHOPPING CENTRE
A SPECI AL COLLEC T ION BY GIGI HADID
#TOMMYXGIGI TOMMY.COM
Marks & Spencer limited edition midi dress, £39.50
Women / Shopping
Mulberry Clifton bag, £795, House of Fraser
Thomas Sabo eye-catcher necklace, £180
Autumn’s Fashion Heroes
Shearling gets glam, tailoring takes a relaxed approach and if you thought you couldn’t wear a tracksuit to the office, think again. Here’s exactly what to wear now Words: Elle Sixsmith
Zara dress £39.99
Alice + Olivia embroidered clutch, £380, Harvey Nichols
River Island
Style Tip
OPULENT BOHO
NEXT velvet boot, £45
Take a laid-back approach and layer simple basics under a statement floral dress or match with velvet ankle boots and deep wine accessories for a gothic twist.
L.K. Bennett suede heels, £325, Mailbox Pandora silver beaded ring, £40, T.H. Baker
Monsoon
Deep florals, lush brocade and detailed embroidery amp up the glamour for day and night Primark blouse, £10
Alice + Olivia dress £400, Harvey Nichols
Pandora silver beaded ring, £40, T.H. Baker
Monsoon faux fur jacket, £89, Grand Central Birmingham Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 15
Marks & Spencer
Women / Shopping Hobbs trousers, £119, Grand Central Birmingham
Movado gold-plated watch, £295, Ernest Jones
Style Tip
Wide-leg trousers can be difficult to pull off, so save your hems and lengthen your legs by wearing a high-heel or platform trainers.
Gianvito Rossi Perspex court shoes, £495, Harvey Nichols
Whistles shoes, £165
RELAXED CHIC
Tommy Hilfiger earrings, £40, Mailbox
NEXT chain bag, £22
From wide-leg to long-length, forget sharp cuts — this season’s tailoring hangs loose and low
Hobbs
MANGO jumper, £35.99
Reiss coat, £285
Jaeger jumpsuit, £225 Swarovski gold-plated earrings, £69, Goldsmiths , £1,750
Louis Vutton lock me II bag
16 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Topshop loafers, £69
Women / Shopping MANGO belt, £9.99
nd coat, £100
H&M jacket, £29.99
River Isla
DKNY watch, £165, T.H. Baker
COS pleat shirt, £49
Tommy Hilfiger trainers, £80, Mailbox
Tommy Hilfiger hat, £60, Mailbox
The White Company backpack, £198, Grand Central Birmingham
New Look pa
tent trousers,
£29.99
EDITORS PICK!
Dorothy Perkins
TRACK STAR
It’s not yet time to pack away your sports gear as athleisure wear shows no signs of letting up. Make tracksuit separates your key pieces and look out for stripes and block colour. It’s surprisingly easy to wear…
Dune flatforms, £80
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 17
THOMASSABO.COM
CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 77 20 97 25 UK@THOMASSABO.COM
Women / Fashion
HIGH STREET LUXE
WAREHOUSE REMIX
As if the high street couldn’t get any more exciting this September, John Lewis has launched its first ever fashion label, Modern Rarity. Designed around the mantra ‘fewer, better pieces’, the Céline-esque label’s more considered approach focuses on sophisticated cuts and luxurious fabrics. The 90-piece collection features timeless wardrobe classics like chic white shirts and oversized knits with prices starting from £50 to £900 for a shearling coat. Each season the brand will team up with a designer to bring their signature style to the exclusive collection. And the first to step up to the mark? Tailoring duo Levi Palmer and Matthew Harding of palmer//harding.
Forget what you know about Warehouse. To mark its 40th birthday, the high-street retailer is getting a modern rebrand. Think a mix of sleek classic pieces and vintage prints. And it’s not just the fashion that’s getting a makeover, stores will be getting a cool British upgrade this month too. Shoppers will be able to connect with stylists and see the inspiration behind the latest lines. Time to start your shopping list …
Fashion News Words: Elle Sixsmith
’S EDITOR ! K PIC
SHAPE UP The jewellery world has gone mad for triangle shapes in the past few seasons. Minimal yet decorative, try Thomas Sabo’s new range of triangle pieces featuring a sleek minimal design with a sprinkling of diamonds. Let them dazzle alone or stack them with elegant jewels to add a touch shimmer to your style. We want them all.
COSTUME DRAMA
BLANKET DRESSING Prepare for the colder nights and embrace effortless layering with pieces from the autumn edit brought to you by The White Company. This season is all about comfort and functionality - with knitwear taking over the catwalk you are sure to be on trend with this stripe sleevless cardigan for only £129.
Costume jewellery is making a serious come back for autumn, and if the catwalks are anything to go by, the clear message is the more the merrier. Time to dial up the glamour and adorn yourself in an eclectic mix of ornate pieces with rich coloured stones. Don’t be afraid of your inner magpie, shimmer to your hearts content and remember, maximum impact is what you’re going for. Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 19
FRAGRANCE
Life / Travel
Givenchy Dahlia Divin Le Nectar de Parfum, from £48, John Lewis
Topshop
Update your scents to sandalwood, patchouli or orange blossom
The White Company, Autumn signature candle, £20
Molton Brown coco and sandalwood diffuser, £39, John Lewis
Monsoon hettie crombie coat, £159
Preparing for Autumn
Jo Malone London, Basil & Neroli Body Crème, £50
Marella Sahara textured coat £490, John Lewis
Convert your summer wardrobe to gorgeous autumnal colours with cosy coats, knitwear, and accessories. Switching seasons doesn’t have to be stressful, you’ll find everything you need at Grand Central Birmingham Jaeger cashmere cape £299, John Lewis
ACCESSORIES
soft sorize Acces carf, £19 es sloan
To keep on trend without blowing the budget, accessories are the perfect way to rejuvenate your look. A mustard coloured bag or ankle boots can instantly turn your look from summer to autumn.
Accessorize madison tote bag, £29
KNITWEAR
Before you know it those summer dresses are going to be pushed to the back of the wardrobe for another year and you’ll be thankful to cosy up in your soft knits. Stay on trend with these statement pieces from John Lewis and Accessorize. 20 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
COATS
Make a statement or buy a timeless classic. The perfect coat is really important for making or breaking an outfit. Selected Femme laura high neck jumper £55, John Lewis
L.K. Bennett ankle boots £350, John Lewis
French Connection belted coat, £160, John Lewis
Women / Fashion
Photography: Mike Raven Model: Ellie Duff at Bookings Models Make-up: Abi Copson at The Central School of Make-Up Hair: Alex and Chris at Harris Gibbs Hair using Tigi Styling: Luisa Hackney, all items available from John Lewis at Grand Central Birmingham Assistant: Simon Konaszczuk
Gold Jumper, £95, Reiss, ripped Jeans, £95, Levi’s, slip on shoes, £55, Steve Madden
Intergalactic
Take yourself to another dimension with a galaxy of metallic and jewel tones. Autumn 2016 is your chance to shine with John Lewis at Grand Central Birmingham Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 21
Women / Fashion
Metallic Silver top, £60, Reiss, wet look jeans, £230, Paige, shoes £220, Kurt Geiger
22 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Women / Fashion
Green tailored trousers, £120 and jacket, £225 both Reiss, necklace £30, John Lewis, clutch bag, £29, John Lewis
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 23
Women / Fashion
Navy fur waistcoat, £195, Helene for Denim Wardrobe, rings, £30 & £39, Vintage collection
24 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Women / Fashion
Green tailored trousers, £120 and jacket, £225 both Reiss, necklace £30, John Lewis, shoes, £220, Kurt Geiger, clutch bag, £29, John Lewis
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 25
Women / Fashion
Green jacquard t-shirt, £95 and skirt, £110 both Whistles, bum bag, £16.99, MiPac
26 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Women / Fashion
Metallic cardigan, ÂŁ55, Finery London
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 27
Women / Fashion
Purple silk blouse, £89, Bruce by Bruce, metallic skirt, £59, loved&found, necklace, £16, John Lewis, shoes, £170, Kurt Geiger, clutch bag, £29, John Lewis
28 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Women / Fashion
High neck gold top, £55, Reiss, leather skirt, £170, Whistles, shoes, £99, Carvela - Kurt Geiger
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 29
Women / Fashion
Sparkle knit dress, £95, Whistles, belt, £15, John Lewis, shoes, £170, Kurt Geiger
30 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
WE’LL SHOP, DINE AND CELEBRATE JOIN US THIS SEPTEMBER AS WE MARK ONE YEAR OF SHOPPING, DINING AND DISCOVERY AT GRAND CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM GRA N D C E N T R A L B I R M I N G H A M . C O M
W E’L L M EET AT
SHOP. DINE. DISCOVER.
Women / My Style
&
Katie Kershaw, principal Urban Designer and Heritage Consultant at Node Urban Design and BYPY 2015 winner talks ‘masterplanning’ at work and her city highlights. Words: Laura Smith
What does your job involve? My work involves masterplanning new developments and finding new uses for old buildings and spaces. I work in the Midlands and across the country for people ranging from government departments and local authorities, right through to historic estates and local community groups and charities. How would you describe Node Urban Design? We are a passionate and committed group of urban designers, landscape architects and heritage consultants. We design beautiful and effective places that transform the way people live, learn, work and connect. The key to the way we work is that we put people at the heart of everything we do to give today’s communities and future generations an environment to be proud of. What do you most enjoy about your job? So many things! I love the creativity and the fact that no two days are the same. I love getting outside and seeing different parts of the country – and the world. But most of all, I love the fact that we can make a real, lasting and tangible difference to the quality of people’s lives.
32 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Women / My Style
How do you normally dress for work? It varies hugely, from client meetings which require the confidence boost that can only come from a suit and heels, right through to jeans and trainers to head out for a day on site. What are currently your favourite items in your wardrobe? For work, I have a suit that gives me a sense of power when I need it. For nights out, I have a little black dress that I have had for an eternity, which never fails to cheer me up. But in truth, I’m happiest in my gym kit! How would you describe your own personal style? Ha, what about ‘sexually ambiguous foreign exchange student’? I’ve never been what you’d call a ‘girly’ girl. My sartorial priorities have always been: could I dance all night in this? Or climb a tree? Or run away really fast? In my Mom’s words: “Being thought of as pretty has never been a priority for you, has it?” I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Where do you shop in Birmingham? I have to say, I was delighted at the opening of John Lewis; as much about what it said about the changing status of Birmingham, as for the shopping experience, which is undeniably excellent. The wider Grand Central development has added a lot to the city centre’s retail offer. The growth of the independent scene is also really encouraging. I am a big fan of We Are Cow, the vintage warehouse in Digbeth. It’s a treasure trove of clothes just like Smithsonia in Piccadilly Arcade, as well as the Museum of The Jewellery Quarter, its perfect for unique gifts. Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 33
Women / My Style
BYPY 2015
Were you proud to win the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) in 2015? Hugely proud, and very surprised! Winning BYPY was a night I will never forget. It was my greatest professional achievement, which has set me on to a career and personal development trajectory that is beyond anything I could have hoped for. Giving the speech at the end of my year as BYPY was by far the proudest moment in my life.
for public space, I love the Jewellery Quarter, Cannon Hill and Highbury Parks. But what I love most is that Birmingham is and always will be my home – from Moseley where I was born, grew up and live today, to the canals that played host to months of marathon training and Villa Park where I have spent some of the best (and worst) moments of my life.
Town Hall
What are your top ‘ You will find few people more five buildings in the city? Only five? That is a challenge! passionate about Birmingham If you’d asked me a couple than I am. It is ever changing of months ago, I would have told you the old Central - for better and for worse, Library, but sadly (for me, and with that comes great at least) it has been reduced opportunities, particularly for to rubble. So, in a similar Brutalist vein, I’d have to someone working in my field’ opt for New Street’s Signal Box, which is a building I can What are you favourite parts of Birmingham? rarely pass without photographing. Other You will find few people more passionate about this city than I am. favourites of mine include Margaret Street’s It is ever changing - for better and for worse, and with that comes School of Art, Alpha Tower, the Town Hall great opportunities, particularly for someone working in my field. and of course, the Rotunda: all of which are The potential to leave a positive lasting mark on the city I love has listed buildings, showing the diversity of always been a key motivator for me. On the physical environment, Birmingham’s heritage. What was the impact of winning that award for you? The year was nothing short of incredible. Some of the personal highlights included being featured on a Big Hoot owl, interviewed on the radio, in a podcast, in magazines and newspapers. It was great for the business too. Node won its first major city centre masterplan in Birmingham as a result of the award - The Knowledge Hub project for Eastside and Digbeth and the universities.
34 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
New Street Station
Alpha Tower
signal box
Sign up to bid in this auction at www.fellows.co.uk, for enquiries email sophieh@fellows.co.uk
The Designer Collection Monday 10th October at 11am
View the catalogue at www.fellows.co.uk Head Office & Saleroom | 0121 212 2131 | 19 Augusta St, Birmingham B18 6JA Mayfair Office | 020 7127 4198 | 3 Hill Street, London, W1J 5LA
Auctioneers & Valuers Antiques | Jewellery | Watches
Women / Interview
It’s All
About
Izzy Words: Becky Weaver
36 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Whilst most 22-year-olds are putting their all into their final year of university, singer-songwriter, Izzy Bizu is playing music festivals and riding the wave of her soul-filled success.
Women / Interview
I
Words: Becky Weaver
zzy is in the midst of packing for a trip to Cardiff when she picks up the phone to chat to me. She’s preparing to take to the stage of the Cardiff Pride’s Party in the Parc, where she’s opening up for Years and Years, before jetting off to Germany. It’s been a rather busy year for 22-yearold and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s quite the opposite for the London-based singer-songwriter, who has proven to be one of the most exciting new acts of the year. “This year’s been incredible for me. I took a good amount of time to progress, I didn’t rush into anything and everything’s turned out really nice. Obviously it’s all a bit manic now, but manic’s good when you’re enjoying what you do and having a great time. Everything’s good,” she says in a voice that’s buzzing with excitement. The excitement comes as no surprise to me, Izzy was catapulted into the world of music after being listed as the BRITs Critics’ Choice finalist last November alongside winner Jack Garratt and Francis. “I was so honoured that they even picked me for it when I had such amazing artists by my side, who were all incredible people. It was so lovely.” From then on Izzy’s career has certainly taken off and with the recent release of her debut album, ‘A Moment of Madness’ it seems the only way is up. To me, that’s exactly what life seems like for Izzy at the moment, madness. Her gig in Cardiff is just the beginning of a string of dates that will take her across parts of UK and Europe before returning back to home turf in London again. And Izzy has become somewhat of a festival favourite this year, Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 37
Women / Interview
having appeared at Secret Garden Party, LoveBox and The Park Stage at Glastonbury. “Glastonbury was amazing, then I went to play Secret Garden Party which was incredible. It’s been really lovely to be able to enjoy all of these beautiful festivals and play to people, I’ve had a lot of fun. I’m heading to the Isle of White soon to play Bestival, it’s going to be really fun. I’m so lucky, I can’t wait. Every festival has something different to offer and I think I’m going to have a really good time.” So what’s the story behind Izzy? With just a single album under her belt, her music has already won over the some of the biggest names in the musical business. But it was an open mic night back in 2013 that saw her catch the eyes of Naughty Boy who was in the audience, which lead her on to releasing her own six track EP, Coolbeanz through the ILuvLive label, which has previously backed the likes of Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Maverick Sabre and Wretch 32. Not long after the release of her EP Izzy was picked up and hailed by BBC Radio One DJs Zane Lowe and Annie Mac, and later found herself on tour with Sam Smith and Foxes. “Touring with Sam and Foxes was priceless, it was really good training. They are both such lovely artists too, they’re so good to be around. Sam was amazing, just to watch him was so inspiring, he’s really lovely. We didn’t talk about music all that much, which was actually quite refreshing, we just had really great conversations. The best thing that I learned from Sam was just through watching him performing.” Her debiut album ‘A Moment of Madness’, focuses on Izzy’s tales of moving countries, home and schools, and the relationships she’s had and lost along the way. Her background differs from the Brit School stories that we’re rapidly hearing. Born to a British father and Ethiopian mother, Izzy, who’s real name is Isobel Beardshaw, lived in the Middle-East for four years, where
she dreamed of becoming a songwriter, before moving to the UK and settling in South London. When I ask her about how the writing process of the album came along, she simply replies, “Just through coming with age, life, experience and travelling and falling in love.” Izzy’s influences range from the songwriting of Adele and the late Amy Winehouse, to her cultural upbringing and soothing indie influences. Her songs are incredibly personal to say the least. She wrote Floating Lamps whilst on holiday in her mothers native Ethiopia. “I went there a lot when I was younger so I’m really familiar with the culture, it’s changed so much over the years. It’s a lot better than it used to be.
‘...to get on stage and lay yourself out so openly, ultimately that’s what I’m ready for’
38 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Everyone thinks it’s poverty land but it’s so much more. It is truly amazing.” Whilst track ’Skinny’ simply focuses on her taste in men and letting herself go on a night out. She added: “When I go out I’m larger than life, I let myself go, I feel free and I don’t care who’s watching. I’m not even a good dancer but just letting go feels really good. I wanted to capture that in a track.” Of course the highlight of her album is the incredible White Tiger, which has been a popular hit throughout the summer, pulling in more than 27 million Spotify streams and over three million plays on YouTube, despite
only being officially released on the same day as her album. Talking about the story behind the track, Izzy said: “I never thought that it had to be the first one I was going to release when I wrote it. I’m so happy that people are really enjoying it, it came really naturally when I wrote it and I’ve had such amazing support. I never expected it to be as big as it has been. That was my risk-taking track. I wrote it ages ago, I had a lot of trust issues, was sceptical, anxious. My ex-boyfriend was the white tiger who made me trust again. New relationships are like a rollercoaster; scary but fun.” Whilst the success of White Tiger has steadily seen Izzy’s musical career grow ever stronger, she was also selected by the BBC to record the official Euro 2016 theme tune, a modern remake of the French classic sung by Edith Paith’s, La Foule. “It was so much fun to do,” she said. “BBC Introducing have been so good to me, they supported me since day one. They asked me if I would be up for recording the song and I agreed, gave it a go and really enjoyed it.” The rest of the year is looking pretty bright for Izzy, she has also secured a headline gig at London’s prestigious Koko, which will round off her current tour. “It’s always been somewhere I wanted to play, I’m so excited about it. I’ve watched some of my favourite artists play there in the past, so to actually say that I’m going to play there is amazing, I think it’s going to be really fun.” In the long term Izzy has big ambitions, a stadium show in Ethiopia, a US tour and writing with the likes of Mikky Ekko and Lauryn Hill are also on her bucket-list. “I like women who are real women, troubled souls - I understand that. But equally, when I supported Sam Smith - the vocals, his heartbreak, his soul, the energy, it was so inspiring. Being able to get on stage and lay yourself out so openly, ultimately that’s what I’m ready for.” Ready or not, Izzy has got a strong future ahead of her and we can’t wait to see what it brings.
Women / Interview
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 39
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Women / Shopping
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Dr Hauschka, Cleansing Cream, £15 John Lewis
BEAUTY TALK
Rebecca Ferguson
Would you say you’re very experimental with your make-up, or do you like to keep it simple? At the minute I’m sticking to a certain look, I look back on some of my old looks and it is a bit of shock. I think to my self ‘What did I do? my eyelashes were too long!’ Right now I’m keeping my look very classical, I’m working with my make-up artist to and she’s got all kinds of ideas to create a new look, which is great. What’s your go-to make-up look? I love a good smoky eye with a pink lip. I think that’s a great classic look. Have you got any beauty tips or hacks to share with us? If you’re in a rush a bright lip is great, it just instantly brightens your whole face. It’s good to have little bit of liner or mascara on too. Do you have any beauty products that you MAC, ruby woo couldn’t live without? lipstick, £17 I’m using ‘Holy Lake’, it’s a soap from Bulgaria. It makes your skin glow in an instant, it’s not really expensive either. I found it once when I was on holiday, a woman recommended it for me, it’s amazing for your skin. What does your daily skin routine consist of? My skin’s always best when I don’t put too many products on it. I use ‘Holy Lake’ soap and put that all over my face. Sometimes I like to leave the soap on a little Peaches&Cream, Fresh Face Bundle, £20
longer, it’s a natural product, I leave it on for about half an hour and then wash it off. I’ve just bought a Dr Hauschka cleansing cream, which I really love. Do you wear make-up every day? Some days I go with wearing no make-up at all, especially if I’m chilling at home. It’s really good for your skin as well, when I’m working I have so much on, so I like to be as product free as I can when I’m at home. Which beauty products or brands do you feel are underrated? I really love MAC. But there’s a brand in Liverpool called Peaches&Cream its amazing. I’ve tried some great products that I’m really enjoying. How much input do you have on your red carpet looks? Over the years I was happy to let people take control a little bit make-up wise, but now I do have control of how I want to look, I’m happy to say that I want more of something, or less of something else. It’s hard, I always dread pictures in case it’s a bit of a disaster. What is your top make-up skill? I’m really good at contouring. I don’t do it that often, but when I do I’m quick and good at it. I’m also really good at applying make-up quickly, if I need to rush to go for a meeting I can put it on fast. You can catch Rebecca at Birmingham Symphony Hall for her Lady Sings The Blues tour, on Wednesday, November 2nd. For tickets visit www.thsh.co.uk. Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 41
Beauty / Hair
Post Summer Hair Rehab After a season’s worth of exposure to sunshine, sea water and chlorine, Royston Blythe has your post-summer holiday hair rehab routine covered Follow these simple steps to ensure that your lacklustre locks are back on track and prepared for the transition into the coming season!
VISIT THE SALON
There is no escaping that the elements of summer will have dried out your tresses and damaged your ends. To instantly restore health and prevent further damage, you should visit the salon for either a simple trim or restyle. By removing split ends, you are removing the damage - failure to do so will intensify the problem.
INJECT MOISTURE
An intense injection of moisture will bring dull, lifeless, dehydrated hair back to life. Kick start your treatment routine with a professional in-salon treatment. A specific, made-to measure treatment such as Kerastase Fusio Dose will target your hair's specific needs.
HAIR COLOUR
Although your skin is sun-kissed and glowing, there is a strong possibility that your hair colour will have experienced intense fading. Let your colourist suggest tones that will compliment your
post holiday complexion, surprisingly colour can add volume and body to your hair as well as leaving a super healthy, glossy shine.
HOME HAIRCARE ROUTINE
You should prolong your colour life with tailored colour shampoo, conditioner and treatment. We always recommend our clients choose products that contain minimum levels of sulphate and PPDs to prevent the colour being stripped from your hair. Our favourite shampoo is Kérastase Chroma Captive Shampoo not only will it leave your hair silky smooth and soft, it will also extend the life of colour and enhance it to perfection.
Kérastase Fusio Dose
SUPER-FOOD YOUR DIET
The food you eat will seriously impact your hair’s health. If not already, you should consider adding certain super foods to your diet - not only are they health and mood boosting but also play a serious role in your hair’s vitality. Salmon, eggs, avocado, walnuts and blueberries are on our hairsuperfood list.
Kérastase Chroma Captive Shampoo
1.Use your hands to push your hair straight back from the front hairline 2.Spritz L’oreal Beach Wave into dry hair and then loosely tongue to
Get the Look:
SLICK-BACK
create texture. 3. Gently run your fingers through mid-lengths and ends to separate whilst ensuring the style remains lived in. 4.From a distance of approximately 35 cm spritz the roots with L’oreal Techniart Crystal Gloss to ensure a glossy look and finish with a hairspray to ensure long lasting hold.
42 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
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Beauty / Shopping
GET THAT GLOW 1
Achieve that cream contour, blush and glow with the NARS Dual-Intensity Blush Palette, £40 (1). Take the Bareminerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo, £28 (2) to set your face and add that sheer luminosity. And for extra strobing pick up on of the three new shades of Laura Mercier Face Illuminator, £32 (3).
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Beauty Bulletin Autumn’s top colours and products
To keep your locks looking their best, I recommend getting regular cuts. For pixie styles, go for a cut every four-six weeks; those with shoulder length every six-eight weeks; and for longer hair you can opt for every 10-12 weeks. If you want to achieve longer hair it’s really important to have regular cuts. Having those split ends taken off saves the damaged hair travelling up the hair shaft which saves a lot of hassle! Many of my clients ask what products they should use to treat damaged hair. I recommend S Factor Health Factor Shampoo and Conditioner for anyone suffering from dry or brittle hair. My all-time favourite product has to be Bedhead Headrush. For those looking for a silky, shiny finish, hold the can about 30cm away from your head, apply a good amount of mist then smooth down with your hands. If you want a more raw, textured finish blast dry it in.
BLONDES: Autumn blondes get spiced with some colour; think rose golds, copper blondes and peachy tones. Aftercare: Bedhead Dumb Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner
LIP SMACKERS
BOLD EYES
44 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
CARING FOR DAMAGED HAIR
HOT AUTUMN COLOURS
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Has your hair taken a beating over the summer? Follow Bad Apple Creative Director, Aid Tams’ advice to get your hair back to its former glory and in shape for Autumn.
Words: Mel Snow
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AUTUMNAL HAIR CARE
Add a pop of colour with the new YSL Couture Mon Paris Eyeshadow Palette, £42.50 (1). Alternatively try one of four new Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadows, £19.50 (2). Finally achieve subtle glamour by lining your eyes with MAC’s new Fluidline Pen, £18 (3), available in four shocking shades.
Bobbi Brown released its Limited Edition Luxe Lip Colour, £25 which rejuvenates and colours lips. Also don’t forget to try out the four new releases to MAC’s bulging lip collection, Pressed & Ready, Aim For Gorgeous, Stylist’s Tip and By Special Order, £15.50.
RED HEADS & COPPERS: Add similar tones of deep reds, coppers and dark peaches to create a light catching effect. Aftercare: Bedhead Colour Goddess Shampoo & Conditioner DARK: Think deep luxurious chocolates, Extra Raven with blue tinges & ice browns. Aftercare: Tigi Catwalk Fashionista Warm Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner To book a consultation call a Bad Apple salon. Birmingham- 0121 663 0612, Wallsall - 01922 235901, Solihull - 0121 663 1314, Wolverhampton - 01902 213 604
It’s all in the eyes Make your eyes the life and soul of the party with glitter. Contrast colours to really make your eye colour pop.
Photography: Mike Raven Make-up: Rose Gallagher Assistant: Simon Konaszczuk Model: Zahra @ Bookings Models
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 45
Beauty / Trends
Snow Queen Create a light and luminous look that will have your skin looking flawless in no time. Use highlighter powders where the light hits your face to create the ultimate radiant look.
46 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Berry Burst Nothing says autumnal make-up like a dark berry lip. From plum to burgundy, it’s time to make a statement and let your lips do the talking with this bold ombre look.
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 47
Beauty / Trends
Seeing Red It’s time to introduce darker colours into your make-up bag. This smoky eye pigment screams autumn and will have you seeing red in no time. Add a hit of glitter to complete the perfect party look.
48 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Get The Look Create the ultimate metallic look with Rose Gallagher’s step-by-step guide Words: Rose Gallagher
PURPLE REIGN For this spotlight smokey eye look, the key is gently building colour. First, I took the lightest purple in the (1) Estee Edit Kendall Jenner palette, £36, and buffed it through the socket and under the lash line. Next, I pressed some of the darker purple into inner and outer corners of the eyes and buffed it out to create a worn, smouldering finish. Then, in the centers of the eyes I pressed (2) Peaches and Cream Pigment in Famous (£6.95, fabulousmakeup.co.uk) to create a high-shine finish. Spotlight smokey eyes are an ideal make-up solution for anyone who struggles to achieve a symmetrical finish because they’re so smudgy. Be sure to use two brushes when creating this look; one to apply product and a clean brush to blend it out.
To create a clean lip finish, my favourite tool is an angled brush. I use my (6) Louise Young brow brush in LY31, £13.50, Harvey Nichols because the slant is perfect for sculpting a neat cupid’s bow. Giving the illusion of depth and fullness is one of the key lip trends of this season. I wanted to create an ombre lip finish on our model to accentuate her full, symmetrical lips. First we took a lipstick from the (7) Estee Edit, You’re Welcome, £17, and applied it to the center of the lips. Next, I mixed (8) Estee Edit Lip Flip in Turn Down £15, into the lipstick creating a deeper plum shade, applying neatly to the edges of the lips. On the eyes I used (9) Peaches and Cream pigment in Disco, £6.95, fabulousmakeup.co.uk.
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SEEING RED
SNOW QUEEN Strobed skin has to be one of my favourite beauty trends because it enhances natural beauty and celebrates healthy, glowing skin. To prep the model’s skin I used (3) Beam Team Hydrate and Glow from The Estee Edit, £34. This is a hybrid of moisturiser and primer, perfect to perk up tired skin. Next I used (4) Estee Lauder Perfectionist Foundation £39, Harvey Nichols). This serum infused foundation leaves skin plump and luminous, and I love Estee Lauder because they offer a wide shade range in all foundations. As a finishing touch, I dusted (5) MAC Cosmetics pigment in Tan £16, Grand Central along the cheekbones and chest.
BERRY BURST
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When working with chunky glitter, a reliable adhesive is essential. My favourite is (10) Lit Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Base, £6.50, fabulousmakeup.co.uk. I created a gradient with three eyeshadows. First, I took (11) Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush in Peach Passion, £29, Harvey Nichols all through the socket and under the eye. Next, I took the Gold from the (12) Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette, £56, Harvey Nichols in the inner corners. In the center of the eyes I pressed (13) Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Berber, £17, Debenhams and finally I used (14) Lit Glitter in Vixen, £8.50, fabulousmakeup.co.uk as my chunky red accent. Applying a gradient in this way creates a textured, well-blended finish.
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Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 49
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Beauty / Tips
If you’ve got it... Flaunt it! Whatever your age, race or make-up style; celebrate your skin with the help of resident beauty expert Rose Gallagher, and make the most of your complexion Dior
GIVE YOUR SKIN A BOOST
BEST FOR TIRED SKIN:
BEST FOR DRY SKIN:
nothing beats the illuminating power of NARS Sheer Glow foundation to perk up a tired, dull complexion.
NARS Sheer Glow, £31, Selfridges
to add an instant surge of hydration, try the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder, £29, Selfridges
BEST FOR MATURE SKIN: Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Wonder foundation gives a polished, glowing skin finish without sitting in any fine lines.
Estee Lauder Double Wear, £31, Debenhams
BEST FOR FULL COVERAGE:
IT’S TIME TO MESMER-EYES A universally loved make-up style is a classic smoky eye. Here are some tips on how to create a flattering make-up look for every eye shape…
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, £29, Harvey Nichols
Close set eyes: to gain balance use a lighter shade half way across the eye and a darker shade toward the ends.
Deep set eyes: take a fluffy brush and buff your eyeshadow above the socket, widening and enhancing the eyes.
ROSE’S TOP TIPS Whatever your face shape, accentuate the angles of your face using a luminous highlighter. Becca’s Champagne Pop is one of the best powders for a dewy, glowing finish, and soon they will unveil a dual blush and highlighter variation. Speaking of blusher, I love to mix two together for a youthful, glowing complexion. Take a dusky shade along the entire cheek to mimic a natural skin flush, and add a pop of brighter colour to the apples of the cheeks. This subtle addition will brighten the complexion. Celebrate your skin with us this issue! Share your complexion photos on Instagram and tag us @StyleBham and @MixedGemsBeauty so that we can see.
Kate Moss
As for sealing it in place? Don’t forget a light dusting of powder, especially down the t-zone, to finish your foundation. One of the best universal choices is Laura Mercier’s Translucent Powder.
Julianne Moore
Wear. If you’re loyal to Double Wear but wish to try something lighter, try the new cushion foundation in the range.
Jennifer Aniston
Images: Shutterstock
when it comes to full coverage, you just can’t beat Estee Lauder’s Double
My favourite beauty tip when it comes to skin is to gently pick out any freckles or moles at the very end of your make-up. If you wear a full coverage foundation, picking out these freckles or moles cheats the illusion that you are barely wearing any make-up. Besides these little marks are what makes us who we are; I love celebrating them. Use a light brown pencil like MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner in Stripdown to get the look.
Wide set eyes: create a spotlight smoky eye. Use a light shade on the centre of the lids and a darker on the corners.
Jennifer Lawrence
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue, £27, Debenhams
Hooded eyes: using one single shade of your choice over the whole eye will give the illusion of larger eyes.
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 51
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THE INSIDER ISSUE 50
RETAIL | MUSIC | CULTURE | LITERATURE
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 53
Insider / The City
BOOMINGHAM We’re lucky to live in a city that is rapidly developing and making a name for itself. While Birmingham’s reputation has taken a pretty lengthy beating, over the last couple of years the city has undergone a huge reinvention, thanks to the passion and hard work of local entrepreneurs who have made it an attractive place to invest. In the past year alone, a host of fantastic new bars, venues, hotels and eateries have opened up in Birmingham, alongside old favourites which have remained popular for many years. Here are just a few reasons why it’s good to be a Brummie. Words: Becky Weaver & Philip Ellis Special thanks to Gary Cardin
BEST PLACES FOR COFFEE
We’re big fans of independent coffee shops, the more the merrier! So why not join us in ditching the chain shops and pay a visit to one these quirky cafes.
54 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
A CITY WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE
The next few years will see even more change and growth in Birmingham, as some of its most iconic landmarks and locations are lovingly restored to their former glory.
ONE TO WATCH
PARADISE Birmingham’s rebirth is set to continue with the £500 million redevelopment of Paradise Forum at the heart of the city, which notably began with the demolition of the old library. Once completed, the new and improved Paradise will combine the splendour of historic buildings such as the art gallery and town hall with a host of new shops and bars.
DIGBETH 2.0 The new Eastside Locks development in Digbeth has been designed to create an “oasis” of calm amid the urban bustle. Spanning 13 acres, it takes its inspiration from the public gardens of Barcelona. Nearby, the upcoming Pound Square on Digbeth canal will offer up even more shops, restaurants and cafes. And most excitingly, the former Typhoo Tea Factory is to be reopened as STEAMHouse, a BCU campus which will bring together academia and commerce to truly regenerate the Digbeth area.
1. FACULTY | PICCADILLY ARCADE Hidden away in the enchanting Piccadilly Arcade is the delightful Faculty. This trendy little coffee shop is just a short walk away from Grand Central, so if you’re after a really good quality cuppa before you hop on your train, pop into Faculty. The shop is small - blink and you’ll miss it small - but it’s full of character and the coffee is incredible; it’s like it’s been lifted out of central London. Earlier in the year Faculty teamed up with its next door neighbours, Sixteen Bakery, to provide its customers with a delicious variety of cakes, pastries and freshly baked bread.
Insider / The City
COLMORE ROW AND THE GRAND HOTEL The Colmore district has enjoyed a surge in prosperity as more and more businesses have set up shop in the Grand Hotel; the newest addition is The Alchemist’s long-awaited Birmingham venue, which promises to be the next hotspot for mixology and dining. And things are only going to get better once the Grand reopens its doors, with fully restored French Renaissance architecture and an outdoor terrace for the first time in its history. Built in 1879, the hotel counts Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Malcolm X among its guests.
CENTENARY SQUARE The Library of Birmingham has fast become a much-loved, integral part of the city, and the surrounding square looks set to follow in its footsteps. The new ‘Column of Light’ design for Centenary Square will be completed in the summer of 2018 — just in time for Birmingham to host the World Indoor Athletics Championships.
CURZON STREET With the announcement of the HS2 railway line, a brand new terminus is planned on the site of the old Curzon Street Station. In addition to providing a high speed connection to London, this new station will also offer improved links between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, and there are even rumours of an automated shuttle to Grand Central.
2. YORKS BAKERY | STEPHENSON STREET
3. UPSTAIRS COFFEE | JEWELLERY QUARTER
We’ve always been fans of Yorks and we were delighted when the team opened their new cafe back in May on Stephenson Street. As well as the new addition, Yorks also have an Espresso Bar on Colmore Row and the coffee is out of this world. Yorks also have a really great menu and have some great deals running every week (not to mention live music in the evenings), making it the perfect place for business meetings or a catch-up with friends.
We’re always on the look out for new coffee shops to hit up around the city, so when Upstairs Coffee opened up in April it became one of our new go-to places. Tucked away in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, Upstairs Coffee is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to grab your morning coffee and head straight off to work.
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 55
Insider / The City
BEST NEW HOTELS
From contemporary designed rooms to 4* luxury hotels in the heart of the city, you won’t be short of places to stay in Birmingham.
E SIMPL C I H C & N! DESIG
TAKING CENTRE STAGE: AC HOTEL The recently relaunched AC Hotel oozes contemporary design. Located in the heart of the Mailbox, the AC is the perfect place for an overnights stay if you want everything in one place. The second AC Hotel to open in the country, it houses 90 stunningly designed bedrooms complete with a flat screen tv, coffee machine and plush interiors. Downstairs is a spacious and relaxing bar serving tapas dishes and a wide selection of drinks.
BOOMING ON BROAD STREET: THE PARK REGIS It’s been a big year for the Park Regis, it recently reopened after undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment. The four star hotel has 253 boutique bedrooms as well as restaurants Rofuto - the highest restaurant in the city - and 1565 Restaurant and Bar. If you’re heading for a night out on Broad Street but want to add a bit of luxury to your stay then Park Regis may be the place for you.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: THE HIGH FIELD TOWNHOUSE Edgbaston is home to many high quality restaurants and hotels and now it’s added another string to its bow with The High Field Townhouse. Just across the road from the Michelin starred Simpsons, this stunning gastropub and hotel is taking Edgebaston by storm. Their boutique hotel boasts 12 individually-designed bedrooms, filled with hand-picked antiques and the latest technology. If you fancy a peaceful city break, then take a look a what The Town House can offer you.
56 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Insider / The City
THE WILDERNESS
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Everyone has a go-to restaurant in the city. But why not challenge your palate and head for an adventurous meal at Birmingham’s newest hot-spot restaurant?
Whilst everyone loves the classic dishes, sometimes it’s great to be a bit more adventurous with your food. The Wilderness only opened back in May and since then it’s been serving up some incredibly creative dishes. It started out as a pop-up restaurant called Nomad but had to change it’s name, and so The Wilderness was born. Situated inside BOM on Dudley Street The Wilderness is just a short walk from Grand Central. The food at The Wilderness is pushing boundaries with the dishes based on the British Isles and the chefs working with local farms as well as using ingredients from their own allotment to create the most spectacular dishes. Despite only being open for around three months, The Wilderness is already ranking at number two on TripAdvisor for the Best Restaurants in Birmingham. Their food is exciting to look at and the flavours and combinations are out of this world - trust us, we’ve tried it! As well as their incredible restaurant, The Wilderness has now branched out and the team opened a new pop-up called No Man Is An Island last month, in Selfridges. It’s exciting to see an independently run restaurant pushing the culinary limits and if you’re looking for the ultimate dining experience with a twist in the city we seriously recommend you go and check these guys out.
OLD FAVOURITES
Just because the city has welcomed many new places in the last year doesn’t mean that the old favourites aren’t still booming! SNOBS DID YOU KNOW?! Snobs is the oldest nightclub in the city. It’s original venue in Paradise Circus Queens way was open for 41 years. -
Snobs Nightclub has been a popular name in the city for many years and that’s why it’ll always be one of our favourite clubs in the city. If you’re looking for a club that plays some quality indie and rock n’ roll tunes whilst maintaining a great atmosphere, then you’ll enjoy a night at Snobs! Plus we hear it has an incredible student night.
THE JAM HOUSE Fans of rhythm ’n’ blues, jazz, soul and pop have been heading to The Jam House since it opened in 1999. Situated in St Paul’s Square, Jewellery Quarter The Jam House is the perfect destination to enjoy a food, drink and live music all in one go. Spread across three floors in a stunning Georgian house, it can hold up to 600 people and is a great place to go to if you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable night out.
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 57
Insider / The City
CULINARY DELIGHTS AT BRINDLEYPLACE
Brindleyplace is home to many stunning restaurants. Whatever you’re looking for, these places are guaranteed to win you over.
BANK RESTAURANT AND BAR Tucked away in Brindleyplace lies Bank. As well as its delicious food, Bank also has a fantastic drinks menu packed with cocktails and wines.
PUTTING BIRMINGHAM ON THE MAP
Birmingham is no stranger to hosting big events. From huge music and comedy gigs at the Barclaycard and Genting Arena, to the refurbishment of the Mailbox; it’s safe to say these venues are certainly helping to big up Birmingham.
MAILBOX Ever since its major refurbishment the Mailbox has certainly brought an extra stylish element to the city. The addition of the Urban Room brought a number of luxury shops to the complex including L.K. Bennett, Tommy Hilfiger, Gieves and Hawkes and Harvey Nichols. As well as being a hotspot for shopping, the Mailbox is also a great place to head to for a bite to eat, drink or even a visit to the cinema - we’re big fans of Everyman Cinema. If you’re looking for somewhere where you have everything all in one place, then you should definitely pay a visit to the Mailbox. DID YOU KNOW?! There are a number of hidden tunnels underneath the Mailbox?! Turn to page 69 to find out more.
HAPPY BIRTHD 1ST AY!
NUVO Nuvo oozes glamour and is an ideal setting for a night out, a midweek cocktail with some tapas, or a celebratory glass of bubbly.
CONNECTING BIRMINGHAM
It may have taken five years to create, but the wait was worth every minute when Birmingham finally opened the mighty Grand Central.
CIELO Cielo has a part of the city for 11 years which is why it deserves to be celebrated. Last October it won the Best Italian Restaurant in England at the English Italian Awards.
58 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
GRAND CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM For years New Street Station was crying out for a facelift, and in 2008 it was finally announced that it would be given a £600 million makeover. A few years down the line we welcomed the incredible Grand Central to the city. Home to 66 shops, bars and restaurants, Grand Central has become an incredibly popular shopping destination. On its opening day people from across the country came to see what Birmingham’s latest attraction had to offer. As well as being a massive part of Birmingham’s renovation, Grand Central has also helped give the city a huge morale boost, creating more than 1,000 jobs after opening in September last year. DID YOU KNOW?! The concourse at Grand Central Birmingham is five times the size of London Euston’s.
Insider / Culture
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Out About Birdy | 23 October | O2 Institute | £17.25 Since winning over the hearts of the country with her stunning rendition of Bon Iver’s Skinny Love, Hampshire-born Birdy has become one of the country’s most successful young artists. With three albums under her belt, the singer-songwriter is heading to Birmingham to perform songs from her latest album, Beautiful Lies.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | Birmingham Hippodrome | 7 - 18 September | From £23.50 One of the world’s favourite family musicals that’s broken box office sales at the West End, the fun-filled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is heading to Birmingham. After Baron Bomburst decides that all children should be banished from his kingdom can the whacky inventor, his children and Truly Scrumptious fulfil their plan to outwit Bomburst and avoid the Childcatcher? This exhilarating production, starring Lee Mead and Carrie Hope Fletcher, is one not to be missed.
Sara Barker Exhibition | 23 September - 27 November | Ikon Gallery | Free! The city’s Ikon Gallery welcomes the fantastic work of Glasgow-based artist Sara Barker. Her mixed medium work, comprising of sculpture, painting and drawing - whilst incorporating steel and aluminium rods, painted sections and sheets of glass - are aimed to draw viewers into Barker’s imagination. The exhibition also includes new pieces of work by Barker, created especially for Ikon. Birmingham Comedy Festival | 7 - 16 October | Free - £22 Since 2001, Birmingham Comedy Festival has been a huge success for the city, and this year is no different. Across 10 days, venues throughout the city will be welcoming a host of comedians with a mixture of free and charged events. Acts appearing at the festival include Jason Byrne, The Boy With Tape On His Face is Tape Face & Romesh Ranganathan.
The White Company Reader Reader Event | 20 September | Free! Event! We’ve teamed up with The White Company at Grand Central Birmingham for one night only for an exclusive reader shopping event on Tuesday 20th September 2016. Enjoy a unique look into The White Company’s brand new autumn collection, including limited-edition sheepskins, leathers and cashmere items. There will be an introduction from our very own Andrew Riley and host Barbara Horspool (The White Company Clothing Director), will talk through her top picks for the season, and essential wardrobe updates. Alongside this there will be an exclusive 20% discount on the night, drinks and canapés as well as a free goodie bag worth £25! The evening is set to truly inspire you to build your ultimate autumn wardrobe so keep your eyes peeled on our website for details on how to register for the event.
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 59
Insider / Culture
The Rise of Bastille
Bastille’s Woody, talks about the band’s new album, the story behind the video for Good Grief and preparing for their world tour
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t’s been three years since Bastille exploded onto the music scene with their debut single Pompeii and their chart-topping album Bad Blood. Now the band are back with new music, a brand new album and a world tour. Fronted by Dan Smith, drummer Woody, bassist Kyle Simmons and keyboard player Will Farquarson, Bastille may have been quiet for the last couple of years but they’re back with a vengeance and are now leading the pack when it comes to the best of British bands. And whilst we’ve missed their incredibly catchy tunes, we’ll excuse their absence if it means we’re going to be rewarded with new music. “We’re just trying to get back into the swing of things,” says Woody. “We’ve put out a couple of tracks already, and we’re just trying to build up the excitement ahead of the album.”
STYLE PLAYLIST
Words: Becky Weaver
2013 was a manic time for the band, Bad Blood became the fastest selling digital album of the year, propelling them into a new world of festival slots and tours. Their new album, Wild World, released on September 9, is destined to follow in its footsteps. “Everyone says that your first album is kind of your greatest hits of your life up until that point and the second one you have got less time to make it,” says Woody. “We didn’t feel too rushed by anything, we’re really pleased with
Looking for something to make the journey to work go a little quicker? Take a look at our top picks for new albums and books that we can guarantee will brighten up your daily commute.
FALLING | JANE GREEN | WATERSTONES, £11.99 Eight years ago, Emma Montague packed her things and left behind the strict confines of her upper-crust English life and rather dull boyfriend - trading it all for New York City, immediately finding success in the world of finance. But things soon turn sour when Emma discovers her consuming job hands her another life she doesn’t want; but that all changes when she meets handyman Dominic. Will Emma’s new life finally blossom into what she’s always wanted?
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the outcome and hopefully everyone else will agree.” The album itself has been a work in progress for quite some time. The band returned to the same windowless, basement studio in South London where they recorded Bad Blood, to create Wild World. They also reunited with co-writer of Bad Blood, Mark Crew. “He’s a massive part of the music,” says Woody. “Working with Mark went really well last time and we feel massively at home at the studio too, so it made sense to just carry things
KAISER CHIEFS | STAY TOGETHER | OCTOBER 7 It’s been 11 years since Kaiser Chiefs released their debut album, Employment. And now with three Brit Awards and two NME awards under their belt, Kaiser Chiefs are set to release their sixth studio album, Stay Together. It’s been a busy year for the band, who have spent the year penning Stay Together, as well as appearing at numerous festivals across the country. After the success of Education, Education, Education and War we can’t wait to see what their next album has to offer.
Insider / Culture
on from last time.” The band dominated the alternative music scene with tracks Flaws, Oblivion and Laura Palmer racking up millions of hits on Spotify, but it’s safe to say their sound has certainly developed. “The first album we tried to make really upbeat, it didn’t have any guitar work at all, but with Wild World we have a tonnes of guitar; we’ve even got a crazy superhero themed track with horns in. I guess we’ve just learned to have fun with it, that’s important.” It’s fair to say that Bastille came back with
a bang. The first official single from Wild World, Good Grief is a far cry from the hard hitting Laura Palmer and Bad Blood, it’s a new sound that Bastille haven’t showcased before, and we love it. The video, which features Dan’s severed head, follows in the steps of the band’s innocative music videos. “The guys who made it are collective directors called Nysu, from Spain and they just had these mad ideas. Dan hates being in videos and singing, so he made an off-hand comment saying ‘I’ll do it if I get
to be a severed head in the video,’ and they just said ‘Ok’, so it kind of backfired on him. He ended up filming the video in a green screen suit lying down,” jokes Woody. Earlier this year the band announced their biggest world tour to date, and have already played numerous festivals, including their incredible set at Glastonbury and a slot on the Virgin Media Stage at V Festival. “We treat festivals differently to our own headline shows because you’ve got a percentage of the crowd who are there to see you, and the rest may just be passers by. You have to try and work out a way to make your set interesting and win people over.” But what it all boils down to is their Wild Wild World Tour, which kicks off in Bournemouth on October 28th and heads to the Barclaycard Arena on Tuesday November 8. The last time the band were in the city, they played the Birmingham Library, now known as the O2 Institute, a tiny space in comparison to Barclaycard Arena, which holds more than 15,000 people. “We’re just trying to figure things out for production now,” says Woody. “We’re not going to go the Muse route and have a massive production on stage, but we’re trying to figure out exactly what we’re going to do. We’re two albums in now; on the first tour we were just playing pretty much every song we had and now we can start to mix things up and start to create different sets. But we’re definitely going to step up the production and try make each show really memorable.”
BASTILLE LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM AT BARCLAYCARD ARENA 8 NOVEMBER AFTER YOU | JOJO MOYES | FOYLES £7.99 The sequel to the New York Times biggest selling novel, Me Before You, we rejoin Lou Clark, who finds herself struggling to cope with many unanswered questions. Why doesn’t her apartment feel like home after 18 months? Why is she working in an airport? And, most importantly, will she ever get over the love of her life? One thing that Lou does know is that things have to change. Then, one night, it does. But does the stranger on her doorstep hold the answers Lou is searching for - or just more questions?
TWIN ATLANTIC | GLA | SEPTEMBER 9 Following in the footsteps of Glaswegian band Biffy Clyro, alt-rock band Twin Atlantic took the country by storm with the release of their second album, Heart and Soul back in 2014. Best known for tracks Brothers & Sisters, Hold On and Crash Land, Twin Atlantic are back and due to release their third album, GLA. You can catch Twin Atlantic live in Birmingham’s O2 Institute on October 11.
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Life / Birmingham
BRANDS PUTTING BRUM ON THE MAP Without a doubt, there’s a huge buzz around B-Town at the moment. From major retail developments and a changing city skyline, to world-class events and the relocation of big businesses… it seems that it’s all happening in Birmingham Words: Tara Tomes
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he city has found its voice and isn’t afraid to shout about why it’s better than most UK and European cities as a place to work, play and stay. This issue is packed full of reasons to be proud Brummies – check out Boomingham on 54 and 50 for 50 on page 65 – but as someone working with smaller brands with big ambitions, I thought I’d add to this and celebrate six people, places and products really making a name for themselves and helping to promote Birmingham as the city of choice.
LANGLEY’S NO. 8 GIN
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m pretty obsessed with gin so it’s only right that I choose a Brum-born gin brand to start things off. When I first tasted Langley’s No. 8 Gin at Loki Wine (another awesome Birmingham creation; a fine wine merchant by the very talented Phil Innes) a few years ago, I knew I was on to something special. When they launched the Langley’s G&B – a classic G&T with the addition of grapefruit and basil – I knew a lifelong love affair had started. 62 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Langley’s No. 8 Gin is in the best bars, restaurants and venues across the UK but lots of people don’t know that the gin is actually distilled in our very own city; in Langley Green in Oldbury. The distillery itself was founded almost a century ago and creates some of the finest, award-winning gins on the market. Following some successful pop-ups around the country, Charter Brands, the owners of Langley’s No. 8 Gin, have announced that it’s opening a bar in the heart of the city which is set to open in the autumn.
BIRMINGHAM COCKTAIL WEEKEND
Gone are the days when Birmingham’s nightlife was limited to the Arcadian and Broad Street – now the entire city boasts bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants to suit everyone’s taste. Gin may still be “in” but cocktails have also made a comeback in the past couple of years and Brum’s watering holes have definitely moved away from Cheeky Vimtos and Woo Woos. To celebrate the breadth
Life / Birmingham
DIGBETH DINING CLUB
Food is something that Birmingham definitely does well – with five, yes five, Michelin-star restaurants across the city. If taster menus and wine flights aren’t your thing then I hope you’ve already been down to Digbeth Dining Club. It happens every Friday from 5.30pm at Spotlight (in Digbeth… before you ask!) and champions Brum’s street food scene. It’s where the likes of Original Patty Men, Low N Slow and Buddha Belly made a name for themselves… serving up the tastiest alternative treats to a food-loving crowd. The team behind DDC (as the cool kids call it) have grown the event from strength to strength and now boast a list of almost 30 exceptional traders. The event has been hitting headlines since it launched, winning Best Street Food Event in the UK 2013 and 2014 at the British Street Food Awards. Watch this space because I think DDC might just go Global… well, beyond Digbeth at least!
BIRMINGHAM PRIDE
What can I say about Birmingham Pride? As one of the biggest twoday gay festivals in the country it’s certainly putting the city on the map for all the right reasons.
BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK
From 8-18 September, we’ll be celebrating the best buildings, parks, streets, architecture, culture, history and people in the city. There are over 150 events happening as part of Birmingham Heritage Week and it’s safe to say that there’s something for everyone! Coinciding with the UK’s biggest heritage festival, Heritage Open Days, Birmingham Heritage Week is all about celebrating the city’s vibrant history and impressive culture. I love events like this because they make you step outside of your everyday routine and uncover a history that makes you burst with pride. I’ve got my eye on some great events like the upcoming `ASMaking Tracks: A Journey Through GWA at Great Western Arcade, a chance to
Langley’s
It’s incredible to see Birmingham celebrating Pride, and now in its 20th year it only seems to be getting bigger and better. This year more than 75,000 spectators turned out to join in the parade that ran through the city centre, whilst thousands flocked to Birmingham’s Gay Village to take part in the festival celebrations. This year’s festival was the biggest yet and saw acts including Katy B, Lawson, DJ Fresh and MNEK together with more than 100 more performers to put on the most incredible festival. Pride is a highlight of Birmingham’s annual events and I hope to see it continue to grow for many years. If you’ve been hiding away and missed these great events, don’t worry, Birmingham has plenty more to come.
Birmingham Cocktail Weekend
and depth of mixology, a great girl called Alex Nicholson-Evans created Birmingham Cocktail Weekend. The name says it all really – a weekend of cocktail-drinking (sensibly, I might add) right here in the city. The concept is simple; it’s a threeday event that you buy a wristband for (just £6 in advance this year) and you then venture around the participating venues to try their exclusive signature cocktail for just £4. It’s a total hit and, this year, received rave reviews from national and drinks trade media; placing Brum’s bars on the national map!
City of Colour Festival
Birmingham Pride
go underneath Snow Hill, and the zero carbon house.
ALL OF THE VIP PARTIES!
Finally, what would a guide to life from me be without mentioning some of the parties to be at?! Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll finally get to see behind some of those construction sites and hoardings we’ve been passing for months. Living Ventures Group will be opening the doors to a cocktail bar, The Alchemist, and Italian eatery, Gusto. They’re both close to my office so if you need the EAST VILLAGE. team, you’ll likely find us here. Not forgetting, as well, that the other side of town is getting a new venue. The guys from Hotel Indigo and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, will be unveiling the new Canalside venue and, from what I’ve heard, this really is going to be a jewel in the city’s crown. So, if you were starting to worry that summer’s over, then stop… Birmingham has got a whole host of events to keep you entertained. Plus, who wants to be outside sweating in the sunshine, when you could be indoors, enjoying the best food, drink, fashion and history that B-Town has to offer? Birmingham’s renaissance continues and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the city. Bring it on! Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 63
Insider / Culture
Lights, Camera, Action Saying farewell to the summer isn’t easy, but luckily there’s a must-watch selection of movies being released over September and October. Whether you’re into action, comedy or thrillers, we’ve pulled together a list of new releases that we think you’ll enjoy!
BRIDGET JONES’S BABY | 16 SEPTEMBER Grab the Ben and Jerry’s, Bridget’s back! Except this time she’s 40-something, has parted ways with her underwear-folding Mark Darcy, and is pregnant. Which would be great, but no one including Bridget - has a clue who the father of her baby is! Could it be her dashing bit on the side, Jack? Or is it Mark Darcy after all?
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN | 7 OCTOBER If you love a good thriller, The Girl on the Train is right up your street. Daily commuter and divorcee, Rachel - played by Emily Blunt - catches a glimpse of something terrible happening to another women, who she later finds has gone missing. Passing the woman’s house on her journey, Rachel had fantasised about her and her husband. Rachel is the last person to have seen missing Megan - but she’s struggling to remember when she disappeared.
DR STRANGE | 28 OCTOBER As a neurosurgeon, Dr Strange - played by Benedict Cumberbatch - has saved thousands of lives. But his world is turned upside-down when his career is single-handedly destroyed after a severe car accident. Searching for a new way to help others, Strange meets the Ancient One, who takes him under her wing, teaching Strange new ways to protect the planet against magical and mythical threats - including his arch nemesis Baron Mordo.
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PJ’S HIT LIST I hear it’s Style’s 50th edition. Its 50th birthday I suppose; certainly something to celebrate. So let’s don the party hats, bring out the party poppers and think of places to visit and things to do, in Brum, when you have an occasion to celebrate. Thank me later. Cocktail making. It’ the first thing that came to my head. I have a problem. Head to Fumo and Botanist for a few sips; Fleet Street Kitchen for some afters; and diarise a trip to Gusto, opening in the Grand Hotel in a few months time. I’ve had a drink. I need some food. For me it would be the full English breakfast at St Paul’s Square’s Saint Kitchen; lunch at Purnells; and then Sushi at Broad Street’s Rofuto I’m tired now. Bet you are too. Sleep at the new (and super cool) Park Regis, Hotel La Tour, or grab a view from the top of the Rotunda with Staying Cool. Enjoy the Zzzzzs. Wake up and crack on with a day of culture. A photo walk, or lesson, with the awesome Verity Mulligan would be a nice start, followed by a calligraphy class at the Pen Museum and then a stroll around the All the World’s A Stage exhibition at the Barber Institute. I could go on forever. Happy ‘birthday’, Style. Now, back to the cocktails… PJ Ellis is Director at leading SEO and social agency, Ricemedia; and Co-Founder and Trustee of local charity, LoveBrum
Life / Birmingham
for
As we’re celebrating the 50th issue of Style, we wanted to share with you 50 things we love about beautiful Birmingham
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 65
Life / Birmingham
T BIGGES RT A STREET AL FESTIV
DIGBETH STREET ART & CITY OF COLOURS FESTIVAL
Turning Birmingham in to a city of colour, the former industrial – but now creative area of Digbeth - has given free rein of its walls to budding artists. The walls have become the perfect canvas for street artists. If you want to see incredible works of art and an explosion of colour, the Custard Factory is a great place to explore. Make sure you head along to the City of Colours Festival too for a real celebration of street art! cityofcolours.co.uk
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Peter Medlicott
GREAT WESTERN ARCADE
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One of our favourite places in the city has to be the Great Western Arcade. Packed with Victorian charm, independent boutiques and restaurants, it’s a great place to head to if you want to take a break from the busy high street. While you’re there, make sure you check out Yorks Espresso Bar, 1847 and Loki Wine. greatwesternarcade.co.uk
CENTENARY SQUARE In the heart of Birmingham Centenary Square is a popular meeting place with great atmosphere, hosting a number of live events throughout the year, as well as pop-up events such as this year’s ice cave. Centenary Square is also home to the Hall of Memory, a war memorial commemorating the 12,320 Birmingham citizens who died in World War I. Last year an Edinburgh architect won a competition for a £5 million redesign to take place on this iconic square.
OUR FAVOURITE
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Mathew Robinson
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HIPPODROME BACKSTAGE STORES Are you an aspiring actress or actor? Discover the incredible creativity and impeccable hard work that happens behind the curtains at Birmingham Hippodrome. Learn historical features with heritage guides who share fascinating stories. With very reasonable prices from £8 per ticket, it’s an amazing activity if you want to do something different with family and friends. birminghamhippodrome.com
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THE BARBER HOUSE
Fear no more, the horror of a bad haircut is no longer an issue, The Barberhouse knows hair like the back of its hand. With good old fashioned values The Barberhouse has had perfectly groomed men leave their shop since 1995. We love its incredible work ethic and attention to detail; not to mention all haircuts are finished with a hot water cut throat razor shave and ear hair removal done with a flame. thebarberhousebirmingham.co.uk
BOTANICAL GARDENS
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We shot the last cover of Style at the Botanical Gardens, so of course it’s one of our favourite places in the city. There’s so much to explore across the 15 acres of breathtaking gardens. We love that the gardens are used as an outdoor theatre, so when the weather’s being kind, be sure to book some tickets and get yourself to a show!
birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
Life / Birmingham
THE CLUB AND SPA
MAILBOX TO BRINDLEYPLACE CANAL-SIDE WALK
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Fancy a girls day out, a couples getaway or some me time? The health and leisure centre in The Cube will give you just that. With amazing facilities from a state-of-the-gym to the indulging spa, a day here is guaranteed to fix you right up. We love the location of the club and spa, set in the heart of the Mailbox means you’re close enough to explore the city, but can still retreat to a relaxing atmosphere. theclubandspabirmingham.co.uk
OU FAVOUR RIT SPA E
Living in the city can make you miss pretty countryside strolls in the summer. However one of our favourite places to get away from city living and hectic lifestyle is the walk over the bridge (also known as Gas Street Basin) from the Mailbox down to the lovely Brindley Place. Brindleyplace surrounds the attractive basin where traditional meets modern living. Relax and have a cocktail while the narrow boats go by. www.brindleyplace.com
Ikon Gallery
IKON GALLERY
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Located in the lovely area of Brindleyplace, the Ikon Gallery is the home of contemporary art. Something we love about it is the offsite scheme it provides called ‘Education and Interpretation’, the program consists of a variety of talks, tours, workshops and seminars, which helps to develop relationships between art, artists and observers. Not to mention, Ikon is a registered charity!
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BIRMINGHAM PRIDE
BULLRING
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Of course, we couldn’t miss out everyone’s favourite shopping centre. Since opening in 2003 the Bullring is a must-see place for shopaholics. Easily accessible from Grand Central and with great transport links; discover over 160 shops, from luxury to high street brands. Not only do we love to shop there but after hours of retail therapy you’ll be able to have break in one of the many eateries and bars. bullring.co.uk
As a city we are very proud that our annual Pride celebrations are so widely recognised and accepted. Pride is a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community - but everyone is welcome to join the biggest two-day gay festival. With renowned music acts, DJs, funfair and stalls; we love the amazing atmosphere this festival creates throughout the whole of Birmingham, providing nothing but fun and happiness. birminghampride.com Birmingham Pride
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CANNON HILL PARK
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Cannon Hill Park is one of the premier parks in the city, covering 250 acres, we love it because it accommodates everyone. With eye-catching flowerbeds, a lake and large grass areas perfect for a picnic - not to mention there are two children’s play areas, a fun fair at weekends, tennis courts, mini-golf course, bowling green and the chance to hop on a pedalo boat down the lake during the summer season. cannonhillpeoplespark.net Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 67
Andreas Arnold
Life / Birmingham
NG NOTHI S T BEA MAS! FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS H C RIST MARKET AND CRAFT FAIR
The traditional and widely known Christmas Market has been running in Birmingham for over a decade. The largest German market outside Germany and Austria, it has become a massive event to attend in the Christmas period for residents and people from all over the UK and Europe. Known for its traditional German favourites of sausage and beer, you can also do a spot of Christmas shopping from the craft fair. germanchristmasmarketbirmingham.com
13 FOODIES HEAVEN AT COLMORE BUSINESS DISTRICT
14 LOVE BRUM Love Brum is an amazing independent charity that helps aspiring volunteers to reach their goal. Its selflessness ethos help those in need of additional funding and platforms to make a difference, in the hope to make Birmingham a better place, which is why we love it. With the aim of helping 12 projects per year, it is definitely doing its bit and every penny that is made goes straight to the chosen charities. www.lovebrum.org.uk
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Stewart Writtle for Brindleyplace
BRINDLEYPLACE OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL
Birmingham’s home to many great things, but one thing we absolutely love at Style is the incredible architecture. From the high-tech designs of the Library of Birmingham, Grand Central, Selfridges and The Cube; to the older buildings including the Council House, Great Western Arcade and Baskerville House Birmingham is bursting with creativity!
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This extremely cool and outdoor film festival hosted at Central Square in Brindleyplace showcases a wide selection of films chosen by the public; this year featured Spectre, Paddington and Star Wards Episode VII. Not to mention – it’s absolutely free of charge. What better way to get the kids out and about. This year’s theme was ‘Best of British’, celebrating all things great in our home nation, and so we should. bridleyplace.com
Visit Birmingham
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If you’re proper foodies like us, you’ll love Colmore’s food festival, held at the heart of the city in Victoria Square. Two full days of food, drink, music and street theatre with taster sessions for just £4. With food from more than 30 hospitality venues from across the district presenting their incredible dishes and talents.
THE ARCHITECTURE
Life / Birmingham
NIGHTLIFE
Being the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham is renowned for its exciting nightlife. One of the reasons we love it is because there’s somewhere for everyone, most definitely a variety choice of clubs and bars you’ll never get bored of. Birmingham’s largest nightclub is PRYZM on Broad Street, which recently reopened and provides several rooms of different genres to satisfy your whole party.
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Craig Holmes
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MAC BIRMINGHAM ART CENTRE
Located in Cannon Hill Park this art centre specialises in contemporary work, offering an eventful program including theatre, dance, music, poetry, comedy and not forgetting the incredible independent open-air theatre, which is pretty rare to find. It also give the local artists the opportunity to showcase their talents in the search to find their own voice if they haven’t already. macbirmingham.co.uk
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THE SYMPHONY HALL
MAGIC DOOR
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A fascinating and flamboyant party held at Boxxed in Birmingham. Magic Door is run by copious amounts of glitter, DJs and special guests. Like no party you’ve been to before – an amazing concept of a magic bean on entry, through the magic door and down a slide to the dance floor! Who said magic was dead? Definitely an experience worth trying especially the renowned New Years Eve spectacular that sets the bar higher every year. Tim Cornbill
EN A HIDDEM CITY G
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The Symphony Hall is one of the finest concert halls in the UK as well as being home to the incredible Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The cleverly built hall has a flexible stage and acoustic panels, which helps to amplify music and voices. It hosts nights that accommodate for everyone, including well-known comedy acts and live music. The beautiful building is also used to host important events such as the charity nights and graduation ceremonies. thsh.co.uk
THE MAILBOX HIDDEN TUNNELS
Birmingham’s worst kept secret is very proud to promote its former Royal Mail heritage and Hidden Spaces is shining a light on some of the city’s forgotten buildings. The 400m long tunnel, formally known as the Royal Mail offices, links the Mailbox and New Street station. In a Hidden Spaces project, it is giving people the chance to visit this amazing place in an ‘Unlocked’ exhibition. The tunnel does not appear on maps but now houses shops and restaurants. hidden-spaces.co.uk Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 69
Life / Birmingham
23 FAMOUS FACES
If you haven’t heard of Peaky Blinders, you have some serious catching up to do. Starring Cilian Murphy and Tom Hardy, the popular BBC show - filmed at The Black Country Living Museum - has taken the country by storm ever since it first appeared on our TV screens in 2013. The premier of season three, which aired in June, even took place at the stylish Everyman Cinema.
So much talent has come from Birmingham, as a city we have a fair share of claims to fame. From former Top Gear presenter, Richard Hammond - who was born in Solihull, to much-loved actress, Julie Walters, Olympic gold medallist, Denise Lewis and so many more. There must be something in the water in the city?
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PEAKY BLINDERS
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P&CO
If there is one thing we love, it’s an independent clothing company and Birmingham-based P&Co is just that. Founded in 2013, P&Co is headed by Clark and Timms, who create quality clothing and leather goods. The product range at P&Co always excites us, the designs are always fresh and innovative. If you’re searching for a clothing company that screams adventure, then we suggest you check these guys out! pand.co
ELECTRIC CINEMA
Not only is the Electric Cinema Birmingham’s only independent cinema, it’s also the UK’s oldest working cinema - how cool is that? We love heading to the Electric Cinema every now and again - its sofas are incredibly comfy! It also doubles up as a wedding venue, which is great if you’re looking to plan a classic wedding with a bit of a twist! theelectric.co.uk
IKEA
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We love Ikea. There, we said it. It’s a Scandinavian homeware heaven in that place. And we know we’re not the only ones that rave about the place. Who would’ve thought the people of Birmingham would go head over heels for a giant department store that sells flat-pack furniture?
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NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM
The National Motorcycle Museum is recognised as the biggest in the world - impressive isn’t it? It holds the biggest collection of motorcycles and currently attracts around 250,000 visitors a year! Whether your’re a motorcycle lover or not, you need to pay a visit to this incredible museum. nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk triggerfish.co.uk
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
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Andrew Ross
One of the major ballet companies in the country, the Birmingham Royal Ballet offers a huge range of opportunities for all ages and backgrounds. They put on some really incredible shows at the Hippodrome and inject a great amount of talent into the city. It was only last year that they reopened their home in Thorp Street after refurbishment. brb.org.uk
Life / Birmingham
BE FESTIVAL
Alex Brenner
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MAILBOX
We’re big fans of the Mailbox here at Style. Home to some of the world’s most popular designer outlets, restaurants and the BBC Midlands headquarters it’s the perfect destination to head to in the city if you want everything in one place. The Mailbox has massively evolved since it first opened as the redevelopment of the former Royal Mail sorting office which opened in 1998. Its recent refurbishment saw it welcome the spectacular Urban Room, which is home to the likes of L.K. Bennett and Harvey Nichols. Whether you’re looking for a day of shopping or simply somewhere to enjoy a drink in the sun, Mailbox is the place to be. mailboxlife.com
RESTAURANTS
Birmingham is home to some truly incredible restaurants. From the experimental menu at The Wilderness, to Michelin starred dishes at Simpsons, to the fantastic pop - up restaurants to grab a quick bite with your friends. Whatever you fancy, there’s a restaurant in the city that can provide you with a spectacular meal.
BE Festival is one of the many fantastic annual events held in the city. The weeklong festival, held at the The REP and across the city, is purely dedicated to European performing arts. It covers everything from dance, to circus performers, live music, workshops and great food. It’s not your average theatre experience either, it will really open your eyes to the world of performing arts and the cultures of a handful of European countries. birmingham-rep.co.uk
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Simpsons
WHISKY FESTIVAL
Calling all whisky fans, this one’s for you! First of all, we suggest that if you love whisky you should check out The Birmingham Whisky Club - you can thank us later. The Whisky Festival is probably the biggest event the club hosts every year and has become rather popular. If you want to celebrate all things whisky, then make sure you grab yourself some tickets to the city’s biggest whisky event! The next Whisky Festival is due to take place on Saturday March 4 2017 at The Bond, Digbeth. thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 71
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Life / Birmingham
DIGBETH DINING CLUB
We’re huge fans of Digbeth Dining Club. Ever since it first stepped onto the scene back in 2012, it’s brought a huge change to the food scene in the city. Not only does it work with different cultures to explore the culinary delights of different countries, but it’s become such a huge success that it’s branched out further afield to host its epic dining events. A round of applause for Digbeth Dining Club, please! digbethdiningclub.com
THE PEN MUSEUM
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The Pen Museum
In the heart of the Jewellery Quarter lies the Pen Museum. Birmingham was quite heavily involved in pen trading in the 1800s and the museum is dedicated to keeping the history of the trade alive. When you visit you can even have a go at creating your own nib, test your writing skills with different writing equipment and see how much the pen industry has evolved over the years. penmuseum.org.uk
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Ever wanted to learn how to bake the perfect loaf of bread? Or create a dish of beautiful homemade pasta? Loaf run a host of cookery classes at its Stirchley school. We love the fact that Loaf are working with its local community to help spread its culinary skills across the city. So if you fancy yourself becoming the Masterchef of your home, why not go along to one of its classes? loafonline.co.uk
THE LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM
An iconic building in the city, it would’ve been wrong for us to not include Birmingham Library. A photographers dream - love it or hate it, it’s fantastic to take photos of - and a bookworm’s dream on the inside, the library is one of our favourite places in the city. It’s packed with incredible facilities and is a great place to head to on a rainy day in the city. libraryofbirmingham.com
37 Visit Birmingham
72 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
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JEWELLERY QUARTER
SAREHOLE MILL
One of the city’s many fantastic museums, Sarehole Mill has a strong association with Lord of the Rings author, J.R.R Tolkien. The stunning 250-year-old woking watermill has a tranquil mill pond surrounded by wildlife and is packed with history. Just four miles away from the city centre, Sarehole Mill is an absolute must-see if you’re a big Tolkien fan. birminghammuseums.org.uk/sarehole
LOAF COOKERY SCHOOL AND BAKERY
There’s so much to love about the Jewellery Quarter, after all it is one of the most historical places in the city. A gem of the Birmingham, the JQ is responsible for producing 40 percent of the UK’s jewellery and covers over 300 acres. As well as being home to the Pen Museum and the Coffin Works, there are also an handful of superb bars, restaurants and hotels. So if you’re looking for a night out outside the city centre, come and see what the JQ has to offer. jewelleryquarter.net
LICKEY HILLS
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Copyright for Coffin Works
Everyone loves a stroll in the countryside and one of our favourite places to visit is Lickey Hills. One of Birmingham’s most treasured parks, Lickey Hills is great place to escape to for a peaceful afternoon. Covering 524 acres, it’s great for a family day out, a long relaxing walk, or snapping a few photographs. One of the things that we love about Lickey Hills is that it’s open all year, so we can enjoy its beautiful surroundings 365 days a year.
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AEGON CLASSIC BIRMINGHAM
Now in its 36th year, the Aegon Classic Birmingham is still a crucial fixture of the women’s international tennis tour and with Birmingham providing an excellent atmosphere for the bestloved event of the tennis calendar, the Aegon Classic is a wonderful family-friendly event. Despite worldwide competition, 21-year-old Madison Keys won the WTA International series event, beating Barbora Strycovo. lta.org.uk
BIRMINGHAM OPERA COMPANY
The Birmingham Opera Company have taken performing arts to a whole new level. We’re big fans, simply because this group pushes their boundaries when it comes to performing arts. It dosen’t have its own opera house, or perform in theatres, it stages its performances in unusual and unpredictable places across the city. It’s all about rewriting the traditional rules of opera by experimenting and that’s why we love this company. birminghamopera.org.uk
Life / Birmingham
THE PE R WEEKE FECT N WALK D
COFFIN WORKS The Coffin Works at the Newman Brothers’ Factory produced some of the finest coffins back its heyday, including the fittings for the funerals of Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother. It’s an award-winning attraction that has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is another much-loved part of the historical Jewellery Quarter. coffinworks.org
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42 JAMJAR LIGHTS Lighting has become a serious trend over the past couple of years; giant bulbs hanging from wires just seem to look seriously cool. Jamjar Lights is a funky business located in Bristol Street. The team at Jamjar create incredible custom lights and their website even allows you to design your light! We can guarantee you’ve seen their awesome work around the city; they created the ‘social’ lights in Gas Street Social and the lights for the Hairspray UK tour earlier this year. jamjarlights.com
Helen Maybanks for Birmingham Opera Company
44 Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 73
Life / Birmingham
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ASTON HALL This spectacular 17th century manor house is a hugely popular attraction in the city. Seeping in history and also joining the Smethwick Baths as one of the most haunted places in Birmingham, the Grade I listed building is home to some really stunning gardens that we absolutely love. birminghammuseums.org.uk
ONE O A KINDF !
CADBURY FACTORY
If there’s one thing that Birmingham is very well known for it’s Cadbury World. During your visit you can find out exactly how chocolate is made, discover the history of Bournville Village and go on a 4D chocolate adventure. One of our favourite things about the Cadbury Factory is the incredible sculptures that have been handcrafted by the factory’s chocolatiers; they’ve created everything from the Library of Birmingham, to a castle on Brighton Beach made out of chocolate pebbles! cadburyworld.co.uk
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ESCAPE LIVE Ever seen yourself as a bit of a Sherlock Homes? Escape Live in the Jewellery Quarter is the perfect way to test your detective skills. We’ve never come across an attraction quite like it before, so we suggest you go along and check it out. Whether you pick from Room 13 or Dr Wilson’s Office, you have just one hour to escape. We can guarantee you’ll have a great night out! escapelive.co.uk
49 47 BBC BACKSTAGE TOURS & PUBLIC SPACE
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One of the coolest attractions to visit in Birmingham has got to be the BBC at the Mailbox. Being able to take a peak behind the scenes and see how the six o’clock news is filmed whilst learning all the ins and outs of the country’s famous broadcasting company is pretty fun. We’re also big fans of the Public Space; free to enter, you can have a go at presenting the weather a get up close to some sparkling Strictly Come Dancing costumes. bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/ birmingham
BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS A hidden gem of Birmingham, Back to Backs is a collection of carefully restored 19th-century homes. Located right next to the Hippodrome, you can book a tour and explore the communal courtyard of the backto-back homes and see how the residents helped turn Birmingham into what it is today. The guided tours are a great way to explore the history of the city. nationaltrust.org.uk/birminghamback-to-backs 74 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
ST PHILIP’S BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL
St Philip’s is one of the oldest buildings in the city. A beautiful building inside and out, it hosts exhibitions, tours, talks and guided walks. We love the incredible set of stained-glass windows, designed by Birmingham-born Edward Burne-Jones, not forgetting the stunning floral displays that can be seen and certain events. birminghamcathedral.com
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Enhanced & Interactive
Download our digital edition for iPad on the AppStore BIRMINGHAM
stylebham.com
WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO ADD A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR TO YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY OR JUST A FESTIVE EVENING OUT, YOU’RE GUARANTEED TO EXPERIENCE A WHITE CHRISTMAS AT MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL BIRMINGHAM.
Come and join us to celebrate this festive season for a Festive Lunch from £25.00pp or a Festive Dinner from £45.00pp. Party packages and private dining options are also available, with the stunning Laurent-Perrier bar available for private hire at £5,000 for 50 people.
For all Christmas party bookings, enquiries or questions contact 0121 634 3433 or info@mpwsteakhousebirmingham.com @mpw_birmingham
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse bar and grill Birmingham
#MPWCHRISTMAS / WWW.MPWRESTAURANTS.COM
Life / Hotspots
THE EDGBASTON HOTEL Edgbaston
If you fancy journeying outside of the city centre to find that perfect glass of bubbly, then we suggest you pay a visit to The Edgbaston. As well as being a stunning boutique hotel - fit for Gatsby himself - The Edgbaston also houses three stunning cocktail lounges, and whilst it may be well known for its cocktails, there are also 12 different Champagnes to choose from, most of which can be bought by the glass. The Edgbaston has also had a very successful year, winning Birmingham Cocktail Bar of the year at The Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards and Best Hotel Bar. WE LOVE: The Edgbaston is different to any hotel bar we’ve ever come across in the city before. So if you’re looking to head somewhere a little different for your celebratory fizz, we totally recommend here. theedgbaston.co.uk
1 A Touch of Fizz Jack Spicer Adams Photography
THE BALCONY
Since we’re celebrating our 50th issue, it only seemed right that Champagne and Prosecco made an appearance. From stunning boutique hotels to skyline bars, here are our favourite places to grab a glass of bubbly in Birmingham
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Take a break from the chaos of shopping and re-energise at The Balcony. Situated in Selfridges, looking out over the Bullring, there’s a wide selection of Champagnes both by the glass and by the bottle. If you want to add that little bit of sparkle to your shopping trip - whatever the occasion - The Balcony certainly won’t disappoint. There’s also offer four Champagne and Prosecco cocktails, to suit every palate, priced at £11. The extensive drinks menu features a number of world-class Champagnes as well as Searcys very own blend. Whether you’re buying buy the glass, or by the bottle, you’re bound to find a glass of bubbly to suit. WE LOVE: The Retail Therapy cocktail; a blend of Strawberry purée, Chambord and Prosecco is an absolute knockout for any shopper thebalcony.co.uk
Jack Spicer Adams Photography
Selfridges
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 77
Life / Hotspots
LAURENT PERRIER CHAMPAGNE BAR The Cube
Situated at the top of The Cube, enjoy panoramic views of the city whilst sipping on a crisp glass of Laurent Perrier. If you fancy being a little experimental with your drink, why not try swap the bubbles for one of the bar’s Champagne cocktails? Keep it simple with a Kir Royal -Crème de Cassis completed with J Lemoine Brut NV - or Bellini - peach - raspberry or strawberry Puree - finished with Prosecco; or test out the bar’s signature sparkling cocktail, The Cube, packed with Ketel One Vodka, Chambord, lime juice topped up with Prosecco. With a great location and an incredible selection of Champagne and Prosecco, Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar is a great place to indulge in a sparkling drink. WE LOVE: For extra special occasions why not treat yourself to a Laurent Perrier Afternoon Tea for two. theclubandspabirmingham.co.uk
3 THE HARVEY NICHOLS BAR The Mailbox
Not only is Harvey Nichols perfect for shopping, it also has a fantastic bar. A perfect location for after work drinks, The Bar has an extensive menu, including sparkling wines, Champagne and rosé Champagne. Housed in the heart of the Mailbox, this stylish spot offers a range of sparkling wines by the glass and bottle. If you want change things up. Sparkling drinks are available by the glass and bottle, but if you want to change things up and be a little more experimental with your drink, you can’t go wrong with the Coupe Sorbet or Grape and Grain cocktail. WE LOVE: If fizz isn’t your thing, The Bar offers an extensive menu of cocktails so we know you’ll find the perfect tipple. harveynichols.com
5 THE BUBBLE LOUNGE AT HOTEL DU VIN Church Street
4 78 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
One thing that we can guarantee when you pay a visit to The Bubble Lounge is that you won’t be short of choice when it comes to a glass of bubbly - there are almost 30 Champagne’s to choose from. The warm interior is decorated in the style of Venice’s Café Florin and its relaxed setting makes it the perfect spot to head to for any occasion, from business meetings to gatherings with friends and family. WE LOVE: You don’t have to be a guest at Hotel Du Vin to enjoy The Bubble Lounge. Staff are welcoming and the top service makes your experience all the more enjoyable. hotelduvin.com
Life / Hotspots
FRIZZENTI
Grand Central
The Fizz! Bar is a goldmine when it comes to bubbly for one reason - it’s served on tap. For many of us, nothing screams the weekend more than a crisp glass of Prosecco. And as beer has been served on tap for years, it’s about time sparkling drinks and wine got on board. Located in Grand Central, Frizzenti is a great place to stop by for a glass of fizz whilst taking a break from shopping, or simply waiting to board your train for a weekend break. WE LOVE: The huge variety of cocktails on offer at Frizzenti. And just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean that you have to give them the cold shoulder. The Fizz Bar even has cocktails that will suit the seasons. frizzenti.com
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BOTTEGA PROSECCO BAR & THE SKY BAR Resorts World
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Bottega brings a taste of Italy to Resorts World. Located next to The High Bar, the drinks menu offers an extensive selection of Prosecco as well as a sophisticated atmosphere and food. If you fancy a change of scenery however, why not take a trip up to The Sky Bar? Located on the top floor of Resorts World, this stylish cocktail bar offers Prosecco, Champagne, rosé Champagne and vintage Champagne. If you want to step away from the fizz, we suggest you try out the experimental cocktails. Sit back and enjoy the views whilst sipping on a masterfully crafted drink. WE LOVE: Resorts World has become one of the new hot spots of the region, introducing a new range of new shops, bars and restaurants to Birmingham. Bottega and The Sky Bar are great places to head to for celebratory drinks or even if you’re heading to Genting Arena for an event. resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk
ST. PAUL’S HOUSE Jewellery Quarter
Launched earlier in the year, St. Paul’s House has become somewhat of a hot spot in the city it its own right. Eight Champagnes and sparkling wines are available on the menu at varied prices, three available by the glass, the others by the bottle only. The team at St. Paul’s spent a lot of time creating their bespoke drinks menu that would offer something new to their customers as well as old favourites. St. Paul’s only opened its doors back in May and its boutique style is something that we’ve fallen head over heels for. If you’re looking for somewhere with a bit a character we’d totally recommend stopping by for a drink and a bite to eat. WE LOVE: There’s nothing better than heading out for a couple of drinks after work on a Friday night, and we love heading to St. Paul’s. It’s got a great atmosphere. saintpaulshouse.com
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Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 79
Health Kick Life / Health
Autumn at Edgbaston Priory With a wide range of exercise classes from cardio to relaxation, Edgbaston Priory is the perfect place to get fit this autumn.
Words: Ellen Atkinson
After indulging on holiday, why let the summer body you tried so hard to gain go to waste? These exercises will help you keep your summer body in check all year round
WONDERFUL WORKOUTS BODY WEIGHT TRAINING (BWT)
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Body Weight Training is a simple way of exercising. It can also be done anywhereplanks on a park bench, anyone? BWT involves moves such as the Reverse Crunch which involves lifting the lower back from off the floor whilst contracting the abdominal muscles.
HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT)
Although this may sound slightly terrifying, HIIT is a hassle-free exercise regime that can be practiced in the comfort of your own home or gym. HIIT includes short bursts of high intensity exercises, such as crunches and jumping jacks, in order to help you burn fat and tone.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT You can maintain your summer body by making simple alterations to what you eat, without having to skimp on the taste.
80 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
This cardio workout is different to your ordinary aerobics class as it utilises water to create resistance to your body’s movements. Aqua Aerobics allows for higher impact movements to be performed without placing stress on the joints. Classes run for 45 minutes on Monday, 6:15pm, Thursday, 10am and Friday 9:30am.
BODY CONDITIONING Body Conditioning is a high intensity and high energy workout that combines aerobics with toning exercises to give you a full body workout. Classes run for an hour on Monday, 1:30pm, Wednesday, 10:15am and Thursday, 7pm.
YOGA
2 YOGA
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AQUA AEROBICS
Yoga is brilliant for maintaining core strength and posture. It also helps you to regulate your breathing through a range of techniques, and is known for helping to relieve stress, meaning that you can not only keep your muscles strong but your mind strong too.
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Relax and unwind with a Yoga class this autumn. Classes run for an hour on Monday, 8pm, Tuesday, 4pm, Wednesday, 7:35am, Thursday, 11am and Sunday, 12:30pm.
For more information please visit www. edgbastonpriory.com or call 0121 440 2492
s the cooler weather approaches salads will be the last thing on your mind, but don’t give them the cold shoulder, there are many autumnal salads on offer that will help to maintain your summer body. Replace salad leaves with quinoa and pack your salads full of roasted vegetables such as butternut squash and cauliflower to add warmth.
YOU’LL LOVE THE ADVANTAGES
As the summer holidays fade it’s time to make healthy living a goal for you and your family this autumn. AUTUMN OFFER*
ADVANCE PAYMENT
Join before 30th September and enjoy
Pay the whole subscription fee in advance and enjoy a further
50% OFF
the entrance fee and a Free Give it a Go Course in Tennis, Squash or Racketball.
10% REDUCTION Please quote ‘Birmingham Style’ to claim this offer
Call 0121 440 2492 to arrange a tour of the Club
www.edgbastonpriory.com *Terms & conditions apply. Subject to availability.
Life / Recipe
Polpette di Carne con salsa di pomodoro Fancy bringing a taste of Italy to your table this autumn? These delicious meatballs with tomato sauce from Liz Franklin’s, Cicchetti, should do the trick Serves 6-8 »»
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4.
»»
To make the meatballs, put the onion, minced beef and minced pork into a large mixing bowl and mix well. Add the Parmesan and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into balls the size of a walnut and set aside.
»»
To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onion over a low heat for about 10 minutes, until softened but not coloured. Add the canned cherry tomatoes and sugar, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the mixture bubble for about 15 minutes, then add the basil. Cook for a further 10 minutes, until the sauce is thickened and glossy.
»»
Heat the sunflower oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown (I like to cook a small meatball first to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary). Transfer them to a roasting pan and pour over the tomato sauce. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve warm.
82 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
INGREDIENTS: • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 400g good-quality finely minced beef • 200g good-quality finely minced pork • 120g finely grated Parmesan • a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped • salt and black pepper, to season • 4 tablespoons sunflower oil, for frying TOMATO SAUCE • 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 800g canned cherry tomatoes • 1 scant teaspoon white sugar • a handful of freshly torn basil leaves • salt and black pepper, to season
Cicchetti, by Liz Franklin, photography by Mowie Kay, published by Ryland Peters & Small, £9.99 Cicchetti is available to Style Birmingham readers at the special price of £7.99 including postage & packaging (rrp £9.99) by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting HS5
Style
from Style Birmingham
The Vamps’ Connor Ball Gamers rejoice: The best VR headsets reviewed Tame your mane AW16 is all about the 50’s so get your James Dean on 83
D E L I V E R I N G S A R T O R I A L E XC E L L E N C E clementsandchurch.co.uk
Contents
Contents 86
Style chart
From technology to films. Here are our essentials for autumn
87
Gadget radar
Philip Ellis gives the low down on virtual reality headsets
95
Tame your mane
Jay Jethwa’s tips on growing a seasonal beard
88
Autumn style edit
Prepare for the colder months with these fashion essentials
Resident fashion fixer James Tissiman on rocking the 50s
Connor Ball
We talk all things music and fashion with The Vamps’ bassist
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96
Style Tips from 50s
89
Extend your style
James Tissiman’s guide to buying the perfect watch
Editor’s letter elcome to the second edition of Man. We’ve gone all out in our autumn issue, devoting pages to the latest fashion collections, fitness and technology. Our fashion guides will make sure your wardrobe is full of key AW16 pieces and we’ll take you though the simple changes you need to keep on trend. Speaking of fashion James Tissiman is back to induct you into the 50s style as well as giving you his tips on how to buy the perfect watch. We’ve expanded Me and My Style this issue. The Vamps’ Connor Ball is on our cover, we chat to him all about the band’s third album, life on the road and his musical inspirations. Virtual reality headsets are rapidly becoming the front runners of technology; our new resident writer Philip Ellis is on hand to give you the low down on which ones are worth your money, along with the latest must-have apps for your phone. As if all this wasn’t enough, our health page will help you shed those holiday pounds and we’ll take your through our step-by-step guide to growing a seasonal beard.
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Health
The best exercise to shift those extra summer pounds
On the Cover
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Enjoy the issue!
Green trousers, £69, White tee, £19, Coat, £89, Trainers, £79. All products from COS
Photography: Mike Raven Model: Connor Ball Makeup: Diana Stoencheva Styling: Luisa Hackney
is created by RileyRaven • rileyraven.co.uk • hello@rileyraven.co.uk
Editor-in-Chief Andrew Riley Creative Director Mike Raven
Editorial Assistant Becky Weaver Design Simon Konaszczuk
Contributors Philip Ellis, James Tissiman and Jay Jethwa 85
Style
Noteworthy Scents
Azzaro’s Wanted is a woody citrus and spicy scent with a fresh, sensual and captivating masculinity. 50ml, £42.50, John Lewis
Minimal tailoring
This style of trouser is an essential for every mans wardrobe, wear with white trainers for effortless cool. £40, COS
The Finishing Touch
Accessorise your suit with these Deakin and Francis Rhodium Cogs Cufflinks T.H. Baker £190
A Work of Art
We love the awesome prints of Birmingham by artist Alexander Edwards,Prints from £16.75, brumhaus.uk
One to Watch
Style chart This orientalist candle from Tom Dixon captures the scents of cinnamon and rose petal garlands. £55, Harvey Nichols
Fresh Kicks
Keep it casual with these leather sneakers. Wear them with rolled up jeans and a T-Shirt. £85, Tommy Hilfiger Visit one of the finest gentlemen’s salons for a fresh trim to put a spring in your step. Barberology, Jewellery Quarter
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Magnificent Seven out September 23rd
From stylish jackets to blockbuster movies - here’s what we’re loving this autumn
New Aromas
Bespoke Barbering
Catch Chris Pratt and Denzel Washington on the big screen in this Wild West action movie.
Classic Gold This Classic Gold watch from Larsson Jennings is sleek, smart and will add a touch of class to any look. £225, Harvey Nichols
Style
Sony PlayStation VR
£349 This device, available for pre-order and launching in mid-October, will make you feel like you are living the game. It also features a cinematic mode, so players can experience movies and PS4 games on a virtual big screen. Bear in mind that the PlayStation Camera, sold separately, is required to use this headset — and it must have a clear space of about 60 square feet to play. One for die-hard gamers!
A Whole New World Explore the limitless possibilities of virtual reality with these VR headsets and experiences Words: Philip Ellis
Apps you need right now!
‘Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes’
£11.99 You might think that wearing a headset which blocks out the real world is anti-social. ‘Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes’ takes that blindness and turns it into a party game. One player, wearing a headset, is trapped in a room with a ticking bomb… It’s up to their friends, armed with instructions, to guide them through the process of defusing the explosive before time runs out. The game includes a whole package of teamwork challenges and puzzles.
Dreadhalls
Stealth VR100
£29.99 A more affordable option, the Stealth VR100 head-mounted display is suitable for use with both Android phones and iPhones. Load an array of 360, 3D and VR experiences onto your device, insert into the headset, and you’re ready to go.
Samsung Gear VR Lite £80
This light and comfortable headset is designed for seamless use with
a Galaxy smartphone. Simply slide the phone into the viewer, and
you’ll be transported to another world. A wide field of view and
precise head-tracking mimic real-life vision, ensuring that players feel fully immersed in the story.
VIGICA Magicsee M1 VR
£142.99 Enjoy a fully immersive, 360 degree gaming and viewing experience with this all-in-one headset. No smartphone input or additional equipment needed; just hook up your device to a computer via USB, and download hundreds of VR apps from Google Play or the App Store.
£3.99 You awaken in a dungeon. Armed with nothing but a lamp, you must try to make it out alive… ‘Dreadhalls’ makes the most of the 360 degree experience by setting its story in a labyrinth of creepy darkened rooms and passageways, in which anything could be lurking. Not for the faint of hearted.
NYTVR
Free! Think VR is just for gaming? Think again. The New York Times has teamed up with some of the world’s most forward-thinking filmmakers to create NYTVR, a series of ground-breaking and eye-opening documentaries designed specifically to be experienced in virtual reality.
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Style
Autumn Style Edit
The simple changes you need to make to your wardrobe to upgrade your autumn look
Simple Suedes
A key item in any autumn wardrobe is a pair of suede boots and Topman’s House of Hounds Collection is perfect for smart/casual wear. Dress down with a pair of skinny roll-up jeans and button down shirt.
Topman, £95 COS, £89
Wrap Up
The colder months are starting to set in, so now is the right time to start layering up. Scarves are a great extra touch to an outfit and the pattern is key! This Calvin Klein hat and scarf set is an accessory essential as autumn kicks in.
Return of the Mac
Burrbery
A good quality rain coat is always vital for this time of year. You can’t go wrong with a mac from COS, and their lightweight mac is perfect for creating a modern but classic look. Pair this crisp design with a plain T- Shirt, baggy chinos and lace-up trainers for a relaxed look.
Calvin Klein, £99.90
The Man-Bag Rachel Green was right all along when she gave Joey that man-bag in Friends back in 1999 because now they’re taking over the fashion world. There’s no shame in carrying a bag around, and if David Beckham and Bradley Cooper can rock a man-bag then so can you! Who knows, the man-bag might be the end of guys shoving everything into their pockets.
Zara Men Sporty Briefcase, £39.99
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Reiss, Grained Leather Tote Bag, £195
H&M, Leather Shoulder Bag, £79.99
Style Bomber jacket, £15, Shirt, £9, Black skinny chinos, £14, Back pack, £10 All products from Primark
See the video interview and go behind the scenes at stylebman.com Photography: Mike Raven Assistant: Simon Konaszczuk Styling: Louisa Hackney Make-up: Diana Stoencheva
Connor Ball
The Story Behind The Music In five months The Vamps’ Connor Ball has completed a world tour, recovered from surgery and jumped back onto the YouTube wagon. We sat down with the bassist to talk album three, his musical inspirations and life on the road.
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Style This page: Green tee, £25, Navy turn up trousers, £79, White strap trainers, £89, Necklace - Model’s own, All products from COS Opposite page clockwise: Navy trench coat, £75,White tee - £8 Red jumper, £20, Beige chinos £28, Trainers, £25, All products from River Island Jacket £150, Turtle neck jumper, £ 25, Scarf, £12, Ripped jeans, £40, Boots, £40, All products from Topman Suit jacket, £30, Suit trousers, £15, Shirt, £5.00, Tie, £5.00, Watch, £10, Shoes, £16 All products from Primark
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Style
fresh-faced Connor Ball casually strolls into our studio on a Tuesday morning, greeting us all with hugs and handshakes. Lucky us. We’re spending the whole day with the bass player from The Vamps to talk about everything from new music to life in the city; yet his laid-back attitude would lead us to believe that he’s simply here to hang out. He’s without his wingmen, fellow bandmates Bradley Simpson, Tristan Evans and James McVey, who complete the band that are rapidly building a name for themselves. And rightly so, the guys have worked incredibly hard to get to where they are today; no free passes, just constant practice and using social media to get themselves heard. “I picked up a guitar when I was 10, my Grandma gave me one, and it sat in the corner of my room for about a year and didn’t bother with it. Then I started to listen to bands like Mcfly, Blink 182 and Sum 41, who started to really influence me to carry on playing. I used to play for five hours a day, it was never a moment of ‘Oh, I’ve got to go and play guitar’ it was just that I wanted to go play, and practice it and get better at it. I wasn’t doing it because I wanted to be in a band or be successful, I was playing it just because I liked it so much.” Connor met the rest of the band through social media, where they posted videos of cover songs on Youtube, rapidly gaining themselves a following. “It was organic, it wasn’t like we were forced to be friends, we made friends the same way as we made each other into a band,” says Connor, speaking of the band’s friendship. Before they knew it they were signed to Virgin EMI Records at the end of 2012. “I’d just come out of school, I was 16. I joined the band and quit college and we all thought, ‘this is either it or it’s going to be awful.’ We never thought that we would be as big as we are now. When we first started out we were practicing in a garage. Luckily we got on to the McFly tour, it was mad, and I think that’s when we all realised that this was what we wanted to do.” Since then it’s been quite a ride for the band, and it’s fair to say they’re doing pretty well for themselves. Their debut album, Meet The Vamps, peaked at number two in the UK charts and since then they’ve had five UK top 10s and released their second album, Wake Up. All hailing from different musical backgrounds gives the band an advantage to produce diverse songs
A
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Style Green trousers, £69, White tee, £19, Coat, £89, Trainers, £79, Necklace, Model’s own, All products from COS
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Style
‘Being able to do something separate from the band is cool because it helps to keep everything fresh’
that make The Vamps what they are today. Connor admits that growing up he “used to only like one genre of music,” but says that being a part of the band has made his musical taste more diverse. “I was really into pop and alternative stuff but now I can listen to everything. I think once you start writing you appreciate other music so much more because you notice the way it’s written, or the melody, even if it’s not the kind of genre that you like. Right now I love the new Panic! At the Disco album; I’m really into You Me At Six; I quite like a lot of The Chainsmokers stuff, their track Don’t Let Me Down is great.” So what’s next for Connor and the rest of The Vamps? Well, they’re already working on their third album. “We’ve taken it in a bit of new direction. It’s taking hints from the first album but making it a bit more modern; we’ve added some trap drums and things like that. It’s still very much The Vamps but making it a little more contemporary.” The band are heavily involved in creating their music, from the penning of songs right to the production. “We go in with producers and say ‘this is how we want it to sound.’ They’ll have ideas and we’ll have ideas that we just bounce off each other. “Two of the guys have just been to LA, I went a couple of months ago with Brad and we wrote maybe five or six songs. We go away on all these different writing trips and we’ll end up with around 40 different songs, and we’ll have to pick the final ones from that list. Writing them all is pretty easy, but selecting our favourite ones is always really hard.” The band are no strangers to collaborations. In the past they’ve worked with 18-year-old, singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes and Demi Lovato; and it looks like there could be more collaborations in works for album three. “We have got a few people in mind, so hopefully it may be on one of the first tunes that we release. I’d really love to do something with Will Smith, if he was rapping on one of our tunes I would absolutely love that!” It’s been a busy year for Connor and the rest of the band, from January through to May they were on the road for the Wake Up Tour. “It was really laid-back this tour,” he said. “There was no stress in it at all, we have a big crew around us and they’re great at doing their thing, we’re great at doing ours. No one was stressing each other out so it was great fun.” The tour kicked off in Australia, and the guys took full advantage of seeing as much of the countries they were playing as they could. “In Australia we did this massive all day hike. When we were in South America we went out to see what was going on. It was
a bit dangerous but we had security with us.” But Connor’s part in the world tour was cut short after he injured his knee and had to return to the UK for surgery. “I had to fly back from Hong Kong when I ruined my knee, that sucked, I was sat on my mum and dad’s sofa for about four weeks.” Yet his injury didn’t stop him rejoining the band for their UK leg of the tour in March. “We do two gigs and then get a day off so your buzzing for quite a while afterwards. Usually you’ll want to go out or do something after the gig because you’re so full of adrenalin. It’s a great feeling.” The tour was the band’s biggest to date. The UK leg saw them play arenas across the country, including two nights at the Genting Arena, but they have their eyes set on bigger stages in the future. “I think Madison Square Garden in New York would be amazing,” added Connor. “We’ve played the O2 in London quite a few times, which was always one of our goals, so that’s been ticked off. Wembley Stadium is massive, so that would be amazing. To be honest even just travelling around the rest of the world would be amazing. We went to loads of places on the last tour but we didn’t manage to get to Mexico. I’d love to go and play there.” After being on the road for five months, Connor returned to his home in Birmingham. “When you get back you feel like you should be doing something instead of just chilling, it’s quite hard to get back into that chilled mode,” he says. “I don’t do anything, I just chill and sit on the sofa. I like going out; Pryzm on Broad Street is great for a night out. Aluna in the Mailbox is really cool too.” Connor is a normal 20-year-old lad. Granted he’s living the dream, but he’s determined not to let the fame get to his head. “I don’t change anything that I’d normally do when I’m at home, it’s completely the same as what my mates are doing. I love seeing all my mates, I like to see them as much as I can when I’m home and just try to get back into a home environment as much as I can, you stay grounded that way I think.” As well as spending time with his friends and in his recording studio at home, Connor recently launched his own YouTube channel, where he went back to his roots, posting videos of cover songs. “Being able to do something separate from the band is cool because it helps to keep everything fresh. I don’t think I’d be able to go away from the band but it’s nice to go back to what I used to do as well as keeping up what I’m doing now.” It’s clear that the future’s looking pretty bright for Connor and The Vamps and we can’t wait to hear album three! 93
Style Black wool coat, £75, Knit polo neck tee £20, Beige chinos £25, Trainers £25, Bag £75 All product from River Island
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Grooming
Tame your mane this season! A
chieving the perfect masculine beard is no easy task. Rome wasn’t built in a day so remember, patience is a virtue. Follow this guide to help your facial hair flourish and prosper to ensure your’re not shivering in the cold this winter.
The cooler months are here so there’s no better time to start thinking about a cozy seasonal beard to keep you well insulated.
Prepping:
This may or may not be your first time attempting
to grow a beard but regardless, cleanliness is key.
of combing will nicely lay them
Clinque Post Shave Healer, £20, Harvey Nichols
However, before you take part in your hairy journey, it’s
imperative you achieve an even hair growth. Otherwise, suddenly putting that razor down will result in patchy, uneven growth leading to a lacklustre beard.
flat against your face. You may
even want to try and get hold of
Babyliss For Men 7898U, £59.95, John Lewis
So, now you’re ready. Time to
can simply glide across your
face allowing for a clean and
of yours start curling away.
Care:
surrounds your face but the work
growth. Use Taylor of Old Bond skin silky soft so your blade
some wax should that moustache
You’ve done it! A manly mane now
prep your skin and embrace the
Street’s pre-shave oil to get your
Words: Jay Jethwa
doesn’t stop there. Time to keep on
top of the tasks in hand and make
Tom Ford Conditioning Beard Oil, £40, Selfridges
comfortable shave. The oil softens the hairs making them easier to remove whilst also providing
lubrication which will only aid
the razor as it runs across. One
of the best parts of this product
sure your hard work doesn’t go to
waste. You’ll probably want to start
by looking in the mirror and make Taylor of Old Bond Street Pre Shave Oil, £12.95, lookfantastic.com
is the ability to use it with your
them, embrace it. This is just the
start. Beard oil will become your
best friend during this period and here’s why: your face will become subject to quite a fair amount of
itchiness due to the hairs becoming
quite dry. To tackle this issue an oil will help. Fortunately Tom Ford have just the product for you. Use their
conditioning beard oil to help moisturise the follicles and always look to apply it right after you’ve washed your face as this is when the pores will still be open.
Growing is only one aspect of maintenance. When
you have enough hair on your face, look to grab yourself a beard comb to stop your hair looking like a birds nest.
This will help even out the hairs as the downward motion
beard especially around the neck area so that you don’t
this roughly every 5-10 days.
The Babyliss Super Stubble is
Right, so you’re roughly a week or
your family and co-workers. Ignore
Be sure to regularly trim your
growth you may want to do
Maintenance:
odd comments and looks from
hair on one side than the other.
man. Depending on your hair
you the best of both worlds.
probably been the subject of some
nothing worse than having more
end up looking like a cave
regular shaving cream giving
two into your journey and you’ve
sure your beard is in shape. There’s
a great trimmer which features
Did you know?
• Raising testosterone levels through exercise will help accelerate facial hair growth. • It’s estimated a man will shave at least 20,000 times in his lifetime. • A man spends 3,300 hours of his life shaving his moustache. • Over 27 foot of hair will be removed by a man during his lifetime. • Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the the medical term for razor burn.
24 length settings allowing you to maintain your look whatever your preferred style may be.
Featuring a floating head, the trimmer will be able to track the curves of your face for
exceptional comfort and control.
To prevent skin irritation
after you’ve trimmed/shaved around you neck
and cheek areas, look to use Clinique’s post-shave soother to help skin heal quickly from razor
burns and minor cuts. You will notice the healing process improve rapidly if you keep on top of moisturising both before and after shaving. So, whether it be the Gandalf wizard
look or simple shadow stubble, stay patient, persist the itch and take pride in your new facial friend over these coming months!
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Style Rayban
Style tips from the 50s While there are many who perceive the 50s to be a post-war slump that happened before a burst of energy swooped in from the swinging sixties, those people couldn’t be further from the truth
Words: James Tissiman
he 50s saw a post-WW2 Britain emerge from the gloomy, rationing depression of the 40s with a surge of overzealous designers who were ready to blow the budget on fabric and start a mass production frenzy. And this season, the industry is drawing inspiration from the era and putting a contemporary spin on things. Allow me to induct you into the style of the 50s. Let me show you how to extract inspiration from the 50s and go forth onto the high street with an informed decision. You might even find that you’ve adopted the trend without even knowing it.
H&M
T
The staple white Tee
A staple item in any man’s wardrobe has to be the plain white t-shirt. It’s so common nowadays that we seem to have forgotten that the 50s changed our perception of it from a simple undershirt to wearable garment with a rebel streak. Why is it classed as rebellious? Well, the simple white crewneck T-shirt descended from the undergarments worn by the Navy in the early 1900s and later used by the military. However, what really shot the plain white tee to rebel status was when it was spotted on Hollywood legend James Dean in ‘Rebel Without A Cause’, and, a rather sweaty version, on the back of Marlon Brando in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. In these two films, the stars play a tormented soul with a rebellious streak. The charismatic character’s style was then noted and adopted by the youth of the 50s who wanted to portray this hyper-masculine persona. Now, in terms of advising you of how you should purchase a plain crewneck white tee, I’m not going to go into too much detail; just find one that fits you the way you like it. Personally, I like a loose fitting Tee made from a good quality jersey, but go with whatever you feel comfortable in and fits your budget remember to never compromise on quality, this is a staple piece after all.
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H&M, white t-shirt £6.99, H&M
Griorgio Armani
ZARA, leather Espadrilles, £39, ZARA
Style
Espadrilles
The shoe of the summer, espadrilles have long overtaken flip-flops as the go-to summer shoe. And, thankfully, I’ve seen less hairy toes this summer and I couldn’t be more thrilled. In fact, the espadrille (a fourteenth-century creation) was brought back to life in the 50s, due to the increased interest and convenience of air travel. Today, you can find espadrilles in nearly every store and the wide spectrum of colours that are available means you can have a pair for every day of the week - but don’t overdo it. I’ve chosen a pair from ZARA that will definitely do the trick and air-out those sweaty Hobbit feet. Alpha Industries, MA-1 reversible padded bomber jacket £180, Harvey Nichols
Loose tailoring
From the stiff and starchy suits of the 40s, the 50s welcomed a relaxed sense of style. The war was over and the ration on fabric was lifted. Designers were being frivolous with their tailoring by adding baggy trousers with turn ups and non-padded, oversized jackets. It was all about loosening the dress code for men so they can cut loose. So, if you’re fed up with almost suffocatingly skinny suits that are everywhere right now, you’re in luck. The recent runway shows have presented us with practically billowing silhouettes and the high street will soon be following suit. Until then, you can get hold of a marvellous casual suit at Gieves and Hawks and Hugo Boss and keep an eye out for linen suits if you’re travelling this summer.
50s Shades
Rayban, Wayfarer £125, Harvey Nichols
New manufacturing techniques and an increase in mass production meant that consumer goods could now be made more affordable for the general public. Sunglasses, once considered a luxury that only the privileged could afford, were made more affordable and brands like Ray-Ban were becoming a household name. Two styles, in particular, that were most popular in the 50s were the Wayfarer and the Clubmaster frames. And both are still in circulation today from a wide spectrum of outlets that have put an individual and contemporary twist on the design for a modern market. You can grab yourself a pair at Harvey Nichols.
The Souvenir Jacket
The Souvenir Jacket emerged from a post-WWII Japan. They were originally commissioned to commemorate American soldiers who served overseas. The original designs had both Western and Eastern influences, with embroidered Japanese dragons and tigers next to American eagles and military iconography. Today, however, you can find various modern takes of the classic jacket. From the violently patterned to the minimalist colour blocks; you can have your cake and eat it this season and next.
Locally sourced
Birmingham has a wealth of stores, including many that are vintage, and it’s the diverse style of the city that makes trends like this so accessible. It’s important and I think we should all use the city to our advantage and search around every corner looking for an authentic sense of style. All of the items chosen for this article can be found in Birmingham itself, but make sure you hunt in vintage stores like COW vintage or Credit Crunchers for some real 50s clobber. So whether you’re planning on adopting the 50s trend or simply taking a snippet, you’ll have a wealth of choice over the following months to sink your teeth into. And remember, following a trend shouldn’t have to be hard work, it’s simply a nod to the zeitgeist as you move effortlessly through the seasons.
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Daniel Wellington, £159
Accessories
Emporio Armani £199
Michal Kors, £189
An extension of your style This month, James Tissiman tells you why you should never underestimate how important a watch is to a man’s wardrobe Words: James Tissiman
Henry London, £135
Paul Smith, £219
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here are those who go through life without much care for a watch. Those people probably think that because they always have a phone at hand, what’s the point in having to put something extra on in the morning? We all have so much to think about, why add to the list? Since Apple joined the watch market there’s been a sudden boom of interest in this new form of wearable technology, but was it for the function or design? Sure they will get noticed, but where’s the personality? What does that watch say about the person wearing it? To me, it seems as if they are too lazy to reach in their pocket to pick up their phone. For men, watches are the only accessory that we can wear every day and not have to worry about whether we look like we’ve thought too much about our accessories, or that we’re beginning to look like Del Boy. However, when you start to take note of the different watches your friends are wearing, you’ll notice that a watch can speak volumes about the man wearing it. When choosing a watch, we don’t just pick the one that we like,we would be letting ourselves down if that was the only thought process that was going through our head at the time. For example, if we are choosing one
T
to wear at work, we think about the environment that we will be in or whether we work a lot with our hands. You wouldn’t want your watch to scratch or to break, you want something sturdy, something that can roll with the punches. But this isn’t the only factor, take a look at your lifestyle, do you do sport? Do you like to follow current trends? Are you interested in all things vintage? By looking at your lifestyle or perhaps the sort of persona you wish to portray, you can make an executive decision on your next watch purchase. And that’s another important factor; can you imagine an Executive or even a CEO for that matter, wearing a Casio? Of course not, Mr Big Balls wouldn’t be seen dead in one! Just take a look next time you’re asking for a pay rise, he would have spent more on his Breitling than what you are about to ask for. The point of all of this is that a watch is an important extension of a man’s personality and style. And trust me, people do notice when you wear a watch. It’s time to invest in one that speaks volumes about you, don’t just follow the crowd. To help you find your way to an authentic watch, here are some of my go-to places around the city and a few brands that are favourites of mine. Purchasing a pre-owned watch at auction is a great way to get a prestigious brand at a slightly more affordable price point. For me, the only place to go is Fellows - one of the top auction houses in the world for buying
and selling watches. There’s also a team of watch specialists on-hand to give you professional advice so you can make an informed decision on your purchase. If you’re looking for a fashionable timepiece, designer brands to sink your teeth into include Paul Smith, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. The only advice I would give you is to look past the name and feel for the quality. When it comes to designer watches, you’ll find that one brand will usually make watches for many other brands, the components will be the same but the name will be different. Raymond Weil are a brand synonymous with refinement, sophistication and exquisite craftsmanship, they’re a favourite of mine because they put so much thought into their designs and create truly unique pieces. If you don’t know who they are, you should definitely check them out. If you’re shopping on a tight budget, I suggest you take a look at some of the newer brands like Henry London or Daniel Wellington. They produce stylish designs for the modern gent and offer a reliable and precise quartz mechanism. For a prestigious timepiece like an Omega, Breitling or Tag Heuer, there are plenty of watch specialist shops around the city to choose from. But as I mentioned before, do your research first and don’t go blindly into buying a watch. Good Luck!
Tag Heuer, £1150
Raymond Weil £975
Health
Lose that post-summer body Looking to shift that post holiday belly? Here’s our run-down of the best exercises proven to help you lose that weight Word: Mel Snow 1
Press ups
3 sets of 15-20 reps Place your hands on the ground and keep them a shoulder-width apart. Placing both feet behind you and keeping your back straight, bend your arms until you’re a few inches from the ground. Push back up into your start position.
2
Plank
3 sets of 30 seconds Prepare your body by creating a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Suck your belly button into your spine to engage your core in the exercise. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then release.
3
Deadlift
3 sets of 10-12 reps Crouch and hold the barbell, keeping your knees bent and your shoulder blades pulled together. Lift the barbell keeping your torso in an upright position before bending your knees and returning it to the floor.
4
Bodysaw
3 sets of 10-12 reps Get into the plank position. Move your feet back until you can feel a stretch in your abs, and then return back. However, ensure that you complete the movements slowly for maximum effect.
Fat-frying snacks:
In addition to these simple exercises, a good diet is essential for minimising
Kale crisps
Oatcakes release carbs
and vitamin B. They also
at once. They begin
source of iron, magnesium contain fibre, which is
that body fat. Here’s a
proven to counteract any
fat stripping snacks:
for unhealthy carbs!
round-up of the best
Oatcakes
Kale crisps are a good
cravings you may have
slowly rather than all releasing the carbs
almost immediately,
meaning your natural
tiredness will disappear!
ay goodbye to your post-holiday beer belly; it’s time to get your body back on track. Forget the amount of burgers and beers that you consumed during your holiday, they’re a thing of the past. We’re on hand to give you our top fitness tips that you can do at home, or in the gym, that are guaranteed to sweat out those extra pounds in no time. The key is to work your body to breaking point, we know it doesn’t sound all that appealing, but trust us it works. Short bursts of 30 second exercises are key to getting back on the health train whilst compound exercises such as deadlifts are rapid fat-busting moves that will guarantee you the body that you want. The exercises below are classics, and will reduce the time that you spend in the gym; but remember it’s not just about exercise, you need to get your diet back in check too. Clear out your cupboards of any remaining calorie-packed snacks and drinks and switch them out for healthier choices. From stress reducing fruit to vegetables that are guaranteed to crank up your metabolism, we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of foods that will get your six pack back to its former glory.
S
Pumkin Seeds
Tuna
Just a 30g portion of
Tuna is very low in fat and full
more than 2mg of
support lean muscle growth.
for fat cell reduction,
forms of protein, meaning
definitely burn that fat.
out their for weight loss.
pumpkin seeds provides zinc. Zinc is essential
meaning your body will
of vitamin B, which helps to It’s also one of the lowest it’s one of the best foods
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EXPERIENCE
DON’T JUST ADMIRE YOUR STYLE ICONS. DRIVE THEM.
A Tour & Track Jaguar Experience at Castle Bromwich takes you deep inside the exhilarating world of Jaguar past and present. Immerse yourself in the history and engineering of the iconic marque during your exclusive factory tour, then feel the adrenaline rush as you take to the track in everything from a Classic E-type to a state-of-the-art F-TYPE. So book your Classic or Modern Tour & Track Jaguar Experience today. To book or find out more visit shop.jaguar.co.uk/experiences or call 0121 7866000/6001 and quote code SB615.
Restrictions Apply
Life / Travel
HOTEL GOTHAM | MANCHESTER
Best for City Breaks…
Mark Leeming
Weekend Getaways
Have you ever wanted to live like Gatsby for a night or two whilst soaking up some city culture? Then a trip to Manchester’s Hotel Gotham might be what you’re looking for. Decked in gold and black, the luxury hotel is full of character. Hotel Gotham has 55 individually designed bedrooms and five inner sanctum suites. The Honey Restaurant and the sensational Club Brass, a private VIP lounge - complete with a roof terrace, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the city are perfect for enjoying one of the hotel’s signature cocktails on a summers night. If a city break with splash of elegance and style is what you’re looking for, then Hotel Gotham is more than ideal. Four nights room only start from £149 per night. hotelgotham.co.uk
Mark Leeming
Dormy House
Are you looking to get away for a few days but fancy somewhere new? From luxury treehouses to relaxing spa breaks in the countryside, here are our top picks for a short break
DORMY HOUSE | WORCESTERSHIRE | THE COTSWOLDS
Best for Countryside Breaks…
dormyhouse.co.uk
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 103
Dormy House
Sometimes nothing beats a spa break, it’s the perfect excuse to just disconnect from the outside world and give yourself some me time. If you’re a bit of a country bumpkin you’ll feel right at home here - think crackling fires and big cosy blankets to wrap yourself up in during those colder nights. Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds - just an hour and a half drive from Birmingham - is the delightful 17th century farmhouse that has built a strong reputation for itself over the years. The rooms at Dormy House are designed to make you feel right at home and vary in size from cosy, intimate spaces, to grand suites. The Inside House Spa is what dreams are made of; whether you want to work out in the high-quality gym, soothe your muscles with a relaxing massage, or kick back with a magazine - you’ll leave the Inside House feeling well and truly rejuvenated. If you fancy a day out exploring the Cotswolds there are many stunning places to visit. But if you don’t fancy leaving Dormy there’s still plenty for you to do; take a stroll around the hotel’s breathtaking surroundings, or hop on a bike to venture a little further. Dormy House, rooms from £240 per night with breakfast.
Life / Travel
THE CRAZY BEAR | STADHAMPTON | OXFORDSHIRE
Fancy a weekend in Oxford but want to stay somewhere with a little countryside charm? Then look no further than The Crazy Bear. This award-winning, five star hotel oozes personality and character - it’s unique, we’ll give it that. An hour and a half drive from Birmingham, The Crazy Bear Southampton is home to stunning gardens, eccentric rooms and rolling acres of farmland it’s a perfect destination for weekend retreat. The centre of Oxford is just a short drive away, so if you fancy exploring the beautiful city for the day before heading to the hotel we totally recommend it. Check in on an old double decker London bus before heading to one of the 16 individually designed bedrooms. Explore the stunning gardens before heading for a drink at either the English Restaurant or Thai Restaurant - whichever takes your fancy. The Bar is one of the key features at The Crazy Bear. Originally a 16th Century pub, it’s been re-designed to fit the quirky style of the hotel, whilst maintaining the stunning original features. If you need some time to wind down after a hectic week at the office, you can book yourself in for The Crazy Bear’s adaptation of a traditional Thai Massage. The Crazy Bear Stadhampton, from £199 per night crazybeargroup.co.uk
Best for Breaks with a Twist...
CHEWTON GLEN | NEW FOREST | HAMPSHIRE
Take your weekend break to a new heights with a weekend break at Chewton Glen. We promise you, you’ll never have stayed somewhere quite like this before. This lavish five-star hotel situated in the New Forest takes weekend breaks to a whole new level. If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, we recommend that you book one of Chewton’s incredible tree houses. A three hour drive away from Birmingham, you’ll be encased in a world of complete luxury; from the stunning manor house - also a hotel as part of Chewton Glen - to breathtaking woodland. There are a number of options you can take when booking your tree house, depending on how many of you are going, to your budget options - whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. These tree houses aren’t your typical tree house, built on stilts, they sit 35ft. above the ground, providing you with your own little nest retreat. Inside is like a luxury cottage, complete with a crackling log fire for the colder months, it has everything you could possibly need - in short, it’s like a home away from home. Each tree house comes with a mini kitchenette, a marble bathroom complete with dazzling forest views, under-floor heating, flat screen TV with complementary Sky and, our personal favourite, an outside terrace with a hot tub. Make sure you take some time to explore what’s around you. As well as its stunning accommodation Chewton Glen has an award-winning spa, gym and beautiful woodland trails that will lead you straight down to the beach. Chewton Glen, tree houses from £850 per night. chewtonglen.com
104 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
Life / Travel
BILL & COO SUITES | MYKONOS
Escape for some sun and step into the Bill & Coo way of life. This stunning hotel, Bill & Coo Suites is situated on the glamorous island of Mykonos and is one of our favourite hotels on this list. Beautifully decorated and with views guaranteed to take your breath away, Bill & Coo Suites take a luxury weekend away to a whole new level. Effortlessly and neutrally decorated, the suites scream elegance; choose from a suite with your own private hot tub, to your own private infinity pool. With Mykonos town just a short walk away you can explore narrow streets, fresh seafood restaurants and small independent shops. It may be slightly more pricey, but it’s worth every penny, we promise. Bill & Coo Suites start from €270 per person per night in low season.
Sunset Lounge Bar at White Palace, copyright of Grecotel S.A
Best for Luxury Weekend Sun…
Vagelis Paterakis for Bill & Coo Suites
bill-coo-hotel.com
Vagelis Paterakis for Bill & Coo Suites
WHITE PALACE GRECOTEL LUXURY RESORT | CRETE
The Greek Islands are, in our opinion, some of the most stunning to visit for a brief getaway. If you’re looking for a hotel where you have everything in one place and simply want to do nothing but bask in the sun for a week, then White Palace is perfect for this. Although, if you want to explore the island a little, the beautiful, charming town of Rethymno is just a short bus ride away. The hotel itself is superb, all white interiors create a relaxing atmosphere and with three pools - two infinity and one main pool - bars, two restaurants, gym and fitness classes - you won’t ever be short of something to do. The views are nothing short of picturesque; from the moment you set foot in the hotel you see nothing but the never-ending sea. There are also gardens to wander around as well as a private beach. The rooms ooze luxury, the all-white interior just makes any postVilla Grand Luxe Yali Private Pool, Private Sun travel stress that you may have Terrace and Pool Deck with Sea Panoramic Views at wash away in an instant. For us, White Palace, copuright of Grecotel S.A when it comes to a short break abroad, White Palace is never a bad choice. A three night stay at the White Palace Grecotel Luxury Resort, starts at £96 per night. thewhitepalace.com
Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 105
LIfe / Home
Get a sense of the interiors to come at Bourne Fields with the above image from the Oakwood development
Escape to Words: Ellen Atkinson
WHY ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY?
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the Country living room designed to the highest specification. There are an array of options from electrical to exterior features that allow you to create the dream home that you’ve always wanted.
A STONE’S THROW AWAY
There are a vast number of beautiful villages, towns and cities just a short journey away. Birmingham Bourne Fields is in a perfect location if you’re a commuter. The M6 is less than five miles away and a short train journey will take you into Birmingham city centre which is home to some incredible places to eat. Simpsons and Adams are amongst the Michelin starred restaurants that run throughout the city, but there are also a fantastic collection of eateries at Brindleyplace and the Mailbox as well as some great bars that offer incredibly creative cocktails. If you enjoy a visit to the cinema,
Everyman Cinema provides the ultimate luxury viewing experience. If you enjoy theatre shows and concerts, the city is packed with venues including the much-loved Birmingham Hippodrome, and the Barclaycard Arena. Everyone enjoys a night out on the town so take the opportunity to put on your dancing shoes and make use of the city’s clubs. Or if you prefer comedy head to the Glee Club. Lichfield Just a 20 minute drive away from Bourne Fields lies the beautiful heritage city, Lichfield. One of the city’s greatest attractions is the stunning cathedral. Explore the cathedral’s hidden library or indulge at Chapters The Cafe in The Close, which serves an array of sandwiches, cakes and pastries homemade from a selection of local produce. If you’re a theatregoer you can catch a show at Lichfield Garrick Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances that all the family can enjoy. If you fancy a relaxing stroll then
Oakwood
Clockwise from top: Bourne Fields Estate, Everyman Cinema, Tigers at Drayton Manor, Go Ape
According to the Office of National Statistics, countryside populations are set to increase by 6% by 2025 as more people wish to escape the busy city streets and urban living. If you too wish to live somewhere more rural Bourne Fields Estate may be for you. The luxury collection of 14 five-bedroom homes is situated between Aldridge and Streetly, perfectly placed to make the most out of the surrounding areas. Set back from Chester Road, Bourne Fields is conveniently placed to enjoy the stunning natural enviroment. With stylish contemporary living spaces, Cameron Homes is taking rural living to a whole new level. You’re guaranteed feel right at home at this stunning development. Tailor your home with Cameron Homes to create a space finished with your own signature style. Each spectacularly designed home features a stunning kitchen, master suite and
Moving to the countryside doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on lifestyle. From family days out to luxurious shopping trips, here’s what you can find within touching distance of a new location outside of the city
Life / Home
be sure to visit the 70 acre gardens of the beautiful Beacon Park. Sutton Coldfield One of Sutton Coldfield’s major attractions is stunning Sutton Park. Aiming to provide visitors with a sense of wilderness within an urban environment, the park is composed of a mixture of wetland, heathland and woodland and is spread across 2000 acres, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy something more high intensity, NPF Bassetts Pole makes for the perfect day out for paintball lovers. Tamworth Tamworth is home to Drayton Manor, one of the UK’s most popular theme parks that is perfect for thrill-seekers and young families, providing a day of fabulous fun! Within a 30 minute drive away you can also jump into winter wonderland at the SnowDome which offers activities including skiing and snowboarding, along with an ice rink and leisure centre. Cannock Chase Cannock Chase is a half an hour car ride away from Bourne Fields and has a range of attractions that all the family can get involved in. Be sure to visit Cannock Chase’s Birches Valley Forest Centre which will get you set for a fantastic day out in the wild with information regarding bike trials and woodland walks. If you’re looking for something more adventurous try Go Ape’s Treetop Adventure, or get off the beaten track with Cannock Chase’s mountain bike trails or Go Ape’s Forest Segway experience.
The Belfry Hotel
FOR A LUXURY DAY
Fairlawns Hotel and Spa is just one of the luxury spas available within a 40 minute drive of Aldridge and it has all the facilities that will allow you to feel truly pampered. The hotel’s spa is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy access to the fitness facilities, whilst the Spa Snug allows you to take some time out to read and enjoy peace and quiet. The Adult Health Club on site, which boasts a sauna suite and hydrotherapy pool makes Fairlawns the perfect place to make you feel great.
hosted two European Tour matches, making it one for the most popular UK courses. The resort is renowned for its outstanding golfing experience and was crowned the ‘Best VenueThe Ultimate UK Golf Experience’ at the 2013 59 Club Awards. There are courses for all levels of golfing experience. If you think luxury living at Bourne Fields is what you’ve been looking for, then please visit cameronhomes.co.uk for more information.
FOR GOLF LOVERS
The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield, is nestled with more than 500 acres of idyllic countryside and has received the 2016 Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. The resort boasts multiple golf courses including the Brabazon, which is a four-time Ryder Cup host and the PGA National which has
Fairlawns Hotel and Spa pool
Shelly Simmonds Photography
Dine in style at some of the area’s best pubs Recently Renovated
The Barn at Lichfield serves seasonal, homemade food that has been locally sourced. It prides its self on its twists on British classics and take inspiration from some of the most wellloved flavours from around the world along with real ales and skinny cocktails.
The Plough & Harrow is located on the same road as Bourne Fields, making it one of the most convenient pubs to visit in the area. The pub has been stylishly refurbished, yet it still retains traditional elements, such as roaring log fires, to keep you cosy and comfortable.
The Trooper at Wall is the place if you want to enjoy a chargrilled steak or pizza fresh from a wood fired oven. The wonderfully-lit beer garden at The Trooper is sure to make you want to stay the night with its comfortable setting - don’t miss the giant Teepee at the back. Autumn 2016 | Style Birmingham | 107
Life / Health
Life / Interior
Tom Dixon beat wide ceiling pendant light in brass, £285
John Lewis moroccan ball line lights, £15
H&M patterned cotton rug, £24.99
Urban Outfitters hexagon mirror, £39
Oliver Bonas midnight hudson pouffe, £275
John Lewis
Oliver Bonas velvet tub chair in dusk, £445
Feeling Blue Embrace Aztec vibes and make a statement with dazzling prints, sultry blues and brilliant bronze and coppers
John Lewis diamond shadow throw, £49
Urban Outfitters, Copper Star Terrarium Planter, £30
IKEA Vittsjö coffee table, £35
Words: Ellen Atkinson
STYLE TIP: Bold statement pieces have greater impact when kept in isolation, so aim to have only a couple of statement pieces per room and compete the look with colour block walls.
Oliver Bonas storage basket, £42 108 | Style Birmingham | Autumn 2016
John Lewis
John Lewis oskar cushion, £15
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e au t if u l ly irst
e x per i e nce lu x u r y be yon d e x pe c tat ion
Computer generated image, details may vary.
Typical interiors.
T
he first of our outstanding Bourne Fields homes are now available, offering an exclusive opportunity to own a remarkable residence in an enviable location. Choose from a selection of sumptuous five-bedroom farmhouse and barn conversion style homes, with a premium specification, stunning living spaces and a desirable setting between Aldridge and Streetly. To arrange your personal viewing, call 0121 514 5729 or email bournefields@cameronhomes.co.uk
cameronhomes.co.uk/bourne-fields
Life / Win
W
e’ve teamed up exclusively with Grand Central Birmingham to celebrate their first birthday. We are offering one lucky winner the chance to win a £500 gift card. You can treat yourself to a shopping splurge at some of Birmingham’s most sought after shops including John Lewis, The White Company and M∙A∙C. What’s more, when you need a break from all that shopping, you can relax and refuel with a glass of bubbles at the Fizz! bar or, if you’re feeling hungry, there’s a variety of places to dine ranging from the taste of Vietnamese at Pho to hearty Italian at Carluccio’s. Good luck!
IN! WIN! W ! IN W IN! ! WIN! W IN W ! IN ! W WIN! WIN ! IN W ! ! WIN WIN! WIN ! IN W ! IN N! WIN! W
Win a £500 shopping spree at Grand Central Birmingham!
Shop the Is s 50 photosh ue oot at John Lew is!
For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Which popular department store can you find in Grand Central Birmingham? A. House of Fraser B. John Lewis C. Debenhams To enter and see full terms & conditions, just visit stylebham.com/win
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in association with
AUTUMN SHOPPING EVENT To celebrate the launch of The White Company’s new Autumn/Winter Collection, join Clothing Director Barbara Horspool and Style Birmingham Editor Andrew Riley for an exclusive shopping evening. Simply beautiful, timeless style solutions have always been The White Company’s inspiration. This season it’s all about fantastic knits, quality coats and wardrobe heroes that look and feel great to wear. To find out about the latest collection visit thewhitecompany.com Style Birmingham readers are invited to a special evening at The White Company store at Birmingham Grand Central, on Tuesday 20th September, 6.30-8.30pm where they can enjoy:
20% OFF*
DRINKS, CANAPÉS AND A GOODIE BAG WORTH £25 *
To book your space and for full terms and conditions, visit stylethewhitecompany. eventbrite.co.uk
H A RV E Y N IC HOL S C A ST L E F I N E A RT
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ARMA NI COLLEZIONI DA N I EL FOOT W E A R
L.K.BENNETT
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NICKY CLARKE
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BOSS
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C A LV I N K L E I N U N D E RW E A R
G I E V E S & H AW K E S TOMMY HILFIGER
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K I TCH E N GA L L E RY TONI & GUY
More exciting brands opening soon. # lifemadebeautiful