FaithB's Qype profile

I went here for a pedicure, looking forward to a bit of end-of-Friday relaxation. However, with not a foot-spa or product in sight, I quickly realised pedicure meant 'painted toenails' here. Not quite what I'd had in mind. Nonetheless, I decided in for a penny in for a pound and had my fingers painted too. While I didn't get the soaks and massages I associate with a pedicure, at £14 for both hands and feet to be polished, I can't complain. I'll go back for the polish only service before a night out.

As a long-time admirer of Marco Pierre White I’d been dying to try out the newly opened Steakhouse at the top of The Cube, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Spectacular panoramic views across the city greet you as you enter the champagne bar or cocktail bar for pre-dinner drinks, and whether you’re watching the sun go down, or looking at the bright lights of Birmingham, it’s an amazing sight.
The service was first-class – far from being obsequious, our waitress was attentive but friendly and helpful, advising on the menu when we were torn between choices and arranging a birthday surprise for my boyfriend.
Four of us dined, enjoying beautifully prepared and presented foie gras, and then tucking into fish, steaks and lamb, all of which were absolutely perfect.
While some of the prices were high, it wasn’t as expensive as I’d envisaged – fish and chips is £13.50 while a fillet steak is £27 for example.
While not for every weekend, this is an outstanding dining experience to enjoy as a real treat to savour – my new favourite!

This is probably only ever used by members of the Virgin Active gym because it’s a little too off the beaten track for anyone to know of it, but anyone working on the Blythe valley park should give it a whirl. The team of therapists are professional and friendly, and really know their stuff, and the relaxation room where you wait for your treatments and chill out afterwards is just lovely. So far, I only ever really have pedicures or eyebrow shaping, but it’s infinitely preferable to the public brow bars in shopping centres!
Great selection of treatments, it’s just knowing which to choose first…

Nicely located on the edge of the ‘outdoorsy bit’ – a technical term – of the Mailbox, a great place to enjoy a spot of lunch in the sunshine. Nice salads and sandwiches menu with a good range of beers, wines and soft drinks. Salmon ciabatta with herb mascarpone hit the spot – and the chips were perfect – not too many, not too few, piping hot with just the right amount of crunch. I do like a good chip.

I’ve heard of people being prevented from taking bags inside, and being met by rude staff, but I’ve never had that experience. The Food Halls is the only place where you can actually do something for the people who ask you to ‘bring me something back from Harrods’ – and it’s going to cost a fair whack to do so. That said, the goods on offer are beautifully presented, and taste and smell fabulous – the chocolates are mouth watering and the deli divine.
If you’re anything like me though, you’ll buy biscuits, partly for the taste and partly for the snazzy tin.

Excellent mix of funky clothing and unusual, imaginative and creative books, gifts and home-pieces. This is the sort of place you pop into for a couple of minutes and leave 40 minutes later and £100 lighter, but very happy with your purchases. We bought some fantastic gifts that we know will hit the spot – we’ll be returning for creative Christmas gifts!

Little bit disappointed to be honest; but a fair few of the exhibition rooms – ie, the ones i wanted to visit – were closed. While the museum is stunning, its garden heavenly, and the standard of exhibits excellent, i’d have maybe not headed over on this occasion had i realised. The temporary Annie Lennox exhibition though, was superb. Again, as a sprawling, often glittering, world of arts and culture, and being free to visit, it’s a must see.

Been to several Patisserie Valerie outlets in London and am never disappointed. Cost effective, a great range of breakfasts, snacks or meals, and good service. Always a good choice.