J’AIME JANUARY/FEBRUARY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
J’AIME
YOUR LOCAL LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Mocha
Mousse:
create a stylish haven with
Pantone’s Colour of the Year
A journey of discovery
to a Middle Eastern gem
Update your
wardrobe
with a slice of
heritage chic

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Welcome to J’AIME
As 2025 gets underway, we’d like to take
this opportunity to wish all of our readers,
advertisers and supporters a Happy New Year,
and all the best for a peaceful and prosperous
year ahead. As a small, independent business
we rely on your support and, as we head into
our ninth year in publication, we’d also like to
express our thanks to everyone who has been a
part of the J’AIME journey so far.
In this issue we chat to Staffordshire
choreographer and director Rhiannon Faith
about the whirlwind 2024 which saw her both
nominated for an Olivier Award and meeting
King Charles at Buckingham Palace, as well
as the campaign to protect the local arts scene
by saving Cannock’s Prince Of Wales Theatre
from closure.
On the foodie front, our resident chef Jack
Dubberley, of Lichfield’s Dubberley Delicious,
talks about the effects the unseasonable
weather is having on growing seasons, and
celebrates some of the best produce available
now, while we’ve also got your Valentine’s Day
gift inspiration covered with our gift guide -
whether your loved on is seriously stylish or
foodie fanatic, there’s sure to be something
they’ll love.
With all of your usual favourites celebrating
interior style, fashion fixes and beauty tips,
as well as a round up of some of the best
entertainment the Midlands has to offer this
winter, we hope there’s plenty here for you to
enjoy!
If you enjoy what you read in this issue, then
why not help us to spread the word? As well as
being delivered directly to homes in selected
postcodes across the area, you can pick J’AIME
up free of charge in major supermarkets
around the Midlands, as well as read the whole
thing online at www.jaimemagazine.com
www.jaimemagazine.com
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY
ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
07388 335 931
DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS: JACK DUBBERLEY,
KEVIN JENKINS
J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY
PUBLICATIONS LIMITED.
Check us out online at:
WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
Find us on
/JAIMEMAGAZINE
@JAIMEMAGAZINE
www.jaimemagazine.com
3

CONTENTS
InsideJ’aime this month...
6 Rhiannon Faith Company - Staffordshire
choreographer and director Rhiannon Faith
on changing society through the power of
dance
12 Interiors - Discover Mocha Mousse
16 Interiors - Declutter your home
22 Gift guide - Treat your loved one this
Valentine’s Day
26 Food and drink - Inspiration for the new year
with Dubberley Delicious
28 Travel - Discover a Middle Eastern gem
with RB Collection
32 Wealth Matters - Exploring the world of
finance with financial adviser Kevin Jenkins
34 Relationships - Tackle a break-up with advice
from divorce coach Victoria Dunn
35 What’s On - Events around the Midlands
this winter
36 Fashion - Heritage chic
38 Beauty - Nail your date night look
40 In the news - A timeless service from Charles
Martin Watches
42 In the news - Timeless kitchen style with
4 www.jaimemagazine.com

FEATURE
Dancing with purpose
WITH AN OLIVIER AWARD NOD UNDER HER BELT, STAFFORDSHIRE CHOREOGRAPHER AND
DIRECTOR RHIANNON FAITH IS MAKING LASTING CHANGE THROUGH HER COMMUNITY-DRIVEN
DANCE PRODUCTIONS. AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS MORE
Rhiannon Faith discovered she’d
been nominated for an Olivier Award
through a tweet. The Staffordshire
choreographer and director was scrolling
through notifications on Elon Musk’s X
platform when her messages revealed the
exciting news.
Rhiannon’s show, Lay Down Your
Burdens, had been nominated for the
prestigious award in the ‘Outstanding
Achievement in Dance’ category.
“We just didn’t anticipate that,” says
Rhiannon, who grew up in Rugeley and
now lives just a few miles outside her
hometown. “It was a fantastic surprise.
That was a day that had a lot of light
but a lot of darkness too; I’d just dropped my fatherin-law
off at the hospital for some tests so I was in a
real different headspace. And the show is all about the
stuff we carry, so it felt quite poignant.
“I drove home and I was just checking some of my
messages and the news was all over it; they didn’t tell
us, I found out on Twitter!”
Rhiannon, alongside her husband Merlyn, the
LAY DOWN YOUR BURDENS WAS NOMINATED
FOR A PRESTIGIOUS OLIVIER AWARD
RHIANNON FAITH. PICTURE BY ALAMY
company’s executive director Maddie Morgan and
producer Anna Dominion, attended the ceremony
at the Royal Albert Hall, an experience Rhiannon
describes as “a wild and fun time.”
“I really indulged in the experience for what it was,”
says Rhiannon. “I really enjoyed the red carpet - or
green carpet, it was an environmentally-friendly
carpet! - and Beverly Knight was right next to me,
David Tennant was right next to me. You are a bit
starstruck to be honest, everywhere you looked there
was someone you recognised. You see these things
online but you don’t actually do it in real life.”
Lay Down Your Burdens is the latest work created by
Rhiannon’s independent dance company, Rhiannon
Faith Company. Making radically tender dance
theatre, Rhiannon Faith Company works both
nationally on big stages and locally with communities
on the margins - and always with social change and
care at its heart. Fearlessly pushing the boundaries of
performance, Rhiannon’s shows harness the power of
dance to speak to, reach and bring people together.
“We’d just done a show called DROWNTOWN
which we’d just done a national tour for and we were
about to take it to China, so I was thinking about new
work,” says Rhiannon. “It was a very melancholy,
quite enduring piece of work which was a hard,
emotional rollercoaster for the audience because it
was reflecting what was happening in the world at the
6
www.jaimemagazine.com

ceilidh for my 40th birthday -
and I felt that would be perfect
for this show. The world just
grew around it, and it became
our biggest work to date.
“Burdens took probably
around a year-and-a-half to
make, and before that I’d been
doing quite a lot of research
and working with quite a few
community groups. Then
we had our premier week in
London at the Barbican, but
once it went on the road things
starting going a bit crazy.”
SET IN A PUB, THE SHOW INVITES THE AUDIENCE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE
As well as the Olivier Awards,
Rhiannon was invited to
Buckingham Palace for a
meeting with King Charles after the company became
a National Portfolio Organisation - meaning that after
years of being an independent artist, Rhiannon’s
company now has regular funding from the Arts
Council.
Lay Down Your Burdens is set to go back on tour this
spring, starting in March at the Harlow Playhouse -
where Rhiannon is associate artist - before heading
Norwich, Chester, Bradford - as part of its City Of
Culture festival programme - and Barnsley, before
culminating at Warwick Arts Centre in mid-May.
“I’ve now taken the show away and done some more
work on it,” says Rhiannon. “I always do that with
shows if I have a gap before they go on tour again.
time. After that we felt that we’d explored the shadows
and the dark things that go on in our lives,
so let’s talk about how we get through that.
“So we started looking at the theme of laying things
down, and how in having conversations with people in
your community, that once you’ve got something off
your chest it feels like it’s shared rather than something
you carry yourself.
“The anchor for the work is, how do we share the
hard stuff, what happens if we ask for help and what
happens if people are there for you to share, so you
don’t feel alone.”
The development of the show began with a series
of creative workshops, exploring the themes of the
show through movement and creative writing, before
layering in music and stage design.
Lay Down Your Burdens is set in that most traditional
of community hubs, the pub, where every night sees
the same landlady, the same regulars, the same shots -
until suddenly a stranger gets blown in from the cold.
The show explores the human need for connection
and compassion, relating autobiographical experiences
inspired by the company members.
“A pub somewhere you go where there is a community,
or it’s a place where you go to meet your friends and
have those conversations, talk about the hard stuff,”
says Rhiannon. “I worked with the performers to
devise the show, and each character on the show is
moving through their journey, and everything they
speak of is part of their own lived experience.”
The show incorporates the atmosphere of a real-life
pub, from the pub games to the riotous live music -
and even invites the audience to join the company on
stage and become a part of the show if they so choose.
“Something was calling me to my Irish roots, and for
some reason I felt like this was a show which needed
live music in,” says Rhiannon. “I love ceilidhs - I had a
RHIANNON FAITH COMPANY CREATES
DANCE THEATRE WITH PURPOSE
www.jaimemagazine.com
7

We’re gearing up for the new tour so I’ve got the script
out again, and you look at it with new eyes.
“It’s really nice remembering all the work, as well as all
the things which lead us to that point.”
Rhiannon Faith Company’s work is always focused on
social impact, and strives to leave a legacy after each
show. One of Rhiannon’s earlier works, Smack That
(A Conversation), focused on domestic abuse and was
created in conjunction with domestic abuse charity
Safer Places. After a sold-out run at the Barbican,
Smack That went on three national tours, reaching over
1,300 audiences and working with 13 local domestic
abuse charities to support audiences at each tour venue.
“During the tour of that show we were able to train
around 240 staff in venues across the UK, and we
would invite a therapist and service provider to each
performance so that during the show if anyone left, or
after the show if anyone wanted to talk to someone, we
had that option there and people could be signposted
straight away to help,” explains Rhiannon.
“It felt like that was a piece of work that was actually
making a tangible change because people were utilising
those services and using the information available to
make further steps for themselves.
“And each of our pieces tries to do that; we try to have
a legacy around our shows which feels like they’re
embedded into the local communities so that the work
isn’t just remembered for its artistic merits. It’s also
to do with just holding space for people, so that after
they’ve watched a show they can process it in a way
that’s meaningful to them.
Rhiannon is passionate about the power of the arts to
drive change, as well as bringing communities together.
“People will come to see a show, and I hope that during
that show there’s something that shifts within them, that
they feel a bit different or see things in a different way,”
says Rhiannon.
“That’s the instant impact, but if you think about
embedding something a bit wider or more intrinsic in
the work and the aftercare of the work, there’s more
time to process and more can happen for those people
who need it.
“I’m an associate artist at the Harlow Playhouse and
there they have a really good understanding of what a
theatre venue can be for the community, and they serve
the community with what their programme offers. We
always go there and do our shows, but during the year
we also lead care workshops which are open to anyone,
and a Festival of Care which includes shows, familyfriendly
activities as well as signposting to local mental
health and wellbeing support.
“There’s so much that can be done if there’s funding to
support that vision.”
Rhiannon is particularly vocal about the proposed
closure of Cannock’s own Prince of Wales Theatre, and
ON THE GREEN CARPET AT THE
OLIVIER AWARDS. PICTURE BY ALAMY
the detrimental effect a lack of access to the arts will
have on the wider community.
“I’ve been supporting a campaign group which is
working to save the theatre,“ says Rhiannon. “But it
seems that the council haven’t imagined what they need
to do to use the available Levelling Up funding to create
a cultural hub - so they feel like they need to get rid of
the theatre and the museum entirely.
“Arts provision in the area is already very limited, but
it’s sad to think how Cannock might look in ten years’
time with no arts provision. Theatres are meant to serve
their communities, that’s their purpose - but they need
councillors to subside them and to understand the value
of what they can do.
“This is where I grew up - I was in Alice In Wonderland
at the Prince of Wales as a kid - but I felt I had to leave
to access a career in the arts because it was so limited
here. So I feel a responsibility now that I have a career
in the arts to say there needs to be more here not less,
for all those little Rhiannons who just want to be able to
do what they love.”
For more information about Rhiannon’s
work, and for a list of tour dates, visit
www.rhiannonfaith.com
8
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Loneliness in later life is a significant
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www.ageuk.org.uk 2 www.mentalhealth.org.uk
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INTERIORS
Mocha
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INTERIORS
Time
to tidy
‘A place for everything, and everything in its place’
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WHAT’S ON
Valentine’s Day
Celebrate love with a decadent 5-course sharing menu in our
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Mother’s Day
Treat Mum to a luxurious Afternoon Tea or a delightful Sunday
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Dinner With Henry VIII
Step back in time and dine like royalty as a guest of Henry VIII
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Bread, beef
THIRD OFFERING
Monfish, Thai curry, courgette
FOURTH OFFERING
Beef, onion
FIFTH OFFERING
Cherry, almond
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Venue: Thyme Kitchen, Curborough Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES
Valentine’s at
Thyme Kitchen!
Join us at Thyme Kitchen on February 14th
for an evening of great food in a relaxed, cosy
atmosphere to celebrate Valentine’s Night!
Our special set menu is made for sharing, starting
with a charcuterie board loaded with cured
meats, baked camembert, confit cherry tomatoes,
homemade focaccia and sourdough.
For mains, choose between perfectly cooked fillet
steak or a delicious cauliflower steak, both served
with homemade triple-cooked chips, chilli and
garlic tenderstem broccoli, and your choice of
peppercorn or blue cheese sauce.
To end the night on a sweet note, dig into our
indulgent sharing chocolate lava cake, complete
with homemade shortbread, marshmallows,
strawberries, fresh whipped cream, and a
delicious raspberry compote.
Book online at www.thymekitchen.co.uk
or call 01543 264050 to reserve your table.
Menu
Welcome Drink
Sharing Charcuterie Board
Cured meats, onion chutney, baked
camenbert, confit cherry tomatoes,
homemade foccacia, sourdough
Fillet Steak | Cauliflower Steak
Homemade triple cooked chips,
chilli & garlic tenderstem broccoli,
peppercorn or blue cheese sauce
Sharing Chocolate Lava Cake
Homemade shortbread,
marshmallows, strawberries, fresh
whipped cream, raspberry compote
£65PP MEAT £60PP VEGETARIAN
Please see full Vegetarian menu online

BUSINESS
A gardening legacy
rooted in passion
TRANSFORMING GARDENS FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, G-SCAPES OF LICHFIELD
IS THE COMPLETE GARDEN SOLUTION
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G-Scapes is renowned for creating stunning bespoke
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From its modest beginnings, G-Scapes has blossomed
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Malcolm’s horticultural knowledge was legendary, and
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G-SCAPES OFFER MORE THAN 50 YEARS
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G-SCAPES BLEND TRADITION AND INNOVATION TO
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24
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FOOD & DRINK
Seasonal delights
LICHFIELD CHEF JACK DUBBERLEY, OF FINE DINING EXPERIENCE DUBBERLEY DELICIOUS,
TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOOD TO COOK, EAT AND FORAGE FOR RIGHT NOW. THIS MONTH,
THE WEATHER IS PROVING A CHALLENGE TO USUAL SEASONAL FAVOURITES
Those of us who were hoping for a white
Christmas were sorely disappointed as the
thermometers hit an unseasonably warm 14
degrees on December 25th. And following a brief
cold snap where temperatures struggled to get
above zero, the milder conditions seem to be back.
The brevity of winter frosts may seem like a
positive for anyone who craves the warmth - but
the confusing seasons are playing havoc with crop
production, says Lichfield chef Jack Dubberley.
“Things are definitely going to be earlier this
year,” says Jack. “Produce which you’d normally
be looking at for March you’re seeing now.
“The problem is that the milder weather is
tricking all the plants into shooting when they
shouldn’t shoot, but the bees aren’t yet around
for pollination so those shoots will die off. We had
strawberries flowering before Christmas, but then
the colder snaps which followed will also confuse
crops and kill things off.”
Asparagus season traditionally runs from April
to June but, says Jack, the first batches of English
LICHFIELD CHEF JACK DUBBERLEY
WITH ITS VIBRANT BLOOD-RED COLOUR AND SLENDER,
TENDER STEMS, FORCED RHUBARB IS A CHEF FAVOURITE
asparagus were available before the start of the
new year.
“English asparagus came in in December - not
locally, but in other parts of the UK. Asparagus
seems to be getting earlier and earlier each year,
and what is already a short window for the English
crop seems to be getting shorter.
“Foraging-wise too, it’s getting harder and harder
to predict when things are going to be available.
Wild garlic is usually around February time but
we’re already seeing it now - so you have to be
vigilant and keep a lookout in your area to see
what’s coming out and when.”
The milder winter weather has also caused an
issue for the chefs’ seasonal favourite, rhubarb.
The forced variety, which is grown in darkened,
heated sheds to produce an earlier crop, has
suffered due to the lack of winter weather.
“The rhubarb starts outside, and growers need
cold weather so they can move the crop into the
sheds to shock it into growing quickly,” says Jack.
“We were hoping to get some in for New Year’s
Eve but it was too warm. Eventually, the cold
snap means the crop has reconciled so we’ve just
received our first delivery of rhubarb. Our grower
would love a longer, colder winter to extend his
season; the warmer weather definitely means the
forced rhubarb season will be shorter.”
With its vibrant red exterior and pristine white
flesh, forced rhubarb is beloved by chefs for its
versatility, pairing beautifully with a wide variety
26
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FOOD & DRINK
of meats, fish and fruit to create both sweet and
savoury dishes.
Rhubarb, says Jack, also signals the start of the
better season for interesting produce as we move
away from the beige of root vegetables into more
colourful crops.
2025 is also going to be a year of development
for Jack and Dubberley Delicious. A recent trip to
Dubai has inspired Jack to push boundaries and
develop more new dishes to add to the menu.
“Going to new restaurants and trying new dishes
piques your ideas; we went to four very different
restaurants and ate some incredible things, and
there are elements you take away from that. The
new monkfish dish we have is inspired by a dish
we ate in Dubai; it’s a beautiful piece of monkfish,
gently cooked, with a really rich beurre blanc, with
a little sea buckthorn juice to lift it, and then trout
roes which pops in the mouth and gives a saltiness
which marries so well.”
A new development for 2025 is the first fully
vegetarian menu, for the first Dinner Date - a
exclusive communal dining evening for bookings
of two to four guests - on Friday, February 7th.
“We’ve got an incredible sand carrot dish, and
a dish of kohlrabi textures on the menu - we’re
looking forward to showing off a range of different
produce.”
Rhubarb and
custard mille
feuille
INGREDIENTS:
For the rhubarb puree:
500g forded rhubarb
Caster sugar to taste
For the custard:
250g milk
250g cream
100g egg yolks - this will be around five
100g caster sugar
40g cornflour
Vanilla or tonka bean, optional
1 pack ready-roll puff pastry
Icing sugar to dust
METHOD:
Make sure you get to your local market to buy
your rhubarb, or check out suppliers on the
internet - don’t go to supermarkets if you want
the best quality! And you must get the early
forced rhubarb, not the outdoor variety - it’s
sweeter, more tender and delicately flavoured.
For the puree, simply chop your rhubarb into
small pieces and add to a pan with caster sugar
to taste. Cook gently on a light simmer until the
rhubarb has broken down. You can then add to
a blender and blend until smooth, or leave as a
pulp if you prefer.
To make the custard, combine the milk, cream
and egg yolks in a large bowl then incorporate
the sugar and cornflour and whisk - if you’re using
vanilla or tonka bean for extra flavour, add that
too. You can also substitute half of the cornflour
with custard powder if you want more of a vivid
yellow colour.
Add your custard to a pan and bring to a light
simmer, stirring constantly over a medium-low
heat. Gently heat until you reach your desired
texture. If your custard starts to split, you can
bring it back together by adding a drop of
water and stirring well. Spread your custard
over a baking tray then cover with cling film and
refrigerate until cooled.
Bake your puff pastry - to prevent it from puffing
up too much, sandwich between two baking
trays; cover your first tray with greaseproof paper,
add the rolled puff pastry and dust with a little
icing sugar then cover with another sheet of
greaseproof and top with the second tray. Bake
at 180C for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how
flaky you want it.
Once cooled, cut your pastry into rectangles and
layer with your rhubarb puree and custard. Finish
your top pastry layer with a final dusting of icing
sugar.
www.jaimemagazine.com
27

TRAVEL
The New ‘Petra’
SAM COOPER, FROM LICHFIELD’S RB COLLECTION, VISITS THE ANCIENT ARABIAN CITY OF ALULA
THE BANYAN TREE’S POOL WITH A VIEW
Saudi Arabia wasn’t initially high on my travel list,
but when I was given the chance to visit this historic
land, I eagerly accepted. Experiencing it firsthand
erased any misconceptions, and I am truly thankful
for the opportunity.
AlUla dates back to 5000 BCE, through the Bronze
Age. Located in the desert of northwest Saudi
Arabia with a population of just over 50,000, AlUla
was strategically positioned on the historic incense
and spice route, where travellers once paused to rest.
It played a major role in transporting goods up to
the Mediterranean and beyond.
To get there, I flew with Qatar Airways from
Heathrow via Qatar directly into AlUla. This
route offered convenient timings and seamless
connections. Other options include Emirates/Fly
Dubai, Turkish Airlines, and Saudia, though the
best connections can vary by day. If you’re planning
a trip to Saudi Arabia, AlUla works well as part
of a longer itinerary if you want to really immerse
yourself into Saudi Arabia, but equally it twins really
well with the Middle East. My colleague, Oliver, has
visited Damman and Riyadh so between us, we can
offer the best expert advice.
Upon arrival, AlUla’s small yet modern airport
made for a smooth and welcoming experience. With
only one flight in and out, customs and baggage
collection were quick, and within 20 minutes, I met
my hosts, who would guide me for the next few days.
Leaving the airport, we set off in a private 4×4.
AlUla’s relaxed, calm atmosphere was far from the
bustling cities I’d envisioned. Historically a farming
community (nothing like Lichfield I promise!), AlUla
is home to more than 2.5 million palm trees offering
the best dates around.
Remarkably, AlUla has thrived for thousands of
years thanks to a natural water source beneath the
desert, a reminder that, according to experts, the
area was submerged underwater around 900 million
years ago, leaving behind stunning rock formations.
My first stop was Old Town, a mud-brick settlement
fully inhabited until the 1980s when air-conditioned
buildings became the norm. Recently restored, the
Old Town now boasts boutique shops, restaurants,
and coffeehouses, all set against a breathtaking
backdrop of blue skies and rugged rock faces.
Unlike some historic towns, there’s no bustling
market or haggling; the locals are respectful and
welcoming. The Old Town seamlessly connects to
the newer area via a pedestrian walkway, and by
evening, it truly comes alive. Families, friends, and
locals gather, creating a warm and vibrant
28 www.jaimemagazine.com

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atmosphere. I felt very safe, and the local people’s
hospitality made me feel right at home.
The next day we visited one of Saudi Arabia’s most
significant archaeological sites, Hegra, which features
well-preserved tombs dating back to the 1st century,
with facades intricately decorated. Once the secondlargest
city after Petra in Jordan, Hegra held a strategic
position on the incense and spice route. Tours of Hegra,
whether in a private vintage Land Rover or coach,
take you through its fascinating history and impressive
tombs. A highlight within Hegra is Elephant Rock, a
natural formation resembling an elephant reaching its
trunk to the ground. Located a 20-minute drive from
Old Town, it’s especially stunning at sunset.
As the sun sets, Elephant Rock is illuminated, creating
a magical scene, enhanced by soft background music. I
visited at sunset, then had dinner here under the stars. It
had a great atmosphere and was very casual.
The following day, we visited Dadan, an ancient city
in AlUla. A museum at the entrance provides a vivid
account of the site’s history, with guides sharing their
deep knowledge and enthusiasm. Excavations at Dadan
are ongoing, with only about five percent of the site
uncovered. Dadan’s tombs and carved chambers are
a testament to the skill and artistry of the Dadan and
Lihyan civilizations over 2,000 years ago. These cliffside
tombs, set against red cliffs, draw global archaeological
interest as one of the few remnants of this ancient
capital.
We then visited the Oasis, near Old Town. Historically,
locals spent summer months here to escape the intense
heat, finding shade, cooler temperatures, and water
from the underground supply. In winter, they moved to
Old Town, which was designed with dense mudbrick
structures and narrow pathways to retain warmth
during the colder nights, when temperatures can drop as
low as three or four degrees celsius.
THE BANYAN TREE OFFERS A LUXURIOUS STAY
A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE IS THE
PERFECT WAY TO EXPLORE ALULA
In the Oasis, palm trees are invaluable, providing
dates, wood, and materials for constructing the region’s
mudbrick walls and buildings. When you are walking
around as a visitor, you get to see working farms within
the Oasis, which have been here for generations. It’s a
calm place to explore underneath the lush palms. Today,
it is a popular gathering place for families, where they
can relax in nature’s embrace.
AlUla’s remote desert location, far from city lights,
makes it perfect for stargazing. I spent one unforgettable
evening with an astronomer, lying on cushions beneath
a clear sky. The astronomer explained how people once
used stars for timekeeping, marking
seasons, and navigation, essential
knowledge in such an unforgiving
landscape. This night featured a
supermoon, which, while stunning,
made me think that an ordinary
night might offer an even clearer
view.
Another highlight was a hot air
balloon ride, and though the 4.30am
start might not appeal to everyone,
I’d recommend it as the views were
breathtaking. There’s no better way
to see AlUla come together in one
image, the circular farmlands, the
Oasis and the distant views of Hegra
and Dadan.
30
www.jaimemagazine.com

history that this land has. It works well as a destination
in its own right, or as part of a wider tour of Saudi
Arabia. With easy connecting flights, it also works
very well as a twin centre with the likes of Dubai, Abu
Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Doha in Qatar to name
a few. Why not experience the history of AlUla then
relax on the beach?
AlUla FAQs
How to get there: Flights from Birmingham
to Jeddah are only 6 hours then it is a short
connecting flight. Alternatively fly from
Birmingham via Dubai, Doha or a European
hub. AlUla airport is a short drive to the hotels.
How long do you need? You can discover
the main site in a few days or we can include
AlUla as part of a longer tour of Saudi Arabia
which would require over a week.
Looking one way, you could see the sun rising, the
bright orange sky as the sun was coming up, then as
I turned my head, the moon in the pastel blue sky, it
was like the changing of the guard in mother nature.
Until this point, I had never been on a hot air balloon
ride before, and I was so pleased I managed to tick this
experience off my bucket list.
During my stay in AlUla, I explored three
different properties to fully experience the variety
of accommodations. However, the one I would
wholeheartedly recommend to my clients is the Banyan
Tree AlUla, located just a 10-minute drive from Hegra.
This property is without a doubt a tranquil desert
sanctuary. With no fences or walls, the views are
uninterrupted— you are surrounded by striking rock
formations all around you and the only man-made
object you can see is a glimpse of a mirror like object
which is Maraya, a stunning mirror-clad music venue
that has hosted world-renowned artists like Andrea
Bocelli and John Legend.
The property’s standout feature is its incredible pool,
nestled dramatically between two massive rocks.
The villas are thoughtfully spaced, each with ample
outdoor areas and a shaded tent to maximise outdoor
comfort. Stargazing from your room is an unforgettable
experience, and the entire property has a sleek, warm
and fresh feel. The service is impeccable, the food is
outstanding, and overall, this is a destination I would
highly recommend.
On reflection, I thoroughly enjoyed AlUla, and I felt so
lucky that I got to see and learn all about the wonderful
Where to stay? My favourite hotel was the
Banyan Tree. There are others on site too, but
this was simply stunning. More are planned to be
opened in the coming years.
Where can I combine AlUla with? A
common combination is a beach stay in the UAE
at either Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah
for example. It is just a short flight away so you
can easily enjoy some sightseeing and culture
alongside rest and relaxation.
How much does it cost? There are a
number of ways to visit AlUla. Prices start from
around £4,999 per person for a comprehensive
tour of the country. We can also offer tailor
made trips.
Do I need a visa to enter the country?
There is a new, simple e-visa process for tourism.
Who do I speak to? Sam has visited AlUla
and Oliver has visited other parts of Saudi so we
are in a good place to take care of your trip to
this fascinating country.
Call RBCollection on 01543 258631 or email
vip@rbcollection.com. Please remember to
mention J’aime when you call.
www.jaimemagazine.com
31

FINANCE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Wealth Matters
A BI-MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF FINANCE FROM LICHFIELD
FINANCIAL ADVISER KEVIN JENKINS APFS, CERT CII(MP)
HAPPY NEW TAX YEAR – PLANNING
CONSIDERATIONS
This month we focus on the importance of reviewing
your affairs ahead of the tax year end, which is on
April 5.
PENSIONS AND INHERITANCE TAX
If the new rules attain royal ascent then pension
benefits accrued could potentially form part of your
estate for inheritance tax purposes.
The ramifications of this are hugely significant and
you should review your personal circumstances at the
earliest opportunity.
SOME OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
GIFTING - It is possible to use the various
exemptions that exist and should you exceed these
then the use of trusts and surviving seven years will
provide planning opportunities.
The annual gift exemption, which is tax year specific,
is £3,000
INSURING AGAINST THIS RISK - Another
planning method is to consider an insurance policy in
trust to provide for any inheritance tax liability. The
sooner the better as these are medically underwritten.
This means the cost increases as you get older should
you not set the wheels in motion. There is a strong
possibility that the premiums will benefit from
Inheritance Tax exemption immediately through the
‘gift out of ordinary expenditure’ rules, though this
MUST be verified with a professional.
These are NOT the only options available and you
should review your options at the earliest opportunity.
ISAS AND PENSIONS
There are various options to mitigate income tax,
principally, which include (not exclusively) ISAs and
pensions. They all relate to the current tax year so
reviewing what suits you best is absolutely essential to
avoid potentially losing the allowances/suffering more
tax in the current tax year.
The value of investments with St. James’s Place will
be directly linked to the performance of the funds
selected and the value may fall as well as rise. You may
get back less than the amount you invested.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from
taxation, can change at any time and are generally
dependent on individual circumstances.
Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct
Authority.
Kevin M. Jenkins APFS, Cert CII(MP)
Kevin M. Jenkins APFS, Cert CII(MP)
Chartered Financial Planner & Director of Jenkins & Co Financial Management Ltd
M. +44 (0) 07795 172000 - T. +44 (0) 345 430 1475 - E. kevin.jenkins@sjpp.co.uk - www.jenkinsandcofm.co.uk
Jenkins & Co Financial Management Ltd 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) 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. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’
are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are
marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
SJP Approval Date 17/01/2025
32
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@tatlowcarpetsltd
01543 264766
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Open to the public. Monday & Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday & Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm
Unit 4, Europa Way, Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield, Staffs WS14 9TZ

BUSINESS
New beginnings
IF YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS HEADING FOR THE ROCKS, BREAK UP AND DIVORCE COACH
VICTORIA DUNN HAS SOME ADVICE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE WHAT CAN BE A DIFFICULT NEW PATH
The start of the New Year signals, for many, the
implementation of resolutions that will - they hope -
make them healthier, happier people. For those in an
unhappy marriage or long term relationship, the period
over Christmas and the New Year is indeed the most
popular time to make the giant sized resolution to leave
their partner, in search of greater happiness.
Given the limitless stress we load upon ourselves over
the Christmas period and the unusually long amount
of time we spend cooped up together at home, is it any
wonder that by the end of the Christmas break – if not
sooner – we are ready to jump ship and sail off towards
a brighter horizon?
For some, the decision to leave will have been brewing
for months, even years. We all grow, mature and
experience life in different ways and so it is only normal
to expect that some of us will change more than others.
Our opinions, outlooks and appearance may change
and sometimes we can simply fall out of love with each
other. Falling out of love is beyond our control, it’s not
something to feel guilty about, it’s just life – it what
sometimes happens.
For others, the decision may have been brought about
more abruptly, for example, by the discovery of a
partner’s infidelity. Whatever the situation, whether you
are leaving, being left, or unsure whether to stay or go,
emotions can quickly become overwhelming to the point
where they affect every aspect of your life.
BREAK UP AND DIVORCE COACH VICTORIA DUNN
Here are a few simple tips that, although they might
make you raise your eyes to heaven because they are so
basic, can actually help you to stay calm during those
moments when you feel you might just lose it.
Wherever possible, get outside. The more time you
can spend walking, gardening, playing sports, the better.
Put together a playlist of songs that make you
feel good – don’t put your heartbreak songs on repeat!
Make sure you have a safe space to escape to.
Even if it is sitting on the loo with the lid down for a
minute or two, get in there, shut the door and take a few
deep breaths. Granted, it’s not glamorous, but in reality,
sometimes it’s the closest and easiest retreat!
Avoid conflict wherever possible – step away, find
something else to do in another room for a few minutes.
As a Break Up and Divorce Coach, accredited and
trained by the globally renowned Divorce Coach, Sara
Davison, I have a huge toolkit to share with you to help
you gain clarity, dial down negative thoughts and give
you the power to confidently move forward from your
current situation allowing you to better function in
everyday life, parenting, working, or socially.
Simply email me at victoriadunncoaching@
gmail.com or message me via WhatsApp on
07825 329248 and book your free confidential
15 minute Discovery Call to see if we can work
together to fast track your future to a better
place.
34
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What’s on this winter?
WHAT'S ON
FESTIVE FROLICS ARE BUT A DISTANT MEMORY AWAY, BUT THERE’S STILL PLENTY GOING ON
AROUND THE MIDLANDS TO KEEP THE WHOLE FAMILY ENTERTAINED THIS WINTER.
WHAT: AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
WHERE: ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: JANUARY 28 TO FEBRUARY 1
Following a sell-out tour of the best-selling crime novel of all time, And Then
There Were None, Fiery Angel and Lucy Bailey (Director of West End Witness
For The Prosecution) will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of another Agatha
Christie classic to the stage in 2024.
Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops The Orient Express dead in its tracks. A murder. A train
full of suspects. An impossible case. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on-board, can the world’s most
famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?
Starring Michael Maloney (Truly, Madly, Deeply; Belfast; Young Victoria; The Crown) as the celebrated
Belgian sleuth, Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with
a final twist that is amongst her very best. Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production
is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end
of the line. For tickets and more details visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
WHAT: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF)
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM REP
WHEN: FEBRUARY 3 TO 8
Back by popular demand, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) returns to The Rep,
direct from its triumph in the West End. This unique and audacious retelling
of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story won the Laurence Olivier Award for
Best Comedy and the Evening Standard Award.
Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation
where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. This multi-award-winning production
features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re
So Vain.
It’s the 1800s. It’s party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin! For more details and to book
tickets visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
WHAT: MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
WHEN: FEBRUARY 6 TO 15
Matthew Bourne’s audacious, rule-breaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s
masterpiece caused a sensation when it premiered almost 30 years ago. It has
now become the most successful dance theatre production of all time, creating
new audiences and inspiring generations of young dancers. In celebration of
that ongoing impact, Swan Lake will take flight once more in a major new revival for the
next generation of dancers, and for audiences who will experience it for the very first time.
Thrilling, bold, witty and emotive, this genre-defining event is still best known for replacing the female
corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered convention, turning tradition on its head.
First staged at Sadler’s Wells in London in 1995, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake took the dance theatre
world by storm becoming the longest running full-length dance classic in the West End and on Broadway.
It has since been performed across the globe, collecting over thirty international accolades including the
Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and three Tony Awards for Best Director of a Musical, Best
Choreography and Best Costume Design.
Catch Swan Lake at Birmingham Hippodrome this February; for more details and to book
tickets visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com

FASHION
Country house chic
WE HEAD TO THE COUNTRYSIDE AS HERITAGE CHIC TAKES CENTRE
STAGE FOR WINTER DRESSING, AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS
IT’S time to touch grass - quite literally! - as
the fashion set takes inspiration from all things
outdoorsy to take on the depths of winter. From
riding boots and tartan, to the cosiest knits and
all things tweed, dressing like you’re heading
off for a country house weekend has never been
more in style.
Herringbones, checks and argyles conjure
Brideshead Revisited’s Sebastian Flyte, Jeeves
and Wooster, the Mitford sisters and the relaxed
royal style of Balmoral. It’s the season where the
best of British heritage brands come into their
own - and look just as good on city slickers as
they moseying around the Shugborough Estate.
What’s more, opt for traditional quality and
craftsmanship and it means your on-trend pieces
will become a fixture in your wardrobe for many
years to come. So get your Barbour coats at the
ready, pull on your Fairfax and Favor boots and
get ready to see winter out in style.
Tweed remains a staple in British winter
fashion, thanks to its durability, warmth, and
timeless style. In 2025, tweed is taking the
spotlight with fresh styles, patterns, and colours.
Designers are embracing tweed jackets, coats,
and even trousers, making them essential for
any fashion-conscious winter wardrobe. Pair
your tweed jacket with a crisp white shirt and
tailored trousers for the ultimate in off-duty
sophistication, or channel your inner Brontë
heroine and invest in a longline tweed coat to
throw over just about any outfit at the drop of a
(feather-adorned) hat.
A traditional Argyle jumper is one of the best
entry-points to this trend, and stylish versions
can be found at just about every high street and
designer price point, as well as being an easy find
for the preloved and vintage shopper. Style yours
with a midi kilt skirt and some leather riding
boots or team with your favourite dark denim jeans
and buckled ballet flats.
The heritage trend is all about those muted, earthy
tones so get ready for olive green, dark brown and
MARKS AND SPENCER, CHECKED LONGLINE TRENCHCOAT,
£109, WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
charcoal grey to become your new palette of choice.
Invest in a key piece or two to pair with your existing
wardrobe favourites and you’re all set for a stylish
start to the year.
36 www.jaimemagazine.com

CELTIC AND CO, SUPERSOFT SLOUCH ROLL NECK JUMPER
£139, WWW.CELTICANDCO.COM
FATFACE, HARLEY LONG PUFFER COAT
WWW.FATFACE.COM
£280 £200
£329
ARGYLE INTARSIA MOHAIR BLEND JUMPER,
£280, GANNI AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
DUNE, TUCCI BURGUNDY RIDING BOOTS,
£200, WWW.DUNELONDON.COM
BARBOUR, EBBERSTON WAX JACKET
£329 WWW.BARBOUR.COM
£615
£199
£25
MAX MARA WOOL TWEED COAT, £615,
HARVEY NICHOLS. WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
JOHN LEWIS, WOOL BLEND BELT TIE CAPE COAT
£199. WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM
MARKS AND SPENCER, CHECK SCARF
WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
www.jaimemagazine.com
37

BEAUTY
Date night glam
LEVEL UP YOUR FESTIVE GLAM WITH SHIMMERY SHADES AND GROWN-UP
GLITTER TO CREATE FLAWLESSLY FABULOUS PARTY MAKE-UP LOOKS
WITH Valentine’s Day on the horizon, ensure your
skincare and makeup routine is on point for a date
night to remember
Whether you’re in the honeymoon phase, looking to
impress or celebrating a night with your long-term
significant other, date night gives you the excuse to
enjoy a bit of preening and pampering beforehand
to ensure you present the very best version of you.
And to do that, it’s all about confidence. So choose
the products that give you a boost, make you feel
fantastic and leave you stepping out for your big
date glowing from the inside out. Tried-and-tested
favourites, coupled with a few hero products from
your beauty arsenal will ensure you’re ready to wow.
Prep is key to creating that flawless, luminous skin
which will be the perfect foil for whatever makeup
look you decide to rock. Make sure your skin is
hydrated, and use a primer to give your makeup base
the longevity you need for a night on the tiles.
Then let your makeup bag go wherever your mood
takes you; for date night it might be a bold lip and
a smokey eye, or a dewy glow with a hint of barelythere
shimmer - it’s all about enhancing your natural
beauty.
And don’t forget your signature scent; smell is one of
the most evocative senses, and choosing a delicious
perfume will ensure you make an impression!
£70
SISLEY PALETTE ORCHIDEE HIGHLIGHTER BLUSH, £94,
HARVEY NICHOLS. WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
£37
CHANEL ROUGE COCO BAUME HYDRATING
TINTED LIP BALM, £37. WWW.CHANEL.CO.UK
ESTEE LAUDER BRONZE GODDESS FLORA VERDE,
£70. WWW.ESTEELAUDER.CO.UK
£94
£29 £399
£23
SUPERSTAR LIPS IN PILLOW TALK, £29,
CHARLOTTE TILBURY. WWW.CHARLOTTETILBURY.COM
WESTMAN ATELIER BABY CHEEKS BLUSH STICK,
£23, CULT BEAUTY. WWW.CULTBEAUTY.CO.UK
DYSON CORRALE STRAIGHTENER IN COPPER NICKEL,
£399, HARVEY NICHOLS. WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
38 www.jaimemagazine.com

BUSINESS
A timeless service
CHARLES MARTIN WATCH COMPANY IN LICHFIELD IS THE PLACE TO GO TO BUY, SELL,
SERVICE OR REPAIR THE WATCH YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED
The picturesque city of Lichfield, with its famous
three-spire cathedral and bustling cobbled streets, was
always the perfect location for the Midlands’ most
exclusive watch-servicing workshop and luxury pre
owned watch boutique.
Charles Martin Watch Company focuses on a
memorable walk-in-and-shake-hands experience for
customers – a place that you’ll want to recommend to
friends and family and a unique customer experience
you’ll want to relive time and time again.
Accredited and manufacturer-approved by Cartier,
Omega, Longines and Tag Heuer to name a few,
Charles Martin is able to service and repair almost
any luxury Swiss watch and has nearly 50 luxury
watches for sale at any one time.
Founded by Martin Cleaton back in the spring of
2016, Charles Martin Watch Company is one of very
few local businesses that keep a once-dying industry
alive by offering a service that is both transparent
and authentic. The team comprises experts who have
been in the industry for several decades and includes
polishers, repairers and skilled technicians among
its family of specialists, all of whom share the same
passion for timepieces and craftsmanship.
All watch servicing comes with a minimum two-year
warranty, and it’s also worth noting that all watches
sold by Charles Martin have a two-year warranty, are
fully serviced and polished pre-sale and come with an
industry leading 100-day return policy.
Charles Martin also promises free annual waterresistance
checks for the first five years following
a purchase, and each watch is authenticated and
guaranteed along with watch register checks being
carried out before any timepiece leaves the premises.
Want to sell your watch? The company’s team of
specialists can examine your timepiece and make you
an offer within 24 hours allowing you to free up some
cash or unlock the potential to part exchange with us.
The company’s experts will also happily take your
details and look to source the timepiece you wish to
trade your watch in for should you not be able to find
what you’re looking for within the company’s online
selection. Each trade-in comes with a Charles Martin
CHARLES MARTIN ARE EXPERTS IN WATCH
SERVICING AND REPAIRS
guarantee, which also includes a buy-back guarantee
to cover you as the customer. The company can also
offer to sell your watch on consignment, as well as
cash purchases for a swift and effortless process.
With more than 100 years of horological experience,
Charles Martin is an accredited watch repair business
that provides a physical presence on the high street
for independent face-to-face valuations as well as
being a reputable store to visit for a detailed and
thorough in-house repair or service with competitive
pricing.
As devoted watch enthusiasts themselves, the
company’s team of skilled technicians all share a
love for watches and a commitment to an honest
and transparent service, whether that be nurturing
and caring for your beloved heirloom or helping you
invest in your first grail watch.
Visit Charles Martin Watch Company
at 2 Swan Mews, Lichfield, WS13 6TU,
or call 01889 560002 or visit www.
charlesmartinwatchcompany.com for more
information.
40
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O’MALLEY FAMILY
FUNERALS
CHOOSE A FAMILY
We are siblings, Jack, Grace and Luke O’Malley,
and we are here to help at life’s most difficult time.
No matter your needs, beliefs or circumstances, our family is committed
to providing a truly personal service when you need it the most.
Read our 5-star reviews & compare our prices at
www.omalleyfunerals.co.uk
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16-20 North Street
Cannock WS11 0BA
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BUSINESS
Craftsmanship and style
AS WINNER OF A 2024 UNITED KINGDOM PROPERTY AWARD FOR INTERIOR DESIGN
IN THE KITCHEN DESIGN CATEGORY, STREETLY-BASED BROADWAY KITCHENS ARE
RENOWNED AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS
An award-winning, family business that has been
designing, manufacturing, supplying and installing
luxury kitchens, bedrooms, studies, bars and home
media walls since 1974, Broadway Kitchens come
with an exceptional pedigree.
From classic hand-painted kitchen, period Victorian
kitchens or solid wood Edwardian kitchen to
farmhouse, country or even an ultra-modern, highgloss
handleless kitchens, Broadway can produce the
tailor-made kitchen of your dreams.
Starting with your bespoke design, through the
manufacturing process and finishing with an expert
installation, Broadway are on hand every step of the
way to ensure your dream kitchen becomes a reality.
Kitchens of all styles and designs are made in the
heart of the Midlands by Broadway’s highly-skilled
craftsmen with decades of experience in cabinet
making. Solid timber, natural veneers, hardwoods,
extra-thick doors, butt hinges, adjustable shelving,
dovetailed drawers with soft-close runners and solid
cabinetry are all hallmarks of Broadway, and so
appreciated by their customers. It’s the little things
that make Broadway’s furniture exceptional, and a
delight to use.
Using time-honoured skills combined with modern
technology, Broadway are able to bring you a classic,
ageless kitchen that is built to last a lifetime, giving
you decades of pleasure.
VISIT THE SHOWROOM TO SEE
BROADWAY’S EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS
And it doesn’t stop there. Broadway also design and
fit bathrooms, media rooms, home bars and study
rooms, along with minor building works. While
they are highly regarded for their luxury kitchens,
Broadway furniture is for all the rooms of your
home. Broadway kitchens and other rooms can be
detailed to let your personality shine. Whatever style
you choose, you can be sure of craftsmenship that is
second to none.
To get started on the journey to your dream kitchen,
customers are invited to talk to Broadway’s head
designer, who can offer free computer-generated
visuals of how your new kitchen will look, as well as
take a tour of their workshops to see the quality of
manufacturing first-hand.
Your dream kitchen is within reach.
EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP AND EXQUISITE
DETAIL GO INTO EVERY BROADWAY KITCHEN
Visit Broadway’s showroom at 128-
138 Hardwick Road, Streetly, Sutton
Coldfield to see the range of exclusive
and different kitchens, or for more
details call 0121 353 4999 or visit www.
bespokekitchensbybroadway.co.uk to
discover an extensive range of real-life
installations, case studies and testimonials.
42
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Your Leading Solicitors
In Lichfield
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house purchase. From initial engagement to the final day,
communication was great, nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you so much.
Ian Hopgood, One of Over 1000 5-Star Google Reviews
T I 01543 387 509
A I 2a Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL
Milford House, 260 Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, B74 2UH
COTSWOLDS I LONDON I STAFFORDSHIRE I WARWICKSHIRE I WEST MIDLANDS