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UPF PUMA AND ICNY Capitalising on the expertise of ICNY’s reflective technology, Puma have released a collection that is both purposeful and practical yet packed with city style - I mean, who doesn’t love shiny things?. ICNY was developed after designer Mike Cherman was hit by a car whilst cycling - bummer. Turning a negative into a positive, the New York based brand was created with a goal of providing added safety and increased visibility by using reflective materials on key areas of sportswear and accessories and all in time to hit the sports luxe trend that’s been seen on every catwalk. Result! The goal was to make products that were practical for cycling in the city whilst also remaining visually appealing and the classic Puma Trinomic trainer certainly achieves this thanks to the use of reflective elements, including reflective piping, to create sneakers that stand out on the street. You can even order a pair in an all over reflective silver finish. Other items in the range include the ICNY Performance Jacket, Performance Pant and the Logo Sweat which again employs reflective piping whilst the ICNY Logo Sweat has a fully reflective logo print on the rear for style and safety. See the range at Size and Offspring. The ICNY Trinomic trainer range starts at £100. www.69-degrees.co.uk
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WRAP IT UP AT MCARTHURGLEN Do you struggle on settling on a wrapping scheme for Christmas gifts or are you a panic wrapper, frantically scrunching up carrier bags closed or pretending to be creative with newspapers and roll after roll of gaffatape? Either way McArthurGlen East Midlands Designer Outlet may well have the answer to all your pressie problems with their Christmas charity partnership with leading British celebrity fashion designer Holly Fulton that’s set to benefit the British Red Cross. Loved for her innovative use of textiles and distinctive accessories, Holly has designed three limited edition Christmas gift wrap designs to be sold at the outlet throughout the festive season. Proceeds generated by the gift wrap will be donated by McArthurGlen to the British Red Cross, to help vulnerable people in crisis across the UK. Having designed for the likes of Rihanna, Keira Knightley and Laura Whitmore, Holly has become known for her signature geometric prints and the three striking prints created exclusively for McArthurGlen East Midlands Designer Outlet encapsulate Holly’s signature design style. The luxury gift wrap is available now at a cost of £3.00 for 6 sheets, available at McArthurGlen East Midlands Designer Outlet. Find out more at www.mcarthurglen.co.uk/ hollyfulton or follow East Midlands Designer Outlet on Twitter: @McArthurGlenUK
R O P E Y CHRISTMAS Too cool for Christmas or in the mood for a spot of hipster humbuggery? (Sounds fun!) If so, why not invest in this minimalist interpretation of the traditional tree with a rope and wood design that allows you to fill its shelves with whatever takes your fancy. Each shelf has handy, tiny hooks underneath so you can hang baubles, lights etc – obviously for ironic effect! Easy to take down and store, it’s the perfect interior accessory to sit aside your prized single speed and top knot bobble collection. The large tree measures 170cm high by 90cm wide and 6cm deep and costs just £35.00 from www.tch.net
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JOIN THE GENTS
Struggling to find the gift for the man who has everything? How about focusing on his ‘hidden depths’ with a gift subscription to theGentsPack.com who, for a monthly fee, will send out a regular package full of presents. It’s up to you how big you want your package to be by choosing from three gift options: undies, socks and grooming. You then tell the club your sizes and any preferences or if you’re a bit more daring leave it as mixed to get a real surprise every month! Expect exclusive hand-picked luxury and boutique brands such as Andrew Christian, Gregg Homme, Pantherella and Pringle Black Label with packages posted in the middle of each month as a ‘perk up’ and who wouldn’t look forward to that? Prices start from just £15 per month. Find out more at www.thegentspack.com
THE DRONES WORLD TOUR’COMES TO BIRMINGHAM
Muse have announced a brand new date, 2nd April 2016, in Birmingham at the Barclaycard Arena, as part of their ‘Drones World Tour’.
Muse are renowned for pushing boundaries in terms of their stage production and the Drones World Tour will be no exception with
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the performance taking place for the first time “in the round” from the middle of the arena. This stage design and configuration will give fans a true 360 degree audio/visual sensory experience Get your tickets at www.theticketfactory.com
THERE ARE MANY SIDES TO BULLRING
Over 110 glamorous shops, 48 restaurants and cafes and 3,060 parking spaces This is Birmingham’s most fabulous shopping centre
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COPENHAGEN - NEW YORK - LONDON - FRANKFURT www.skagen.com @skagendenmark
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THE MAILBOX IS BACK
And it’s better than ever. The recent unveiling of the stunning new Urban Room is the latest phase in the redevelopment of Birmingham’s premier lifestyle and retail destination. With luxurious seating and finishes, a glass sky-lit roof and sleek store frontages, the Urban Room is a beautiful space for shoppers to enjoy during the day and is sure to become an impressive destination for Birmingham’s social scene after retail hours. Following the opening of the revolutionary Harvey Nichols store in July, the retail mall is now home to an exciting line-up of luxury brands, including BOSS,
Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Gieves & Hawkes, LK Bennett and Daniel Footwear. With Armani Collezioni and Jaeger set to open in early 2016, alongside a host of other new names, the Mailbox is the true home of luxury retail in Birmingham. The latest openings join the popular Everyman Cinema, Gas Street Social and Aluna, which launched earlier this year, as well the Mailbox’s popular bars, restaurants and hotels. With lots more to enjoy at the transformed Mailbox, make sure you pay it a visit. Find out more at www.mailboxlife.com
SKAGEN ARRIVES AT H O U S E O F F R A S E R Rooted in the place where style meets simplicity, SKAGEN is a lifestyle brand inspired by the contemporary Danish design movement. Quality and a sense of purpose are the hallmarks of modern Danish design and these characteristics define the brand with a collection of watches, jewellery and leather goods all featuring streamlined style that are infused with warmth and character making them unmistakably inviting and unquestionably SKAGEN. We’ve fallen hard for the AW/2015 collection of watches; particularly the Anita Leather Multifunction Watch, a snip at £145.00. SKAGEN is available at House of Fraser www.69-degrees.co.uk
SPECIAL FEATURE
YOOHOPP
Bringing Nottingham city centre to you, YOOHOPP is the ultimate click and collect service. With all your favourite stores in one place, it couldn’t be easier to shop the best of Nottingham and collect at a time to suit you, giving you more time to enjoy the city. Whether you’re searching for the ultimate Christmas party outfit or looking to discover new and exciting brands, YOOHOPP allows you to search through products from well known, national retailers as well as from Nottingham’s quirky, independent businesses. Shopping has never been easier. Arrange to collect your purchases at a time to suit you and head into Nottingham city centre, safe in the knowledge that all your purchases are ready and waiting for you to collect, leaving you more time to enjoy all that the city has to offer. With so many great coffee shops, restaurants, tea shops and bars, as well as exciting events and family activities in Nottingham, there’s never been more reason to click and collect. www.yoohopp.co.uk FOR A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS – IT’S IN NOTTINGHAM! From the perfect presents to pantomime villains, whatever Christmas means to you – It’s in Nottingham! For all the latest information on family events, opening times, competitions and more, visit www.itsinnottingham.com/ christmas
GETTING INTO NOTTINGHAM With great transport links and parking deals throughout the year, getting into Nottingham is easier than ever. Glide or ride into the city with group tickets from Nottingham City Transport and NET Trams or take advantage of one of the parking offers available for driving into the city. For more parking and transport offers visit www.itsinnottingham.com/transport
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GET A NEW YOU THIS NEW YEAR A WORLD BIRMINGHAM’S SANTAI BY
As 2016 beckons, we are already thinking about our Resolutions, and what better way to do it than from the outdoor hot tub at SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA at Resorts World Birmingham?! Yes, we know that it’s winter but we couldn’t resist enjoying some RnR from the second floor terrace. We’ve been lucky enough to visit the new £150 million development several times during the opening season and we must say, it really is something for the Midlands to be proud of. With 50 outlet stores, 18 stylish bars and restaurants, an 11-screen cinema, four star hotel with impressive five star rooms and suites, conference centre, and a casino, there really is something for everyone at Resorts World Birmingham. Now that the doors are open, we couldn’t resist the invite to be some of the first guests through the doors of the fantastic new SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA, which has opened on the second floor of Resorts World Birmingham. Having heard a lot about what the www.69-degrees.co.uk
medispa would offer and having been down to EF MEDISPA’s London clinics, we knew that this would be something special. Opened at the beginning of November, SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA offers traditional spa treatments alongside the latest medical advances in rejuvenation and revitalisation therapies. The team from EF MEDISPA, one of London’s top clinic chains has brought its signature award-winning, cuttingedge, results-focused aesthetics to Birmingham and the surrounding areas. This is, without doubt, a one stop medical spa that combines aesthetic treatments with the latest medical advances and traditional complementary therapies. As they put it: “It’s Personal. It’s Smart. It’s Intelligent Skincare with Holistic Health.” So it makes sense that we look to SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA as we embark on our annual ‘New Year, New Me’ ritual. We know that this can be an overwhelming thought so, fear not, we have done the research for you and looked deeper into the top treatments that are on offer ready for your year of revitalisation in 2016. It really can help you from top to toe. Starting from the top, the expert team offers a range of face treatments. If you need to revitalise your skin and remove the signs of 2015, you could opt
AT RESORTS WHO ARE EF MEDISPA? Y EF MEDISPA
for a high performance facial, laser treatment or firming microneedling. If youth is what you’re after, they have refreshing facial peels and anti-wrinkle injectables to penetrate your skin from the inside out. If you’re just after a quick makeover, they’ve even got makeup artists on site to get you looking catwalk ready. When it comes to the body, SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA offers all of the usual treatments you’d find at a spa – male and female waxing, laser hair removal, manicures, pedicures, and body wraps – but their expertise take every treatment to the next level. Living up to its medispa status, the Resorts World Birmingham spa also has a wealth of firming body treatments, slimming treatments, and cellulite treatments that will have you feeling a million dollars.
Founded by Esther Fieldgrass back in 2006, EF MEDISPA is a culmination of almost four decades of industry experience and was one of the UK’s first medispas. SANATI BY EF MEDISPA brings that experience to the Midlands, including an extensive array of treatments focused towards your health. Whether that be lymphatic drainage or a detox programme that will get you back on track. We’re also lucky enough to have the latest Drip and Chill™ bar, which offers fully personalised, bespoke saline drips containing vitamins, minerals and micro nutrients. Designed specifically to your needs, these drips focus on specific areas; rejuvenation, hydration, athletic performance, immune support, diet and detox, aches and pains, brain health, and even libido enhancement. When talking about treatment lists, SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA really does dominate, but it also has facilities to rival every spa in the local area. There’s a 15-metre swimming pool complete with heated pool loungers and outdoor hot tub. You can also hit the gym and follow it up with an Experience Shower, before heading to VIVE Lounge to relax. Not to mention those all-important salt caves, which are like nothing we’ve seen before. SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA offers a luxurious haven for guests to Resorts World Birmingham and those staying at the Genting Hotel, as well as people who just want to visit for the day to experience the very best and most effective treatments. It offers a wide range of spa packages, ranging from pampering spa days and half days, to bespoke occasion packages, which can all be specially tailored for individuals or groups, allowing you to fully experience what SANTAI BY EF MEDISPA has to offer. Don’t believe us, head down to the region’s latest medispa, which really does live up to its reputation. Resorts World Birmingham is one destination, with endless possibilities.
Find out more at www.santaiefmedispa.com, call 0121 273 1050 or email welcome@santaiefmedispa.co.uk to book your free consultation www.69-degrees.co.uk
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WIN WINE AND FESTIVE FIZZ
As Christmas is a time for giving, we’re offering you the chance to win all 13 of these delicious wines and champagnes from Pernod Ricard UK. There’s a classic, warming red from Campo Viejo to enjoy during a festive movie, a Jacob’s Creek Riesling and homemade sausage rolls pairing that is guaranteed to make gift wrapping a treat and an indulgent sparkler from Perrier Jouët to see in the New Year in style. To be in with a chance of winning, simply head over to www.69-degrees.co.uk and click on competitions. Terms and conditions apply. Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Shiraz The ideal post-dinner fizz and offers generous flavours of blackberry and raspberry with a soft, velvety finish. Availability: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Nisa RRP: £10.39
Brancott Estate Pinot Noir A delicate mix of red cherry and dark berry fruit notes with a slightly spicy finish. Availability: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Co-op and Majestic. RRP: £12.39
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut A lively and floral champagne offering fresh flavours of lemon, peach and mango. Availability: Waitrose, Ocado and Majestic RRP: £43.19
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Gris This award winning Sauvignon Gris is the first ever from the Marlborough region and offers fresh flavours including luscious pear, blackcurrant and nectarine with a lengthy citrus finish. Availability: Tesco, Ocado and Asda RRP: £10.99
Jacob’s Creek Classic Riesling A dry, light bodied white wine complimented by lime and zesty fruit flavours.
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Availability: Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Budgens and Londis RRP: £8.09
Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir A premium wine made from selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes with classic citrus flavours with a delicate crisp finish. Perfect on its own or as part of the traditional Buck’s Fizz. Availability: Most supermarkets RRP: £10.39 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay Fresh with lemon citrus flavours, the Reserve Shiraz has dark berry and chocolate flavours and smells just like the traditional Christmas fruit cake. Availability: Tesco, Ocado and Asda RRP: £10.39 each Campo Viejo Reserva A smooth balance of flavours from cherries, black plums and blackberries to clove, pepper, vanilla and coconuts. Availability: Most supermarkets nationwide RRP: £12.26 Mumm Cordon Rouge NV Golden yellow in colour and features tropical fruit aromas with a delicate vanilla fragrance. The well-rounded taste is balanced with the fresh fruit and caramel flavours Availability: Most supermarkets nationwide RRP: £32.09
Brancott Estate Terroir Sauvignon Blanc Strong flavours of fennel and apple combined with ripe grapefruit to produce this luxurious white wine. Availability: Tesco RRP: £12.49 Graffigna Centenario Malbec The Graffigna Centenario Malbec is a complex and rich red wine with dark berry flavours and a hint of black pepper. Availability: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Nisa RRP: £9.99 Campo Viejo Gran Reserva The Campo Viejo Gran Reserva is a delicious Rioja which is ruby red in colour and full of the flavours of ripe red berries with a hint of spices at the end. Availability: Most supermarkets RRP: £16.79 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Showcasing pear and peach notes, PerrierJouët Belle Epoque 2007 is a vibrant bubbly complemented by notes of almond milk and a crystalline freshness Availability: Waitrose and Ocado RRP: £141.79
WIN
To be in with a chance of winning, head over to www.69-degrees.co.uk and click on competitions. Terms and conditions apply
TREAT YOURSELF TO THE ORGANIC EXPERIENCE
Situated on the second floor of the iconic Silver Arcade is Leicestershire’s first and only organic hair salon, The Organic Experience, and not only does this gorgeous salon in sumptuous surroundings have the official organic stamp but, more importantly, none of the products used or sold are tested on animals. Local lads and industry experts, Nate Copper and Craig Lambert, are the brains behind the venture and have stayed focused on offering clients a healthy and organic hair experience. One of the ways they do this is by using ammonia free colours and treatments. Before colouring begins clients are treated to an intense hair repair treatment to ensure optimum results and healthy looking shine and colour. By using a mixture of no
ammonia colouring, bond building protein treatments and PH colour technology the team at The Organic Experience are able to colour your hair whilst ensuring essential moisture and protein stays locked meaning no damage and fabulous looking results. It’s little wonder that they have such a strong celebrity clientele. Why not drop in for a consultation and experience the full organic experience – your hair is sure to thank you for it! The Organic Experience is @ Silver Arcade, Leicester. Tel 0116 326 1161 or find them on Facebook: The Organic Experience Salons and Twitter @theorganicle1
S A T U R D AY N I G H T F O R E V E R Meet Lee, a young, disillusioned gay man living in the heart of the city. All around him people are drinking too much, dancing until the early hours and getting it while they can. But when Lee receives an invitation to a friend’s house-warming everything seems ripe for change, and it only takes seven hours, a bottle of vodka, and the devil on his shoulder for him to break his promise and fall back into the arms of a new admirer but as Lee cruelly discovers, nothing lasts forever. 20 -21 Nov, Curve, Leicester. www.curveonline.co.uk
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NOTTINGHAM ‘S NEW CREATIVE HUB A FORMER hosiery factory in Nottingham is being transformed into a new hub for the creative industries, including providing a new home for its anchor tenant - international dance organisation Dance4. Set to be a spectacular base for Dance4, the new venue on Dakeyne Street in Sneinton will help support local, national and international artists to develop work under one roof in the heart of the city.
WATCH OUT
Huawei - the consumer electronics group we bet you’ve never heard of, yet operate in over 170 countries worldwide - have launched the Huawei smart watch and we were lucky enough to be jetted to Berlin’s Soho House for its official launch and must admit, it’s a corker. The watch, with its classic design, inspired by Swiss timepieces, was released to the UK market in October priced between €399.00 and €699.00 depending on the design features chosen.
The Huawei Watch (prononounced Wah-Way) enables users to stay connected wherever they are with notifications of calls, texts, instant messages and emails . A premium watch, both Android and iOS users will be able to connect to the Huawei Watch thanks to the latest version of Google’s Android Wear™. Functionality is every bit as good as the Apple watch, it’s just prettier. There is a range of gold, silver and black frames and a variety of different watch face designs to choose from, across a range of classic, luxury, business, feminine, modern and simple aesthetics. It’s much more than just a pretty face though as it’s capable of downloading music for offline playback, and with Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones making it the perfect running companion. Prices start from £289. Find out more at facebook.com/huaweidevice www.69-degrees.co.uk
The building will also become home to workshops, offices and studio units alongside meeting rooms and networking space for creative business and organisations in the city and is set to complement the refurbishment of Sneinton Market helping to establish a vibrant creative business community locally. Its new location will provide first class training in contemporary dance and a welcoming environment for young dancers with exceptional talent. The centre will be fully accessible for visitors, audiences, performance makers and dancers with disabilities and offer fit for purpose facilities for all. Paul Russ, Chief Executive of Dance4, said: “The new centre will help us to build on our previous work and further establish Dance4 as a regional, national and international centre for dance. It enables us to grow as a production house and as a training, commissioning and presenting organisation that leads on research into 21st Century choreography.” The new centre is to open in summer 2016. To find out more about tenancies or to keep up to date with developments visit www.creativequarter.com
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A WINTER LESS O R D I NA RY
Inspired by the eclectic Saturday night markets of Goa and the derelict yet beautiful arts and music spaces of Berlin, A Winter Less Ordinary is a multi-faceted event, showcasing a wide range of independent art, fashion, crafts and food in the creative hub of Digbeth, Birmingham. Promising to be a bustling market, buzzing meeting place, relaxed hangout, eclectic dancefloor and recreational odyssey for all the ages, richly infused with the spirit of Christmas , A Winter Less Ordinary will run everyday in December up until and including Christmas Eve at 119 on Floodgate Street in Digbeth. To find out more visit www.facebook.com/119digbeth
MAKE YOUR ESCAPE CELEBRITY INSPIRED COLLECTIONS
Ever watched an episode of SAW and thought I’d get out of that easy, well here’s your chance- but without the gore. Escape Live challenges players to escape from a locked room within an hour by cracking puzzles. Based on Henrietta Street in Birmingham, teams of up to five people can choose between two rooms with different themes; Dr Wilson’s Office, a detective based game, and Room 13, which is more horror themed. The idea in both is to piece together a range of clues and escape from the room within an hour. Games cost from £44 for two players. Find out more at escapelive.co.uk
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ALL ABOUT ADVENT
This retro lightbox works as a great way to countdown the days until Christmas by simply changing the numbers each day. A unique twist on your usual advent calendar, which you can then use all year round - just change the letters to spell out any message. Each lightbox comes with 69 letters, numbers and symbols for you to create your own messages. There are also blank tiles included for you to create your own symbols. Change your message to suit the occasion - perfect for weddings, parties, or leaving romantic messages for a loved one. This is also a great Christmas decoration, just spell out your favourite Christmas message, or count down the days until the big day. ÂŁ36 from thedriftingbear.com
THERE ‘TIS THE SEASON MANY TO SID BE JOLLY AT BULLRING TO BULLRI It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Bullring with gifts to buy for loved ones and those all-important festive outfits to choose, Bullring has everything you need to make the most of this magical time of year, for every member of the family.
Make sure you check out the new interactive Christmas decorations and meet the elves at the new Santa's Grotto, as you've never seen it before! Make the most of all of the festive offers on fashion and food to get your Christmas and New Year off to a fantastic start. Even the bull is getting into the festive mood, so make sure you don't miss the chance to see his special Christmas outfit! As well as plenty of opportunities to shop, Bullring offers a variety of delicious restaurants to suit all taste buds and with plenty of coffee shops to choose from, take a break and grab a hot chocolate to warm up this winter! For the perfect stocking filler, why not give your loved ones a Bullring gift card so they can treat themselves to a shopping spree or a bite to eat. For more information, head to www.bullring.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk
Over 110 glamorous shops, 48 r
BOTTLE STUDENTS LOVE S H O P EMMA BROWN HAIR
ARE DES ING
restaurants
This October the Highcross Shopping Centre held their annual student lock in with more than 5000 students turned up to receive exclusive discounts, goodie bags and freebies from the retailers within the mall. There was music, competitions and more throughout the night, with each shop offering something special. Topshop, one of the biggest mens and womenswearstoresinHighcrosspartneredupwithLeicesterbasedEmma Brown Hair Salon to offer students free hairstyles, discounts and goodie bags filled with Kevin Murphy products, available at Emma Brown Hair. JB’s bottle shop is an independent shop specialising in craft ales and beers from all over the world as well as from just down the road. They also do a pretty mean coffee using freshly roasted Quarter Horse coffee. Coffee not your thing? Then how about a cup of peanut butter hot chocolate or a natural tea from the Teapigs range? JB’s Bottle Shop is on Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham. Find them on Facebook and Twitter @jbsbottleshop
The salon is well known within the area of Clarendon Park and beyond, so this was an exciting opportunity for Emma and her creative team to get to know the latest influx of freshers and introduce them to the world of Emma Brown Hair. The salon offers services for men, women and children, from full head colour transformations to tidying up that man bun! They’ve also recently just expanded their salon and added a beauty bar upstairs, meaning they now offer services like eyebrow threading, waxing and much more! Students get 20% off services at the salon from Tuesday to Friday. To book in with Emma or a member of her team, call them on 0116 2704374 or visit them at 140 Clarendon Park Road, Leicester LE2 3AE. HIRING! Emma Brown Hair are looking for talented stylists to join their team. Send in your CV and examples of your work to salon@ emmabrownhair.co.uk. www.69-degrees.co.uk
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S AV E T H E DAT E : D AV E ’ S LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016 The nation’s favourite and longest-running fun-fest is back on the 3-21st February with even more LOLs spread across the 19 days, thanks to its biggest programme of events in its history. Last year’s festival boasted over 640 events in 47 venues and 2016 looks set to smash that with 780 shows across Leicester. It all adds up to why The Guardian described it as ‘One of the best comedy festivals in the World’. We agree. Guaranteed giggles include:
AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHNNY VEGAS Saturday 20th February @ Curve (midday) Johnny Vegas started his stand up career in the 1990s & quickly became perhaps the most fearlessly confessional stand-up comedians in the UK. In 1997, he won the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year and went on to huge acclaim at gigs across the UK. More recently, he met a knitted monkey, drank tea and became one of Britain’s bestloved comic actors. Join him in an in depth interview with Festival Director Geoff Rowe. As part of Beyond a Joke. THE UK PUN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016 Punday 8th February @ Hansom Hall (7pm) A total sell out in 2014 & 2015. Hosted by Lee Nelson, this amazing hit show celebrates the great British pun with contestants from across the UK. “A pantomime atmosphere; hits are cheered, misses are groaned”.
A very special festival event. Comedy legend Nicholas Parsons (Just a Minute, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Comic Strip, The Benny Hill Show) talks to Festival Director Geoff Rowe about the state of British comedy, how it has changed over the years and whether it’s in a fit state. A must-see event for everyone interested in comedy and the comedy industry. In association with Equity & De Montfort University. As part of Beyond a Joke. REEVES AND MORTIMER Thursday 4th & Friday 5th February @ De Montfort Hall (7.30pm) 25 Years of Reeves and Mortimer: The Poignant Moments will be a celebration of the first 25 years of their professional collaboration from Vic Reeves Big Night Out through Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Bang, Bang It’s Reeves and Mortimer and Shooting Stars. Expect uplifting moments, some musical moments, maybe some magic, several dancing styles, some show of physical strength but always some poignant moments!
DAVE’S LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL & EQUITY PRESENT I SAY - THE ANNUAL COMEDYCONVERSATION Wednesday 17th February @ De Montfort University (6pm) For the full programme and information on how to book tickets, visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk
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EVERY GIFT YOU’LL NEED TO BUY HER THIS CHRISTMAS
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1. Crossley Cruiser turntable, Amazon, Argos, Very UK, Littlewoods, ASDA, Maplin Online, HMV and John Lewis RRP £89.99, 2. Sophie Hulme pompom keyring, £150 Harvey Nichols, 3. Urbanista Boston Sports Earphones, Orange, £59.99 Carphone Warehouse, 4. Braun Satin Hair brush £28.99, 5. Yankee Candle Berry Trifle Large Jar £21.99, 6. Library of Fragrance GIN + TONIC PERFUME, £15, 7. DKNY Tribeca bucket bag, £232, Harvey Nichols, 8. Plasters In Tin Dress Up Dolly £2.95, 9. Playbulb Set £17.99 - £79.99, Amazon, Selfridges, 10. Roku Streaming Stick £49.99 Amazon, Tesco Direct, 11. Whittard Cocoa Creations £20.00, 12. Betty Jackson necklace, Debenhams, £25.00, 13. The Sourpuss Handbag is £39.00, Audrey Star Boutique 14. VQ Emma Bridgewater Retro Mini Marmalade Radio, £79.99, 15. Moschino Brown Bear silicon iPhone case, £45 Harvey Nichols, 16. GelTouch Starter Kit containing; Lamp, cleansing wipes and topcoat £49.99 Debenhams, 17. Novelty Mug £8 Paperchase, 18. Cordinui Cuvee Brut Cava £13.00 Sainsburys 19. Chocolate flavoured lip balms £2.95 each, 20. Rock & Ruddle Hair Brush – Large £30 – Handbag Size - £20 www.rockandruddle.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk
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FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! CHRISTMAS JUST WOULDN’T BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT A FEW INDULGENT LUXURIES. FROM DECADENT CHOCOLATE AND SEASONAL SPIRITS TO THE MOST STYLISH FILLED-TO-THE-BRIM HAMPERS, HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM BOASTS THE ULTIMATE FESTIVE TREATS. 3
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1:Choi Time damask rose tea buds, £19.95 2: Fauchon Time for Tea gift box, £35.95 3: Disaronno Wears Cavalli, £22. 4: Absolut Electrik Blue limited edition vodka, £22.50 5: Harvey Nichols Posh Party hamper, £780 6: Mr Black cold drip coffee liqueur, £39.50 7: Special Touch botanicals for vodka cocktail set, £32.95 8: Chase vodka duo gift pack, £90 9: Amedei Infinito chocolate collection gift box, £285 10: Booja Booja special edition truffle selection, £14.95. www.69-degrees.co.uk
EVERY GIFT YOU’LL NEED TO BUY HIM THIS CHRISTMAS
I Want always gets
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19 1. Adidas Originals Moulded Suede Case for iPhone 6s BLUE-WHITE, £24.99, EE stores, 2. Fire & Spice Gift Set www.nobleisle.com £30 3. OrbitCAM Drone www.yourkit.co.uk £69.99 4. Police LAS VEGAS watch www.watchshop.com £189.99, 5. Yankee Candle - Barbershop Aftershave Candle £12.99 6. Grey Goose VX £91.95 7. Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Extreme EDP, £56 Harvey Nichols 8. Paul Smith striped notebook, £29 Harvey Nichols & Pilot Clothing 9. Adeen emebllished twill cap, £135 Harvey Nichols 10. Jabra Solemate Mini Bluetooth Speaer all colours, £79.99, Amazon 11. Mens Sixpack spa collection £35 Templespa 12. B&O Play special edition headphones, £329 Harvey Nichols, 13. Divoom AuraBox; £69.99; Amazon 14. Joe & Sephs - £2.99 - Selfridges 15. Vintage World Map Block Desk Calendar £9.95 dotcomgiftshop 16. Robot Money Box £6 Paperchase 17. Elf Mask £7 Paperchase 18. TrionZ magnetic therapy bracelet £24.99 Trionz - www.trionz.com, 19 Bluebeards Shaving Kit £109.99 www.bluebeards-revenge.com 20. Absolut Electrik Blue limited edition vodka, £22.50 Harvey Nichols 21. Spearmark Sneaker Light £12.99, Next.
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IMAGINE DRA
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AGONS
33 AFTER EXPLODING ONTO THE GLOBAL ARENA WITH THEIR HUGE HIT ‘RADIOACTIVE’ AND FOLLOWING IT UP WITH HITS ‘IT’S TIME’, ‘DEMONS’ AND ‘TOP OF THE WORLD’ - IN THE PROCESS SELLING OVER 22 MILLION SINGLES WORLDWIDEGRAMMY AWARD WINNING IMAGINE DRAGONS ARE BACK ON TOUR WITH THEIR NEW ALBUM ‘SMOKE + MIRRORS’. SIXTYNINE DEGREES CAUGHT UP WITH FRONTMAN DAN REYNOLDS WHILST IN PARIS TO TALK TOURING, BOOKS AND SIGNING AND FINDING INSPIRATION WHILST ON THE ROAD. You’re in Paris at the moment on the Smoke + Mirrors European tour, how’s it all been going for you? It’s been great. It’s definitely been my favourite tour that we’ve ever had as a band this far. I think this record, we made it with the live experience in mind, so it blends really well for playing live. There’s a lot of dynamic ups and downs, which we really intended for, whereas with ‘Night Visions’ we had no idea that we’d even be playing that record live; for all we knew it could have been a big bust! We were just playing tiny clubs at the time - so yeah, it’s been a great experience so far. You released Smoke and Mirrors back in February this year and it went directly in to the UK charts at #1. How does it feel to have such a reception and success so far away from home? Oh that was huge. I think we’re just as concerned with our international audience as we are with the States. I don’t know why, that’s just been something that for this band has been a big priority since we started. A lot of our biggest influences come from bands that are from overseas, so we always really wanted to put in the time to work up a home base in as many places around the world that would have us. You’ve not done a full UK tour here since 2013, so are you looking forward to coming back? Oh absolutely! I love it in the UK and it’ll be nice this time because now we kind of have a little more of a feel for the culture and what the people are like, so now it doesn’t feel like you’re new to it. It feels like you’re going www.69-degrees.co.uk
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back to your old friend’s house and be able to go and eat at the places you like to eat at and get some good Indian food! It’s been a great experience every time we’ve been there and I’m sure this will be no different. Do you manage to do much sight seeing whilst you’ve been in the UK or have you got more planned for this round? You know, I feel like we spend most of our time just trying to find the best food! I like walking around and seeing the museums and the main sights. We kind of got that out of our systems on the first tour. That’s when you go and see sight things, but I think this time we’ll probably just walk around the main centre and do some shopping and eat some good food and just hang with some friends that we’ve made there throughout the years. Imagine Dragons have had a pretty whirl-wind journey with the UK because you started off playing in pubs and clubs with 200-300 cap venues. Now you’re coming back and playing two nights at the O2, one of the biggest arenas in Europe, how does it all feel? Or as you’ve been on the road since 2009, does it feel like a steady progression? I mean, the truth is it feels like both. As much as that doesn’t make sense it really is what it is! It feels natural in the progression just in the sense that we’ve played www.69-degrees.co.uk
the small rooms, and we’ve played the bigger rooms but we’ve just toured incessantly like non-stop. We watched the natural progression of venues, but it happened in a really short amount of time, so it still feels like a whirl-wind in the sense that ‘Wow we’re playing two nights at The O2”, but I remember when we played at KoKo and that feels like it was yesterday! The main thing with you guys is you’ve always, even playing those small venues, it almost feels like you’re playing an arena every time because you’ve got such a big sound and it’s such a big show. What difference or progression have you seen between your stage show with the small shows and the bigger ones? Yeah, you know it’s exactly that. I feel like we’ve never got on a stage and felt like, intimidated or like it’s going to be a new experience. I think just because, I don’t even think that it’s because we think we deserve to be on a stage like that. We have never felt like we deserve to have fans. It’s been a happy surprise! I think it’s just because we focus on the music so much, we get on stage and we just play the music and it is a big sound. We’re from Las Vegas, so it’s always been over the top and eccentric and big and larger than life. We always play our hearts out and try to give the best show we could and so it’s all really pretty natural. As I was saying you’ve been touring relentlessly since 2009. You’ve said previously that writing new
35 material helps keep your stability on the road and keeps you grounded. Is there any other sort of tips or tricks, or any home comforts you bring on the road that also helps you? Definitely, I mean I exercise every day on the road. That’s big for me. Even though it sounds silly, you wake up in a bus and it’s grey outside, it’s important for me. We eat really healthy and I read a lot – I love reading. I write like non-stop. I’m always writing. That’s what really brings me the most comfort I think because it’s something that I’ve done since I was a young kid. We heard you’re a book fan, what sort of books have you been reading recently? Oh man, so many! One of my favourites that I just read recently was a book called Ready Player One, it’s a really great book, I highly recommend it. I’m on a big Harlan Coben kick, I really like mystery, thriller/comedy; dry humour and Harlan Coben does that really well. Um, who else? I can’t think of the name of the author that does Ready Player One. Actually, that book has become a huge success now it’s being made into a movie by Steven Spielberg. Hopefully they do it justice, we’ll see! James Patterson I think is the name of this other author that I really like. The Jack Reacher novels. So yeah, a lot of just like mystery/thriller and then science fiction here and there. I like Orson Scott Card a lot. A lot of your lyrics are about personal experiences that have happened to you, do you take any inspiration from any books that you read or any TV shows that you watch?
old school wise. As for new music I’m really into Jake Bugg, I love all of Jake Bugg’s stuff quite a bit. He’s great and he puts on such a fantastic live show. I love his live shows. I really like Cage The Elephants’ new record. I’m really excited for their new record. Crystal Fighters - a band I really like and they’re good friends of ours as well. You’ve taken Sunset Sons out as support on this tour. When you decide support acts, do you pick people you like or you’ve heard of? I think there’s a list of a lot of different bands that the scheduling works with and then we’ll pick through the list of bands and we’ll try and find a match that we think is good for our fans. I wasn’t actually very familiar with their music to be honest with you, but then when they were introduced to us it seemed like a good match and it’s been really great actually. They’re really good guys.
“I DON’T REALLY KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN IT; IT’S SO QUIRKY. IMAGINE DRAGONS IS SUCH A STRANGE ENTITY IN MY HEAD. ”
Yeah, I think you can’t help but be influenced by everything around you. Like today I was really inspired by, well I went to the Louvre, this amazing museum in Paris and it has the Mona Lisa and they have all the greatest pieces of art you could ever imagine. I was just taking pictures and putting on the audio head set and listening to all the art and the history of it. I found a lot of inspiration from that. I think that I’m definitely inspired all of the time and just by music that I’m listening to. What sort of bands and artists are you listening to at the moment? Oh man! Well I’m always listening to Paul Simon, Billy Joel like old school song writers. Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel. They were kind of staples for me, like
With family back at home, I guess they’ll see the platinum records but it is when they hear the song on the radio or when they see you on a TV show, that’ll be when it really hits home about how well you’re doing. Exactly. In fact, I don’t think we even realised how the band was doing until we got home and the neighbours were knocking on the door asking for autographs and we were like ‘What?! I’ve grown up here my whole life, like why are you knocking on my door asking for my autograph?!’ That was weird for sure!
I can imagine! One last question fans in the UK who are potentially looking head down to the shows, what can they expect from the gig? It’s definitely a very high-energy percussive show. I don’t really know how to explain it. It’s so quirky. Imagine Dragons is such a strange entity in my head. When I try to even explain it to people I’m like, “well it’s like rock meets hip hop, meets pop meets like just this weird like smorgasbord of a bunch of different sounds and live shows and just this crazy percussive high and low… Oh man I don’t know how to describe that! You just have to experience and then you’ll be able to describe it better! Catch Imagine Dragons on the 20th November at Birmingham Barclaycard Arena
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HER STYLE
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STYLE LIST
WINTER: BIG COATS, HATS, GLOVES, BOOTS, LAYERS AND LOVELINESS- IT’S THE ULTIMATE SEASON FOR SHOPAHOLICS AND FASHIONISTAS.
OUTFITS BY BLUE INC
HER STYLE Gold leather blazer £269 Biba Heritage by Barbara Hulanicki ‘1963’ slogan T-Shirt £30 Leggings £49 both Biba. House of Fraser
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SPECIAL FEATURE
GOLD RUSH Shimmer from head to toe this festive season and you’ll be the belle of every ball. MELANIE PRYOR, Womenswear Manager of Harvey Nichols Birmingham, picks her favourite metallics to guarantee a very sparkly Christmas! 2
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Look sumptuous this party season with a knock ‘em dead combination of on-trend black and gold. Showcased on the catwalks at Emilio de la Morena, Prada, Balmain and Roberto Cavalli, the look is opulent and refined; eye-catching but not flashy. Add texture with brocade, appliqué, sequins and glitter, while luxurious lamé, lurex and neoprene lend a decadent touch. So ditch the LBD in favour of these metallic must-haves that are guaranteed to up the festive glam factor.
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All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, either in store or via the new Style Concierge service.
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VISIT THE HARVEY NICHOLS CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE AND DISCOVER A HOST OF LUXURY GIFT IDEAS. 1: Yves Saint Laurent limited edition couture palette, £42.50. 2: Vita Fede twin spike bracelet, £285. 3: Faliero Sarti sequinned cashmere scarf, £315. 4: Lanvin gold lizard-effect bag, £660. 5: Giuseppe Zanotti suede and glitter sandals, £570. 6: Aura gold plated hair chain, £120. 7: Balmain crystal embellished dress, £1,930. 8: Alexander McQueen Swarovski crystal skull ring, £235. 9: Alice + Olivia sequinned jacket, £695. 10: Deborah Lippmann nail lacquer in Can’t Be Tamed, £18 www.69-degrees.co.uk
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RED ALERT
There is no getting away from this trend as it’s gone from every catwalk to every store this a/w 2015. With the party season fast approaching why not add a dash of red to your wardrobe. Mix it with camel for sophisticated style or go full on fashion top to toe rouge. 4
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1. Very Red Sequin Dress £79, 2. Red tassel clutch £19.99 Missy Empire, 3. Glitter Bag £7 Primark 4. 50s Halter Swing Dress Set £150 The House of Foxy, 5. Miss Selfrdige Trilby £25, 6. Dune Barcella Heel £129, 7. Tatyana Dress is £75.00, Audrey Stars Boutique 8. Miss Selfridge, Red Fur Scarf, £25, 9. Checked Cape £24.99 Blue Inc, 10. Pom Pom Keyring £19, Jigsaw, 11. Melissa Vivienne Westwood Ultraflat pump £100 Selfridges 12. Red Hanging Earrings £25, Filthy Rich, Derby. www.69-degrees.co.uk
SPECIAL FEATURE
THE GIFT OF BEAUTY If in doubt, opt for a gift set! Simple advice but we guarantee you can’t go wrong. From shimmering makeup palettes to luxurious skincare kits, these beauty boxes pave the way for countless ‘me’ days long after the festivities are over. Here’s our favourite Christmas treats from HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM. Visit the Beauty Hall at Harvey Nichols Birmingham and discover a range of stunning gifts from leading brands including Dior, SpaceNK, Dermalogica, Elemis and Estee Lauder.
Lancôme Renergie Multi-Lift Day Cream set, £64.
Espa Replenishing Facial Collection kit, £25.
Laura Mercier Masterclass Palette, £80.
Yves Saint Laurent luxurious mascara set, £25.
Atelier Cologne Ambre Nue gift set, £65.
Eve Lom The Kiss, £16
BLISS Super Satchel Harvey Nichols edition, £185.
Crème de la Mer Concentrate Collection, £400.
Ole Henriksen Three Mini Wonders holiday set, £27.
Sisley Prestige Youthful Grace set, £338.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
C AVO LO GY
In Nottingham’s vibrant Creative Quarter (the areas around Hockley and the Lace Market), you don’t have to go very far before coming into contact with the creativity of an NTU Art and Design graduate. AMELIA HALES, JEWELLERY MAKER, GRADUATE, BA (HONS) DECORATIVE ARTS 2015 www.ameliahales.com
It’s a fact that many art and design students choose to stay in Nottingham once they graduate. The city has a strong arts community, and over recent years has become an energetic hub for new and emerging designers, art spaces and collectives. One such example is Cavology, a unique creative retail space, based in Cobden Chambers just off Pelham Street. Collectively managed and run by creative practitioners, the shop has been set up by The Hive, Nottingham Trent University’s business incubator hub supporting new student and graduate ideas. It aims to offer affordable high-end lifestyle products, with a unique style and originality. It has recently expanded too; a relaxed new cafe and social space, COB (the Creative Occupations Bureau) has opened in the same building to provide daytime drinks and light bites, a bookable meeting space for events, and business advice sessions. We took a trip to this ‘shop of hidden treasures’ to talk to some of the NTU creatives who are now selling their work, and find out more....
“When I first came to NTU I was so impressed by the creative community within the university and Nottingham as a whole, it just felt like something I wanted to be a part of…. “Decorative Arts at NTU gave me the chance to experiment with lots of different materials including textiles, wood and ceramics, and to find my passion for metalwork…. Janie and Kirsty, who run Cavology, contacted me after seeing my work at the NTU Degree Show. I would advise anyone who has the passion to start their own business to go for it, I wasn’t confident at first but you learn so much along the way. “I would describe my style of work as varied, illustrative, colourful, handcrafted and unique. As every piece is individually handmade, each customer receives a unique piece of contemporary jewellery. “Nottingham in 5 words? I’d say Creative. Inventive. Welcoming. Inspiring. Lively.”
Digital print work by Sophie Underdown Lester
FOR FULL COURSE INFORMATION IN THE SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN VISIT W TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NTU HIVE BUSINESS INCUBATOR SERVICES V
WITH CHRISTMAS ON THE HORIZON, YOU’LL FIND NO BETTER DESTINATION THAN CAVOLOGY FOR A UNI TRINKETS, HOMEWARES, ACCESSORIES, MUSIC, LITERATURE AND FASHION. OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY TO SA AM – 5 PM VISIT AND BE INSPIRED AT: CAVOLOGY AND COB, COBDEN CHAMBERS, PELHAM STREET, NOTTTING www.69-degrees.co.uk
43 KATIE ABEY, ILLUSTRATOR, GRADUATE, BA (HONS) GRAPHIC DESIGN 2014 www.katieabey.co.uk “I create relatable illustration statements that spread motivation, happiness, sarcasm and general randomness! “NTU was where I found that I loved illustration and essentially started to actually get reasonably confident with my drawing style thanks to tutor guidance. “The Hive at NTU helped me a great deal with the initial starting up
of my business (as I had no clue what-so-ever!) They introduced me to Cavology, which has been an absolutely amazing starting point for selling my products and seeing what works. Cobden Chambers is such a great and creative environment to sell in. “Nottingham in 5 words? Creative, Varied, Vibrant, Evolving, Intriguing!”
SARAH CLIFFORD, (below right) TEXTILE DESIGNER/MAKER, GRADUATE, BA (HONS) DECORATIVE ARTS 2014 www.facebook.com/sarahclifforddesignermaker “I am a designer maker producing wearable textiles through applying digital print and embroidery, knitwear, and hand embellishment. I enjoy painting for the digital prints and creating figurative drawings. I’m also really inspired by Nottingham’s lace archives and history. “My style of work is diverse in the techniques and materials that I use and what I am influenced by. I recently designed leather and woven bags influenced by Kenyan makers and manufacturers, now sold in Cobden Chambers. “For me, Nottingham is heritage, lace, has a booming-music-scene, is thriving and full of entrepreneurial treasures.”
WWW.NTU.AC.UK/ART69 OR VISIT WWW.NTU.AC.UK/HIVE
IQUE OFFERING OF GIFTS, JEWELLERY, ATURDAY, 10.30 AM – 6 PM AND SUNDAY 11 GHAM NG1 2ED
SOPHIE UNDERDOWN LESTER (above left), DESIGNER/ MAKER, FINAL YEAR STUDENT, BA (HONS) DECORATIVE ARTS 2015/16 www.sophieunderdownlester.com “Nottingham really appealed as a place to study. The lifestyle here is affordable which means the art scene is really strong. Affordable studio space in the city means a lot of students stay here after graduating and I’ve met lots of former NTU students who have set up great independent practices. My top Nottingham tip is visit Beeston too, it rocks! “My course has given me an introduction to working in lots of different materials as a basis for becoming an independent maker
- confident to cut glass, throw a pot, solder metal or turn on a lathe. Although my focus is on ceramics, my knowledge of other material processes have become invaluable to my design and making practice. Starting up as a maker while at university is great as there is lots of support available from HIVE and the Employability team. It can be tricky balancing time between this and my degree work but ultimately everything I’m doing crosses over to achieve the same goal.” www.69-degrees.co.uk
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Blazer £75, Trousers £25, Shirt £22, Bow Tie £6, BURTON.
his STYLE
SPECIAL FEATURE
GENTLEMAN'S CLUB
This festive season opt for the classics from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and Lanvin for a look that oozes elegance. We asked JAMES BURKE, Menswear Manager at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, to select his VIP party must-haves. 1
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All products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, via the new style concierge service or online at harveynichols.com. 1: Dolce & Gabbana moire velvet tuxedo jacket, £1,850. 2: Dsquared2 slim-leg stretch wool trousers, £400. 3: Valentino silk tie, £130. 4: Alexander McQueen skull cufflinks, £95. 5: Jimmy Choo tasselled loafers, £450. 6: Alexander McQueen ruffled piqué shirt, £460. 7: Tom Ford Noir Extreme EDP, £70 (50ml). 8: Briston chronograph watch, £235. 9: Lanvin grained wallet, £195. 10: Alexander McQueen polka dot silk bowtie, £100. www.69-degrees.co.uk
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46 We're on a roll this AW15 with turtle necks showcased on the runways by the likes of Margaret Howell, Kris Van Assche, Kenzo and more. Super comfortable and easy to dress up or down, expect the turtle to become a staple of your winter wardrobe. As for style the choice is yours; plain or patterned, thick knit or fine gauge the choice is yours
Double Faced Tailored DB Coat £279, Merino Knit Polo Shirt £79, Merino Rib Roll Neck Sweater £119, Bloomsbury Fit Fine Stretch Wool Trousers £109 Jigsaw.
VE LO IS TH OUR L CO
Next £22
New Look £14.99
M&S £99
Farah Vintage, House of Fraser £70
RJR Debenhams £55
Matalan £12
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SPECIAL FEATURE
PARTY SEASON SAVIOURS GET THROUGH THE PARTY SEASON IN ONE PIECE WITH THESE HARD-WORKING MUST-HAVES GUARANTEED TO HAVE YOU LOOKING AND FEELING YOUR BEST. HARVEY NICHOLS’ PRIVATE SHOPPING MANAGER JOHN PAUL MCGUIRK SHARES HIS FESTIVE GROOMING SECRETS. any one month Google will see 1.3 million searches for ‘Can’t 1: InSleep’, three million for ‘Insomnia’ and 3.2 million for ‘Sleep’. If you’re
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struggling with your beauty sleep reach for This Works Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray, £25, your one way ticket to a peaceful night's kip. the ultimate daily deep clean opt for Elemis Deep Cleanse 2: For Facial Wash, £20. This fast-acting gel formula contains spearmint,
peppermint and oak bark to loosen and remove dirt and grime leaving skin squeaky clean and thoroughly refreshed. And ready to party all over again. your skin one big treat 3: Give after a big night out with 1
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Lancôme Men's Rénergy 3D, £54. It’s a lifting, anti-wrinkle and firming cream to help fight signs of ageing and is suitable for all skin types.
4: ESPA's Hydrator,
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Age-Rebel Eye £36, boasts a special formula that revitalises the fragile skin around the eyes to help restore a youthful glint. It minimises fine lines and stimulates microcirculation to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Power up your skin with Estée 5: Lauder’s Nutritious
Vitality8™ Night Radiant Overnight Detox Concentrate, £58. An intensive treatment for smoother, softer, brighter skin – you sleep off the effects of the night before while this serum removes toxins, purifying damage caused by pollution and other aggressors. dampens the ol’ Christmas 6: Nothing spirit quite like a breakout of
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spots. Step forward Dermalogica Breakout Control, £40. With its natural antibacterial agents it helps clear and soothe skin ...perfect for those mistletoe moments!
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P r o d u c t s f e a t u r e d are available from the new Harvey Nichols concept store at the Mailbox or online at harveynichols.com.
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DJANGO DJANGO@ O2 BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE - 7th December www.02institutebirmingham.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk
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FROM THE SMALL SCREEN TO THE BIG STAGE, CONSOLE TO CLUB, IF IT’S WORTH SEEING,HEARING OR DOING, THEN IT’S HERE...
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INSPIRING INDIA DELICIOUSLY CHAOTIC AND WORLDS AWAY FROM ANYTHING YOU MAY HAVE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED, DELHI WILL ARREST YOUR SENSES AND CREATE LASTING MEMORIES. AMRITSAR WILL SEDUCE YOU WITH ITS HERITAGE AND BEAUTY. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF A TRIP TO INDIA, IT COULDN’T BE EASIER WITH DAILY FLIGHTS FROM BIRMINGHAM WITH AIR INDIA. IF YOU FANCY TAKING YOUR WINTER SUN A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY, HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS THAT MIGHT TEMPT YOU TO VISIT.
THE RED FORT Founded between 1638 and 1648 this sandstone and marble fortress conjures up the splendour of the Mughal dynasty. The 18 metre high walls provide a dramatic landscape that houses a museum and a fantastic light and music show daily at dusk. This is a great place to start to understand the military history of India. Q’TAB MINAR Delhi may boast many ancient buildings but Q’tab Minar is a must for your itinerary. This complex of ruins has both tombs and monuments showcasing the finest stone craftsmanship of its age. Throughout November and December the complex hosts the Qutb Festival of Indian classical music and dance. RAJ GHAT Is the memorial to Mahatma Ghandi. It is a black marble monument which marks
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the spot of his cremation on the banks of the river Yamuna. An eternal flame burns amidst an abundance of floral offerings. THE LODI GARDENS Take a seat and watch the world go by in Delhi’s favourite park. Popular with all walks of Delhi life, the 90 acres of gardens are home to the ancient tombs of Pre Mughal rulers and a lake with an eight piered bridge. It is a peaceful green space to escape from the hustle of the street. EXPERIENCE SHOPPING ON CYCLE RICKSHAWS IN OLD DELHI Jump in a rickshaw and tour the bazaars of Delhi in search of handicrafts, jewellery, clothing and saris. Support the government-run Central Cottage Industries Emporium where the prices are fixed so you don’t have to haggle but can simply enjoy the colourful array of handicrafts for sale.
51 FURTHER AFIELD AGRA
Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is just a few hours drive from Delhi and is a must-see if you are heading to India for the first time. A legacy of the Murghal empire, the complex boasts a fort and many tombs and mausoleums as well as the majestic Taj itself.
HAUZ KHAS
In this arty area of the Deer Park neighbourhood, history and modernity sit side by side. Hauz Khas Village is the best spot for great bars, nightlife and galleries. Navigate the narrow alleyways where high end restaurants and boutiques, selling everything from Bollywood posters to handmade furniture, dwell next to ancient tombs and mosques.
HOW TO GET THERE
Fly from Birmingham to Delhi and Amritsar. Air India offers daily flights from Birmingham on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This 256 seat plane offers 18 seats in business class and 238 economy seats and is designed to provide ‘invisible comfort’. The cabin air pressure is the equivalent of 6,000 feet altitude – 2,000 feet lower than other aircraft. This improves oxygen absorption into the blood, reducing in-flight headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Passengers also enjoy better air humidity, to arrive at their destination refreshed.
AMRITSAR The Golden temple of Amritsar is one of India’s most serene and spectacular sights. It is Sikhism’s most holy shrine. The city that surrounds it is a city of two halves divided by railway lines. The ancient city is home to the Golden Temple, historic shrines and encircled by 12 medieval gates, the modern city is full of malls, high end hotels and colonial era boulevards. MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH PANORAMA This museum is dedicated to the ‘Lion of Punjab’, Maharaja Ranjit Singh who founded the Sikh empire (1780-1839). The Panorama in the museum depicts the battles that the leader fought with the Mughals to establish the empire, it is complete with battle cry sound effects!
Find out more at www.airindia.in www.69-degrees.co.uk
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THE A LIST WHAT’S ON, WHEN, WHERE AND WHY AREN’T YOU ALREADY GOING?
AUSTENTATIOUS: AN IMPROVISED JANE AUSTEN NOVEL @ The Y Theatre 14th February www.leicesterymca.co.uk
Here ar part of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival 2016, undoubtedly one of the most talked-about shows on the UK comedy scene, Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel is a comedy play spun in the inimitable style of Jane Austen – and based entirely on audience suggestions. www.69-degrees.co.uk
53 BUGZY MALONE + SPECIAL GUESTS
@ The Institute - The Library 2nd December 2015 theinstitutebirmingham.com
LIANNE LA HAVAS + ROSEAU
@ The Institute – Main Room, 4th December theinstitutebirmingham.com
monstrously good time is guaranteed for all! As ever, the B2 Xmas Show has been created especially for grown-ups so it’s perfect for office parties or anyone who wants to enjoy a merry bloody Christmas away from the kids.
GRIMM TALES
@ Crescent Theatre 5th December – 19th December www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
Independent Manchester artist Bugzy Malone is fast developing a reputation as one of the UK’s brightest Grime talents and has recently picked up ‘Best Breakthrough Artist’ at this year’s GRM Daily Rated Awards. After quickly selling out his UK headline date in July, Bugzy has today announced a very special UK tour for December 2015 in celebration of his new single ‘Pain’.
Following a triumphant set at Glastonbury, Lianne La Havas can now confirm a new UK and Ireland tour which includes her largest headline show to date at the O2 Academy Brixton and that swings into Brumon Dec 4th. Expect tracks from her 2nd album, Blood, released this summer.
Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel and Jack and his beanstalk and many more famous stories that we all know. Or do we? Adapted by Carol Ann Duffy from the stories of the Brothers Grimm, we discover, along with a group of regulars in their local pub that perhaps we didn’t know them as well as we thought.
VAMPOMINE
DJANGO DJANGO
@ The Belgrade Theatre 5 December - 2 January www.belgrade.co.uk
@ The Institute – Main Room 7th December 2015 theinstitutebirmingham.com
Will beauty get driven batty? Will the beast love in vain? Will the audience die laughing? Whatever happens, a
Psychedelic art pop quartet Django Django are hitting the road again with new album ‘Born Under Saturn’. This is the work of a band fired up by confidence and experience and propelled way beyond their DIY roots. It has all of the imagination of their debut self-titled album but splashed across a larger canvas.
DIRTY GROTTO
@ The DOOR at The REP 10th December – 19th December www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Scared of lions, bored of witches, lost in the closet? Then enter The REP’s exclusive Dirty Grotto – late-night, filthy festive fun and merriment for an alternative Christmas experience, featuring Mother Christmas and her fabulous elves. Dust down your Christmas jumper, leave your www.69-degrees.co.uk
54 children with the babysitter and grab a drink from the ‘Sweet Pussy’ bar for a riotous evening at The REP’s dirtier yuletide event curated by The REP’s unruly associate company, KILN.
SECC Arena. His epic 136-date tour culminated in a sell out run throughout Australia and his DVD made it to number 5 in the charts for Christmas that year.
brothers Slim Jimmy and Swae Lee, and newly signed to multiplatinum producer Mike WiLL MadeIt’s Eardruma Records – is out to change that.
SNOW WHITE
RAE SREMMURD
HAIRSPRAY
This year’s pantomime will be the wickedly funny Snow White, starring Benidorm and Loose Women’s Sherrie Hewson. The cast will also include Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jon Clegg as the Jester and BBC Radio Leicester’s Martin Ballard as Dame.
Tupelo, Mississippi. It’s the home of Elvis Presley, but even for those clued in on that fun fact, it’s safe to say that few, if any, know much more about the city. Nestled in the northeast corner of the Magnolia State, and with a population of just over 35,000, indeed, Tupelo, like most small metropolises, is easy to overlook. Rae Sremmurd – pronounced “Ray-Shrim-er,” consisting of real life
production of the smash hit musical comedy. It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!
@ De Montfort Hall 12 December 2015 – 4 January 2016 www.demontforthall.co.uk
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF ROCK CITY: THE KOOKS @ Rock City Main Hall 11th December www.rock-city.co.uk
@ The Institute 13th December theinstitutebirmingham.com
@ The New Alexandra Theatre 14th December – 2nd January www.atgtickets.com Hairspray is back, with a brand new
THE SISTERHOOD
2015 has been non-stop for The Kooks. Having sold out their ‘Listen’ tour in the UK in 2014, the band hit the road, taking the show to audiences in Australia, Europe, USA and South America. Following on from last summer’s huge performances at ReadingLeeds, Bestival and Glastonbury, as part iof the ‘35 Years of Rock City’ celebrations you can also see The Darkness and The Enemy in December.
@ The Belgrade Theatre, 30 January - Sat 20 February www.belgrade.co.uk Henriette just wants to marry the man she loves. Is that too much to ask? It certainly is for her intellectual mother, aunt and sister – the “learned ladies”, who can’t bear to see Henriette throw her life away.
KEVIN BRIDGES: A WHOLE Different Story...
Relocated in time from the 17th century to France during the late 1980s, The Sisterhood is acclaimed playwright and translator, Ranjit Bolt’s brilliantly funny adaptation of Molière’s classic satire, Les Femmes Savantes. This fast-paced comedy is the perfect antidote to the postChristmas, winter blues.
@ Warwick Arts Centre 11th December - 12 December www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
After his 2012 tour smashed box office records by selling a staggering 45,000 tickets on the first day, Kevin went on to sell out an incredible nine-show run at the Glasgow www.69-degrees.co.uk
They have a different man in mind for her; a self-proclaimed genius of poetry and the arts.
56 KEVIN HART
@ Barclaycard Arena 15th January www.barclaycardarena.co.uk
Superstar actor, comedian Kevin Hart, announced a massive International World tour on the heels of his hugely successful domestic tour of the same name.
SCARLETT DAGGERS AND DÉDA LADÉDA CHRISTMAS BURLESQUE CABARET
@ Déda Derby 17th December 8pm - 18th December www.deda.uk.com
LaDéDa returns once again for Derby’s cheekiest night out! A wellknown regular on the cabaret circuit, pint-sized comedy powerhouse Abigail Collins returns with her multitalented mix of comedy and circus. Glaswegian glamourpuss Beau Rocks is reminiscent of a Vargas pin-up girl with a cute sass, flirty smile and an unmistakably naughty sparkle in her eye. Silent clown Kiki Lovechild has wowed international crowds with comedy and burlesque routines, and adds an inventive take on puppetry to the Christmas cabaret. With the addition of Kitty Ribbons and Pinky Deville, hosts Scarlett Daggers and Stage Door Johnny will ensure your festive season gets off to a glittering start!
CARMEN
@ The Belgrade Theatre 19 January www.belgrade.co.uk
JASON DERULO
@ Barclaycard Arena 30th January www.barclaycardarena.co.uk Hot on the heels of landing his fourth UK #1 single with ‘Want To Want Me’, the phenomenally successful Jason Derulo has announced details of his biggest arena tour to date. Snap up tickets from 5th June whihc hits the swanky Barclaycard Arena on 30th January 2016 musicians, death-defying stunt men Carmen captivates and provokes, and of course the award-winning disturbing the composure of everyone clown, Tweedy. she encounters. Sparks fly when she BOWLING FOR SOUP meets José, but as her passion cools, @ Rock City Main Hall his turns to obsession. Set in a torrid 9th February South American landscape of dust www.rock-city.co.uk and concrete, where small-town boredom and machismo can turn Cheeky punk-pop outfit Bowling nasty. for Soup were formed in 1994 in THE ROCKY HORROR Wichita Falls, Texas, featuring lead SHOW vocalist guitarist Jaret Reddick, @ The New Alexandra Theatre guitarist vocalist Chris Burney, bassist 25th January – 30th January Erik Chandler, and drummer Gary www.atgtickets.com Wiseman. However, they didn’t rise beyond local prominence until 1997, The Rocky Horror Show tells the when a heavy touring schedule story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, helped broaden their fan base and two squeaky clean college kids who landed them opening spots for meet Dr Frank ‘n’ Furter by chance nationally prominent punk and ska when their car breaks down outside bands. his house whilst on their way to visit A GIRL IS A HALF FORMED a college professor. It is an adventure THING they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, @ The Curve Theatre frocks and frivolity, bursting with 11th February — 13th February timeless songs and outrageous www.curveonline.co.uk outfits. Starring Diana Vickers as Janet, Ben Freeman as Brad, Paul Cattermole as Eddie Dr Scott and Kristian Lavercombe is back as Riff Raff.
CIRQUE BERSERK
@ The Curve Theatre 4th February — 6th February www.curveonline.co.uk Blending contemporary cirque skills with thrilling stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, www.69-degrees.co.uk
Told with vivid intensity and originality, this is a character of astonishing resilience and intelligence, someone determined to make sense of things
HHHHH EVENING STANDARD
AGE REC 14+
RICHARD O’BRIEN’S
MON 7 - SAT 12 MAR
AGE REC 15+
AGE REC 14+
MON 25 - SAT 30 JAN
MON 18 - SAT 23 APR
H AV E YO U S E E N O U R NE W
ARMSTRONG MUSIC BY GREEN DAY LYRICS BY BILLIE JOE EL MAYER BOOK BY BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG AND MICHA
AGE REC 14+
PI A N O BA R?
OPEN PRE-SHOW AND DURING THE INTERVAL
TUE 10 - SAT 14 MAY
0844 871 3011
(BKG FEE)
GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3031 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
(BKGFEE)
58 amidst the deprivation of her Irish childhood. Rebellious and unrelenting with biting wit and brilliant spark, McBride writes with an urgency and honesty that is totally electric in performance.
LIVE AT DE MONTFORT HALL
@ De Montfort Hall 13th Feb www.demontforthall.co.uk
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the classic tale of Holly Golightly written by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film, is being given a new lease of life as a stage play in a sparkling, sophisticated production starring the multi award-winning Pixie Lott as Holly. This tale of vivacious, good-time girl Holly Golightly and her fantastical existence in 1940s New York City, is told through the eyes of a young writer, completely fascinated by this exquisite extrovert who every woman wants to be, and every man wants to be with.
Summer” tour, multi-media artist and critical darling, Grimes, will showcase her uniquely immersive live experience in her much-anticipated AC!D Reign European headline tour.
ELLIE GOULDING @ The Capital FM Arena 13th March www.capitalfmarena.com
CIRCUS OF HORRORS @ The New Alexandra Theatre 6th Mar www.atgtickets.com
Part of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, a jam-packed evening headlined by The German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn and featuring Zoe Lyons, Howard Read, Gary Delaney and everyone’s favourite musical comedian and Radio 4 star Mitch Benn!
JOSH WIDDICOMBE
@ Nottingham Playhouse 21st February www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Josh Widdicombe, that guy from the TV comedy shows with the curly hair, is back on the road with a brand new tour. Since he’s been away from stand up Josh has been working hard on other things but don’t worry as he’s till found time to get annoyed about minor things, and now he has a chance to talk about them on stage (in the form of jokes). If you have seen him before live or on TV and enjoyed yourself then this is the show for you.
The show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent & now a West End smash is back to mark its 21st Anniversary in spectacular style. The story twists and turns with grisly murders and sensational shock’ – all interwoven with some of the greatest and most bizarre circus acts on earth, performed by an almighty cast with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek and the devil drivern rock n’ roll of Dr Haze & The Interceptors from Hell.
GRIMES
Since the release of her debut ‘Lights’ in 2010, she has sold over 20 million records, had two Number One albums, won two Brit Awards and had Vevo views and streams both in excess of one billion. This year’s ‘Love Me Like You Do’ single, meanwhile, was a worldwide Number One hitting the top spot in 70 countries and breaking the record for the most streamed song in one week. Some artists might be inhibited about where to go after such success but Goulding had no doubts: make everything bigger, better and braver.
THE BODYGUARD
@ De Montfort Hall 15 to 26 March www.demontforthall.co.uk The Bodyguard,the award-winning
@ The Institute 11th March theinstitutebirmingham.com
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S @ The Curve Theatre 3rd March – 12th March www.curveonline.co.uk
After opening select dates this past summer on Lana Del Rey’s “Endless www.69-degrees.co.uk
musical based on the blockbuster film, is heading to Leicester in 2016 starring three-time Brit nominee and X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron. Direct from its smashhit West End run, the show is coming to Leicester for two weeks only!
F I N D YO U R F E S T I V E C H E E R AT MALMAISON BIRMINGHAM
SPECIAL FEATURE
STRUGGLING TO FIND YOUR FESTIVE FLARE? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN MALMAISON, BECAUSE THEY HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO IGNITE THAT CHRISTMAS CHEER. Let’s be honest, December is just one long party so get your gladrags on and head to MalBar for sexy cocktails that will get you ready for your Christmas party, a night out with friends, or just a way to wind down after another long week at work. Open until late, the bar will have its usual buzz, including weekend DJs and special festive cocktails, all in the sexy surroundings of the recently refurbished bar. If you have got a big night planned and don’t fancy the taxi ride home, every one of Malmaison’s 192 rooms (yes, they have gained a few!) have received a makeover. Mal’s usual style has been updated and now you can catch some shuteye among the swanky new interiors, which include feature walls, comfy cushions, fur throws and luxurious new carpets. The Club rooms now also have coffee machines and uber-comfy Eames Chairs. If your focused on tantalising your tastebuds then check out Chez Mal’s Seasonal Prix Fixe menu, priced at just £19.95 for two courses and £24.95 three. The extensive menu includes treats like a warming curried parsnip and chestnut soup, chicken liver parfait, turkey with all the trimmings, pumpkin and chestnut ravioli, classic Christmas pudding and Valrhona chocolate mousse, and much more. Team this with Mal’s signature cocktails and you’re onto a Christmas treat. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Day for lunch, £85 per person, and NYE will see one of the city’s biggest parties, with live music, a three course meal, champagne and all of the festivities you’d expect, for just £89 per person. That definitely sounds better than a busy nightclub where you can’t get served at the bar. There will be a Festive
Sunday Lunch available throughout December and Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Brunch. Priced at £24.95 per person, they will include a selection of unlimited hors d’oeuvres from Mal’s famous Chef’s Table, a selection of Chez Mal classic mains and desserts, and a glass of bubbly, as well as. Mal also has Christmas Breaks on offer (subject to availability) for £200 each, which includes a two-night luxury break, bottle of Bubble Time Champagne and the seasonal menu on Christmas Eve, full breakfast on Christmas day, four course festive lunch on Christmas Day and the unlimited Boxing Day Brunch. Similarly, you can see in the New Year at Mal with all of the NYE fun and an overnight stay for £179 per person. If you’re struggling for festive cheer, look no further than Malmaison. We hear it’s better than Lapland.! TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK, VISIT WWW.MALMAISON.COM/BIRMINGHAM
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by BENAZIR ANWAR
AUDIOPHILE
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E S S E N T I A L D O W N LO A D S ADELE- 25 “Bye bye 25... See you again later in the year,” Adele tweeted last year and broke the internet confirming that her new album would follow the pattern of being named after her age at the time of production. And now she’s done it again by releasing a 29 second lyric video style advert for her new album. ‘Hello, it’s me. I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet.’ Yes Adele, we would. Adele has reportedly been in the studio with Pharrell Williams, Ryan Tedder, legendary songwriter Diane Warren, Paul Epworth, Danger Mouse, Sia and Lana Del Rey producer Emile Haynie. We have never been so excited about a breakup album in our lives! ELLIE GOULDINGDELIRIUM The upcoming third studio album by Goulding ahead of her 2016 UK tour is said to offer a much more pop orientated sound in the vein of lead single “On My Mind” and will feature the global hit “Love Me Like You Do” which was originally released as a single from the soundtrack to the film Fifty Shades of Grey and collaboration with Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, “Outside”. BLOC PARTY- HYMNS FLeadsinger Kele Okereke announced “ H y m n s ” following a two year hiatus for the group which has seen bassist Gordon Moakes and www.69-degrees.co.uk
drummer Matt Tong leave the band and the record earlier this year, adding that it’s “sounding like nothing that we’ve done before”. He was right. Lead single “The Love Within” shows promise with a distinctive melody and trademark catchy chorus, but the lack of a meaty bassline means that this initial track slips into the realms of the whatever. Let’s hope they beef things up before the full album release. FOXES – ALL I NEED Back with her eyes fixed firmly on the pop prize, Foxes s e c o n d album, set for release in February, is packed full of radio friendly, chunky chorused, bass heavy tracks that are sure to see her build on the successes of first offering. Expect a cleaner
sound with an emphasis on vocals, strings and 90’s Italian house style piano. The upcoming album features the singles ‘Body Talk’, Better Love and ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now’, the latter of which was shared as part of H&M’s Love Music campaign. CHOIR OF YOUNG BELIEVERS -GRASQUE Responsible for possibly the best song ever to be used for a TV theme song with Hollow Talk from Nordic Noir favourite The Bridge, The Choir Of Young Believers have just announced their new album Grasque ready for a Februay 2016 release. The first two singles to be released from the album, Face Melting and Jeg Ser Dig, reveals an R&B sensibility has crept into the collaborative’s familiarly epic Scandi soundscape.
61 AUDIOPHILE by KISS FM’s CHARLIE HEDGES
CHARLIE'S ANGELS SANDER VAN DOORN I recently caught up with Sander for the November edition of my Charlie Hedges Presents Podcast on iTunes; you’ll probably know the name he’s played all over the world with an arsenal of big productions to his name, but he is a producer at heart and told me he would choose producing over DJing any day of the week. Look out for some new sounds and tracks early next year. Interestingly, I found out that his best friend and ex-colleague gave him the name ‘Van Doorn’ which he said sticks better than his original surname name ‘Ketelaars’. I’m excited to see where Sander takes his work and sound in 2016 so watch this space.
SIGALA – SWEET LOVIN S i g a l a interestingly started their music career early on after learning to play piano at 8 years old; with influences over the years from the likes of Pendulum, Sub Focus and The Prodigy you can certainly hear that in the piano-based elements, as well as the distinctive jazz chords too. He’s working hard not only promoting this own music, but also writing tunes for other artists, Ella Eyre being one of those. DIPLO & SLEEPY TOM – BE RIGHT THERE Diplo has teamed up with the extremely talented Sleepy Tom. Adding lots of bassline to the
track, Roska and Royal T are already added to the remixes of ‘Be Right There’ - an amazing collab and rework of an original tune. It’s a definite crossover track and one which has just been voted one of the hottest records in the world right now. JACOB PLANT FT EXAMPLE REFLECTIONS Jacob is definitely one to watch at the minute. Signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation and working on a number of projects, he has teamed up with Example on this one that features his familiar vocal talent and then Jacob adding his bassy, hard hitting sound. I’ve got high hopes for this single! JOE STONE – FREAK (AND YOU KNOW IT) Joe’s first single that crossed over onto the airwaves sampled the
vocals of Montel Jordan with ‘This Is How We Do It’ and playing again with the 90’s sound, he manages to bring it up to date alongside the current house music sound. This track has already had lots of support from the likes of Oliver Heldens, Don Diablo and Nicky Romero so looks set to be a hit for sure! MARTIN SOLVEIG - +1 Martin Solveig is back with this single which supports his future house sound ‘+1’ and features the amazing vocals of Sam White. Its leading bassline makes it a great crossover track between club and radio, the perfect balance to hopefully get Martin back into the UK charts to head for an even higher chart position than the last.
Charlie Hedges Presents Monthly Podcast Soundcloud: bit.ly/CHPMay iTunes: bit.ly/ CHPiTunes For more Charlie Hedges www.facebook.com/charliehedgesfriends twitter.com/charliehedges www.soundcloud.com/charlie-hedges www.69-degrees.co.uk
LEO STANNARD
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63 The latest signing to one of the UK’s hottest labels, Black Butter, home of the likes of Rudimental and Jess Glynn, 19 year old Leicester lad Leo Stannard talks to SIXTYNINE degrees at the release of his new EP, Free Rein. So you’re a local lad? Yeah I grew up in Leicester. I moved when I was 5 to Ragdale. It’s quite a small village, there’s only about a 100 people living there! What did you want to be when you grew up? A footballer. You’ve got to go through that stage haven’t you? I always loved doing music, but I never thought it would be a career. People try and put you off. I coasted along just concentrating on it and when I was 15/16 I thought maybe this could be full time. So then I focused my career goals on it. So how did you first get into music? I was quite lucky at Primary school, I had an amazing guitar teacher. He taught me loads of stuff and I’ll never forget that. I knew I wanted to pursue some kind of life in music, even if it was just as a hobby, and I started going to gigs around Leicester and I was a member of a few different bands. Which artists inspired you when you were younger? Neil Young. I grew up listening to him. His songwriting is amazing. I still love listening to him to this day. I’m a massive Damien Rice fan too. Which artists inspire you now? Robert Glasper. He’s amazing, his musicality. I used to go to Chemworthy gigs, they’re now called Oscar. I learnt a lot from them and the Green Tangerines too. They’re great. Do you write all your own songs? I do yes. Recently I’ve been experimenting with working with different producers. That’s what I’ve been doing in LA. Do you ever struggle to write? What do you do when you get writers block? I just keep trying. It’s so good to step away from things. It sounds so cliché but it’s true. Recently I was in the studio in LA doing a track, and I wrote so much in 3 hours. Almost all of the song was finished but when it came to the final bit, I was stuck. It took five hours of perseverance before we decided to just go out for some fresh air, get some food and come back. When I did, it took half an hour. So stepping away really does work.
Where do you get your inspiration from? I’m not sure really. I’m quite an observant person generally and I have a lot of stuff going on in my head. Everything is stored in my head, I don’t write anything down as I go along, so when I have the time I just write everything down in one go and the song is there. How would you describe your sound? I’m not sure. I’m not even sure what genres are out there anymore. If I was to introduce my music, I’d say that it starts off with me and my guitar/piano. It’s quite raw. It also then gets quite creative with productive. There are a lot of different sounds and I love to experiment. Where’s the best place you’ve ever played? Probably the Union Chapel in London. It’s an incredible venue and I was so lucky to get that gig. There were so many other amazing acts there too. How do you prepare yourself before you get on stage? I don’t really prepare in any kind of way. You just have to accept how you feel and get on the stage. Do you have a rider? Lol no I just let my manager make it up. I never really know what to go for as it all depends on the venue. Where’s the one place you’d love to play? Glastonbury. I always watch it on TV but I’ve never been, so playing there would be fantastic. Would you ever want to do collaboration with another artist? I’ve been thinking about it recently actually. I haven’t found anything that’s been the right fit for me. I’d be up for it if it meant something, if we can really create something amazing together, something worth it. What’s coming up next for you? I’m touring at a couple of venues from now until Christmas. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to tell you this, but I’m going to anyway! There’s a really exciting tour with Rudimental in Europe in November and December. To keep up with everything that Leo does in the next few months, give him a like on his facebook page www.facebook.com/ leostannardmusic
SIXTYNINE SOCIAL
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www.69-degrees.co.uk
DISCOTECH Over the past 3 years this intimate Midlands party has really made some waves with previous guests including Adam Shelton, Ceri, Acid Mondays, Sonny Fodera, Inland Knights, Dale Howard, Jamie Trench, James Barnsley, NAIL to name a few.
Their podcast series has gone from strength to strength showcasing some of the industry’s top up and coming artists from around the world. From hosting their own stage at Zoo Project Festival to working with staple brands around the UK including RiffRaff and FACE, the residents bring you a solid underpinning of nice rolling house. Find out more at www.discotech.info, www.facebook.com/ discotechonline, www.soundcloud.com/discotechonline
ALPINE APRES @ GAS STREET SOCIAL Birmingham’s Gas Street Social will be bringing Aspen to the Mailbox for the month of December, transforming the popular bar and restaurant into a decadent Alpine lodge, where the Swiss Alps meet Oktoberfest. Think cosy ski chalets, pine trees, life sized reindeers, antlers and twinkling lights, and you’ll get an idea of what the Gas Street Social team have planned for their first Christmas. Open for all-day dining, after work drinks and weekend brunch, the Christmas spectacular will make this popular bar the perfect meeting place for seasonal get-togethers. The Après ski frolics will be accompanied by delicious winter specials such as cheese fondue, washed down with spiced mulled cider, fragrant warm gluhwein and chilled continental beer served in traditional two pint steins. The Gas Street Social Christmas party menu may well be one of the booziest in Birmingham,
offering a glass of fizz on arrival, followed by dishes such as Vodka Cured Salmon and Slow Cooked Ox Cheek in Bourguignon Sauce alongside the traditional turkey. The A la Carte menu also lists sumptuous desserts such as Crème Brulee with Whiskey Soaked Prunes and Black Forest Gateaux with Kirsch Cherries. Did we mention the puddings come with a sticky cocktail shot expertly matched to each dessert?! A Christmas platter menu will also be available to accompany more informal drinks parties in the bar. Don’t forget to check out what the Gas Street Social mixologists have planned, we hear plans are afoot for paddles of shots flavoured with mince pies, After Eight mints and eggnog to really get those Christmas parties underway! To book your Christmas party email details of your requirements to book@ gasstreetsocial.co.uk or call 0121 643 0362
CHRISTMAS AT
GAS STREET SOCIAL
Celebrate in our decadent aspen lodge From just £20.95 Per person
30th Nov Till
24th Dec
www.69-degrees.co.uk
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FA N C LU B TIKI BAR LAUNCHES AT THE FAN CLUB The Fan Club on Abbey Street is one of Leicester’s best known names on the nightlife circuit and now they’re rocking a new edge with the recent launch of their brand new Tiki Bar. The venue, which has been at the heart of Leicester’s nightlife for 20 years, has developed the new room to offer cocktails and expand on their multi room venue. The Tiki Bar has been in development for the past few months and was kept well under wraps whilst customers continued to enjoy the weekend entertainment. Already boasting 3 rooms of music and a 1000 capacity, the new addition will offer a different edge and allow customers to enjoy cocktails, a summer vibe and laid back tunes as we move into the winter months and beyond. Join The Fan Club every Friday and Saturday night for 80s, 90s, indie, chart, selected 2 for 1 drinks all night and more. Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/fanclubnightclub and follow @ fanleicester on Twitter for all of the latest.
The Smokehouse flavor of America’s Deep South is the latest craze in the culinary scene so SIXTYNINE degrees sent Lilith Hunt-Sheppard to Nottingham’s original Smokehouse restaurant, Jim’s Smokehouse, to try it for herself. Situated in Nottingham’s Hockley, Jim’s Smokehouse has a relaxed atmosphere and stripped back interior. After a friendly greeting I sat with a pint of Samual Adams Boston Lager to peruse the menu and could immediately tell that choosing what to try was going to be tough – the choice is huge and genuinely mouthwatering from pulled pork garlic bread, New Orleans Prawns to Texas Beef Brisket- my job is sooo tough!
For starters I decided to go for the nachos loaded with chilli beans, sour cream, melted cheese, guacamole and salsa. Boy, were these babies a treat and proved a great warm up to the main event, The Grand Feast, which is a sharing platter which I had asked for as a single portion.
JIM’S SMOKEHOUSE
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As my dish was bought to the table, I couldn’t believe the amount of food I was about to sample. The Grand Feast includes a piece of every meat from the menu’s mains section apart from the St Louis Ribs and all for the incredible price of 16.a50 per person. The first thing that hits you is the genuine Smokey flavor- delicious but it was the Pulled Pork that was perhaps my favourite thanks to the Southern Carolina mustard sauce that accompanied it. It’s the obvious attention to detail and incredible flavor that means that Jim’s Smokehouse certainly ticks every box! The portions are amazing in comparison to the very reasonable prices, the atmosphere is relaxed, almost homely, and everything is served with a smile. I’ll definitely be back
Jims’s Smokehouse, 38 Goose Gate, Nottingham, United Kingdom Tel. 0115 924 1742 www. jimsmokehouse.co.uk
WINTER WARMERS AT SEVEN
Situated in the Pride Park area of Derby, Seven Restaurant has been entertaining the elite of the city for two years now. With its beautiful contemporary décor, relaxed environment and great service they certainly tick all the boxes when looking for a superb dining experience. Always ones to keep your taste buds on their toes, Seven are launching a brand new menu that’s sure to challenge the region’s foodies whilst expanding the range of food on offer so that everyone’s taste is catered for. Whether you want to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink from their vast array of premium spirits or cocktails, there is an amazing selection of nibbles to enjoy, including artisan breads with olive oil & balsamic through to honey &
mustard chipolatas. If your hungry for a little more there are now a great selection of smaller bites including Moules Marinieres, Black Pudding & Country Sausage, homemade piccalilli & green salad leaves and even the Seven Sharing Board for you to get stuck in to. For those opting for the full on dining experience, Seven have kept some of their classic mains like Slow Braised Derbyshire Beef alongside new additions such as Keralan Roasted Vegetable & Coconut Cream Curry, Chargrilled Chicken Satay and Fritto Misto, too. Whether it is a relaxed catch up with an old friend or special occasion celebration, Seven has all the bases covered, so …… #seeyouatseven Seven Restaurant and Café Bar, Wheelwright Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8SQ Tel. 01332 332 277
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THE TASTING ROOM AT MAIYANGO Leicester’s premier boutique hotel, Maiyango, is free private hire of the space and your own bartender celebrating 10 years with the launch of their brand new Tasting Room. Encouraging all visitors to “Enjoy the small things in life”, Maiyango’s Tasting Room is an intimate and quirky room, which is now available for hire. Designed for groups of up to 20 guests, there are a large number of reasonably priced packages available to entertain you including Maiyango’s hugely popular Cocktail Classes, where you get to choose your favourite Maiyango cocktails to make with one of their experienced Mixologists. If you prefer to leave the drink making to the experts then you can opt for
with one of their drinks packages including Disco Ball Punch Bowls, buckets of beer, your own Bellini Bar, Hard Teas and even Hard American style Shakes. With Maiyango recently winning Gold in the Taste of England Award you can also choose to top off the evening with canapés, an antipasti board or even doughnuts and popcorn. Maiyango’s Tasting Room is located at 52A Highcross Street and is available now for private hire for a maximum of 20 guests. Visit www.maiyango.com to find out more.
LOUIS LOUIS @ DAS KINO ‘Louis Louis Pizza & Deli Emporium’ has taken over the kitchen at Das Kino on Fletcher Gate, serving up classic pizzas and sandwiches with a cutting edge twist. The pop up pizza parlour and deli features a menu of bold flavours designed to give diners something little bit different. Run by twenty three year old Nottingham chef Louis Gray, pizzas on offer include ‘Costa del Kino’ with chorizo, chargrilled red pepper, rocket and chorizo oil and ‘The Left Lion; with sweet chilli glazed pineapple, shredded ham hock and jalapenos. All the pizzas come topped with Louis Louis signature tomato sauce or garlic and parsley butter and finished with mozzerella and parmesan. www.69-degrees.co.uk
The sides feature the likes of Bratwurst baked beans and warm giant pull-apart pretzels with hummus, balsamic vinegar and oil. Deli style sandwiches and homemade cakes are also be on offer alongside a Sunday Brunch service. He said: “It’s been my goal since I was a kid to go it alone so I’m now just looking forward to getting stuck in. Working with the guys at Das Kino has been great and I’m hoping to help them continue to make it the place to go in Nottingham.” Das Kino 22 Fletcher Gate Nottingham, NG1 2FZ. Find out more at www.facebook.com/ louislouisnotts
DIGBETH DREAMS
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SIXTYNINE DEGREES SPEAKS TO LEE MCDONALD
Digbeth has been an underground electronic music hot spot for over a decade but 2015 has seen it become a broader cultural hub. Lee McDonald, owner of The Rainbow and much of the surrounding industrial buildings, has helped fuel this growth. The Rainbow Pub has expanded into a multipurpose 10 venue complex in the heart of Digbeth but that’s just one part of the story. The surrounding area has seen new businesses flourish such as micro breweries, northern soul clubs, dining clubs, pop up restaurants, delis, art galleries and more. SIXTYNINE degrees spoke to Lee to find out how he got involved in the growth of Digbeth and what he thinks the future holds for him and for the area. You have been around on the scene in Birmingham for many years now, how did you become so involved with the scene in Digbeth? I spent six years living in Ibiza and attending some of the most inspiring daytime shows. From DC10 without a roof to the Space Terrace to Bora Bora; throw in a few illegal raves in caves and forests - I was in love. I wanted my own party and the first time I walked into The Rainbow Courtyard my head fell clean off. It was everything and more; so much charm. It was adjacent to a battered Irish pub with yellow woodchip and BELOW had it off in there. Very quickly it became the Sunday party of the Midlands and when the Rainbow fell into financial difficulty I asked the landlord if he would sell. That was me - resident of Digbeth - and the start of the journey. You have been quite integral to a lot of business regeneration in the area - what else are you involved in? Spotlight, Unit 3, all of The Rainbow Venues. I also have a sound company and a silent disco company that will be making a trip to Ibiza next year. I have several brands that you may have raved
with - BELOW, Face, 02:31, MADE, Imaginarium and Chapter - my newest project is The Blackbox. I’ve got a sneaky feeling that this one's a game changer. Tell us about what you have done in the last year for Digbeth? We wanted to break the year into three series. It helped us define the calendar and shape the year - all of them with a festival finale. IMAGINARIUM is from September to NYD. CHAPTER is Jan to April, then we have the MADE series which is all of the summer. The best thing to come out of 2015 though was the development of The Blackbox - it has its own identity, its own character, it has its own personality. What is the inspiration for your vision of the area? I have been lucky enough to rave all over the world - and have more lines on my face that a naughty school boy to prove it. I think I have subliminally picked up ideas from wherever I go. I'm proud that I have designed all of the spaces you rave in - from Cellar Door to The Blackbox. Mike Taylor had a big hand in the development of The Blackbox with me, and it’s very close and personal to us. So what’s next? Imaginarium is a pioneering, 360-degree cultural experience and is our latest concept. It serves as the umbrella brand for the Autumn season, from September to New Years Day. The Roof Terrace has brought us closer to The Digbeth Viaduct. It has never been used - I want to get up there and let our team’s imagination run wild. I’m far down the line with talks with the right people - look out for news in 2016. We’re also developing Lower Trinity Street with restaurants and bars, and will be bringing a cocktail bar and micro-brewery to the street to complement Digbeth Dining Club, which is a street food event that takes place every Friday. The idea is that the street becomes your go-to place before you hit the nightclubs of the city. 2016 will be another giant step but we will never ever be content.’ www.therainbowvenues.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk
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HARVEY NICHOLS EXCLUSIVE PA R T Y LAUNCHES H A R V E Y N I C H O L S B A R & R E S TA U R A N T
Birmingham’s VIPs partied in style as Harvey Nichols celebrated the launch of its stunning new Bar & Restaurant. Guests enjoyed canapÊs, Champagne and cocktails during the exclusive evening staged at the luxury Mailbox store. Music on the night was provided by DJs Jess Monroe, Kieron J and Charli C while the talented New York Brass Band performed throughout the event. Getting up the following morning for a 9am meeting was less of a blast, though.
www.69-degrees.co.uk
GET SOME FILTHY FOOD
Filthy’s Nottingham has launched its brand new food menu packed full of gourmet hot dogs and sensational sides and its being going down a treat with the great and good of Nottingham since launching last month. Naturally we attended the launch night, which coincided with the Lace Market venue’s second birthday party and was chokked full of live music and all the hot dogs you could eat!
What’s more, throughout the week Filthy’s glamourous club, The Gypsy Lounge, opens its doors for a night of dancing along to the finest chart toppers. Upstairs from the main bar, the club is decorated with ornate wallpaper, plush seating areas and a large dance floor.
Flipping pub grub on its head, just as you’d expect from a venue as original in design as this, Filthy Dogs are available as pork, beef and vegetarian and no matter which you choose all Filthy Dogs are packed with flavour and are mouth-wateringly moreish. There’s even a special Christmas Dog on the menu over the festive period; get in!
Filthy’s, 13-15 Weekday Cross, Nottingham, NG1 2GB www.filthysnottingham.com Find them on Faeebook:Filthy’s Nottingham or on Twitter & Instagram: @FilthysNotts
Whether it’s for the best hot dogs in town or a cracking night out, you’ll soon agree that Everyone Loves Filthy’s.
Since opening Filthy’s has become a firm favourite for live music in Nottingham- you can catch some every night of the week and there’s always a variety of genres from a collection of local artists to choose from. On Tuesdays, the venue plays host to Spotlight - Nottingham’s busiest Open Mic night, for example. www.69-degrees.co.uk
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RESORTSWORLD 007 SPECTRE CREATES STIR AT NEW IMAX AT RESORTS WORLD Stars of stage, screen and television – including Celebrity Big Brother bromancers Austin Armacost and James Hill took to the red carpet alongside some of Birmingham’s A-list for the regional premier of Spectre at Resorts World recently. The glittering premiere of the hotly anticipated film coincided with the official opening of the new 11-screen cinema, which includes a purpose-built IMAX screen, Starbucks and Baskin Robbins. Kris Unthank, Cineworld Birmingham NEC General Manager, said: “We’re really excited about the opening of Cineworld Birmingham NEC. With such an exciting line-up of films, like Spectre, we look forward to welcoming the community and sharing our passion for film.” The star-studded occasion included a champagne reception in the brand new Highline bar and an exclusive after-screening party at Resorts World’s stunning Sky bar and terrace. www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk
www.69-degrees.co.uk
IT’S A TASTE REVOLUTION!
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Spanish-born chef and larger-than-life personality, Omar Allibhoy is a man on a mission to bring the joy of authentic tapas food to the UK. The new Tapas Revolution at Grand Central Birmingham takes inspiration from the young chef’s family recipes and the culinary culture of his hometown, Madrid. Featuring a copper-topped bar, open kitchen and marble tables, the new tapas bar wouldn’t look out of place in the busy streets of Spain.
crispy calamari to the melt in your mouth beef skewers, there was no way any of this food was getting wasted! A personal favourite was the cod and béchamel croquettes, and the octopus with paprika potatoes.
BBQ LOW'N'SLOW
We sampled some of their dishes, and what From wood burning deliciousness we found! There were only two of us, and we caught a little bit of Tapas Madness- it’s a real condition, where you order WAY too much food, because it all sounds so good! From the perfectly
There were lots of options on the drinks menu too, from Spanish beer and wine to cocktails. Happy hour brings with it two for one on the cocktails, so if you’re less greedy than us, you could enjoy one or two dishes, with one or two drinks! To win a meal for you and 3 of your friends to the
USvalue imported Smoker of £120, visit www.69-degrees.co.uk now!
RIBS. PULLED PORK. BRISKET Visit BEEF Tapas Revolution today at Grand Central, Birmingham. www.tapasrevolution.com BBQ CHICKEN. JUMBO WINGS HUGE AMERICAN BURGERS MILKSHAKES. CRAFT BEERS
BBQ LOW'N'SLOW
From wood burning US imported Smoker
RIBS. PULLED PORK. BEEF BRISKET BBQ CHICKEN. JUMBO WINGS HUGE AMERICAN BURGERS MILKSHAKES. CRAFT BEERS
Find us on Facebook
@jimsmokehouse
www.jimsmokehouse.co.uk T- 01159 241742 38 Goosegate, Hockley, Nottingham, NG1 1FF www.69-degrees.co.uk
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LASTWORD GOLDEN BOY
AHEAD OF HIS SET AT ETON MESSY’S UK TOUR SLOT ON 11TH DECEMBER IN DIGBETH, WE CAUGHT UP WITH LOCAL LEGENED THE GOLDEN BOY TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES BIRMINGHAM BOSTIN. What brought you to Birmingham? I went to Birmingham City University and never left! What has kept you there? Birmingham is amazing. So diverse and full of wonderful hidden gems! I’m really into my food as well and there’s so many good independent restaurants that are wicked. Being in the middle of the country is helpful as well being a DJ. What do you love most about Birmingham? The people (most definitely the accent), the culture, the pubs/clubs/bars and the Bullring! What frustrates you most about the city? The Traffic! So many road works across the city. I’m sure it will be for the better once it’s done but at the moment it’s annoying. Takes forever to get anywhere. Where do you spend your free time? If I’m not gigging or in the studio you’ll probably find me eating out somewhere or at The Crown in Digbeth. Best boozer in Brum! What is your favourite fashion label/store in Birmingham? Having a Selfridges on your doorstep is lethal. However my favourite shop in Brum is ‘The Liquor Store’. What is your favourite bar or club to hang
www.69-degrees.co.uk
out in Birmingham? The obvious choice is The Rainbow as its the hub in regards to clubbing in Birmingham. However there’s a few wicked bars such as The Victoria and like i said before The Crown which is ideal if you don’t fancy a rave. What or where is your ‘hidden secret’ in the city that hardly anyone knows about? Well it wouldn’t be a secret then would it! However one of the best spots is Digbeth, as its where most of the creativity comes out of Birmingham and its surrounded by history. What was your last download? Last download of Beatport was Kolsch - Der Alte. I was looking for a track to end my sets on and this has the perfect vibe. My last download from promos was Special Request - Amnesia. Dunno if I’ll be able to play it but its soooooo sick. Big heavy jungle rave anthem. Who did you text last and what was it about? Last text was from my management reminding me to answer this Q&A! Been a long day in the studio, so my brain’s a bit mush! The Golden Boy plays Eton Messy’s Birmingham date on 11th December at Rainbow Venues. etonmessy.com
H A RV E Y N IC HOL S B A R & R E STAU R A N T BAR ESTILO
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C A F É ROUGE
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MALMAISON
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GAS STREET SOCIAL ‧
M I L L ER & CA RTER
PIZZA EXPRESS
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ALUNA
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BA R EPE R NAY
CHEZ MAL BRASSERIE & BAR
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CÔTE BRASSERIE
GOU R M ET BU RGER K I TCHE N ‧
NANDO’S
RED PEPPERS
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ST R A DA
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ZIZZI
More new brands opening soon. #christmasmadebeautiful
3 – 12 MAR Colin Ingram and Peter Kane present a Curve Leicester Production
Photograph by Uli Weber.
ETS K C I T LING SELAST! F
Directed by Nikolai
Foster