MARCHAPRIL2017

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FREE 

BIRMINGHAM & WEST MIDLANDS 

ISSUE 12 | MARCH/APRIL 2017 

INTHECITYMAG.COM 

inthecitymag.com | March 2017 | 1

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Award winning dining 

in Edgbaston 

The Calthorpe Estate within Edgbaston, just a mile from Birmingham city centre, 

is home to an array of award winning places to eat. 

Whether catching up with friends or entertaining in style, take a taste test in 

Edgbaston Village in the wide selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and leisure clubs. 

Take a taste test in Edgbaston Village. 

To book a table visit www.calthorpe.co.uk/dining 

Offices / Residential / Retail / Medical / Leisure / Education 

2 | March 2017 | inthecitymag.com

Welcome to In The City Magazine, Birmingham & the West Midlands’ 

premier lifestyle publication covering everything from fashion and 

lifestyle to news and events. 

Editor in Chief: Richard Hobson 

Publishing Director: Hassan Moulavi 

Creative Director: Jerome Beaumont 

Sales Director: Darren Tyler 

Fashion Editor: Catriona Hanely 

Contributing Writers: 

Rob Hallmark, The Ticketsellers, Huma Mian, Merisha Steveson, 

Saint Creative Studios, Aamna KhoKhar 

In The City Magazine 

G.B. House, 21 - 27 Milk Street, 

Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5TR 

Advertising 

advertising@inthecityuk.com 

0121 230 8333 

Publishing 

enq@askalps.com 

0121 230 8099 

WWW.INTHECITYMAG.COM 

@ITCmagUK 

All views and opinions expressed by contributors to, or staff of In The City Magazine are not representative of the views and opinions of the publisher. 

In The City Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements, advertorials or editorials made in this magazine. 

No part of In The City Magazine may be reproduced or copied in any way without prior written consent of In The City Magazine Ltd 


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4 | March 2017 | inthecitymag.com 

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GOODBYE FROM THE 

EDITOR 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

It is with some 

sadness that I 

announce that we 

have arrived at the 

end of a twelve 

month odyssey, with this issue of 

In The City Magazine (March/ 

April 2017) being our final. Take 

heart though – we are proud of 

our achievements here and feel 

happy that each and every issue of 

In The City Magazine succeeded 

in its goal of sharing some of the 

best and most positive stories from 

around the West Midlands. 

Though In The City Magazine is 

set to cease its print as of today (10/03/2017), that doesn’t mean that 

our story (or the story of our talented staff) is over yet. We invite you in 

one last time to enjoy some fantastic features throughout the magazine, 

written by myself and our myriad contributors. 

Opening this magazine is our Community section, which features an 

interview with Kelly Jeffs, CEO of the Light House Cinema. Kelly 

talks to us about the importance of independent cinemas and how the 

Midlands can rally to help support her fantastic venue. Elsewhere, 

we spoke to the head honchos at the city centre hair and beauty salon 

Liberty Lounge, where they shared with us their passion for visionary 

styling and an exciting new prospect for any would-be stylists out 

there. 

Our second section is Living In The City – a rebrand of our original 

Fashion and Lifestyle section, here we let our Fashion Designer 

Catriona Handley share with us the stunning looks adopted across the 

decades at the Oscars. 

Speaking of the Oscars, this month’s Monthly Feature is themed 

entirely around that very thing, as we look at the 89th Academy Awards 

and both the films that were nominated and those that won the coveted 

gold statue. It’s not all national interest though – we also look at some 

of the best places that you can catch a movie in the West Midlands, 

focusing upon our fantastic selection of independent cinemas. 

News In The City this month covers everything from the fantastic Saint 

Patrick’s Festival in Digbeth, to the announcement of a Birmingham 

show by global pop sensation Lady Gaga. 

Our Home & Interior section offers a breakdown of some of the best 

minimalist products available on the market at present, as well as some 

tips on how to deal with drain blockage in the home. 

One of our crowning glories of this issue of the magazine is our greatly 

expanded travel section, now re-branded as Take A Trip. In it, we 

explore everything from Country Spa Escapes to popular horse-racing 

fixtures at Cheltenham and Aintree and the tourism opportunities 

available to visitors. 

Our Drinking & Dining section brings to you the final monthly column 

from Huma Mian, our resident food blogger as she offers advice on 

brain boosters that can help get you through the day. We also detail 

where you can enjoy Irish stews in Birmingham city centre – just in 

time for Saint Patrick’s! 

Finally, we bring things to a close with our What’s On In The City 

section, detailing everything from the prestigious Edinburgh Festival 

Fringe to renowned UK gaming festival Insomnia60. 

To you, our readership, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks for 

following us on our journey over the past twelve months and for all 

of the kind correspondence that you have sent us in this time. I would 

also like to extend an enormous thanks to everybody that has ever 

contributed to creating this magazine and for all of your wonderful 

help. An extra huge thanks as well to our previous Editor-In-Chief 

Shana Owen and our incredible designer Jerome Beaumont, without 

whom none of this would have been possible. 

We created some great things. 

Thank you and goodbye (for now!) 

Rich Hobson, Editor-In-Chief 

(Writer from April 2016 – March 2017) 


CONTENTS 

Community 

Saving The Lighthouse | 11 

Bringing You Old School Flair | 14 

Liberty Lounge Hair dressers | 19 

Passion & Lingerie with Suki Nijar | 22 

Living In The City 

The Oscars: Rolling Back The Years | 26 

Accepting Your Dark Side | 32 

Glitz & Glamour 

89th Academy Awards | 37 

Best Places to Catch A Movie | 40 

In The City News 

St Patricks Day 2017 | 46 

Birmingham Goes GAGA | 47 

Rebuilding Glory: Classic Car at NEC | 48 

Mothers Day 2017 | 49 

25 

Macmillan Charity Gig | 49 

Home & Interior 

52 

Steps Towards Minimalism | 50 

Concrete As A Creative Palette | 52 

Interior Shopping Directory | 53 

Blockage & Drainage | 54 

37 


72 

76 

Travel & Tourism 

Spa Leisure In The City Offer | 58 

Country Spa Escape | 60 

The Cheltenham Festival| 62 

The Grand National | 64 

Grand Prix Calender | 66 

- Brazil Grand Prix | 70 

- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 72 

Drining & Drinking 

Celebrating With Irish Stew | 74 

Brain Boosters For The Working Day | 76 

Brain Boost Smoothie | 77 

Brum’s Big Fat Pizza Festival | 80 

COTM: Pimm’s No.1 & Lemonade | 82 

81 

What’s On In The City 

the ticketsellers: Swingamijig Festival | 85 

- Richard Barbieri Feature | 88 

- What’s On Listing | 90 

Flatpack Film Festival | 94 

Insomnia 60 gaming event | 95 

Directory 

Calling All Businesses | 96 

84 

88 


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COMMUNITY 

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT CINEMAS : 

SAVING THE LIGHTHOUSE 

Light House Cinema, The Chubb Buildings, 

Fryer St, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT 

The importance of independent cinema cannot be overstated. Not 

only does the independent cinema represent a localised variant 

of the community arts hub, but it also re-introduces an inherent 

sense of magic back into the cinematic experience, all-too-easily 

lost with the advent of the multiplex and chain-brand. 

The city of Birmingham has no less than three independent cinemas, 

but further afield the Black Country enjoys the services of only one 

establishment; the Light House Cinema. Located in Wolverhampton city 

centre, the Light House has existed for over two decades as a cultural hub, 

a pillar of the arts community directly plugged into the local consciousness 

offering everything from showings of the latest blockbuster hit to 

independent arts showcases. 

However, as with countless other arts venues throughout the UK, the Light 

House now faces financial hardship, its future uncertain without support 

from the local community. Luckily, the complex is directly plugged into 

the heart of the Black Country, working to engage the local populace in 

everything from language cafes to rental of the space for private events. 

In The City Magazine caught up with Light House CEO Kelly Jeffs about 

how people can support the historical enterprise and why the Light House is 

important to so many people. 

“The Light House is the Black Country’s only independent cinema and we 

have been housed in the Chubb Buildings for the past 26 years. Our key 

objective is to present great films, a diverse range of products that can 

encourage people to utilise this venue as a creative and cultural hub rather 

than just a cinema. We are all about giving people a warm and safe place to 

come and chat, and while they are here they have exclusive use of our space. 

We feel there could be a lot more engagement culturally in Wolverhampton 

and we work with a lot of different demographics to help that happen. We 

have a full programme of films every evening across our two screens, but we 

also provide local language communities a space where they can meet and 

also look to integrate that into what else we do.We are also actively involved 

in health and wellbeing initiatives. Our “singing for lung health” has been 

growing week-on-week and the event is actually part of their therapy and 

recovery process. We also have a brain tumour support group. for this, it’s 

not always just about the person who is ill but as a way to support their 

families too. 

We have a great foundation of people that want to help and support us, 

especially amongst our older patrons. We are a part of their week and the 

cinema offers them a sense of independence. They will plan their months 

with us and actively want to be part of discussions, asking questions like 

“what will we like?” so they can come again. It’s such an amazing thing to 

see, that we are part of the fabric of their lives. 

The Light House has a mixed income stream, with donations, grant income 

from the local authority, commercial income from the ticket sales and other 

commercial income from the hire of the venue and the cafe/bar. 


COMMUNITY 

The public funding side has depleted year on year and we have had to think 

about our business plan – how to plug that gap without compromising 

our service, without compromising our identity and without turning into 

something we don’t believe we are. To do that, we have looked at a few things. 

One of these is that we are looking to get some signage on the building. We 

have been here for over 25 years and it has been talked about for many years, 

but has never quite happened. 

We now have money ready (thanks to a crowdfunder done last year), have 

quotes from companies and are going through the design process. We feel the 

signage will give us an opportunity to re-launch, of a kind, to give people a 

new perspective on us as a business. 

We also offer private hire of our facilities. Given enough time to prepare, we 

can organise to put on specialist films or showcase new talent – be it a filmmaker, 

a music video producer or other creative type. The hire also extends 

to our on-site cafe/bar and a beautiful Victorian courtyard that, back in the 

day, was one of the busiest nightclubs in Wolverhampton. We also hire out 

our gallery space to local artists. That helps us cover the costs and gives us a 

space to showcase their talent. 

“I am a firm believer in choice – the more choice you 

have in the place you live, the better. It creates a critical 

mass of activity and it gives people a sense that their 

home has a buzz about it. We are very lucky to have 

an independent cinema, but that makes it all the more 

important to keep it going because once it’s gone, it is 

gone forever.” – KELLY JEFFS, LIGHT HOUSE CEO 

What you can do to support the Light House? 

- Advertise! On a corporate level, the Light House is looking 

to solicit sponsorship from local businesses. If you are the owner 

of a local business, or know somebody who could benefit, advise 

them to contact Kelly or the Light House team. Sponsorship can 

take the form of everything from direct advertising on-screen 

before a film, to logo placement on the programme. 

- Donate! As a charity, the Light House benefits greatly from 

donations from the general public. To donate, visit https://localgiving.org/charity/lovelighthouse/. 

- Become a Friend of the Light House! Much like 

donations, becoming a Friend of the Light House is a great way to 

support the business and comes with perks, like £1 off all cinema 

tickets, or a movie poster from the Light House archives. To join 

up, visit the official website; www.light-house.co.uk/who-we-are/ 

friends 

- Hire! The cinema, cafe/bar and courtyard areas of the Chubb 

Buildings are all available for private and commercial hire. For 

more details, contact the venue directly. 

- Visit! Possibly the single-most important aspect of supporting 

the Light House is to actually make use of its services. Located in 

the city centre, right next to the train and bus stations, the Light 

House is easy to find and prices are much cheaper than your local 

multiplex. Patrons of the cinema help to keep it in business and 

are crucial in spreading the word. 


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TAKE A FRESH LOOK

COMMUNITY 

BY ROB HALLMARK 

BRINGING 

YOU OLD 

SCHOOL 

FLAIR 


COMMUNITY 

In the article this month I caught up 

with Dale Sampey, the owner of the 

sublime men’s grooming parlour, The 

Barber House, located in the centre of 

Birmingham’s Colmore Row district. Dale 

and I go way back, he was the guy who 

first took the plunge to stock Gruhme, 

a business I had only just started a few 

months earlier when we met. His bravery 

that day sums up the guy that he is as 

it’s been one brave more after another 

for Dale. Here is a bit more of his story. 

You run a highly successful business, 

picking up the top ranking for 

Birmingham when GQ ran an article a 

few years back, where did it all begin 

for you? 

It all started in a little Italian barbershop 

back in 1991. My first role was how 

it begins for most of us in the trade 

today: sweeping floors, clearing up, 

welcoming the customers and listening 

in on the conversations of the older 

guys in the barbershop whilst enjoying 

their particular styles of banter too. I 

knew from a young age it was what I 

always wanted to be, a respected gent’s 

hairdresser giving the best styles and 

service of my trade. My dad was not 

keen on the idea back then, barbering 

was not as trendy as today and he had 

expected me to follow a more “manly” 

profession. But there is little else more 

manly than barbering in my opinion, 

it takes great skill to make a customer 

return time and again, cutting their 

hair is only a part of that experience, it 

starts from the second they walk in (the 

handshake, the drinks, the conversation 

- all part of what makes them a loyal 

customer). When I started out most 

barbers were not giving their customers 

much choice or thought in terms of style 

and service so I have always set about 

to create a more tailored approach and 

that remains the case today too. Despite 

my father’s reservations I felt such a 

connection to the work I knew I could 

master it and make a living from it too. 

Wasn’t easy going against the old man’s 

wishes but I have never looked back! 

In your time at the chair you'll have 

seen some trends come and go but your 

shop seems more popular than ever 

with queues out the door, does it seem 

that way to you too? 

We've seen all sorts of styles come 

and go over the years, and not all need 

a comeback either! There have been 

Flattops, French crops, V cuts and many 

more. The latest David Beckham style 

always caused a spike in demand over 

the years and now we have the best of 

all: the Pompadours are back! (Ed: thinks 

Elvis and Bruno Mars for the Pompadour 

look). The Pompadour is lovely style to 

cut and we are all thoroughly enjoying 

it being so popular, I also think it will 

be around for a long time to come. The 

first 20 years were certainly hard graft 

to get established but the next 20 years 

will certainly be my best, it has all come 

together brilliantly. Having my own shop 

in the centre of Birmingham means we 

can attract plenty of customers and 

that provides a great opportunity to set 

my own style and influence to a wider 

market. The popularity of The Barber 

House is due to the way we give the men 

a chance to experience the very latest 

and best in men’s cuts. Barbering is very 

much in fashion these days and we are 

all having a great time - but we should all 

remember that fashions don't last so I'm 

going to make the most of this upward 

shift in popularity! 

There's been no mistaking the boom in 

men’s beards and the products to look 

after them. Any tips for those growing, 

or thinking of growing a beard? 

including in the corporate workplace 

too. We can certainly give advice to any 

starting out or wanting to launch that 

new look for 2017 – and suggest the best 

products to help you keep that beard in 

the ideal style and condition for you too. 

We pride ourselves on being experts in 

beards and shaving and making sure you 

can learn something new on each visit 

too, we only sell what we believe is right 

for the job. 

Is the day of the clean cutthroat shave 

likely to make a more mainstream 

appearance in 2017? 

I think beards are going to be around for 

quite a few years but maybe the style of 

the beard will change. Expect we may 

see beards being longer on the chin and 

shorter on the sides but it's certainly 

still here for the foreseeable future as a 

popular look. The clean shave is far from 

beaten though; the appearance it made 

in Skyfall with Bond using a cutthroat 

shave certainly gave it a shot in the arm. 

The safety razor and brush combo is 

gaining popularity all the time too. We 

still get a very satisfying feedback from 

our customers who come in for the full 

clean shave, especially when it is the 

first time, nothing compares to it for a 

feel good shave. For the uninitiated on 

cutthroat shaves I suggest they come in 

and let the experts give them the experience 

they won’t forget, it’s as close to 

pampering as us guys get. 

If you are going to grow a beard there's never been a 

better time to show it off, the choice of styles and products 

has just never been so good. There has been so much 

of it over the past few years that you can find plenty of 

experience in keeping that beard in tiptop condition too. 

This the first time in my career where the beard has been 

so mainstream and so fashionable, 


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Does the Birmingham scene have its 

own favourite style or does it follow 

general trends? 

Birmingham certainly has its share 

of unique beards, and the guys wear 

them well (certainly our customers!). 

In terms of hair, the Pompadour had 

not been seen much for around 20 to 

30 years and now it's everywhere and 

Birmingham has been amongst the first 

to adopt it for sure. The side parting 

Pompadour may be making a greater 

appearance next year and we’ll be doing 

more of those for the local scene too. 

The trend for a more fashionable style is 

going to stay around and we love that, 

the more the guys are keen to look the 

part the more fun our work is each day. 

Q6 You work long hours each day and 

you have a young family at home. What 

advice do you want to share about 

coping with and working in a business 

but having time for a home life too? 

I've always worked hard but I actually 

work harder now I’m in my 40s then I've 

ever worked! I work 12 hours plus each 

day and travel either side of that as well. 

One thing I always make sure is I have 

a decent amount of quality time at the 

weekend with my family (the guys do 

a great job taking care of the shop 

over the weekends for me). Another 

way we keep close as a family is they 

all get involved in the business. We 

each have a role and my wife helps 

me a great deal, even drops by on the 

occasional Friday and we try and grab 

a drink together after closing too - my 

daughter is hoping to join in full time 

one day and has also been working 

Fridays with me and the guys. The 

good news with the family working 

together is it’s easier to not talk about 

the business at the weekends, as we’ve 

all seen enough of it during the week! 

(I'm laughing at this particular point 

because I still talk about the business 

far too much I bet!). 

What is the thing you like most about 

having a business in Birmingham? 

Birmingham really is the place to be 

right now, it’s got the perfect mix of 

a City vibe but a place you can get to 

know the locals properly too. There is 

so much development going on which 

is continuously helping bring in a more 

lively and interesting atmosphere. In the 

past few years since we opened there 

are so many new restaurants, bars and 

businesses coming to the area. It's great 

to be in the Colmore Row area and we 

are hoping to grow and do more here as 

a business ourselves too. 

What would be your advice for 

someone looking to up their game in 

2017 and go for a bold new look, which 

cut and style would you suggest? Any 

In The City promotions for January 

(wink, wink!)? 

A new look and a new style is a great 

way to start the New Year. Pop in and 

have a chat, we love giving people ideas 

for how they can adopt a new look. 

There's never been a better time to 

experiment too, combine some expert 

advice and our great choice of products 

and you can’t go wrong. January will be 

a good time to visit as we are running 

the January promotion on our online 

shop for 10% off all orders purchased 

by our new customers. I’m sure if you 

mention you saw this article we can 

throw in an extra free drink and maybe a 

deal if you’re lucky too! 

Would you do it all again? 

Absolutely. I wouldn't change a thing I 

did to get to where I am today either. 

At the right time, in the right place they 

often say you need a little bit of luck and 

some good timing, I've waited a lot of 

years for this but we definitely had the 

luck when we needed it - right when we 

opened the doors to The Barber House 

and it certainly feels we will be able to 

keep the positive momentum going for a 

long while yet! 

By Rob Hallmark 

(CEO Gruhme - www.gruhme.co.uk) 

If you take time off where is your 

favourite place to go? 

Holidays with the family 

are so important. We 

normally head somewhere 

warm and relax as much 

possible. We went to Ibiza 

this summer and had a 

great time. A good holiday 

makes all the hard work 

worthwhile, so time out is 

certainly important if you 

have to do the long hours 

needed to run a business. 


ASPIRING OR SEASONED BLOGGER? 

WANT TO BE A CONTRIBUTOR, 

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 

Become a contributer & Join our diverse team at In The City Magazine - our scope spans across all genres and is 

appealing to both men and women. One of our goals is to give bloggers like yourself a platform to have your work 

published on a regular basis. We believe our magazine can offer great opportunity 

in increasing your profile and for your blogs to be exposed to a wider audience. 

If you are interested then provide your emailing to 

editorial@inthecityuk.com, or Call: 0121 230 8099 for more details 

So what’s in it for you? 

- We will credit you as a contributor to the magazine 

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- If we feel the blogs are what we are looking for and fit the ethos of the 

magazine, we will give you further opportunities to have your work published! 

Your work will be distributed throughout the Midlands in high end restaurants, hotels, 

waiting areas etc. We are really excited to be offering you the opportunity to have your work published. 

AREAS / TOPICS WE ARE INTERESTED IN FEATURING... 

HEALTH & BEAUTY 

MAKE UP 

FOOD & DRINK 

ENTERTAINMENT 

NIGHTLIFE 

COMMUNITY 

BUSINESS 

MOTORS 

INTERIOR DESIGN 

CHARITY 

PROPERTY 

HOTEL 

WWW.INTHECITYMAG.COM

NEWS IN THE CITY 


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: 

LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN FREE 

WITH LIBERTY LOUNGE 

COMMUNITY 

Housed on a quiet street just off the bustling Brindleyplace, 

Liberty Lounge has enjoyed a prime position to enjoy and 

participate in the revitalisation of Birmingham for the past 

14 years. While the city has changed greatly around it, one 

thing has remained consistent in the Liberty Lounge story; 

the quality of treatment for its customers has always been 

premium. 

Mere minutes’ walk away from tourism hotspots the Barclaycard Arena 

and National Sea Life Centre, Liberty Lounge enjoys the perks of its 

surroundings, drawing a clientele from the local community, drop-ins 

visiting the attractions and even workers employed in one of the nearby 

office buildings. This places it as one of Birmingham’s more coveted 

locations, with things only set to improve with the opening of a new hotel 

just up the road from the salon and a new HSBC headquarters sure to draw 

in new business. 

There’s no need to make yourself green with envy though; Liberty Lounge 

are hiring. If you are a creative stylist looking to break into the city centre, 

or somebody already employed in the city centre looking for a change of 

scenery, you are the exact kind of person Liberty Lounge are interested 

in...“We are looking for a stylist. We offer different employment packages 

that are unique to us – unique to this profession” explains Damon, Liberty 

Lounge’s director. 

Chatting to In The City Magazine early in the morning (the only time of day 

that the salon isn’t filled with customers seeking that special Liberty Lounge 

touch), Damon explains exactly the type of person that he and Donna 

(Liberty Lounge’s senior stylist) are looking for. So who are they after then? 

Well, somebody with an eye for creativity, skill and expertise but also 

somebody still willing to learn – after all, fashion and beauty trends are ever 

changing! “I don’t want somebody who isn’t passionate about what they do, 

or somebody who doesn’t have a clientele. We want somebody who has a 

growing clientele to come and have a chat with us, see what we can do to 

further their personal modelling power. We want somebody who wants to 

grow.” 

Damon and Donna are certainly experts in growth, having toiled tirelessly 

at the Liberty Lounge brand to establish it as one of Birmingham’s premier 

beauty brands. The Liberty Lounge experience doesn’t blindly follow 

fashion trends; instead, the salon is run on ideas of personal creativity, 

with stylists encouraged to perfect their abilities in a variety of areas to 

offer customers an expertly tailored service. This is readily apparent upon 

speaking to Damon and Donna – both are clearly passionate about what they 

do, even more passionate about how important getting the right person for 

the job is. 

Fourteen years watching Birmingham burst into life has given the pair all 

they need to know that their offer is unique and highly attractive. “We are 

perfectly located to be available to people where they live and where they 

work. Just look at Brindley Place – there are 6000 more people there now 

than there were when we started”, Damon says. 

“It’s a growing area. It’s illustrious. When we first opened it was a quiet 

street just out of the city centre, but we have become more and more 

connected as the city grows”, Donna adds. 

It’s not just a prime position that connects the pair to Birmingham – they 

also place great importance on the idea of their new stylist being somebody 

equally acquainted with the area and its outlying suburbs, like Lady Wood, 

Moseley or Harborne. 


COMMUNITY 

“We would like to find someone who wants to be creative, to grow themselves without being in 

a corporate environment. A lot of salons with a good reputation are very corporate and a lot of 

hairdressers don’t want to be in a backstreet salon doing old ladies hair, but also don’t want to 

be part of the corporate world. We’re trying to allow people to grow and be creative in their own 

way, but we don’t make people work in structure. We give people freedom, let them choose their 

hours (to a degree) so we can create a happy team in a way a corporate company won’t”, Donna 

explains. 

A job with Liberty Lounge is much more than just a 9 – 5. The role also rewards imagination 

and offers a wealth of training opportunities – both in-house and outside training with notable 

luminaries like Schwarzkopf. Liberty Lounge treat beauty with the reverence that it deserves – 

after all, this is more than just a career, it is a passion. As one would expect from such a passionate 

establishment, Liberty Lounge’s clientele is a large mix of demographics, with regulars who have 

used the service for years brushing shoulders with clients just moving into the area, or professionals 

who demand only the best and most stylish looks. 

“We provide a friendly, professional service where 

everybody is welcome. Whether you come from in the 

city, out of the city or somewhere completely different, 

we think it is important how we treat our customers. We 

sit nicely within the community – it is still a growing 

area, but we were part of the initial development of this 

place”, - Damon. 

“It feels as though now things are really coming 

to a head now, there’s a new buzz in the area with 

development everywhere you look”, - Donna 

Part of the foundations of one of Birmingham’s most ritzy and popular neighbourhoods, Liberty 

Lounge are an institution recognised for their creative spirit and positive, welcoming atmosphere. 

If you are a stylist looking to expand, they might be just the thing you are looking for. Get in touch 

with the salon directly via 0121 643 2299 or online at www.libertylounge.co.uk 


WWW.LIBERTYLOUNGEHAIR.CO.UK 

Liberty lounge 

calling all stylists 

we need you!!! 

/LIBERTYLOUNGEHAIR 

Based near Brindleyplace in Birmingham city centre, Liberty Lounge is in a 

perfect position to cater to the myriad needs of our local community, be it a 

resident of the city or just a visitor passing through for the day! 

We are now looking to add creative, unique stylists to our happy team for 2017. 

We offer some great training packages and plenty of opportunity for our stylists 

to build upon existing client bases in providing excellent hair and beauty care. 

So are you a fun, outgoing person that is passionate about beauty and ready to 

take the next steps in your career? Get in touch with us!

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BY ROB HALLMARK 


I 

first met Sukhy, the 

founder of Sipsey, in 2016. 

I was immediately struck 

by how professional she 

was, no surprise given 

her finance background, 

but also by how warm 

and personal she was 

too. As I got speaking 

about her journey it was 

apparent the qualities 

she had would lend 

themselves to the challenging nature of 

starting a premium business, requiring 

a welcoming touch but also a steely eye 

on the operational side, including the 

attention to detail required to compete 

these days. This interview was a genuine 

pleasure and her business is a genuine 

asset to the West Midlands. 

COMMUNITY 

You used to have a job in the City of 

London, how did you make the leap 

from that world into having your own 

start-up? 

It was a big change leaving the banking 

world, which is all that I’d known since 

I graduated. London, where I lived for 

the past 10 years, had become my home 

but I was ready to quit the corporate 

world, I’d had enough of the rat race. 

The sudden loss of my father also played 

a big role in my leap from banking to 

business. He was still young – only 56 

when he passed – but this made me reevaluate 

my life and I decided to follow 

my passion. Deep down I always knew 

that I wanted my own business, and 

coming from a family with a business 

background it was in my blood. 

I was originally looking to set up my 

business in London, but I soon realised 

it would be better to move back with 

my family in the Midlands and have 

their support. While I was thinking 

about what to do, I booked myself onto 

some lingerie courses. I instantly fell 

in love and decided this was the route 

that I wanted to take. So I got in touch 

with a consultant and started to do my 

own research. I found that there was a 

need for independent specialist lingerie 

boutiques in the West Midlands. I wrote 

up my business plan and went to the 

lingerie trade show in Paris to learn 

about brands and the industry and from 

that “Sipsey Lingerie” was born. Sipsey 

opened its doors on June 5th 2015 on 

Drury Lane, Solihull. As an independent 

boutique, Sipsey specialises in bra fitting 

services and over the past 18 months 

has become a strong advocate for body 

confidence and empowerment through 

lingerie. 

the current environment to set up 

any kind of business. But, with faith, 

determination and not quitting, you 

can achieve what you dream. My other 

heroes are Walt Disney and Steve Jobs 

– I admire them for being visionaries in 

their prospective fields and for never 

giving up on their dreams. 

Was there a particular reason you 

choose Solihull for your first store? 

Why do you think Sipsey is so beloved 

by its customers? 

Sukhy Nijjar, Owner of Sipsey 

I like to think it’s the service we provide. 

We specialise in our bra fitting services, 

catering for mastectomy, first teen and 

maternity. We’ll even fit you into shapewear, 

swimwear, nightwear & hosiery. We 

strive to cater to everybody, with sizes 

28-44 back & A-K cup and 8-18 available 

in the different ranges available within 

the boutique. 

It’s also the brands we provide; all of our 

brands are well established, ethical and 

unique, providing us with high quality 

pieces. I handpick everything we have 

in the boutique and make sure there’s a 

great selection available at all times. 

“I was actually looking in Birmingham. But, with Birmingham 

it was challenging to think of where an independent like 

myself would actually fit. There’s so much to consider and I 

knew there’d be a difficult balance between running costs and 

footfall. Somebody suggested that I look in Solihull and once I 

got to Drury Lane I fell in love, not only with the unit I’m now 

based in, but also with the lane itself. There are already so many 

thriving independents here I thought I’d be a great fit, I also 

think that Solihull is a great shopping location. It’s exciting, 

especially with all of the new expansion plans arriving soon!” 

Who were your biggest inspirations 

when you started out? 

My parents: they showed me 

perseverance and taught me to always 

follow your dreams. It’s not easy in 

The key reason though, in my eyes at 

least, is our customer service. We like to 

go that extra mile; we’ll spend time with 

all of our customers to ensure that they 

not only receive a great personal service, 


COMMUNITY 

but also so we can help them find 

exactly what they’re looking for. 

What has been your favourite moment 

in your journey so far? 

There have been a lot of great moments, 

but my favourite highlight so far has 

been being nominated for an Underlines 

Award. It was such a happy moment to 

be recognised in my own industry by 

being nominated for Best Concept Shop. 

I was so particular about the design 

of my boutique. I was inspired a lot by 

London and European stores whilst 

creating my vision and everything in my 

boutique reflects my own personality, so 

it really was such a big achievement for 

me. 

Conversely, what would you say has 

been your biggest challenge? 

I suppose the presumption that 

everybody will love your brand and 

understand what you’re about. When I 

began my journey, I didn’t realise that 

people would make quick judgements, 

be it about the store or the brands. I’ve 

had to go out a lot and educate women 

about the importance of wearing the 

right size bra. Currently as it stands, 7 

out of 10 women are wearing the wrong 

size and to me, it’s so important for them 

to know about how wearing the right 

size affects both health and confidence. 

I’ve also had to explain the importance 

of quality a lot too. We live in a world 

of fast fashion, so I’ve had to try and 

educate people about the importance of 

wearing quality, ethical brands. You get 

what you pay for in life and this can’t be 

any truer when it comes to lingerie. 

Any advice for somebody looking to 

start their own business? 

ever-growing online business. Even 

though personally I prefer shopping 

in a physical store, I can’t ignore the 

increasing demand for online retail. 

Lastly, I would love to open up another 

store, because I see a real need for stores 

like ourselves who specialise in fitting 

services. 

Vivis, a range of elegant and luxurious 

100% silks. Or there’s Lise Charmel, the 

crème de la crème of lingerie, a French 

brand who use the finest materials and 

are experts in their field. We also have 

a variety of different swimwear styles 

and brands such as Watercult, Melissa 

Odabash& Chantelle Paris in stock all 

“It’s tough, but it can be can very rewarding. Stick to your gut and you’ll build a loyal 

customer base. Sometimes you’ll feel like you want to give up, but stay determined and 

keep your dream in sight and you’ll make it through the hard times. Make sure you have 

enough money to sustain you and a very good marketing strategy. Also, everybody loves 

a good story, but I think the key is to focus on customer service and take every day as it 

comes. I’ve been open for 18 months and I’m still learning daily.” 

Where do you plan on taking Sipsey 

next? 

Firstly, I would really like to consolidate 

my position in Solihull and become a 

destination boutique. We want to be 

the best specialist lingerie boutique 

and fitting service in the West Midlands. 

Secondly, I really want to expand our 


Are they any brands on your shelf 

that you feel our readers should know 

about? 

We’re slightly different to fashion, so we 

have new drop-ins all the time. We tend 

to go for unique brands and styles such 

as PJ Salvage, a quirky and chic celebrity 

favourite nightwear brand. We also stock 

year round with brands offering cupped 

and underwired pieces for extra support. 

We know that different styles and 

brands fit different shapes and sizes, so 

we’re always adding new pieces to our 

collection! 

@ SipseyLingerie 

www.sipseylingerie.com

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Princess Grace Kelly made an iconic picture 

looking poised in a fantastic mint green Edith 

Head gown for the 1955 Oscars.

LIVING IN THE CITY 

ROLLING BACK 

THE DECADES 

AT THE OSCARS 

MOST ICONIC OSCARS FASHION MOMENTS OF ALL TIME- 

THROUGH THE DECADES SINCE 1929… 

BY LONDON IRISH DESIGNER CATRIONA HANLY 

The red-carpet style at the 89th Academy Awards in Hollywood was an 

exquisite retro rewind thanks to many silhouette gowns, rich velvet 

fabrics, romantic lace, trailing capes and sparkling accessories. I 

often look to the fashion icons of the past for inspiration so this 

was a fashion feast for me! At the Oscars the stunning outfits play 

an important supporting role; they let winners and nominees truly 

shine on their big night. We decided to take a look back through the 

decades all the way back to the very first academy awards in1929. 

We picked our favourite look from each decade and watched how Oscars glamour evolved 

in all its splendour and glory. 

Some of the stunning designs portrayed include the ivory Hubert De Givenchy printed 

dress that Audrey Hepburn wore for the 1954 Oscars, Lauren Hutton’s gold shorts and 

sweatshirt creation from Zoran in 1980, the romantic and fanciful pink feathered Versace 

dress that Penelope Cruz wore in 2007 right up to the show stopping Ralph & Russo gown 

that Alessandra Ambrosio wore in 2017. From the Golden Age to the Modern Age, the 

Oscars puts style in the brightest spotlight. Oscar Wilde summed it up perfectly “One 

should either be a work of art of wear a work of art” 

1920s Actress Janet Gaynor was the first Best 

Actress of the Academy Awards way back 

in 1929 and she chose a dazzling black floor 

length gown from 'Off The Rack' for her 

appearance. 

1930’s Actress Mary Pickford stole the show 

in an embellished sleeveless gown at the 1930 

Oscars. 

1940’s: The 1948 winner Loretta Young was 

a bombshell in a flashy emerald green satin 

gown with matching gloves by Adrian, the 

movie costume designer of such iconic movies 

as The Wizard of Oz 



1950 

Left: 1950’s: Legendary diva Audrey Hepburn 

vowed all her admirers with her sensational 

choice of an ivory Hubert De Givenchy 

printed dress for the 1954 Oscars. 

Audrey Hepburn was a close friend of French 

designer Hubert de Givenchy. They originally 

met in 1953 when Hepburn went to Paris to 

acquire an authentic Paris couture dress by 

Balenciaga for her role. Balenciaga advised 

her to visit his former pupil, Givenchy, who 

had expected to meet Katharine Hepburn, but 

was won over by Audrey. This led to a lasting 

professional association, which would see 

Hepburn wearing Givenchy for seven of her 

most outstanding movies. 

“ONE SHOULD 

EITHER BE A 

WORK OF ART 

OF WEAR A 

WORK OF ART” 

- OSCAR WILDE 

1960 

Right: 1960’s: Barbara Streisand rocked this 

very edgy trouser suit in 1969 and inspired designers 

for decades to come with this creation 

from Arnold Scassi 

The pantsuit with flared legs and tuxedo cuffs 

got her on thousands of Oscars outfits Internet 

lists, which deem it alternatively “iconic,” 

“wacky,” “outrageous,” and “worst.” What 

made it especially memorable, though, was 

that it was completely see-through, a quality 

she was entirely unaware of! 



Left: 1970s: Is anything more 

appropriate than the simple gold 

gown Farrah Fawcett wore to 

present an Academy Award in 

1978. With her lack of accessories 

and abundance of trademark 

hair, she evoked that California 

vibe that became synonymous 

with her image. 

Below: 1980s: Lauren Hutton made a 

really unique style statement at the Oscars 

in 1980 with this gold shorts and sweatshirt 

creation from Zoran. Sassy Hutton is 

pictured here after the Oscars entering the 

famous Studio 54 

1970 

“FASHION IS 

ABOUT SUSPENSE 

AND SURPRISE 

AND FANTASY, IT 

IS NOT ABOUT 

RULES” 

- WOLFGANG JOOP 

1980 



Above: 1990s Gweneth Palthrow looked as 

pretty as a princess in a pink Ralph Lauren 

ball gown with a dramatically voluminous 

skirt at the 1999 Oscars. Sleek pulled back 

hair and an elegant diamond choker added to 

her flawless style 

2000 

“FROM THE 

GOLDEN AGE TO 

THE MODERN AGE, 

THE OSCARS PUTS 

STYLE UNDER THE 

BRIGHTEST 

SPOTLIGHT” 

Above: 2010s When Kate Hudson 

walked down the red carpet for the 2015 

Oscars, her look was truly the definition 

of a show-stopper in in Atelier Versace. 

That plunging neckline,the stunning 

shimmering satin fabric, the delicate caped 

shoulders – perfection! 

2010 

Above: 2000s This stunning floor length 

feathered Versace gown worn by Penelope 

Cruz at the 2007 Oscars with its blush colour 

oozed drama and romance. The star rarely 

puts a well heeled foot wrong on the red 

carpet but this was a special moment 



2017 

And finally, we arrive to 2017 and the Oscars gilded parade did 

not disappoint. The days of Edith Head, the great midcentury 

costume designer whipping up a gown for one of her actresses 

or the Wizard of Oz costume designer being put to work on a 

different kind of Emerald City are long in the past. Dresses are 

big business, and Oscar dresses the biggest of all. An entire industry 

spins around securing the starlets and a moment of media 

airtime in which they dutifully recite their labels. 

We had the princesses who maneuvered their massive ball skirts 

(Kirsten Dunst in Dior and Leslie Mann in Zac Posen). The 

sultry set wore sleek, slinky, often high-slit or sheer dresses 

(Nicole Kidman in peachy Armani Privé and Naomie Harris in 

white sequined Calvin Klein) 

I believe that the lady should wear the dress and not the other 

way around. In my view, nobody wore it better at the Oscars 

2017 than Alessandra Ambrosio is this show stopping Ralph & 

Russo gown and coordinating red heels. 

‘Catriona Hanly Designs are available at 

www.catrionahanly.com and can be ordered 

made to measure just for you!’ 

info@catrionahanly.com | 07809253278 

Couture dress by Catriona Hanly: 

£1,100 – made to measure. 

Contact Catriona Hanly directly 

or see www.Catrionahanly.com 



BY AAMNA KHOKHAR 

ACCEPTING 

YOUR DARK 

SIDE 

We are told at a very young age how to behave. 

The social parameters of ‘normal’ thoughts 

and behaviour are clearly set out for us and 

stepping out of those boundaries can have 

grave consequences. So, it’s no wonder that 

we find it hard to accept in ourselves those 

characteristics that are classified as socially unacceptable and could 

lead to a painful rejection. 

Throughout history we have been taught that we must ‘kill’ the darkside, 

those negative characteristics and weaknesses within us. But 

is that even possible? And if so, is it even healthy? What we resist 

persists, so if we spend all our time killing and eradicating a side of us, 

are we at risk of doing more harm than good? 

As human beings, we were created with a full range of emotional 

responses and desires, classified as good and bad, and this is universal. 

So what we do know is that we are not responsible for the creation of 

these, they are natural and they have a function. So why do we need to 

hide the ‘bad’ ones and pretend they are not there. Sheryl Lee said, “the 

more we deny that we have a dark--side, the more power it has over 

us”. 

The healthiest way to live is to accept the beast within us, that way we 

can keep it in check. If we deny it and ignore it, it tends to slowly get 

out of control and in time much difficult to harness. It’s hard to accept 

the dark-side because we often feel afraid of the rejection that will 

follow if anyone finds out about that side of us. We get busy creating a 

world where we are ‘fine’ and the problem is out there. 

Avoiding our dark side can rob us of happiness, it can lead to depression 

and addictions because we are not truly connecting with ourselves 

or with other people. If we continue to live a picture-perfect life, 

denying a part of ourselves we can become exhausted and lonely. When 

we accept the dark-side it lives in harmony with the light and we lead 

much more authentic and healthy lives. 

Fully accepting ourselves as people with dark and light sets us free, 

we become a more whole and complete person. The pressure to lead a 

‘perfect’ life is gone and we are free to accept what’s really there for us. 

Once we are able to accept ourselves as whole, complete and perfect 

as we are and as we are not, we are able to do the same for others. The 

feeling of fully knowing ourselves and another and being able to share 

that is true intimacy and connection. 

How do we know what our own personal dark side is? So, we need to 

listen carefully to the judgements we make about others, these are often 

the same judgements we make about ourselves. If we find fragility in 

someone annoying, then chances are that we find the same thing in 

ourselves annoying too and will probably go to great lengths to hide it 

from others. In such circumstances, we may openly judge others and 

gossip about them to deflect the same weakness in ourselves. 

We may suffer jealousy, ignoring or denying this feeling can lead to 

dysfunctional behaviours however, if we are willing to accept that such 

feelings exist within us and that they are natural then we are free to 

deal with them. If jealousy is the overriding feeling, then we have to 

identify the reasons behind it. If for example, we are feeling jealous of 

a friend who has had a great holiday with her dream partner then the 

reasons why we are triggered is because we want the same. Instead 

of wishing it away from our friend it’s healthier to wish the same for 

ourselves and then establish ways to have the same possibly even by 

asking our friend for advice on how. 

Once we begin to treat ourselves with such compassion and not judge 

reactions within us that are normal and there to be understood, we 

are able to harness that side of us. We become more authentic in our 

relationships. We are better able to allow that authenticity to show in 

others without judgement. We no longer fear rejection because we fully 

accept and respect ourselves for all that we are and all that we are not. 

Fortunately, we are not just dark, or light, and our real beauty lies in the 

harmony of both. 

To contact Aamna Khokhar 

please email info@leafcoaching.com 




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GLITZ & GLAMOUR 

89 

TH 

ACADEMY 

AWARDS 

The definitive article in entertainment awards, the 

Oscars are now in their 89th year and are the ultimate 

recognition of achievement in the film industry. 

Awarding everything from Best Director to Best Picture 

and Best Sound Editing, the Oscars recognise that every 

component of a film production crew is vital to the health of the 

overall industry. 

A Multi-billion dollar industry, Hollywood certainly set the bar 

extremely high for the Oscars in 2017. Surprises are often few and 

far between in the modern industry climate, yet the event proved to 

be highly memorable (both for good reasons and reasons a little less 

so!) as the good and great of Hollywood gathered in LA to celebrate 

the best films of the past twelve months. 

Hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, the event marked the first time 

that an LGBT-related film picked up the award for Best Picture, in 

the form of Moonlight. This was also the first film with an all black 

cast to win Best Picture. 

Among the biggest winners of the event was La La Land, the 

neo-classical Hollywood musical directed by Damien Chazelle, 

starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. In total La La Land won six 

awards of its record-tying fourteen nominations. 

As is customary for the event, a host of celebrities were called upon 

to present awards in each category, with notable additions including 

Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Vince Vaughn, Charlize Theron, Dev 

Patel and Leonardo DiCaprio. 

For a comprehensive list of the awards and nominations, check out 

our Oscars –The Winners and Nominations feature. 



THE OSCARS: 

NOMINEES AND WINNERS 

The magic and majesty of film isn’t created through sole contributions, but rather through the composite skill of 

thousands of screenwriters, directors and actors right the way through to lighting technicians, visual effects artists and 

producers. As the definitive awards ceremony for the film industry (in the West, at least), the Oscars gives awards for 

nearly every essential piece of work done in the film industry. As such, the following list isn’t exhaustive (for that, you 

would be able to fill a whole issue of In The City Magazine!) but is instead a collection of some of the biggest awards 

in the most recognisable categories. 

BEST PICTURE 

Arrival 

Fences 

Hacksaw Ridge 

Hell or High Water 

Hidden Figures 

La La Land 

Lion 

Manchester by the Sea 

WINNER: - Moonlight 

BEST DIRECTOR 

Denis Villeneuve, “Arrival” 

Mel Gibson, "Hacksaw Ridge" 

WINNER: Damien Chazelle, “La La Land” 

Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” 

Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea” 

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

WINNER: Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight” 

Jeff Bridges, “Hell or High Water” 

Lucas Hedges, “Manchester by the Sea” 

Dev Patel, “Lion” 

Michael Shannon, “Nocturnal Animals” 

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: 

WINNER: Emma Stone, “La La Land” 

Natalie Portman, “Jackie” 

Ruth Negga, “Loving” 

Meryl Streep, “Florence Foster Jenkins” 

Isabelle Huppert, “Elle” 

BEST DOCUMENTARY 

“Fire at Sea” 

“I am Not Your Negro” 

“Life, Animated” 

WINNER: “OJ: Made in America” 

“13th” 

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

Bradford Young, “Arrival” 

WINNER: Linus Sandgren,“La La Land” 

Greig Fraser, “Lion” 

James Laxton, “Moonlight” 

Rodrigo Prieto, “Silence” 

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE 

WINNER: Casey Affleck, “Manchester by the 

Sea” 

Andrew Garfield, “Hacksaw Ridge” 

Ryan Gosling, “La La Land” 

Viggo Mortensen, “Captain Fantastic” 

Denzel Washington, “Fences” 

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

WINNER: Viola Davis, “Fences” 

Naomie Harris, "Moonlight" 

Nicole Kidman, “Lion” 

Octavia Spencer, “Hidden Figures” 

Michelle Williams, “Manchester by the Sea” 

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING 

Eva von Bahr and Love Larson, “A Man 

Called Ove” 

Joel Harlow and Richard Alonzo, “Star Trek 

Beyond” 

WINNER: Alessandro Bertolazzi, Giorgio 

Gregorini and Christopher Nelson, “Suicide 

Squad” 

Adapted screenplay 

“Lion,” by Luke Davies 

Arrival,” by Eric Heisserer 

WINNER: “Moonlight,” by Barry Jenkins 

“Hidden Figures,” by Theodore Melfi and 

Allison Schroeder 

“Fences,” by August Wilson 



FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: 

“Toni Erdmann,” Germany 

WINNER: “The Salesman,” Iran 

“A Man Called Ove,” Sweden 

“Tanna,” Australia 

“Land of Mine,” Denmark 

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY 

WINNER: “Manchester by the Sea,” by 

Kenneth Lonergan 

“Hell or High Water,” by Taylor Sheridan 

“La La Land,” by Damien Chazelle 

20th Century Women," Mike Mills 

The Lobster,” by Efthymis Filippou and 

Yorgos Lanthimos 

VISUAL EFFECTS: 

Craig Hammack, Jason Snell, Jason 

Billington and Burt Dalton, “Deepwater 

Horizon” 

Stephane Ceretti, Richard Bluff, Vincent 

Cirelli and Paul Corbould, “Doctor Strange 

WINNER: Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, 

Andrew R. Jones and Dan Lemmon, “The 

Jungle Book” 

Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean 

and Brad Schiff, “Kubo and the Two Strings” 

John Knoll, Mohen Leo, Hal Hickel and Neil 

Corbould, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” 

COSTUME DESIGN 

Mary Zophres, “La La Land” 

Madeline Fontaine, “Jackie” 

Consolata Boyle, “Florence Foster Jenkins” 

WINNER: Colleen Atwood, "Fantastic Beasts 

and Where to Find Them" 

Joanna Johnston, "Allied" 

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 

“Kubo and the Two Strings” 

My Life as a Zucchini” 

“The Red Turtle” 

WINNER: “Zootopia” 





The glitz and glamour of the Oscars might seem a 

million miles away from Birmingham (or 5,336 miles 

if we are going by the map), but that doesn’t mean 

you can’t still enjoy a taste of tinseltown on your 

doorstep. 

As the second most populous city in the UK, it makes 

sense that Birmingham (and the greater West Midlands 

region) should have plenty of cinematic outlets for its million-plus 

residents. For convenience, most of us will be well aware of where our 

nearest branded cinema chain is. Be it Showcase, Cineworld, Odeon or 

Reel – the national mega-chain cinema complex is now the most familiar 

outlet for the public to go out and watch a movie. 

But, while you might be aware of the likes of Broad Street’s Cineworld, 

the Showcase Cinemas of Dudley and Walsall or Quinton’s Reel cinema, 

you might have missed the great independent cinema venues that are right 

on your doorstep. To celebrate this Oscar season, In The City Magazine 

has a run-down on some of the best independent cinematic venues in the 

West Midlands. 

First though, here are some honourable mentions for some of the more 

mainstream establishments you might visit... 

iMax Screen, Cineworld Birmingham 

Standard Ticket Price(s): £13.20 Adult, £9.70 Child (2D Screening) 

Birmingham’s flirtation with ultra-size screen cinemas mostly went away 

with Curzon Street’s “Giant Screen” project in 2015. But, for film-lovers 

who will only accept the biggest and best as part of their cinematic experience, 

Birmingham city centre’s Cineworld has you covered. The iMax experience 

is cinema at its most bombastic; films are projected onto a giant 

curved screen, whilst sound effects are rendered through digital technology 

for maximum immersion in the cinematic universe. As if that weren’t 

enough on its own, iMax is also able accommodate 3D film screenings. 

Vue Cinema, StarCity 

Standard Ticket Price(s): £8.79 Adult, £7.29 Teen, £6.79 Child (2D 

Screening) 

Though many cinema chains have gone to great lengths to create premium 

film-watching experiences, many cannot compare to the relative comfort 

of luxury seating at some of the city’s independent establishments. 

Birmingham’s Vue Cinema, a part of the StarCity retail park, is not one of 

these cinemas. Plush with luxury recliner chairs and high-tech flourishes 

that allow for maximum comfort and viewing/listening experiences, Vue 

is a national chain with a vigilant eye on maximising customer comfort. 



Electric Cinema 

47-49 Station St, Birmingham B5 4DY 

The oldest working cinema in the UK, the Electric Cinema offers a taste of glitz 

and glamour fit for Hollywood. 

Standard Ticket Price(s): £9.50 Adult, £6.50 Concession 

Birmingham’s oldest independent cinematic institution, the Electric Cinema 

has offered patrons a unique and hugely enjoyable cinematic experience since 

its opening in 1909. Far from the corporate multiplex you might be used to, the 

Electric Cinema is a homely affair with two comfortable cinema screens showing 

a combination of new releases and classics all year round. 

Renowned for its numerous themed film nights, visitors can look forward to a 

classic movie at a “Cinematic Time Machine” showing, or otherwise indulge a 

taste for awful b-movies at the “Trash Film Night”. A quaint lobby bar serves 

a variety of sweets and savoury snacks, but the pièce de résistance is the bar’s 

extensive drinks list, including themed cocktails to fit special screenings. 

What’s more, if you wish to sample a taste of extra luxury, cinema-goers can 

purchase sofa seats, offering the comforts of home in a full cinematic environment, 

complete with table service! 



The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen 

Mockingbird House, The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AA 

Birmingham’s hottest new cinematic nightlife fixture, perfect for those with a taste for 

fine film and cuisine. 

Standard Ticket Price(s): £5.95 (Adult), £4.00 (Child), £4.95 (Senior/Student) 

Formally opened as a full-time cinema in late 2016, Digbeth’s The Mockingbird Cinema 

and Kitchen has fast become a fixture of the exciting Digbeth nightlife scene. As is 

typical of the independent cinema experience, The Mockingbird shows a combination 

of hot, new releases and specially-chosen classics to offer its patrons a selection of the 

greatest movies ever made. 

Housed in the custard factory, The Mockingbird is at the heart of the current revitalisation 

of Digbeth. What’s more, the establishment offers a foodie revolution of its very 

own with a full kitchen providing meals which can be enjoyed pre and post-film. As 

The Mockingbird also doubles as a bar, it offers its very own extensive drinks menu 

including a selection of craft ales, bottled ciders and cocktails. 

This combination of fine dining and film makes The Mockingbird a perfect nightlife 

spot, with everything its patrons could want available on their doorstep. 



Light House Cinema 

The Chubb Buildings, Fryer St, Wolverhampton 

WV1 1HT 

The Black Country’s only independent cinema and one of 

Wolverhampton’s best kept secrets. 

Standard Ticket Price(s): £8.15 (Adult), £6.65 (Concession), 

£4.50 (Children/Students) 

Wolverhampton’s Light House is more than just a cinematic 

institution. It is a beacon of media and arts in the city 

centre, an establishment that combines cinema screens, an 

on-site cafe and bar, galleries and club areas in one handy 

city-centre location. 

Housed in the iconic Chubb Buildings, the Light House 

Cinema comprises of two separate screens which show 

movies throughout the week. The cinema is more than just 

an entertainment and arts venue, however. The centre is a 

pillar of the community, hosting regular events and meets 

on a weekly or monthly basis, dependent upon the event. 

Not content to just show classic movies and brand new 

releases, the cinema also screens special “Thinema” broadcasts 

of live theatre shows. It’s building is also used for 

monthly live performances by jazz musicians (as part of a 

“Jazz House” feature), language cafes (where learners and 

speakers of languages including French, German, Japanese 

can meet for discussions and screenings of language-centric 

films) and music evenings. 



Mac Cinema 

Cannon Hill Park, Queen's Ride, Birmingham B12 9QH 

Birmingham’s comprehensive arts complex hosting everything from 

theatre and dance to film and workshops. 

Standard Ticket Price(s): £8.00 (Adult), £6.00 (Child), £6.00 (Senior/ 

Student) 

Located away from Birmingham city centre at the scenic Cannon Hill 

Park, the Mac is an arts complex comprised of everything from a theatre 

to cinema. The cinema complex at the Mac is equipped with a 4k Sony 

projection kit and the cinema is dedicated to giving its patrons exceptional 

cinematic experiences. 

The dynamic nature of the Mac means that events are hosted at the venues 

throughout the year, the building frequently hosting multiple events on a 

single night. Non-film events hosted at the Mac include theatre, comedy 

and dance performances. The cinema itself hosts a variety of films old and 

new all year round, with special events screenings occurring throughout 

the year. 

Visitors be aware; true to its theatrical roots, latecomers to the Mac will 

not be admitted into screenings once a film has started. This is to preserve 

the cinematic experience and means you needn’t worry about somebody 

crossing the screen just as the film is starting! 



MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY 2017 FRIDAY MARCH 17 TH 2017 

It’s no secret that each year Birmingham hosts one of the biggest Saint Patrick’s 

Day celebrations in the world. 2017 will uphold that grand tradition 

as businesses, buildings and residents get into the Saint Patrick’s spirit 

and don the iconic green representative of the emerald isles. Though you 

can expect plenty of celebration on the actual Saint Patrick’s Day (March 

17th), the biggest celebration in Birmingham city centre will be held on 

Sunday March 12th for the Saint Patrick’s Festival. 

The build-up to the Saint Patrick’s festival is a year-round undertaking, with a 

fundraiser night hosted at Digbeth’s Connaught Bar on February 24th getting 

the ball rolling for the 2017 event. The Saint Patrick’s Festival is an all-day 

event celebrating the patron saint of Ireland. Designed to unify the community, 

the event kicks off with a charity fun run called “The Emerald Mile”. 

Starting at 10am, the run is an event where all are welcome to participate, 

whether they run, walk or just dance along the chosen route – the same route 

taken by the iconic Saint Patrick’s Day parade. Participants can run for any 

chosen charity of their choice, with fundraisers also at the event to raise money 

for the Saint Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade. Entry to the race is capped at 

250 people and costs £15 for adults, £5 for kids (under age 16). 

Following the fun-run, visitors can prime themselves for the famous Saint Patrick’s 

Day Parade. Showcasing global unity, this parade is much more than just 

a celebration of Irish tradition and culture, but instead an event which includes 

everything from Caribbean dancers to Chinese dragons. 

The Birmingham parade itself dates all the way back to 1952 and has been 

hosted in Digbeth since 1996. A huge demonstration of communal unity and 

multiculturalism, the parade is a demonstration of the Irish sense of hospitality 

and community spirit. Colourful displays and traditional music provide a vivid 

exhibition for people to enjoy as the parade makes its way through Digbeth 

and up to Saint Martin’s Church in the Bullring of Birmingham City Centre. 

After the excitement of the parade, visitors can look forward to plenty of 

entertainment, food and drink in the “Emerald Village” pop-up. This event is 

held in the carpark adjacent to Digbeth’s Irish Centre and will feature a host of 

traders selling everything from independent food and drink items to homemade 

wares. The village will also feature a covered bar (great news for if the 

March weather turns for the worst!) and a stage for family entertainment, in 

the form of local live entertainers and musicians. Among the acts booked for 

this year’s festival are Lampa, Reel Note and Pat Breslin. 

The main sponsor of the Saint Patrick’s Festival 2017 is Kiely Bros. Other 

sponsors for the event include Ireland.com, Guinness and the Lottery Fund, 

amongst many others. 

What? The official Birmingham celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day 

Where? Digbeth High Street (B12 0LN) 

When? Sunday 12th March (Sunday before Saint Patrick’s Day) 

How Much? Free to watch and participate 



BIRMINGHAM GOES 

GAGA 

What? Pop sensation Lady Gaga comes to Birmingham 

Where? Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham B1 2AA 

When? Sunday 15th October 

How Much? From £45.80 

Global pop sensation Lady Gaga has announced a 

show in Birmingham this October as part of her 

“Joanne” world tour. 

Fresh from a stunning Superbowl half-time performance 

in the US and special guest status with global metal icons 

Metallica, Lady Gaga will come to Birmingham for a 

stunning performance that is sure to astound. Tickets for 

the event start at £45.80, though are extremely limited in 

availability due to the exceptional popularity of the artist. 

A true pop sensation, Gaga has won (amongst others) a 

Grammy, Golden Globe and has been nominated for an 

Academy Award in her career, which has seen the artist 

stun the world with her unique and astounding visual 

style. 

The “Joanne” world tour is in support of the album of the 

same name, which debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 

200. The album is Gaga’s fourth consecutive #1, making 

her the first artist to achieve such a feat in the 2010s. One 

of the best-selling artists of all time, Gaga’s Birmingham 

show is most certainly not one to be missed. 



REBUILDING GLORY: 

CLASSIC CAR SHOW COMES TO THE NEC 

What? Practical Classic’s Classic Car and Restoration Show 

Where? NEC, Birmingham B40 1QA 

When? 31st March – 2nd April 2017 

How Much? £16.00 (Adult), £11.00 (Child, Under 5’s Free), £25.00 (Weekend 

Pass – Sat/Sun Only) ***Advance prices only*** 

Cutting edge tech and flashy gadgets are all well and good, but in 

the world of motors nothing can beat a fully-restored classic. As 

such, motoring enthusiasts will be excited to know that Practical 

Classic’s prestigious Classic Car and Restoration Show will be 

returning to Birmingham’s NEC this March/April. 

A three day event held between March 31st and April 2nd, the show is a 

huge opportunity for car lovers to see some of the finest vehicles ever created 

in one place. The 2016 event attracted over 19,000 enthusiasts, united 

over a love for all things in the classical motors world. As such, the event 

retains a community atmosphere, bonding its patrons through their shared 

interest with a litany of attractions and exhibits. 

For true motoring enthusiasts, the opportunity to restore a classic motor to 

its former glory is the holy grail of mechanical hobbies. In recognition of 

this, Practical Classic’s event brings together everybody from the aspiring 

hobbyist looking to start a new project to the seasoned restoration professional. 

If you are looking for advice on how to start a project of your own, 

this event is a perfect forum to develop ideas and get tips. 

The Classic Car and Restoration Show covers the diverse interests and aspects 

of the motoring hobbyist, taking its patrons right the way from advice 

on how to restore a vehicle all the way through to purchasing and restoring 

their own passion project. Vehicles will be on sale at the event from both 

dealers and classic car auctions, allowing guests the opportunity to take 

home a piece of history. The event will also feature live demonstrations and 

over 800 vehicles put on display in a comprehensive exhibition. 

Boasting one of the broadest collections of classic bikes and cars in the 

Spring classic car calendar, you can bet that Practical Classic’s event is a 

great way to kick off the motoring year. Over 350 specialist exhibitors and 

traders will be hosted at the event to guarantee a greater yield of attractions 

and unique exhibitions. In addition, the event will also feature 130 classic 

car club stands, an indoor Autojumble and celebrity guests, making this a 

fully-inclusive experience for the global motoring family. 



MOTHER’S DAY 2017 

Be it your own mother, your sister, girlfriend, wife or even 

a friend with children, we all know a great mother who 

deserves the world. So mark your calendars and don’t 

forget that mother’s day 2017 is on Sunday March 26th.The 

perfect opportunity to celebrate mothers (and mother figures) 

nationwide, there are plenty of things that you can do on Mother’s Day to 

thank the special ladies in your life. 

In Birmingham, you might treat the special mum to a meal at the Jeckyll 

& Hyde, one of Birmingham’s quirkiest and most beloved gin/cocktail 

parlours. What’s more, the bar is offering free glass of fizz to all mothers, 

as an extra helping of loveliness! 

Across town, Alva Bar at Hotel La Tour offers a retreat from the bustle of 

Birmingham city centre – ideal if you’ve spent a day shopping for the best 

mother’s day deals! Alva Bar’s tea parlour atmosphere is a perfect way to 

unwind on a Sunday afternoon, especially if you treat mum to a slice or 

two of delicious cake! 

If you’re looking to stay just outside of Birmingham city centre, why not 

enjoy a trip to Fleet Street Kitchen on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. 

An ultra-chic, elegant restaurant and bar, Fleet Street Kitchen offers a 

delectable selection of gourmet meals and refreshing drinks that’ll leave 

your mom feeling like a queen. 

Of course, these are just a few ideas on where you can go this mother’s 

day – do you have any recommendations that we have missed? Email us 

at Editorial@inthecityuk.com to let us know where you’ll be taking your 

special lady this year. 

TO ALL MOMS, MUMS, MOTHERS, 

GRANDMOTHERS & MOTHERFIGURES 

IN OUR LIVES WE SAY ... THANK YOU!!! 

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO 

HOST SPECIAL CHARITY GIG 

FOR MACMILLAN CHARITY 

What? A local writer/photographer has organised a charity show 

for Macmillan as part of her 30th birthday celebration. 

Where? The Flapper, Cambrian Wharf, Kingston Row, Birmingham 

B1 2NU 

When? Saturday 8th April 

How Much? Free 

Carrie Humphries, a local photographer and writer for the 

music website More Than The Music has set up a very 

special music event for the charity Macmillan Cancer 

Support. To be held at Birmingham’s premium rock n 

roll venue The Flapper (located just next to the Barclaycard Arena 

and Brindley Place), the event is free and will be set up on a firstcome, 

first-served basis. 

Set up as part of celebrations for her 30th birthday, Humphries 

said of the event, “I've decided that rather than going out partying, 

I am going to try and raise some money for the wonderful charity 

Macmillan, who do so much for those going through cancer and 

their families”. 

The show will make up part of fundraising activities for the charity, 

but people can also donate through Carrie’s JustGiving page 

(linked at the bottom of this article). Carrie has set a goal of £1000 

that she hopes to give to the charity. 

This event is a great opportunity to enjoy some brilliant bands and 

put money towards a great cause. You can donate to Carrie’s cause 

through JustGiving on the following HTML; 

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/macmillangigbham 


Home & Interior 

Introducing the New Home & Interior section, every month be inspired by new furnishing trends & creative 

ideas to improving your working & living space. This issue we’ll look at how to minimilise your design 

space, whilst adding concrete as a go to texture in modern design. 

By Saint Creative Studios, Design Partnership Agency 

WWW.SAINTCREATIVESTUDIOS.COM | @SAINTSTUDIOSUK | ENQUIRIES@SAINTCREATIVESTUDIOS.COM 

The best steps towards making your home 

minimalist, is to adapt and change your 

philosophy. Some may say its devoid of 

character and fun and life? but actually there 

are ways through decluttering you can make 

your more fun or playful character make a Duchampian 

like statement, But here are some tips that I would offer to 

anyone trying to simplify there living space. 

Start with furniture. The Largest things in any room 

are the furniture, so you should always start by looking at 

having fewer pieces of furniture, (without getting carried 

away & sacrificing comfort and livability). 

Clear surfaces. This is a vitality important step!!! 

Don’t have anything on them, except one or two simple 

decorations (use these decorations to add personailty or 

family treasures). 

Declutter. If you are clearing flat surfaces and the floor, 

and storing stuff in cabinets and drawers, you’ll probably 

want to declutter your storage areas too & don’t just throw 

it away look to donate or recycle your unwanteds 

....Read the rest on Inthecitymag.com 


HOME & INTERIOR 

FRAUKLARER 

GEOMETRIC 

CONCRETE VASE 

Besides ceramic and copper, one of our favorite modern 

materials in design is concrete. An absolute eye-catcher in any 

surrounding: home, office, urban or rural. Depending on the 

size the vase it can hold single stems or larger bouquets. The 

raw finish seems to give pieces a minimal look, which makes 

it a great addition to any living or working space. 

Price: £35.81 | www.etsy.com 

MURIVA MARBLE 

WHITE WALLPAPER 

Achieve the marble effect in your home use as a feature wall or on all four walls for a 

bold statement. Have your guest marvelling at your walls, Never off-trend, these faux 

marble-effect will provide a little class, texture & deliver all the power of the real thing 

without the need of a big renovation project or the expense of sourcing and installing real 

marble. 

Price: £21 | www.diy.com 

WIRE STOOL 

Created by Boconcept one of denmark’s most global retail 

furniture chains, add design character to your room 

transforming your seating area with a light and cool stool, 

adding design character to your room. These little objects are 

essentials for smart living and available in different colors and 

with built-in storage. 

Price: £129 each | by BoConcept 

www.boconcept.com 

HAYS MODULAR SOFA 

If you’re in need of a simple but refined sofa look no further, Hays modular 

sofa gives high priority to all the key components of a great sofa creating 

something great for relaxation and flexibilty. Each module is ordered 

seperately allowing the creation of a bespoke arrangment to suit you 

furnishing arrangment. 

Price: From £625.00 



Project Architect 

Douglas Tuck 

Photography 

Åki E:son Lindman 

Baron House 

Skåne, Sweden 

2003 – 2005 

John Pawson 

Creative palettes and mixed textures are no longer 

an interior aspiration. The market is awash with 

ideas, inspiration and products that anybody can 

embrace to create stand out design for your home. 

Concrete is the perfect material to add a sophisticated, urban, 

architectural edge which works with any colour scheme, soft 

or bold. Concrete is both easy and difficult to work with, on 

one hand, it’s versatile and can be used for so many types 

of projects. On the other hand, however, using concrete is 

something that comes with all sorts of elements you have 

to consider as well. One of them is the style. Concrete is 

commonly used in industrial buildings but it’s also popular in 

modern spaces. 

Concrete panels are fire resistant and water proof, which 

makes this material great for indoor or outdoor features. You 

may want to use it around your chimney breasts or sink basins. 

Here are a few examples of how concrete can be implemented 

in your Bathroom space by keeping the concrete panels as 

light as possible it means even large structures can be clad in 

concrete to create impressive design features that use a lot 

less materials, making Concreate an eco-friendly choice. 

“The design possibilities are endless from 

feature walls and kitchen splashbacks to 

vanity units and feature lighting.” 

Project Architect 

Douglas Tuck 

Photography 

Åki E:son Lindman 

Baron House 

Skåne, Sweden 

2003 – 2005 

John Pawson 



INTERIOR 

SHOPPING 

DIRECTORY 

In The City Magazine want to showcase some of the 

great spaces in the West Midlands to upgrade your 

furnishing goods 

If you want to feature your business here 

email:Advertising@inthecityuk.com 

AKAAL LTD 

Akaal-ltd undertakes new build 

or refurbishment of existing 

buildings in the Commercial, 

Residential, Industrial, Civil and 

Retail sectors. They provide 

in-house expertise and are 

specialists in the manufacturing 

customised and bespoke Kitchens, 

Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Door sets 

and Living space furniture to the 

consumer and contract market. 

www.akaal-ltd.com 

REFLECTION 

STUDIOS 

Reflections Studio presents you 

the latest interior concepts from 

around the globe sourced to 

inspire, innovate and perform. 

Offering a global range of 

luxury kitchens and bathrooms we 

promise innovative interior design 

with a difference. Positioned at 

the forefront of the luxury interior 

market, our ethos is simply to 

think differently. 

www.reflectionsstudio.co.uk 

GRAND KITCHENS 

Grand Kitchens is an established 

business with over 30 years 

of experience of designing 

and fitting luxury kitchens in 

Birmingham and its surrounding 

areas. At Grand Kitchens our 

forte is in being a one stop shop 

where you can buy your kitchen, 

flooring, appliances and work 

surfaces, be it in stone, granite 

or quartz, all built to your 

specification. We even have our 

own fabrication factory next to 

our Birmingham showroom. 

www.grand-kitchens.co.uk 

ENSIGN 

CONSERVATORY 

Ensign Conservatory Roof 

Solutions Ltd are a family run 

business based in The Midlands 

with over twenty five years 

experience in the industry 

specialising in turning your 

under utilised conservatory into 

a pleasant and attractive living 

space that can be used all year 

round 

www.ensignroof.co.uk 

SIEMATIC 

We strive to not only set the 

standard in variety of individual 

planning options, elegant design, 

or precision workmanship and 

high-quality materials, but also in 

our “inner values.” The kitchen 

is a place where personal taste 

can be celebrated to your heart’s 

content, and not just in culinary 

terms. 

www.siematic.com 

THE ENGLISH BED 

COMPANY 

huge range of handmade Beds 

& Headboard styles including 

handmade sleigh beds; Divans; 

upholstered beds and a huge range 

of headboard styles, also. Bring 

your bedroom up to date with ours 

stunning range of contemporary 

styles, or perhaps choose one of 

our traditional beds with elegant 

deep buttoning and studding. 

OKA 

We don’t just focus on furniture 

or accessories; we can also help 

with anything from flooring, 

to paint colours, to curtains. At 

OKA, we believe in incorporating 

your existing furniture, so we 

will always make space for your 

most loved pieces. We work with 

clients all over the world 

www.oka.com 

www.theenglishbedcompany. 

co.uk/ 



BLOCKAGES & DRAINAGE 

AROUND THE HOME 

The winter months that started 

2017 were fairly relaxed on the 

frost front, but more than made 

up for lost time with the arrival 

of adverse conditions in the form 

of storms Doris and Ewan. As the 

rains hit we might worry about floods, but even if 

you’re in an area that isn’t prone to flooding you 

should take care to ensure that your plumbing 

won’t get affected post-storm. 

One of the biggest warning signs that your 

plumbing is being affected by a blockage is a 

tell-tale sign. This could take the form of an 

appliance gurgling when another is in use – 

your toilet might gurgle when the sink is in 

use, or vice-versa. In extreme cases, the use 

of an appliance upstairs can cause a reaction 

downstairs, a sure-fire sign that something has 

gone amiss. 

Another (extremely obvious) sign that your 

drainage systems are not working properly will 

be that water will drain from your appliance 

very slowly, or possibly even leak out in extreme 

cases. Depending on the severity of the case, you 

may have to shut off the main water supply to 

ensure that your house does not become water 

damaged, before you even attempt any kind of 

fix. In the case of a toilet blockage, the water can 

be turned off through a valve in the tank section, 

which will prevent further water draining into 

the toilet. 

In some cases you may be able to remedy the 

blockage yourself, given some time and a little 

lifehack know-how. Beware though: you must 

BE VERY CAREFUL so as to not exacerbate the 

problem even further. Below are some tips on 

what to do if you discover a blockage in one of 

your devices. 

As soon as you identify a blockage problem in 

your home, be sure to waterproof the immediate 

area around your appliance, to ensure that the 

surrounding area doesn’t get water-logged (or 

worse) as you attempt a fix. 

The second thing to consider when attempting to 

fix a blockage is the cause of the blockage – is 

it likely to be something blocking the drainage 

on your end (toilet paper, something that has 

dropped into the toilet and been accidentally 

flushed) or could it be a problem caused by 

overstressed drainage systems? If it seems likely 

that the blockage is caused directly in your own 

system then attempting a fix could be a great 

way to save money and avoid calling out a 

plumber. But, if you think it might be linked to an 

outside problem or the issue is not easily fixable, 

make sure that you take the plunge and hire a 

professional before you rack up an almighty bill 

trying to save some money! 

Finally, make sure that you take proper 

precautions to stay hygienic – be this through the 

use of rubber gloves (up to elbow height tends 

to be the best) or just keeping clean, warm water 

on hand in the event of any nasty surprises, make 

sure you are ready to deal with nastiness even if 

your device seems relatively clean! 

Ultimately, you will have to use your best 

judgement to decide on a course of action to 

tackle the problem. Sometimes these issues can 

be resolved fairly painlessly, but in other cases 

the expense of a professional is worth the asking 

price if it means you don’t have to buy a whole 

new toilet/drainage system. 


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SECTION TITLE 

COMPLETE 

THE LOOK 

Whether it’s for a gift or that all important 

finishing touch, Cousins have the latest in 

home accessories, in both contemporary 

and traditional styles. 

- IN STORE ROOM SET - 

HAND CRAFTED 

FURNITURE 

Exciting new Halo galleries in each store, 

showcasing the latest styles. 

30 

CELEBRATING 

YEARS 

a true family business 


www.cousinsfurniture.co.uk

SECTION TITLE 

MULTI £MILLION 

CLEARANCE 

BUY WITH 

CONFIDENCE 

The Midlands’ largest and most inspirational 

furnitures store, celebrating over 30 years in business. 

They say that from little acorns big oak trees grow, 

and Cousins is certainly proof of this. 

In 1985 the first Cousins store opened in Tyseley, providing the local community with 

unrivalled access to some of the biggest and most-loved furniture brands on the market 

at that time. Since then the company has grown significantly and now owns in excess of 

250,000ft 2 of prime retail space across three sites, plus over 100,000ft 2 of head-office 

and warehousing facilities. 

SOFAS 

CARPETS 

BEDS 

DINING 

BEDROOMS 

LIGHTING 

MIRRORS 

PICTURES 

CUSHIONS 

COOKSHOP 

Over 120 people are employed by the company, the stores attract 

THE CHOICE FOR customers THE from MULTI all areas of £MILLION 

the UK. 

CLEARANCE IS ENORMOUS, IT’S YOUR 

CHANCE TO SAVE UP TO 70% OFF! ON NOW. 

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You can find out more about Cousins, locate your 

local store, view the latest online discounts, and much 

more by visiting www.cousinsfurniture.co.uk. 

- IN STORE ROOM SET - 

READ WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY...97% 

Independently review our 

products as good/excellent 

Jan 2016 - see website for details 

TRUSTED MERCHANT 

2015 

Open 7 days a week / Late Nights: Tuesday & Thursday until 8pm 

(Subject to variation on Bank Holidays) 

Birmingham 

Warwick Road, 

Tyseley. B11 2EW. 

T: 0121 765 3300 

Dudley 

Hall Street 

DY2 8NW. 

T: 01384 451500 

Manchester 

A57, Regent Rd, 

Salford. M5 4EA. 

T: 0161 875 4070 

PRICE 

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See website for details 

* See website for details 

• Free parking • Instore restaurant • Large stocks • Immediate delivery 

a true family business 



SPA LEISURE 

IN THE CITY 

M A G A Z I N E 

READER 

OFFER

TRAVEL & TOURISM 

SPA LEISURE 

IN THE CITY MAGAZINE 

READER OFFER 

An Indulgent Spring Reader Offer from 

Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa… 

The award-winning Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, set in 

rural Northamptonshire, is presenting you with an indulgent hot offer. 

Treat yourself and a friend or loved one to the perfect treat – Buy a 

Relaxation Day for Two this Spring and receive a free treatment on us* 

The Relaxation Day package allows you to enjoy full use of The Leisure 

Club facilities, The Day Spa Heat and Ice Experiences and a two course 

buffet lunch. And if that isn’t tempting enough, a complimentary treatment 

of a Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage in a dual room will provide the 

perfect pamper for you and your companion. 

Whilst on your visit you will unwind and experience the four star deluxe 

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one of the largest Spa’s in the country incorporating the unique Heat and Ice 

Experiences, with 32 treatments rooms and some of the latest treatments on 

offer. In addition, The Leisure Club includes a 19-metre pool, whirlpool spa 

and gym with the latest equipment. 

Whatever the weather, this offer will be sure to indulge you as you enjoy our 

award-winning facilities and some well-earned time out… 

To take advantage of this great value offer, visit 

www.whittleburyhall.co.uk/Relax17 

To book spa day, hotel and spa breaks online and to sign up for 

our latest offers, visit whittleburyhall.co.uk 

*Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability. This offer is available Sunday - Thursday only. This offer is non-transferable and non-refundable, has no cash equivalent and 

full prepayment is required at time of booking. Offer applies to new purchases only. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Guests must be 

aged 18 years or over. This offer is not open to the employees of Whittlebury Hall and their family members. Offer: Complimentary additional treatment of a soothing Back, Neck 

and Shoulder Massage in a Dual room only available when purchasing a Relaxation Day for Two. Offer valid for bookings taken from 1st April 2017 to 31st August 2017, 

excluding 14th & 17th April, 1st & 29th May, 13th & 16th July and 28th August 2017. 



COUNTRY 

SPA ESCAPE 

Tucked away in South 

Northampton is the market town 

of Towcester which is home 

to Whittlebury Spa, Hotel and 

Conference centre. Open since 

1999, a spa break was just what 

was required to survive what 

remained of the dreary winter. So, 

making sure my legs and my husband’s back were 

hair free we dug out our swim wear and off we raced 

down the M1 motorway. 

Although the whole complex is less than twenty years 

old the main reception harks back to times old and 

the hotel can accommodate over 300 people. Large, 

dark, heavily framed paintings adorn the walls with 

white patterned stucco ceilings and large upholstered 

sofas scattered abundantly. With the Spencer family 

home of Althorp in the vicinity, there are several of 

the former Lady Diana’s letters framed around the 

walls. Written in the 1980’s to the Althorp family’s 

former butler and housekeeper they shed light on her 

early years as a mother. 

After checking in, we hurried of to the spa to enjoy 

our afternoon of indulgence. Given that the town of 

Towcester was a Roman town it is only apt that the 

theme follows throughout. Roman sculptures are 

doted around the waiting room of the spa which is 

dimly lit to get you in the mood 

for relaxation. Lying on a massage bed our bodies 

were brushed and cleansed for our first treatment 

which was an Elemis Body Nourishing Wrap using 

Frangipani Salt Glow and Oil. There are 32 treatment 

rooms (three for couples) all in mellow tones of 

purple. Most of the spa treatments use Elemis or Espa 

products which you can purchase on site. Promotion 

evenings are also held monthly on the products. 

Other Beauty products and cosmetics on sale come 

from the houses of Jessica, Jennifer Young and Mii 

Make up. 

Our next treatment was the hot body stone massage. 

This is one treatment I can happily say had the 

desired effect. The therapist applied just the right 

amount of Hand pressure and the added scalp 

massage put me into a dream state. 

There is also a hair salon and manicure and pedicure 

treatments on offer. Outside the treatment rooms is 

the quite area, where you can book a water bed to 

prolong your relaxation or sit in the hanging wicker 

chairs. Water and fresh fruit are given out laid out 

abundantly or you can order a healthy smoothie or 

herbal tea from the drinks menu. 

The Day Spa packages include a two-course buffet 

lunch in the Terrace café. Even though you have 

to wait to be seated, all the guests were clothed 

in their white bathrobes. The buffet lunch has the 

health angle and included a selection of cold meats, 

pastas, couscous, quiche, soups, sauté potatoes, rice 

with Korean chicken and chopped mixed fruit with 

yoghurt for dessert. After we spent the rest of our 

afternoon enjoying the Heat and Ice Experience 

which is the centrepiece of the Spa. The hydrotherapy 

pool had a cloudy –sky ceiling above and continued 

with the Roman theme. Surrounding the pool is 

an assortment of rooms to stimulate the bodies’ 

circulation with varying temperatures. The hot rooms 

consist of a Sauna, a Sanarium which is cooler than 

a Finnish sauna, a steam room with salt added to 

the atmosphere. The cool down options are a bucket 

shower, ice cave room and hot and cold showers. 

The two heated stone benches and footbaths were the 

softer options for those who want to rest around the 

hydrotherapy pool. 

The hotel rooms are comfortable in that the place 

seems to have undergone a recent refurbishment and 

has all the expected extras such as iron, hairdryer, 

complimentary slippers, dressing gown, tea selection 

and mini Espa bath products. Our evening meal 

was a chance to experience fine dining in the aptly 

named Murray’s restaurant. Assigned your own 

waiter who was an expert in deciphering what 

each dish composed of, I opted for a goat’s cheese 

starter, followed by sea bass and finished with a 

salted caramel dessert. The portions are not huge but 

decorative but hey isn’t that what the art of gourmet 

food is about? As my other half said, “My filet steak 

was the size of a scotch egg” or “They just going to 

give you a decorated plate!” 

The waiter was very attentive placing our napkins 

on our laps, pouring our wine into our glasses, 

bringing out a basket of selected bread rolls and 

finally hoovering the crumbs from our table cloth 

with a metal utensil. Again, the atmosphere was of 

fine dining where table etiquette is apparent. This 

contrasted to the morning self-service buffet with its 

eat as much as you want fare of bacon, eggs, beans, 

toast and cereals amongst a rabble of overnight 

guests. 

Co-incidentally there was an Abba theme night 

on the Friday. Tribute night are a regular monthly 

feature and other acts lined up for the year include 

Motown, 70’s and a Las Vegas Party night. With 

Silverstone race course a hand throw away, there is 

an aptly named Silverstone Bar decorated in photos, 

memorabilia and autographs of racing drivers. 

Outside, the Park sits the Golf course which has 

hosted many tournaments including the World Blind 

Golf championships. Golf packages are on offer as 

well as fitness classes at the Leisure club. For those 

who prefer to be active, you join in anything from 

Aqua Aerobics, Barre fitness or just flex your muscles 

in the gym. 

After being cocooned and pampered for twenty-four 

hours, it was time to check out and venture out into 

the frosty cold. I felt refreshed, relaxed, smelling of 

sweet perfume and indulged. Just what one would 

want from a spa stay! 


“I felt refreshed, relaxed, 

smelling of sweet perfume & indulged. 

Just what one would want from a spa stay!” 



THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL: THE RACE 

What? A prestigious horse-racing event that sees Cheltenham fill with tourists each year. 

Where? Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Prestbury, Cheltenham GL50 4SH 

When? 14th – 17th March 2017 

How Much? Ticket packages vary, “Best Mate Package” starts at £30.50 

As the Spring thaw sets in, the UK opens up to a calendar 

of wonderful and exciting events for the year to come. 

Events don’t come much more exciting than the prestigious 

Cheltenham Festival, a week-long series of horse races that 

attract thousands of visitors from around the UK and beyond. 

With prize money second only to the Grand National, the Cheltenham 

Festival attracts a ritzy crowd of celebrities, world-class racers, jockeys and 

breeders and has even been known to attract members of the royal family! 

entire hospitality industry has sprung up around the event, including themed 

bars and clubs in Cheltenham town, as well as on-site amenities covering 

everything from champagne bars to buyer auctions where horses can be 

traded and trader areas to act as a one-stop shop for all your race-day needs. 

Whether these are your first races or your fiftieth, The Festival is ready and 

waiting to accommodate all. 

The Cheltenham Festival is split into four days of inter-connected, but 

highly unique events, starting with Champion’s Day on Tuesday 14th 

March. The first major event in the jump racing calendar, Champion’s Day 

attracts well over 50,000 spectators each year, each seeking to enjoy a taste 

of the acclaimed Cheltenham Festival atmosphere. 

Wednesday 15th March at the Cheltenham Festival sees Ladies Day. A day 

at the races can often conjure up an interesting cavalcade of costumes and 

finery, but nowhere exemplifies this more than Ladies Day, an event which 

encourages patrons to dress up in their best race day fashion. Expect big 

hats, plenty of tweed and some of the best designer outfits this side of the 

Oscars! 

Thursday 16th March sees the official celebration of Saint Patrick’s 

Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival. While the actual Saint Patrick’s Day 

might be on the Friday, the Festival celebrates the event with a huge Irishinspired 

series of entertainment and events all Thursday long. Guinness will 

flow aplenty and traditional Irish music provides a lively soundtrack to this 

exciting event at the races. 

The grand finale of The Festival is Gold Cup Day on Friday 17th March. All 

other Festival events are just a build-up to this most prestigious of races, an 

event where legends are born and fortunes are made. The prize money for 

the overall event is set at over £4.1 million and previous champions of The 

Festival have become irrevocably ensconced in racing history. 

With over 250,000 visitors descending upon Cheltenham each year, you can 

be sure that The Festival is the crowning glory of Cotswolds tourism. An 



CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL: THE PLACE 

Normally a lively student haven in 

the Cotswolds, during the week 

of The Festival the small town 

of Cheltenham positively erupts 

with activity. The Cheltenham 

Racecourse itself is located away from the town 

centre, but that doesn’t mean that visitors are 

removed from enjoying the delights of the locale 

when visiting. 

At the racecourse itself, visitors can enjoy the 

world-class hospitality of The Festival through 

a host of exhibits. True to Cheltenham’s claim 

to be the Home of Jump Racing, visitors can 

find cast-bronze statues of legendary Festival 

champions throughout the enclosure areas and 

can also visit the famous Trophy Room, where 

all Festival trophies are housed until they are 

awarded on the Friday of the event. 

In keeping with the theme of historical 

importance, the racecourse also houses a Hall 

of Fame exhibit. Here visitors can engage with 

the festival’s history through statistics, stories 

and even a hologram of racing favourite Desert 

Orchid. 

The Festival also features the energetic 

‘Guinness Village’, where every day is Saint 

Patrick’s Day! Here visitors can enjoy a fresh, 

cold pint of the world-famous beverage and 

enjoy live music by traditional Irish bands 

throughout the day. Of an evening, The Festival 

offers its very own premier post-race destination 

in the form of ‘Final Flight Bar’, which is open 

until 7.30pm and features its own take on live 

music and a cocktail bar. 

Further down into Cheltenham town, visitors 

can enjoy an exploration of the area’s prestigious 

shopping districts. Favoured among Hollywood 

celebrities looking to go shopping low-key, 

Cheltenham features a unique mixture of high 

street shopping and designer brands for a 

comprehensive shopping experience that will 

leave your wallet a lot lighter! 

Cheltenham town’s position as the home 

of several campuses for the University of 

Gloucestershire means the town enjoys the 

services of many local clubs and lively bars, 

which offer a vibrant place to party once the 

races kick out. The town also enjoys the services 

of a host of overnight accommodation options 

ranging from big-brand hotel chains like Holiday 

Express, to independent premier luxury hotels 

that are (in some cases quite literally) fit for a 

royal. 

For guests looking to shake off the cobwebs 

from the previous day (or evening), 

Cheltenham’s proximity to the Cotswolds 

means hiking routes in the area are plentiful. 

The local scenery casts a vivid natural backdrop 

that visitors can explore at their leisure – just 

remember to bring some wellies or similarly 

sensible footwear! 



THE GRAND NATIONAL: THE RACE 

What? One of horseracing’s oldest (and grandest) 

traditions. 

Where? Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Rd, 

Liverpool L9 5AS 

When? Saturday 8th April 2017 

How Much? Various packages are available, but 

tickets for the event start at £27 

The UK’s most renowned horse 

racing event, the Grand National 

is a spectacle that transcends the 

limitations of just being a sporting 

event to become an experience of 

a lifetime. Renowned for being an 

event which attracts royalty as well as common 

folk, the Grand National is one of UK horseracing’s 

oldest fixtures and began in 1839. Considerably 

more challenging than races of similar size 

and stature, the Grand National is recognised as 

the ultimate test of horse and rider. 

As opposed to its southern cousin, the Cheltenham 

Festival, the Grand National is especially 

renowned as being an event which can capture 

the imagination and interest of the general public 

as well as racing enthusiasts. A universally acknowledged 

event, the Grand National offers the 

biggest prize for jump racing in Europe, with last 

year’s pot settled at £1 million. 

Broadcast on national television, the event takes 

on national significance on the day as hundreds 

of thousands of people watch the exciting event 

both at Aintree Racecourse and at home. The 

racecourse is open to the public from 10am on 

Saturday 8th April, with the first race of the day 

starting at 13:45 and the final race starting at 

18:15. 

A day at the Grand National is much more than 

just an opportunity to watch the UK’s biggest 

horseracing event. The Grand National encompasses 

many different areas and experiences. 

THESE INCLUDE; 

- The Winner’s Enclosure: The premium spectator’s 

area, this area (as its name suggests) is 

where winning horses are reunited with their 

owners and trophies are awarded. 


- The Parade Ring: This area is favoured by 

the discerning spectator looking to view horses 

before the races start and – most importantly – 

before they place a bet! 

- Trackside: As the name suggests, this is where 

spectators can get up close and personal with the 

action. 

- Enclosures and Stands: The enclosures and 

stands are separated based on the type of ticket 

purchased. Some offer full views of the whole 

track, whilst others offer more specialist views 

of particular areas of the track, meaning you can 

pick which part of the course excites you most. 

- The Red Rum Garden: Named for arguably the 

most famous race horse in British racing history, 

these gardens feature a statue of the champion 

horse and provide a luscious backdrop to explore 

before, in between or after races. Entertainment 

can be found here throughout the day. 

The Grand National attracts an audience culled 

from all areas of society, from royalty to office 

worker, military to farming. As such, though 

there is no official dress code for the event, it is 

often preferred that visitors adopt smart clothing 

– a perfect chance to show off a race-day outfit! 

The event is also famous for its ostentatious 

display of designer suits, dresses and (above all 

else) hats, with a variety of colourful and elegant 

hats being debuted each year from a host of designer 

houses. Sports clothing and fancy dress are 

not considered suitable wear for the races.


GRAND NATIONAL: THE PLACE 

Aintree Racecourse is located a short way out of the city of 

Liverpool, meaning there are plenty of local transport and 

accommodation options for guests of the Grand National. It may 

be almost ten years since Liverpool was awarded status as the 

European Capital of Culture, but the city has not lost any of its 

cultural attraction in the past decade, with a host of museums, 

galleries, venues and a lively nightlife sector giving the city plenty 

to boast about in tourist terms. 

Visitors needn’t rush to leave the racecourse after the last race 

finishes however. Aintree Racecourse (and its surrounding area) has 

a wealth of local bars and restaurants where guests can enjoy a postrace 

drink or meal. The course itself has many on-site food stalls 

and bars for guests to keep fuelled throughout the day, but specialist 

restaurants provide a more comprehensive dining selection for 

hungry visitors. 

Among the restaurants at Aintree Racecourse are; 

- Golden Miller Restaurant: The closest eatery to the track itself, 

Golden Miller ensures that guests can enjoy a gourmet meal whilst 

still keeping up with the action. Packages on race day start at £69pp. 

- Princess Royal Restaurant: The premium race-day dining 

experience for those who feel only the finest will do, this restaurant 

also features incredible views of the course. Packages on race day 

start at £99pp. 

Away from the racecourse, guests can also look to one of the smaller 

coastal areas outside of Liverpool city centre for accommodation 

or post-races drinking/dining options. One of the most popular 

destinations year-round for visitors to Liverpool is the small seaside 

village Formby, just north of the city. Formby features one of the 

few red squirrel habitats in the UK and has a gorgeous sandy beach 

which looks out to the bracing cool of the North Sea – the perfect 

way to blow away the haze the day after the races! 


GRAND PRIX CALENDAR 2017 

Undoubtedly the biggest event in the world of motorsports, the Grand Prix runs from March through to November. Unrivalled 

in its draw of high octane thrills and chills and the ultimate test of speed, skill and technological engineering prowess, the event 

attracts millions of motoring fans on a global scale each month. 

What better event then could we have picked for our 2017 travel calendar? Starting this month, In The City Magazine will give you a look 

at some of the incredible courses and destinations you could visit during this Grand Prix season. There is a twist, however! We decided, 

that rather than give you an insight into that month’s races (which you would be unlikely to be able to attend by the time we go to print!), 

we will instead look to the races at the end of the season, working our way backwards through the calendar until we reach the start of the 

2018 season. 

With that in mind, this month you can read about the closing races of 2017 in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, 

giving you plenty of time to get saving! 

No. Date Grand Prix Circuit Country 

1 24-26 March Australian Grand Prix Albert Park Circuit Australia 

2 7-9 April Chinese Grand Prix Shanghai International Circuit China 

3 14-16 April Bahrain Grand Prix Bahrain International Circuit Bahrain 

4 28-30 April Russian Grand Prix Sochi International Street Circuit Russia 

5 12-14 May Spanish Grand Prix Catalunya Circuit Spain 

6 25-28 May Monaco Grand Prix Monaco Circuit Monte Carlo 

7 9-11 June Canadian Grand Prix Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Canada 

8 16-18 June European Grand Prix Baku street circuit Azerbaijan 

9 30 Jun - 2 July Austrian Grand Prix Red Bull Ring (A1-Ring) Austria 

10 7-9 July British Grand Prix Silverstone Circuit Great Britain 

11 21-23 July Hungarian Grand Prix Hungaroring Hungary 

12 25-27 Aug Belgian Grand Prix Spa Francorchamps Circuit Belgium 

13 1-3 Sept Italian Grand Prix Autodromo Nazionale Monza Italy 

14 15-17 Sept Malaysian Grand Prix Sepang International Circuit Malaysia 

15 29 Sep - 1 Oct Singapore Grand Prix Singapore Circuit Singapore 

16 6 - 8 Oct Japanese Grand Prix Suzuka Circuit Japan 

17 20 - 22 Oct USA Grand Prix Circuit of The Americas United States 

18 3 - 5 Nov Mexican Grand Prix Autodromo Hermanos Mexico 

19 10 - 12 Nov Brazilian Grand Prix Autodromo Interlagos Brazil 

20 24 - 26 Nov Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Yas Marina Circuit UAE 


Non-stop 

from 

Birmingham 

to India 

every day. 

Now that’s 

pukka. 

Or as we Brummies say: Bostin! 

Why not fly direct from our 

Balti Triangle to India’s Golden 

Triangle. Formed by three cities, 

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, it’s one 

of the most popular tourist 

circuits in the world. 

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, 

probably the most photographed 

monument on earth - and here 

it is again. Air India flies non-stop 

to Delhi and also to Amritsar. 

From Delhi you can get connecting 

flights to several other destinations 

including Mumbai, Goa and Kerala. 

So whether you’re going to visit 

relatives, attend a wedding or 

simply to soak up the sun, one 

thing’s for sure, you’re on your 

way to holiday nirvana.


BRAZILIAN 

GRAND 

PRIX: 

10 - 12 November 

Autodromo Interlagos 

Brazil 

Housed near the Brazilian 

city of Sao Paulo, 

Autodromo Interlagos 

is famous as the home 

of Brazilian Grand 

Prix. Acting as the 

penultimate race of the 

motorsports season, the 

2017 Brazilian Grand Prix fixture will occur 

between November 10th and 12th 2017. 

Opened in 1940, Autodromo Interlagos hosts 

a variety of motorsports events throughout the 

year, hosting everything from superbikes to 

karting events. Undoubtedly though, the prize 

of the venue’s calendar is the Grand Prix, which 

easily sees its 60,000 capacity hit across the 

three day event. 

Located between two huge artificial lakes, the 

track is an oasis amidst the scorching Brazilian 

heat. Excitement abounds at Autodromo 

Interlagos as the stadium acts as an amplifier, 

drawing in the typically frenetic atmosphere of 

Brazil and transforming it with high-octane, 

full-speed action creating a palpable sense of 

electric excitement. 

One of the most challenging races on the F1 

circuit, the track is infamous for its sheer 

inclines and bumpy road surface, as well as 

being one of the few courses that run anticlockwise. 

For spectators though, this makes for 

an incredibly exciting event, a true test of driver 

and vehicle that brings an element of rugged 

pragmatism to the racing world. 

As with most Grand Prix events, the Brazilian 

Grand Prix is split into three separate days of 

events. Friday and Saturday morning see drivers 

do practice runs, adapting to and familiarising 

themselves with the course. Saturday afternoon 

sees drivers participate in the qualifying stage 

of the event, with the main race going ahead on 

Sunday 12th November. 


SAO PAULO: 


A track much less trodden than its more tourist-friendly cousin Rio, Sao 

Paulo is Brazil’s most industrious city. A sprawling urban jungle, the city 

is often favoured as a place of business over pleasure, but November 

each year sees a huge influx of tourists (both domestic and international) 

visiting to enjoy the spectacle of the Brazilian Grand Prix. 

Intrinsically linked to the spirit and history of Brazilian Grand Prix itself, 

the city’s famous racetrack Autodromo Interlago was Brazil’s very first 

Formula 1 track and has fiercely competed with Rio to host the Grand 

Prix over the decades. This competition has in turn helped to constantly 

reinvigorate the city itself, with multi-million dollar redevelopment plans 

helping to boost the city’s infrastructure and appeal when talk arose of 

moving the GP to Rio permanently. 

Sprawling and filled with excitement, Sao Paulo is the quintessential 

Brazilian city, a diverse melting pot of cultures into one colourful and 

undeniably Brazilian destination. The infamous shanty towns of the 1970s 

and 80s still exist in the suburbs of the city, but the centre itself has grown 

exponentially as the country pushes harder to be recognised as a global 

tourism superpower. 

Relaxing gardens and parks are interspersed throughout the city to offer 

visitors a place to enjoy some shade, or otherwise catch some rays. 

Elsewhere, the city’s booming business district offers premium hospitality 

with a host of bars, restaurants and clubs acting as a perfect post-race 

destination. 

In addition to the city’s famous racetrack, tourists are also recommended 

to explore the former palace in the city centre (now a museum) and visit 

the Cicero Pompeu de Toledo Stadium, the city’s official football grounds. 

The city itself features over 600,000 hotel rooms, so finding a place to stay 

during the Grand Prix shouldn’t be a problem, no matter what your budget 

or requirements are. 



ABU DHABI 

GRAND PRIX 

24-26 Nov - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 

Yas Marina Circuit 

UAE 

The twentieth and final race of 

the Formula 1 season, Abu 

Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit is 

the last chance for motorsports 

fans to indulge their passion 

and enjoy the thrill of seeing 

racers become champions. 

Held between the 24th and 

26th November 2017, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 

is an exceptional way to close out the motorsports 

calendar in absolute opulence. 

Sponsored by Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi 

Grand Prix is one of the most illustrious events 

on the racing calendar and will celebrate its tenth 

year in 2019. As one would expect of tourism in 

the United Arab Emirates, the event is afforded 

a large amount of premium luxury compared 

to the universal nature of its counterpart events 

elsewhere. 

The capacity for the Yas Marina Circuit is 50,000 

people, easily achieved through the dedicated and 

passionate fandom that follows motorsports on 

a global scale. The second Formula 1 track to be 

built in the Middle East, the track at Abu Dhabi is 

only preceded by a track built at Bahrain. 

Drawing on the dramatic backdrop of the desert 

and colossal sand dunes, the Yas Marina Circuit 

is one of the most exciting tracks that motorsports 

fans can visit, not least because it represents the 

final chance for a racer to be crowned as world 

champion for that season (preceding results 

dependent). The track passes by the cool marina 

and through the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel, 

giving spectators plenty of incredible views to 

enjoy when they visit the destination. 

The track itself is based around (and named for) 

the nearby marina and is a sprawling luxury 

complex which includes a theme park, water park, 

residential area and hotel with beach access. The 

circuit has five grandstand areas, offering excellent 

views of the action throughout the track. Part of 

the exit for the pit also runs underneath the track, 

putting the audience right in the thick of the 

atmosphere. 

The final F1 event for the 2017 race calendar, 

you can be sure that this race will be filled with 

excitement and surprises! 



ABU DHABI 

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it stands to reason that Abu 

Dhabi would be the crown jewel of Middle Eastern luxury. As mentioned 

in our coverage of the Yas Marina Circuit itself, Abu Dhabi’s dedication to 

premium luxury destinations is unrivalled across the entire world, a visit to 

the illustrious country much more than just another holiday or opportunity 

to watch world-class motorsports events. 

Open all year round, the Yas Marina Circuit hosts a variety of motorsports 

events throughout the year, stretching from commercial sporting events 

through to private corporate hire, which lets you enjoy the circuit entirely 

on your own terms, racing the same track as previous world champions! 

Hiring the track also offers guests an opportunity to drive one of the 

premium racing vehicles featured at the circuit, including the Formula Yas 

3000, Mercedes –AMG GTS and Jaguar F-Type S Coupe – some of the best 

race cars in the business. 

Abu Dhabi itself is a bastion of premier luxury, resplendent in wealth and 

ambition to be one of the world’s leading luxury holiday destinations. Huge 

swathes of the region have enjoyed a rapid spate of development as newer 

and better institutions are devised, building to a sense that Abu Dhabi is 

unrivalled in offering its guests a taste of premium hospitality. 

Abu Dhabi also features the illustrious Ferrari World theme park, an 

indication of its pledge to be a destination which welcomes guests of 

all ages and introduces them to a world of finest quality experiences. 

Accommodation in Abu Dhabi can be found on all levels, but for the truest 

experience of what the destination has to offer, only five-star will do. 

Don’t be mistaken though; Abu Dhabi is indisputably connected to its 

cultural and historical roots. The destination might have the very best of 

premium amenities, but the destination possesses an undeniable flavour of 

Arabian historical and cultural significance. 

Recognised as the richest city in the world, Abu Dhabi has much to offer 

its tourists all year round, with race-time taking on a particular air of 

significance that embodies its exciting, top-quality atmosphere. 


DRINKING 

DINING 

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY 

WITH AN IRISH STEW! 

The celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day in Birmingham 

creates a wealth of Ireland-inspired 

events and festivities that run throughout the 

entire week leading up to the special day. Whilst 

many of us will be looking to enjoy a fine Irish 

beverage (Guinness, Magners and Bulmers 

cider, Jameson’s Whiskey – the options are endless!), more 

might overlook the fact that Ireland also gives us one of the 

greatest winter-beating meals of all time; the Irish Stew. 

Few things can match a great, traditional Irish stew (or even 

not-so traditional depending on your tastes), which comes 

loaded with generous helpings of meaty beef or lamb chunks, 

potatoes and a host of vegetables that will leave you feeling 

like you are enjoying Sunday Dinner in a bowl. So, where can 

you get a bowl of this hearty goodness? 

Well, in Birmingham the stew is commonplace in the traditional 

Irish Quarter of the city – Digbeth. 

Venues like Connaught Bar (The Irish Centre) and The Old 

Bull’s Head on Digbeth High Street serve traditional Irish 

stews all day throughout the week. 

True to its status as the Irish Centre, the Connaught Bar offers 

a range of Ireland-inspired dishes and pub favourites that have 

proven extremely popular amongst its patrons. The bar is also 

adjacent to the Saint Patrick’s Festival in the city. 

The Old Bull’s Head offers an extremely hearty bowl of Irish 

stew that is available either as a sole bowl (with added bread & 

butter), or as a full meal which adds a full Sunday Dinner style 

vegetable accompaniment to the stew itself for just £2 more. 

Further up Digbeth High Street is the extremely popular pub 

The Old Crown., which serves its own take on the stew. The 

Old Crown’s stew is a much more modernised affair, making 

use of seasonable veg and soda bread for their own unique take 

on a classic recipe. 

Is there anywhere that you love in the West Midlands that 

does a great Irish Stew? Or do you have a beloved personal 

recipe that you’d like to share? Let us know, at Editorial@ 

inthecityuk.com 


DRINKING & DINING 


DINING & DRINKING 

BY HUMA MIAN 

BRAIN BOOSTERS FOR THE WORK DAY 

Getting through the workday can sometimes be work in itself, especially if you’re in an office based environment. The afternoon slug is 

real, and even I’ll admit my go to snack when I’m feeling the slump is generally a packet of crisps or a slice of the everlasting office cake. 

If you want to feel energised at work, here are my favourite foods to eat during the day. 

AVOCADOS ON GRANARY BREAD 

Wholegrains such as rice, pasta, brown cereals and granary bread will 

give you slow releasing glucose to help keep your brain alert throughout 

the day. Not only is this a delicious indulgent breakfast, but it’ll keep you 

sustained until lunch, and we all know that avocados are a breakfast win! 

BOOST THE FRUITS AND VEG 

Blackcurrents, blueberries, citrus fruits and even broccoli help to protect 

against age related brain degeneration. We all know that blueberries 

are classed as a superfood, so snacking on some berries or adding more 

broccoli and red peppers to your lunch will ensure you feel less sluggish. 

SALMON SALAD TOPPED WITH 

PUMPKIN SEEDS 

Our bodies can’t produce essential fatty acids so we must gain it from our 

diet. I adore oily fish, so it’s great to add this into your diet for the omega 

3 and to help you control EPA and DHA levels that help to manage stress 

and release the happy chemical, serotonin. For those of you who dislike 

fish, or are perhaps vegan, include seeds into your diet like pumpkin seeds, 

flaxseeds and chia seeds. 

CHICKEN AND EGGS 

Increasing your B vitamins (B6, B12, Folic acid) will help to reduce 

homocysteine in the blood, which is linked to cognitive impairment and 

Alzheimers if levels are too low. Chicken with eggs and rice is a delicious 

lunch that will keep you energised and give your body the vitamins it 

needs. 


DINING & DRINKING 

BRAIN BOOST 

SMOOTHIE 

Ingrediants: 

1 cup Apple Juice 

½ cup frozen Blueberries 

½ fresh Bananas 

2 tablespoons of Flaxseeds 

1 teaspoon coconut oil 

Method: 

Add all the ingrediants to a 

blender for 30-40 seconds 

until it’s the consistency you 

like, and top with more seeds 

if desired. Pop it in the fridge 

the night before or have it 

fresh on the go. 


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Bookings 

0121 643 2233 

Pre - Theatre Menu 

Mon - Sat 

4-7pm 

2 for 1 Cocktails 

Mon - Fri from 5pm 

Saturday 12-8pm 

Club Sandwich Deal - £4.50 

Available Weekdays 

12pm - 9pm 

Sharing is Caring - £20 

Sharing platter and a bottle of Prosecco 

Weekdays 12pm - 9pm 

Bottle of house Wine - £9.99 

Weekdays 12pm - 9pm 

Live Music Every Thursday Night 

Club Nights Every Friday & Saturday 

VIP Booths 

The Chameleon Restaurant & Bar 

1 Victoria Square, Hill Street, Birmingham, B1 1BD 

Email: info@thechameleonbam.com Website: www.thechameleonbham.co.uk 

The Chameleon Restaurant & Bar chameleonbham @chameleonbham 


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1 Victoria Square, Hill Street, Birmingham, B11BD Bookings: 0121 643 2233 Email: info@thechameleonbham.com 



BACK FOR 2017 IN A BIGGER SPACE WITH MORE PIZZA TRADERS, TASTE AND LIQUOR PRESENT… 

BRUM’S BIG FAT PIZZA FESTIVAL! 

www.tasteandliquor.com 

Tel: 07968366878, Tickets from £5.00 + BF 

www.theticketsellers.co.uk, 

More at the Door Tickets are for entry only. 

Food and Drink to be purchased separately. 

Instagram: tasteandliquor 

Twitter: Taste and Liquor 

We’ve had beer festivals, rum 

festivals and even an Indian food 

festival - now finally it is the turn 

of the humble pizza as it gets its 

own independent festival in Birmingham. 

So, pizza fans – pay attention! The annual 

festival dedicated to entirely to Pizza is returning 

to Birmingham after a hugely successful event in 

2016. With loads of pizza-themed competitions, 

a bingo rave, independent pizza traders, game 

shows and live music, this event is guaranteed to 

offer plenty of crazy fun. 

It’s good news for cheese and double-toppings 

lovers as the Brum Big Fat Pizza Festival will 

be serving up all your favorite gourmet pizzas, 

guaranteed to send you into a double-cheese 

coma! 

And there’s more! Patrons can enjoy ice cold 

fresh glasses of Coca Cola, rum or gin at our 

resident bar, or head to our Big Fat Cocktail 

Shack, which offers all sorts of deliciously 

crafted drinks to quench your thirst right through 

the night. 

Adding to the extravaganza, the festival will be 

supporting local artists and top DJ’s from the 

clubbing fraternity will be spinning the tunes 

throughout the evening. 

If you fancy a slice of the action, grab your 

tickets fast as the festival has already sold 60% 

of its advance tickets, the first week it was 

announced. 

Grab your £5 super early bird tickets now 

(http://tkt.to/PizzaFest) whilst they last! 

DISCLAIMER: Taste & Liquor cannot actually produce a monster pizza for Heath and Safety reasons. Pizza Traders will not be serving samples or individual 

Pizza Slices as this festival is a celebration of Independent Street Food Traders only, we will not be inviting commercial outlets and chains. Simply follow us for 

posts and further information on our new website. 


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every friday 

HEATED & SEATED 

FREE ENTRY (5-11PM) 

NO21DIGBETH 

21 MILK ST.B5 5TR 



COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: 

PIMM’S NO.1 & 

LEMONADE 

INGREDIENTS FOR 

50ml. - Pimm's No. 1, 150ml. - Lemonade, 1slice(s) - Lemon, 1slice(s) - Cucumber, 1piece(s) - 

Strawberry, 1sprig(s) - Mint 

How to make 

1. Fill a glass with ice. 

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. 

2. Pour Pimm's No.1 and lemonade into the glass. 

Using a jigger, measure 50ml Pimm's No.1 and 150ml lemonade into the glass. 

3.Garnish with lemon, cucumber, strawberry and fresh mint. 

With a chopping board and sharp knife, cut one slice of lemon, one slice of cucumber and place in the drink. 

Hull a strawberry and add. Place a sprig of mint on top to garnish. 


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Ingrediants: 

1 cup Apple Juice 

½ cup frozen Blueberries 

½ fresh Bananas 

2 tablespoons of Flaxseeds 

1 teaspoon coconut oil 

Method: 

Add all the ingrediants to a 

blender for 30-40 seconds 

until it’s the consistency you 

like, and top with more seeds 

if desired. Pop it in the fridge 

the night before or have it 

fresh on the go. 


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0844 870 0000 (24hr) 

Ticketing solutions 

Online box offices 

Event management 

24hr customer service 

On-site accreditation 


WHAT’S 

ON 

March is upon us and we all know what that 

means, it’s officially spring, hurrah! Goodbye 

hats and scarves, goodbye oversized winter 

coats, goodbye cold noses, goodbye …. well 

you get the idea. It’s that optimistic time of year 

where the days become longer and the city begins to climb out of 

hibernation. 

This month at TTS apart from all pretending to be at least a quarter 

Irish and therefore joining in with the many St Patrick's day celebrations 

across the city we will also attending lot’s of wonderful 

events around the country, one such event has us heading down 

to Brighton for Vegfest UK. Where we will be joining the Vegfest 

crowds to delight in all things vegetarian and vegan, with around 

20 globally inspired caterers there’s something for everyone. Although 

that said some of us may make a sneaky escape to the pier 

for some good old traditional fish and chips. 

Don’t forget all the lovely brummie mummy’s this Mother's day 

falling on the 26th this month. Maybe something in the listings 

will catch your eye and be the perfect gift and a great way to 

celebrate in style. 

This month for your backstage section we caught up with Tom 

from Swingamajig Festival. It takes place at the end of next month, 

so we thought it would be the perfect time to discover the inner 

workings of Birmingham’s very own one day urban festival. 


WHAT’S ON IN THE CITY 


BACKSTAGE 

When did your event start, how has it 

grown? 

Swingamajig is a festival of vintage inspired 

mayhem and delight. It grew out of a club night 

run by the Electric Swing Circus in Birmingham, 

and our venue at Shambala Festival and after 

a few great years we thought to ourselves – 

what if we were to put on our own event.... It’s 

grown quite a lot since 2013, now attracting an 

amazingly friendly crowd of over 4,000, who 

come to party like it’s 1929! 


When did you start putting on events? 

I started putting on events at uni, running open 

mics, jazz jams and small things in Selly Oak, 

but I fell in love with events whilst running 

Vale Festival - a 5,000 person student led one 

day festival. After uni from the connections I 

made at Vale festival, I went on to work in event 

production at The Stage Bus. 

The Stage Bus is a Birmingham based mobile 

stage company, it has quirky vehicles that turn 

into stages, which were a lot of fun and also gave 

me a really interesting insight into the technical 

aspects of putting on large events. 

What was the first festival you ever 

attended? 

The first ever festival I attended was Reading 

Festival back in I think 2001. It was a bit of a rite 

of passage going to see the biggest rock bands in 

the world playing on a huge stage, as a 16 year 

old kid I loved every minute. 

What’s your favourite event ? 

“I love Shambala Festival. It’s a beautiful festival 

full of lovely people. It’s a big enough festival to 

get lost in but not so big you stay lost for too long.” 

The atmosphere is just electric, really chilled 

but also a great party with more stages and 

spaces than you can shake a stick at. We get 

to run a little micro venue there too, so if you 

make it down come join us for a drink in the 

Swingamajig Speakeasy. 

Are there any events that particularly 

inspire you? 

Boomtown – because there is nothing even 

remotely like it. They construct a festival city in 

the middle of a field, complete with multi floored 

buildings, windows, streets and more - the level 

of attention to detail is astonishing. Boomtown is 

the best looking festival by a long long way and 

it is totally immersive with actors and performers 

on every street corner and balcony. 

As for a swing bands – I’d love the Fletcher 

Henderson big band, back in the early days when 

Miles Davis was there on the trumpet. 

What is the craziest request you’ve had 

from an artist? 

I don't think we have ever had a crazy request 

from an artist, everyone who performs at 

Swingamajig seems to be really quite nice and 

easy to get along/work with – touch wood! 

If you weren't putting on festivals, what 

would you be doing? 

I love the whole swing thing, so maybe dancing, 

I've been getting into Lindy Hop and I’d love 

to dance more, it’s so much fun and keeps you 

active too. 

What are your 3 must have festival 

promoter essentials? 

My laptop – because I don't like working 

on phones Google drive – so I can sync my 

spreadsheets up with the everyone else in the 

team TrundleWheel – really handy for making 

sure things fit in the spaces they are supposed to 

go in 

What's the best bit of tech you use at 

your festival? 

Can I say pyrotechnics? I’m a sucker for things 

that go bang or are made of fire... 

What makes your event stand out from 

all the rest? 

A lot of events talk about being unique, but 

honestly there is no event in the UK or further 

afield that’s even a bit like Swingamajig. The 

mixture of music,cabaret,performance,decor 

and most of all the atmosphere that makes 

swingamajig a special event. Even though 

Swingamajig seems like a niche event the appeal 

is still really broad. 

If you could have anyone headline your 

event who would you choose? 

For Swingamajig my dream headliner would be 

Jurassic 5. Not the first act people think of when 

they think of Swingamajig, but J5 were fusing 

jazz/swing with hip hop beats and rhymes long 

before electro swing was a recognised genre. 

What's your number 1 tip for enjoying 

your festival? 

Number one tip for Swingamajig is get there 

early! There is so much happening in the daytime 

with all the cabaret, performance and walkabout 

shows. The daytime entertainment is probably the 

best bit so make sure you are there with plenty of 

time before the headliners 

Finally -Where would we find you on the 

last night of your festival? 

As well as organising the festival I also play 

in a band called the Electric Swing Circus, we 

always play on the main stage so if I’m not there 

bouncing up and down then I’ll be doing the 

rounds, checking on the stages and making sure 

everything's running smoothly. 



RICHARD BARBIERI 

FEATURED 

An Afternoon with ..... Richard Barbieri (Japan/Rain Tree 

Crow/Porcupine Tree) and GRICE 

Sunday 26th March 

The Seventh Wave Festival of Electronic Music is here again, 

channelling the best of Synth and Electronic related creative 

endeavours in Birmingham this March. As part of a line-up of 

keynote speakers such as Martyn Ware (Heaven 17, B.E.F), 

Chris Payne (Tubeway Army), and Rusty Egan (Visage, Bltz 

Club), Richard Barbieri will be supported by GRICE and playing 

live for audiences at the Blue Orange Theatre. 

With credits including Japan (front runners of the explosive 

New Romantic movement in the late 70’s and early 80’s) and 

Porcupine Tree (whose back catalogue shifted from psychedelic 

to progressive to alternative rock), this will be a performance not 

worth missing as Barbieri aims to deliver a masterclass in live 

performance. 

Fresh from working on a new album of remixes and tracks (to 

be released later this year), GRICE has signed with Sylvia Bell 

Music Management to push his creativity to the next level. By 

teaming up with Duncan Chave on an incredible double bill with 

Barbieri, GRICE aims to deliver an adrenaline fuelled performance 

for the fans of moody, atmospheric sounds. 


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Nights out 

SPANISH NIGHTS | POLISH NIGHTS | BHANGRA NIGHTS 

LIVE SKY & BT SPORT | PRIVATE VIP ROOMS 

Tel: 0121 643 3334 | Email: info@zarasbar.co.uk 

inthecitymag.com | March 2017 | 89 

80 Broad st, Birmingham, B15 1A0


For any interest or to include your events in the listing below contact the ticketsellers 

t: 0844 870 000 | w: www.theticketsellers.co.uk | E: ITC@theticketsellers.co.uk 

LIVE 

Natural Emotions 

Friday 3rd March 

7:30pm - 10:30p 

The Night Owl, Birmingham 

From £5.00 

Harrison/Watkiss "Ellington 

Project” 


7:45pm - 11pm 

The Red Lion, West Midlands 

From £12.50 

SPACE + Support by Suns of 

Rest 

Thursday 2nd March 

8pm - Friday 3rd March 

Arches Venue, Coventry 

From £12.50 

Rebel Rebel 


8pm - 12:15am 


From £7.00 

Lukas Graham Plus Special Guests 

@ 02 ACADEMY 

Nearly Noel Gallagher's High 

Flyin’ Birdz 

Saturday 4th March 

7pm - 10pm 

O2 Academy 3, West 

Midlands 

From £10.00 

Swampmeat Family Band 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 

The Night Owl, West 

Midlands 

From £5.00 

Adam Betts vs. Paddy Steer 


8pm - 1am 

The Dark Horse, Moseley 

From £5.00 

Kick up the 80's 


8pm 


From £7.00 

Lukas Graham Plus Special 

Guests 


7pm - 11pm 

O2 Academy, West Midlands 

From £22.00 

Live Nation present Lower 

Than Atlantis 

Friday 10th March 

6pm - 10pm 


From £16.00 

Maciek Pysz 


7:45pm - 11pm 


From £5.00 

Legend 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £10.00 

The Backbone Slips 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 


Midlands 

From £5.00 

The Real People 


7:30pm - 11pm 

Mama Roux's,Digbeth 

From £10.00 

Hells/Bells 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £10.00 

Bournville Book Festival 2017 

Friday 17th - Saturday 25th 

March 

Various venues, West 

Midlands 

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern 

Jukebox 


6pm - 10:30pm 


From £28.50 

Matty Coles 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 


Midlands 

From £5.00 

Meier/Oxley 


7:45pm - 11pm 


From £5.00 

Maet Loaf 


8pm - 12:30 am 


From £8.00 

The Stranglers 


7pm - 11pm 


From £25.00 

Welladock 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £5.00 

VC-118A (live) w/ Tabernacle 

Records 


10pm - 5am 

Green Street Arts, Digbeth 

From £8.00 

Hannah Wants - Play Tour 


10pm - 6am 

The Rainbow Venues, West 

Midlands 

From £20.00 





Romarna Campbell 


7:45pm - 10:00pm 

The Red Lion, West 

Midlands 

From £3.00 

Rusty Egan Presents (Live) + 

DJ Martyn Ware + Blue Zoo 


7pm - 2am 

The Flapper, West Midlands 

From £16.50 

Choral Classics 


7:30pm - 10pm 

Holy Trinity Church, West 

Midlands 

From £10.00 

Burnside Live Jukebox 


7:30pm - 10:30pm 


Midlands 

From £5.00 

UB42 Allskas 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £6.00 

Solstice 

Friday 31st March 

7:30pm - 11pm 

The Red Lion, West 

Midlands 

From £5.00 

Them Heavy People 


8pm - 12:15am 


From £8.00 

Pleasure Ladies Nights 


7pm - 10:30pm 

The Hub, West Midlands 

From £5.00 

Kings of Comedy (Slim, Kojo, 

Kane Brown, Axel) 


6:30pm - 10:30pm 

The Glee Club, Birmingham 

From £15.00 



7pm - 10:30pm 


From £5.00 

Morning with ..... Richard 

Barbieri (Japan/Rain Tree 

Crow/Porcupine Tree). 


9am - 12pm 

Birmingham and Midland 

Institute, West Midlands 

From £13.00 

Electronic Music Conference 

ft Martyn Ware, Chris Payne, 

Richard Barbieri & Rusty 

Egan 


12:30pm - 5:00pm 

The Birmingham and 

Midland Institute, West 

Midlands 

From £13.00 



7pm - 10:30pm 


From £5 

Club Nights 

The Big Birthday Bonanza 


9pm - 6am 

The Tunnel Club, West 

Midlands 

From £20.00 

Zoo Birmingham 

Wednesday 1st March 

10pm - 2:30am 

Popworld, West Midlands 

From £4.00 

Temptation 


10pm - 2am 

Zara’s Bar, West Midlands 

From £8.00 

Back to the 90’s & Noughties 


11pm - 6am 

Chic Nightclub, West 

Midlands 

From £5.00 

Only After Dark Club Night 


9pm - 2am 

The Penthouse, West 

Midlands 

£5.00 

City Vinyl Back To Acid 


9pm - 4am 

Square One, The Hub, West 

Midlands 

From £6.00 

Back to 98/99 


10pm - 6am 

Boxxed, West Midlands 

From £10.00 

Drum And Bass Awards 


10pm - 6am 

Donington Park Race 

Circuit, Derbyshire 

From £28.50 

4 soulwelive 4 


10pm - 2am 

Railway bar & grill, West 

Midlands 

From £8.00 

A'muse ladies night part 2 


7pm - 12am 

6 on Broad Street, West 

Midlands 

From £10.00 

Hanky Panky 

Monday 6th March 

10pm - 3am 


From £4.00 

ZOO Birmingham 

Wednesday 8th March 

10pm - 3am 


From £4.00 

Mini Allnighter with SS 

Steve, Matt Blackmore, Josh 

Pye, Rich Priest 


9pm - 4am 


Midlands 

From £5.00 

Entertainment 


Birmingham 


7pm - 10.30pm 


From £13.00 

Simply Soul - Champagne & 

Wine Gratitude Party 


11pm - 3am 

Fredericks Bar & Lounge, 

Jewellery Quarter 

From £5.00 

Richard Barbieri (Japan/Rain 

Tree Crow/Porcupine Tree) 

and GRICE 


1:30pm - 5pm 

Blue Orange Theatre, West 

Midlands 

From £13.00 

Richard Barbieri (Japan/Rain 

Tree Crow/Porcupine Tree) 

and GRICE 


6:30pm - 10pm 

Blue Orange Theatre, West 

Midlands 

From £13.00 

Kings of Comedy (Slim, Kojo, Kane 

Brown, Axel) @ GLEE CLUB 





Cream Disciples Camelphat 

George Kwali Martin Ikin 


9pm - 6am 

Q Club, West Midlands 

From £10.99 

Calum Best does #Mischief 


10pm - 3am 

Luna, West Midlands 

From £5.00 

House Of God 24th Birthday 


10pm - 6am 

The Tunnel Club, West 

Midlands 

From £10.00 

Hells/Bells 


8pm - 12:30am 


From £10.00 

Legends of Legends 


10pm - 5am 

The Parklands Banqueting 

Suite, West Midlands 

From £25.00 

St Patrick's Day 


7pm - 2am 

Cogs Bar, West Midlands 

From £5.00 

The Midlands Bassline 

Gathering 


9pm - 6am 

Boxxed, West Midlands 

From £15.00 

Flaunt With Andy Whitby 


10pm - 4am 

Suki10c, Digbeth 

From £7.50 

Sleepless Nights 


10pm - 4am 

Ivy House, West Midlands 

From £5.00 

Graham Cunnington/Paul 

Jamrozy (Test Dept) & Gnod 

Thursday 23rd March 

7pm- 11pm 


From £13.00 

Chris Payne +DJ Rusty Egan + 

Peter Coyle 


7pm - 1am 


From £16.50 

Interment Bass 


9pm - 3am 

The Royal Oak Bar, West 

Midlands 

From £5.00 

Things Can Only Get Better 


7:30pm - 22pm 

The Cadbury Club, Bournville 

From £6.00 

Stardust 3 


8pm - 5am 

Club PST, Digbeth 

From £10.00 

Soul Nostalgia Night 


9pm - 3am 

The Village Hotel, Coventry 

From £6.00 

HouseParty with DJ Luck & MC 

Neat 


10pm - 6am 

The Arena, Stourbridge 

From £3.00 

Big John’s Birthday Affair, The 

Aries Link up 


10:30pm - 4am 

Sugar Suite & Velvet Music 

Rooms, West Midlands 

From £6.00 

Johnny2bad performing as 

UB40 


6.30pm - 3am 

The Bel Air Nightclub, Wishaw 

From £22.00 

Le Freak: Soul Train Special 

Part 3 


9pm - 4am 

The Night Owl, West Midlands 

From £5.00 


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F LATPACK 

F ILM 

F ESTIVAL 

What? Birmingham’s very own city centre based 

independent film festival 

When? 4th – 9th April 2017 

Where? Birmingham City Centre 

How much? Events individually priced, Flatpass 

(access all events throughout the festival) is £70 

Now in its 11th year, the Flatpack 

Film Festival has become the 

de facto celebration of film in 

Birmingham. Spread throughout 

the city and utilising many of 

Birmingham’s best venues, 

Flatpack is a pop-up festival which generates a 

sense of community by supporting local film-makers 

and production professionals alongside unique 

screenings of classic movies. 

Built around a “passion over profit” core, the 

festival has grown exponentially over the past 

decade, expanding so that the Flatpack brand runs 

much further than just its flagship event. Flatpack 

now hosts events throughout the year and it is not 

uncommon for a popular event to gain enough 

traction to launch in its own right on a regular basis. 

Flatpack Film Festival is spread throughout 

Birmingham city centre, appearing at the following 

venues (amongst others); 

- Hackney Picturehouse 

- Grand Hotel 

- Everyman Hotel 

- The Old Rep 

- Ikon Gallery 

- Electric Cinema 

As the festival is located around Birmingham city 

centre there are plenty of food, drink and hospitality 

options available to visitors. 

Flatpack Film Festival 2017 will run between April 

4th and 9th, bringing a series of unique events to 

Birmingham city centre. Among these are; 

- A screening of David Lynch’s twisted masterpieces 

Mulholland Drive and Eraserhead (the former 

now in 4K, the latter accompanied by a reworked 

soundtrack by French synth duo Cercueil) 

- A screening Quentin Tarantino’s kung-fu/Hong 

Kong movie homage Kill Bill 

- An exhibition of audio-visual experimentation 

courtesy of Dutch artist Zeno Van Den Broek 

- Around China With a Movie Camera, a 

documentary epic chronicling life and history in 

China over the past 50 years 

- Bunch of Kunst, Christine Franz’s debut 

documentary feature starring Nottingham 

alternative/spoken word punk poets Sleaford Mods 

With a spectacular programme lined up to feature 

a host of exciting and unique events, Flatpack 

Film Festival 2017 is set to be one of the strongest 

and most impressive events put on by the brand 

yet. This Spring, if you are passionate about film 

and interested in engaging with a vibrant local 

community, Flatpack Film Festival is the place to 

be. 


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60 

What? The UK’s premium gaming festival returns to the Birmingham NEC 

Where? National Exhibition Centre, North Avenue, Marston Green, 

Birmingham B40 1NT 

When? 14th – 17th April 

How much? Day tickets from £25, Weekend from £77.50 

In the age of online gaming we can connect to players globally to enjoy 

multiplayer matches of our favourite games. The Insomnia festival predates 

this, acting as the UK’s biggest LAN (Local Area Network) event. 

Located in Birmingham since i56 (December 2015), Insomnia has fast 

risen to become one of the UK’s premier gaming events. The event attracts 

celebrities from throughout the video gaming world, including developers 

and popular YouTube personalities, in a huge celebration of gaming 

culture. 

Insomnia60 will feature the hottest and freshest new games in the 

business, as well as a veritable hall of fame from some of gaming’s most 

popular titles. The event also features a host of music acts to create a 

comprehensive entertainment experience. Insomnia60 will feature Years & 

Years, Chase & Status and Wretch32, amongst others. 

Of course, gaming isn’t gaming if there’s no competitive edge, so 

Insomnia engages with this spirit by hosting in-house tournaments with 

cash prizes. 

Now increased to a four day event, Insomnia is the UK’s favourite gaming 

event, attracting 60,000 visitors in 2016. Bigger than ever, Insomnia60 

will feature everything from competitive gaming tournaments on games 

like Halo5 to exhibitions by popular game developers and a retro zone to 

celebrate gaming history. 

The first huge event on the 2017 calendar for UK gaming (Nintendo 

Switch launch notwithstanding), Insomnia60 opens each day at 10am and 

closes at 6:00pm. Never bigger, this Easter Insomnia60 will bring the great 

and good of gaming to Birmingham. 


DIRECTORY 

Are you interested in advertising your business in In The City Magazine? In addition to our gorious spreds elsewhere in the 

magazine, we also offer a more budget-friendly option in the way of business card placements in our directory! If you are 

interested please contact us directly on the phone number listed on our opening page. 

Place Your Business Card Here 

Call: 


Call: 0121 230 8333 

E: advertising@inthecityuk.com 


Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



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DIRECTORY 

Are you interested in advertising your business in In The City Magazine? In addition to our gorious spreds elsewhere in the 

magazine, we also offer a more budget-friendly option in the way of business card placements in our directory! If you are 

interested please contact us directly on the phone number listed on our opening page. 


Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



Call: 0121 230 8333 



EdmundsAdDec16_Layout 1 25/11/2016 17:41 Page 1 

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CHEF DE CUISINE 

Didier Philipot 

“Food is our passion, 

Wine is our pleasure” 

Christmas Lunch £29.50 

Christmas Dinner £49.50 

Christmas Tasting Menu £70.00 

New Years Eve Tasting Menu £85.00 

WINNER OF 2 AA Rosettes 2016 

All Christmas diners will receive a Voucher for 

up to 30% off to spend on food in January 

6 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JB 

T: 0121 633 4944 

E: info@edmundsrestaurant.com W: edmundsrestaurant.com 


105 Vyse Street 

Jewellery Quarter 

Birmingham 

B18 6LP 

Tel: 0121 236 2426 

info@sonnysjewellery.com 

sonnysjewellery.com

MARCHAPRIL2017

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