Style Birmingham Issue 58

Summer nights Stay cool after dark

Timeless beauty Look your best at every age Hot in the city What to do, where to go

Issue 58 â—? Free

Editor-in-Chief Andrew Riley andrew@stylebham.com

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SUMMER

t last, it’s here: the glorious summer, our favourite season. Your summer of fun in the city starts right here, with the latest issue of Style Birmingham, your trusty guide to what to do, where to go, and how to look and feel fantastic all the way to autumn.

In these pages you’ll find fashion to keep you cool on hot days and the best new beauty ideas, whatever your age. Trends step straight from the runway into our city shops: from sunshine yellow to investment suiting and everyday neutrals with an edge.

Meet the young chefs who are helping establish Birmingham as a foodie’s paradise: they share their stories of kitchen nightmares and culinary triumphs on page 24.

Elsewhere, we’re celebrating 120 years of The Hippodrome (page 86), the enduring appeal of traditional pubs (page 90) and the beauty of Birmingham in pictures (page 54).

Dive in, it’s summertime!

Managing Editor Sarah Drew Jones Design and Creative Direction Chloe Reeves

With special thanks to: Lisa Piddington Roulla Xenides Matt Bird Nancy Mae Ashleigh Hope Crystal and Elena at Bookings Bianca Estelle Deborah Mitchell Roz Laws Sameera Ghaffar-Manan Becky Weaver Suzanne Baum Jamie Roche

On the cover: Photographer Matt Bird, Stylist Jade Woodhouse, Model Crystal at Bookings, Hair Nancy Mae Makeup Ashleigh Hope at Marc Jacobs, Harvey Nichols Birmingham

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Contents

fashion

08 investment dressing Spend

less on throw-away pieces and more on classics that will last for years

12 The hot list From cushions 22

50 Q&A with Bianca Estelle

52 Glow On Stop time with these youth-boosting skin saviours

14 trend update Summer calls for vivid hues and lightweight fabrics...

54 great skincare at any age

20 Hello ss ‘19 A new season calls for refreshing new prints, colours and styles

Deborah Mitchell’s tips on achieving the perfect complexion from your teens through to your sixties.

78 SUMMER LOVING From aftershaves and facial washes to moisturisers and serums, we’ve got you covered! features

32 Summer nights Sizzling

24 FOODIE HEAVEN Five of the

40 Summer Love an SS19 runway

56 Beautiful Brum Meet the artists

44 IN FULL BLOOM Chic florals and

80 New York Manhattan’s hottest spots for summer

separates and statement maxis from Harvey Nichols Birmingham

show to remember from Harvey Nichols

classic neutrals at Next

64 best in show The Midlands

Fashion Awards turn the spotlight on emerging talent

68 NEW LUXE Hero pieces from fashion’s coolest tastemakers

76 HOT STUFF Revamp your wardrobe and get ready for warmer months

24

A new pop-up clinic comes to Birmingham delivering vitamin boosts

to cologne, our favourite picks this season

18 HOW TO WEAR SATIN This luxe material oozes effortless glamour, and here’s how to wear it

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BEAUTY & GROOMING

city’s finest chefs on their adventures in food

20

giving us a new view of our city

86 120 Years of the hippodrome Celebrating 120 years of the cultural icon at the heart of our city

90 PROPER PUBS Their timeless appeal and 10 of Birmingham’s best 94 Goin’ up Goin’ Down

Everything we’re loving and loathing right now 7

INVESTMENT

Dressing Less is definitely more when it comes to creating the perfect wardrobe – spend less on the throw-away pieces and more on the classics that will last for years. Lisa Piddington writes in praise of considered consumerism

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C

arrie Bradshaw famously quipped “I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet.” And as a woman who spent more than $40,000 on shoes alone, the Sex & The City heroine certainly knew a thing a two about investment dressing.

In an ideal world, we’d all own a wardrobe to rival the one belonging to Sarah Jessica Parker’s fictional character – you know, those handpicked Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos gloriously punctuated with Fendi bags and Prada dresses.

However, in reality, with clothes being more readily available and more inexpensive than ever before, the temptation is to dress for less rather than dress well.

Over the last decade, the rise in ‘stock it high, sell it cheap’ retailers both on the high street and online has meant many of us (and yes, I include myself here) have been lured by the idea of spending £50 on a whole host of trendy must-haves: a couple of T-shirts, one or two pairs of jeans, new

trainers, undies and all manner of accessories.

Many of these are seen as singlewear pieces; we can easily buy a new dress each time we go out on a Saturday night and are never seen wearing the same thing twice in those all-important Insta shots. But a recent Great British Wardrobe Report survey revealed the average woman owns 95 items of clothing and only wears half of them regularly, and the truth is these unworn items can end up in landfill sites within a matter of weeks.

But things may be changing and the demand for ‘slow fashion’ over ‘fast fashion’ could well be the future as more and more shoppers look for clothes that last longer than an evening out with friends and lead to less waste. According to research carried out by Mintel, last year a third of consumers bought clothing once a month, which was down from 37% in 2016; while those buying every two or three months or less rose from 64% to 67%. It seems the savvy fashionista now wants to spend her hard-earned

Monsoon

THE DESIGNER BAG On average, women in the UK own 14 handbags – three they use on a regular basis for work and socialising; two that are seen as more occasional; four evening bags and five that were bought to go with a specific outfit and rarely enjoy an outing – spending more than £6,000 on arm candy alone over a lifetime.

Consider ditching the easily disposable and instead plump for a classic; cheaper bags may be frivolous but are often inferior quality meaning they may start to fall apart in no time at all. A wellchosen classic, from an established brand such as Vivienne Westwood, Coast or Marc Jacobs, can be taken

cash on a few cleverly chosen pieces each season, rather than adopting a scattergun approach to throw-away style.

Constantine Tziambazis, Sales Manager at Harvey Nichols, explains: “Investment buying is not about buying something just because it’s in fashion; instead, it’s about picking a few selected pieces each season that work with what’s already in your wardrobe and by their nature remain timelessly stylish.

“Our customers are more interested in knowing where products are coming from and how they are made and are happy to purchase the designer pieces that will last longer and won’t be considered unfashionable in a couple of months.

A Stella McCartney jacket, for example, will see them through season after season and will always look great; while a Gucci bag, well, is always a Gucci bag.”

So when it comes to wise shopping, what should you spend your money on?

Saint Laurent Teddy canvas and leather tote, £1,245, Harvey Nichols

out day after day, occasion after occasion. If your budget is tight opt for a neutral colour like black, brown or grey that will go with countless outfits, and shop during sales when discounts can be up to 50%. Look out for long-lasting shapes; a tote or cross-body will still look great in years to come.

And remember to take proper care of your purchase – most designer ones come with a dust bag to protect them and you can fill with them tissue paper when stored to keep their shape. I dip into my decade-old collection of Mulberry, Chloe and Miu Miu on a regular basis and still get comments on how striking they are.

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A PERFECTLY FITTING DRESS

Polka dot dress, £65, Oasis

A long-held dream of mine was to own a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. This signature style was first unveiled in 1974 and quickly made the now-legendary designer a true fashion icon.

Crafted out of quality jersey and designed to be the first ‘sizeinclusive’ piece, it remains as much-loved four decades on, so much so it has even been immortalised in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can wear it all manner of events, from weddings to business meetings, and it never fails to flatter. So while it may set you back a good chunk of your monthly pay packet, it really is one of fashion’s stalwarts.

Another style to shop for is a midi-dress; this any-season favourite falls mid-calf and is one of most flattering shapes whatever your age. Team with heels for a special occasion, sandals for a summer sojourn or boots throughout the winter.

And trust me, in the long-term your wardrobe and your bank balance will thank you for it.

Midi dress, £55, Next

STATEMENT SHOES More than half of us buy a pair of shoes once a month, with 53% of women admitting that they have hidden their indulgences from partners or parents. But rather than splashing out on countless pairs that we have to stash away you can learn to shop wisely for what you really need: a pair of heels you can actually walk in (no more taxi shoes); wear-anywhere flats and comfy trainers.

Leather is a more sensible option that its faux counterpart but if your principles mean you steer clear of animal products there are plenty of emerging ethical brands to choose from: Veja is the feel-good 10

footwear label lauded by style devotees for its entirely transparent production process and sustainable materials; while Stella McCartney’s collaboration with Adidas boasts a range of great-looking vegan sneakers in prime-knit and mesh.

As with any investment, step away from garish colours and faddish embellishments that may look like fun in the shop and instead ask yourself how long you’ll realistically be wearing neon or pom-poms on your feet. Trust me, a nude pump or a classic riding boot will be a longterm friend.

Nude heels, £80, Dune

A$AP ROCKY

CALVIN KLEIN JEANS BULLRING & GRAND CENTRAL

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The

Hot List

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From cushions to cologne, take a look at some of our favourite picks this season 1 A HELPING HAND

Today is a good day t-shirt, £25, Oliver Bonas Add some positive vibes to your day with this uplifting slogan tee, which can easily be paired with jeans for an off-duty weekend look.

Oliver Bonas will also be donating £2 of each one of these t-shirt sales to UK Youth, a charity that helps to support young people.

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2 SKIRT OF THE SEASON

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Satin skirt, £29.99, Zara Whether you’re going all out by pairing it with heels and blouse or keeping it casual with a white tee and trainers, this versatile satin midi skirt is a seasonal musthave.

3 ARM CANDY

Rixo Frankie floral-print satin shoulder bag, £250, Selfridges Well-known for its statement print dresses in vintage styles, Rixo has recently branched out into handbags and we can’t get enough of this colourful Frankie bag in a silky retro print.

4 SUMMER SPRITZ

Hemlock and bergamot cologne, £49, Jo Malone London Keep this travel-friendly Jo Malone scent in your handbag for a daily 12

spritz when you need a little floral pick me up. Featuring notes of Bergamot, Hemlock and Heliotrope, this gorgeous scent is powdery, fresh and ideal for warmer months.

5 TOP READ

How to Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned from Things Going Wrong, £12.99, Waterstones This feelgood read by Elizabeth Day proves that sometimes when things go wrong, other things end up falling into place.

As a celebration of life’s failures - and subsequent successes this is a motivating and inspiring read.

6 BOLD BRASS

Kaia Wall Mounted Candleholder, £59, MADE.COM Designed with a statement brass finish, this chic candle holder can be mounted on any wall of your home to amp up your living space without spending a fortune.

7 THE ADDED TOUCH

Abstract embroidered cushion, £34, Oliver Bonas The right accessories can take your space to a whole new level, so switch it up this season by layering cushions

7 6 of different shapes and textures on your furniture. From boho to Bauhaus, there’s soft furnishings to suit every living style, it’s just a case of finding the right pieces for your home.

8 SMART CASUAL

Colour-block shirt, £165, Selfridges One for the guys, this quirky relaxed-fit shirt will serve you well if you’re jetting off to more exotic climates in the summer months as it’s breathable and loose with a fresh colour combo.

9 HEADS UP

Printed headband, £7.99, Zara Embrace one of this season’s biggest accessories trends with a printed headband. Not only are they stylish, they also come in handy when you’re having a bad hair day.

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10 EASY TIGER

High Demand Heels, £59, Office You can’t go wrong with a pair of barely there heels, especially once temperatures start to rise. Designed with a comfy heel, tiger print detailing and on-trend shape, these Office heels can be paired with highwaisted mom jeans and a loose-fit blouse for the ultimate laidback evening look.

11 WEDDING CHIC

Midi dress, £49.99, H&M Invitations stacking up, but no idea what to wear? This is the perfect shopportunity.

Wedding, garden party, whatever the event, this ethereal midi dress from H&M in shimmering oyster fits the bill (plus it’s easy to wear and high on comfort. We approve).

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Bora Asku

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Bora Asku

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It’s the colour of the season, and there are plenty of ways to wear it. From ribbed knit dresses at Jasper Conran to Bora Aksu gowns, SS19 catwalks saw everything from sage to neon green.

Perfect for brightening up your everyday look, this wearable trend is one to watch out for across high-street styles in the upcoming months.

jasper conran

Trend update Summer calls for vivid hues and lightweight fabrics...

WITH ENVY

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Suits aren’t just for the office, and this season saw power suits return with a bang in a myriad colour variations, tailoring styles and fits. Whether you’re embracing the shoulder pads or not, upgrade your wardrobe with a two-piece suit, dressed up or down depending on your style.

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Think exaggerated florals, statement puff sleeves and mesh detailing - it’s all about the sleeves this summer - the bigger they are, the better. Try pairing bold floral pieces with chic summer accessories for your new go-to daytime look.

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S EVE LE

TEMENT A T S S

HOW TO WEAR

It’s no secret that satin is having a real moment. From midi skirts to cami dresses and even accessories, this luxe material oozes effortless glamour, and here’s how to wear it

THE DRESS Create the ultimate evening look by pairing a statement satin midi dress with simple black heels, a clutch and some gold drop earrings. This Cowl Back Animal Print Dress, £69, Warehouse has been designed in a luxe fabric and flattering fit, making it the ideal piece for a special occasion.

Bag, £29, Zara

J.JS LEE

Oval drop earrings, £10, Topshop

Heels, Jimmy Choo, £495, Selfridges

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THE TOP

THE EXTRAS

Delicate and elegant, this Satin Strap Top, £45, Arket is a chic top choice, best paired with smart tailored trousers and barely-there shoes. Keep it simple with minimal accessories, as this slinky top does all the work for you.

If you don’t want to go all-out in satin, try incorporating elements of the trend into your look using small accessories such as headbands, scarves and bags. They’ll help you achieve the same vibe without going OTT.

Funnel neck ribbed tank top, £15, M&S

Reflexions Rose bracelet, £125, Pandora Printed satin scarf, £12.99

Mesh and satin clutch, £680, Prada Trousers, £189, Hobbs

Mulberry Small Darley Grain bag in Oak, £595, Selfridges

Apricot square toe block heel, £90, Office

THE SKIRT

Wide fit leather sandals, £22.99, New Look

We can’t get enough of midi skirts at the moment, and this Bec & Bridge Midnight Dance olive satin midi skirt, £150, Harvey Nichols is certainly no exception to the rule. Made in a gorgeous olive hue, is this can be paired with heeled ankle boots and a casual roll neck jumper or tee for a smart casual weekend look. Available in a variety of different colours, we want one in every shade.

Patterned scarf, £6.99, H&M

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BORA AKSU

SAY HELLO TO SS19

Spot ruffle midi skirt, £39, Topshop

RUFFLE YOUR FEATHERS

Organza blouse, £1,020, Prada

Alice + Olivia, Evelia ruffled floral-print georgette dress, £610, Net-a-Porter

MULBERRY

Ruffles just got a whole lot bigger and bolder. Whether you’re switching up your office wear or going all out for a special occasion, don’t be afraid to combine statement prints with frills for a seriously statement look that’s bound to get heads turning for all the right reasons.

JENNY PACKHAM

BORA AKSU

A new season calls for refreshing new prints, colours and styles

Andray bird print ruffle dress, £179, Ted Baker

Ruffled print shirt, £1,340, Net-a-Porter

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BEACH BAGS WITH A TWIST

Issy emboridered straw circle tote bag, £37.50, Accessorize

BORA Aksu

Flint wooden tote bag, £32, Topshop

It wouldn’t be summer without a beach bag trend.

Structured bamboo bags are a huge trend at the moment, whilst ever-practical straw totes have returned for another year, with a modern twist. Available across both high-street and designer collections, there’s one for every budget.

Rainbow slatted bamboo bag, £29.99

Woven straw tote bag, £49, & Other Stories

Cult Gaia, Ark small bamboo bag, £160, Selfridges

Dungarees, £50, Monki

Black contrast stitch utility jacket, £25.99

Francisca broderie cotton maxi dress, £140, Monsoon 1460 smooth boots, £130, Dr Martens

Check midi dress, £129, Whistles

UTILITY

MODERN MILKMAID

Say hello to the dress style you’re about to see a lot more of - the milkmaid dress. Usually featuring a puff sleeve, Bardot neckline and even some broderie fabric, this is a summer staple.

Falcon broderie dress, £370, Ganni

Where comfort meets style, the utility trend is one of the easiest trends to master this season. Think contraststitch jackets, durable fabrics and structured fits - these practical pieces will soon become your everyday go-to items.

Topstitch utility jumpsuit, £49, Warehouse

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Elsie lace up trainers, £90, Dune Woodley leather box, £159, Hobbs

Knitted tank top, £50, John Lewis

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Maxi dress, £120, Monsoon

IT WAS ALL YELLOW

JASPER CONRAN

Floral crepe dress, £115, Arket

MULBERRY

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Brighten up your wardrobe whatever the weather with a dash of yellow. From vivid maxi dresses to cute crossbody bags in pastel hues, there are plenty of ways to add this sunshine shade into your summer look.

Arley backpack, £99.50, Oliver Bonas

Linen cotton dress, £75, John Lewis

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Sweatshirt, £35, Arket

Fendi logointarsia stretchknit trainers, £690, Harvey Nichols

Jumpsuit, £59.99, Mango

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STICK ‘EM UP

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Quick, travel-friendly and easy to use - these stick beauty products are changing the game

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1 Correct Click, £15, Cover FX Touch up any unwanted facial redness with this colour-correcting compact stick. Simply apply with your fingers before foundation and concealer to eradicate discolouration and even out skin tone.

2 Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer, £17, Selfridges Combat the drying effects of lipstick by applying this nourishing lip primer to keep your pout from looking flaky. Made with a rich balm formula, this handy little priming stick will ensure your lips feel nourished and hydrated throughout the day.

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3 Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon, £19, Selfridges Getting glam on a tight schedule? The Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon eyeshadows are perfect if you’re always on-the-go.

Available in eight different colours, from deep metallic purple to champagne sparkles, these shimmery shades are creamy enough to glide over your lids and transform your look with ease.

4 Milk Makeup, Lip + Cheek, £20.50, Cult Beauty This versatile blush and lip tint provides a flush of pink to the face in just a few seconds, making it easy to see why MILK makeup was so highly anticipated when it recently landed in the UK. Keep it in your handbag for instant colour in just a few seconds.

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5 Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, £42, Harvey Nichols If it’s full coverage you’re after, look no further than the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick.

Forget faffing around with a messy liquid foundation, this travel-friendly base offers high-pigment coverage that lasts up to 12 hours.

6 Nars Copacabana, £30, Selfridges Made up of light-reflecting pigments to give you a natural looking glow, this cult product is radiance in a stick. A multi-purpose stick designed to be used all over the face and body, Nars Copacabana blends effortlessly for a gorgeously subtle illumination.

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foodie

Heaven From chic brunches and festive lunches to authentic ten-course tasting menus, Birmingham’s reputation as a gourmet paradise is on the rise. Roulla Xenides grills five of the city’s finest chefs on their adventures in food

‘I’LL COOK FOR ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES FOOD’

M

ichelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell runs Purnell’s and Purnell’s Bistro and will open his first venture outside Birmingham – a 14th Century Carthusian Monastery in Coventry coverted into a restaurant and banqueting venue - next year.

IMAGES: Jack Spicer Adams

Do you come from a foodie family?

Food was very much a serious part of my childhood. We ate a lot of offal, pigs’ feet, pigs’ tails, belly draft, liver, lots of vegetables grown by my dad on his allotment. I don’t really like the word ‘foodie’, but food was respected, and it was good food that we were brought up on.

Earliest food memory?

Walking into the Birmingham market as a kid, the smell of it, the hustle and bustle. Food had a face. There were whole fish, rabbits hanging, pheasants, 46

pigs’ heads and feet on the butcher’s stalls. It was such an exciting, vibrant place.

Biggest influence?

Probably my mum’s cooking. I don’t like using the words ‘cheap cuts’, but it was economical cuts. We used every part of the animal. My mum’s cooking was solid, but also different. Kids at school never had pigs’ feet, but I did!

First thing you remember cooking that drew praise from friends or family?

Beans on toast with curry powder and a bit of grated cheese on the top, for my brother and sisters! I’ve never seen anyone so grateful.

Who would you like to cook for?

I love to cook for anyone that appreciates food, whether they’re a great chef, a celebrity, royalty or a

kills. We shut down, gave the staff oxygen and cancelled 55 covers. I didn’t think that Purnell’s would be able to continue. The stoves are now all electric.

What food smell do you find most enticing?

Bacon grilling always evokes childhood holidays in a caravan when my dad would get up early to cook us a full breakfast.

customer from Chelmsley Wood. I’ve cooked for Rod Stewart and the late Pavarotti. But I haven’t cooked for HM The Queen! I’ve met her but never cooked for her. Maybe that could be next.

Top culinary trade secret?

When cooking meat, always take it out of the fridge a good hour and a half before you’re going to cook it so it’s at room temperature. So many people fry a steak straight out of the plastic when it’s wet and cold. When you buy a chicken, take it out of its wrapping bag or plastic, dry it off with a tea towel and stick it on a plate in the bottom of the fridge for a day or two, and then cook it. The skin is completely different.

Worse kitchen mishap?

Purnell’s had only been open a month.

I had put every penny and every ounce of tears and sweat into it. It was Saturday afternoon and we had 55 booked that evening. We turned on the extractor and nothing! Without the extractor, the gas wouldn’t come on. After a couple of calls to a few of my dodgy mates we got the gas back on by by-passing the cut-out switch and so we carried on prepping.

After a couple of hours at the stove I was feeling drowsy, the lads were dropping to their knees and I suddenly remembered that carbon monoxide

Guilty food pleasure?

I do love a kebab. Loads of salad, loads of chilli, with pickled chillies inside, loads of lamb, loads of mayonnaise on it, all falling down your top…

Best foodie destination in the world?

Lyon is a fantastic city. It’s the home of gastronomy and it’s twinned with Birmingham. Bordeaux, Agen, Toulouse - all that part of France is fantastic. But even better than that, for me, is northern Spain - Vitoria, Bilbao, San Sebastian, A Coruňa, all the way along the coast and down to the Rioja region. The pintxos, the wine, the people, the connection to food and the whole social side of food… it’s another level. Unreal.

Favourite seasonal dish that can be put together in 10 minutes?

At the end of spring, beginning of summer, it’s got to be flash fried squid, with a little bit of chilli and garlic and the zest of a lime. Straight into a little bowl with some crusty bread. That’s it.

Don’t overcook the squid.

What’s your idea of a great day off?

On a Sunday I like to get up early and go fly-fishing. I’ll have a couple of pints down my little local pub which is really down to earth. Then I go home and cook for my family, and that’s the best day. purnellsrestaurant.com 25

‘COOKING FOR SCHWARZENEGGER WAS A HIGHLIGHT’ In just under a year, Aktar Islam has masterminded, launched and successfully run two fine dining restaurants: Opheem, serving Indian cuisine, and Legna, inspired by one of his favourite cuisines, Italian. He recently released ambitious plans for transforming the Summer Row area with a 78-bedroom hotel which he also plans to run.

Foodie family?

Yes. My family have run restaurants for the past three generations and my mum is a fantastic cook and great host. Creating incredible meals and bringing everyone together is her 46 26

calling and I’ve been helping her from a very early age.

Earliest food memory?

The ritual of preparing rice with mum is one of my earliest memories. She washed it in at least seven changes of water pushing the grains around with her fingers, then soaking it in a fresh bowl of water for half an hour before draining it and cooking it with aromatics and fresh boiling water.

Perfect rice every time.

with lots of green herbs, fragrant and citrussy. I was about 10 or 11 and I didn’t do it totally on my own, but mum did the butchery and just gave me all the ingredients and I put it together.

First thing you remember cooking that drew praise?

Marinated, spiced roast chicken

Who would you like to cook for?

I’ve been lucky enough to cook for one of my childhood heroes, Arnold

Schwarzenegger. I’m an 80s kid and I grew up watching him blow things up, so meeting him and cooking for him when he was in Birmingham to give a speech last year was incredible.

Who would you like to cook you a meal?

My mum. I’m lucky. She’ll call me every week and if I can pop over for a couple of hours she’ll always cook a lovely selection of dishes, put on a fantastic spread. I really savour it.

Top culinary trade secret?

When you’re using lots of chillies, rub your hands with lots of oil first. It

prevents the chilli from lingering on your skin and is easy to wash off.

Worse kitchen mishap?

I was searing some meat in the pan with one hand and answered the mobile with my other. The loin fell from the tongs onto my arm and I still have the scar to show for it.

What food smell do you find most enticing?

Roast chicken, every time! It’s so comforting and homely.

Food hell?

Overripe bananas.

IMAGES: Chefworks, Stuart Manley SM2

Guilty food pleasure?

Tyrrell’s Crisps.

Your favourite seasonal dish that can be put together in 10 minutes?

A Thai-style salad with papaya, asparagus shavings, pea shoots and other seasonal leaves, dressed with a spicy, salty and sweet dressing with chilli, garlic, fish sauce, dried shrimp, lime juice, stock syrup and coriander root.

What’s your idea of a great day off?

Spending time with my 11-year-old son Alex and my chocolate Labrador, Bailey. opheem.com, legnarestaurant.com 27

The Oyster Club

Clare Smyth. I’d love to go to her restaurant Core in Notting Hill. She’s just such an amazing chef – it’s all about precision and perfection.

Rosanna Moseley, 24, runs Birmingham’s newest fine dining restaurant, The Oyster Club by Adam Stokes having worked her way up the ranks at Michelin starred Adam’s since the age of 19.

Earliest food memory?

Christmas dinner – it’s the first meal you get excited about as a kid. And I loved it when we went out as a family as I’d always want to try something new - usually fish or shellfish as we rarely had them at home.

First thing you remember cooking that drew praise?

I used to make flapjacks that my brother and sister would demolish.

And lots of baking with my grandma – crumbles and pies.

Who would you like to cook for?

At Adam’s, I’ve cooked for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Derren Brown.

But the people I most like to cook for are my family, as they’re the most important.

Who would you like to cook for you?

28

What excites you most about cooking?

Seeing the transformation of an ingredient from its raw state to the finished dish. It’s such a privilege to be able to work with the best ingredients.

From sous chef at Birmingham’s The Wilderness, Louisa Ellis made her name on BBC’s ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ when she reached the final three. She now works as a private chef, runs cookery classes and collaborates with chefs and restaurants in pop-ups all over the country. On June 21, she returns to Birmingham for a sell-out pop-up event at the Kitchen Garden Café in Kings Heath.

Top culinary trade secret?

People often cook fish on too ferocious heat and for too long. One trick is to halve your cooking time, switch off the heat and leave the fish to rest and it will carry on cooking in the residual heat.

What food smell do you find most enticing?

When I go home and walk through the door and smell the roast cooking – it’s all about the family vibe.

Your favourite seasonal dish that can be put together in 10 minutes?

Asparagus – boiled or chargrilled, with butter, topped with a poached egg or some parmesan. the-oyster-club.co.uk

IMAGES: Adam Fradgley/Exposure

‘COOKING IS ABOUT PRECISION AND PERFECTION’

‘I’D LIKE GORDON RAMSAY TO COOK FOR ME’

Foodie family?

My family weren’t particularly experimental with food. We had a lot of stews, spaghetti Bolognese, sweet and sour chicken, never any ‘poncy food’ as my dad calls it.

Earliest food memory?

A meal at Adam’s Restaurant in Birmingham which was so amazing, I wanted to cry with every course.

Although I’d been to catering college and worked in restaurants, it was a revelation and I realised how much I had to learn. I asked for a trial shift even though I was a bit scared and I couldn’t believe it when, at the end of it, Adam offered me a job.

Who would you like to cook for you?

Gordon Ramsay. I think he’d be a nice person in real life but he’s an incredible chef and I think I’d learn a lot.

IMAGES: Matt mcCormick, Sauce Magazine, The gaztronome

Top culinary trade secret?

Using citrus as a seasoning for sauces makes such a difference. Everyone knows lemon is great with chicken, but lime juice is fantastic with venison and grapefruit with pheasant. One of my favourite ingredients is yuzu juice which is fantastic with fish and also in desserts. One of my best dishes on Masterchef was a banana and yuzu dish that the judges loved.

Worse kitchen mishap?

It was a pop-up event in a hired hall, with hired equipment and no extractor fans. Halfway through service the griddle gave out and nothing was getting hot. We couldn’t plug in too many things at a time because of the power in the venue so it was chaotic to say the least. But when you’re faced with a disaster you have to use your initiative and we pulled it off.

What food smell do you find most enticing?

Truffle or truffle oil, the smell makes me really hungry. Sometimes I make a truffle bread using white truffle oil and it’s so moreish.

Guilty food pleasure?

Making a cookie dough and licking

the bowl. Or Red Bean Buns from the Chinese supermarket that you steam from frozen. I just love them.

How has the monumental success of vegetarian/vegan diets influenced your cooking?

Like most people, I’ve become aware of the need to cut down on meat so I’ve been creating more and more vegetarian and vegan recipes. At the Kitchen Garden Café pop up, there’s a vegan alternative for the whole five course menu, which I’ve really enjoyed developing and I’m looking forward to hearing the feedback.

Your favourite seasonal dish that can be put together in 10 minutes?

I make a Tom Yum soup in less than 10 minutes by adding rice noodles and lots of veg and chicken or fish to a home-made Asian broth flavoured with lime juice, lemon grass, ginger and fish sauce. You can make it when you’ve got a couple of hours and just keep it in the fridge or freeze it. But if that seems like too much effort you can use a good quality shop bought stock and Tom Yum paste. cheflouisaellis.com 29

‘MODERN BRUMMIE FOOD IS ECLECTIC’ From the phenomenally successful pop-up Nomad at Kings Heath’s Kitchen Garden Café, Birminghamborn Alex Claridge opened his first restaurant The Wilderness, followed by the theatrical bar Noctural Animals on Bennetts Hill whose basement houses a new panAsian restaurant, Nisama.

Foodie family?

No. It was only when I went to

The Wilderness

Nocturnal Animals

university that I started cooking to make me attractive to women. It didn’t work, but hey, I enjoy cooking Earliest food memory?

Making cucumber ketchup at Uni. I ended up with five variations and loved the amplification of flavour.

Food gives me an outlet for my obsessive tendencies.

Who would you like to cook for?

I enjoy cooking for family and friends but I’d really like to cook for Tom Hardy so that he can read me a bedtime story.

What excites you most about cooking?

It’s everything, not just the food but the creative potential in the both the food and the environment to create a story. I’m a Brummie kid who loves celebrating the city’s many cultural influences to create modern Brummie food that has an eclecticism of influence, a sense of humour and a generosity of spirit.

Worse kitchen mishap?

New Year’s Eve two years ago. We had

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48 people booked in for an 18-course meal. Two chefs called in sick, the power went half an hour before we opened and snow started drifting into the restaurant. I’ve never opened on New Year’s Eve since.

Is there one ingredient you would never cook with?

Cheap poultry – it’s morally dubious and tastes unbelievably bad.

IMAGES: Pixel Pro Media, Tom Bird

Guilty food pleasure?

It’s not really a guilty pleasure but shellfish does it for me everytime.

That’s why I love Scotland so much – perfect seafood, simply cooked, and whisky. And the best pairing for food is peace and quiet.

What do you think of the growth in popularity of veganism?

I have a lot of respect for vegan and vegetarian food and if we use great quality seasonal ingredients and make something that’s as complex and interesting as our other dishes, then we’ll do it. My concern about vegan food is that there are highly processed vegan alternatives that are full of trans fats and palm oil. I take less issue with a plate of fresh langoustines.

Your favourite seasonal dish that can be put together in 10 minutes?

Beef tartar, garlic, shallots and pickled onions. wearethewildnerness.co.uk, nocturnal-animals.co.uk 31

Summer Raise temperatures after dark with sizzling separates and statement maxis from Harvey Nichols Birmingham Photographer Matt Bird | Stylist Jade Woodhouse | Model Crystal at Bookings Hair Nancy Mae | Makeup Ashleigh Hope at Marc Jacobs, Harvey Nichols Birmingham

Free People dress, ÂŁ210

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Free People skirt, £90 and Free People top, £50

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Samsoe & Samsoe jumper, £180, Free People skirt, £70

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Gestuz skirt, £120 and Gestuz top, £120 Sophia Webster heels, £295

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Keepsake top, £120 and Keepsake skirt, £130 Sophia Webster heels, £295

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Free People dress, ÂŁ210 All available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham

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Summer

Love

Right: Jacket £1290, Fendi; jumper £315, Dsquared2; jeans £140, Replay; runner £500, Valentino Below: Sweatshirt £790, Gucci; silk skirt £130, SAMSØE & SAMSØE; bum bag £650, Burberry.

Harvey Nichols kicked off the new season in style with an SS19 runway show to remember

B

irmingham’s best dressed were out in force at the Harvey Nichols SS19 Fashion Show. More than 350 guests enjoyed an evening of the very latest trends at the event, which was staged in the Mailbox car park.

The unusual venue provided a striking backdrop to the most sought-after pieces from the likes of Saint Laurent, OffWhite, Fendi, Christian Louboutin, Balmain and Valentino. Trends included nautical, 90s nostalgia, double denim, earth tones and after-dark glamour.

The evening – in partnership with luxury car brand DS Automobiles – sold out in a matter of days and those lucky enough to get a ticket were treated to a prosecco reception and car park catwalk before the chance to shop in store and enjoy an after-show party in the Harvey Nichols Bar & Brasserie.

Hair on the night was styled by the in-store James Bushell team, makeup was by Marc Jacobs Beauty and nails were by Heaven Skincare. Feeling inspired?

Your new summer wardrobe starts here…

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Cashmere cape £2200, Valentino; vest £95, American Vintage; trousers £670, Givenchy; sac de jour bag £2090, Saint Laurent Right: Blazer £1495, Balmain; striped shirt £110, Filippa K; striped skirt £650, Balmain; kani bag £1685, Fendi

Parker £239, NN.07; jumper £145, Club Monaco; jeans £120, Represent; trainers £585, Gucci

IMAGES: DAN ROWLEY

Left: Shirt £520, Dsquared2; trousers £1360, Balenciaga; boots £965, Christian Louboutin.

T-shirt £335, Dolce & Gabbana; metallic skirt £675, Calvin Klein; multi tote £1165, Christian Louboutin; pumps £595, Christian Louboutin Hoodie £240, Stone Island; jacket £735, Off-White; jeans £405, Off-White; bum bag £525, Balenciaga; trainers £435, Off-White

Above: Blazer £985, Stella McCartney; top £230, Alice + Olivia; trousers £270, Alice + Olivia; velvet bag £1160, Gucci; sandals £665, Christian Louboutin Right: dress £2980, Gucci

Above: Shirt £109, Polo Ralph Lauren; swim short £75, Polo Ralph Lauren; cap £265, Balenciaga; sliders £215, Gucci Left: Jumper £95, American Vintage; rainbow skirt £310, Pinko; white tote £1065, Christian Louboutin; love ankle boots £925, Christian Louboutin

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IN full

Bloom As summer blossoms, look to the chic florals and classic neutrals at Next for effortless style

Photographer Matt Bird Stylist Jade Woodhouse Model Elena Juvena at Booking Hair and makeup Nancy Mae

Navy floral wrap top, ÂŁ28

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Navy floral wrap top, £28, Skirt, £32, Dark wash fitted jacket, £32

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Ecru dungarees, £42, White tee, £8

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Neutral button through vest, ÂŁ18, Satin skirt, ÂŁ30

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Zebra print wrap dress, ÂŁ45 All available at Next Birmingham

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Q&A

With Bianca Estelle, Founder of Vitamin Injections London

A new pop-up clinic comes to Birmingham this summer, delivering vitamin boosts.

Read on to find out more

Q

For those who have never heard of vitamin injections, please can you tell us a little bit about them?

Vitamin injections are an alternative and superior way to ensure that your body receives the nutrients you want it to receive.

Injections are delivered either intravenously or intramuscularly and 99.9% of the ingredients reach the bloodstream, where they can get to work quickly and efficiently.

It’s important to point out that Vitamin Injections London do not offer IV ‘drips’. Instead, the clinic offers treatments with an IV ‘push’

A

A

With vitamin injections, vitamins and nutrients are injected directly into the bloodstream. This differs to supplements taken orally which sometimes contain a coating that the body cannot digest, meaning the contents is void. In addition, of those supplements that can be digested, only 8-15% of the ingredients will be absorbed into the bloodstream after it has passed through the digestive system.

Many clients report immediate effects (especially those with deficiencies) but we recommend a weekly course for optimum results.

One memorable client was a tired new mum and reported that she felt she was “bouncing off the walls an hour later.”

– the syringes used contain a potent vitamin solution and the client is then instructed to drink plenty of water afterwards for maximum absorption.

With IV drips, the solution is often not as potent and contains largely water.

I believe that only those unable to consume water should receive it via a drip.

Q A

Sounds like a great idea, but how exactly do they work?

By delivery via IV therapy, 99.9% of vitamins get straight into the bloodstream and this also avoids any strains on organs such as the liver or stomach. With IV therapy, high quantities of vitamins are used, and these quantities are simply not suitable via oral consumption.

Q 48

How long does it take to feel the effects?

Q

Is it painful? If not, what sensation can people expect to feel?

The needle itself is small and is uncomfortable over painful (similar to a blood test experience). As the injection’s contents are absorbed, some clients will notice a metallic taste in their mouth. This is especially common for those who are in strong need of vitamins.

One memorable client was a tired new mum and reported that she felt she was “bouncing off the walls an hour later.”

A

Q

What are the benefits of this treatment? Is it short term or long term?

The benefits are endless but as a brief overview, vitamin injections can help those with deficiencies, those who are fatigued, those who

A

are seeking more energy to enhance a fitness regime and even those looking for anti-ageing remedies that work from the inside out. We recommend courses are used as when they are needed.

Q

Are there different types of vitamin injection, if so, can you tell us a little bit about each one?

Oh yes, we have a huge treatment menu. Listing every treatment would be extensive but as an idea, we have multiple treatments listed for different aims and these include; Antiageing, Detox, Energy, Fat Burning and Health & Wellness. Some popular treatments include the Myers Cocktail, the ‘Pick Me Up’ IV, the ‘Babyface’ IV and B12 injections.

A

Q A

Can you book in for just one treatment?

Absolutely! All of our treatments are available singularly or as part of a course. Many clients try one injection initially and end up booking a course based on their results but there is no obligation to do so.

Vitamin injections London will be running pop-up clinics in Birmingham on selected dates: find out more at vitamininjections.co.uk.

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START OVER

Quick fix for ageing skin that’s lost its lustre? Retinol. This Vitamin C-enriched day cream mixes SPF30 with retinol to refine skin, keeping it supple and bright. MZ Skin Hydrate & Nourish - Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturiser SPF 30, £95, Harvey Nichols

Glow on Stop time with these youth-boosting skin saviours

GOLDEN GIRL

Gloriously silky, this will become your summer skin hero. Made with aloe vera, it multitasks as gradual tanner, day cream and primer, giving a believable glow that builds day on day. Find it in three shades: Latte Light, Latte and Latte Dark.

Vita Liberata Beauty Blur Skin Tone Optimiser, £29.95, Boots

FIGHT FATIGUE

In three shades, this skin-smoothing everyday balm magically turns a tired complexion into a gorgeous glow. Use it after moisturiser and you can ditch the makeup. Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, £45, Selfridges and John Lewis

BANISH BLEMISHES

C/MEO COLLECTIVE

Makeup artist to the stars Charlotte Tilbury knows all there is to know about creating the perfect canvas, and this concealer wand delivers just the right amount of natural-looking colour. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer, £24, Selfridges

PLUMP AND PERFECT

The gold standard of glow, this bestselling serum guarantees skin that looks healthy and happy. One pump twice daily gives a boost in clarity, clearing out any signs of dullness. Clarins Double Serum, £58, Boots 50

NOURISH ME

Great skin starts with a powerful oil.

Rich in omega 3 and 6 and bursting with essential oils, this is a luxe investment in your skin, toning, softening and bringing back radiance.

Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil, £158.50, Harvey Nichols

Great

SKINCARE at any age

World renowned celebrity and Royal facialist Deborah Mitchell has spent her career treating the nation’s skin so we asked the woman behind Heaven Skincare to share her tips on achieving the perfect complexion from your teens through to your sixties.

In your

Teens

Hands up, I was never the strictest of mums and I’m the first to admit I let my children get away with far more than I should have done. But there was one area where I always put my foot down when it came to my daughter Ella Jane, and that was looking after her skin. The idea of her going through the same kind of bullying and feelings of inadequacy that I experienced because of my acne broke my heart. I instilled in her from a young age a daily beauty routine that would keep any breakouts and blackheads at bay.

Teenagers go through what seems like endless hormonal changes and the correct regime morning and night will help to manage the negative effects this can have.

It’s also vital to opt for the right products for your skin type that will continue to protect you from dirt, pollution and sun damage.

Use a non-abrasive exfoliator and cleanser to balance the oil within the skin and reduce the shine on the T-zone. My Cleanse & Foam boasts organic mandarin essential oil which can help cure skin disorders and maintain moisture levels.

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W

hether you’re celebrating your 18th birthday or counting down to retirement, taking good care of your skin is the secret to looking naturally radiant. As a teenager I struggled with acne; so much so that I created my own skincare range to tackle the debilitating break-outs I suffered for years. And it was because I put my complexion first from a young age that I’d like to think it shows today.

In your

I know I’m not as wrinkle-free as I was when I was in my 30s but let’s face it, there is nothing we can do to stop the ageing process and it’s inevitable that as we get older so does our skin.

However, the younger you start taking care of your skin, the better it will look as you get older. Believe me, if you can get into the habit of an effective daily routine in your teens your 60-year-old self will be very thankful.

Twenties

At this age it’s all about laying down the foundations for the future and getting into the habit of an effective routine every morning and before bedtime. You can start to introduce more “grown-up” preventative essentials such as eye cream and products containing retinol and Vitamin C, although do ask for advice on when and how often to apply. These are designed to help boost skin renewal and collagen which in the long-term means you’ll look healthier.

You may find that you still suffer from regular spots or acne so treat with a hard-working toner to unclog pores and blackheads and calm redness for clearer, healthier-looking skin. Use my Peppermint Clarifying Lotion to normalise oil secretions, refine pores and balance pH levels; this is perfect for all skin type but particularly good for this with sensitivity, spots or acne, and rosacea.

In your

Thirties

Now you’ve hit your 30s, the early signs of ageing start to show from those pesky wrinkles to discolouration and sagging. This can be due to a number of factors, including sun damage, pollution and lifestyle factors, as well as decreasing levels of elastin and collagen.

Up your skincare routine with products that lighten and even out skin tone, while helping to plump fine lines. Ensure you’re cleansing, exfoliating and toning on a regular basis and introduce a skin-replenishing moisturiser that will provide much-needed hydration. I recommend my Age Defiance Cream, which is designed to help combat a host of woes from ageing and scar formation, to pigmentation and spots. It’s a real ‘all rounder’ that’s suitable for all skin types and is especially good for soothing irritated, acne-prone, blemished or sensitive and oily skins.

Whether you’re celebrating your 18th birthday or counting down to retirement, taking good care of your skin is the secret to looking naturally radiant

In your

Fifties

Once you turn 50, wrinkles become more obvious and your skin is thinner and more sensitive. As you approach menopause, oestrogen levels drop and you’ll find your face becomes quickly dehydrated so it’s essential that you continue with your daily anti-ageing routine and introduce a richer, heavier moisturiser to act as a protective barrier.

For me, I find regularly using my Bee Peel helps boost collagen production and increases the strength and elasticity of my skin. Containing my exclusive ABEETOXIN®, organic coconut and raw cane sugar to resurface and even out skin tone, it minimises the visibility of lines, scars, dark spots, blemishes and enlarged pores to leave your complexion feeling smoother and more plumped. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave for one to two minutes before washing off. You can also use it to soften tough skin on your heels and elbows.

In your

Forties

If you’ve not used a serum before now is the time to start. Put simply, a serum is a product that you apply to your face and neck straight after cleansing and before you moisturise. Perfect for tackling fine lines and dehydration, it delivers a potent shot of ingredients directly into your skin – in fact, while cleansers and moisturisers contain between five and ten per cent of active ingredients, serums can boast up to 70 per cent. My SOS Oil Serum helps balance oil levels while hydrating and feeding the skin; at the same time its vitamin content can help to repair acne, scars and damage.

This is also the decade to start indulging in regular treatments, and not just because of their feel-good factor: monthly skin peels brighten; laser treatments tighten and improve uneven tone and hyper-pigmentation; while injectibles plump and smooth.

In your

Sixties

As you reach your beautiful 60s, the kids will have left home and you’ll have more time to invest in your skin.

You’ll find your complexion can miss oils in the form of essential fatty acids so it is key to replenish these with a hard-working exfoliation that clears away dead skin to revitalise and restore radiance. When cleansing, pat your face dry rather than rubbing it with a towel to ensure you don’t cause further damage.

It’s vital to feed skin throughout the day, and I recommend using my Black Bee Venom Mask, renowned as a natural alternative to Botox. Thanks to its innovative ABEETOXIN® content it controls facial muscles to tighten, firm and lift, penetrating fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll notice your skin feels soft and supple, and looks more youthful. It soothes and heals too, meaning it is ideal for even sensitive skin. And your friends will be asking what’s your secret!

Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell is available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham and online at heavenskincare.com as well as harveynichols.com 53

Beautiful

Brum

Meet the artists spreading the ‘Birmingham is beautiful’ message by giving us a new view of our city 54

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St Martin’s at dawn

by Ross Jukes

hey are the photographers and illustrators celebrating Birmingham with their stunning images of its landmarks and forgotten corners.

Sometimes we may forget – after all, it’s not in our nature to boast – but take a look at our city through their eyes and be reminded just how breathtaking Brum can be.

As Verity Milligan says: “Birmingham is an easy target for nasty remarks from people who don’t know it. It’s true we have lost a lot of our old buildings and it’s a bit of a mish-mash now, but I think there’s a beauty in that.

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St Paul’s in the fog

by Verity Milligan

Gas Street Basin

by Verity Milligan

Birmingham at Dusk from the Rotunda

by Verity Milligan

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“If you look, Birmingham is absolutely gorgeous. And it’s great there are more and more people taking pictures of it now.”

Verity, 36, lives in Acocks Green with her fiancée Rachel. She picked up a camera for the first time a decade ago.

What was a hobby, while lecturing at the University of Leicester in digital storytelling, began to take off when her pictures of Birmingham received national attention [in the Daily Mail – not sure if you want to mention this!].

“My favourite viewpoint is from the top of the Rotunda,” she reveals. “I don’t think you can get a better view of Birmingham.

“I also love hanging around Gas Street Basin, with that wonderful juxtaposition of modern architecture like The Cube next to the old-fashioned narrow boats. It’s a little slice of serenity in the city.

“Don’t just stick to the city centre, though – I can get lost in Sutton Park.

People are surprised just how much green space Birmingham has.

“I like the blossom in spring but I think

Cherry blossom at the Ikon

by Verity Milligan

autumn is my favourite season, to capture the colours of the trees. And I waited four years to get fog in the city centre, which finally happened last month.

Verity milligan “From January to March, the sun rises between Selfridges and St Martin’s Church. I get up early a lot to catch the dawn, it’s my favourite time to take pictures. When it’s still dark and the lights are on, just before sunrise, there’s a sleepiness and magic to the completely empty city.”

If Verity has inspired you to take photos of Birmingham, she has a couple of tips.

“Shooting in the middle of the day might not give your images the wow factor. I recommend capturing the golden light of dawn which changes how the whole city feels.

“And find elevation. Get on the top of a car park, which helps you see the city in a City at sunrise different way.”

by Verity Milligan Veritymilliganphotography.com 57

Spaghetti Junction

by Brumhaus

Birmingham Central Library by Brumhaus

St Paul’s by Brumhaus

Sketch of Kings Heath before Brumhaus treatment below

Moseley Village

by Brumhaus

University of Birmingham by Brumhaus

Alexander Edwards is an artist better known as Brumhaus, known for his semi-abstract, geometric images of Birmingham.

A graphic designer for Alexander 20 years, his art hobby Edwards became a career in 2014 when his view of the brutalist beauty of Central Library became an internet hit.

Brumhaus, named after the Bauhaus German art movement, celebrates city landscapes from the BT Tower to the Rotunda via King’s Heath and Spaghetti Junction.

“I prefer to work from a real view, though some of my skylines are a montage of

landmarks,” explains Alex, 44, who grew up in Bearwood and now lives in Sutton Coldfield.

“I start out with a pencil sketch which I scan into the computer and use software to manipulate the design, working with tones and simplified shapes. It’s a reinterpretation of the landscape.

“People say ‘Oh, you’ve made Birmingham look really nice’, but it is!

There’s a rich variety of buildings on the city skyline and it’s changing all the time.

“I’ve done a couple of prints of London, but I’ll always keep coming back to Brum.”

Buy Brumhaus prints, cushions, T-shirts and duvet covers at redbubble.com/people/ brumhaus.

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Milan

Birmingham tote bag

by Milan Topalovic

Electric Cinema anniversary invitation designed by Milan Topalovic

Birmingham may not spring to mind as a romantic city, but it is in Milan Topalovic’s illustrations.

His pictures capture a dreamlike charm of bygone eras.

One of his favourite landmarks to portray is the art deco Electric Cinema.

Even when he includes Topalovic modern buildings like the Library, Selfridges and The Cube, such as on a tote bag sold by Blue Phoenix, there’s a whimsical feel. The picture includes two lovers dancing on the Brindleyplace footbridge.

“I had just seen La La Land when I painted that,” explains Milan, 31 from Bournville.

“I’m often inspired by films, especially 1950s ones with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. I try to get their charm into my work, because actually Birmingham is lovely.”

Milan graduated in illustration from Birmingham City University where he now lectures, as well as taking workshops at the mac.

Two highlights in his career were designing an Independent Birmingham Card and a giant fibreglass owl for the Big Hoot in 2015.

His Owl Aboard sculpture stood in New Street Station. etsy.com/uk/shop/paperfables

Owl Aboard at New Street

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Independent Birmingham card designed by Milan Topalovic

Electric Cinema cards

by Milan Topalovic

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BT Tower by Ross Jukes

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Gas St Basin by Ross Jukes

St Philip’s Cathedral in the Autumn

by Ross Jukes

St Paul’s Cathedral in the Spring

by Ross Jukes

Ross Jukes sees the world differently from most of us.

He has a vision condition called nystagmus, an uncontrolled movement of the eyes. So it’s even more remarkable that he produces such stunning photographs.

“It’s a bit like having dyslexia,” Ross, 37, explains. “I find letters and numbers get jumbled. I can’t read number plates so I couldn’t pass a driving test, which is ironic considering half my job is taking photographs of cars.

“I struggle with details but I’m drawn to the bigger view, which is why I love taking landscapes.”

And in particular, extraordinary shots of

Birmingham’s cityscape. Ross was one of the city’s photography pioneers on social media. His first, most iconic image was sunrise over St Martin’s in the Bullring.

But until a few years ago, he had only ever taken holiday snaps. He grew up in Longbridge around cars as his father was a mechanic and he worked in the MG Rover call centre.

“About six years ago I was asked to take some photos of cars, and the automotive photography began to take off. To practice,

I’d take photos around Birmingham too.

“I live in the Jewellery Quarter so that’s my favourite part of the city, with its Georgian houses and St Paul’s Cathedral.

But I feel more at home in the bits which are rough around the edges.

“I don’t really like my own pictures,” he confesses. “I always hope I can do better.

“But the image that means the most to me is St Martin’s at dawn, which really got my name out there.”

Rossjukesphoto.co.uk 63

WORDS by Roz laws

Ross Jukes

Marie Sansome

BEST IN

show The Midlands Fashion Awards celebrate our vibrant fashion scene and turn the spotlight on emerging talent

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he winners of the 2018 Midlands Fashion Awards were announced in a glittering ceremony and catwalk show at the CBSO Centre, Birmingham.

The up and coming designers and industry talent caused a creative storm on the Midlands Fashion Awards (MFA) catwalk, with a record 42 finalists on show in the programme’s 11th year.

The MFA is an established and dedicated showcase for independent, emerging and creative talent in

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Charlotte Bull

Charlotte Bull Below: Charlotte with the judges, including Style Birmingham’s Andrew Riley

IMAGES: GARAZI

the region. There are categories for everything from fashion and accessory design to make-up, styling and photography.

Supported by Style Birmingham magazine (whose Managing Director

Marie Sansome

Andrew Riley served on the judging panel), Alan Sharman Agency, The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel, Francesco’s Hair Group, the Central School of Make-up, FashionCapital.co.uk and Birmingham City University, the event kicked off with cocktails, to a backdrop of music from Elegant Entertainment.

Guests had the chance to browse the finalists’ work on their stands and meet the designers and makers.

The catwalk show and awards ceremony was hosted by actress and presenter Nicky Campbell. She said: “If you weren’t at the MFAs - then you missed out! Incredible talent and creativity from all involved. I am so proud to have been part of such a fantastic evening.”

All MFA 2018 winners received a trophy and will enjoy new opportunities from Awards partners to help them forge a path to further success, including a photoshoot with Style Birmingham, and a mentoring session with FashionCapital.

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Ekaterina Webb

Wendy Nguyen

Ade Fadahunsi Ekaterina Webb

Dianne Tuitt

co.uk’s CEO and fashion expert Jenny Holloway.

Entries for the 2019 awards are now open. This year there’s an exciting new category on ‘Sustainability’ in recognition of the growing demand for more environmental and sustainable fashion. For more information on the 2019 Midlands Fashion Awards, visit midlandsfashionawards.co.uk 66

Hiorns Hats

WINNERS OF THE 2018 MIDLANDS FASHION AWARDS Emerging Photographer Niall O’Connor

Accessory Designers Hiorns Hats

Runners-up: Lee Leyland and Lara Bailey

Runner-up: Hayley Volkering

Fashion Stylist Dianne Tuitt, StylistinMe Runners-up: Daisy Jane Dunne and Séarlait Golby

Make-up Artist of the Year 2018 Roisin Conway Runners-up: Harper Neer and Chrissie Trattos

Rising Star Award (Make-up Artist) Ade Fadahunsi Runners-up: Paris Williams and Gennavive McIntosh

Fashion Designers Young Designer of the Year Charlotte Bull

Niall O’Connor

Loveleanneclothing

Runner-up: Ekaterina Webb

Fashion Designers Emerging Designer of the Year 2018 Myrealcover Runner-up: Wendy Nguyen

Fashion Designers Independent Designer of the Year 2018 Marie Sansome Runner-up: Loveleanneclothing Roisin Conway

Myrealcover

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THE KOOPLES Cannabis-plant print relaxed-fit woven shirt £128 Edge is something The Kooples knows more than a thing or two about, and its rebellious aesthetic is applied to even the most classic shapes.

This woven shirt, for example, is doused in a cannabis-plant print that gives off an irreverent mood.

The spirited pattern is balanced by a relaxed short-sleeved shape with a spread collar and straight hem. Bringing a biker jacket and leather boots into the mix, let yours subvert tailored trousers.

GUCCI Pursuit trek rubber slider sandals £180 Since taking the helm at Gucci, Creative Director Alessandro Michele has gone back to the brand’s archives, working signature logo details into modern classics.

Lending poolside sliders a luxurious spin, this pair are finished in soft rubber and feature the iconic web stripes across the front strap. The moulded rubber footbed and cleated sole make them perfect for kicking back in comfort.

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new Head to Selfridges to give your summer wardrobe an upgrade with hero pieces from fashion’s coolest tastemakers

Photography & Art Direction Matt Bird Styling Andrew Riley | Model Jamie Roche Hair, Makeup Artist & Assistant Sameera Ghaffar-Manan All clothing featured is available from Selfridges, Birmingham 69

SANDRO Colour-block relaxed-fit crepe shirt £99 Sandro is an arbiter of cool, Gallic style, opting for fresh iterations of classic shapes.

This crepe shirt reflects the French label’s aesthetic: it’s cut to a relaxed shape that’s emboldened with colourblock panels at the front for a graphic look. It makes a change from the usual black and white styles, and is ideal for lending a modern mood to tailoring – just end with low-top trainers.

SANDRO Skinny straight wool and mohair-blend trousers £126 Any design French label Sandro puts its mind to turns out refined, whether it’s unstudied casuals or crisp tailoring. Talking of tailoring, these slick wool and mohair-blend trousers are a trusty style to see you through countless formal endeavours. They’re cut to drop from a high-rise waist into skinny straight legs, with subtle streamlining pressed creases. Whether it’s a work client meeting or champagne-fuelled reception, you’ll look dapper – just add a clean-cut shirt and the complementing blazer.

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GUCCI Chenile cotton blend tracksuit £1,240 71

THE KOOPLES red zip-up sweatshirt with varsity collar and logo band £195 This red cotton sweatshirt is a must-have this season.

Complete with ultra-trendy varsity collar, this item features white side bands down the outside of the sleeves and a finely embroidered ‘The Kooples’ logo, giving it a casual-urban style. Worn with joggers or skinny jeans and flashy trainers, this zip-up sweatshirt is perfect as part of a chic, fashion-forward streetwear outfit.

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GIVENCHY Glow in the dark cotton-jersey hoody £650 Glow in the dark cotton-jersey shorts £450 C’mon, who didn’t dream of having at least one item of glow-in-the-dark clothing in their wardrobe when they were young? Well, friends, Givenchy is answering your sartorial prayers with its latest collection. Part of the Pre-Fall ’19 capsule, these cotton-jersey shorts are cut to form a loose-fitting silhouette that’s trimmed with the label’s new logo at the side – switch off the lights to see it shine.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Show leather platform trainers £360 Alexander McQueen was well ahead of the ‘dad sneaker’ trend that’s suddenly caused street style photographers to snap from the ground up.

Playing with materials, colour blocking and finishes, the iconic Show trainers provide the label a chance to experiment. This version is classic – think an elevated tennis shoe, no really. The sole is actually set on a platform which moulds perfectly to your foot’s silhouette – it’s pretty architectural actually.

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GUCCI Baroque-print oversized satin-crepe shirt £750 Retro bowling alleys may have acted as inspiration for Alessandro Michele to create this Gucci shirt, but there’s little chance you’ve seen a button-up this sleek at your local lane. The label uses a softly textured satin-crepe to create its loose profile, trimming the front with mother-of-pearl buttons and dousing the rest of the silhouette in a shimmering, baroque-style pattern and staple stripes along the shoulders.

AMIRI Ripped regular-fit straight jeans £635 Mike AMIRI’s designs are about as rock ‘n’ roll as it gets – establishing his brand in a basement on Sunset Boulevard, his first collection saw Kurt Cobain and Keith Richards pinned to moodboards.

What’s more synonymous with the genre’s aesthetic than drainpipe-slim jeans? Imbued this weathered denim pair with stretch to keep them comfortable, the fitted profile is ripped and shredded all over.

With special thanks to: the creative team at Selfridges Kate Gothorp and Akash Bhardwaj at Clive Reeves PR

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SHOES NEWS

Loafers, £28, asos.com If you fancy a change from trainers and smart shoes these are the perfect choice. Worn with or without socks they are the perfect summer staple when it comes to footwear!

PRINT CHARMING

HEAVEN ON EARTH

Hawaiian shirt, £30, weirdfish.co.uk Not one for the shy and retiring! This ultimate Hawaiian shirt is perfect for hot days and bound to catch the eye with its bright paprika pattern.

Swimwear shorts, £180, naeco.co.uk This luxury brand does not just look good but is eco-friendly too. Created from recycled ocean plastic, the shorts have a timeless tailored look – with each product made from 15 plastic bottles!

KEEP A ZIP ON IT

Stone Island nylon metal shell jacket, £330, harveynichols.com This green jacket is so versatile it will be the only outerwear you’ll need. Lightweight and loose fitting, you can wear it open on top of a jumper or zipped up for colder evenings.

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hot stuff

With the sunny weather upon us it’s time to revamp your wardrobe and get ready to embrace the warmer months. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s a selection of some of the best summer fashion on the market – step out in style with our top picks!

WATCH OUT!

Men’s Continental Dual Time, £340, watchshop.com Ideal for day and night wear, this watch is one to tick off if you are looking for a new time piece. Not only is it smart and fashionable, but it is lightweight and waterresistant so perfect for poolside lounging.

SOCK IT TO HIM

Burlington socks, £12, burlington.de/uk_en/ From the pioneers of Argyle socks, make an entrance with this vibrant pair. The stretchy fine knit material will keep feet looking and feeling cool all day.

SLIP SLIDING AWAY

Givenchy logo leather sliders, £275, harveynichols.com With a molded footbed to ensure added comfort to the feet, these leather sliders provide ultimate comfort. They also look pretty cool too for holiday wear.

GET SHIRTY

Short-sleeved pure linen shirt, £79, orvis.co.uk Every summer wardrobe needs a linen shirt and they don’t come better than this. Available in lots of colours, the summer fabric will keep you cool.

FLIP OUT IN STYLE

Brogue flip-flops, £24.99, londonbrogues.co.uk The flip-flops are brand new in this collection run by a UK-based family business. They are high quality designed and unlike the case with some flip flops mould into the feet, making them extremely comfortable.

TIME FOR TEE

Logo T-Shirt with desert print, £70, 7forallmankind.co.uk If you want to invest in a summer T-shirt then this is the one. The cotton feels so luxurious against the skin and this will look perfect for an evening out underneath a leather jacket.

GO FOR A SPLASH OF COLOUR

Swim shorts, £18, topman.com Pastel colours are a big summer trend in men’s fashion so jump into the new season by making a statement in these swim shorts!

THE WHITE STUFF

French Linen Washed Stripe Shirt, £34, muji.eu Our edit has to feature a second linen shirt just because we couldn’t stop at one! Beautifully tailored, we love this not only for its affordable price but also the fact it doesn’t crease badly.

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VITAMIN-SEE

KEEP AN EYE OUT

Super facialist moisturiser, £18, superfacialist.co.uk

WASH AND GO

Peter Thomas Pumpkin enzyme mask, £46, harveynichols.com This three-in-one intensive skin mask is perfect for summer to freshen up skin.

Full of wonderful ingredients (including pumpkin) this is a treat in a jar and looks good on the bathroom shelve too.

Elemis Marine cream for men, £58, elemis.com For tired and sore eyes, this is a perfect pick me up, helping also to reduce lines and wrinkles on the face and sensitive eye area. Ideal for post shave comfort.

Packed with vitamins, this product designed for men’s complexions is good for daily use. The cream is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter and Cactus Water to deliver optimum hydration to all skin types.

RINSE-AID

Summer

Loving COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED

Energising Moisturiser, £6, bulldogskincare.com This gel specifically aimed at men has a lovely cooling effect on the skin. It also brightens tired eyes and softens wrinkles so is ideal for all round use.

MATERIAL BOY

Wet shave towel, £5.99, ramersponges.com Made from a magic material, these clever sponges harden as they dry, helping prevent bacteria, and will instantly soften in warm water ready to reuse. Perfect for a wet shave!

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Go skin deep this summer with our pick of the best male grooming products. From aftershaves and facial washes to moisturisers and serums, we’ve got you covered!

FACE OFF

City Screen Face Serum, £62.00, amlybotanicals.co.uk Containing everything from cucumber extract to calm the face and green tea extract to calm areas of soreness, this serum packs a punch. Perfect for daily use to wipe away dirt and other pollution from the face.

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS

Memo Paris African leather aftershave, £205, Harveynichols.com If there’s one scent that will see you through the whole of summer this one is absolutely wonderful.

With the African fragrance, Memo Paris contains intoxicatingly spicy scents of tamed leather and will certainly get heads turning.

Clinique for Men OilControl Face Wash, £17, clinique.co.uk Wash away any dirt and grime from the face with this facial wash, ideal for oily complexions.

For men new to skincare, this is so easy to use plus smells fantastic too.

b Take a 80

it

e out of THE

big apple

New York – the best city break destination in the world. Andrew Riley visits Manhattan’s hottest spots for summer

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ew York City. The city that never sleeps. In some respects, this just may be true. Where else can you find a combination of top-notch restaurants, various types of eclectic nightlife, and other attractions that are a delight for everyone?

What makes it even better is that NYC Pride is coming up in June. There will be events scheduled through the whole month, including the famous PrideFest, which is a street

festival held on June 30th. This is set to be bigger than ever, especially considering the fact that it is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This moment in history marked the beginning of the movement towards being out and proud, culminating in a true triumph for the LGBT+ community that blossoms in NYC to this very day.

If you’re planning a visit this year, here’s a few of the latest places-to-be-seen.

RES TAU R AN TS /B ARS Ophelia at Beekman Tower

(thebeekmantowerny.com/ophelia) This rooftop lounge at Beekman Tower is as attractive as its beautiful name suggests. While there, I enjoyed oysters with seared foie gras and dried cherries. I tried a signature drink known as the Purple Tuxedo that contains gin, absinthe, plum bitters, and edible golden flakes - it sure was as decadent as it sounds.

This is an eccentric spot that was built in 1928 that features oddities under the glass bar top, such as antique silverware and vintage tarot cards. It also includes most of the original architecture and a rich maroon velvet in the seating area. I wanted to stay and look around all evening.

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The Aviary bar

The Aviary

The Aviary cocktails

Ikinari Steak

Ikinari Steak

(ikinaristeakusa.com/location.html) It really was a delight to have a meal at Ikanari Steak. I’d heard about it from some friends and online reviews and wanted to see if the steak and various other foods lived up to their reputation. Ikanari opened in Tokyo in 2013, and today has over 300 locations in Japan as well as nine locations in Manhattan.

Let me tell you - the steak was absolutely delicious. Made from certified Angus beef, it was high quality and at a great price. The garlic pepper rice made an excellent complement.

Another big draw is that you can earn Niku Mileage every time you go to Ikanari, which accounts for how much steak you eat by the pound, using the Ikanari Steak App. Though I don’t assume I’ll get to the restaurant too often, it’s definitely a great incentive to bring me back in the next time I’m in NYC. Since I downloaded the app, I was about to pre-load money and save a tiny bit (one percent, but that’s something!).

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Union Square

(mandarinoriental.com/new-york/ manhattan/fine-dining/lounges/theaviary-nyc) The Aviary NYC is a wonderful place for food lovers and cocktail connoisseurs. It is a homage to the flagship location in Chicago. Their drinks are considered to be among the most imaginative around the city. Just a couple of the options you can sample include the following: Carrot Cake Ramos - This is a cocktail best enjoyed along with an afternoon tea. It is inspired by the Ramos Gin Fizz of New Orleans fame. The difference is that rum is used instead of gin, and of course it is based off of carrot cake with an infusion of cream cheese, spice such as cinnamon and ginger, and walnut. It also includes fresh carrot juice.

Wake and Bake - This truly brings the traditional NYC breakfast to life, and it is served in a clear aroma pillow that’s opened in front of you. It features hints of orange juice that has been infused into vermouth, coffee, and bagel, within a rye whiskey base.

A T T R A CT I O N S Washington Square and Union Square

One place I knew I had to visit is Washington Square, as well as Union Square. It’s an amazing urban green space that is beautiful, clean, and safe. It has an attractive fountain and open spaces for you to walk around.

This is considered to be the heart of Greenwich Village, and it truly shows by how much the Conservancy and

Washington Square

its volunteers work to keep it well landscaped and free of litter and any serious issues.

I caught many street performances and the space is always buzzing with life and atmosphere. There are often events in Washington Square for you to enjoy. These include Shakespearean plays, comedy shows, yoga, tai chi, dance lessons and much more.

IMAGES: ISTOCK, ALAMY

Club 21

(21club.com) The iconic Club 21 has restaurants on five stories, several bars, event spaces, and stunning multi-coloured jockeys on the steps as you enter. The space is both sophisticated and entertaining, a real treat to the senses. The speakeasy was an old hangout of Al Capone’s, and it was bustling during the Prohibition.

Today, it obviously doesn’t have this same atmosphere, but much of the original venue has been brought to life.

Inside, you’ll find that there are many whimsical toys that are

Club 21 exterior

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suspended from the ceiling. You’ll love the mahogany bar just as much as I did, where you can sit and select your favourite drink - or try out something new from the extensive choices that are available. The lunch and dinner meals include grilled options and seafood, and you also can order a variety of sweet treats for your dessert.

Big Gay Ice Cream

DONNY TSANG

New Whitney Museum

(nycedc.com/project/new-whitneymuseum) This museum in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan opened to the public in May 2015. It is an expansion of the Whitney Museum of American Art. The building has nine floors and it has an extensive collection of both classical and modern American art.

You also can attend performances and educational programs at the New Whitney in the facilities that feature a state-of-the-art design that will thrill the senses just as much as the art that

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DONNY TSANG

New Whitney Museum

surrounds you there.

Be sure to check out the large art conservation lab, theatre that overlooks the Hudson River, and the ground-floor restaurant and top-floor cafe.

Big Gay Ice Cream (biggayicecream.com) Bryan Petroff and Douglas Quint started off working separately in NYC, then decided to drive around a Big Gay Ice Cream seasonal truck in 2009.

After experiencing great success, they opened a shop in September 2011 in the East Village, and one in the West Village in December 2012. I stopped in and absolutely loved the Salty Pimps ice cream and how they include rainbow sprinkles in so many of their treats. I can see why both children and the young-at-heart love this old school ice cream parlour. I’d like to note that the Shake Society, their kiosk with soda floats and milkshakes, is an excellent addition to the business.

IMAGES: NIKKI VANCO

w here to stay I had the great pleasure of staying at the Arlo Soho. As the name suggests, this hotel is located close by SoHo, as well as the West Village and Tribeca neighbourhoods. There were a ton of places to shop and eat within close distance. Transportation is super easy, as the Ellis Island and Liberty Island ferries leave from Battery Park, only 2.2 miles from Arlo Soho.

The room I stayed in was incredibly comfortable, with several amenities that I loved including a neat little clothes steamer, free WiFi, and a stunning terrace where I could look out over the city. Though I don’t tend to watch much TV while traveling, I did like the fact that the room included a flat-screen TV with a computer cable. The Arlo also boasts a beautiful rooftop bar and terrace, and a quirky reception hall with a massive free pick-and-mix sweet selection where

you could enjoy an instant sugar fix for an instant pick -me-up following a long days sightseeing. Find out more at arlohotels.com/arlo-soho/ While at the hotel, I decided to try out Harold’s Meat + Three for some food. The food is classic yet has a truly modern American charm to it, including the chicken club I had with a healthy twist - avocado.

What more could you ask for a lunch right in the hotel? Tempt the tastebuds by perusing the website: haroldsmeatandthree.com/ The Arlo organised a limo for me back to JFK and I arrived without a hitch, which was a delight to finish off the perfect break, one which I surely won’t forget, and I hope to have a repeat experience in this wonderful, inspiring city in the near future.

Goodbye New York City… until next time.

Getting there

Fly from Birmingham to New York JFK with Aer Lingus via Dublin and explore the sights and sounds of Manhattan for less. You’ll also save time and avoid queues with US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance completed at Dublin. Explore the infamous city that never sleeps, catch a Broadway show, explore the museums, don’t forget shopping on 5th Avenue or take relaxing stroll in Central Park. Whatever you are looking for NYC will not disappoint!

Aer Lingus operate daily flights from Birmingham to New York, JFK. One-way fares start from £219 in Economy Class and £899 in Business Class including all taxes and charges. For more information on fares and schedules and to book log on to aerlingus.com

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The cast of Kinky Boots

by companies and performers who have dreamed of performing within its stunning auditorium, which is probably why 120 years down the line, it continues to not just inspire budding industry creatives but create unforgettable memories in the heart of the city.

The Hippodrome has certainly progressed leaps and bounds since it first began to host circus performances back in 1899. A venue rich in both heritage and culture, stepping through its grand entrance on Hurst Street is like walking through a time capsule. The walls are decked in frames filled with photos of the evolution of the grand auditorium, as well as snaps of production images

MATTHEW MURPHY

TH E WORDS: becky weaver

B

irmingham is lucky to have a wealth of wonderful attractions.

Award-winning museums and art galleries, independent food festivals and Michelin-starred restaurants. But, perhaps one of the Second City’s most treasured possessions is Birmingham Hippodrome.

This year marks 120 years since the Hippodrome launched as a key entertainment venue in the city.

Attracting more than 500,000 people through its doors every year, the much-loved theatre is the jewel in Birmingham’s crown. It’s welcomed some of the biggest touring shows in the country to its stage, from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, through to performances from comedians, festivals, TED Talks and, of course, countless pantomimes.

It’s up there as one of the most legendary venues in the city, adored

Celebrating 120 years of the Birmingham Hippodrome, cultural icon at the heart of our city

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F DRE O E R A T A

The Beatles

from the famous faces that have graced the stage over the years.

As part of the Hippodrome’s celebrations, we’ve delved deep into the archives to discover just how this fantastic space has gone from its early years in the late 1800s, right through to the sensational and iconic space that we all know and love today.

In 1899, our beloved Hippodrome opened as the Tower of Varieties and Circus; not only did it have a different name - name changes are a key part of the Hippodrome’s history - but a completely different interior. As well as being used as a music hall, the building was equipped with a circus ring that would attract families from the city and beyond. In 1900, the interior underwent a huge transformation. A balcony, 12 boxes and seating for more than 2000 people

Les Miserables

were introduced, and it reopened with the new name of the Tivoli Theatre of Varieties.

The work didn’t stop there. In the 1960s and ‘80s, the theatre underwent further transformations. Dressing rooms were added to accommodate larger numbers of performers, seating for audience members were redesigned and the facade of the building was given a complete transformation that saw the tower demolished in 1963.

The 1990s was the decade that the Hippodrome really began to pick up speed. It became a theatre of excellence, hosting regular ballet and theatre productions. The year 1994 saw it welcome Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, with the show set to return to the theatre this summer.

In 1994, the Hippodrome also became the first venue outside London to host the Royal Variety Performance, which welcomed Her Majesty the Queen for a night of show-stopping entertainment.

Then, 1999 became a pinnacle year for the theatre, as it closed its doors to allow for redevelopment work, creating the theatre space that we recognise today. It reopened its doors just under a year later on November 11, 2000.

It’s seen the addition of a new main stage in 2012 and also the Patrick Studio, which is used for smaller performances, as well as being filled with spaces to hold workshops 87

Renovations in the Sixties

Enhancing the world of dance is something that the Hippodrome is hugely passionate about, that’s why it’s also home to local charity DanceXchange, which is located with the Patrick Studio at the rear of the theatre. Offering a range of classes to the people of Birmingham and beyond, DanceXchange allows the dance to thrive in the city and is a huge contributor to dance not just in Birmingham, but nationally too.

Looking beyond DanceXchange, the Hippodrome’s growth within the city has enabled it to branch out and bring performances into the general public.

Think of flashmobs in the concourse of Grand Central, the family-fun Summer at Southside - which includes a fantastic range of live performances, workshops and live entertainment in the heart of the Chinese Quarter - and the fantastic B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival, which takes over venues across the city.

Birmingham Hippodrome is more than just a theatre: many people don’t know that it’s also an independent cultural charity and profits from its tickets, restaurants and bars are invested in Hippodrome Projects – its programme of indoor and outdoor live performance, community and festivals work and transformational learning

Darcey Bussell with Dance Track student Richard Kamara

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ROY SMILJANIC

Annie

The Auditorium

ANDY ROSS

and dance classes and gala evenings. A restaurant and bars have been added to the revamped auditorium (which seats nearly 2,000) and foyer space, and most recently a Dance Hub has been built on top of the Birmingham Royal Ballet section of the building.

Partnerships have been a huge part of the Hippodrome’s evolution over the years. Its core relationship with the prestigious Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) has enabled it to inject a whole new depth of culture into the city and beyond. The BRB’s annual performance of The Nutcracker alone is one of the theatre’s most recognised shows, kicking off the festive season and attracting thousands of visitors to the city before the equally much-loved Qdos pantomime takes over for its run.

Building such a strong connection over the years has gained the Hippodrome, BRB and Birmingham itself a strong reputation for fantastic theatre and entertainment.

Birmingham Royal Ballet was established in 1946, but it wasn’t until 1990 that an extension was added onto the rear of the Hippodrome spreading into Thorp Street. It provided BRB with the Dance Hub, where it has gone onto train world-class performers who take to the stage of the theatre every year.

The Nutcracker

projects.

While people may rush to Birmingham to shop until they drop or dine at our restaurants, each year the Hippodrome is pushing boundaries to become bigger and better than ever before. Birmingham is breathing in culture and performing arts now more than ever before, and it’s an absolute joy to see.

The 120-year celebrations are a huge landmark for the Hippodrome. In 1899 the theatre became a space to welcome more than just circus and musical performances, and the addition of the numerous expansions then enabled more room for plays, musicals and productions, which has now lead to it becoming one of the busiest theatres in the UK. And you can be sure the Hippodrome is celebrating in style through a fantastic range of events that are running throughout the year – including a specially commissioned

Minchin and Michael McIntyre. It will also be welcoming its first youth community production to the main stage, Westside Story - and that’s not even including the annual festivals, talks, exhibitions, workshops, galas and events that will be running.

Alongside world-famous productions, the Hippodrome has also welcomed some huge names to its stage. While we have our favourites such as the delightful Matt Slack, who has entertained thousands of fans through his wonderful panto performances, flicking through the history books the calibre of actors, dancers and performers alike that have appeared at the Hippodrome over the years is seriously impressive.

From Sheridan Smith’s phenomenal performance in Funny Girl in 2019, to Dame Joan Collins’s headline Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

performance in Dick Whittington in 2010, the Hippodrome’s back catalogue of iconic bookings have pulled in some of the biggest crowds over the years, with audience members pooling around the stage doors for a chance to get 10 seconds of small talk and a selfie. It’s not just celebrities, either, but iconic producers, playwrights and companies in theatre have introduced some of the greatest productions of all time to the Midlands.

Sir Matthew Bourne, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice - to name a few - have all brought their award-winning productions to the Hippodrome on multiple occasions, with Matthew Bourne returning to the theatre annually, twice a year, with breathtakingly beautiful productions that have seen him pick up a total 10 Olivier Awards. And it’s a pure treat for those who may not have the expenditure to see shows in London, allowing the Hippodrome to add another string to its ever-growing bow, as its size means that it’s able to welcome some of the biggest touring shows in the country.

As one of the most highly respected theatres in the country, the Hippodrome is something Birmingham will always be proud to shout about. The Hippodrome will remain a constant in the city to enrich the lives of people who live, work and visit here with bundles of culture, entertainment and unbeatable performances of some of the greatest shows of all time.

JOHAN PERSSON

120th book launch in May, a glitzy gala in June, a giant piece of artwork to celebrate heritage week in September and big birthday party in October.

This year alone has been and will continue to be a huge year for the Hippodrome. It kicked off with a fantastic few weeks of panto, before welcoming a wealth of touring productions including Sir Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Kinky Boots and a practically sold-out run of the Olivier award-winning Les Misérables, which proved to be such a hit with the Midlands audience that it’s returning to the theatre next year due to phenomenal demand.

It’s down to the depth of expansions that the Hippodrome is now one of the biggest theatres in the UK outside of London’s West End. In the last three years it’s welcomed some of the greatest productions of all time, including the Olivier Awardwinning Matilda in 2018 and the outstanding Miss Saigon in 2017.

Over the next six months, it’s set to welcome shows including Calendar Girls, The Color Purple - the Hippodrome’s first co-production - and Sir Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet, as well as performances from top comedians including Tim

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The timeless appeal of a

‘proper pub’

Last orders for the great British pub? Never, says William Ashworth - they’re here to stay

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few Sundays ago my family and I needed to meet up. Not for any particularly serious reason, but it was one of those meetings that just have to happen in families when organisational decisions need to be made about something like a birthday or a holiday.

Such things can’t quite be done over the phone or in your family WhatsApp group can they? This usually ends in disaster and plans going awry with Chinese whispers, or your technophobic father getting the wrong end of the stick after misinterpreting an emoji.

No, in these situations the easiest (if sometimes painful) thing to do is

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actually meet up with them in person.

But where best to host this kind of complex summit?

It may seem like the most logical thing to do would be to pick someone’s house and gather there – but this is an option fraught with yet more diplomatic obstacles. Like how do you choose whose home to use? Should the visitors or the hosts provide the refreshments? Will you have to quickly put up that hideous picture you were bought for Christmas?

The fact is that, as British people, we are naturally imbued with a sense of anxiety when faced with the prospect of inviting outsiders into our own homes. It hardly even matters

who those outsiders are. Whether it’s members of your own family, a plumber fixing a leaky tap or bailiffs come to take your TV away, the level of dread remains pretty much the same.

It is for these reasons, amongst others, that we invented the pub.

And it didn’t take long on that Sunday afternoon for us all to come to the consensus that this had to be the place to meet. For in the pub lies a neutral ground; a place that has offered sanctuary to us Brits for centuries.

From the time of the Norman Conquests offering food and shelter to weary travellers, through to helping me avoid an aunt’s dry Victoria sponge – they have played a vital role.

But perhaps the important thing to note from our particular family get-together, is not just the fact that we chose a pub, but the type of pub that was chosen.

Our regular local boozer, this is the kind of place a brewery marketing team might call ‘traditional’ or ‘homely’, but to you and me is just ‘normal’. Many might also call it ‘proper pub’; a simple and functional place with tables, chairs, carpet, windows and a bar serving standard beers and wines at a reasonable price.

Why would we need anything else?

It’s safe to say that this is a question the pub industry has been asking itself for a good few years now, and attempted to answer with wildly varying degrees of success – although it’s hard to blame them for their twitchiness.

As we’re often being told, the drinking habits of the nation are changing. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of adults who say they drink alcohol is at its lowest since surveys began in 2005.

Perhaps more worrying still for pubs, is that this decrease in drinker numbers is most significant in younger people – their potential future customers. The surveys tell us that 27% of 16-24 year olds now say they do not drink alcohol at all.

Not good news for landlords.

The British Beer and Pub Association (get me a job here) say that the amount of pubs in the UK has decreased by 17%

since the millennium, which equates to over ten thousand establishments closing their doors in that time. This is concerning, as I’m sure we all know of a few places we once frequented that no longer exist.

But I’m not convinced that this decline in pubs is completely down to the consumers alone.

What usually comes along with the lament from the industry about customer behaviour is a finger-pointing exercise at lawmakers, tax enforcers and governments that they have deemed unwilling to give an appropriate boost to their sector.

In fairness, things like the smoking ban, the recession and rises in alcohol duty are all inevitably going to have some sort of effect on the market.

But much of the pub industry must also shoulder some of the blame for bungling the way they have handled these changes and failing to recognise the needs of the average pub-goer.

Take the changes in age demographics. For a while now the pub has been somewhere the whole family can go and is no longer the sole domain of adult males. That in itself is no bad thing, but what we have seen too often is an over-eagerness to cater for this change.

How many pubs have lost their uniqueness, charm and ultimately their functionality with the reckless installation of oversized menus, ball pools and arcade games? Is this even

what families really want?

Personally, as a child I enjoyed going to the pub. It didn’t matter that there wasn’t any provided entertainment for me. I enjoyed entering its grown-up environment, watching the curious drinks being poured and the people socialising amongst a haze of cigarette smoke and steady murmur of adult chat.

Granted, this sort of social scene could be accused of being oldfashioned in a modern and health conscious society. But in a society that is also largely secularised, it may now be up to pubs to supply what is a basic human need for interaction with those around us – previously provided by places of worship.

As poet William Blake said: “A good local pub has much in common with a church, except that a pub is warmer, and there’s more conversation.”

So why, just because there is a slight spike in gin sales for example, does every other decent pub need to be turned into a super-duper emporium with three-thousand and one different gins, thereby completely alienating everyone who may not actually like the spirit that much?

This profiteering has meant there is now a sad lack of venues around for us to take part in a quiet communion around a simple pint of bitter and bag of nuts.

Pub industry bosses should remember that people don’t go to church anymore because they don’t believe in god. Not because they are tired of socialising with their community or because of its lack of chic industrial light fittings or waterslide in the font.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the odd cocktail or stone-baked pizza. But what we shouldn’t take for granted are those noble establishments that aren’t trying to be anything spectacular. The places that welcome us in without judgement and don’t try to force a gimmick down our necks while taking an extra few pounds out of our pockets.

So let’s keep supporting these pubs or we may risk losing them for good, and it’ll be the whole family around your place next time. Nobody wants that.

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10

of Birmingham’s

BEST Proper Pubs

Located in not the most pleasant surroundings of industrial Digbeth, this hidden gem of a pub more than makes up for it with fabulously kept beers, a friendly welcome plus occasional live music.

5

The Old Contemptibles, City Centre

Named after an old army regiment, this attractive pub is conveniently located next to Snow Hill Station and is a classic port of call for those after quality drink after a hard day’s work.

2

The Black Eagle, Hockley

A quaint and traditional pub serving some of the region’s best ales. A bit like stepping back in time, which is all part of its charm. Not an easy place to find, but will be worth the effort.

6

The Prince of Wales, Moseley

Birmingham’s best beer garden? Quite possibly.

Comes into its own in the summer months for that reason, but also has a quaint multi-room interior.

8

The White Horse, Harborne

This pub in Harbourne has an extensive menu of both cask ales and ciders.

In fact they say their motto is “White Horse: where the beer comes first and food is served somewhere else.” Fair enough.

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3

The Post Office Vaults, City Centre

This subterranean pub has a good selection of cask ales but is famed for stocking over three-hundred bottled beers from around the world.

You can also take in your own food and they’ll even provide you with cutlery.

7

4

The Wellington, City Centre

The best selection of ales in the city which you order by number displayed on TV screen.

There are two floors, with the upper level featuring a great roof-top outdoor seating area.

The Bartons Arms, Aston

Possibly the most beautiful pub in Birmingham. Marvel at the stunning Victorian woodwork, stained glass windows and Minton-Hollis tiles. Also incorporates a first-rate Thai restaurant.

9

The Bull, Gun Quarter

One of the oldest pubs in the city dating back to the 18th Century. Apparently known as the ‘country pub in the city’, and it’s easy to see why with its charming interior decorated with what must be hundreds of hanging jugs and tankards.

The Bartons Arms, Aston

10

The Spotted Dog, Digbeth

Birmingham, and especially Digbeth, has many great Irish pubs but we rate this one as just about the best. It has bags of character and great beer garden.

IMAGES: Istock, alamy

1

The Lamp Tavern, Digbeth

Flowerpot and saucer, £11, HAY

Jar, £29.99, Zara Home

NAIL ART

From diamanté detailing to intricate graphic stripes and metallic accents, nails just got a whole lot more interesting.

Soap dish £8.99, H&M

AL FRESCO DINING

Whether you’re enjoying a canal-side tipple, tucking into a picnic in the park or dining al fresco at one of Birmingham’s many foodie hotspots, the smallest sign of sun has got us craving the great outdoors, especially when there’s good food and even better company involved.

CONCRETE INTERIORS

Strong, minimal and oh-so-chic.

Add small concrete pieces into your home in the form of pots, coasters and candle holders.

Goin’ up Goin’ down

A little bit of everything that’s heating up (and cooling down)

MAKEUP WIPES

LIMP HOUSE PLANTS

Insufficient light, overwatering and incorrect temperature can all leave your house plants looking a bit sad. If you’re over trying (and failing) to keep your plants alive, why not invest in low maintenance greens such as aloe vera or succulents.

94

STATEMENT SUNNIES

They’ll make all the difference to any summer outfit - go bold or go home.

Lip sunglasses, £18, Topshop

Red lens sunglasses £7.99, New Look

FLAKES

We don’t mean the Cadbury chocolate bar, we mean the people who bail on plans last minute with no warning. It’s a no from us.

IMAGES: ISTOCK

Not only are they bad for the environment, turns out they’re not actually that good for your skin either. Ditch the makeup wipes and opt for a cream cleanser or micellar water instead.

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