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WIN: £1000 WORTH OF SPECS
Chances are, you don't have 20/20 vision. And we're not getting all Mystic Meg on you with that bold claim — more than 60% of the population wear glasses or visual aids, so statistically, it's more likely than not that you do. And what a fortunate 60% we actually turn out to be now Glimpse Opticians has moved into the Great Western Arcade. As well as being eminently better looking than any of its High Street compadres, Glimpse is the only stockists in the city for brands like Mykita, Ørgreen and Lindberg. And Vinylize, which we're wearing right now. And as a hello to you, they're giving you a shot at a £250 voucher to spend in-store. In fact, they're giving you four shots, with four vouchers up for grabs. Sign-up to their mailing list to be in with a chance at frame glory. T&C
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FILM OF THE WEEK: THE POST
No, this isn’t a gritty reboot of Postman Pat, even if its idealised view of journalism wouldn’t be out of place in Greendale. We’re in early 70s Washington, where the staff of the Washington Post must work out what to do with the leaked Pentagon Papers that showed the US government knew the war in South East Asia was unwinnable long before they let on. The meat of this film is more about how much the revelations will affect the guest list at publisher Meryl Streep’s cocktail parties than, you know, the journalism involved, but no matter. A new film from Steven Spielberg is always an event, and even if you can tell this is one he dashed off to protest the Trump administration, Spielberg rushing is still streets ahead of most directors on their best days. Times
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BRIEF ENCOUNTER
(OF THE STAGED KIND)
As gap years go, this particular production of Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter has had an absolute stonker of a journey. Having premiered at Brum's Rep back in 2007, Emma Rice's production's toured the globe, including a stint on that Broadway you might have heard of, where The New York Times described it as "the most enchanting work of stagecraft ever inspired by a movie", which we reckon means they quite liked it. The production brings footage of the film to the stage, playing behind the live cast. Like in the scene pictured, where real life protagonist, Laura, reacts to film footage of Alec waving goodbye as his train pulls out. Brief Encounter is at The Rep from Feb 2 to 17. Tickets from £10. Maybe have a blart over the trailer if you're feeling emotional.
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Venue: Peel's, Hampton Manor, Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-in-Arden;
B92 0EN; Website
Choice: Four-course taster (£70 or £75) Chooser: Chef, Rob Palmer
Displaying the kind of bonhomie for which ICB is famed, we insisted on 'train cans' for the 10-minute skip between New Street and Hampton-in-Arden. What a barbaric decision. Our first drink of the night should have been the outstanding pre-dinner Boulevardiers we ordered in Hampton Manor's bar area. One giant ice ball wallowing in a golden whisky lagoon set us up for a meal worthy of the venue's Michelin-shaped star, in a mellow environment that belies the stately exterior. Expecting Brexit-level negotiations when we spotted one dish on the seven-course menu that we wanted to add to our four-course taster, the staff not only okayed it, but applauded the call. And what a great call it was, too. The salmon, cucumber, dill and creme fraiche showstopper that we subbed in (pictured above) was so uplifting and limb-lightening it should be sold in the Manor's spa as a treatment. What followed was a wagyu beef that reminded us why wagyu beef exists, and a pork in onion broth that slapped winter in a wrestling hold and made the season tap out. Parsnips for dessert, a wine flight and sommelier that offered the meal a charismatic narrative, and some of the most joy-inducing canapes, amuse-bouches and unexpected extras, elevated this from a marvellous meal to a memorable one. Sample menu
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