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J'AIME JANUARY 2019

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9<br />

J’AIME<br />

Y O U R L O C A L L U X U R Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E<br />

GET<br />

LAYERED WITH<br />

COSY WINTER<br />

FASHION<br />

Saying farewell<br />

to an iconic<br />

Lichfield business<br />

TAKE A CHANCE ON DANCE:<br />

TRY SOMETHING NEW FOR<br />

THE NEW YEAR<br />

Stylish interiors<br />

to love in <strong>2019</strong>


Audiology is at the heart<br />

of everything we do<br />

Call today to book a consultation<br />

www.stevenhalehearing.co.uk | 0121 308 2550


Welcome to J’AIME<br />

As the madness of the festive season gives<br />

way to the quiet calm of a new year, it’s<br />

hard to believe that we’re already into<br />

<strong>2019</strong>; a year which we’re hoping will be<br />

an exciting one for J’AIME with plenty<br />

of new developments in the pipeline.<br />

But we start the new year off by bidding<br />

a fond farewell to one of Lichfield’s<br />

oldest businesses. Salloways Jewellery<br />

has been a stalwart in the city since 1871<br />

but now, after four generations of family<br />

ownership, the Salloways have decided<br />

to call time on the business in favour of<br />

well-earned retirement. We chat to Nigel<br />

Salloway and take a look back over his<br />

years at the helm, with best wishes for the<br />

future.<br />

The new year brings with it plenty of<br />

optimism, and plenty of new beginnings<br />

and ideas; if you’re looking to kickstart<br />

your <strong>2019</strong> in a healthy way we’ve got<br />

some great tips from Lichfield personal<br />

trainer Raul Romero. And if TV’s<br />

Strictly Come Dancing has inspired you<br />

to take to the ballroom for a twirl, we<br />

take a look at why dance just might be<br />

the best medicine for mind, body and<br />

soul.<br />

Elsewhere, we’ve got all of your usual<br />

favourites, from the most stylish interior<br />

design ideas to wardrobe updates to keep<br />

you ahead of the fashion curve all winter<br />

long.<br />

From the team at J’AIME, our best<br />

wishes for a bright and prosperous <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

EDITOR: AMY NORBURY<br />

EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY<br />

ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

07388 335 931<br />

DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

CONTRIBUTORS: MARTIN PLOWMAN,<br />

KIRSTY TAYLOR, LISA PIDDINGTON, JILL HARTLEY,<br />

RYAN SHILTON<br />

J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY<br />

PUBLICATIONS LIMITED AND PRINTED<br />

BY KEP LIMITED, TAMWORTH.<br />

Check us out online at:<br />

WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

Find us on<br />

/JAIMEMAGAZINE<br />

@JAIMEMAGAZINE<br />

@JAIMEMAGAZINE<br />

3


CONTENTS<br />

InsideJ’aime this month...<br />

6 Salloways - Saying farewell to one of<br />

Lichfield’s oldest businesses<br />

12 Property - Property of the month<br />

16 Interiors - Under the sea<br />

20 Interiors - 100 years of Bauhaus<br />

26 Interiors - Dare to bare with nude neutrals<br />

30 Food and drink - A look back at Sauce Supper<br />

Club’s Ultimate Fine Dining Experience<br />

32 Food and drink - Cocktail of the month from Bar<br />

Opus, Birmingham<br />

34 Food & drink - A new way to sample Italian<br />

wines<br />

36 Food & drink - A recipe to try from Larder<br />

Lichfield<br />

38 New Year, New You - Get a healthy start with<br />

Lichfield personal trainer Raul Romero<br />

40 New Year, New You - Nutrition tips and healthy<br />

recipe<br />

42 New Year, New You - Try dance for your new<br />

fitness addiction<br />

46 Travel - Discovering Verona<br />

50 New Year, New You - Say hello to your<br />

planning saviour<br />

52 What’s On - Our pick of events around our<br />

area this month<br />

54 What’s On - The hottest tickets around<br />

Birmingham<br />

56 Fashion - Get layered<br />

58 Fashion - Cosy up with Nero e Bianco<br />

62 Beauty - Anti-ageing secrets from Harvey<br />

Nichols Birmingham<br />

64 In the news - A new venture for Wentworth<br />

65 Motors - J’AIME’s expert Martin Plowman<br />

looks ahead to Autosport International at the<br />

NEC<br />

4


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A full list of medical specialities seen at our hospitals is given on<br />

our website. The timings given above are indicative, and may vary<br />

dependent on consultant and type of diagnostic test required.<br />

Book now to see a specialist<br />

Search ‘Spire Little Aston’<br />

Call 0121 514 7034


FEATURE<br />

A Lichfield jewel<br />

AS SALLOWAYS JEWELLERS PREPARES TO CLOSE ITS DOORS FOR GOOD THIS MONTH, AMY NORBURY<br />

CHATS TO NIGEL SALLOWAY ABOUT HIS TIME AT THE HELM OF ONE OF LICHFIELD’S OLDEST BUSINESSES<br />

THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN A<br />

FIXTURE ON BORE STREET<br />

SINCE 1884<br />

From the bright blue signage to the window displays<br />

packed with sparkling gems - not to mention the<br />

flashy Rolexes - Salloways Jewellers has long been a<br />

fixture in the heart of Lichfield.<br />

A distinguished jewellers with a reputation for<br />

excellence, Salloways has been the go-to for<br />

discerning customers looking for that special<br />

something for many a year. But now, after almost 150<br />

years in the city, owner Nigel Salloway has decided to<br />

shut up shop for good.<br />

The 59-year-old, who joined the family business as<br />

a jeweller and qualified gemmologist some 35 years<br />

ago, is planning to take a well-earned retirement.<br />

But before they close the doors for the final time,<br />

Salloways are holding a closing down sale, where<br />

some £2 million worth of stock will be discounted by<br />

50 per cent.<br />

“We’ve put everything at half price apart from the<br />

new Rolex watches,” says Nigel. “But there are<br />

some pre-owned and pre-registered ones which are<br />

reduced in price.<br />

“How long we continue in January depends on how<br />

much stock we have left; when everything is sold we’ll<br />

close the doors for the last time. But the sale has got<br />

off to an extremely good start, more than we could<br />

have ever predicted, so we’re happy that we’re on<br />

course to sell out our stock.”<br />

The business was started by Nigel’s great, great-uncle<br />

John, who was an apprentice clockmaker to Charles<br />

Thornelow of Tamworth Street, Lichfield, from<br />

1861. He completed the seven years of training and<br />

later took over Thornelow’s business, moving to 25<br />

Bore Street in 1884.<br />

With no children, when John Salloway passed away<br />

in 1900 the business was left to his brother William<br />

and wife Harriet. Harriet continued to run the shop<br />

and shifted the focus to jewellery and silver, ensuring<br />

its longevity for many years to come.<br />

“It needed a woman’s flair at the time,” says Nigel.<br />

Following a distinguished military career, the couple’s<br />

6


NIGEL SALLOWAY IS RETIRING<br />

AFTER 35 YEARS AT THE HELM OF<br />

THE FAMILY BUSINESS<br />

son - Nigel’s grandfather who was also called William<br />

but better known as Frank - took over the business in<br />

1922.<br />

“My grandfather came back after the First World<br />

War and married a very stern older woman called<br />

Gladys, my grandmother. She was as soft as anything<br />

with me, but everyone says she was extremely fierce,”<br />

laughs Nigel.<br />

“She stood at the top of the shop with her hands on<br />

her hips, making sure everything was done properly.<br />

She ran the business financially and commercially.”<br />

Frank and Gladys were at the helm of Salloways<br />

until Nigel’s father, John, took over in the 1950s.<br />

An only son, John initially went into the merchant<br />

navy before decided to follow in the family footsteps,<br />

attending watch school in Switzerland and studying<br />

for his gemmology qualifications.<br />

“He became a practical watchmaker and jeweller,<br />

and he also learned to be an optician, because at<br />

that time anyone who was a gemmologist knew<br />

everything about optics so it was a natural thing for<br />

them to be the opticians for a town, before opticians<br />

became a separate entity,” says Nigel.<br />

“He spent our formative years travelling the world<br />

with my mother Mary, buying up gemstones. He<br />

went to South Africa, then Australia, South America,<br />

Ceylon and India, all over the world where the best<br />

deposits of gemstones can be found.<br />

“Israel is very big for diamonds; a lot of the dealers<br />

and cutters are Israeli. On one buying trip to Israel<br />

he got stopped in the desert by a couple of bedouins<br />

with machine guns who wanted a lift. They couldn’t<br />

speak a word of English and just hopped in the back<br />

and gestured for him to drive on. Then<br />

they drove on for another hour or so before<br />

stopping him and getting out - it was quite<br />

an experience for him!”<br />

“My father always bought unusual stones;<br />

it was always things that were exceptional<br />

quality or very rare, and we’re still selling<br />

some of the stones he brought back from<br />

his travels. He bought the finest quality he<br />

could find, and when I took over I carried<br />

on in the same way, and I found that<br />

dealers would always come to us when they<br />

had something very fine as a first port of<br />

call because they knew that’s what we were<br />

looking for.<br />

“My father had a reputation for being a<br />

gentleman in business, and a reputation<br />

for quality; he was the driving force and<br />

I learnt from him and carried it on, and<br />

that’s where our reputation has stood over<br />

the years. It’s the ethos of the business and it’s served<br />

us well.”<br />

Nigel joined the business in 1984. After training<br />

down in London with Mappin and Webb, who were<br />

the Crown silversmiths at the time, he returned to<br />

Lichfield as a qualified jeweller and gemmologist, like<br />

his father.<br />

“When I came back I thought I knew quite a lot, but<br />

NIGEL SALLOWAY JOINED THE FAMILY<br />

BUSINESS IN 1984<br />

7


my father took me under his wing<br />

and showed me just how little I<br />

did know,” laughs Nigel fondly.<br />

“Having worked in London at<br />

Mappin and Webb I worked with<br />

Rolex watches and a lot of the<br />

other big brands, and I wanted<br />

to bring Rolex here. Within a<br />

couple of years I managed to<br />

secure Rolex and over the next<br />

25 years we accelerated by taking<br />

the business more upmarket.”<br />

As the fourth generation of<br />

Salloway to run the business,<br />

Nigel comes from a long line of<br />

jewellers. But his three children,<br />

daughter Laura and sons George<br />

and Edward have all forged their own careers away<br />

from the family trade.<br />

Laura is a specialist oncology nurse in a teaching<br />

hospital in Sheffield, while eldest son George is an<br />

outdoorsman who, says Nigel, “wouldn’t be chained<br />

to a desk.” Youngest son Edward is a chef, who<br />

trained at Birmingham University and works in a<br />

restaurant in Lichfield.<br />

“None of my children have joined the business, so<br />

it was just a matter of timing when I finished,” says<br />

Nigel.<br />

After some 35 years, it has been a rather difficult -<br />

and poignant - decision to for Nigel to make. And it<br />

two sad events which have helped confirm that the<br />

time is right.<br />

“A friend of mine passed away recently, and he<br />

was in the same position as me with children and<br />

grandchildren, and I thought that if I don’t do<br />

something soon I might not get to spend much time<br />

NIGEL BROUGHT ROLEX<br />

INTO THE BUSINESS<br />

THE REPAIRS WORKSHOP<br />

COUNTER<br />

with them,” he says.<br />

“And my father passing away in February was<br />

another thing which has influenced the decision. He<br />

always used to ask about what sold each day; I’d go<br />

and visit him, and he was ill and in pain but he was<br />

always thinking about how the business was going.<br />

And when he passed away I thought, that’s it, I’m on<br />

my own.<br />

“I’ve got some fabulous staff here and some of them<br />

have worked with me for many years and I treat<br />

them like an extended family. But when they finish<br />

work for the day they can walk away and not think<br />

about it until the next day. Whereas when I finish, I<br />

think about the business most of the night.<br />

“So I thought it was about time for me to retire, so I<br />

can really enjoy it.”<br />

When Nigel joined the business, John quickly<br />

stepped back and passed on much of the running<br />

of Salloways to his son. But Nigel hasn’t had that<br />

luxury.<br />

“My father sort of retired when I came<br />

back from London; he did a bit less and a<br />

bit less, and quite quickly he was working<br />

one or two days a week, and then down<br />

to half a day. But with no-one to take<br />

over from me, I haven’t had that benefit.<br />

“You need to be fully dedicated to the<br />

business or have someone who you know<br />

is going to be fully dedicated to the it; as<br />

a family we’ve built up this business since<br />

1871 and I suppose I’m too controlling to<br />

just let go and step back.”<br />

As well as his three children, Nigel has<br />

three young grandchildren - Molly,<br />

Josephine and Ottillie - and he plans to<br />

spend his retirement making the most of<br />

8


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his time with them.<br />

Nigel and his wife Rebecca already spend a day<br />

every week in Sheffield with their daughter Laura<br />

and granddaughter Molly, who’s two-and-a-half.<br />

“At the moment we’re enjoying spending quality time<br />

with the grandchildren on a weekly basis, and I hope<br />

that continues,” says Nigel.<br />

“They’re the nicest thing that’s happened in my life<br />

in a long time, and I’m making the very most of<br />

them. The relationship we’ve developed with them<br />

is fabulous, and looking after them all day once a<br />

week is wonderful. Every day we spend with the<br />

grandchildren is a complete joy.”<br />

And after 35 years of the pressures of running a<br />

business, Nigel is looking forward to a more leisurely<br />

pace of life.<br />

“I used to do a lot of golfing in my twenties and then<br />

the business took over so I got to play less and less, so<br />

I’ll probably take that up again.”<br />

With so much family history poured into the<br />

business, Nigel is enjoying looking back as he<br />

prepares to step away from the jewellery trade<br />

entirely.<br />

“We’ve got old stock books dating back to just before<br />

the First World War, so over 100 years ago, and<br />

it’s interesting looking through them and seeing<br />

Omega watches being sold for 12 shillings and<br />

6d or something like that,” says Nigel.<br />

“We’ve had people come in and say they<br />

bought a piece of jewellery from us 30 or 40<br />

years ago but they’ve lost it and have no record<br />

of it, and we’ve been able to look back and find<br />

the record of the sale - there’s so much history<br />

here with the business.”<br />

With a reputation for the finest quality precious<br />

stones and jewellery, Salloways is a real treasure<br />

trove. And working with so many beautiful<br />

things, says Nigel, has been a tremendous<br />

pleasure over the years.<br />

“It’s one of the few businesses you can be in<br />

where everyone who comes in is here to buy<br />

something to celebrate a special occasion,<br />

whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, or<br />

people who are just treating themselves,” he<br />

says.<br />

“It’s the people who you really make a<br />

difference to, and it’s brought a lot of joy to a<br />

lot of people. Not everyone can say that.”<br />

Over the years, Nigel has seen plenty of<br />

societal changes in his customers’ approach to<br />

buying jewellery.<br />

“Quite often nowadays it’s ladies who come<br />

in to treat themselves,” he says. “When I first came<br />

into the business, wives would come in with their<br />

husbands and the husbands would be holding the<br />

purse strings. He’d be at the top point of his earning<br />

powers, children would have left home and be<br />

earning their own money and she’d have spent years<br />

penny-pinching and looking after their finances to<br />

make sure his business was successful. And now it<br />

is successful and the husband is trying to treat his<br />

wife, she’s reluctant to spend that kind of money on<br />

something for herself, because she’s been so used to<br />

sacrificing.<br />

“That was terrible, and in that way society has<br />

definitely moved on and changed for the better.”<br />

And now, hopes Nigel, customers will grab the final<br />

chance to own a piece of jewellery from what has<br />

been a Lichfield institution.<br />

“Experience has taught me that business is a series of<br />

peaks and troughs, and while we’re on a peak, doing<br />

so well, with a good customer base and lovely stock,<br />

it’s time to go out on a high.”<br />

Salloways Jewellers’ closing down sale is<br />

now on. Pop into the store on Bore Street,<br />

Lichfield for more information.<br />

NIGEL’S PARENTS JOHN AND<br />

MARY SALLOWAY<br />

10


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PROPERTY<br />

Property of the Month<br />

WE TAKE A SNEAKY PEEK AT SOME OF THE HOTTEST PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN<br />

THE AREA EACH MONTH. THIS MONTH’S SELECTION IS A SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME SET<br />

IN BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS WITH AN EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS<br />

Oak House, Woodside Drive, Little Aston Park, Sutton Coldfield: £1,650,000<br />

On the market with Fine and Country Sutton Coldfield: 0121 272 6900<br />

THE AGENT SAYS: This elegant property with impressive<br />

façade was originally built early 1940s. Nestled on a private<br />

road on the prestigious private estate of Little Aston, it is set in<br />

approximately one acre of beautiful private grounds overlooking<br />

neighbouring farmland. It boasts six bedrooms and four reception<br />

rooms.<br />

Electric gates allow entrance to a large block paved driveway with<br />

ample parking and extensive landscaped front gardens bordered<br />

with mature trees.<br />

An inner vestibule steps up to a large square entrance hall with<br />

intricate Barley Twist staircase.<br />

Perfect for relaxing in front of the fire, the elegant drawing room<br />

with high ceilings and elaborate coving has leaded French doors<br />

leading to a large dining room and out to the rear gardens. The<br />

dining room is a great space for entertaining and can comfortably<br />

seat 12 guests. There is also a cosy but elegant sitting room with<br />

large bay window allowing light to stream in, perfect to relax<br />

during the day or evening.<br />

A spacious hand painted kitchen boasts an abundance of<br />

storage cupboards with integrated dishwasher, electric ovens and<br />

microwave with a small breakfast room offering further storage<br />

and wine fridge in a beautiful fitted dresser.<br />

The vast master bedroom enjoys views of the beautifully<br />

landscaped gardens with fitted wardrobe and exceptionally large<br />

en-suite bathroom with roll top bath, separate shower cubicle and<br />

freestanding vanity unit.<br />

Surrounded by trees the impressive private gardens are easily<br />

maintained with mature shrubs, large terraces wrapping around<br />

the immaculate lawns, perfect for entertaining or sitting to enjoy<br />

a relaxing evening aperitif with the backdrop of the ornamental<br />

ponds.<br />

W E L O V E :<br />

THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS -<br />

PERFECT FOR RELAXING AND<br />

ENTERTAINING ALL YEAR ROUND.<br />

12


PROPERTY<br />

Love at first sight for first-time<br />

home buyers Jack and Tina<br />

It was love at first sight for Jack Saunders and Tina<br />

Bagley when they visited Roman Heights, a new part of<br />

the Lichfield community, and now thanks to Help to Buy<br />

and Bovis Homes, the couple have made a dream move<br />

into their very first home there.<br />

Jack, a business development manager, and Tina, an<br />

accountant, made the decision to move in together and<br />

get on the property ladder earlier this year, and after<br />

visiting a Help to Buy show in Birmingham, the couple<br />

decided a new-build home would be the ideal choice.<br />

“We realised that with the Help to Buy – Equity Loan<br />

scheme, we would be able to get much more, so we<br />

started to look at new-build homes,” says Jack. “We<br />

decided to visit Roman Heights one weekend and loved<br />

it instantly. We went back the next day and put our<br />

deposit down!”<br />

The Government’s Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme<br />

is exclusively available for new-build properties and is<br />

available to first-time buyers and existing home owners<br />

alike. With the scheme, the Government provides a<br />

loan of up to 20 per cent of the property’s value, which<br />

means the buyer only needs to secure a mortgage for 75<br />

per cent and a five per cent deposit.<br />

“Tina was living in Sutton Coldfield and I was in<br />

Tyseley,” says Jack. “We looked around the area at a<br />

few new-builds, but as soon as we walked into the Bovis<br />

Homes sales centre, we knew we were in good hands.<br />

Barney and Charlotte, the sales advisors were brilliant.”<br />

Jack and Tina selected the three-bedroom Southwold,<br />

which has an open-plan kitchen and living area with<br />

French doors out into the garden and an en-suite<br />

bathroom in the master bedroom.<br />

“The layout is great and just perfect for us. It’s<br />

amazing to have an en suite and the bedrooms are<br />

really good sizes,” says Jack.<br />

“The whole process was so smooth and straightforward!<br />

Moving to a new house is a breeze!<br />

Using the Help to Buy scheme was really easy and<br />

Barney and Charlotte were great, helping us every<br />

step of the way.<br />

The couple were able to visit their home through<br />

the build stages and were given the chance to<br />

personalise it by choosing their own tiles and<br />

kitchen units.<br />

“We were given so much choice, which was<br />

brilliant,” says Jack. “We are really happy with our<br />

selections and the kitchen and bathroom look great!<br />

“Barney and Charlotte were brilliant. Nothing was ever<br />

too much trouble for them and everything we asked for<br />

was always dealt with,” says Jack. “They still pop over<br />

now to ask if everything is okay and to have a catch-up.<br />

We had a great experience with Bovis Homes.”<br />

Roman Heights in Lichfield offers a variety of three,<br />

four and five-bedroom homes. For further information,<br />

visit the sales centre open daily, 10am until 5pm or<br />

contact the team on 01543 544041 or go to<br />

www.bovishomes.co.uk<br />

14


Live your dream<br />

at Roman Heights, Lichfield<br />

Start your new chapter this year and<br />

discover the home of your dreams.<br />

Make memories in a home that offers you the modern<br />

living space, a great location and quality build.<br />

Our popular Roman Heights development in Lichfield<br />

features a range of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom properties<br />

with the ability to make them wired for the future and<br />

technologically friendly.<br />

Roman Heights<br />

Lichfield<br />

Staffordshire WS13 8LN<br />

Open daily, 10am - 5pm<br />

01543 544041<br />

bovishomes.co.uk<br />

With 365 opportunities for change this year, why not<br />

take a look around Roman Heights in Lichfield today<br />

and see how we can make this home bespoke to your<br />

dreams of tomorrow.<br />

The connected home hub platform enables the customer to integrate their smart devices into their home. Smart devices are the responsibility of the customer to purchase separately. The home hub platform is subject to build stage. Terms<br />

and conditions apply. Please see a sales advisor for further details. Photograph depicts a typical Bovis Home interior. Elevation may differ to that shown. Internal images may include optional upgrades at an additional cost. Price & availability<br />

correct at time of going to print/broadcast. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Ask our sales advisor for details.


INTERIORS<br />

Dive in<br />

WITH an emphasis in 2018 on how our habits are<br />

damaging the earth’s oceans, <strong>2019</strong> sees humanity pay<br />

tribute the world that lies beneath us. This homage has<br />

also made its way into interiors, where we’re seeing<br />

an onset of spaces displaying fantastical imaginings of<br />

aquatic life.<br />

Hot on the heels of last year’s love affair with all<br />

things jungle, green and pleasant, <strong>2019</strong> takes a deeper<br />

inspiration from the natural world.<br />

From scalloped furniture to fish scale tiles and all things<br />

curved, wavy and ocean-inspired, we’ve fallen hook, line<br />

and sinker for the under the sea trend.<br />

Look for accessories featuring our new amphibious<br />

friends, or inject a splash of colour with furniture in sea<br />

green and azure blue that’ll make your home feel like<br />

the jewel of the ocean and help you create a space that<br />

resembles a mermaid’s haven.<br />

ARIEL KINGSIZE BED, £3,295, SWEETPEA AND<br />

WILLOW. WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM<br />

£137<br />

DIESEL LIVING WITH SELETTI ‘HOLY CRAB’<br />

ALUMINIUM ORNAMENT, HURN AND HURN.<br />

WWW.HURNANDHURN.COM<br />

SCALLOP PRINT COTTON CUSHION, CULT<br />

FURNITURE. WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM<br />

£853<br />

£28<br />

CRESTA GREY VELVET SHELL CHAIR,<br />

ARTISANTI. WWW.ARTISANTI.COM<br />

£33.50<br />

GOLD OCTOPUS FOUR CANDLE<br />

CENTREPIECE, AUDENZA.<br />

WWW.AUDENZA.COM<br />

16


R E C L A M A T I O N<br />

YOUR RECLAIMED BUILDING & LANDSCAPING MATERIAL SUPPLIERS<br />

WE SELL RECLAIMED BRICKS, BEAMS & NATURAL STONE SLABS<br />

Bricks • Roof Tiles • Quarry Tiles • Natural Stone Walling & Paving • Rockery<br />

• Granite Sets • Cobbles • Stone Troughs • Oak Beams • Cast Iron Radiators<br />

• Lamp Posts • Fire Places • Doors • Chimney Pots • PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE!<br />

Telephone: 0121 308 0554<br />

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm • Saturday 9.30am - 1.30pm<br />

35 Holding, Shirral Drive, Nr Drayton Bassett B78 3EQ<br />

www.fouroaksreclamation.com<br />

www.ebay.co.uk/str/Reclaimplus<br />

www.facebook.com/fouroaksrec<br />

NEW<br />

YEARS<br />

SALE<br />

GET UP TO<br />

40% OFF<br />

STARTS <strong>JANUARY</strong> 2ND<br />

ÉÚŔÓÞÁAẂÁẄ⁄AĹIJĆI GIJÉĹÐ⁄AẂŚÿźAŕŤY<br />

yýzỳÿAỳỳyyŷyA○AŚI ÓẂŔÓÓN Ś¾ŤIJÞÞÉŔŚ¾ĆÓN<br />

ẂÉÉLÐÁẄŚ<br />

ž¾ÿyÁN A{Az¾yyÞN<br />

ŚÁŤÚŔÐÁẄ<br />

ż¾yyÁN A{Aỳ¾yyÞN


£3,852<br />

BLUE MERMAID SHELL RUG,<br />

HOORAY AND CO.<br />

WWW.HOORAYANDCO.CO.UK<br />

£13<br />

LOURDES VELVET ARMCHAIR, PEPPERMILL<br />

INTERIORS, BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK.<br />

WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM<br />

GINGER AND JAGGER PEARL<br />

WALL LAMP, THE LONGEST STAY.<br />

WWW.THELONGESTSTAY.COM<br />

OCEANIA GOLDEN SHELL<br />

ORNAMENT, SWEETPEA AND WILLOW.<br />

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM<br />

£425<br />

£25<br />

VIVARAISE TANA BEDSPREAD, PRINTER +<br />

TAILOR. WWW.PRINTERANDTAILOR.COM<br />

£18<br />

£499<br />

£105<br />

SIENNA TEAL VELVET SHELL CHAIR,<br />

AUDENZA. WWW.AUDENZA.COM<br />

CERAMIC CLAM SHELL,<br />

THE CONTEMPORARY HOME.<br />

WWW.TCH.NET<br />

£178<br />

£438<br />

HURN AND HURN DISCOVERIES CORAL<br />

AMAZONIT OUT TABLE LAMP,<br />

WWW.HURNANDHURN.COM<br />

SCHOOL OF FISH LIQUID ART,<br />

COOKES FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.COOKESFURNITURE.CO.UK<br />

DULWICH MIDI SOFA IN LINEN MIX<br />

OCEAN, £1,218, DARLINGS OF CHELSEA.<br />

WWW.DARLINGSOFCHELSEA.CO.UK<br />

18


EICHHOLTZ TRAPEZIUM CHAIR,<br />

£1,095, SWEETPEA AND WILLOW.<br />

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM<br />

STARFISH AND SEAHORSE CANDLE PINS,<br />

£6.50, ANNABEL JAMES.<br />

WWW.ANNABELJAMES.CO.UK<br />

JAN CONSTANTINE MARINE<br />

COLLECTION WALL HANGING, £86.<br />

WWW.JANCONSTANTINE.COM<br />

MERMAID BOOKENDS, £46, AUDENZA.<br />

WWW.AUDENZA.COM<br />

OVERSIZED GOLD MERMAID VASE, £61,<br />

AUDENZA. WWW.AUDENZA.COM<br />

OCTOPUS STAND AND GLASS BOWL,<br />

£124.95, ANNABEL JAMES.<br />

WWW.ANNABELJAMES.CO.UK


I N T E R I O R S<br />

ALVEARE TUB CHAIR, £349.99,<br />

MY FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.MY-FURNITURE.CO.UK<br />

Grand<br />

designs<br />

IN 1919 an art school was formed in Germany, one<br />

that would go on to have a profound influence on art<br />

and interior design over the following century. That<br />

school was called The Bauhaus.<br />

The Bauhaus was a crafts and fine arts institution<br />

that held the mission of combining the arts with<br />

architecture and interior design. Inspired by the<br />

movement of modernism, the signature look of The<br />

Bauhaus was comprised of circular shapes, angular<br />

frames and abstract blocks of primary colours. This<br />

style has continued to be popular over the years, and<br />

is now seeing a resurgence in light of the 100-year<br />

anniversary of Bauhaus, which the world of interior<br />

design will be celebrating in <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

So invest in some stylish pieces to celebrate a century<br />

of this influential movement, while leaving your home<br />

looking arty and sophisticated at the same time.<br />

GUBI BESTLITE PENDANT, RUME.<br />

WWW.RUME.CO.UK<br />

£39<br />

CULT LIVING CONSEC METAL<br />

BAR STOOL, CULT FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM<br />

£219<br />

CULT LIVING RAE METAL DESK<br />

LAMP, CULT FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM<br />

£59<br />

£11.99<br />

BAUHAUS DRAWER KNOBS,<br />

DOWSING AND REYNOLDS.<br />

WWW.DOWSINGANDREYNOLDS.COM<br />

20


OUR NEW BROCHURE IS NOW AVAILABLE<br />

P R E N T I C E<br />

Quality Furniture<br />

01827 287387<br />

enquiry@prentice.co.uk<br />

www.prentice.co.uk


SILVER METAL NEST OF<br />

TABLES, MELODY MAISON.<br />

WWW.MELODYMAISON.CO.UK<br />

£229<br />

BIANCA CHEST OF DRAWERS, £554,<br />

DISTINCTIFY. WWW.DISTINCTIFY.COM<br />

FOWLER TALL SHELVES,<br />

WWW.MADE.COM<br />

£554<br />

£151.95<br />

£450<br />

£50<br />

BURNISHED GOLD AMD<br />

GLASS COFFEE TABLE,<br />

COX AND COX.<br />

WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK<br />

FLOR WOODEN WALL CLOCK,<br />

CULT FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM<br />

£599<br />

EICHHOLTZ MONOGRAM COFFEE TABLE,<br />

SWEETPEA AND WILLOW.<br />

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM<br />

£2,695<br />

MILANO CHAIR, LIVING IT UP.<br />

WWW.LIVINGITUP.CO.UK<br />

LIGNE ROSET VILNA COLLECTION,<br />

£POA, COOKES FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.COOKESFURNITURE.CO.UK<br />

22


CULT STUDIO BAILEY ACCENT ARMCHAIR,<br />

£229, CULT FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM<br />

THE CURVARELLA TURMERIC VELVET CHAIR,<br />

£725, AUDENZA. WWW.AUDENZA.COM<br />

CALLIGARIS JUNGLE COLLECTION,<br />

FROM COOKES FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.COOKESFURNITURE.CO.UK<br />

CALLIGARIS KENT COLLECTION,<br />

FROM COOKES FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.COOKESFURNITURE.CO.UK<br />

ROCCO SOFA, £1,750,<br />

DARLINGS OF CHELSEA.<br />

WWW.DARLINGSOFCHELSEA.CO.UK


Winter sale starts Boxing Day at 10am<br />

6 Progress Drive, Bridgtown, Cannock, WS11 0JE<br />

T: 01543 467403 • E: info@leatherbydesign.co.uk • W: www.leatherbydesign.co.uk


Time to celebrate almost<br />

30 years of ‘Home Stories’<br />

Now approaching its 30th year, Leather by Design<br />

continues to strive to be different in more ways than<br />

one. As well as providing high end furniture for just<br />

about every room in the house, the team endeavours<br />

to make every discerning customer’s wish come true,<br />

with a passion for design, renovation, decoration and<br />

innovation.<br />

Launched originally in 1989 from a small<br />

manufacturing unit in Burntwood, the company<br />

has developed year on year through its reputation<br />

and skilled craftsmanship, and has now completed a<br />

striking refurbishment of the Cannock showroom.<br />

The stunning two-storey showroom has been<br />

beautifully designed and curated to house one of<br />

the area’s widest and most comprehensive selections<br />

of furniture pieces. From timeless, classical styles to<br />

the more modern, minimalist designs the portfolio<br />

includes Natuzzi Italia, Natuzzi Editions and<br />

Calligaris to name but a few.<br />

In addition to this impressive selection Leather by<br />

Design are experts at creating handcrafted pieces<br />

to suit individual design requirements with artwork,<br />

table placings, glassware, floor mats and a wide array<br />

of other unusual items to compliment any room<br />

of your home. Luxurious home accessories are of<br />

utmost importance. They enrich the whole space and<br />

make a setting complete.<br />

Restoration and manufacturing of fine furniture<br />

remain a unique quality at Leather by Design as, in<br />

a society driven by constant change, preservation<br />

and longevity are key to the company’s success. A full<br />

reupholstery, restoration and French polishing service<br />

is available, as well as in-house design, allowing the<br />

customer to be as individual as their furniture and<br />

the ability to preserve the memory of much-loved<br />

items, albeit in a slightly different guise.<br />

The personal touch is an important factor here; the<br />

longstanding team is always on hand to remember<br />

the return customers and greet the new, and are<br />

always keen to be involved in assisting customers in<br />

achieving their dream interior.<br />

As well as covering the main rooms of a home, lets<br />

not forget the smaller but ever so important work<br />

spaces that the modern family require. Whether it<br />

be student projects or the deal of a lifetime, these<br />

things can be achieved in a dedicated space within<br />

the home with Leather by Design’s many home office<br />

solutions.<br />

With the trend to reinvent and redecorate, Leather by<br />

Design can assist you in all of your furnishing needs.<br />

So, if you are thinking of altering or updating your<br />

furniture, perhaps are looking for occasional pieces to<br />

compliment your rooms, or even just an interior style<br />

gift for friends and family, why not pay the showroom<br />

a visit?<br />

Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a<br />

place beautiful… that is the goal.<br />

25


I N T E R I O R S<br />

CARPETRIGHT HOUSE BEAUTIFUL COAST-<br />

AL BEIGE IN DRIFTWOOD, £37.99 PER M2.<br />

WWW.CARPETRIGHT.CO.UK<br />

Dare to<br />

bare?<br />

WOULD you go nude? Well, for <strong>2019</strong> the latest<br />

interiors colour trend is barely there, warm, earthy<br />

neutrals. For the past few years, grey has dominated<br />

the neutral interiors palette. But sandy shades are<br />

back, and proving to be anything but boring. Now<br />

don’t get us wrong, we love grey, but we’re being<br />

increasingly drawn towards the warmer, friendlier<br />

tones of oatmeal and stonewashed linen.<br />

Think fleshy toned, earthy jute, canvas, wool, wood<br />

and hemp - which, let’s face it, all sound way nicer<br />

than beige. Whereas cool greys tap into that everpopular<br />

minimal Scandi chic vibe, nude neutrals are<br />

perfect for creating an altogether cosier feel.<br />

The shade feels most modern and fresh when paired<br />

with crisp white and black accents, or use it to create a<br />

pared-down, rustic look with stonewashed linens, oak,<br />

rattan and jute. It just goes to show that barely-there<br />

neutrals can really pack a punch.<br />

£119<br />

£49<br />

ESKIMO WOOL CUSHION COVER,<br />

LAPUAN KANKURIT.<br />

WWW.LAPUANKANKURIT.FI<br />

£149<br />

HARLOW FABRIC ACCENT<br />

CHAIR, CULT FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM<br />

MUUTO UNFOLD NUDE PENDANT LIGHT,<br />

RUME. WWW.RUME.CO.UK<br />

26


Woodburning &<br />

16 -18 Britannia Way Britannia Enterprise Park, multifuel Lichfield WS14 stoves 9UY<br />

01543 263340 • info@lichfieldkitchensandbedrooms.com • www.lichfieldkitchensandbedrooms.com<br />

Book an appointment now for a FREE no obligation design service with our kitchen specialists<br />

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.<br />

t he heart of t he home...<br />

Visit our showroom to be amazed by the choice -<br />

from traditional to modern<br />

With such a wide range of fires, fireplaces and stoves<br />

there is sure to be a style to suit you & your home<br />

WE OF F ER<br />

A C OMP LE T E<br />

INST ALLA T ION<br />

SERV ICE<br />

Visit our showroom and be amazed by the choice! With such a wide range from traditional to modern, there’s sure to be a style to suit you!<br />

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS:<br />

CLOSING 1PM ON 21/12 -<br />

RE-OPEN 2ND <strong>JANUARY</strong>.<br />

5 Stafford Road, Lichfield WS13 7BZ - Tel: 01543 263 383 • www.thefireplacelichfield.co.uk • Email: sales@thefireplacelichfield.co.uk<br />

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm • Sat 10am - 4pm. Closed Sundays and bank holidays. FREE ON-SITE PARKING.


INDIES WARDROBE,<br />

MAISONS DU MONDE.<br />

WWW.MAISONSDUMONDE.COM<br />

NUDE BUTTON CHAIR,<br />

SWEETPEA AND WILLOW.<br />

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM<br />

£1,046<br />

£133.50<br />

£410<br />

RAUHA BEDSPREAD IN LINEN<br />

WHITE, LAPUAN KANKURIT.<br />

WWW.LAPUANKANKURIT.FI<br />

£540<br />

£420<br />

HEPBURN ARMCHAIR IN BEIGE VELVET,<br />

SWEETPEA AND WILLOW.<br />

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM<br />

JEAN-LUKE VELVET BENCH,<br />

SWEETPEA AND WILLOW.<br />

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM<br />

DURESTA RIVIERA COLLECTION<br />

FROM COOKES FURNITURE.<br />

WWW.COOKESFURNITURE.CO.UK<br />

28


T H E F I N E S T K I T C H E N S & B E D R O O M S S I N C E 1 9 5 5<br />

Accredited 5 Star<br />

Master Partner<br />

4a, Little Aston Lane, Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B74 3UF<br />

Tel: 0121 353 2525 Fax: 0121 353 4314 E-mail: enquiries@linterieur.co.uk Web: www.linterieur.co.uk<br />

4a, Little Aston Lane, Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B74 3UF<br />

Tel: 0121 353 2525 • Fax: 0121 353 4314 • E-mail: enquiries@linterieur.co.uk • Web: www.linterieur.co.uk<br />

SUPPLIERS OF KARNDEAN, MODULEO & AMTICO FLOORING<br />

AND MANY MORE TOP MANUFACTURERS.<br />

SALE<br />

OFFERS<br />

IN-STORE<br />

THROUGHOUT<br />

<strong>JANUARY</strong><br />

in<br />

28 Goosemoor Lane, Erdington,<br />

Birmingham B23 5PN - Tel: 0121 377-8848<br />

Open: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5pm. Sun 11am - 5pm.


F O O D & D R I N K<br />

The best of Brum<br />

SIX MICHELIN STARRED CHEFS, SIX SUPERLATIVE COURSES AND A WHOLE HEAP OF HAPPY DINERS MADE IT<br />

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT SAUCE SUPPER CLUB’S STAR-STUDDED END-OF-YEAR DINING SHOWCASE<br />

What do you get when six of the Midlands most<br />

lauded chefs bring six delectable courses to a fine<br />

dining event unlike any other? This is the Sauce<br />

Supper Club Ultimate Fine Dining Experience; a<br />

night which showed exactly why the Midlands is a<br />

mecca for foodies.<br />

Sauce Supper Club owner Beth Toovey said:<br />

“Following another incredible year of pop ups<br />

in Lichfield and Nottingham we wanted to do<br />

something really special for our end of year<br />

celebration. Birmingham is very fortunate to have<br />

six Michelin star chefs in the area, so to get them all<br />

cooking in one evening seemed just the challenge we<br />

were after to make a really unique event.”<br />

And so ‘The Best of Brum’ idea was born. The first<br />

stage? Approach the master chefs in question.<br />

“There was a real buzz about the event right from<br />

the planning stages among the chefs who rarely get<br />

an opportunity like this, and it was a yes straight<br />

away from everyone!” says Beth.<br />

“A few meetings later with the menu and venue<br />

decided we were excited to share the news of the<br />

event with our Supper Club members.”<br />

This unique occasion meant that diners could enjoy<br />

an evening where the kitchen was taken over, course<br />

by course, by each chef as they prepared and served<br />

their course, allowing diners to effectively eat in six<br />

different restaurants in one night. More than 40<br />

chefs in total came together for the event, all working<br />

together in different surroundings as the extravagant<br />

menu was delivered perfectly at Edgbaston Cricket<br />

Ground for 250 guests.<br />

“We are so lucky in Birmingham to have such<br />

talented chefs - to get them all together in one<br />

kitchen was really special!” says<br />

Beth. “It was a great night enjoyed<br />

by our Supper Club members and<br />

chefs alike. The kitchen banter was<br />

off the scale and very entertaining!<br />

“It is difficult to pick out a stand<br />

out course – they were creative<br />

and beautiful to look at, while the<br />

flavours that were delivered were<br />

glorious.<br />

“The teams of chefs all enjoyed the<br />

event, jumping in and supporting<br />

each other on the pass to deliver a<br />

perfect plate of food to each and<br />

every diner. It was also a great<br />

opportunity for the chefs to go out<br />

30


into the dining room and speak with guests and enjoy<br />

the adulation! A well deserved beer and many selfies<br />

with the guests rounded off our 2018 fine dining<br />

extravaganza! In the words of Glynn Purnell, ‘It was<br />

like the reforming of the Spice Girls - who knows<br />

when it will happen again!’<br />

“We also received tremendous support from the<br />

industry and would like to thank Whitley Neil for<br />

providing the welcome gin and tonic which was a<br />

fabulous start to the event, Illy for supplying their<br />

delicious coffee and gorgeous cups to round off the<br />

evening, Braggard for ensuring the chefs looked<br />

amazing with their Sauce branded chef whites, the<br />

team at the International Convention Centre for<br />

loan of their beautiful handmade plates and Hoot<br />

Hospitality and Delicious PR for ensuring everyone<br />

knew the event was taking place! Birmingham is a<br />

very special community and it was great to have such<br />

incredible support.”<br />

Sauce Supper Club delivers fine dining experiences<br />

through pop-up restaurant events where Michelin<br />

starred and highly commended chefs showcase<br />

their food and talents. Started in Lichfield in 2017,<br />

it has since added Nottingham, and <strong>2019</strong> will see<br />

Manchester added to the list of Supper Club event<br />

destinations.<br />

Beth adds: “We are currently securing our <strong>2019</strong><br />

programme - already in the bag is Tom Brown from<br />

Cornerstone in Hackney Wicks, former chef at St<br />

Enodoc Hotel in Rock working with Nathan Outlaw<br />

for six years, and James Cochran of Restaurant<br />

1251 London N1, former chef of The Ledbury and<br />

starring in this years BBC show Great British Menu.”<br />

For details of future Sauce Supper Club events, sign<br />

up to the newsletter at www.saucesupperclub.co.uk<br />

THE FULL MENU CREATED BY THE CHEFS WAS:<br />

LIAM DILLON, THE BOAT INN<br />

SNACK SELECTION<br />

LUKE TIPPING, SIMPSONS RESTAURANT<br />

CARROT BROTH, FERMENTED CARROTS, SMOKED<br />

CHEESE DUMPLING,<br />

OYSTER MUSHROOM, CHICKWEED<br />

BRAD CARTER, CARTERS OF MOSELEY<br />

‘MASH & GRAVY’, SMOKED BONE MARROW,<br />

WILTSHIRE TRUFFLE<br />

ROB PALMER, PEELS RESTAURANT, HAMPTON MANOR<br />

SMOKED EEL, KOHLRABI, SEA PURSLANE<br />

ADAM BENNETT, THE CROSS, KENILWORTH<br />

FILLET OF COD, BROCCOLI, ALMOND, SEAWEED BUTTER,<br />

LOBSTER EMULSION, POTATO GNOCCHI<br />

GLYNN PURNELL, PURNELLS RESTAURANT<br />

ROAST VENISON LOIN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH,<br />

ORANGE,<br />

SZECHUAN PEPPER, PONZU<br />

ADAM STOKES, ADAMS RESTAURANT<br />

BLOOD ORANGE, GINGER, YOGHURT SORBET<br />

SAUCE SUPPER CLUB’S<br />

BETH TOOVEY WITH<br />

BIRMINGHAM’S SUPER<br />

STARRED SIX<br />

31


F O O D & D R I N K<br />

Cocktail of the month<br />

THE TEAM AT BAR OPUS, IN BIRMINGHAM, SHARE A SPARKLING CELEBRATION<br />

COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR SEEING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG<br />

Strawberry Ombre<br />

Sparkler<br />

Prosecco<br />

For the strawberry syrup:<br />

1 punnet Strawberries<br />

1kg sugar<br />

1 litre water<br />

In a small pot combine strawberries,<br />

sugar and water. Let the mixture cook<br />

for approximately 15 minutes. When<br />

strawberries become soft, take off of the<br />

heat and drain the strawberries, keeping<br />

the syrup in a separate bowl and let it<br />

cool down.<br />

Once syrup is cooled, pour 30ml in the<br />

bottom of champagne glass. Top with<br />

145ml prosecco and garnish with a sprig<br />

of rosemary. Cheers!<br />

Enjoy!<br />

32


DUE TO RETIREMENT<br />

SALLOWAYS<br />

JEWELLERS<br />

CLOSING DOWN SALE<br />

WAS £3400<br />

NOW<br />

£1700<br />

ALL JEWELLERY<br />

50<br />

MUST BE CLEARED<br />

WAS £2100<br />

NOW<br />

£1050<br />

A unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to buy<br />

Diamond Rings, Quality Diamond Jewellery and<br />

Jewellery of all descriptions ALL AT 50% OFF!<br />

This is an event that is never to be repeated!<br />

SALE NOW ON!<br />

EVERYTHING MUST GO!<br />

WAS £3100<br />

NOW<br />

£1550<br />

WAS £1500<br />

NOW<br />

£750<br />

WAS £2880<br />

NOW<br />

£1440<br />

WAS £4350<br />

NOW<br />

£2175<br />

Opening Hours:<br />

Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm<br />

Sunday - 10.00am - 4.00pm<br />

Salloways Jewellers<br />

25 Bore Street, Lichfield,<br />

Staffordshire WS13 6NA<br />

www.salloways.co.uk


F O O D & D R I N K<br />

Time to indulge<br />

A NEW WAY TO SAMPLE AND BUY SOME OF THE FINEST ITALIAN WINE HAS<br />

ARRIVED AT BARTON MARINA COURTESY OF INDULGENCE BY NERO E BIANCO<br />

Indulgence by Nero e Bianco opened its doors at<br />

Barton Marina last month as a specialist Italian wine<br />

and chocolate shop.<br />

The owners of Nero e Bianco, Jill Hartley and<br />

Michael Ballance, wanted to offer something unique<br />

to the area and decided to install an enomatic wine<br />

dispensing machine, which allows customers to taste<br />

a broad selection of fine Italian wines, from a small<br />

taster up to a 125ml glass.<br />

Indulgence stocks a range of elegant wines from<br />

most regions of Italy and new interesting wines are<br />

introduced monthly.<br />

Customers can sit and enjoy a nice glass of wine in<br />

store looking out over the picturesque Barton Marina<br />

and treat themselves to an Italian cheese and meat<br />

platter.<br />

Indulgence also sells a range of irresistible Italian<br />

chocolates from Venchi; a gourmet manufacturer<br />

founded in 1878. This is one of Italy’s best chocolate<br />

manufacturers and exude quality in every sense.<br />

In addition to Italian wine and chocolates,<br />

Indulgence also offers a range of Italian craft beers<br />

and spirits, including specialist gins.<br />

Wine expert Patrick Gaunt, from Indulgence, said:<br />

“Allow us to introduce our new venture, Indulgence;<br />

our modern approach to speciality wine and<br />

chocolate as well as providing many craft beers and<br />

spirits.<br />

“Among our wines we have some great sparkling<br />

editions, including our high-quality Prosecco<br />

Superiore Zero 3. This sparkling wine typically has<br />

less sugar than many other wines on the market,<br />

making it a little drier in taste. As it is<br />

lower in sugar, it is better for you than<br />

other similar examples.<br />

We have found that this has been<br />

extremely popular among wine-drinkers<br />

that are wanting to keep an eye on<br />

their sugar intake, whilst still treating<br />

themselves!<br />

“Our Prosecco Superiore Zero 3 is<br />

perfect for this winter period, only<br />

available from Indulgence at Barton<br />

Marina.”<br />

Visit Indulgence at Barton Marina or for<br />

more information check out the website<br />

www.indulgenceshop.co.uk<br />

34


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F O O D & D R I N K<br />

Relaxed fine dining<br />

RYAN SHILTON, CHEF PATRON AT LARDER LICHFIELD,<br />

SHARES A TANTALISING RECIPE FROM THEIR TASTING MENU<br />

Fine dining with all of the flair and flavour - and<br />

none of the pomp or pretention - is the name of the<br />

game at Lichfield’s newest restaurant.<br />

Larder, on Bore Street, is the first solo venture<br />

for acclaimed young chef Ryan Shilton, whose<br />

impeccable pedigree counts positions at Hampton<br />

Manor and, most recently, as head chef at Swinfen<br />

Hall, among his impressive CV.<br />

The stylish eatery - which offers five and sevencourse<br />

tasting menus alongside a choice menu for<br />

both lunch and dinner - has a simple ethos; taking<br />

great produce and treating it with care and attention<br />

to create outstanding plates packed with flavour.<br />

“The whole approach is ‘produce first’,” says Ryan.<br />

“We’ve not gone too far out there with flavours; we<br />

like to keep things simple, but add that little touch of<br />

theatre to our dishes.”<br />

The menus will change regularly, according to<br />

seasons and making the most of the best available<br />

produce, so diners will always have something new<br />

to try. And for those who want to see Ryan cooking<br />

up close, the kitchen table puts diners right at the<br />

heart of the action where they are able to watch chef<br />

create culinary magic.<br />

For more information and to book a table call<br />

01543 471342 or visit www.larderlichfield.com<br />

Celeriac, oregano, Lincolnshire Poacher.<br />

SERVES 8<br />

FOR THE CELERIAC:<br />

The celeriac part of the dish comprises three elements;<br />

baked, fermented and pickled. For the baked celeriac,<br />

take a whole celeriac, wrap it in foil with 250g of butter<br />

and bake it for one-and-a-half hours at 180 degrees.<br />

For the fermented celeriac, peel and thinly slice 100g of<br />

celeriac, store it in a Kilner jar with 3g of salt and 100 ml<br />

of cold water for approx three days.<br />

For the pickled celeriac, dice 80g of celeriac in 1cm<br />

cubes then cover for 24 hours in 150ml of rice vinegar.<br />

FOR THE OREGANO OIL:<br />

Take 100g of fresh oregano and 100g of rapeseed oil,<br />

blitz for then minutes then pass through a sieve.<br />

FOR THE LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER:<br />

Roughly chop up one shallot, a clove of garlic and 150g<br />

Lincolnshire poacher cheddar. Sweat it all in a pan for<br />

three minutes then add 300ml of double cream and 80ml<br />

of rice vinegar. Simmer for five minutes before passing<br />

off and seasoning to taste with salt.<br />

This dish can be played numerous ways but we love to<br />

showcase the salty, acidic Lincolnshire Poacher sauce<br />

so we recommend a bowl so you get all the cheesy<br />

goodness!<br />

36


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H E A LT H<br />

A healthy start<br />

LICHFIELD PERSONAL TRAINER RAUL ROMERO, OF AMBITION PERSONAL TRAINING, TAKES A LOOK<br />

AT HOW TO ENSURE YOUR NEW YEAR FITNESS GOALS AREN’T A DISTANT MEMORY BY SPRING<br />

‘New Year, New You’.. .how many times have you<br />

heard this, and why does it not seem to last?<br />

It is that time of year where, after the Christmas<br />

binge and food indulgence, we dust off our running<br />

shoes and make the ‘New Year, New You’ resolution.<br />

We resolve that this will be the year that brings<br />

about a new you, as we rush to sign up to a new gym<br />

membership in earnest.<br />

Fitness centres, gyms, and personal training studios<br />

are suddenly packed and mega busy for a few weeks.<br />

But what happens in February and March? Why do so<br />

many people waiver on their resolution and in the end<br />

give up in their attempt of forging that ‘new you’?<br />

Well, quite simply, the key is setting realistic, practical,<br />

‘chunked up’ goals... after all, Rome wasn’t built in a<br />

day.<br />

Here we remind you of the benefits of incorporating<br />

new healthy habits, and also give you practical, easy<br />

tips to really accomplish a ‘new year, new you’ that<br />

lasts past January, and help you to improve your health<br />

and fitness throughout the whole of the new year.<br />

Benefits of incorporating new healthy habits<br />

into our lifestyle:<br />

Positive impact on our mental health<br />

Increased energy levels<br />

Injury/illness prevention<br />

Prevention of long term diseases<br />

Increased self-esteem<br />

Reaching a healthy weight<br />

Controlling our stress / stress relief<br />

Inspiring friends and family<br />

Simply looking and feeling great!<br />

Here are some<br />

simple, practical,<br />

‘chunked up’ tips to<br />

help you on the road<br />

to achieving a ‘new<br />

you’ in <strong>2019</strong>:<br />

• Walking to the<br />

supermarket/post<br />

office or any other<br />

local places instead<br />

of taking the car.<br />

As simple as this<br />

AMBITION PERSONAL TRAINING<br />

FOUNDER RAUL ROMERO<br />

sounds, it is a great, easy way of being more active<br />

without actually changing any plans for the day.<br />

• Parking the car further away from your workplace/<br />

any other building you are entering. Again, another<br />

super simple way of getting more steps in per day<br />

without actually adding anything extra to your day.<br />

• Taking a few minutes to think about what you are<br />

going to cook for lunch and dinner and cooking the<br />

healthier option for the evening meal (adding extra<br />

veggies into meals is a bonus!), and of course cooking<br />

enough so the leftovers can be served for lunch the<br />

following day.<br />

• Making a conscious effort to monitor your water<br />

intake per day- there are some fabulous bottles out<br />

on the market to help you track how much you are<br />

drinking and remind you to drink certain amounts at<br />

different points during the day.<br />

• As obvious as this sounds, reducing cigarette and<br />

alcohol consumption. Although requires a lot of<br />

willpower, will make you feel great in the long term.<br />

• Book a holiday! There’s nothing like having a<br />

holiday booked to motivate you to be more active<br />

and eat healthy in order to look and feel great come<br />

holiday time.<br />

• Leave Netflix and other devices for the weekends<br />

and go to bed early. It’s amazing how getting a good<br />

night’s sleep will make you feel energised and ready<br />

to take on the world!<br />

<strong>2019</strong> really can bring about a new you, it is all about<br />

being realistic and making small changes that have<br />

long-lasting effects. For any further help or tips, feel<br />

free to contact Raul at raul@ambitionpt.co.uk or<br />

visit www.ambitionpt.co.uk<br />

38


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H E A LT H<br />

The power of Omega-3s<br />

HERE, RAUL ROMERO LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA-3S IN OUR DIET<br />

AND SHARES A HEALTHY RECIPE TO KICKSTART YOUR NEW YEAR FITNESS REGIME<br />

Let’s talk OMEGA-3s - not the<br />

most interesting topic in the<br />

world, but super important!<br />

So first of all, what are<br />

Omega-3s? Officially they are<br />

polyunsaturated fats that our<br />

bodies need, but cannot produce<br />

on their own. Or in more simple<br />

terms, they are known as essential<br />

fatty acids.<br />

Are they really that important? In<br />

short… YES!<br />

Although there are many<br />

differing opinions regarding<br />

nutrition and diet, the one<br />

area that nutritionists and<br />

dieticians usually agree on is the<br />

importance of Omega-3 fatty acids for us.<br />

Not only are Omega-3s one of the most studied<br />

areas on earth, but there is also immense evidence<br />

that outlines their huge health benefits. They have<br />

been shown to fight depression, reduce fatty livers,<br />

lower blood triglycerides and help prevent asthma, to<br />

name a few.<br />

Incorporating Omega-3s into our diet is an<br />

incredibly simple yet highly effective way of<br />

OILY FISH ARE A GREAT<br />

SOURCE OF OMEGA-3S<br />

WALNUTS ARE A PLANT-<br />

BASED SOURCE OF<br />

ESSENTIAL OMEGA-3S<br />

improving both our physical and mental health,<br />

and could also reduce the risk of disease and<br />

inflammation.<br />

There are three main types of Omega-3s; EPA,<br />

DHA, and ALA. Although these letters may seem<br />

confusing, the main point we need to be aware of is<br />

that the two primary Omega-3s are EPA and DHA,<br />

and that we need these to help support our heart,<br />

brain and eye health.<br />

So, considering Omega-3s (especially the two<br />

primary Omega-3s EPA and<br />

DHA) are so important, how<br />

do we incorporate them into<br />

our diet? Well, it is easier<br />

than people think.<br />

EPA and DHA are found in<br />

seafood and fatty fish such as<br />

salmon, mackerel, herring,<br />

sardines and anchovies,<br />

whereas ALA is mostly found<br />

in high fat plant foods such<br />

as flax seeds, chia seeds and<br />

walnuts.<br />

In order for our bodies to<br />

reap the benefits of EPA<br />

and DHA, thus helping<br />

our physical and mental<br />

40


health, we should be eating fatty fish - salmon,<br />

mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies - at<br />

least twice a week. If this is not possible, combined<br />

EPA and DHA supplements are available, and the<br />

recommendation is to take 250-500mg per day. Fish<br />

oil and krill oil are also good choices to use to gain<br />

EPA and DHA Omega-3s.<br />

For those of us who don’t eat fish, including<br />

vegetarians and vegans, DHA can also be found<br />

in algae, so in this case seaweed should really be<br />

incorporated into our diets. An alternative could be<br />

to take algae supplements.<br />

So to summarise, though talking about Omega-3s<br />

isn’t the most riveting topic in the world, they are<br />

super important for our bodies and our physical and<br />

mental health.<br />

The great thing is that these fatty fish which contain<br />

EPA and DHA aren’t hard to find or cook at all, as<br />

can be seen in my favourite salmon recipe shown<br />

here.<br />

Annie’s spicy salmon<br />

with lentils and asparagus<br />

I consider myself very lucky to have this job and meet so<br />

many great people. Sometimes some of them surprise you<br />

with natural cooking skills, like my client Anne. This time I<br />

picked her brain to cook something healthy and nutritious<br />

to give you a boost after the festive celebrations and heavy<br />

meals.<br />

INGREDIENTS:<br />

2 salmon fillets<br />

4 tablespoons Greek yogurt<br />

1 packet of asparagus<br />

1 red onion<br />

1/2 tin of lentils<br />

½ teaspoon of ground cumin seeds<br />

½ teaspoon garam masala<br />

½ teaspoon turmeric<br />

½ teaspoon ground coriander<br />

METHOD:<br />

In a dry frying pan, lightly warm the cumin seeds, garam<br />

masala, turmeric and the ground coriander. Once the<br />

flavours have merged, tip half of the above into four<br />

tablespoons of natural yogurt.<br />

Spread this mixture over two salmon fillets and grill or cook<br />

in the oven until cooked to your taste. I prefer baking the<br />

salmon in the oven for approximately 5-7 minutes so it is<br />

quite pink, whereas my other half prefers baking it for much<br />

longer so it is well baked - bake to your own taste!<br />

While the salmon is baking away, add one tablespoon olive<br />

oil to a small frying pan and add and soften one finely<br />

chopped red onion, one clove of garlic and the remaining<br />

spice mixture.<br />

Once the onions are soft, add half a tin of green lentils and<br />

leave to simmer.<br />

Sauté the asparagus in a pan with one tablespoon of olive<br />

oil or coconut oil - my preference is coconut oil as I love the<br />

extra flavour it gives it.<br />

Serve all together and enjoy!<br />

This is one of my favourite hearty yet healthy recipes, that<br />

although takes a tad longer to prepare than avo-toast for<br />

example, is well worth the extra time!<br />

41


H E A LT H<br />

Pure dance addiction<br />

IF YOUR AIM FOR THE NEW YEAR IS TO GET FIT, HAVE FUN AND LEARN SOMETHING<br />

NEW, IT COULD BE AS EASY AS 5, 6, 7, 8, AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS<br />

PHOTO BY TEL JENKINS<br />

As a nation we’ve been gripped with Strictly fever;<br />

the feel-good ballroom bonanza has resoundly<br />

trumped its noisy X Factor rival in the ratings war to<br />

waltz off with the Saturday night telly crown.<br />

And it seems that watching our favourite celebrities<br />

and dance pros twirl their way around the floor is<br />

inspiring more and more of us to give dance a try for<br />

ourselves.<br />

The good news is that, according to myriad studies<br />

on the effects and benefits of dancing on your overall<br />

health, it seems that hitting the dance floor for a<br />

shimmy or two is one of the most effective forms of<br />

exercise for mind, body and soul.<br />

Whether you like to jump or jive, tap or tango, shake<br />

your hips or your booty, dancing is one of the most<br />

enjoyable ways to get moving.<br />

The NHS says that regular dancing is great for<br />

losing weight, maintaining strong bones, improving<br />

posture and muscle strength, increasing balance and<br />

coordination and beating stress.<br />

But where do you start?<br />

Ceroc Addiction runs Ceroc partner dance classes<br />

around the Midlands and North West. Helmed by<br />

Maja Kocanova and her dedicated team of talented<br />

teachers and crew volunteers, Ceroc Addiction have<br />

hundreds of dancers coming through the doors each<br />

week. With a new class night starting at Brownhills<br />

Memorial Hall this month, it’s the perfect chance to<br />

grab your dance shoes, put your best foot forward<br />

and shake your groove thing on the dance floor.<br />

Ceroc is another name for modern jive, one of the<br />

simplest forms of partner dance to learn. A fusion of<br />

a wide range of different dance styles, it is sociable<br />

and fun, and can be danced to any music with a<br />

regular beat from the latest chart hits to golden<br />

oldies. With very little footwork involved, you’ll be<br />

spinning and turning with ease after your very first<br />

half-hour beginners class.<br />

I was first introduced to Ceroc some three years ago<br />

by a friend. A huge Strictly fan, I’d always fancied<br />

42


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PHOTO BY TEL JENKINS<br />

JORDAN AND<br />

DAYLE ON THE<br />

COMPETITION<br />

DANCE FLOOR.<br />

PHOTO BY<br />

GRAHAM FAREY<br />

learning how to dance properly but - after a shortlived<br />

attempt at salsa - wasn’t sure where to begin.<br />

What sets Ceroc apart from other forms of partner<br />

dancing is the ease with which you can pick it up.<br />

And, because the social aspect is just as important<br />

as the dancing itself, it means everyone in the class<br />

switches dance partners regularly - so you don’t<br />

actually need to take a partner along to join in if you<br />

don’t have one.<br />

And then there’s the taxi dancers. These are<br />

experienced dancers who are on hand at every class<br />

night to look after the beginners, take them through<br />

a practice session after the class so they can go over<br />

the night’s moves and dance with them during the<br />

freestyle session which ends the night.<br />

Because Ceroc isn’t a set course of lessons, there<br />

are new dancers starting every week. And it doesn’t<br />

matter if you miss a week or two because the routines<br />

covering your 12 beginner moves are rotated on an<br />

eight-week basis, meaning you’ll soon catch up.<br />

While walking into that very first class was<br />

admittedly daunting, within the first ten minutes<br />

any fears were firmly pushed aside as we started<br />

with a basic warm-up before pairing up for the class<br />

proper. Within half an hour I’d danced with some<br />

30 different partners and got to grips with the three<br />

moves of the beginners’ routine.<br />

With a little help from the taxi dancers in the<br />

practice session, I really felt like I’d learned<br />

something - not to mention burned a fair few calories<br />

while spinning, twirling and whirling my way around<br />

the dance floor.<br />

And while dancing is a great way to get fit and active,<br />

it doesn’t stop there. According to Bupa, a review<br />

of research into the effects of dance and Dance<br />

Movement Therapy on mental health and wellbeing<br />

suggested that dancing has a positive effect on our<br />

quality of life, body image and mood. It also found<br />

that DMT and dancing reduced depression and<br />

decreased anxiety.<br />

Jordan Thompson says that dancing got her through<br />

one of the darkest periods of her life. The 23-yearold,<br />

from Lichfield, was suffering with various mental<br />

health issues when she was encouraged to give her<br />

local Ceroc class a try by her mum, Ruth, and Ruth’s<br />

partner, Scott, three years ago.<br />

“I didn’t actually want to go, I was dragged kicking<br />

and screaming,” says Jordan. “At that particular time<br />

in my life I was in a position where I didn’t want to<br />

leave the house and it was difficult for me to even go<br />

outside without having panic attacks.<br />

“It was terrifying, to be perfectly honest, but I just<br />

remember being made to feel really welcome by<br />

everybody. It was weird being there on my very first<br />

night and feeling like I was already part of things,<br />

like I’d been going to the class for weeks.”<br />

No stranger to solo dancing, Jordan has studied<br />

ballet, tap and contemporary dance since the age of<br />

five. But partner dancing was a new thing entirely.<br />

“Three years ago I wouldn’t have considered myself<br />

at a level where I could even dance with someone<br />

else, all of the dance training I’d had previously was<br />

solo,” explains Jordan.<br />

“The idea of having to hold hands with<br />

somebody really threw me at the time, that’s<br />

how bad I was; I couldn’t even deal with<br />

human contact.<br />

“But because of my dance experience I think<br />

people thought I was better than I was, so I<br />

was constantly getting people asking me to<br />

dance. I came home from the class thinking<br />

that it was a really good night and I’d actually<br />

really enjoyed it.”<br />

Jordan found herself going along to classes<br />

on a more regular basis, and before she knew<br />

it, dancing was helping to drag her out of the<br />

44


lack hole she’d found herself in.<br />

“Dance has given me so much; when I first started<br />

it gave me something to do and something to work<br />

towards,” she says. “It got me out of the house and<br />

that was the reason I kept going. The friendships and<br />

relationships I now have, have grown from that, and<br />

they’re the reason I continue to go.<br />

“When I started Ceroc I was in a dark place; I’d just<br />

come out of a long term relationship which ended<br />

abruptly without warning, and it put me in a position<br />

where I felt that, without that person, I was very<br />

alone. I didn’t have many friends; I had my university<br />

and work life but that was it, and I started spiralling.<br />

“There were points where I didn’t want to get out<br />

of bed, and there were points where my mental<br />

health was so low that I did consider the worst case<br />

scenario.<br />

“But dance has completely changed my life.”<br />

So much so that now, Jordan and her partner Dayle<br />

Archer have taken their dancing to the next level<br />

on the competition circuit. Ceroc - and modern<br />

jive - has a series of competitions around the world<br />

where amateur and professional dancers of all ages<br />

and abilities compete for silverware in a variety of<br />

categories. The World Modern Jive Championships<br />

takes place on the hallowed floor of the Blackpool<br />

Tower Ballroom, meaning competitors have the<br />

chance to follow in the fancy footsteps of their<br />

Strictly heroes.<br />

“I never thought I’d get as far as I have,” says Jordan.<br />

“To feel like we’re doing well enough to compete is<br />

a huge thing, and to be able to get up in front of an<br />

audience and dance is not something I ever imagined<br />

I’d feel comfortable doing.<br />

“You can dance with anyone and everyone and really<br />

enjoy it, and then there are those times when you<br />

find that person who you dance really well with and<br />

get on really well with, and it feels amazing in those<br />

situations, where you really connect with somebody,<br />

which is what I have with Dayle.”<br />

Whether your aim is to keep fit, specialise in a new<br />

skill or simply let your hair down for the night, Ceroc<br />

CEROC ADDICTION RUNS CLASSES<br />

AROUND THE MIDLANDS AND<br />

BEYOND. PHOTO BY TEL JENKINS<br />

JORDAN AND PARTNER<br />

DAYLE IN COMPETITION.<br />

PHOTO BY GRAHAM FAREY<br />

is guaranteed to give you a night to remember.<br />

“It’s the ability to combine learning with something<br />

really social,” says Jordan. “The fact that you’re<br />

encouraged to rotate partners is a genius idea, and it<br />

means you get so much more out of the experience.<br />

“Ceroc attracts people of all ages and from all walks<br />

of life, from teenagers to people in their eighties, and<br />

with all kinds of backgrounds, which is what makes it<br />

so interesting.<br />

“And it’s knowing that you can come along on your<br />

own and make new friends. When I started I came<br />

along with my mum or a friend because I was so<br />

socially inept I found it difficult to leave the house.<br />

But now I’m happy to go along to a class or freestyle<br />

by myself, which is a huge progression.<br />

“At this point it feels like something I’ve always done;<br />

I can’t really remember life without Ceroc and it’s a<br />

really big part of my life.”<br />

So if you’re looking to embrace Strictly fever,<br />

or just want to give something new a try, then<br />

why not take a chance on dance? It just might<br />

change your life.<br />

Ceroc Addiction’s new class starts at<br />

Brownhills Memorial Hall, Lichfield<br />

Road, Brownhills, on Wednesday<br />

January 16, and the group also runs<br />

classes locally in Stafford on Tuesdays<br />

and Wolverhampton on Thursdays<br />

as well as classes and freestyle dance<br />

events further afield around the<br />

Midlands and North West. For more<br />

information visit www.ceroc.com or<br />

find Ceroc Addiction on Facebook.<br />

45


T R AV E L<br />

My Verona<br />

KIRSTY TAYLOR, FROM LICHFIELD’S RB COLLECTION, REKINDLED HER LOVE AFFAIR<br />

WITH ITALY BY TAKING A TRIP WITH HER DAUGHTER TO THE CITY OF VERONA<br />

THE ARENA AT NIGHT<br />

Anyone who knows me well is more than aware of<br />

my deep love for Italy and all things Italian. The<br />

delicious food and drink, the amazing culture, the<br />

wonderful architecture and, of course, the history<br />

- reasons for my love seem to be endless. For me,<br />

Italy has everything anyone could ever desire from a<br />

holiday and so much more.<br />

Every year my teenage daughter Freya and I like<br />

to have a short break in the October half term<br />

school holidays, usually visiting a city. Having<br />

already explored Florence, Sicily and Portofino, we<br />

put our heads together and brainstormed ideas of<br />

destinations. Luckily, Freya is also a fan of all things<br />

Italian, and together we decided on the city of love<br />

(no, not Paris!) - Verona.<br />

After a short flight of under two hours, we were in<br />

the hometown of William Shakepeare’s ill-fated<br />

lovers, Romeo and Juliet. There are a number<br />

of airports in the UK - including Birmingham,<br />

Manchester, East Midlands, London and Leeds -<br />

operating flights to Verona, which makes it a very<br />

accessible destination.<br />

Our adventure in this truly stunning city began as<br />

soon as we stepped out of our airport transfer, at the<br />

magnificent Piazza Bra – home of the world famous<br />

Arena di Verona. Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in<br />

Verona, and thought to be the largest in the whole<br />

of Italy. As well as the magnificent arena, Piazza Bra<br />

is lined with numerous restaurants and bars, Palazzo<br />

Barbieri (town hall) and a gorgeous little park which<br />

was well used during our stay by both locals and<br />

tourists alike.<br />

However, the star of the show is most definitely<br />

the Arena di Verona. Unbelievably, this amazing<br />

structure was built in the first century, and even more<br />

unbelievable is the fact that it is still in use today<br />

(albeit for various concerts and operas rather than<br />

gladiator battles!).<br />

The Verona Opera Festival occurs every year<br />

between June and September, with performances<br />

46


taking place in this most unique setting. Andrea<br />

Bocelli holds a special performance here every year,<br />

usually in September. I visited the arena in the<br />

daytime while it was practically empty, and I can<br />

only imagine how breathtaking the venue is when it<br />

is filled with people as the sun is setting, waiting to<br />

experience an amazing performance. For only 10<br />

euros per adult, and just one euro per child, you can<br />

spend as little or as much time as you’d like in the<br />

arena during your visit, and imagine it being filled<br />

with 30,000 people at the height of its popularity.<br />

Here at RB Collection, we can arrange a wonderful<br />

escorted trip to the Verona Opera Festival, which<br />

would also include a guided walking tour of the city,<br />

and a visit to the AMO Museum where you will find<br />

a vast amount of operatic history including costumes<br />

and photographs of some of the greatest singers to<br />

have graced the stage at the arena.<br />

For reasons unbeknown to me, Verona often gets<br />

overlooked as a city break destination in its own<br />

right. Maybe it is for this reason that it didn’t feel<br />

like a tourist destination - the only attraction I<br />

encountered which was dominated by sightseers was<br />

the dramatic balcony at Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s<br />

house).<br />

Whether you are a Shakespeare fan or not, it is<br />

well worth a visit to this special venue to witness the<br />

hundreds of thousands of messages of love which<br />

have been left by lovers from all around the world.<br />

Rumour has it that if you touch the right breast of<br />

the statue of Juliet which takes pride of place in the<br />

courtyard, you will receive luck in love. Of course,<br />

I had to give it a go - Freya on the other hand was a<br />

little more reluctant! It is not just at Casa di Giulietta<br />

that you will find love letters and love locks - the<br />

whole city is filled with them and love is literally all<br />

around wherever you go.<br />

Verona is also a shoppers’ paradise, with the most<br />

famous shopping street being Via Mazzini. Here you<br />

will find every designer store under the sun, cleverly<br />

infused with more realistic priced high street names.<br />

Via Mazzini is pedestrianised at all times throughout<br />

the day which made for a very pleasant shopping<br />

experience. f you’re not a big shopper like me, it also<br />

helps that there are several amazing gelato outlets<br />

dotted amongst the shops - delicious!<br />

For a flavour of Italy, Piazza delle Erbe is a must<br />

- here you will find a daily market (except for<br />

Sundays), full of fresh fruit and vegetables. There<br />

was even a stall selling hot<br />

THE FAMOUSE BALCONY<br />

AT CASA DI GIULIETTA<br />

VERONA, ITALY<br />

roasted chestnuts which took<br />

me straight back to childhood<br />

memories of bonfire night!<br />

Piazza delle Erbe is a large<br />

square surrounded by the most<br />

beautiful historic architecture -<br />

probably the most predominant<br />

landmark here is Torre dei<br />

Lamberti, an 84 metre high<br />

tower. Originally constructed in<br />

1172, the tower is the tallest in<br />

Verona and, if you are feeling<br />

energetic, you can climb the<br />

stairs to the top to experience the<br />

most jaw-dropping views of this<br />

wonderful city; there is also a lift<br />

47


VERONA IS THE<br />

CITY OF LOVE<br />

if your legs aren’t quite up to the climb!<br />

More fantastic views of Verona can be found at<br />

Castel San Pietro, which interestingly is the exact<br />

point that Verona was founded. Here you will find<br />

remains of the first settlements dating back to the 7th<br />

century BC, and if you are prepared to climb quite a<br />

few steps, the views across to the Adige River and the<br />

city beyond are simply stunning. A little local secret<br />

that I learnt is that the best time to visit is at dusk -<br />

watching the sunset over the red rooftops of Verona<br />

with a loved one would be an experience never to<br />

forget.<br />

Verona is a walking city - small and compact enough<br />

to experience all of the major sights on foot. The<br />

historic streets are lined with the most amazing<br />

restaurants and bars, and an outdoor way of life is<br />

in abundance here. People-watching while sipping<br />

on a glass of locally produced Soave or Prosecco and<br />

sampling various cicchetti (savoury Italian snacks<br />

very similar to Spanish tapas) is a standard pastime<br />

in Verona - and my idea of absolute bliss! Sweet<br />

toothed visitors will be in their element with the most<br />

tempting dessert and macaron delicatessens and, of<br />

course, as you would expect in Italy, the coffee is to<br />

die for!<br />

I found the food and drink in Verona to be very<br />

reasonably priced, and if you wander away from the<br />

main piazzas you will find the most amazing eateries<br />

with fantastic prices. Another tip, and to blend in<br />

with the locals, is to drink your coffee standing up<br />

at the counter - you will pay as little as one euro<br />

for a delicious cup of your choice! I discovered<br />

a wonderful little wine bar and eatery called La<br />

Tradision, tucked away in a quaint side street just off<br />

the Piazza Bra. Every drink you could imagine, both<br />

hot and cold, was served here and the Aperol Spritz<br />

was to die for - a bargain at just two euros!<br />

To experience a little more of Italy, I think Verona<br />

would make the perfect base for a longer holiday<br />

duration, because of its location and Italy’s excellent<br />

rail networks. Within an hour and ten minutes,<br />

myself and Freya were in Venice, a complete contrast<br />

to Verona. The short journey was taken in comfort<br />

and I was amazed by the standard of the trains in<br />

Italy - they really do put ours to shame. Verona is,<br />

of course, the gateway to Lake Garda and you can<br />

be transported from the city to the Lake by either<br />

car, bus or train. The quickest way is by car which<br />

takes around 30 minutes to the nearest town at Lake<br />

Garda or, if you don’t fancy hiring a car, there is a<br />

regular daily bus service from Piazza Bra to various<br />

resorts. A 90-minute train ride will take you into the<br />

heart of Milan, giving the opportunity to sample an<br />

alternative Italian city. Using Verona as a base is the<br />

perfect solution for those who don’t enjoy packing<br />

and unpacking a suitcase several times while on<br />

holiday.<br />

Out of all of the Italian cities I have visited, I think<br />

it’s safe to say that Verona is my favourite so far.<br />

Everywhere I looked was a feast for the eyes with the<br />

most beautiful and historic architecture all across<br />

the city. I particularly liked the fact that it didn’t feel<br />

too touristy, and there was just the right amount of<br />

sightseeing to enjoy at a leisurely pace over our three<br />

nights’ stay. Verona definitely lives up to its nickname<br />

as the city of love - and it most certainly captured my<br />

heart.<br />

VERONA ARENA IS A<br />

STUNNING LANDMARK IN<br />

THE CITY<br />

48


Verona Travel Facts<br />

GETTING THERE - TRAVELLING TO<br />

VERONA IS EASY WITH FLIGHTS FROM<br />

LONDON AND REGIONAL AIRPORTS<br />

FROM ALL OVER THE UK<br />

FLIGHT TIME - AROUND TWO HOURS<br />

DISTANCE FROM AIRPORT -<br />

APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES BY CAR<br />

MUST SEE/DO - THE ARENA DI VERONA<br />

IS A MUST SEE - FROM BOTH THE INSIDE<br />

AND OUT<br />

WHAT ELSE TO SEE NEARBY - COMBINE<br />

YOUR STAY IN VERONA WITH A TRIP TO<br />

LAKE GARDA, VENICE OR MILAN<br />

MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT - CLIMB<br />

THE STEPS UP TO CASTEL SAN PIETRO<br />

FOR THE MOST AMAZING VIEWS OF<br />

VERONA<br />

KIRSTY’S TOP TIP - DO AS THE LOCALS<br />

DO AND DISCOVER THE MOST<br />

WONDERFUL BARS AND PLACES TO<br />

EAT TUCKED AWAY IN THE LITTLE SIDE<br />

STREETS<br />

J’AIME READER OFFER<br />

TO BOOK YOUR TRIP TO VERONA CALL<br />

RB COLLECTION ON 01543 258631,<br />

OR EMAIL VIP@RBCOLLECTION.COM.<br />

MENTION THIS ARTICLE WHEN YOU<br />

ENQUIRE AND BOOK BEFORE <strong>JANUARY</strong><br />

31, <strong>2019</strong> AND RECEIVE TWO VERONA<br />

CARDS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE,<br />

PROVIDING ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE<br />

OF MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS.<br />

49


N E W Y E A R<br />

Say hello<br />

START YOUR NEW YEAR THE ORGANISED WAY WITH THE ULTIMATE PLANNER FROM MIDLANDS DESIGNER SAM SMITH<br />

There is nothing quite like a pen and paper to help<br />

organise the mind, relieve the worry and manage<br />

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The way the HELLO TIME Planner allows you<br />

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The diary section features 12 month-at-a-glance<br />

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with different layouts for different types of lists and<br />

notebook. Interspersed with motivational quotes<br />

and amusing phrases. And at the back, there’s are<br />

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designers and entrepreneurs out there.<br />

The HELLO TIME Planner was inspired by Sam’s<br />

relationship with time and how she managed it.<br />

A designer for more than 23 years, Sam is a very<br />

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Britain’s biggest brands and a collective of super<br />

creative entrepreneurs throughout her career. A<br />

devotée of pen and paper, writing notes and lists.<br />

Sam had enough of the endless passwords, battery<br />

charge points, hunting for WIFI, rushing from place<br />

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her appointments, meetings, and to-do lists in a<br />

week-to-view diary, using a crazy made-up system<br />

that pushed her to her limits and created overwhelm<br />

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Sadly, she could only find planners with systems, lots<br />

of structure, extra prompts and information to fill in<br />

that would only add more admin to her day.<br />

Not having the time or the head-space for all of that,<br />

Sam wanted something stylish to take to meetings,<br />

something grown-up, but above all, everything in<br />

one place. If she wanted to help herself and others<br />

manage their time better, she had to start from<br />

scratch.<br />

Presented over 300 pages, the planner is a case<br />

bound book, designed for quality and longevity. The<br />

timeless hard-back cover design is blind embossed<br />

with the signature Hello Time typographic pattern,<br />

PVC coated for an easy wipe, keep clean cover.<br />

Priced at £34.95, the HELLO TIME Planner is<br />

available from www.hellotime.co.uk<br />

50


Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy<br />

My offices are situated in the historic city of Lichfield and I have been providing personal<br />

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• Investment Planning<br />

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Telephone: 01543 417342<br />

Website: www.jeanlamb.co.uk<br />

Email: jean.lamb@sjpp.co.uk<br />

Office: 6A Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH<br />

Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)<br />

for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.<br />

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LO CA L A R E A<br />

What’s On Local<br />

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF WHAT’S ON IN AND AROUND<br />

SUTTON COLDFIELD, LICHFIELD, WALSALL AND BEYOND<br />

WHAT: KATE HUMBLE<br />

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 24<br />

Join Kate Humble for a fascinating<br />

talk about her latest book - Thinking<br />

on my Feet - as well as her life<br />

working with wildlife, the far flung<br />

places this has taken her to and the<br />

inspiring people she has met on her<br />

travels.<br />

There's also a unique chance to<br />

go 'behind the camera' as Kate<br />

describes how the programmes<br />

are made along with some lovely<br />

anecdotes about the filming.<br />

The second series of Kate's popular<br />

BBC programme Back in the Land<br />

attracted great audiences and was<br />

to be the latest in a long line of<br />

programmes Kate has presented for<br />

the BBC, including Springwatch and<br />

Autumn Watch, Wild Shepardess,<br />

Yellowstone: Wild Winter to Blazing<br />

Summer, Curious Creatures, and<br />

Extreme Wives with Kate Humble.<br />

For more details visit<br />

www.lichfieldgarrick.com<br />

WHAT: DIRTY DUSTING<br />

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 25<br />

When three cleaners, Olive, Gladys<br />

and Elsie, are threatened with<br />

redundancy they feel that their lives<br />

are coming to an end until a chance<br />

wrong number gives them a new<br />

business start-up idea - why not run<br />

a telephone sex line? They’ve got<br />

motive, opportunity and a lifetime of<br />

experience - some more than others,<br />

mind you.<br />

Provided Elsie can teach the other<br />

two a few new tricks there’s no<br />

reason why they can’t get rich<br />

quick providing they can keep their<br />

operation a secret from their bosses…<br />

and their husbands… and their<br />

children… and their grandchildren.<br />

This heart-warming feel good<br />

comedy will have you rolling in the<br />

aisles and smiling every time you<br />

answer the phone. For more details<br />

call the box office on 01543 412121<br />

or visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com<br />

WHAT: LIVE AT THE TOWN HALL FT OMID DJALILI<br />

WHERE: SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 25<br />

After the sell-out success of the first<br />

Live At The Town Hall with James<br />

Acaster, this month’s headliner is also<br />

a TV heavyweight.<br />

Omid Djalili is one of the most<br />

recognisable faces in British standup<br />

as well as being an actor of some<br />

repute, having appeared on the silver<br />

screen in the likes of Mamma Mia<br />

2, Sex And The City and Gladiator.<br />

Omid will be supported on the night<br />

by two of comedy’s hottest rising<br />

talents – Stephen Bailey and Rosie<br />

Jones – who have both recently<br />

appeared on Comedy Central’s Live<br />

At The Comedy Store. They’re both<br />

going to be huge – you can say you<br />

saw them first!<br />

Holding things together will be our<br />

resident MC, Dudley’s own Wayne<br />

Beese. For more details visit www.<br />

townhallsuttoncoldfield.co.uk<br />

52


Do you have a spare room in your home?<br />

Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?<br />

Special Events <strong>2019</strong><br />

Become a Host Family<br />

for an international<br />

pupil at a local<br />

boarding school<br />

Attractive daily rates<br />

Occasional weekend and half terms only<br />

Contact Imogen to find out more on<br />

imogen@pippasguardians.co.uk<br />

or call 01684 252757<br />

Burns Night Celebration<br />

Saturday 19th January<br />

4 course dinner & ceilidh band<br />

Murder Mystery Evening<br />

Friday 1st February<br />

3 course dinner & entertainment<br />

Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea<br />

Sunday 24th February<br />

Make your own teddy bear<br />

Spice Girls Tribute<br />

Friday 12th April<br />

3 course dinner & entertainment<br />

Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea<br />

Sunday 27th January<br />

Join Mary & Bert for singing & games<br />

UB40 Tribute Evening<br />

Friday 22nd February<br />

3 course dinner & entertainment<br />

St Patrick’s Day Lunch<br />

Sunday 17th March<br />

3 course lunch and ceilidh band<br />

St George’s Day Lunch<br />

Tuesday 23rd April<br />

3 course lunch and entertainment<br />

Visit our website to view all events and to book online<br />

www.pippasguardians.co.uk<br />

Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN<br />

0121 308 3751 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk


LO CA L A R E A<br />

What’s on Second City<br />

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND BEST<br />

EVENTS TO COME TO BIRMINGHAM THIS MONTH<br />

WHAT: THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA<br />

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL<br />

WHEN: DECEMBER 26 TO <strong>JANUARY</strong> 13<br />

Direct from a smash hit West End<br />

season, The Tiger Who Came to<br />

Tea is returning to Birmingham<br />

Town Hall for the festive season,<br />

celebrating 50 years of Britain’s<br />

best-loved picture book.The doorbell<br />

rings just as Sophie and her mummy<br />

are sitting down to tea. Who could<br />

it possibly be? What they certainly<br />

don’t expect to see at the door is a<br />

big, stripy tiger!<br />

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this<br />

delightful family show; packed with<br />

oodles of magic, sing-along songs<br />

and clumsy chaos! Don’t miss this<br />

Olivier award-nominated stage<br />

adaptation of the classic tale of<br />

teatime mayhem... expect to be<br />

surprised!<br />

The show is suitable for children<br />

aged three and above with a running<br />

time of approx 55 minutes. For more<br />

details visit www.thsh.co.uk<br />

WHAT: THE JOHANN STRAUSS GALA<br />

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 1<br />

See in the New Year in style with<br />

at The Johann Strauss Gala; a firm<br />

fixture in Birmingham’s festive<br />

season celebrations. An enchanting<br />

afternoon of all your favourite<br />

waltzes and polkas performed by<br />

soprano Corinne Cowling, tenor<br />

Nico Darmanin with the Johann<br />

Strauss Orchestra all conducted by<br />

John Rigby.<br />

Snow falls gently on the gilded<br />

ballrooms of old Vienna and young<br />

couples skate on the frozen Danube,<br />

romance is in the air. The elegant<br />

dancers in their billowing gowns<br />

flamboyantly whirl to the music of<br />

Johann Strauss and friends. Music<br />

that comes from the heart of Vienna,<br />

dancing as if in a winter wonderland.<br />

The beautiful score includes the Blue<br />

Danube Waltz, Radetzky March,<br />

Cinderella Waltz, Snowstorm Waltz,<br />

Thunder and Lightning Polka,<br />

Emperor Waltz, Voices of Spring<br />

and many more. For more details<br />

visit www.thsh.co.uk<br />

WHAT: STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE<br />

WHERE: ARENA BIRMINGHAM<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 18 TO 21<br />

Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev;<br />

Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard;<br />

Graeme Swann and Karen Clifton;<br />

Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice<br />

will be joining Stacey Dooley and<br />

Aljaž Skorjanec; Dr Ranj Singh<br />

and Janette Manrara; Joe Sugg and<br />

Dianne Buswell on the road in the<br />

New Year for the Strictly Come<br />

Dancing Live Tour.<br />

The sparkling line-up of celebrities<br />

and professional dancers will also<br />

be joining tour host, Ore Oduba<br />

and the Live Tour judging panel<br />

of awesome foursome Craig Revel<br />

Horwood, Dame Darcey Bussell,<br />

Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli.<br />

To add even more wow, professional<br />

dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Luba<br />

Mushtuk, Graziano Di Prima, Amy<br />

Dowden and Johannes Radebe will<br />

also be performing in this supersized<br />

dance extravaganza. The tour will<br />

feature music from the Strictly<br />

singers and the Strictly live band.<br />

For more details visit<br />

www.arenabham.co.uk<br />

54


WHAT: MARK KERMODE - HOW DOES IT FEEL?<br />

A LIFE OF MUSICAL MISADVENTURE<br />

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM REP<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 21<br />

Mark Kermode recounts his utterly<br />

foolhardy attempts to fulfill his<br />

dreams of becoming a pop star -<br />

from building an electric guitar from<br />

scratch while at school, to playing a<br />

tea-chest bass on the kids TV show<br />

Utterly Brilliant, and becoming the<br />

musical director of a major TV show<br />

- all without ever learning to read<br />

music.<br />

This will be a hilarious evening in<br />

which the film critic recalls falling<br />

in love with Slade as a teenager, and<br />

recording an album at Sun Studio<br />

as an ageing old ted. Warning: there<br />

may be musical interludes. Or not<br />

Mark will be signing copies of his<br />

book after the show. For more details<br />

visit www.birmingham-rep.<br />

co.uk<br />

WHAT: ABIGAIL’S PARTY<br />

WHERE: NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 21 TO 26<br />

Stage and TV star Jodie Prenger,<br />

Coronation Street and Emmerdale<br />

favourite Vicky Binns and Daniel<br />

Casey, best known as DS Gavin Troy in<br />

Midsomer Murders, lead the cast in this<br />

ground-breaking comedy classic.<br />

Beverly and husband Laurence are<br />

throwing a party for their newlywed<br />

neighbours, Tony and Angela. Joining<br />

them is highly strung Susan whose<br />

been banished from the party of her<br />

teenage daughter Abigail. Welcome<br />

to 1970s suburbia and its heady mix<br />

of free-flowing cocktails, classic disco<br />

and cheese and pineapple sticks. As<br />

tensions rise and tempers flare the<br />

sheen of respectability is torn away by<br />

the warring couples with hilarious and<br />

potentially disastrous consequences.<br />

Mike Leigh’s iconic Abigail’s Party<br />

is one of Britain’s most celebrated<br />

comedies; beloved by audiences, it thrills<br />

and delights in equal measure. It’s not<br />

to be missed. For more details visit<br />

www.atgtickets.com/birmingham<br />

WHAT: SNOW PATROL<br />

WHERE: ARENA BIRMINGHAM<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 25<br />

Following the release of their first<br />

album in seven years, Wildness,<br />

Snow Patrol will be headlining the<br />

stage at Arena Birmingham this<br />

month.<br />

Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly,<br />

Paul Wilson, Jonny Quinn and<br />

Johnny McDaid started out as an<br />

indie rock band before rising to<br />

prominence in the 2000s as part of<br />

the post-Britpop movement.<br />

Since their 1998 debut, Songs for<br />

Polarbears, Snow Patrol have racked<br />

up an impressive number of critical<br />

and commercial accolades, including<br />

15 million global album sales, one<br />

billion-plus global track streams,<br />

five UK Platinum Albums, and are<br />

Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury<br />

Music Prize nominated.<br />

Come and watch their triumphant<br />

return to the stage, right here in<br />

Birmingham. For more details visit<br />

www.arenabham.co.uk<br />

WHAT: DAVE GORMAN<br />

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL<br />

WHEN: <strong>JANUARY</strong> 27<br />

Dave Gorman, the man behind<br />

Dave TV’s hit show Modern Life<br />

Is Goodish as well as Are You<br />

Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack<br />

Adventure, is back on the road<br />

with a brand new live show, With<br />

Great PowerPoint Comes Great<br />

ResponsibilityPoint.<br />

As the title suggests, he’s bringing his<br />

laptop and projector screen with him<br />

so expect the ‘King of Powerpoint<br />

comedy’ (Guardian) to have more<br />

detailed analysis of those parts of life<br />

you’ve never stopped to think about<br />

before. Hey, not all heroes wear<br />

capes.<br />

The Evening Standard said: “There<br />

is no need to draw a graph to<br />

calculate that this is an extremely<br />

entertaining evening”. For more<br />

details visit www.thsh.co.uk<br />

55


FA S H I O N<br />

Let’s get layered<br />

COSY UP IN CHUNKY KNITS, JACKETS, COATS AND MORE - THE LAYERED LOOK IS<br />

SET TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE COLDER MONTHS IN STYLE, SAYS AMY NORBURY<br />

AFTER a scorching summer, the payoff is set to be<br />

a winter-long cold snap which will make the Beast<br />

from the East look more pussycat by comparison.<br />

While sipping hot chocolate in front of a roaring log<br />

fire may take the sting out of those winter chills, our<br />

next favourite thing about the colder weather is the<br />

opportunity to re-embrace layers.<br />

Thick woollen knits make the perfect filler between<br />

cosy coats and thermal roll-necks – simply garnish<br />

this proverbial style sandwich with blanket scarves and<br />

bobble-topped beanies for enveloping ease.<br />

Layered looks were taken to the extreme on the<br />

winter catwalks; the overriding school of thought was,<br />

why choose one great coat for the new season, when<br />

you could wear seven? Balenciaga, Simone Rocha,<br />

Missoni and more rocked looks with more layers than<br />

a millefeuille, piling capes, puffa jackets and oversized<br />

coats all together on top of jumpers, shirts and roll<br />

necks. Yes, that’s all in the same outfit.<br />

And while temperatures here aren’t arctic enough to<br />

warrant all of the layers, all of the time, you can simplify<br />

the styling by just adding a thick coat over a thinner one<br />

in a contrasting colour.<br />

The layered look starts with a base layer classic; the polo<br />

neck will be your winter style saviour for every occasion.<br />

Casual cosy sees one layered with a shirt or chunky knit,<br />

while you can glam up this simple piece for evening style<br />

by teaming a fitted polo neck with a pleated midi skirt,<br />

heeled boots and feathery or furry wrap. A statement<br />

necklace will also give an instant lift to a plain polo top.<br />

Cold weather offers an opportunity to experiment<br />

with oversize pieces that will keep you extra snug by<br />

accommodating multiple under layers, and this winter<br />

is no exception; invest in a slouchy sweater or two to<br />

pile on when the chills set in, or check out this season’s<br />

takes on the cardi. No longer just the grannies’ favourite,<br />

cardigans have come in from the cold to be spotted on<br />

the catwalks at Miu Miu, Roksanda and Erdem.<br />

Wear brightly coloured ones with oversized proportions<br />

for day, or try pulling one off the shoulder and belting it<br />

around the waist over an evening dress.<br />

And to top off every outfit, a snug scarf and knitted<br />

bobble hat is a must to see through the cold snap in style.<br />

POLO NECK, £16, CHECK JACKET,<br />

£59, AND TAILORED COAT, £99,<br />

ALL PRINCIPLES AT DEBENHAMS.<br />

56


BELLA FREUD CASHMERE<br />

JUMPER, HARVEY NICHOLS<br />

£98<br />

£320<br />

ACNE STUDIOS GREY<br />

STRETCH KNIT JUMPER,<br />

HARVEY NICHOLS<br />

SHEEPSKIN SCARF, JIGSAW<br />

£390<br />

£45<br />

FEATHER POM POM<br />

BEANIE, ACCESSORIZE<br />

£19<br />

J BY JASPER CONRAN<br />

CAPE, DEBENHAMS<br />

£20<br />

SUPER FLUFFY SCARF,<br />

ACCESSORIZE<br />

£90<br />

HERRINGBONE SNOOD,<br />

JIGSAW<br />

£149<br />

MADELINE SWEATER, HOBBS<br />

£25<br />

£24<br />

GREEN POLO, OASIS<br />

CRYSTAL EMBELLISHED POM<br />

POM BEANIE, OLIVER BONAS<br />

57


FA S H I O N<br />

Cosy up<br />

JILL HARTLEY, CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF NERO E BIANCO EXCLUSIVE FASHION<br />

AND BRIDAL BOUTIQUE AT BARTON MARINA, TAKES A LOOK AT COSY WINTER STYLE<br />

With Christmas out of the way, people tend to look forward to those spring months for some inspiration, but<br />

we forget about the first three cold months we have to begin the year!<br />

In this article, we’re going to take you through some of our favourite ladieswear pieces including a gorgeous<br />

dress that will make you feel amazing during your pregnancy, and we’re also going to be showcasing our<br />

childrenswear range; every outfit will keep you warm, allow you to be comfortable, but most importantly,<br />

make you feel confident, beautiful and very on-trend!<br />

Flute sleeves became very on-trend throughout 2018,<br />

and there’s no stopping the trend throughout <strong>2019</strong><br />

either. They make every outfit look effortlessly sleek<br />

and stylish, particularly with the striped pattern we<br />

see here.<br />

Who said maxi skirts are just for summer? Fine knit<br />

skirts keep you wrapped up during the cold but are<br />

a fantastic transitional piece throughout seasons and<br />

they’re also incredibly versatile as they can be paired<br />

with so many different tops.<br />

Blacks, whites and greys are always popular during<br />

the colder months but pairing the three tones<br />

together here has created a really special look.<br />

The great thing about these trousers is that they can<br />

be dressed down for a more casual look, or dressed<br />

up for evening events, whilst also being a great staple<br />

piece in your workwear wardrobe.<br />

Adding a pop of colour by changing the jacket or<br />

shoe colour to red would really make this outfit stand<br />

out.<br />

58


Nero e Bianco<br />

Exclusive Fashion & Bridal<br />

Bar ton Marina<br />

Bur ton upon Trent<br />

DE13 8AS<br />

01283 346704<br />

Nero e Bianco<br />

Maternity & Childrenswear<br />

Bar ton Marina<br />

NOW OPEN!!<br />

www.neroebianco.co.uk<br />

Indulgence<br />

by Nero e Bianco<br />

Bar ton Marina<br />

NOW OPEN!!<br />

www.indulgenceshop.co.uk<br />

Our new wine tasting store is now<br />

open and features an Enomatic<br />

wine dispensing machine allowing<br />

customers to sample a range of<br />

elegant Italian wines.<br />

Plus…<br />

Irresistible Italian Chocolates<br />

Italian Craft Beers<br />

and more…<br />

N E R O e B I A N C O<br />

M A T E R N I T Y & C H I L D R E N S W E A R<br />

NOW OPEN!!<br />

M A T E R N I T Y & C H I L D R E N S W E A R


Continuing with the shades of grey and white, we<br />

have this gorgeous maternity dress, again with the<br />

very on-trend flute sleeves. Paired with the statement<br />

earrings we see here, a simple dress has become a<br />

truly beautiful outfit.<br />

Our maternity range has been hand-selected to<br />

ensure that we provide you with only the best Italian<br />

fashion. It’s something you definitely wouldn’t want<br />

to miss.<br />

We believe children should be able to enjoy being<br />

young which is why our outfits are playful and stylish.<br />

All of our clothes are made of the softest, most<br />

luxurious materials, and solely made in Italy to ensure<br />

quality.<br />

In store, you’ll find clothes and shoes for your little boy<br />

or girl from newborns to age 12.<br />

Come and visit is at Barton Marina or find us online at<br />

www.neroebianco.uk and www.neroebiancochildren.co.uk<br />

60


www.erase-uk.co.uk<br />

Winter Spa Day Offer<br />

Includes a 25 minute Thalgo Illuminating Radiance facial,<br />

use of the facilities including gym, indoor pool, spa bath,<br />

sauna and steam room, access to fitness classes,<br />

lunch and refreshments and use of a robe for the day.<br />

ALL FOR ONLY £65!<br />

Available Monday to Friday until 28th February <strong>2019</strong><br />

For more information call 01543 419516<br />

Lichfield Clinic: 1 Tudor Row, Wade Street, Lichfield WS13 6HH<br />

email: info@erase-uk.co.uk<br />

Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN<br />

0121 334 2323 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk<br />

Spa Day Gift Vouchers are available now on our website<br />

sophisticated<br />

URBAN SALONS<br />

Lewis Moore<br />

S A L O N S<br />

HALF PRICE<br />

COLOUR<br />

T H R O U G H O U T<br />

<strong>JANUARY</strong> <strong>2019</strong><br />

WITH EVERY FULL PRICE CUT AND FINISH*<br />

Lewis Moore Salons<br />

Sutton Coldfield<br />

4 Coleshill Street<br />

Sutton Coldfield<br />

Birmingham B72 1SD<br />

Phone: 0121 354 7907<br />

www.lewismooresalons.co.uk<br />

Midlands Hairdresser<br />

of the Year<br />

WINNER 2010<br />

FINALIST 2014<br />

Offer only valid at Sutton salon<br />

*Terms and conditions apply. A skin allergy test will be required 48 hours prior to any colour service.


B E AU T Y<br />

Turn back the clock<br />

ARM YOURSELF WITH THE BEST LOTIONS AND POTIONS AND GIVE MOTHER NATURE A HELPING HAND<br />

WITH THESE SKINCARE MUST-HAVES DESIGNED TO TACKLE THOSE PESKY AGEING SIGNS. FROM YOUTH-<br />

BOOSTING INGREDIENTS TO WRINKLE REDUCERS, LISA PIDDINGTON, FROM HARVEY NICHOLS<br />

BIRMINGHAM, REVEALS HER ANTI-AGEING ARSENAL<br />

Wake up to greatlooking<br />

skin with Estée<br />

Lauder's Advanced<br />

Night Repair, £55.<br />

Designed to address<br />

the key signs of<br />

ageing, its exclusive<br />

ChronoluxCB<br />

Technology helps the<br />

natural nightly renewal<br />

process. The result? Skin<br />

is smoother, hydrated<br />

and even toned.<br />

A revolutionary face<br />

cream inspired by 30<br />

years of research and<br />

innovation, Professor<br />

Augustinus Bader’s<br />

The Cream, £205, is<br />

light and refreshing, yet<br />

deeply hydrating. The<br />

Trigger Factor Complex<br />

(TFC8®) works to<br />

rejuvenate skin and<br />

restore radiance.<br />

The much-lauded anti-ageing moisturiser<br />

from Heaven by Deborah Mitchell,<br />

Age Defiance, £75, is fast-absorbing and<br />

weightless formulation that plumps out lines,<br />

stops scar formation, lightens pigmentation and<br />

prevents spot breakouts. Use during the night<br />

or in the day under makeup.<br />

La Mer’s The Renewal<br />

Oil, £175, boasts luxurious<br />

Miracle Broth TM - the<br />

legendary sea-blend at the<br />

heart of La Mer – and seasourced<br />

actives to help renew<br />

and energise your complexion<br />

leaving you with soft and ultrasmooth<br />

skin.<br />

Supercharge your skincare<br />

regime with Rodial's<br />

Collagen Booster<br />

Drops, £75. The 30%<br />

Collagen Complex is a<br />

replenishing concentrate<br />

to support skin renewal<br />

and target multiple signs<br />

of visible aging. This<br />

strong, active protein aids<br />

skin elasticity to reveal a<br />

visibly hydrated, plump<br />

complexion.<br />

SKINCARE PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE BEAUTY HALL<br />

AT HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM OR ONLINE AT HARVEYNICHOLS.COM.<br />

62


CHRISTMAS<br />

OPENING HOURS:<br />

CLOSING 21ST DECEMBER<br />

RE-OPEN 2ND <strong>JANUARY</strong><br />

B E S P O K E S O F A M A N U F A C T U R E<br />

& R E - U P H O L S T E R Y S P E C I A L I S T<br />

Our team of highly skilled professional craftsmen, create and manufacture<br />

sofa’s from design, for a living space that is truly unique. Coupled with our huge<br />

selection of fabrics we have the ability to create almost any type of bespoke design.<br />

Using traditional skills, we can also strip down your old suite or sofa and re-create the original<br />

design with our superior re-upholstery which is highly renowned for its finish and meticulous detail.<br />

‘For a truly unique and individual lounge setting we welcome<br />

you to our factory showroom to see what we can create for you.’<br />

Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7XN<br />

Contact Simon Edwards or Chris Edwards on 01543 505539<br />

Email: sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk - www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk


I N T H E N E W S<br />

Designs on bedroom style<br />

A Sutton Coldfield kitchen and bathroom<br />

design company is branching out into<br />

another room of the home.<br />

Wentworth Designs and Interiors, based on<br />

Chester Road, are now offering the luxurious<br />

range of Kindred fitted wardrobes.<br />

Kindred is the most innovative fitted<br />

bedroom offer available in today’s market.<br />

Built to challenge an otherwise antiquated<br />

bedroom industry, Kindred was launched<br />

two years ago, with an abundance of<br />

design possibilities ready and waiting to<br />

customise and create your dream room.<br />

Whether it’s a sanctuary for contemplation,<br />

an inviting room to welcome guests, or<br />

simply somewhere to escape from the chaos<br />

of life, Kindred has crafted a beautiful collection<br />

of bedroom furniture, ensuring we have a style to<br />

perfectly suit any space.<br />

Cleverly merging Italian and British design,<br />

Kindred’s painted and wood grain product enables<br />

the creation of premium designs across wardrobes,<br />

chests, bed frames as well as internal accessories to<br />

match.<br />

With complementary bed and chest options to help<br />

create the perfect sanctuary<br />

Choose from a number of ranges and 48 handle<br />

choices to bespoke any bedroom<br />

From dressing rooms to walk in wardrobes, home<br />

studies to fully fitted wardrobes, we at Wentworth<br />

can help you create any size, style, shape or design to<br />

fit perfectly into any room.<br />

Currently displaying the beautiful Origin range,<br />

Wentworth have access to the entire range of<br />

Kindred products.<br />

Part of the classic collection, the true beauty of<br />

Origin lies within its simplicity. The crisp Shaker<br />

design, coupled with it’s painted-woodgrain finish,<br />

allows the range to sit comfortably in both modern<br />

and period homes. With a balanced neutral colour<br />

palette, that perfectly complements an array of<br />

interior styles, Origin is the versatile choice when it<br />

comes to creating a bedroom that’s unique to you.<br />

Established for ten years, Wentworth Designs is run<br />

by Ian Webb and Paul Murphy and offers stylish<br />

kitchen, bathroom and bedroom designs to suit all<br />

budgets. The experienced design team is on hand<br />

to offer a personal service tailored to meet the needs<br />

and the exact specifications of each<br />

client with regards to their planned<br />

refurbishments.<br />

Using top quality German and<br />

British manufacturers for kitchens<br />

and bathrooms, Wentworth Designs<br />

are able to provide a broad range<br />

of quality complete modern and<br />

traditional installations.<br />

Wentworth Designs also specialise<br />

in high-end appliances, and are a<br />

recognised Siemens, Neff and AEG<br />

dealer.<br />

For more details pop into<br />

Wentworth Designs’ Sutton<br />

Coldfield showroom or visit www.<br />

wentworthdesigns.co.uk<br />

64


M OTO R S<br />

Life in the fast lane<br />

J’AIME’S MOTORING EXPERT AND RESIDENT RACING DRIVER MARTIN PLOWMAN LOOKS<br />

AHEAD TO THIS MONTH’S ACTION-PACKED AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL SHOW AT THE NEC<br />

The Autosport International Show is back and ready<br />

to help all you petrolheads beat the winter-blues<br />

for its 29th anniversary at the NEC in Birmingham<br />

on January 10-13. This annual, pre-season show<br />

marks the unofficial start of the motorsport season<br />

and always feels like a 'back to school' moment for<br />

me. Anybody who is a somebody in the industry<br />

will undoubtedly be there. It's a fantastic event for<br />

young professionals and engineers wanting to get into<br />

the sport to connect and network with key decision<br />

makers, or for the casual fan a chance to grab an<br />

autograph and photo with one of their racing idols.<br />

So what's on this year?<br />

Live Action Arena<br />

The ever-popular live action arena is back and<br />

noisier than ever. You literally cannot get any closer<br />

to the action than you can here with 60 minutes<br />

of racing action, driving demonstrations, celebrity<br />

appearances by some of F1's biggest stars and backbreaking<br />

stunts! Earplugs are definitely a must!<br />

World Rally Championship Super Saturday<br />

An exciting new edition this year will see fans get to<br />

see the official launch of the <strong>2019</strong> FIA World Rally<br />

Championship in what is being dubbed, 'WRC Super<br />

Saturday' at the show, with all of the star drivers and<br />

teams present to unveil their new challengers for the<br />

World Championship ahead of the opening round at<br />

the Monte Carlo Rally.<br />

Ford M-Sport World Rally Team, Hyundai Shell<br />

Mobis World Rally Team, Toyota Gazoo Racing<br />

World Rally Team and Citroen Total Abu Dhabi<br />

World Rally Team will all unveil their <strong>2019</strong> rally cars<br />

on Saturday morning in front of show visitors. Fans<br />

will get an opportunity to talk to their favourite team<br />

owners and drivers.<br />

Autosport Main Stage<br />

The Autosport Main Stage is always a big attraction<br />

65


as every year racing legends<br />

and household names are<br />

interviewed live on stage. Last<br />

year's biggest stars were 1992<br />

F1 World Champion Nigel<br />

Mansell and heroic young<br />

Billy Monger, who made a<br />

successful return to racing<br />

after suffering a doubleleg<br />

amputation following a<br />

life-threatening crash last<br />

year. This year's stars have<br />

not yet been confirmed<br />

but check their website<br />

regularly for updates at www.<br />

autosportinternational.com.<br />

Performance and Tuning<br />

Car Show<br />

If you are more of a Fastand-Furious<br />

fan than Formula<br />

1, than chances are the<br />

Performance and Tuning car show is for you. An<br />

integral part of the Autosport International Show,<br />

the Performance and Tuning car show has plenty of<br />

exotic cars on display, with hundreds of suppliers and<br />

manufacturers displaying all of the hottest latest car<br />

mods. It's the perfect event for car enthusiasts who<br />

take their car modification seriously.<br />

Silverstone Auctions<br />

If you still have some money burning a hole in<br />

your pocket after Christmas than the Silverstone<br />

Auctions’ one-day auction is right up your alley,<br />

with best of breed classic and competition cars on<br />

offer on Saturday, January 12. There are always a<br />

lot of cars on offer that would sit nicely in anyone's<br />

dream garage and make me wish I could win the<br />

mega-millions to claim a few for myself! One of the<br />

highlights of the auction this year will be an exworks<br />

1966 Ford Cortina Lotus, driven and raced by<br />

legends of the sport Graham Hill and Jimmy Clark.<br />

It's expected to fetch more than £200,000 once the<br />

hammer drops!<br />

F1 Racing Feature, BTCC display and much<br />

much more!<br />

The F1 Racing Magazine feature is back with a<br />

display of some of the most breathtaking cars on<br />

the planet. The tech-talk stand is back with a host of<br />

guest speakers who will cover topical and important<br />

subjects from engineering to car-modding DIY<br />

tutorials. The British Touring Car Championship<br />

will have another strong presence again this year and<br />

is always one of the crowd’s favourite attractions,<br />

with many BTCC cars on display. Last year's show<br />

saw champions Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal, and<br />

newly crowned champion Ashley<br />

Sutton take part in signing<br />

sessions, live interviews and<br />

entertaining the fans.<br />

Ticket info<br />

One-day tickets start from £34<br />

for advance booking or £39<br />

at the door. Family tickets for<br />

two adults and two children are<br />

available for £84. All tickets<br />

include a free seat in the Live<br />

Action Arena and free entry into<br />

the Performance and Tuning<br />

Car Show. To book your tickets<br />

call 0844 338 0338 or check out<br />

AutosportInternational.com<br />

66


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There’s no better way to engage with clients or reward loyal teams. Choose from one of our great packages<br />

or let us build you a bespoke day.<br />

GET IN TOUCH TODAY AND LET US BUILD<br />

THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE<br />

www.velocitytrackdays.co.uk 0115 888 3288 info@velocitytrackdays.co.uk

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