A little slice of tropical paradise nestled in the Pacific Waters, Bora Bora’s economy rests on a successful tourist industry, yet it never feels overcrowded or commercialised. There’s no fighting over sunbeds or queueing up for dinner – Bora Bora moves at its own pace, making it a tranquil holiday gem.
There are 118 islands that make up the French Polynesia and they receive the same number of tourists in a year that Hawaii gets in a week, so you know you are in for a more tailored, luxury experience. And around 80% of those visitors will stop at Bora Bora at some point in their stay, unable to resist the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’.
There’s no international airport on the island, just a small aerodrome set up in the Second World War, so the only way on to Bora Bora is by private plane or boat. To get to your hotel, you have to fly to Tahiti and get a private transfer. And limited flights to Tahiti from the UK, with one or more stop-overs, make this a much more exclusive destination. You’ll need to plan properly to make the journey.
Once you finally make it to your final stop though, the benefits are more than worth it. This could be one of the most beautiful places in the world, with swaying palm trees, bright white sands and sparkling blue lagoon waters, you’ll never want to leave. And despite tourism being at the forefront of the communities’ minds, protecting the environment is also close to their hearts, making for an island that is beautifully clean and unspoiled. It’s as close to perfection as you can get.
There are plenty of hotels along the coasts of Bora Bora, including the Hilton, Intercontinental, Pearl Beach, Sofitel and The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa (previously The Meridien). Many of the hotels offer overwater bungalows. These are huts you can stay in that give you direct access to the azure blue waters of the lagoons, with glass floors that let you see the underwater world below you. There is nothing more peaceful than watching the natural coral reef drift from side-to-side underneath you as you soak up some rays. And you can even have breakfast delivered each morning by outrigger canoes.
The roofs of these huts are covered in pandanus leaves. This unique part of the architecture provides jobs for 50 families on the island, who work on harvesting and processing these leaves. It is a nod towards the ancient culture of the island, when huts were made from bamboo and leaves, and helps preserve that tradition.
Each hotel has a focus on guest comfort with a sustainable slant – you’ll find programmes dedicated to protecting the coral gardens and turtles, as well as fish nurseries. They encourage you to learn more about the environment of the island and show you how to respect nature while enjoying a luxury stay.
For example, the Westin Bora Bora is home to The Ecology Centre of Sea Turtles. The underwater observatory gets you up close to sea turtles, without having to get wet. Or you can go to the touch pool, where you can gently stroke these incredible creatures. This is a must-visit attraction, even if you don’t stay at the hotel.
And there’s plenty more to enjoy too. This is a mecca for scuba divers as there is so much so see in the pristine waters, or you can head off on a helicopter tour of the island, go for a guided hike up the extinct volcano, or hop aboard a glass bottomed boat for the day. Adrenaline junkies will love parasailing, jet skiing or shark feeding. And you must go to at least one of the many art galleries displaying traditional Maohi art.
If you visit at the right time, you could even find yourself in the middle of one of the many annual festivals. Heiva I Bora Bora is in July and is all about feasting and dancing, with the entire community coming together to decorate huts and enter competitions.
And the country is big on sports such as canoe racing, javelin throwing, triathlons and fishing. Maybe you’d like to get involved with one of those at the large community sports centre?
The luxurious island is well set-up for wellness and pampering, with some of the world’s best spas at your disposal. The Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa hosted Beyonce when she was pregnant with her twins, so you know you can expect the very best treatments here. The spa is the first sea-water spa in the South Pacific, using the local waters in a variety of pamper sessions, harnessing the natural healing power within them. This little slice of heaven is set in the most picturesque area, in the tropical gardens of Motu Piti Aau and waters either side.
And when it comes to food, you’re spoilt for choice. The Lagoon at the St Regis Bora Bora Resort is a celebrity hot-spot, or you can enjoy a very private and exclusive meal on one of the islets. Expect local sea food and tropical fruit – sometimes the simplest meals are the most delicious.
The most-spoken language of Bora Bora is French, but Tahitian is still learnt in school as a key link to the heritage of the island. There are only two seasons – the wet season and the dry season. If you want to avoid monsoon rains, then May to October is the best time to go. The temperature is pretty stable year-round, hovering around the 30°c mark most of the time, so stock up on your reef-friendly suncream!
Want to find out more about Bora Bora? Head to:
WHEN LIAM AND NICI LINLEY BOUGHT THEIR TERRACED HOUSE 11 YEARS AGO, THEY ALREADY KNEW THERE WOULD BE THINGS THEY WANTED TO CHANGE.
FAST FORWARD TO NOW, AND THEY’VE BOUGHT THE PROPERTY NEXT DOOR AND ARE ON THEIR THIRD RENOVATION OF THE FIRST HOUSE, KNOCKING DOWN WALLS TO TURN THEIR TWO HOMES INTO THEIR DREAM HOUSE.
When they started, they had no experience at all, relying on family members to help with the most difficult bits, like knocking out chimney breasts. In 2017, Liam went back to college and trained as an electrician, giving him some useful skills and contacts. This has allowed them to complete most of the renovation themselves, working around their two small children and, of course, their full-time jobs.
“The house that we originally brought 11 years ago was on the market for three/four years.” Nici explained, “It was a full renovation so no one would touch it. And it was going back to when mortgages were hard to get as well. But because we knew my dad would help and it was within our price range, we decided to just have a go. And because we’ve done so much work to this property, we’ve never wanted to move.
“So, when the chance to buy next door came up, we knew that would probably be in a similar state, but we knew we could take it on and have the challenge. And make it our own rather than buy something that was ready done.”
“We always underestimate the amount of work there is,” said Nici. “I was pregnant during most of the bigger work, so I had it in the back of my head that I was having a baby at some point, but Liam was just like, ‘Oh it will be fine!’”
“When we first got the keys and we started stripping and taking carpets up and things, we just found problem after problem,” said Liam. “All the floor joists were rotten in the living room, so we had to replace those, and they were rotten because it was damp on the front wall. The walls were drenched wet through. All the plaster had to come off. And it was challenging.
“It was so handy being able to open the door, walk next door and start work. And it became so much easier when we knocked the hole in the wall and we could just literally unzip the dust sheet door that we’d bought from Amazon and walk through and then we were in our renovation and we could crack on.
And then we could be as messy as we wanted, walk through the dust door, have a shower and get on with dinner!”
“And then on my maternity leave, when baby was sleeping, it was easy to unzip the door and sneak through,” said Nici, “The baby monitor worked through the wall so I could get on!”
“The space that we’ve gained in the new home has meant we can re-do some of the rooms in the original one,” said Liam, “We put a full width attic conversion Dorma on top of the house and because of that, we split the master bedroom into two rooms. But because we’ve now got the bedrooms next door, we can now turn that back into one room. We need to rebuild the corridor and because of that we can extend the bathroom and have a bigger bathroom.”
They think they have around 75% of the renovation still to do, but they are eager to keep pushing on. In fact, it seems like fate had something to do with their purchase.
“One of the midwives who was on duty when I was born had the original house left to her,” explained Nici, “It was a coincidence when we bought it.”
“Then next door was owned by Harold and Laura who were both in their 90s.” said Liam, “They’d lived in it for 70 years or something like that. And they’d raised their children in that house and they were lovely.
“Their daughter Ann came to tell us that Harold had passed away. She didn’t know what she was going to do with the house. Jokingly, I said, wouldn’t it be funny if we could buy it and knock it into one. A few weeks later we saw her again and she asked if we were serious. We still call it Harold and Laura’s house.”
With so much work still to do on the house(s), you can follow Liam and Nici’s progress on Instagram:
Standing tall since the 15th century, TEMPLE GUITING MANOR is a venue steeped in history, even earning itself a mention in the Doomsday book! As you can imagine, things have changed over the years, with conversions and modernisation, but the luxury appeal has never faltered.
Read on to discover the wonder of the charming properties on the Temple Guiting Estate.
Owned by Steven Collins and his family for over twenty years, Temple Guiting Manor was intended to be a weekend holiday home. Over the years, Steven has added a barn and outbuildings to the estate and had the gardens renovated, using the services of local contractors, Ptolemy Dean (who worked on Westminster Abbey) and Jinny Blom.
As the children grew up, their visits to Guiting Manor reduced and so, in 2009, they decided to rent the house out. It has now become a fully functioning accommodation business offering exclusive use to groups of guests, with a team of staff helping to create a bespoke experience.
Set over 14.5 acres, the estate allows for up to 32 guests at any one time. They have a variety of sleeping options, including the six-bedroom Manor House, the converted barn with five suites and the one-bedroom Peacock Shed. There are also two smaller barns with four bedrooms between them.
No matter where you stay, you’ll be delighted by the carefully constructed interiors. Each room is adorned with antique finds and tasteful artworks sourced from galleries and art fairs around the world. The vibe is stylish and a little quirky, but always putting comfort first – you won’t get a better night’s sleep anywhere else!
Step outside and you can breathe in the fresh air of the large dry stone-walled gardens, magnificent water features and gently rolling fields offering views out over River Windrush. And if you fancy a dip, the outdoor pool is heated, allowing for year-round swimming.
Choosing Temple Guiting Manor instead of a traditional hotel allows you to customise your stay. You can work with the team to create an itinerary that works for your whole group, which is ideal for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. And you can discuss meals with the chef, ensuring every dietary preference is catered for and nobody leaves hungry! On-site activities may include tennis coaching, swim lessons, archery, falconry, mixology and cookery.
And if wellness is important to you, you’ll find no end of options! The Temple Guiting Manor retreat includes a private, well-equipped gym and a treatment room offering massages and facials. There is also a small studio for yoga and Pilates lessons and a personal trainer available who can create a full exercise programme or guided one-off workout sessions.
Associate Director, Caroline Hörstmann says: “It’s all about the experience - from the moment guests book and the fact we can create pretty much anything for a client within reason. Every stay is unique and made to their brief, then executed to perfection. It’s also the small touches that make an impact, like using British produce wherever possible, including gourmet PRESS smoothies, organic teas, local coffee roaster’s ground coffee and luxury Votary bathroom amenities to make them feel spoilt.”
And she’s been asked for some very fun added touches in the past:
“Clients often arrive by helicopter, which we can arrange in one of our fields. We have also been asked to create a petting zoo for a children’s party and tree-planting for a celebrity guest’s anniversary after they were married with us.”
Situated in the stunning Cotswolds, Temple Guiting Manor is just 15 minutes from Stow on the Wold. It is close to Daylesford Organic and Soho Farmhouse, with train links into London from Moreton-in-Marsh and Cheltenham. It’s a gorgeous getaway just close enough to civilisation to feel connected, but tucked away enough to feel truly relaxed.
Over the past five years, browsing properties online has become a much more immersive experience. Potential new homes are often advertised with a huge gallery of photos and even the occasional virtual tour. Sometimes furnished by the vendor, others - as empty houses.
But according to The Home Staging Association, an empty property is less equipped to tap into the emotional side of buying a house. If a buyer can see themselves raising a family or enjoying a glass of wine by the fireplace, they are more likely to connect with the space and see it as their future home. An empty property only shows a shell, and most people can’t visualise how that will work for them.
So, it is clear that staging empty properties will help to sell a home faster, but should you be looking at traditional or CGI staging?
As the world leans ever further into digital technology, you might be tempted to choose a rendered staging platform, placing the scenes on your online advertisement so people can visualise themselves living there before they’ve even set foot in the property. There are certainly some benefits to this method, such as:
Flexibility: The CGI can be updated with the seasons and used in multiple advertising spots, giving it further visual impact.
Cost: It is cheaper than traditional staging and can be shared across social media for free.
Despite this, it is rarely enough to sell a home on its own and there are many disadvantages, including:
Lack of interaction: Buyers can’t physically walk through the rendered space, forming that emotional engagement.
Lack of trust: Many buyers expect a digitally rendered property to offer an idealised view and won’t rely on it as a trustworthy source. There is also the risk of buyers physically viewing the property and feeling disappointed / confused that it doesn’t live up to their expectations of the CGI dream.
Lack of confidence: Potential buyers are more hesitant to make an offer as they question the property’s true potential. Even if they do eventually make an offer, it will take them longer to make that decision.
So, how does this compare with traditional staging? While properly staging a property can cost more initially, it tends to have a greater return and impact, making that larger outlay an investment, not a cost. And whilst buyers will still have to visit the property to make that emotional connection - the benefits are incredible:
Properties sell faster: That emotional connection is a powerful thing, leading to people putting in offers much more quickly.
Properties sell for more: Traditional staging can imply a higher value, showing potential buyers that the property is ready to move in. The Home Staging Association reports that staging can boost perceived value by between four and six percent, but some properties have seen offers of more than 15 percent above the asking price. The same report shows that staged properties have more viewings.
There’s no guesswork: The mental load of working out where things will go is taken away from the buyer – they can see the best potential layout in front them. While CGI images can attempt to do the same, when the buyer visits the property and finds it empty, they may feel disillusioned and disappointed.
There’s no need to compromise on property price: Thinking of cutting your asking price to encourage a sale? Staging the property will likely cost less than that and can be more effective at getting a sale, saving you money in the long-run!
The biggest drawback to rendered images is that reality rarely meets up to the expectation it sets. Melissa Yeadon from Swealthy Staging explains:
“CGI’s the fastest way to create confusion and a negative psychological state in a potential buyer (and as we know, a confused mind rarely buys!) Our aim at Swealthy Staging is to create ‘that’ environment where people walk in and say ‘WOW – I want to live here’, and honestly, we’re so proud to say that we do exactly that”.
Physical staging addresses potential sticking points. If a buyer likes a property but they can’t work out where their dining table will fit, staging will show them exactly how it could work. This means they walk away with all their questions answered, promising a positive impression and showing them that the property is the right one for them. It works on that emotional connection, making it more than just a visual tool – it’s an investment that all sellers and buyers can benefit from.
THE MOST EXCLUSIVE ISLANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN
The tropical paradise of St Kitts and Nevis is a dream getaway for the rich, famous and exclusivity-minded. With tourism the key industry of this two-island country, you’d better believe that your every whim will be catered for when visiting this remote paradise.
Split over two islands made up of volcanic ash and rock, these Caribbean delights offer something a little different to your traditional idyllic getaway. There are two dormant volcanoes, one on Nevis and one on St Kitts, making the islands great for hikers to visit. However, despite some minor seismic activity, Mount Liamuiga has not had a major eruption for over 1,600 years.
Where there are volcanoes, you can be sure there are fertile soils, which explains the incredible untouched rainforests, lush green spaces and the fact that there are 44 different varieties of mango! Hiking through the incredible rainforests is highly recommended, allowing you to see parts of the island inaccessible by car or bus. And there’s even a zipline where you can fly above the canopies of the rainforest.
Walk along St Kitts’ marina and you might spot one or two super yachts throwing down their anchors. The huge marina can accommodate yachts up to 300 feet long, making it a prime spot for the lovers of luxury to keep their water vessels.
You don’t have to own a yacht to enjoy the sea though. You can hire luxury catamarans that take you out to view the sunsets - there is no better way to enjoy the glorious retirement of the sun after basking in it all day!
And if you’d rather spend your evening indoors, the casino at Marriott Frigate Bay is the place to splash the cash - will St Kitts be lucky for you?!
St Kitts and Nevis have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and one or two of them showcase black sand, courtesy of their volcanoes. However, it’s Cockleshell Beach, with its soft golden sand that is considered the most attractive. The beach clubs are worth a visit too, especially Carambola Beach Club on Friars Bay. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters and swim with green turtles or marvel at the pristine coral that surrounds the islands, and then head back to Carambola to shower off and enjoy a luxurious lunch.
When you finally make it to your destination, there are plenty of typical tourist activities to enjoy. If ever a place was geared up for tourism, it was this one! We’ve already mentioned the scenic railway, which is a great way to explore, or check out the Sky Safaris, which are a complicated network of ziplines that allow you to see the country from above! Grab a dune buggy and race around the island, jump on a horse or head out on one of the Sea Safaris to take a tour of the outside of the islands – you might even see dolphins. Water sports enthusiasts can spend all day out at sea, enjoying activities like flyboarding, kiteboarding, surfing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, paragliding and so much more!
If you make the pilgrimage at the end of June, you could even get tickets to the St Kitts Music Festival, the island’s biggest event of the year. It is on at the same time as Glastonbury in the UK, but it still attracts some huge names like Mary J Blige and Aswad, with a very different, laid-back vibe.
There are a few hotels to choose from on the tiny islands and almost all of them will give you the luxury treatment you desire. There are a few that stand out from the rest.
The Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort is ideal for those who crave comfort and relaxation but in an eco-friendly way. With morning yoga sessions and in-room massages, you are sure to feel fresh and rejuvenated after your stay. Farm-fresh meals are served outside and the view from the crystal-clear pool is idyllic.
At the southern end of St Kitts is the Park Hyatt hotel. This venue offers private pools on the balconies, fine dining and breathtaking views. The food here is so good that you might want to book a meal in one of the restaurants even if you’re not planning on staying the night. There’s a gym and a spa offering yoga and meditation, as well as treatments, and some fun kids clubs, making it perfect for families.
In Nevis, The Four Seasons is unbeatable. Sat right on the beachfront, the hotel organises fitness and wellness activities and even has its own championship golf course. Play a little tennis, relax in the spa and enjoy one of the many food experiences. This is luxury at its best.
And then there’s Montpelier Plantation and Beach. This 30-acre Montpelier estate offers a secluded hillside sanctuary with the original windmill, plantation house and fragrant gardens restored to their magnificent former glory. All 16 spacious rooms are dressed in an elegant and contemporary style and their private verandas boast breathtaking views of the lush hillside and the sea. The restaurant offers contemporary Caribbean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, innovative food. The unique Mill Privée is a 300-year-old sugar mill, converted into a stunning and atmospheric dining venue, offering gourmet five-course tasting menus. If it was good enough for Princess Diana when she visited the islands in 1993, we think it has got to be worth a try!
St Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign nation in the Americas and the first Caribbean island that the British colonised. Unsurprisingly, English is the primary language spoken across the islands, so you’ll feel right at home. The currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), although American Dollars are also widely accepted, and the time zone is four hours behind the UK.
Despite the laid-back attitude in this tiny West Indies country, there are some rules and regulations to note when visiting.
If you plan to hire a car in St Kitts and Nevis, you’ll also have to apply for a temporary driving license. Your UK license won’t be valid, but you can get your permit online before you leave. What is reassuring for us Brits is that they drive on the left side of the road.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to get around if you decide not to drive. There are taxis, minibuses and bikes for hire, which are incredibly convenient. To get between the islands, you can take a 45-minute ferry or water taxi, which is a lovely way to travel.
Another thing to do before you head to the islands is to fill out an online Immigration and Customs ED form. You will be asked for this on arrival but if you haven’t completed this before you arrive, you won’t be turned away, you will be asked to complete it online ahead of clearing customs.
If you want a little bit more information about this glorious destination, head to www.visitstkitts.com
We were delighted to be invited to review the acclaimed Simpsons in Edgbaston, Birmingham and can quite honestly say our experience was nothing short of exquisite.
We were delighted to be invited to review the acclaimed Simpsons in Edgbaston, Birmingham and can quite honestly say our experience was nothing short of exquisite.
Set in a gorgeous Grade II-listed Georgian villa, the decor is bright and modern yet respectful to the building’s elegance and heritage. Simpsons, who very deservedly boast a Michelin star and 3 rosettes are celebrating 30 years of culinary excellence and it is easy to see why… We were blown away from pre-starter to desert.
On arrival, we were greeted by our lovely host for the afternoon who took us into the conservatory for drinks. We decided to try a cocktail each from the extensive drinks menu, both of which were perfectly mixed, presented and considered as a pre-lunch pairing. And to get our taste buds tingling, our host spoilt us with a selection of ‘breakfast themed’ (and delicious!) pre-snacks.
Time for the main event. We were lead to our table and presented with a mouth-watering three-course lunch menu. Steve, the General Manager came across to introduce himself. Relatively new at Simpsons but you would never know! Steve’s knowledge of the Simpsons offer and heritage was captivating! We learnt for example that some of the breathtaking Simpsons’ creations can now be ordered and delivered to us at home (...extra brownie points at our next dinner party when I present their Beef Wellington). We also learnt more about the ‘Taste of Simpsons’ classes which run on Saturdays. Eureka, Simpsons superbly equipped cookery school and development kitchen, is all about discovery.
Anyway, back to the food! Here’s what we ordered:
Salmon and lobster ravioli: pak choi, lemon grass, ginger (1)
Heritage beetroot: wasabi, buttermilk, dill, iced beetroot (2)
Gilthead sea bream (3)
with leeks cooked in whey, smoked eel, crispy potato
Crème Brûlée (4)
Tiramisu soufflé: amaretto cream, hot chocolate sauce (5)
Lemon parfait: meringue, yoghurt sorbet (6)
Every element of our experience - the food, the drink and the service were exemplary on every level - exquisite fine dining with impeccable service and beautifully crafted dishes. The flavours were perfectly balanced and the presentation was just beautiful.
If you haven’t been before or it’s been a while since your last visit, what are you waiting for? Simpsons - you have our hearts and you’re still firmly sat on that pedestal we’ve had you on since we first walked through your doors 15 years ago!
Sometimes you need to relax and recharge, and we can think of no better way to do that than with a little spa visit. Here are a handful of our favourite wellness destinations across the Midlands.
Nottinghamshire
Set in the middle of a Center Parcs holiday village in Sherwood Forest, Aqua Sana is the ultimate getaway. This spa makes the most of its surroundings to bring natural bliss to your soul. With 25 immersive spa experiences, wellbeing sessions and a full list of decadent treatments, you should keep this on your spa bucket list!
Leicestershire
Not many spas are set in Victorian buildings, but Ragdale Hall offers more than just a history lesson. With six different pools including a rooftop infinity pool, a thermal spa and a whirlpool, this venue offers wellness on another level. There’s even a volcanic salt bath! They also offer yoga, meditation and fitness. Prepare to feel fantastic!
Derbyshire
Nestled in the woods you’ll find Ringwood Hall Spa, a real get-back-to-nature retreat. There’s a blossom steam room, a herbal sauna and a vitality pool with experience showers and ice fountains. A great choice for couples, it has dual treatment rooms and a private couple’s suite. You can even take your dog for a pamper!
www.ringwoodhallhotel.com/garden-secret-spa
Nottinghamshire
Lots of things make this spa stand out from the rest. It’s the first to offer HaloIR™ breathe and detox spa treatment and it has a StoneBath steam room, one of only three in the country. There’s a SnowStorm shower and herbal laconium too. You’ll also find more traditional luxury treatments and experiences, making this a must-visit spa.
Bedfordshire
For hot and cold treatments, the Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes is incredible. Wam up with a roaring log fire, steam rooms and saunas and then bring your temperature right back down with the frost wall. The hydrotherapy pool is amazing too. Go for a spa day or a whole weekend and enjoy all the relaxing treatments.
Cotswolds
Head south to the Cotswolds and you’ll find this treasure. With Scandinavian influences, you can enjoy a candle-lit hydrotherapy hot tub, a beautifully lit thermal suite and pool and a wonderful range of treatments. With indoor and outdoor experiences, this is a spa that insists on making you feel incredible. But which treatments will you choose?
Worcestershire
Nestled in the historic spa town of Malvern, this is a serene haven for those seeking total relaxation and rejuvenation. The unique indoor-outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool creates an inviting ambience for every season, offering the ultimate setting to unwind. To enhance your experience, they offer a range of spa packages for day visits and overnight stays. Their highly experienced therapists provide deeply relaxing Elemis treatments, ensuring an exceptional journey of tranquillity and renewal.
Birmingham
A modern spa experience in a medieval setting, New Hall Spa caters for one-off treatments, spa days and full-on spa weekends! This spa is less about unique treatments and more about doing the classics well. From facials to massages, you’ll have the most relaxing, effective treatments here. And there’s a lovely quiet pool and sauna and steam room too.
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/newhall/spa
Warwickshire
Get ready to unwind in luxury. There are saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges to help melt away all your worries, plus pools and some gorgeous treatments. The fire and ice experience takes you through a variety of biothermal rooms to enhance your senses. From ice showers and igloos to salt caves and crystal steam rooms, you’ll feel truly alive after your visit.
Walsall
From the hot tub garden to the thermal suite, there’s a lot to enjoy at Fairlawns. Relax with a range of Elemis treatments, including those tailored for two, take a refreshing dip in the pool or get sweaty in the gym. There are tennis courts and yoga sessions too, if that kind of activity takes your fancy.
Big luxury cruises that sail from country to country are wonderful, but have you ever enjoyed a river cruise?
These give you the opportunity to experience a country or continent from the inside, giving you a better representation of the culture without all the tourist traps on the way. And with fewer passengers, service is more personal and exclusive. Here are some of the most luxurious ways to travel up and down the rivers of the world.
Start in Peru and make your way up the incredible Amazon River in the Aqua Nera or Aria Amazon with Aqua Expeditions. This is your opportunity to discover one of the most biodiverse areas of the world – see creatures you didn’t even know existed and enjoy the lap of luxury under the forest canopy.
You’ll spend your days in the relaxing spa, plunge pool, jacuzzi, gym and movie room, or you’ll follow one of the various itineraries which takes you to explore the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest. You’ll have the opportunity for canoeing and kayaking, biking and discovering the indigenous communities that live along the riverbanks. This is possibly one of the most exciting river cruise options around.
This is another cruise company that travels up and down the rivers of Europe. If you want to see as much of the continent as possible, you can cruise along the Danube, taking in views of Budapest, Austria and Germany. But there are other more specific itineraries to check out too.
The ships promise world-class dining and personalised journeys, with spacious areas to relax and unrivalled service. There are butlers for each of the suites and all the health and wellness amenities you’d expect, like a gym, walking track and a vitality pool. At the same time as offering all-inclusive luxury, the company is keen to promote sustainable travelling.
Like the other companies, AmaWaterways has ships on European waters. But its network stretches much further than that. If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling on through Egypt and learning all of the secrets of the River Nile, then this is the way to do it! These luxury liners are as close to sea ships as you’ll get, with swimming pools and sunbathing decks, hair and nail salons and a massage parlour.
With incredible evening entertainment and a choice of delicious foods, you’ll have a wonderful time on board AmaDahlia or AmaLilia. And, of course, each ship has its own tour guide, so you can understand the culture and history of each destination.
Uniworld has lots of ships around the world, but doesn’t a trip on the Mekong Jewel along the Mekong River sound amazing? Taking you through some of the most beautiful spots of southeast Asia, you’ll get to see an incredible part of the world while living in the lap of ship luxury. Combining comfort with sustainability, you’ll find a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, hair salon, nail bar, two lounges and a library on board!
With four decks and two restaurants, plus excursions around Vietnam and Cambodia, this is the ideal way to explore these exotic destinations.
This luxury river cruise company is based in Hamburg, Germany, but the ships cruise all over the rivers of Europe. With a ratio of two staff for every one passenger and with each suite coming with a butler, to arrange dinner reservations and spa appointments, amongst other things, you’ll be well looked after on your journey. Itineraries can be tailored to suit your needs, with short and long trips, depending on your required destination and stops. Head to Vienna, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, France, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, or the other end of Germany and see some of the most beautiful parts of every country.
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Moth Home Design is a lifestyle brand, offering sustainable luxury home fragrances, gifts, wall art, illustrations, and home decor.
During a challenging time after the birth of her first son, our creator, El, found solace in creative hobbies. After spending many weeks in the NICU and critical care wards at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital over 6 months, El re-discovered her passion for interiors and design and found it to be a source of relaxation and distraction. This led to the creation of Moth Home Design.
Moth Home Design is a lifestyle brand, offering sustainable luxury home fragrances, gifts, wall art, illustrations, and home decor.
Each piece is carefully curated to blend elegance with eco-consciousness, ensuring any space not only looks beautiful but is also value aligned.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our products to our packaging and business practice; reflecting a holistic approach to creating a positive impact on the planet. We use recycled or fully recyclable materials, and source the highest quality and responsibly sourced ingredients for our products.
The collection features a range of meticulously crafted items, from hand-poured candles, wax melts and air fresheners infused with our unique fragrance blends, home decor pieces, and wall art that add a touch of sophistication to any space.
Our home fragrances are made with soy wax, which is a natural plant based alternative to traditional paraffin and mineral based waxes, offering a cleaner and 50% longer burn, so you can enjoy our products for longer. We only use the highest quality 100% pure essential oils and luxury fragrance oils to blend our own unique fragrance blends, to create the perfect ambience for your home.
Whether you are looking to refresh your home or find the perfect gift, Moth Home Design offers timeless pieces that elevate everyday living.
With lots of exciting new products launching soon, Moth Home Design will be appearing at many pop up events in the run up to Christmas, and will also be in John Lewis in Liverpool from the 16th of December, where you can shop our products in person.
Sustainable luxury home fragrances, gifts, wall art, illustrations and home decor
Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on our social media @moth.home.design to follow our journey, and get 10% off your first online order. Get an additional 5% off with code SWEALTHY on all your purchases
Find more information on our website, and shop our limited edition Spruce + Clove fragrance!
The award winning ‘Japanese Restaurant of The Year’ has announced the launch of its second site, coming to Birmingham in 2025
Maneki Ramen, a popular, Japanese-inspired restaurant currently based in Worcester, has announced a second site will open in Birmingham in spring next year.
Since 2020, Maneki, which is part of the ART Hospitality group, has been serving up authentic Japanese fare, leading to the restaurant winning the title of Japanese Restaurant of the Year 2023, at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards.
Popular dishes include Tebasaki Wings with Ginger and Furikake, Roast Duck Ramen with Sesame Bean Sprouts and Pak Choi, Katsu Curry with Sushi Rice and a choice of protein, and Sesame Miso Shoyu with Charred Sweetcorn and Nori.
Maneki Ramen Birmingham will be based in the Jewellery Quarter, with the 2,000 square foot site having room for 70 covers, plus an additional 40 seats downstairs. Food collection and delivery options will also be available, with the new menu featuring most of the popular classics, with a few upgrades exclusive to Birmingham.
A carefully curated drinks menu will include Suntory Haku Vodka, natural wines, and cocktails such as the popular tipple ‘East & West’, which contains Gin, Yuzu, Hibiscus, Lime and Orange, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or post-dining catch ups.
The new venue will create 20 new jobs for local people, with the team being led by Head Chef Pete Dovaston. After spending time living in Tokyo, New York and China, Pete uses traditional techniques he learnt, particularly in Japan, to create Maneki Ramen’s menus, using locally sourced ingredients to keep the dishes seasonal and fresh.
Gearing up for the launch of Maneki Ramen Birmingham, Pete said: “Birmingham has a vibrant foodie scene, so opening a new restaurant in the city has been one of our business aspirations for some time. The new restaurant will be in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, we can’t wait to become part of the community and bring all the Maneki dishes people know and love, as well as introducing some extra new and exciting ones. We’ll see you soon Birmingham!”
For more information, visit:
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Birmingham’s most exclusive Italian restaurant is preparing for a “Buon Natale” and has launched a mouth-watering Christmas menu for those ‘kneading’ some inspiration for festive dining.
Lucarelli, which has two sites, Mailbox and West Bromwich, is known for serving authentic Italian cuisine in the most instagrammable setting. The glass encased terrace is always a popular choice for those looking for a special dinner. To help you celebrate the festive season they are offering a three course Christmas Fayre menu for £39.90 which is available from 25th November to 24th December.
The team at Lucarelli are very excited to showcase their favourite dishes. Highlights from the starters selection include the Ravioli All’ Aragosta - fresh ravioli filled with lobster in a garlic, chilli, parsley and tomato sauce, and the Carpaccio Di Bresaola - cured beef bresaola served with dried figs, blue cheese and honey.
Diners will have a hard time selecting from the mains which feature oven baked salmon fillet with creamy spinach and prawn sauce, fillet of beef with a peppercorn sauce (£7 supplement) and chicken supreme in a creamy mushroom sauce. All dishes are served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Those who prefer traditional Christmas Fayre will enjoy the tacchino ripieno - roast turkey served with stuffing, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce and gravy.
Vegetarians can choose from several options including the risotto al funghi porchini grana tartufo - carnaroli rice with wild mushrooms, grana padano cheese and black truffle and the parmigiana di melanzane - oven baked layers of aubergines, tomato sauce, basil and pecorino cheese.
A tempting dessert selection features some italian classics such as tiramisu, panna cotta with citrus cream and a caramel sauce and torte al pistacchio – a delicious italian pistachio cake.
Alessandro meraglia of lucarelli said: “italians are famous for our wonderful hospitality and this is especially true at Christmas. Our team has worked very hard to produce a festive menu that will appeal to all tastes, whilst offering the classic flavours of italy. We are confident that our guests will agree the result is truly bellissimo!”
Lucarelli has also launched a selection of exclusive padelle dishes, where pasta is prepared with the utmost care and served directly to your table in authentic italian pans. It’s a true italian sharing experience, designed to bring you closer to the warmth and essence of italy.
Lucarelli’s Christmas menu is available at the Mailbox and West Bromwich. Book now by visiting:
Tell the time in style with these elegant timepieces
SHOP NOW:
in-store, visit www.johnsonsjewellers.co.uk
or call 02476 347 038
125 Years of Exceptional Service & Family Values
Johnsons is your independent family jewellers, bringing you fine jewellery and an extensive collection of luxury watches. While their store may have expanded over the years, their values and warm traditional service have remained the same.
NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 46mm AUTOMATIC WATCH
£7,850
If you like your watches with a little bit of history behind them, this Breitling beauty might be the one for you. Developed with pilots in mind, the Navitimer has become a timekeeping icon, admired as much for its functionality as it is for its style. With a stainless-steel strap and case, the design is finished with a glare-proof cambered sapphire glass and a dark green dial.
AMERICA’S CUP SEAMASTER 42mm CO-AXIAL WATCH
£6,100
A commemorative piece to celebrate the America’s Cup, this stainless-steel design features a blue ceramic unidirectional bezel and a regatta scale. With its laser-engraved, white ceramic matt finish dial, this watch certainly looks the part, but it also features OMEGA’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre, ensuring exemplary time-keeping.
AQUARACER 200 40mm SOLARGRAPH QUARTZ WATCH
£2,050
An everyday watch with incredible durability and elegance, this offering from TAG Heuer features Calibre TH50-00 movement with Solargraph technology, making it a smart, reliable timepiece at the forefront of watch innovation. The forest green face is covered with sapphire crystal glass, ensuring your wrist catches everyone’s eye.
BLACK BAY CHRONO 41MM S & G BLACK AND GOLD DIAL
£6,860
Wrap your wrist in a mix of stainless steel and yellow gold with this timeless design from TUDOR. A stunning piece of modern luxury, it features a sleek black anodised aluminium dial and Calibre MT5813 movement, ensuring incredible accuracy under the sapphire crystal glass. Water resistant for up to 200m, it comes with a five-year warranty and a 70-hour power reserve.
SUPER CHRONOMAT 38mm AUTOMATIC LAB DIAMOND BEZEL
£12,100
This stand-out timepiece features unique details like ceramic rider tabs and crown, and a rubber rouleaux bracelet. It has a stainless-steel case, with a lab diamond 18k rose gold bezel, while the mint green dial has rose gold accents. This iconic watch is functional too, with mechanical movement and a 38-hour power reserve.
INTERLOCKING 29mm STEEL QUARTZ WATCH
£1,540
Add a little pink to your bling with this G-logo interlocking watch. The pink dial is beset with tiny diamonds and covered in scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass with a single layer of anti-reflective coating. Set on a stylish stainless-steel bracelet, this is a fun yet elegant way to tell the time.
BLACK BAY 31mm STEEL AND GOLD DIAMOND BEZEL BRACELET WATCH
£7,180
Watches don’t come much more glamourous than this! With a curved case, almost unisex style, the stainless-steel design holds a yellow-gold diamond-set bezel with a silver dial, covered in sapphire crystal glass. With self-winding movement and a screw-down Tudor logo crown, this is a watch that shows you mean business.
25H DIAMOND BEZEL WHITE DIAL
£3,560
A watch you can dress up or down, this Gucci timepiece is both durable and stylish, with a stainless-steel strap and case, a stylish white dial and a bezel set with diamonds, protected with sapphire crystal glass. It features quartz movement and is water resistant up to 30m.
CARRERA DATE 36mm AUTOMATIC WATCH
£2,850
This unisex design is delight, with a turquoise blue snail brushed dial to bring out your eyes and an elegant steel case that looks fantastic on any wrist. Stylish and functional, it is covered in sapphire crystal glass and is water resistant up to 50m.
ROYAL BLACK DIAMOND DIAL 38mm AUTOMATIC WATCH
£2,800
Nothing is as elegant as stainless steel and black, making this a timeless timepiece that works for anyone. With roman numerals on a black sunray dial powered by a TUDOR self-winding T691 mechanical movement and a stainless-steel case with notched bezel, this design has everything you could want in a watch – it’s even waterproof to 100m!
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From warm and cosy knitwear to snow-ready statement pieces and seasonal treats for your home, Harvey Nichols has everything you need this winter.
SIMONE FAUX SHEARLING-TRIMMED VINYL COAT
£265.00
This eye-catching coat from London-based brand Kitri, will take you through the season. With a detachable faux-shearling collar and cuffs and a flattering waist belt, it’s both stylish and warm.
ORIGINAL VÉTIVER EAU DE PARFUM 100ML
£265.00
A captivating and charismatic creation for men and women from The House of Creed, Original Vétiver Eau de Parfum is a contemporary reinvention of a traditional vetiver fragrance. A rich base of white musk and cedarwood is enlivened with an invigorating burst of green notes and signature vetiver.
CINNAMON AND CLOVE CHRISTMAS DIFFUSER 250ML
£69.50
Infused with a blend of woody spices of cinnamon and cedarwood, intertwined with zesty citrus peel and aromatic clove, this festive fragrance from Bamford encapsulates the scents of the Christmas season. In a stylish and refillable glass bottle, it’s the perfect addition to your home.
THE WINTER WARMERS HAMPER
£150.00
A wicker hamper filled with festive flavours is the ultimate treat. Packed with mulled wine, Christmas pudding and a bottle of vintage port. Plus, some favourites from the Harvey Nichols Food Market. Send for a thoughtful gift or save for yourself and indulge on a cold winter’s night.
QUILTED NYLON AND WOOL JACKET
£900.00
This Moncler jacket is a classic transitional piece for when the weather gets cooler. The zip-through style is knitted from wool and features quilted nylon panels through the front and back that are padded with down for added warmth.
ICON PADDED NYLON SNOW BOOTS
£150.00
Dreaming of a white Christmas, for the perfect excuse to wear these snow boots! Padded and water repellent, these are the ultimate statement both on and off the slopes.
LOGO-INTARSIA WOOL-BLEND SCARF
£450.00
A Loewe scarf is a timelessly modern and refined styling piece for your cold weather wardrobe. This wool and cashmere-blend is super soft and decorated with a monogrammed Anagram pattern. Available in navy, beige and green.
Enjoy 3 nights in a Grand Junior Suite or Grand Suite and pay for 2 nights only! For more details and how to book visit our offers page via the hotel website…
The Grand Hotel Birmingham is offering a luxurious staycation deal – book 3 nights in a Junior Suite or Grand Suite and pay for 2.
This gives you extra time to immerse yourself in the grandeur of this historic hotel to explore Birmingham’s vibrant shopping, culture, and nightlife. You’ll also have more time to enjoy the spacious accommodations and impeccable service as well as Madeleine Bar and Isaac’s restaurant.
Only available when you book direct with us and use the promo code 3 for 2.
Tuesday 3rd - Friday 20th December
2 courses: £28 pp / 3 courses: £35 pp
From 3rd December through to 20th December, Isaac’s will be running a traditional set Christmas menu alongside its a la carte. This available to all bookings and walk ins are welcome.
Please give us a call for any enquiries or bookings of 6 or more!
Smoked garlic and honey BBQ wings
Salmon gravlax with homemade focaccia, served with chives and citrus crème fraiche
Pea and buffalo mozzarella arancini, with roasted red pepper sauce (VG)
Homemade nacho’s with pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole (VE)
Roasted cod served with mashed potato, garlic butter cavolo nero and tartare beurre blanc
Orange and cranberry stuffed turkey ballotine, pigs in blankets, roasted carrots and parsnips, served with brussel sprouts, roasted potatoes and gravy
Vegetable wellington with roasted carrots and parsnips, served with roasted potatoes, kale and vegetable gravy (VG)
Cheese board
Luxury Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce
Chocolate and orange tart
Spiced orange cake with cocoa nib dip and spiced
dark caramel chocolate (VE)
Winter afternoon tea menu
Available from 6th Nov – 31st January
Traditional £35 pp
Sparkling wine £40 pp
Champagne £45 pp
V by Laura Vann offer £65 pp
If you’re hosting Christmas this year, showthe family just how it’s done with a festive table styled with care. Theseluxury table accessories will make your Christmas dinner the most luxurious oneyet!
AnnabelJames
Nothingsays Christmas like a stag holding up your alcohol! This magnificent beastdeserves center stage on your table, with space for a bottle of wine in icebalancing on its antlers, or you could make a Christmas punch!
£450
BraidedRug Company
Bring alittle romance to your table with these golden mistletoe placemats. Thestriking design makes the perfect resting place for your heavily-laden dinnerplate. And they have matching coasters and runners too, if you want to makegold your theme this year.
£49
ThomasØvlisen for Assembly Line
Thisnew line of silver-plated items for Assembly Line is less about function andmore about art and protest. Made up of recycled materials, this food tray, partof the TeDeen FumVe range, is a stylish addition to your Christmas table andwill certainly be a talking point.
£410
TomRaffield
Thisstylish centrepiece will beautifully illuminate your dining table. With anexposed bulb on a rustic sustainably sourced birchwood base, it creates someincredible shadows that will add to your festive entertainment.
£225
IdyllHome
Addthis festive garland to the centre of your table and bring some naturalelegance to your dinner style. The lights set the mood and you can easilyarrange it to fit around the rest of your decor. And when you’ve finishedeating you can wrap it around a banister. A versatile piece indeed!
£65
MustardMade
Theseunusual champagne flutes will add a little edge to your Christmas toast.Created in collaboration with FAZEEK as part of a limited-edition collection,they include bright stems and a geometrical shape that ensures yourcelebrations are remembered. These hand-blown glasses are even dishwasher-safe!
£99
Cox andCox
Nobodyever wants the cheap plastic gifts that come out of Christmas crackers, butthese luxury designs from Cox and Cox will delight everyone. As well as thecompulsory hat and joke in each one, you’ll find gifts people can actually use,like seedballs, sweetpea seeds, wooden plant markers and metal plant-shapedpaper clips.
£50
Oka
Themost festive way to display your table candles, the Noel candle holder is adelightful addition to your dinner set-up. This antique bronze-plated metalholder features glass beads dripping off the branches, beautifully catching thecandle light.
£95
ChalkPink Linen Company
Ifgreen is more your colour though, these sophisticated tablecloths are just thething. Made of 100% European flax linen, it has the perfect drape for yourdinner and brings understated elegance in hues of sage and moss.
£90
www.chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk
HarveyNichols
Itisn’t a proper Christmas table unless someone’s set fire to a fancy Christmaspudding! And they don’t get fancier than the ones from Harvey Nichols! Burstingwith sultanas, glace cherries, almonds and pecans and topped with port, brandyand mixed spice, it is the perfect finale to your Christmas feast.
£12.50
With menus changing daily to suit the freshest British ingredients local suppliers can offer, you can eat with a clear conscience at Chapter.
A New Chapter Awaits
Born out of the ruins of the global pandemic, Chapter is a restaurant that values sustainability and seasonality above all else. With menus changing daily to suit the freshest British ingredients local suppliers can offer, you can eat with a clear conscience at Chapter.
We sat down with Chef Director, Ben Ternent, to find out more about this relatively new dining phenomenon.
Chapter was created after Ben’s previous restaurant, Opus closed during the lockdown. Like so many other establishments at the time, they couldn’t justify keeping the restaurant open, without a supportive landlord despite it being an icon of Birmingham City Centre for over 15 years.
Ben ran the restaurant alongside Ann Tonks and Irene Allan. When the opportunity to open Chapter arose, all three jumped at the prospect of starting again, along with executive chef, Nathan Swift. With the help of landlord, Calthorpe Estates, they were back up and running in no time!
When it comes to standing out in a crowded restaurant marketplace, Ben thinks the key is to leave pretensions at the door and offer somewhere that provides high-quality food for everyone.
“You feel like you’re in a nice environment [at Chapter]; not too stuffy. Especially at the weekends, with Sundays being very family-friendly. It’s a very accessible place to come and enjoy.
“Sustainability and seasonability are our core values. We try and buy as locally as possible and 100% British if we can. Supporting other small local businesses and seasonality is key to everything we do so we change our menus regularly. We’re very much led by what’s available and when it’s available.
“Most of our suppliers are through relationships we’ve built over the last 20 years or so, so it’s a lot of existing relationships with people that we know and trust and share our core values. We invite conversations for other local suppliers to come in and work with us. It’s very much about the people behind the businesses rather than the price that leads everything we do.”
Ben and his business partners knew they had a prime location when they were offered the Calthorpe venue. “We’re outside of the ring road, which in the current climate is a nice place to be; just outside of the city and the Clean Air Zone. Calthorpe has invested heavily in Greenfield Crescent and on the granite stones outside, with beautiful lighting. On the outskirts of Edgbaston village, it’s a two-minute walk from the tram stop.”
But it’s not just about location - the food has got to be right too. ”Our care in sourcing is up there with the very best restaurants in the City but we use cuts in such a way that we keep all our menus as accessible as possible for everyone. So we always have a three-course set menu running for £31, or main courses for just £17. But then you can still get beef fillet and Dover sole and those sorts of things along with it.
“What we try to do at Chapter is to cook for the public. But we’ve found over the last 12 months, dishes like a well-cooked and sourced fish and chips or slow-cooked meats, things like that, that’s what people want to eat more often. At the minute, food’s coming back to comfort food.”
Looking to the future
Because the way he cooks is so dependent on suppliers and seasons, Ben gets to mix it up in the kitchen, meaning he never gets bored of any particular dish. However, he does have a favourite ingredient: “There’s just something about searing a fresh fish that was in the water just one or two days ago. When you get that golden colour on it, I think fish is my favourite thing to cook.”
And he has his head screwed on when it comes to talking about the future too: “We’re still a young restaurant. We just want to keep building our team and keep doing what we’re doing. And that should hopefully keep us in good stead for the next five to ten years,”
Have you visited Chapter yet? This is a culinary experience not to be missed!
BY CHAPTER
200g plain flour
100g butter (cubed)
50g golden caster sugar
1 egg yolk
150g butter
150g golden caster sugar
150g eggs beaten (approx. 3 small eggs)
150g ground almonds
30g plain flour
100g good apple sauce/compote (homemade is best)
Plums
Granny Smith Apple
Blackberries
Pears
Sugar syrup with vanilla
Vanilla ice cream or Chantilly to serve
Icing sugar to dust
Mix flour and butter in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. At this stage, add the sugar and pulse again. Add the egg and 1-2 tbsp ice-cold water, and pulse until the dough just comes together. Tip out and shape into a disc. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin (or 4 individual ones if preferred), pressing it into the sides. Chill for 30 mins.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light, creamy and fluffy. Then, gradually add the eggs, beating well after each addition, then, on a low speed, mix in the almonds and flour. Once well combined, transfer to a piping bag.
Heat oven to 180C/160C fan and put in a baking tray to heat. Spoon the apple compote and spread a layer over the bottom of the tart case, now pipe the frangipane filling evenly into the tart case (it doesn’t need to be overly smooth as it will even out when baked). Transfer to the baking tray and bake for 40-50 mins (cover with foil after 30 mins if the tart is taking on too much colour) until a skewer poked in the frangipane comes out clean.
Poached the autumn fruits gently in sugar syrup until tender. Pears are best peeled and cored and poached whole, the apples peeled and cut into eights, plums pitted and poached as halves and the blackberries as they are. These can all be done in advance as a garnish and if preferred, warmed to serve.
Leave the tart to cool in the tin for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack. Heat a little of the poaching fruit syrup in a pan until thickened, then glaze the tart with it. Serve warm or cold, dusted with icing sugar, with either ice cream or Chantilly cream and along with the poached fruits.
Just a mile from Birmingham city centre, the 1,600-acre Calthorpe Estate is a unique blend of history, community, and modern vibrancy.
With a proud 300-year heritage, it has grown into a dynamic destination where people come to live, work, and experience the very best of Edgbaston. Balancing its history with a forward-thinking approach, Calthorpe Estates is redefining what it means to live, work, and connect in Edgbaston.
The estate’s philosophy is grounded in creating spaces that are inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable. From the established residential neighbourhoods to world-class medical and educational institutions, every corner of the estate reflects a commitment to long-term distinction and well-being.
A key aspect of the estate’s success lies in its strong connections with local communities and stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that Edgbaston remains accessible and welcoming, offering spaces that cater to diverse needs and lifestyles. By fostering a sense of belonging and engagement, Calthorpe Estates continues to cultivate an inclusive environment where residents and visitors alike feel part of a shared vision.
Edgbaston Village sits at the heart of the estate and, thanks to its eclectic mix of boutique shops, independent cafés, and award-winning restaurants, is one of Birmingham’s most desirable lifestyle destinations. From Michelin-starred dining at Simpsons to the relaxed charm of The High Field gastropub, Edgbaston Village delivers an exceptional culinary experience. Its landscaped streets and inviting public spaces make it a place where people come together to enjoy life’s finer moments.
Whether you’re looking for a refined place to call home, a destination to grow your business, or simply a spot to indulge in life’s pleasures, Calthorpe Estates is your gateway to excellence in Edgbaston. Accessible, sustainable, and unforgettable, it’s more than an address - it’s a legacy in the making.
Saturday 14th December
Edgbaston Village ushers in the holiday season with its much-loved Christmas Artisan Market on Saturday 14th December. Starting at 10am, this festive favourite promises a day of holiday cheer, offering over 70 stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, artisan foods, and seasonal specialties. It’s the perfect opportunity to tick off your Christmas shopping list while supporting independent artisans and local businesses.
Discover unique treasures, from handmade jewellery and candles to gourmet treats, festive drinks, and more. Whether you’re hunting for thoughtful gifts, indulging in holiday treats, or soaking up the festive vibe, the Edgbaston Christmas Artisan Market is a celebration of creativity and community, supporting small businesses this festive season.
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Chapter redefines modern dining with sophistication and comfort. This contemporary hotspot celebrates culinary creativity, offering a menu of fresh, seasonal ingredients with a modern European twist. Each dish is a visual and flavourful masterpiece, crafted to delight the senses. The chic interiors, with muted tones, warm lighting, and elegant furnishings, create an inviting yet stylish ambiance. Whether for an intimate dinner, brunch, or cocktails, Chapter offers an effortlessly indulgent experience. A curated wine and cocktail list enhances the menu, making Chapter a must-visit gem in Birmingham’s culinary scene.
Loki Wine offers a relaxed yet refined experience for wine lovers. As both a wine merchant and bar, it features over 40 wines by the glass, inviting guests to explore a diverse, curated selection. From hidden gems to renowned labels, there’s something for every palette. The chic, modern setting is perfect for discovering new favourites or enjoying a casual glass with friends. Loki also hosts intimate tastings and events, led by passionate experts. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice, Loki’s welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful offerings, and expert service make it a standout destination for wine enthusiasts.
Smoke and Ash focuses on delivering great Neapolitan style pizza, quality wines and seasonal twists on classic cocktails. The recently expanded space is the perfect spot for a relaxed dining experience, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely meal or a quick bite with friends. Smoke and Ash stands out in Birmingham’s pizza scene, delivering quality and flavour in every bite.
Baloci takes you on a culinary journey through the Silk Road, blending the vibrant flavours of Turkey, Iran, Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Inspired by the nomadic Baloch tribes, the menu reflects a rich tapestry of traditional dishes and bold spices. From aromatic stews to spiced grills, each dish tells a story, transporting guests to the heart of the Silk Road. With its warm atmosphere and exceptional service, Baloci offers more than a meal—it’s a celebration of culture, heritage, and the art of storytelling through food, honouring the diverse traditions of this historic trade route.
Set within 15 acres of landscaped grounds, Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a serene escape from city life. With four glasshouses showcasing tropical, Mediterranean, and subtropical plants, visitors are transported to diverse worlds. Beyond the glasshouses, vibrant flowerbeds, serene lakes, and the Victorian rose garden create a visual feast. Whether exploring the wildflower meadow or relaxing in scenic spots, there’s something for everyone. The gardens also serve as an educational hub, hosting events, workshops, and family-friendly activities. A haven of tranquillity and discovery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a cherished oasis in the heart of the city.
We’ve put together this list of ski resorts that are more exclusive than the traditional tourist traps, so you can enjoy a more peaceful piste.
OUR 10 MOST EXCLUSIVE SKI RESORTS AROUND THE WORLD
Whether you’re a skiing pro or yet to master the slopes, it can be distracting to try and get to the bottom with any kind of grace when the mountains are overcrowded. That’s why we’ve put together this list of ski resorts that are more exclusive than the traditional tourist traps, so you can enjoy a more peaceful piste.
CANADA
The resort that hosted the Winter Olympics 2010, Whistler really does have it all. With plenty of mixed terrain and varied runs, this resort gets some impressive snowfall, making for a longer-than-usual ski season and an incredible view no matter where you stand on the mountain.
The celebrities love Whistler, perhaps because they have the option to arrive by helicopter. This is a popular transportation choice for visitors making the short trip from Vancouver airport to the mountain. In fact, you can spend your whole visit in a helicopter if you like, with Heliski taking you to the most pristine runs on the mountain, with little traffic and the freshest snow. It doesn’t get more exclusive than that!
And when it comes to deciding where to stay, you can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons Hotel, where you can soothe tired muscles with heat treatments in the luxurious spa.
FRANCE
Of course, you can’t have a list of exclusive ski resorts without mentioning Courchevel. A favourite destination of the A-list, there are so many trails to explore and some truly breath-taking views to discover from the peaks. It’s a great choice for beginners and experts, with some lovely gentle slopes to practice on and some off-piste runs to challenge those with more experience.
And the food in the area is divine too, but you will have to book to have a hope of eating in any of the best establishments. You have to try one of the incredible desserts at Cedric Grolet, and of course, because its France, you’ll need to find a good raclette or a tartiflette.
If you want to experience Courchevel like the royal family then you need to stay at their favourite spot, Les Airelles. This decedent, palace-style hotel is the most luxurious spot in the mountains.
JAPAN
Niseko is less well-known than many of the other ski resorts on our list, which automatically makes it a little quieter than the rest. It might not stay that way for long though, as this is definitely an up-and-coming destination.
There are four ski resorts on the mountain, collectively known as Niseko United. To enjoy the most luxurious ski experience, you’ll want to stay at the Higashiyama Niseko Village. It doesn’t matter which room you stay in, you’ll get incredible views of one of the surrounding mountains. One of the views comes courtesy of the hot spring bathtub, bringing you true relaxation in privacy.
Niseko Village is a small resort compared to some of the others, but it offers gentle runs for beginners and some long, steep slopes for more experienced skiers. And if you do find yourself running out of snow, your ski pass gives you access to the other resorts too, so you can spend weeks exploring if you like!
AUSTRIA
Lech is a great resort for those just starting to get their ski legs. There are no black runs here, only blue and red, so you can relax a little as you make your way down the slopes. If you are an experienced skier, however, you will find lots of off-piste trails to follow, adding a little excitement to your visit.
This is another resort that offers heliskiing, something you really should try for the most exclusive experience. But it is the food that might sway your booking decision, with several Michelin star restaurants in the area’s many boutique hotels. Nothing tastes quite as good as the dinner you’ve earned after a hard day on the slopes and these establishments have attracted many a famous diner.
And those famous guests usually stay at Severin’s Alpin Hotel. This luxury resort offers premium suites worthy of royalty and a wellness area that will help bring your muscles back to life.
SWITZERLAND
Another resort set in the Swiss alps, Klosters is always alive with celebrities, royals and millionaires. It’s a relatively small resort compared to others, and is situated right next to the bigger, more popular Davos, but that’s what makes it such a great place for a quiet ski retreat. Let the tourists flock to the flashier resorts and enjoy a little exclusivity in Klosters.
This is the home of “stealth wealth”. You won’t find big designer boutiques or fancy five-star hotels, but you might stumble across a member of the royal family as you make your way onto the slopes. They particularly like to stay at Chalet Eugiena, an 11-bedroom escape that is the epitome of quiet luxury.
Klosters has 300km of slopes for you to slide down, but if you do find yourself yearning for a little more action, it’s easy to pop over to Davos for a day, giving you the best of both worlds in one ski trip.
SWITZERLAND
The World’s Best Ski Resort (according to the World Ski Awards in 2021 and 2022) is part of the Four Valleys in Switzerland, all of which offer incredible ski opportunities, but there’s something a little special about Verbier. With amazing views of Mount Blanc and the Matterhorn from the highest peaks, this is a wonderful resort for more experienced skiers looking for a challenge. There’s plenty of off-piste powder to entice thrill-seekers, but not so much for beginners.
The apres-ski scene is lively, with plenty of excellent bars, restaurants and nightclubs to distract you from the slopes. You are almost guaranteed sun and fluffy snow during the ski season, due to the altitude of the resort, making it popular with the rich and famous. Some of these celebrities have stayed at the Hotel Farinet, a beautiful accommodation with a lively atmosphere and easy access to the Verbier resort.
FRANCE
Offering one of the longest ski seasons in Europe thanks to its high altitude, Val D’Isere is all about the ski scene. There’s something for all abilities to enjoy, including the 1992 Olympics Men’s Downhill slope for you to test your skills on – could you be an Olympic skier one day?
This Alpine resort is just a short distance from the French/Italian border, giving you the opportunity to ski into another country if you head over to Tignes. With over 90 lifts in the area, you are unlikely to exhaust all your ski options – there is plenty to explore, including a lot of off-piste powder! Those with a little more ski-skill under their belt might want to check out one of the two glaciers, which are sure to test your courage!
And where to stay while you’re there? Le K2 Chogori is a relatively new boutique hotel that’s only open during the ski season. It is perfectly set-up for skiers, with a range of wellness facilities that will make your stay feel like a dream.
So, where are you off to on your next ski trip? There’s plenty of incredible resorts to choose from.
USA
Possibly the most famous ski resort in the world, these four mountains tower over Colorado, enticing celebrities and snow-lovers from near and far. This ski resort is so extra that it even has its own airport, so you can fly right into the snow, making transfers easy.
Full of fine dining, art galleries and designer boutiques, you might struggle to find time to ski! But if you do make it to the slopes, you’ll be treated to heated gondolas and mid-piste champagne bars. With plenty of ski opportunities to choose from, spread out over Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands, you certainly won’t get bored at this resort!
And for the most luxurious way to start and end your days, you’ll want to book in at The Little Nell. It is right at the center of all the ski action, allowing you to ski out of the front door, but it also offers world-class comfort.
ITALY
Regular skiers need to put Cortina on their bucket list because this is the ultimate ski resort. With incredible views, amazing food and a fabulous apres-ski scene, there are over 1000km of slopes to ski down, keeping you busy for a good while!
There are some great ski tours to enjoy too. History buffs will love the Great War Tour, which allows you to ski through snow-covered heritage sites, while the Super 8 tour even incorporates a horse-drawn stretch as you explore the wonders of the nearby mountains.
If you’d rather seek thrills, there are 13 black runs to explore. Are you brave enough to try them all?
And there’s no better place to relax after your adventures than at the five-star Grand Hotel Miramonti Majestic, which is close to the ski action but far enough away to feel like a retreat.
SWITZERLAND
The celebrities love Gstaad for skiing and it is easy to see why. Gstaad Palace is the hotel of choice, and has been for over 50 years, ensuring patrons live in the absolute lap of luxury after a hard day on the slopes. From here, the best ski spots are Wispile and Wasserngrat. Wispile is perfect for family skiing, with plenty of nursery slopes to help you get your piste legs, while Wasserngrat is where you’ll find The Tiger Run, the steepest run in Gstaad which is also quite long – great for thrill-seekers!
The resort sits in the centre of four valleys. Wispile and Wasserngrat are in one direction, but if you really want to take your time to explore the area, you have three other routes to choose from! Take the gondola from the edge of the village to the top of Saanen, or head over to the valley that comprises Schönried, Saanenmoser and Zweissimen. The choices are endless, and each one is more beautiful than the last!
When you hear the term ‘getting back to nature’, your brain might automatically turn to the idea of outdoor showers and treks through forests, and you’d be right! But The Firs brings an element of luxury to your visit, so you never feel like you’re slumming it. Instead, you can count it as an experience you’ll never forget, for all the right reasons. Are you ready for a glamping holiday of a lifetime?
The 22-acre site is set around a farmhouse and has a range of glamping accommodation options for you to choose from, with large bell tents and teepees for you to get comfortable in. All are equipped with proper beds, mattresses and bedding, so you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep in nature. One of the best things about the location is that it is just a short drive from Birmingham. Turn off at J5 on the M5 and you are almost there, so you can plan regular retreats without having to travel too far.
And despite its proximity to the city, you will feel like you’re a million miles away from all the chaos. And it is the perfect location for big groups of people to stay. You can book out the whole venue for your occasion, whether that’s a birthday, anniversary, wellness retreat or a wedding and there will be room for everyone.
To add that premium edge to your visit, The Firs has recently obtained its alcohol license and there is now has a bar. There are plans for a fine-dining set-up in the woodlands, allowing you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the space at the same time as eating really good food. There are fire pits, which are great for relaxing around in the evening, and the showers might be outdoors, but they come with some truly breathtaking views that will make for a lovely cleansing experience.
Sarah and Zak Sweeney took over the site in 2019, but this is their second season welcoming guests. They have a lot of ideas on how to create a chilled-out, festival space, with plans to convert some of the grade-II listed barns to high-end holiday lets and a full calendar of wellness activities currently being created.
But if you don’t want to follow a timetable, this is the perfect place to unwind and take your time. There are lots of local attractions within walking distance, including National Trust site Hanbury Hall and plenty of village-style pubs. If you just want to put on your walking boots and head out, the site lies right on the Hanbury Circular, so you can stroll to your heart’s content!
Sarah considers The Firs to be a blank canvas when it comes to retreats. She is happy to tailor a whole weekend around what her guests want. In the past they’ve had people bring alpacas, bucking broncos and arcade machines, but she suggests that it would also be a great spot for clay pigeon shooting, axe-throwing or garden games. She’s keen to provide for everyone.
Sarah has a full directory of wellness practitioners on hand. From yoga instructors, meditation experts and breathwork guides to those offering sound baths, nutritional information and rapid transformational therapy. In the future you might also see cold water plunge baths on the site. So, if you want to organise your own wellness retreat that works around your groups’ needs, Sarah can help.
One of the loveliest things about The Firs is that whichever accommodation option you choose, you’ll feel like you’ve picked the best one. Sarah still can’t pick a favourite spot, “The haybarn is probably one of my favourite places. The glamping feels lovely because it’s got a nice view, but the woodlands, especially in April, it’s like a sea of bluebells, it’s quite stunning. People always say it’s quite magical here”.
Fancy a magical retreat that’s close to home? Book your trip via The Firs website:
“it’s stunning, people always say it’s quite magical here”
A BLANK CANVAS FOR YOUR GLAMPING RETREAT
We were keen to get inside and see why it had retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand for a fourth year.
THE STAGE IS OURS!
When Melissa Yeadon, CEO of UK Property Stagers met the founder of Swealthy Interiors at a networking event, the stars collided, and interior staging magic happened!
This encounter has led to a dream merger that will transform properties and help boost sales. Research tells us that most people can’t imagine a space beyond what they see in front of them, so staging is a great way to show them exactly what is possible. Staging can be used to create a temporary atmosphere or show home. Or it can be more permanent. With turnkey solutions, a customer buys a ready-made property, complete with all the furnishing and finishes implemented.
The possibilities are endless and the chance to increase profit and sell the unsellable means that staging is on the rise. We sat down with Melissa to find out more about this partnership and how it can help your property business. Introducing:
BRINGING IN STAGING BRILLIANCE
“Both teams bring significant networks to the table,” says Melissa about why this is such an important partnership, “Our combined buying power means we can pass on amazing savings to our customers. But the most important thing for us was that our values, mission and standards were so perfectly aligned.”
Melissa got into staging after renovating her own home. “As with most renovations, we went to hell and back 100 times. But every challenge and difficulty had a silver lining – I realised I had a whole set of skills and a love for transforming interior space.”
She was asked by tradesmen why staging wasn’t her main job. With her mum by her side, she took the leap from psychology to staging, working everything around her children and creating a very successful business.
“I love to see the transformation from soulless properties to stunning market-ready homes with an undeniable ‘wow’ factor.”
“I especially enjoy the buzz of watching properties sell for more than their asking price; we dressed a property in Harborne last year, which was passed to me by local estate agent MECS. It had been on the market for over a year with previous estate agents with the feedback that the property felt too small for the asking price. We staged it for sale and within three days it sold for 35k over the previous offer. Needless to say, the client and estate agent were over the moon!”
WHY YOU SHOULD STAGE YOUR PROPERTIES
The Home Staging Association UK and Ireland reported in 2022 that staged homes received an offer in 45 days and sold three times faster than non-staged homes in a third of cases. Every single poll respondent believed that viewings increased on staged homes and buyers spent more time looking round.
A recent report from Zoopla shows that staging can add 10% to your sale price when done properly. Melissa agrees: “Research shows us that most people can’t see past a room in its current state. Sometimes that’s an empty room, other times a room with funky carpets and clutter.
“My background in psychology allows me to stage a room in a way that will speak to potential buyers on a deeper level. We create homes, maximising that psychological aspect in our design and implementation so the buyer has that emotional connection to the property.
“The whole point of staging is so the buyer walks in and strikes an emotional connection and can see themselves living there without question or can see the space working as a rental investment for them.”
Melissa’s degree in psychology and background in teaching the subject means she can view everything from the point of view of potential buyers. “A lot of people can’t visualise where pieces of furniture would go in certain spaces, so it helps them to imagine how they would dress the home when they move in. The aim of staging is for someone to walk in and think ‘Wow! I want this! I want to live here!’ and that’s what we achieve through our work.
“We’ve also seen a huge increase in demand for our turnkey options, which basically means the buyer chooses to buy everything we have used to stage the property as a package. They are literally buying their dream, and we make it effortless.”
TWO POWERHOUSES ON ONE STAGE
With Swealthy and UK Property Stagers coming together, there are many benefits for developers. “We save them time, stress and money and have demonstrated our worth over the years.
“The amount of time it takes to plan, organise, purchase furniture, wait for deliveries, build furniture, organise returns if anything is broken, liaise with removals, organise vans, organise and plan labour, all before installation day! Then on the day, they have to make the property look incredible, take photos, design and implement, make sure the day flows smoothly, remove and dispose of rubbish and then clean the property afterwards. Then, if it’s a rental service, come and remove all the furniture and leave tidy – not many developers want this amount of work to do it themselves.
“There’s a huge amount of time that goes into staging a property which can also be very stressful. They have enough stress on their hands, so that’s one thing we can take away from them.”
And Melissa is not afraid of a little competition: “There’s enough room for everyone.”
In fact, she co-hosts a networking group for females in the property world called Hard Hats to Heels: “A few of us got talking to Hayley Andrews from Property Elevator in a bar in London at the beginning of the year, saying how much this was needed in the property industry. So many females were worried about networking and having a lack of confidence walking in a room full of men, so we wanted to do something that was supportive of women in the industry.
That’s not to say that men aren’t supportive or don’t encourage us – they absolutely do, but it’s to bring women together somewhere where we all feel comfortable, encouraged and supported. It’s a truly fabulous networking event and we’ve had some wonderful speakers. We launched it on International Women’s Day, and it’s been a success ever since!”
So, if you have properties that need staging, you know where to come!
We were keen to get inside and see why it had retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand for a fourth year.
After a scenic drive through the Derbyshire Dales we arrived at The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone. A sneak peak around the beautiful conservatory area and grounds confirmed we were in for a real treat. We were keen to get inside and see why it had retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand for a fourth year.
We were warmly greeted by General Manager, James, who made us feel at home straight away (and took very good care of us for the rest of our evening). After a drink at the bar we were shown to our table. The uber-talented chef, Scott, delivered some very tasty snacks of Beer Battered Pickles with Duncombe Ale mustard Mayo and Smoked Mackerel briquettes with fennel seed crackers to sample while perusing the menu. We were spoilt for choice and it was one of those ‘I want to try it all’ moments! But on to what we chose...
Cornish white crab, brown crab crumpet, lemon mayo, mixed baby cress
Wine pairing of Chablis Domaine Brigitte Cereal, Burgundy, France
Pan Roasted Hake, octopus, butter bean & tomato stew, bisque sauce
Duncombe Fish Pie - Cod, salmon, king prawn, shellfish sauce, buttered green vegetables
Minted seasonal greens
Roasted hispi cabbage, walnut & parmesan
Chocolate choux bun, honeycomb ice cream
Americano
Amaretto Coffee
The most apparent thing from start to finish was the quality and freshness of ingredients. The menu had a fantastic selection of dishes and everything (literally everything) we sampled was bursting with flavour and cooked to perfection. If you’re foodies like us, you’ll love this place. We left and all we could talk about was coming back to sample the rest of the menu. Next time we’ll be trying the infamous Tart Tatin for sure. We were unable to stop on this occasion but also worth noting the Duncombe Arms has a fantastic hotel room offering.
Can’t rate this place highly enough, we both thoroughly enjoyed!
Christmas dining in the most elegant of surroundings.
Simpsons has provided the perfect setting for celebrations for more than three decades. Having held a Michelin star for more than 25 years, it has evolved to remain one of Birmingham’s most loved and respected dining destinations.
Set in a stunning Grade II listed Georgian house, the restaurant offers relaxed dining in elegant surroundings that will feature plenty of festive flair throughout the Christmas period.
Diners can look forward to the very best seasonal produce and Christmas classics elevated to the level you’d expect from chef director Luke Tipping and his team.
Gatherings of between eight to 14 guests can celebrate in the stunning private dining room, with a three course à la carte and tasting menu available for small parties.
Wine director Giacomo will offer you the perfect wines to pair with your meal as well as a range of delicious sparkling teas and non-alcoholic alternatives.
To book visit: simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk/reservation
Follow us on Instagram: simpsons_restaurant or Facebook: Simpsons Restaurant
An overgrown bungalow that ticked none of their boxes but just felt right!
When Louise and Vince Brown were house hunting back in 2009, they knew the exact location they wanted to live in, but they couldn’t find the perfect house. Then they stumbled across an overgrown bungalow that ticked none of their boxes but just felt right. They snapped the property up immediately and five years later find themselves knee deep in a renovation project that they admit has become much bigger than they ever expected. We spoke to Louise to find out all about the transformation.
Starting with a dream
“It was a really small rundown bungalow with a really ugly, massive fish pond and it was awful. We walked up the drive and it just instantly felt right, it’s just the weirdest thing, but never at that point did I think we were going to knock it down and take it to the ground and do what we did.”
This isn’t their first restoration rodeo, as they also worked on their first home, but to a lesser extent. “The first one was a lot easier! I’m winging it a bit.”
While Louise doesn’t have much experience when it comes to restoration projects, Vince works in the construction industry, giving him access to all the tradespeople and materials they needed to get things done properly. Despite that, they didn’t need too much help with their home.
“He’s done a lot of it himself. Obviously, we had the builders in to do the building, the rendering, all of that, but Vince has actually done so much himself. Obviously the electricians and painting and decorating and all that, The garden room we’re doing at the moment, he’s done that single-handedly himself. When he gets the time, he’s very good.”
The challenges along the way
And there have been a few wobbles along the way too. “We’ve had a few different designs with the house and to get what we’ve got, we had to dig really deep. At one point I remember standing about a meter down and looking up at the neighbour’s house and we were just stood in this mud and I said to Vince what the heck have we done?
Planning took longer than we expected, approximately three years; “It’s quite overwhelming when you do a house that size thinking how you’re going to do everything.”
A home they can love
Despite the challenges, the house is starting to take shape and Louise is really enjoying the results of their hard work. “I do love the garden. In the evening you can just go in the garden and it’s so quiet; it’s beautiful. The garden is like a labour of love – I’m sort of learning as I go on that. It’s not to everyone’s taste – a lot of people do comment saying too much concrete, too many slabs, but it works for us.
“We’ve got a big kitchen diner with the big island, with the table and a big TV. It’s a great social space. It’s nice that you come into the front door and you’ve got that big space and big window that lets loads of light in.
“We’ve still got loads to do, don’t be thinking it’s all finished because it’s really not! The spare bedroom is currently being decorated so that will be ready for guests very soon!”
And she’s documented the whole journey on Instagram. “I went on there for inspiration and saw that some people did it and so I just put a few things on there. Back in the day I’d just put one picture on there and it developed. One reel went crazy which was great but don’t be fooled, running a social media account takes time and effort and a lot of work. Don’t get me wrong, I get to work with some great brands, but you do have to put the effort in.”
Louise doesn’t see any more renovation projects in her future, despite Vince’s enthusiasm: “But for the moment, we’re looking forward to enjoying our dream home we’ve created”
Find Louise on Instagram at:
“The couple don’t have to do anything on their wedding day here”
Redhouse Barn has just celebrated its crystal anniversary – the 5th September 2024 marked 15 years of weddings at this specialist design-built venue. Despite being one of hundreds of wedding venues in the county of Worcestershire, it is easy to see why Redhouse Barn has stood the test of time.
We spoke to owners Jeremy Bellis and Jane Finch to see what makes this such a special venue for your big day.
A wedding as unique as the couple
“There is a lot that we do that other venues don’t. It is very much a high-end lifestyle business for us rather than a wedding factory. We only do around 60 weddings a year, so it’s about quality rather than quantity and the experience that couples and their guests have with us.
“We don’t restrict couples to food or drink packages – everything is tailored by our caterers Morgans, ensuring couples have what they want. Once they have designed their menu with Chef Anthony Morgan, they have the opportunity to have a meal of their actual wedding breakfast at the Barns. See how the food looks, importantly, how it tastes, to experience the service and make any tweaks. And we hold wine tastings for the couples and their parents twice a year.
“Each table has a member of staff to serve the food as soon as it is ready, which means it is served piping hot and those posh scotch eggs are runny. Our ‘staff to guest’ ratio is very high ensuring an exceptional service experience.”
Taking on the weight of the wedding
The Redhouse Barn team is very hands-on once the wedding planning is underway. Jane & Jeremy live on-site, so they are available to contact day and night.
“We sort as much as possible. We set up most of the wedding accessories and tables. The couple don’t have to do anything on their wedding day here, they just have to enjoy every moment of it. The attentive MC and front of house managers ensure that everything is done in a timely and seamless way without any fuss.”
Making it special
The flexibility of a civil ceremony on site means couples can get married anywhere within the five-acre grounds of Redhouse Farm. There’s over an acre of formal gardens, koi ponds, waterfalls, perfectly striped lawns and play lawns, ensuring that no matter where you set up, the photos will be incredible. There are equally impressive indoor options too, so you never have to worry about the weather.
The venue is well-equipped to make for a hassle-free, special day. There are fairy-lit trees, garden games, lanterns and accessories, as well as a full Bose sound-system, light-up LED dance floor and professional special effects lighting rig. There’s even a large drop-down screen and digital Bluetooth projector that allows guests to share messages, use during speeches or for the couple to show lots of pictures of their journey together.
But Jane believes that a good wedding relies on a great party and on good food. “Nobody wants a wedding that is remembered for them being hungry, so feed your guests well – it’s a long day with alcohol throughout, so delicious food keeps hunger at bay.”
That’s why Morgans cook all the food fresh, in-house, with a catering team that have previously won The Wedding Industry Awards and The Food Industry Awards ‘Caterers of the Year’. Meanwhile, Redhouse Barn has been awarded The Wedding Industry Awards and English Weddings ‘Wedding Venue of the Year’. So as far as accolades are concerned, you’re in good hands!
“Morgans cook all the food fresh, in-house, with a catering team that have previously won industry awards”
“Take a few moments throughout the day to spend time with each other”
Not just a wedding venue
Redhouse Barn is great for other events too. In the past they’ve hosted children’s parties, anniversary dinners and corporate events. They recently held HSBC’s client breakfast meeting and a very successful corporate marketing and rebranding launch to 180 staff for a large Midlands accountancy business.
The Barn has space for 160 seated or 200 to party, while smaller events can be held in the Lounge Bar. “We can do most types of event – just come and chat to us!”
But of course, weddings are still the main focus for Redhouse Barn. Jane has a top tip for her couples: “Take a few moments throughout the day to spend time with each other and step out of the wedding bubble to take in what’s happening. The day goes by really quickly, so enjoy those small moments.”
Want to discover the magic of Redhouse Barn for yourself? Their next wedding open event is Sunday 12th January 2025. Could this be the wedding venue you’ve been looking for?
For more information, head to:
No matter how much of a fussy eater you are, there’s always something to enjoy in an Italian restaurant – home of the ultimate comfort food.
Is there anything more satisfying than a big bowl of pasta and a large glass of wine? The Italians know how to make crowd-pleasing food. No matter how much of a fussy eater you are, there’s always something to enjoy in an Italian restaurant – home of the ultimate comfort food.
With that in mind, we’ve scoured the country to find ten outstanding Italian restaurants in the UK. How many have you visited?
NEWPORT
Gem 42
The chefs at Gem 42 use science to ensure good quality food – they even test new flavours and dishes in their lab! As a result, every single dish is faultless. They aim to create a dining experience with simple pleasures, such as a well-designed dining space and food that tantalises the taste buds.
HAMPSHIRE
Hartnett Holder & Co at Lime Wood
The two chefs at Hartnett Holder & Co have impressive resumes. Between them they’ve worked with greats like Gordon Ramsey and Marcus Wareing and at some of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the world, including Orerry and the Oxo Tower. So, you know the Italian food here is second to none, complemented by a smoke oven and a very carefully constructed wine list.
BERKSHIRE
Caldesi in Campagna
When the head chef is from Tuscany, you know you are getting properly authentic Italian cuisine, and that is exactly what Caldesi offers. With a focus on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients, they believe the devil is in the detail, and the menu is just incredible. Who needs Tuscany when you can just pop into Caldesi?
BELFAST
.avif)
Il Pirata
This is a restaurant that really flaunts the diversity of Italian cooking. You’ll find old favourites like pasta and pizza, of course, but there’s a few surprises along the way that will challenge your perception of what Italian food should be (in a great way!) Expect traditional decor and cocktails made with as much delicacy as the food.
LONDON
Locanda Locatelli
This Italian restaurant is absolutely swimming in awards, with one Michelin star to its name and three AA rosettes. With accolades like this, you can expect hearty portions and impressive flavours, with dishes inspired by different parts of the country. The wine list is just as authentic, allowing you to pair region to region.
LEICESTER
Sapori
Every mouthful represents a slice of Italy at Sapori, with head chef, Andrea Scarpati an Italian native, originally from Torre del Greco. He learnt his trade in his home country and brought that authentic cooking to England – lucky us! It is regularly recognised as one of the best restaurants in the country, but we recommend you find out for yourself.
CHESTER
Da Noi
There are only 16 Italian restaurants outside London to feature in the Michelin Guide, and Da Noi is one. Retaining its Michelin star status for another year and adding an AA rosette to its bow, it’s clear to see that the Italian couple in charge of this restaurant know what they’re doing. They now serve only tasting menus, so wear trousers with a stretchy waistband when you visit!
LONDON
Luca
Executive chef, Rob Chambers, describes Luca as a ‘modern Italian’. He grew up cooking with his aunt and learned to roll his own pasta from an early age. You can really taste that authenticity and freshness in every bite of the food you eat, and if you try the wine-pairing menu, you can see just how well the flavours work together in perfect harmony.
BRISTOL
.avif)
Casa
From self-taught kitchen novices to critical acclaim from Gordon Ramsey, the Sanchez brothers have taken Casa to new heights, offering food that is just mouth-wateringly delicious. You can’t check the menu in advance because it changes daily, depending on seasonality and freshness, but it really doesn’t matter because whatever you eat will taste like a little slice of heaven.
LONDON
Brunello at The Baglioni
If you haven’t enjoyed a meal at Brunello, then you haven’t lived! The modern dining room-style restaurant gives high class vibes, but its food is rooted in tradition, bringing comfort to your plate. And the best part? It opens at 7am, so you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner there. We’d stay all day if we could!
Together, we can continue to fight breast cancer and provide vital support to those who need it most.
Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer (LFBC) was established in 2000 by Veronica Kumeta and the late Sue Macmaster after their friend Carol Knaggs was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite their own battles with cancer, Sue and Carol’s legacy lives on through LFBC, which has supported hundreds of men and women for more than two decades.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UK, with nearly 55,000 diagnosed annually—equivalent to one every 10 minutes. LFBC is dedicated to making a difference through initiatives like Hug-in-a-Bag, which has delivered over 4,750 bags filled with comforting items to patients across 27 Midlands hospitals, all free of charge thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the UK, and risk increases with age, with 80% of cases occurring in women over 50. LFBC’s work is crucial in providing emotional and practical support during these challenging times. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, your support can help us continue our mission. Donations directly fund our efforts to bring comfort and hope to those facing this difficult journey.
To support our cause or make a donation, please reach out to us at info@lfbc.org.uk or visit our website below.
Together, we can continue to fight breast cancer and provide vital support to those who need it most.
Harvey Nichols Birmingham Beauty Manager, Helen Gough, shares her favourite fragrances currently available at the luxury Mailbox store.
1 / FRAGRANCE DU BOIS
SIRÈNE EAU DE PARFUM 75ML
£235.00
Sirène is the latest addition to Fragrance Du Bois collection and the first in the collection which has been designed for women. Since launching earlier this year, it has been hugely popular with our customers. You immediately notice the black cherry, which then softens into a very alluring, fruity and woody scent. It comes in a stunning, embellished bottle and elegant gift box which adds to the sense of luxury.
2 / ELLA K
MUSC K EAU DE PARFUM 100ML
£223.00
Every time I use this perfume, someone always asks me what I’m wearing. It stays on your skin for a long time and smells fantastic. It has a clean and salty musk scent with notes of pink pepper, sand lily, Orris oil and cedarwood.
3 / MAISON MARGIELA
REPLICA BY THE FIREPLACE EAU DE TOILETTE 100ML
£125.00
From Maison Margiela’s Replica collection, this Eau de Toilette has top notes of pink pepper and clove, with warming notes of cashmeran and orange flower. Imagine sitting by a crackling fire on a cold winter night, sipping warm mulled wine. This perfume captures that cozy, autumn-winter feeling.
4 / JEROBOAM
INSULO EAU DE EXTRAIT 30ML
£100.00
This unisex fragrance by Jeroboam has been my go-to evening fragrance for years. Insulo has top notes of vanilla, jasmine at the heart and the brand’s signature blend of enigmatic musks at the base. The unique scent is so unforgettable and lasts for hours.
5 / NISHANE
HUNDRED SILENT WAYS EXTRAIT DE PARFUM 100ML
£285.00
The Istanbul-based perfume house has become one of the most celebrated niche fragrance brands in the world. Hundred Silent Ways is one of my all-time, go-to scents. The fruity notes, with bergamot and wood make it perfect for both day and night. It’s also a great scent to layer throughout the day to make it stronger for the evening.
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MISS DIOR EAU DE PARFUM 150ML
£179.00
This best-selling fragrance by Dior is a classic. It has a fresh and sensual floral scent making it very wearable and a great choice if you’re purchasing as a gift for a loved one.
You can visit Helen and the Beauty team to explore the full range of fragrance and beauty instore at Harvey Nichols Birmingham.
Get ready for Christmas in style with a Harvey Nichols Advent Calendar.
Choose from a whole month of beauty surprises or, treat yourself to12 Days of luxury perfume. The highly anticipated Beauty Advent Calendar is now available instore and online. The Fragrance Advent Calendar will be available from 17th October.
Harvey Nichols 12 Days of Fragrance Advent Calendar
£165
Worth over £730, the 12 Days of Fragrance Calendar has scent-sational surprises waiting for you inside every drawer.
Featuring Creed, Byredo, Maison Crivelli, Parfums de Marly, Xerjoff, Frederic Malle and more, open your way to a specially-curated selection of our most-loved perfumes over 12 days of Christmas – including seven full-sized products.
And if that wasn’t already enough to get you in the festive spirit, one in every 100 calendars will include a Harvey Nichols Gift Card, worth £165.
The Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar
£250
Worth over £1,000, the Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2024 is brimming with beauty heroes inside a new, iconic design.
From Charlotte Tilbury, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Le Labo, La Prairie and Sisley Paris to Fenty Beauty, Trinny London, Sol de Janeiro and Xerjoff, open 25 captivating drawers to discover our most-loved beauty treats, including 18 full-sized products.
Plus, to boost the festive joy, one in100 Beauty Advent Calendars will include a Harvey Nichols Gift Card, worth £250.
Fast-paced experience, excellent breakfast!
F1® Arcade, the official Formula 1® experience bar, located in Paradise Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square, have launched a brand-new weekend breakfast menu, that you can enjoy every Saturday and Sunday between 10am – 12pm.
Their globally inspired breakfast items include Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, that can be enjoyed with either fresh fruit, or their infamous Dynamite Chicken. The F1®️ Arcade Breakfast Folded Flatbread that showcases quality ingredients from Burford Brown eggs to Cumberland sausages. Spiced Avocado Smash & Poached Eggs dish, plus a North African style Shakshuka.
Or if you’re wanting something lighter to snack on during a Watch Party, the venue will also be offering a Sweet Lemon Muffin with a choice of any hot drink for only £8.75.
And because it’s always 5’oclock somewhere, it would be rude for there not to be new additions to their cocktail list too! Whether you’re kick-starting your weekend with a brunch date, or setting up for an afternoon Watch Party, you’ll be able to sip on either their new Sweet Holy Mary (the MOTHER of all bloody Marys) or Breakfast Mimosa (breakfast in a champagne flute) all before the drivers have even left the grid.
For more information on the venue please visit:
Don’t you wish you could be one of those people that has their Christmas shopping done by the end of November so you can enjoy the December festivities without a care in the world? Well now you can!
FORERUNNER 965 WATCH
Garmin: £599.99
If your significant other would prefer a watch that does more than tell the time, there are few better than the Forerunner 965 from Garmin. Perfect for tracking their distance runs, their HIIT runs, their heartrate runs and their speed runs, this watch comes with a ton of extra features they never knew they needed.
PYJAMAS
Derek Rose: £225 -£235
It’s important to get a fresh pair of pyjamas every Christmas and these checked designs from Derek Rose are irresistible! There are matching designs for men and women, so you can buy for that sickeningly in-love couple or for anyone who likes to coordinate with their partner.
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LUXURY WHISKEY ADVENT CALENDAR
All Things Brighton Beautiful: £224.95
Got a whiskey lover in the house? They’ll adore this unique advent calendar from All Things Brighton Beautiful. It features 24 rare and aged single cask and blended Scottish Whiskeys, allowing them to try a new one every day.
allthingsbrightonbeautiful.co.uk
PREMIER CRU CHAMPAGNE & LUXURY CHAMPAGNE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES 125G GIFT BOX
Harvey Nichols: £80
Is there anything more decadent than a champagne and chocolate truffle gift set? These are perfect for anyone who “doesn’t need anything” because they are a luxury, rather than an essential. Treat them to the best Friday night in with this set. with the divine Harvey Nichols Premier Cru Brut and Luxury Champagne Truffles, all wrapped up in a stylish gift box.
HYDRATING RITUAL – INDIAN ROSE ABSOLUTE COLLECTION GIFT SET
Forest Essentials: £70
Treat someone to this decadent skin care gift set designed to balance and hydrate with a fresh rose fragrance. With a moisture-rich body milk, hydrating shower wash and scented body mist in every set, they’ll jump out of the shower as fresh as a rose every day!
MARAI 401 PRESTIGE – CRIMSON DAWN
Nomadic Watches: £1,495
How smart is this stylish men’s watch? Perfect for the man in your life that could do with better time-keeping skills, you can be sure he will wear this timepiece every day. Hand-built in Belfast with 18k gold, it has an adjustable strap to ensure it fits on any wrist.
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SHEPHERD SHEEPSKIN SLIPPERS HUGO - ANTIQUE OILED
Idyll Home: £69
How cosy do these sheepskin slippers look? The slip-on style is perfect for dad, with rubber grip soles and snuggly interior that makes them both practical and stylish. They come in a lovely gift box too, making them the perfect Christmas gift.
WOBBLE CHESS SET
Umbra: £255
Rather than the bog-standard board games, why not treat a family member to a wobble chess set instead? The iconic game of strategy has had a glow up, with chess pieces that wobble in place, adding an extra level of fun to each round.
GOLD SAUSAGE DOG BOOKENDS
Click Style: £69.95
Do you have a friend who loves to read? These adorable sausage dog bookends will brighten their reading sessions, keeping their books tidy and in order, while adding a bouji vibe to their shelf. Unique and useful – the perfect combination.
WELLNESS ESCAPE
Re Cabins: POA
Know someone who really needs a chance to switch off and take a break? Gift them a wellness escape at the stunning Re Cabins. Based just outside of London, the cabins come with an outside bathtub big enough for two people to relax in. The company offer gift cards on their website, so they can plan the best time to go themselves.
This is an important day in the global calendar that helps mark the contribution that men and boys make to society, creating positive conversations about men, manhood and masculinity.
This is an important day in the global calendar that helps mark the contribution that men and boys make to society, creating positive conversations about men, manhood and masculinity.
This annual event helps to raise awareness about some of the biggest issues facing men in the world right now, such as the rising rates of male suicide, male health and a lack of positive male role models. The issues may differ depending on the country the men are in, but the importance of improving male wellbeing is the same.
In the past, there have been parliamentary debates, community events and charity fundraisers. Look out for lectures, book launches, student events and comedy nights in your area too – there really is no limit to the ways you can celebrate the day.
Every event is intended to entertain, while highlighting the biggest issues facing men in society today.
Whether you have your own business or you are an individual wanting to mark the occasion, there are lots of ways you can get involved,
If you have your own business, you might arrange to get an influential speaker to talk to your employees about masculine wellbeing or any of the issues facing them in the workplace. You might also like to spread the messages of International Men’s Day via your company social media channels, allowing you to reach more people and showing your support for your customers.
Why not sign up to volunteer for charities like the ManKind Initiative, DadsMatter or Andy’s Man Club? That way you can help to keep the important messages alive long after International Men’s Day is over.
On a more personal level, you might want to send a card or a message to a man you admire or one that you thin needs your support. And if you decide to hold a community event, make sure you get in touch with the team at International Men’s Day UK via their email address: contact@ukmensday.org.uk so they can list it in their event section and help to make it a success.
For more information, head to ukmensday.org.uk
MINDFULNESS FOR THE MODERN MAN
Guys, it’s time to hit the pause button and find that elusive balance in life.
Zenergy Wellness would like to invite you to join our first online Men-ditation™ on 22/10/24 & to our community event “How to be a Happy (Hu)man” at Bayley’s of Bromsgrove for International Men’s Day on 19/11/24. Both events are free to attend, offering practical wellness techniques for the real world and will be hosted by Dave James. Further details below.
For more information about the Men-ditation ™ and the free events we are hosting please contact info@zenergywellness.co.uk or head to the website:
It’s that time of year again, when we celebrate all things spooky! If you’re planning a Halloween party butyou’d rather skip all the tacky decorations and do it in style, read on for ourluxury spooky guide!
Avoid cheap, flammable Halloween costumes and opt for one-of-a-kindpieces that ensure nobody else turns up in the same outfit as you. This mightmean you have to think a little outside of the box about where you buy yourcostume.
Try online sites like Etsy, where you’ll find unique handmade outfits.Of course, as with any online marketplace, you’ll need to check the reviews ofanyone you buy from to ensure you’re buying a good quality item. But this isthe best way to find something original and you’ll be helping a small businesstoo.
If you’ve got a little more time to plan, why not get something bespoke?Check out Molly Limpet’s Theatrical Emporium Ltd in Sheffield, ForeverEntertainment in Birmingham or head to London to get something special fromPrangsta Costumiers. Go that extra mile for your outfit and you’ll be sure tostand out!
The decorations are potentially more important than your outfit, sinceyou want to give luxury Halloween vibes while avoiding the mainstream decorthat adorns the high street at this time of year.
Start by getting the colour theme right – you want dark, autumnal shadesof brown, purple and burnt orange to set the scene. Then you can accentuatethis with large crystals like obsidian, known for its protective and balancingqualities, orange calcite, which gives pumpkin vibes, and clear quartz, whichtakes energy from surrounding crystals to amplify their effect. If you can findthese crystals carved into a skull shape, so much the better!
Keep the lights off and illuminate your home with some safely andstrategically placed candles. You’ll find some gorgeous options atwww.swealthy.co.uk. Make sure they are in lanterns, or placed out of the way ofguests who might accidentally knock them over, especially once the drinks areflowing!
DRINKS
A classy party needs cocktails and there are some fantastic options whenit comes to spooky themes.
Get the party started with a Corpse Reviver, a potent blend of cognac,calvados and red vermouth.
Then impress your guests with a Pumpkin Spice Margarita, a delicious mixof Cointreau, lemon juice, lime juice, tequila and pumpkin puree.
Make a Bloody Rum Punch with white rum, Triple Sec, red wine, lime juiceand sugar syup, with a few slices of fruit floating around to ensure guests canalways help themselves to a drink.
And then finish the event with a Rotten Pumpkin, which mixes BlackSambuca and orange juice.
Need to offer a shot? A Frisky Witch is equal parts Black Sambuca andvodka! You can find details of how to make these drinks at makemeacocktail.com.
The most important part about Halloween isthat it should be fun – if a cheap plastic skeleton or a badly carved pumpkinfinds its way into a corner, embrace the silliness! Because once Halloween’sdone, it’s all about Christmas!
In its third year Birmingham Restaurant Festival 2024’s line-up is stronger than ever, with two Michelin-listed restaurants, here’s all you need to know...
In its third year Birmingham Restaurant Festival 2024’s line-up is stronger than ever, with two Michelin-listed restaurants, here’s all you need to know...
“Birmingham Restaurant Festival is a fantastic celebration of the city’s dining scene and the list of participating restaurants showcases the incredible variety our city offers.”
Michelin-starred Purnell’s and 670 Grams are offering great value tasting menus as part of this year’s festival
Birmingham Restaurant Festival, the annual event that makes fine dining accessible, has revealed the menus that will be available from the participating restaurants throughout the Festival, from 1st-31st August.
The Festival is a celebration and showcase of the fantastic restaurants across Birmingham, which was crowned the Most Exciting Foodie Destination in 2022 by the Good Food Guide.
Every year, participating restaurants create an exclusive, great value, dinner menu, with some also offering a lunch menu. Throughout August, the public is invited to make reservations at as many venues as they please, to sample these special, accessible menus.
670 Grams, the modern and eclectic restaurant, known for their creative tasting menus and unique flavour combinations. 670 Grams comes recommended in the Michelin Guide.
Lasan, which offers exquisite Indian dining and was the proud winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Best Local Restaurant in the UK and BBC’s ‘The Great British Menu’.
The Oyster Club, the second restaurant in Birmingham by Michelin-starred chef Adam Stokes.
Qavali, where diners are served an Indo-Persian menu in a Persian Garden setting surrounded by pomegranate trees. Qavali’s accolades include the Best Restaurant in Birmingham from the British Restaurant Awards 2023/2024 and the Best Fine Dining Restaurant from the 2024 WOWs Awards.
Purnell’s, Glynn Purnell’s, also known as the Yummy Brummie, Michelin-starred, flagship restaurant, offering bright and modern dishes.
The menus vary in cost, offering a range of accessible, exclusive dining experiences.
Rosa’s Thai, Aluna, Bistro Pierre, The Alchemist, Indian Street Brewery and Malmaison.
Issac’s will offer diners a choice of Gochujang Chicken Wings, Rocket Burrata Salad, or Caesar Salad for the starter; a Beef Burger, Tagliatelle Alfredo or Cod Creole for the main course; followed by The Billionaire Cookie or NY Cheesecake for dessert.
Guests at Indian Brewery Snowhill during the Festival will be able to choose from Pakora Pops or Chicken Wings for a starter; Chicken Run, sliced chicken tikka on a bed of rocket salad, or Big Plant, aubergine and potato curry on a bed of salad, for the main course; and Gulab Jamun, warm dough balls glazed in sugar syrup served with ice-cream.
Chapter, Trentina, The Oyster Club, Primitivo, Chaophraya, Chung Ying, Dishoom, Lisa & Pann, Jam House, and Plates by Purnells, Michelin-starred chef, Glynn Purnell’s second restaurant in Birmingham.
The Oyster Club will offer diners Tempura King Prawns with a sriracha dipping sauce or a Warm Tomato Salad with burrata, harissa, and basil emulsion for the starter; Stone Bass with new potatoes, spinach and salsa verde or a Lamb Rump with Borlotti beans, peas & lamb bonbon for the main course; followed by Eton Mess or a Cheese Selection with chutney and crackers.
Plates by Purnell’s will offer a selection of tapas that will feature Pan Con Tomate (bread with tomato), Berenjenas con Miel y Trufa (aubergine chips with honey and truffle), Croqueta de Queso y Albahaca (mozzarella and basil croquettes), Besugo Frito con Patatas (pan-fried Sea bream with saffron and garlic potatoes and piquillo peppers) or Barriga de Cerdo (pork belly with sumac yoghurt ZaAtar and Vadouvan glaze), and Tarta de Queso Vasca (basque cheesecake)
Purnell’s, 670 Grams, Qavali, Lasan, Tattu, Gaucho, Siamais and Lulu Wild.
Purnell’s tasting menu will feature Beetroot with dill and Brillat- Savarin, Pain de Campagne with Marmite and honey butter, Scallop Ceviche with peas and wasabi, Brixham Cod with baby gem lettuce and beurre blanc, Wiltshire Downlands Lamb with smoked aubergine and Amelia tomato, and Blueberry & Buttermilk Tart with lemon.
670 Grams will offer the choice of two tasting menus. Their shorter dining experience will feature Curry Cured Salmon, BBQ Flatbread, ‘Lamb Dressed As Mutton’, and Strawberry & Pea (pea ice cream, strawberry custard and a sour cream scone).
Meanwhile, the full tasting menu will feature Curry Cured Salmon; BBQ Flatbread; Jersey Royal, with wild garlic potato custard and lamb fat; Keema, with wild rice, Tikka, almonds and Digbeth honey; Half-Time Balti Pie; ‘Lamb Dressed As Mutton’; Crossover (Fresno Pepper Sorbet, compressed pineapple, Diplomatico Rum); Strawberry & Pea; Fruit & Nut; and ‘Custard Factory Tart’.
Alex Nicholson-Evans, Founder & Director of Living For The Weekend, organiser of Birmingham Restaurant Festival, said: “Birmingham Restaurant Festival is a fantastic celebration of the city’s dining scene and the list of participating restaurants showcases the incredible variety our city offers.”
“From Indian street food and independents serving the best of British produce, to contemporary Chinese cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants, Birmingham Restaurant Festival truly captures the cultural diversity of the city and its culinary landscape. We’d encourage everyone to use the Festival as an excuse to try a restaurant they’ve never visited before and explore the city.”
To view each restaurant’s full menu and when they are available during Birmingham Restaurant Festival, diners should go to:
birminghamrestaurantfestival.co.uk
Each restaurant’s page will let diners know how to book the dining experience and you can stay up to date on news from Birmingham Restaurant Festival by signing up to the e-newsletter!
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Unveil summer sophistication with Harvey Nichols Menswear essentials. From breezy linens to versatile staples, discover the perfect balance of style and comfort to elevate your wardrobe this season from our top picks.
LEATHER WASH BAG
£415
The Saint Lauren wash bag is fully lined and made from pebbled leather. Stamped with the signature motif, this wash bag creates a look that’s loaded with Parisian sophistication.
ESPLAR WHITE LEATHER SNEAKERS
£120
Kick back in style with these Veja sneakers, sustainably crafted from ChromeFree leather. The neutral finish ensures versatility for any outfit.
LOGO EMBROIDERED STRETCH-COTTON SHORTS
£120
Experience effortless sophistication and comfort with Ralph Lauren’s logo embroidered shorts. The classic silhouette and iconic polo emblem epitomize timeless American style.
COTTON-BLEND SHIRT
£90
Crafted from l 00% organic cotton, this Colorful Standard shirt is a summer wardrobe essential. The short sleeve style is available in four colours to add to your collection.
STATE STREET TORTOISESHELL WAYFARER SUNGLASSES
£157
Elevate your eyewear with the timeless Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. A contemporary classic and effortlessly cool accessory to finish your summer look.
Shop the edit instore or book in with one of the expert style advisers for a personal shopping experience:
What do you buy the couple who already have everything they could ever want in each other? We’ve put together a luxury gift guide so you can navigate this year’s wedding season with ease.
1...
Wedding Bells Biscuit Tin
Surely the best way to start married life is with a really fancy box of biscuits? And these biscuits come with a cute keepsake box that can double up as a memory box of their big day. The wedding-themed biscuits include one heart-shaped design that can be personalised with the names of the happy couple, adding an extra special touch.
£49.95
2...
Luxury Wool Cashmere Throw
Perfect for the winter nights snuggled up on the sofa as they binge-watch their favourite Netflix show, this super-soft Luxury Wool Cashmere Throw will elevate their comfort levels. The stylish grey colour is modern and tasteful, ensuring it works with any style home, and it doubles up as a decorative feature on their marital couch.
£185
3...
Cast Iron Shallow Casserole
Every newlywed couple should have a Le Creuset casserole dish in their kitchen. These versatile cooking tools are perfect for meat, vegetables and almost any combination of the two! The heat-resistant knob makes serving easy while large handles make it easy to transport while wearing oven gloves. And it looks good in this gorgeous Chambray shade too!
£285
4...
Baies Hourglass Diffuser
When you’re in love, time seems to stand still, so this hourglass diffuser is a beautiful way to celebrate that. And it smells incredible too, releasing a delicate berry fragrance throughout the day, turning the happy couple’s marital home into an aromatic, fruity place to be! An ideal gift for summer weddings.
£152
5...
Silver-Plated Large Champagne Bath
What is a married couple to do with all the bottles of bubbly they will inevitably receive on their wedding day? Be the guest that gives them a solution – this beautiful Silver-Plated Large Champagne Bath holds up to four bottles of champagne comfortably and comes in a beautiful gift box, making it a much more special offering.
£139.95
6...
Yoga Luxe Gift Set
Are the betrothed couple off on a yoga retreat for their honeymoon? Get them a Yoga Luxe Gift Set each and they’ll have everything they need to bend and pose through every session! Each set contains a Sefa Organic Cotton Peshtemal, a Circular & Co Recycled Water Bottle and a Black Cotton Waffle Eye Mask. Just think how cute they’ll look with their matching kits!
£89
7...
Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream
Wish the happy couple a harmonious marriage with this beautiful Flower Harmonizing Cream from Chantecaille. When they stand side-by-side performing their skincare routine each evening, they can neutralise any stress they are feeling by reaching for the same pot and touching hands. Plus, it has special ingredients that help reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production - a winner in everyone’s eyes!
£110
8...
Feather Table Lamp
If the couple you are celebrating is a little more adventurous with their home design, then this Feather Table Lamp will fit in perfectly. Part of the Coldharbour Light’s latest product launch, it is chic and unique, with a stand made of walnut wood and soft hen and goose feathers interspersed with vintage crystals. The effect is eye-catching and all-the-more powerful when the light is on.
£420
A recently refurbished stunning new gastropub perfect for drinking, dining and socialising. With great hospitality and a seasonal menu, it’s well worth a visit...
We’d heard a lot about the Wildmoor Oak – its £500k renovation, its new head chef – Peter Jackson (who has a Michelin star restaurant background!!) and the acclaimed owners, Bex and Sarah who are well known for their time at the Highfield Edgbaston. It’s fair to say our expectations were high.
To enter, we crossed the quaint stream that runs through the stunningly renovated outdoor dining area and were immediately greeted by the lovely Bex and her team – we knew straight away we were in for a treat.
The interior has a cosy-chic décor and soft ambiance, creating the perfect back drop for any occasion.
We were served by Jade who was friendly, attentive and went above and beyond to make it an enjoyable and memorable evening for us both. What really came across was how much the entire team genuinely wanted us to have the best time.
On to (arguably) the most important part – the food and drink...
We went for:
Cod cheeks with tartare sauce
Hake, asparagus and butter sauce
28 day dry-aged flat iron steak, peppercorn sauce and fries
Glazed Chantenay carrots
Coupled with a bottle of house white (naturally)
Sticky toffee pudding, vanilla ice cream
Cappuccino and Ammericano
The dishes we tried were bursting with flavour and prepared to perfection. If you’re a foodie (like us) – you will love this place. With a special mention to (honestly) the best peppercorn sauce that has ever entered my mouth!! It’s fair to say our expectations were well and truly exceeded.
Kudos to Bex, Sarah and team for transforming the Wilmoor Oak into a country-gastro (destination!) pub, bursting with a friendly welcoming atmosphere and exquisite food and drink – exactly what the area was crying out for! Would we recommended a visit? ABSOLUTELY!
Menus filled with delicious seasonal dishes, daily specials and exceptional roasts on Sundays, written by
Head Chef, Peter Jackson
A recently refurbished stunning new gastropub perfect for drinking, dining and socialising. With great hospitality and a seasonal menu, it’s well worth a visit...
A recently refurbished stunning new gastropub perfect for drinking, dining and socialising. With great hospitality and a seasonal menu, it’s well worth a visit...
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It’s highly unlikely you’ve ever stayed anywhere quite like The Tawny Hotel in Staffordshire. Set out across a 70-acre rewilded estate, the venue takes the traditional idea of a hotel and separates the rooms out so that there’s no need to ask for a room with a view – it’s guaranteed! You get the privacy and connection to nature that you get with camping, but with the service and comfort of a luxury hotel room.
“We offer relaxed luxury. Although our bedrooms are submerged in nature, they’re filled with home comforts and are beautifully appointed so you can truly relax and unwind in style. With so much outdoor space, guests have the freedom to make themselves at home and explore at their pace.”
And there’s a lot to explore. There are five lakes and 26 follies, created at specific vantage points across the estate so you can stand and drink in the view before you. But these follies were hidden underneath overgrown weeds and bushes when the family took over.
“We’re a family-run, independent business that opened in 2021- transforming a once-forgotten estate and preserving the previous owner, Mr Podmore’s legacy, into a haven for wildlife and nature. Keep an eye out for ducks, deer, kingfishers, and a whole variety of birdlife!”
You can’t create a wildlife sanctuary without considering the sustainability of your business.
“It’s a key factor in every decision we make for the business. As a family-run hotel, there’s a shared sense of passion and importance for balancing every business decision with environmental impact.
“For example, our whole 70-acre estate is rewilded, offering a biodiverse habitat of gardens, lakes, and woodland – we border the RSPB nature reserve and sit within a recognised dark sky area too.
“Last summer we invested in a significant new renewable energy initiative by installing 108 solar panels and a solar battery on site, alongside 15 EV chargers for guest use. This means the hotel generates and uses more renewable energy, enough to power a large proportion of the day-to-day operations and creates a 20-ton decrease in carbon emissions.
“In the restaurant we use the freshest and finest ingredients, locally sourced, to create ever-changing seasonal menus and specials – and we’re also developing a kitchen garden and orchard.
With all this attention on wildlife and sustainability, you’d be forgiven for assuming you’d be staying in a tent or basic room. But the opposite is true. The Tawny does an incredible job of balancing the needs of the environment with the comfort and wellbeing of guests.
“In addition to our unusual design and range of facilities, what really sets us apart is our team – we genuinely care about the guests who we look after and are often praised for creating a welcoming and friendly environment. We see it as a privilege to be able to help make stays extra special – so it’s our high standard of service, with a focus on the overall guest experience that we value most.”
Every room is unique, but with all the high-end touches you’d expect from a five-star hotel. “Bedrooms aren’t a one size fits all. Designed to invite a sense of the outdoors in, there’s a choice – from treehouses to shepherds’ huts, boathouses and luxury retreat suites – peppered amongst the woodland.
“Interiors are contemporary, with all mod-cons and clever touches to feel right at home (the goodies of handpicked local products in the mini-bar hits the spot). And each comes complete with an outdoor spa bath, perfect for stargazing or admiring the view by day. And there’s a range of dog-friendly rooms, so you can bring the pooch too.”
They’ve recently opened some larger lodges for groups, which each have exciting additions like swimming pools, cinema rooms and Big Green Egg BBQs.
Then there’s the outdoor heated pool, on-site restaurant, e-buggy porter services, treatment room and garden tours. You can hire bicycles, go for hikes or run along the many beautiful routes. The hotel puts on weekly experiences like private yoga sessions, kombucha workshops complete with foraged snacks and refreshments, abstract painting and mixed media classes, mindful stargazing and Raku Pottery experiences.
The Tawny really has got it all!
“In the restaurant we use the freshest and finest ingredients, locally sourced, to create ever-changing seasonal menus and specials – and we’re also developing a kitchen garden and orchard.”
All we want is to sip cocktails in the sunshine whilst sitting in the lap of absolute luxury. We don’t think that’s too much to ask – do you? If you dream of the same thing, we bring you some of our favourite luxurious rooftop bars in the UK, so all you have to do now is work out which one to visit first!
LEEDS
For over 15 years, Sky Lounge has been the ultimate rooftop destination in Leeds, with a list of classic cocktails and bar favourites that will have you returning time and time again. The terrace is heated so you can sit long after the sun has set, enjoying the beauty of the Yorkshire skyline.
STRATFORD UPON AVON
When you sit out on the rooftop terrace of the Phoenix in the sunshine, you really could be anywhere in the world. The holiday vibes are helped bythe lush green surroundings and white decor, while exquisitely crafted cocktails and plentiful pizzas mean you’ll never want to leave. And, if the sun does dip out of the sky, the indoor area is just as welcoming.
ESSEX
This floral delight is one of the most insta-worthy cocktail bars you can ever hope to visit. With cocktails crafted by expert mixologists and themed menus and attentive service from the staff, nothing is too much trouble for patrons of this bar.
EDINBURGH
If you want luxurious surroundings in the Scottish capital, then you must visit Chaophraya. With decor heavily influenced by Thailand, you’ll find Buddha figures a-plenty and earthy tones that help set a mood of tranquility. This rooftop wonder is actually a restaurant, but you have to try a Mai Thai while gazing out over the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh.
GLASGOW
There’s only one way to view the lights of Glasgow and that’s from the dizzying heights of RED Sky Bar at Radisson RED Glasgow. With its rich dark wood decor and low lighting, it sets a romantic tone with some delicious cocktail options. When the weekend hits and the sun sets, the bar comes alive with live music from resident DJs bringing good tunes, good cocktails and good vibes!
LONDON
Of course, the most obvious place to look for luxurious rooftop bars is the City and Jin Bo Law does not disappoint. Beautifully decorated in marble and bronze furnishings, this decadent space gives you views out over all of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Gherkin, the Shard and Tower Bridge. We recommend trying a Sichuan Fresh cocktail, made of tequila, peppercorn syrup, lime and basil, with a satisfying twist of pineapple for a fruity treat.
MANCHESTER
If you’re looking for fancy comfort in Manchester, then you need to head to 20 Stories. Offering 360° views of the city, the vibe here is laidback luxury, with white furnishings and potted trees creating a natural canopy. There are outdoor fireplaces, ensuring you stay warm no matter what the weather is doing and a cocktail list that celebrates the diversity of Manchester.
NEWCASTLE
Offering 360° views of Newcastle, Above is a real treat for cocktail enthusiasts. The decor is stunning, really adding to the chilled lounge atmosphere and the craft cocktails have to be tasted to be believed. You can also order light bites inspired by different places around the world.
Once they started stripping wallpaper, their plans escalated, and they turned their little house in London into a luxurious home for them and their baby girl.
Imogen and Tom bought their first home together in 2020 and started ripping down walls a few days later. With no renovation experience between them, they had no idea of the project they were about to embark upon. And then lockdown happened. Imogen said, “We ended up with a house full of rubble that we couldn’t take to a tip until they reopened months later!”
Of course, they’ve had lots of contractors involved in the job, “We’ve had a fair amount of help. We had a specialist contractor to do the front of the house, removing the pebbledash, restoring the brickwork, repointing, replacing the bay window. We also hired a loft conversion company who did that conversion for us as well as some of the work on the first floor like adding a bathroom in. We hired a builder to take out the downstairs bathroom and do the kitchen renovation for us.”
Her favourite room is currently the kitchen, but Imogen says that every time they finish a room, it becomes her new favourite. “We knocked down the old bathroom which sat in the middle of the floorplan downstairs when we moved in and made a big full-width kitchen area, with a snug off to the back and I feel like this just adds a bit of wow factor to the house. We’ve just added some fitted cupboards and a library wall to the snug and it’s the perfect place to sit now. I love it and I’m looking forward to how cosy it’s going to be in the winter too.”
Of course, it’s not all been easy going. And the kitchen may be her favourite room now, but there were some challenges in getting it finished. “We had a nightmare with our builders on this project and it kept getting delayed, with lots of things finished poorly or not at all. So much so that we ended up having to get the new flooring completely replaced and finish things ourselves just to get them done. It was awful to live through as I was pregnant at the time and we were living without a kitchen, off ready meals, washing up in the bath and only had our bedroom as a living space as we had to use all the other rooms to store the things we had in the kitchen before building work started. It’s such a shame as I love the room now, but it shows how important it is to find good trades and how they can make or break your whole renovation experience.”
Imogen has learnt a lot about what goes into a renovation during the project, and a bit about herself too. “I love researching and coming up with new ideas for projects and design schemes for rooms. So much so that I’m now considering redoing some of the rooms we finished first and possibly venturing into helping others design their homes too!”
Of course, she’ll have to work around Eliza, her nine-month-old daughter. The birth of her baby girl did stop renovation proceedings slightly, but they’re back on it now! “A lot of our reno work was done pre-baby which was lucky as it’s been a lot harder and slower to get things done now she’s around! We pretty much did nothing for the first six months of her life but now we tend to do our DIY projects during nap time, after bedtime or one of us will do the work whilst the other looks after Eliza. But it’s very much a juggle that we’re still trying to get used to!
“We’ve got a long list of snagging jobs like painting doors or skirting boards which haven’t been done yet, but the only major project we need to finish is the garden now. We’re hoping to try and get that done in the next month or two before autumn. Then I’d really like to redecorate our front bedroom, and possibly our living room as I have some new ideas for these rooms now!”
And her top tips for newbie renovators? “Look for the bones of the house. If you don’t have to do a lot of structural work, it’ll be cheaper to renovate. The kitchen extension had already been built on ours, so it was just internal layout changes which have enabled us to create our new kitchen space. Consider the cost and the time – everything is so much more expensive now than when we first bought this house, so you need to make sure you have the money, or you’re willing to wait and save money and complete jobs as and when you can. Nothing about a renovation is quick, so having patience and knowing an end will come, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment, is critical.”
Check out Imogen and Tom’s incredible renovation journey on Instagram: @thelittlehouseinlondon
If you’re looking for that fairytale wedding and a celebration that lasts for longer than one day, then Orchardleigh Estate could be the venue of your dreams.
The stunning Victorian mansion is set in the middle of 500 acres of beautiful scenery and is rented exclusively to bridal parties for three or four days at a time. That means you have complete creative control of how you would like your wedding weekend to be. You don’t have to leave at midnight (dance for three days straight if you want!) and you can add any extra special touches to make the day uniquely yours.
Chris and Heather Vincent have owned the property since 1999 and they’ve seen some incredible sights in that time. Some of Chris’ favourite touches were when a couple arrived to their wedding by helicopter. And he loves a singing waiter – to him, entertainment is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.
“Our beautiful countryside 500-acre estate has a three-mile drive and no neighbours, allowing drinking and dancing till dawn!” That means there are no restrictions on how long you can have entertainment – you could throw a whole wedding festival if you wanted!
There are lots of options for where to hold the actual ceremony within the estate. St Mary’s Church sits on an island in the middle and has space for up to 100 guests. There’s also All Saints Church nearby with space for 150 guests.
But if you don’t want a traditional religious ceremony, you can get married absolutely anywhere within the grounds of Orchardleigh! There are a few options that lend themselves more naturally to a civil ceremony, including the countryside pergola, the Belvedere lawn and the garden terrace overlooking the lake. If you’d prefer to marry inside, there’s a Ballroom and a Great Hall that would be perfect for the occasion.
There are so many options, but Chris breaks it down into what is most popular: “Our packages are inclusive of food, unlimited reception and wedding breakfast drinks – there’s no extras here, everything is included.”
And there are plenty of sleeping options too. Most popular is, “A castle with hot tub usually for the girls and a lodge for the boys, sleeping a total of up to 35 for the night before. And there’s the amazing Lakeside Boathouse for the couple the day after to relive the day.”
The accommodation for the guests is just as inviting and there’s space for up to 165 people at any one time. The beauty of a three-day wedding is that you can people come and go as necessary, and you know you’ll definitely have time to talk to all your guests.
And you can be sure nobody will be bored in a venue like this either! With facilities for golf, fishing and shooting on site, there’s always something to entertain your guests – that’s if they’re not too busy soaking in their splendid surroundings!
The venue itself has been around since 1856, replacing the original house which dated back to the Norman conquest. William Duckworth built the current mansion, and it stayed in the family for five generations. The final generation had six girls and so they decided to sell up and split the cash.
Chris and Heather bought the site in 1999, but the building was in a bad state, having been empty for 15 years. As the house is a Grade II listed building, it was on the English Heritage risk register with a repair estimate of £6.6m.
But this story had a happy ending, with Chris and Heather doing the necessary work to get the building back to its sparkling self. Four years later, they held their first wedding and that is what they’ve been doing ever since!
With that in mind, Chris is in the perfect position to offer advice to prospective couples. His top tip is to “Relax and enjoy every minute” of your wedding day. And when it comes to choosing a venue, “Shop around look at everywhere then come to us and book our unbeatable package.” Wise words indeed!
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking amongst the stars, then the Maldives is the destination that will fulfil all your desert island fantasies.
By day, you can kick back on a sandy beach, with the sun in the sky, cocktail in hand, palm trees in the background. By night, you can stroll through the bioluminescent phytoplankton that live in the shallow waters. These tiny sea creatures create a bright blue glow to ward off predators and make it look as though the stars have fallen from the sky and landed in the sea. It’s an impressive sight, but it can only happen when the environmental conditions are just right. No matter where you stay in the Maldives, this is a phenomenon to watch out for.
The Maldives is made up of over 1000 islands, some of which have been transformed into private tourist destinations. These islands are divided up into 26 atolls located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. They maintain a constant temperature of 25-30°, meaning you are almost assured perfect temperatures when you visit. However, monsoon season starts in April and ends in June, so you might want to avoid those months.
The Maldives has made its name as a romantic destination for honeymooners and there are several resorts that cater for adults only. So, if you plan to travel with children, your island options will be determined by which resorts will host you. Not that it really matters – all the resorts are incredible and some even come with a private butler to attend to your every whim. And all the islands are surrounded by lush green vegetation that ensures perfect views no matter which way you look. If, however, you are planning a few weeks of rest and relaxation without the distraction of children, you are in the right place. The Maldives boasts some of the top spa resorts in the whole world!
Joali Being is possibly the most famous spa resort, dedicating its service to total wellbeing. Instead of a TV in your room, you can enjoy musical instruments. The incredible food is all about fuelling your body – there’s no junk food on this island and the spa itself offers unique treatments such as a cryotherapy chamber and salt room.
Other resorts include exciting features such as slides from your bedroom that lead into the crystal-clear seas and hammocks that hang right over the water.
The islands make the best use of their most abundant asset – the sea. If water sports are your thing, there is nowhere better in the world to be – the waters are so warm, you might even forgo the wetsuit! You can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling, or you can be really brave and swim with sharks! There are plenty of places to hire jet skis, waterskies, surf boards and kayaks, or you can enjoy the view of the ocean from the safety of the sandy beaches or one of the many boat tours. Look closely and you might even be able to see dolphins frolicking in the water.
While this all sounds like pure freedom, there are certain laws that tourists are expected to abide by. The Maldives are Islamic islands, which means you can only drink alcohol in the privacy of your resort, and you won’t be able to bring any off the plane with you. Drug possession is a jailable offence.
And they are big on sustainability too. So don’t even think of dropping any litter or picking any coral! The Maldives is a clean, tropical paradise because the locals have worked hard to keep it that way. On your travels, you might like to visit one of the many turtle sanctuaries or nature reserves to see the effects of the Maldivian conservation for yourself.
These islands are a true testament to what can be achieved when you work with nature and not against it. You can have incredible luxury and still appreciate the environment around you.
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR ITS 22ND YEAR, PROVING THAT THE BRITISH CAPITAL REALLY IS THE HOME OF DESIGN AND CREATIVITY. AS THE HUB OF DIVERSE DESIGN, IT IS AN EXCITING EVENT WITH UNEXPECTED INSTALLATIONS AROUND EVERY CORNER.
This nine-day event is an opportunity for those in creative industries to showcase their work, find inspiration and network with like-minded individuals. It is set in various locations around London, with talks, exhibitions, workshops and installations attracting people from all over the world. For an idea of the true scale of the festival, the 2019 event boasted a record-breaking 600,000 attendees from 75 countries. This year is likely to be even more popular, making it the best platform for up-and-coming designers to launch their career and open their studios up to the world.
Some of the stand-out showcases from last year included pieces from artists like Henry Moore, Dylan Glyn and Rio Kobayashi. Alongside the fine art installations and unique sculptures, visitors were surprised to see a botanical display from Lego, showing that this festival is for creatives of all types.
The festival likes to highlight topical issues through design. The last few years have seen more exhibitors tackling subjects like sustainability, AI and inclusivity, which are likely to be key themes this year too. But we are also seeing the idea of play becoming a strong theme, with its ability to strengthen bonds, improve wellbeing and enhance creativity.
Some of the highlights you can look forward to this year include an exciting innovation from Johnnie Walker, the Vert installation at the Parade Ground of the Chelsea College of Art and the suspended installation Duo at the Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall.
The festival is the brainchild of Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, who wanted to bring a focus to the emerging design industry in the UK. The first event was held in 2003 and has been a huge boost to the economy. This first design festival became the template for other festivals around the world as other countries tried to emulate its success. But, as we know, nobody could do this quite like London!
The Mayor of London is a huge supporter of the event, which has helped the festival secure the necessary funding to make it bigger and better than ever before. Since he publicly declared his support in 2019, the Mayor has boosted festival sales by £66 million – this really is the event for struggling artists to finally make their mark.
But it’s not just about the extra income that the event creates. The London Design Festival gives creatives the chance to find new inspiration and learn new skills. They can learn from each other to bring a more holistic approach to their work, spreading their artistic knowledge to help create a richer design community.
This ethos and support means the organisers could have their pick of large conference venues in London to use. But it is never confined in one space, spilling out across the capital into artists’ own studios and unique spaces, divided into 11 design districts. Each district offers something slightly different, with its own personality and are located close to each other, so you can easily stumble out of one and into another. The districts are: Bankside Design District, Battersea Design District, Brompton Design District, Chelsea Design District, Dalston to Stokey Design District, Fitzrovia Design District, Greenwich Peninsula Design District, Mayfair Design District, Park Royal Design District, Shoreditch Design Triangle and William Morris Design Line.
Visitors to the city may come across installations as they dash for the tube or stroll through one of the public parks. It makes a trip to London all the more exciting – who knows what you will see?
The London Design Festival is running from the 14th to the 22nd September 2024. Most of the events are free to attend, so you don’t have to book your place. It is worth noting, however, that some shows and exhibitions are likely to get crowded quite quickly, so you want to arrive as early as possible for the best experience. Find out more about the event at www.londondesignfestival.com
12 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2024
Why we still love London Fashion Week
After 40 years of our favourite fashion event, we love LFW more than ever. With some critics questioning if the biannual showcase is still relevant, we look at the history behind our favourite calendar entry and celebrate all the reasons why it is still important to the industry.
The story of the famous Fashion Weeks begins with a man called Charles Frederick Worth, also known to many as the founder of haute couture and modelling. Based in Paris in 1850, he wanted to increase his customer base and had the original idea of presenting one collection at a time to his audience. By doing this bi-annually, he had two opportunities a year to display his work to a larger potential customer base all at once.
This was unique in the world of fashion at the time. The first fashion show wasn’t recorded in New York until 1903, so Worth was years ahead of his time. The New York show was held at the Ehrich Brothers store and was so popular that suddenly every designer wanted a show of their own. By 1910, fashion shows were regular events in department stores across America.
At that time, America was still heavily influenced by Parisian fashion, but when the Second World War began, this fashion avenue was closed off to the rest of the world.
The second hero of our story is a lady called Eleanor Lambert. She was the founder of the Met Ball and began the International Best Dressed List. And she took it upon herself to establish the American fashion scene independently of Paris.
The first New York Fashion Week was in 1943 and was created to showcase the brilliance of American designers. It was then called New York Press Week and was set up for press to attend only – fashion buyers had to make appointments to view the collections.
In 1958, Milan joined the party with its first Fashion Week held by the National Chamber for Italian Fashion. There are reports that there may have been earlier events held in Florence too.
And then Paris had its first official Fashion Week in 1973, supported by Lambert. This was a ‘competition’ between French and American designers, giving the event an exciting edge. Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin flew the flag for France, while America was represented by Oscar de la Renta, Anne Klein and Stephen Burrows.
In 1984, London completed the ‘big four’ with its first Fashion Week. It boasted the debut of John Galiano and other design giants like Vivienne Westwood. Despite being the last to join in, London has had some forward-thinking ideas, being the first to live-stream a Fashion Week event in 2010. It now attracts more guests than Milan and Paris and is a key event on the fashion calendar.
With fashion becoming ever faster in our digital society, some have questioned the relevance of Fashion Week today. However, these events are still considered to be huge marketing, influencing and networking opportunities. They help to forecast trends, tell a story through the medium of clothing and transport us to a fantasy world. Buyers rely hugely on the events to decide what will be the biggest sellers in their stores. Without Fashion Week, there would be very little strategic planning on our high street and online stores and the industry just wouldn’t be what it is today.
This year marks 40 years since the very first London Fashion Week, organised by Lynne Franks, and of course, the February event was not going to pass without some kind of celebration of this milestone. It was a colossal event, with 67 designers, 46 catwalks and 36 events in total and an amazing opportunity to see creations by established designers like Burberry and Simone Rocha, as well as up-and-coming names like Olly Shinder and Camille Liu. Trust us, these are names you will be seeing more of soon!
It was also a great excuse to look back at some of the most iconic moments from the event over the years. Who can forget Prince’s surprise performance at the start of a Matthew Williamson show in 2008 and the Alexander McQueen dress that was spray painted by robots on the catwalk in 1999? Naomi Campbell’s fall in 1993 has gone down in history – no one else could have turned such a potentially embarrassing moment into one of iconic brilliance as well as she did. And did you ever think you would see a coffee table become a dress, like the one Hussein Chalayan displayed in 2000? You never know what to expect at LFW!
The next London Fashion Week is scheduled for 12th – 17th September 2024 and looks likely to be as fantastic as ever. Most of the action happens at 180 The Strand, but some designers prefer to hold their shows at different locations around the city, making for an eclectic event.
LFW SS25 will showcase designs for the upcoming Spring/Summer season and, as usual, will be an invite-only event. But you can still catch the action from home, as most designer showcases will be streamed at www.londonfashionweek.co.uk and many brands put them on their own social media accounts too.
At the time of writing, the schedule had not yet been finalised or any exhibitor details confirmed. But if AW24 is anything to go by, it is sure to be an event to remember.
Harvey Nichols Birmingham wine specialist, Paul Creamer, shares his favourite seasonal wines currently available at the luxury Mailbox store.
£52
This family-owned Champagne house is certainly one of my favourites. Flavoursome and impeccably balanced in the mouth, the citrus and orchard notes are integrated with suggestions of bread and honey.
£25
This stunning southern French white is a crisp and refreshing blend of Sémillon and Vermentino. The wine has notes of lemon and acacia flower.
£22.95
This spritzy, low alcohol wine has a smooth and fresh character with flavours of cranberry and wild strawberry. The Lazkano family only make a limited number of bottles, owing to the single hectare plot and the 50-year-old vines.
£9.50
No summer is complete without a good dry sherry alongside some al-fresco nibbles. This delightful, fortified white is bone-dry with a delicious saline kick to the finish.
£39.00
It’s always a pleasure to enjoy good Pinot Noir in the warmer months. This bottle is from the historic burgundy producer Louis Jadot who has been making fine wines for over160 years. Expect black cherry notes and hints of peony.
£27.50
Alvaro is one of the most respected winemakers in Spain. It bursts with red cherry and blueberry flavours and is a must-try for any Spanish red wine fan.
You can visit Paul and explore the full range in-store at the Harvey Nichols Birmingham Wine Shop.
Harborne Kitchen is not just an amazing place to eat, did you know it is also a zero-waste champion? Alongside listings in the Michelin and Good Food Guides and its two AA rosettes, the business is also doing its bit for sustainability.
We caught up with head chef Tom Wells to find out more about this exciting neighbourhood eatery.
Working sustainably
Starting at the beginning, Tom told us all about his restaurant career before Harborne Kitchen. “I have worked for Jonathan Fraiser at the Bath Spa Hotel, and he had a great influence on my career. In terms of work ethic, he was exceptional - always first in and last out. I also worked for Tom Aikens, running his Birmingham restaurant, and this opened my eyes to zero waste and using every part of the animal or the vegetable in dishes.”
Since then, the idea of zero waste has been at the forefront of Tom’s working ethic. “At Harborne Kitchen, we have developed multiple tactics to help us create a zero waste, more sustainable kitchen.
“Not only do we use ingredients grown in our teams’ gardens and local area, but we have also found new ways of using the kitchen ‘leftovers’ across other areas of the business, especially in the bar. For example, the cocktail, Rhubarb Fizz, came from the team noticing that we always had rhubarb syrup leftover from the Forced Yorkshire Rhubarb pre-desert in the tasting menu, and so we decided to use the syrup to create a delicious cocktail. This is also relevant for several other cocktails on the bar menu.”
Fine dining with a conscience
Perhaps it’s this approach that has made Harborne Kitchen such a success. Tom describes the restaurant as, “a super relaxed, casual fine dining restaurant, somewhere you can pop in for a couple of cocktails and some bar snacks or an eleven-course tasting menu and spend a few hours being wined and dined.
“We have always been very consistent in terms of our offering and how we deliver it. Amazing food and drinks all made with love and care; we’re here to look after our guests as if we are welcoming them into our home.”
He believes the definition of fine dining is changing as a new generation starts to enjoy good food. “I think we are seeing a younger guest coming through the doors. Fine dining is a lot more relaxed than it used to be, without the white tablecloths and pretentious service.” That said, he is not motivated by following food trends, “Trends in general will come and go. High quality food and drink produced by passionate people will never go out of style.”
Designing dishes you’ll love
There’s a new menu at Harborne Kitchen right now and Tom is very excited about it. “We have a small plates menu where you can come in anytime and have a few beautiful dishes to share and enjoy with a cocktail or a nice glass of wine. We have some great cured meats, burrata, chicken liver parfait and some fantastic British cheeses.
“My favourite dishes at the moment are our Amela tomato dish served with tomato ponzu, lovage and a Parma ham that we make in-house. I also love our new dessert which is Yuzu and burnt white chocolate cheesecake, meringue and yuzu sorbet.
“We always start our dishes with what’s in season, then it’s all about the flavour. Get those two right and the rest is easy!”
A passion for excellence
Harborne Kitchen opened in 2016 and Tom took over as head chef five years ago. His work ethic is unstinting,with his shifts starting at 8am and ending at 11pm most days.
When growing the team he’s looking for chefs with similar qualities. “The people that work at Harborne Kitchen are not just staff, they are like my family. They are all hard working, dedicated, loyal and hungry to achieve things in their lives. Some of us have worked together for over seven years in different establishments but above all, they are all really amazing cooks.”
He has high hopes for the future of Harborne Kitchen. “Onwards and upwards for us all! We have an amazing group of people working at Harborne Kitchen and together we just want to make all our customers happy. If awards come along, then that’s a bonus.”
Chicken liver parfait, English strawberry, White chocolate
75ml Maderia
30ml Brandy
75ml Port
100g Shallots (diced)
1 Clove garlic (crushed)
400g Chicken livers
5 Free range eggs (room temperature)
400g Unsalted butter (clarified)
20g Pink salt
175g White chocolate
45g Firm tofu
500g Strawberries
20g Minus 8 vinegar
6g Agar agar (or 1g per 100ml liquid)
100g Chicken skin
85g Chicken fat
85g Caster sugar
85g Oats
15g Salt
5 Springs thyme (picked)
English Strawberries
Freshly ground black pepper
Terrine mould (lined)
Preheat oven to 110 degrees C.
Reduce Maderia, brandy and port with the shallots and garlic until reduced by half.
Blitz the livers with the reduction in a blender until smooth. Add 1 egg at a time, blending for 3-4 minutes until smooth. Add melted butter a little at a time while blender on low speed, season with pink salt.
Pass the mixture through a fine sieve into the terrine mould and cover with foil. Place into deep oven tray and fill with warm water until two-thirds of the way up the terrine. Cover the oven tray with foil too.
Cook for 55-60 minutes and, using a temperature probe check the temperature has reached 70 Degrees C for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Cool the terrine in an ice bath in the fridge; it’s important to chill the terrine within 90 minutes until core temp is below 5 degrees.
While the parfait is cooking, heat the chocolate in a Bain-Marie until melted then transfer to a small blender and blend with the tofu until smooth, transfer to a piping bag and set aside.
Steep the strawberries and vinegar under vacuum at 80 degrees C in a water bath for 2 hours. Alternatively, use a mixing bowl and Bain Marie. Drain the liquid, bring to the boil and add the agar agar. Whisk and bring to the boil, then transfer to a suitable container. Once set blend the mixture, then pass through a fine sieve, transfer to a piping bag and set aside.
Pre heat oven to 180 Degrees C (fan).
Scrape and remove the fat from underneath of the skin, then place the skins on a baking tray. Bake for 25 minutes or until crispy. Chop and set aside.
Pre heat oven to 95 Degrees C (fan).
Combine the rest of the ingredients and bake in the oven for 2 hours or until crunchy texture is achieved.
Combine the chopped chicken skin and crunchy oats to make the topping.
Plate as shown in picture.
August bank holiday weekend is one of the busiest days of the year, with festivals happening all around the UK, appealing to a huge audience of different people. Have you got your ticket for one of these big events yet?
22nd – 25th August
If you prefer your music with an electronic dance edge, then you should be at Creamfields. One of the biggest music events of the year, it regularly attracts some of the biggest acts in the dance world. This year’s line-up includes the return of heavyweights such as Calvin Harris, Tiesto and Skepto as well as some newbies to the scene that you won’t want ato miss.
The brainchild of event organisers, Cream, Creamfields started as a one-day event in Hampshire in 1998, with an attendance of over 25,000 people and headliners including Daft Punk, Paul van Dyke and Sasha, so it was always destined to go down in history, but it has grown from strength to strength ever since.
Back then, a ticket was only £37.50, but now they have a range of ticket options starting from £75 for a day ticket, up to £430 for a four-day Gold ticket. The different ticket types determine the level of comfort you can enjoy while staying at Creamfields.
The standard ticket gives you basic facilities where you can pitch a tent and access to the main arena.
The bronze ticket includes hot showers, ‘proper’ toilets and access to the main arena.
The silver tickets gives you the same, plus a pamper tent and free car parking ticket.
The gold ticket gives you all the above plus access to the Gold Hospitality Arena which includes one complementary meal a day and a cocktail bar.
There are also standard and gold day tickets. While a standard day ticket just gives you access to the main arena, the gold ticket also offers free parking, hospitality arena, food and ‘proper’ toilets. And we all know how important ‘proper’ toilets are at a festival!
Set over four days in Cheshire, tickets are now extremely limited, but you can camp on site, making for a proper festival experience. There are also glamping spaces, for those that want a few more luxuries and if you really can’t bear the thought of sleeping in a field, then there are plenty of local hotels.
There is on-site parking, which has to be booked in advance, and shuttle buses running to and from all the major local towns, such as Liverpool, Warrington and Manchester, so it’s easy to get to the campsite. Once you’re in, there’s no nipping out to collect more supplies, as security won’t let you back in, so you’ll need to be well prepared before you leave.
Join the madness at
24th - 26th August
The very first Notting Hill Carnival took place in 1966, led by local activist and human rights campaigner, Rhaune Laslett. The aim was to bring all the local inter-cultural communities together, so they could live in London in peace, without any racial or cultural tension. Entertainment was provided by a local West Indies pan band and had the desired effect of drawing local Caribbean people to the event. The band made its way along Portobello Road and drew a huge crowd.
The event is now an important event on the capital’s calendar and is bigger than Laslett could ever have dreamed. It is now the second largest carnival in the world (only Rio Carnival in Brazil is bigger), drawing over five million people each year. To accommodate so many visitors, it is set out over the three-day weekend, with paid and unpaid events throughout London.
Steel bands still form a key part of the event, with the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition in Pleasance Park on the Saturday. Sunday is the main day, with a J’Ouvert early morning launch following Caribbean tradition, followed by an Official Opening Ceremony, Children’s Day Parade, Dutty Fun/Mas (you will get messy!) and then the Sound Systems, where you can dance to reggae music all afternoon long. Monday features the adult parade and more Sound Systems.
You’ll be able to enjoy Caribbean food all weekend and there are always some big headliner acts announced. You’ll have to keep an eye on the website and Notting Hill Carnival socials to find out who they are – some aren’t announced until the very last minute!
If you’re travelling down from the Midlands, it’s probably best to travel by train and then jump on the tube once you’re in London. It’s a nine-minute walk from Notting Hill Gate which is accessible by the Circle and District or Central Line. Alternatively, you could stay in London for the weekend, but Air BnBs, hotels and guest houses fill up months before and prices go up in preparation for this busy time of year, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible.
Find out more about the event and get tickets here:
23rd – 25th August
If your idea of a good weekend is rocking out to some of the biggest names in rock, indie and alternative music, then you can’t miss the Reading and Leeds festival. As the name suggests, the event is held over three days at two different venues, with the same line-up but on different days, appealing to people from the north and south of the country. The bonus of this arrangement is that if you miss out on tickets to one of the festivals, you might still be able to make it to the other one, with coach tickets available from some of the bigger cities.
Since its inception, Reading and Leeds has constantly moved with the times,
reflecting current trends in the musical zeitgeist, organically evolving into the much-loved festival that it is now. With an array of genres from its rock roots to dance and pop, headlining this year are some of the biggest artists in music, such as Lana Del Rey and Fred Again, Blink 182 and Liam Gallagher. With seven stages with jam-packed schedules, your biggest dilemma will be choosing which acts to watch!
Weekend tickets are £325 each for standard camping. There are also day tickets available and VIP tickets for those that need a little more glamour to their festival.
The venues are easily accessed via public transport, with links via shuttle bus, train, coach and even shuttleboat! And car parking tickets are also available. There are places to stay around the festival if camping is not for you, but they book up early and you don’t get the full festival experience this way!
Looks like you’re set for a musical bank holiday! Find out more about get your tickets at:
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