An afternoon of Luxury at Harvey Nichols

On Saturday I was part of a small group of bloggers who were treated to an incredible afternoon in the stunning ultra modern Harvey Nichols store in Birmingham’s Mailbox. Brunch, beauty, hair and a tour of the very special store were all included in a busy afternoon, one which gave a real insight into what an absolute jewel in Birmingham’s glittering crown Harvey Nicks really is.

Food

We started the afternoon with brunch in the new restaurant, sitting at the chef’s table overlooking the open kitchen.  The brunch offering was a sneak preview of a new menu that will be available in October. With dishes ranging from Ulster Fry to Homemade Corned Beef Hash served with a fried Duck Egg, this menu is sure to be a real crowd pleaser, but I opted for the sweetest dish on the menu. This was the pancakes with maple syrup and berry compote, and a dollop of cream for good measure. I have to say this was absolutely delicious, the American style pancakes were fluffy and buttery, the compote was just the right side of sweet, the berries not being tart as they can often be, and as for the cream – the word yum was created for this. It was just divine, and washed down nicely with a pot of English Breakfast tea.

Tour of the store

With changing rooms more akin to movie star dressing rooms, with cameras that allow you to take a 360 degrees photograph that can then be sent to a friend through social media to garner their opinions, Harvey Nichols Birmingham is quite a store. Adding in features such as a sofa based on Mae West’s lips a la Salvador Dali, and incredibly eclectic ranges that include vintage Chanel jewellery, and a very special capsule collection by Roksanda Ilincic comprises 10 of the designers most memorable pieces, you can see that Harvey Nichols is truly a destination when it comes to shopping with style.

Shavata

I’m a little ashamed to say that, before Saturday, I’d been too frightened to have my eyebrows threaded. But when I was asked to choose a treatment, I decided to take the plunge and have my eyebrows threaded by the best – the team from Shavata. I have to say I was astonished at just how quick the whole process takes – about 15 minutes, that it was mainly tingly rather than painful, and the difference it makes to the definition and appearance of your face.

The threading costs just £17 and this can last for up to 6 weeks depending on the rate of growth, an affordable treat that can make a huge difference.

Hershesons Blow Dry Bar

Hersheshons is hair styling with a difference. The concept is a hair bar that concentrates on blow drys, offering a menu of 10 different sorts of blow dry that can be done quickly – in your lunch break, after the gym, before or after work. I was treated to a 30minute blow dry and style with stylist Drew. This left me with a full head of curls that lasted until the next morning. This is such a great idea for anyone wanting a quick hair fix, or a new, temporary style for a special occasion.

Langleys Gin Pop Up Bar

No afternoon is complete without a cocktail, and the Red Sole, a mix of Langleys gin (produced locally in Birmingham), elderflower and rose was just delicious, and much needed after a hard day being pampered and looked after…

I had the most wonderful afternoon at Harvey Nichols, and if you haven’t yet popped into the new store, you need to do it now.

*With thanks to Lisa Piddington and Harvey Nichols for the invitation and treats.

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