You’re probably wondering what a #ManSpa is (I did). Well, us men are well known for notoriously keeping grooming to showers, aftershaves and quick swipe of a razor around the chops if you’re lucky. This is something The Club and Spa at The Cube are looking to change…

Spa Days are traditionally the preserve of ladies and the occasional couples retreats. Men don’t seem to get much of a look in on treatments and that’s probably why we won’t think about going, preferring a gym session instead.

Situated in The Cube (created by Birmingham born Ken Shuttleworth at firm Make Architects), it’s a landmark destination in Birmingham with The Club and Spa taking over the majority of the ground floor.

The lovely chaps and chapesses at Ed James Group invited myself and a few other bloggers down to try the new treatments and for a spot of afternoon tea at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill too (more on that later); who can say no to that!

To meet the needs of a modern man, they have provide a range of treatments designed especially for men ranging from £25 to £65:

Skin fit facial- 1 hour: This treatment introduces the latest proven effective, anti-ageing discovery specifically formulated for MEN. The unique tri-phase treatment combines rejuvenating Caviar and repairing freeze dried ESCUTOX to replenish the skin while counteracting the signs of ageing, razor burn folliculitis and sensitivity. The facial includes cleanse, steam, extraction, enzyme exfoliation, ampoule massage, rubberised mask and scalp massage.

Executive hand or foot treatment – 20 minutes: For those of you who are pushed for time but still need results. This treatment will leave your hands or feet looking and feeling great. Nails are trimmed and filed, with cuticles softened and pushed back; the treatment will finish with a hydrating massage to the hands or feet.

Sports foot groom – 45 minutes: Hard skin is removed and feet exfoliated using their enzyme exfoliators, before being massaged with treatment creams. Cuticles are conditioned and groomed, nails are trimmed and perfectly shaped.

Deep tissue back massage – 30 minutes: Using firm massage techniques, the therapist will incorporate forearms and elbows to offer a firmer, deeper pressure. This powerful customised massage alleviates stress, eases aching muscles and revives the senses.

Moor mud back wrap with massage – 1 hour: A luxurious back treatment incorporating the wonderful results driven aromatic moor mud. While this thermal mud aids the release of muscular tension, aches and pains you can escape into a state of deep relaxation further enhanced by the therapists cocoon massage techniques. Combining the wrap and massage therapies in this way offers longer lasting effects on tension. The therapist applies a moor mud to the back and layers with hot towels, performs the cocoon moves and then finishes with a deep tissue back massage.

After bumping into Dave from #Brumhour and now BrumRadio outside, we went in and I opted for the Executive Foot Treatment (no, don’t run away I promise NO feet pictures in here) and went to collect my robe, sturdy padlock and towel (42) for the changing room and prep:

We then went for a quick tour of the Spa including the well equipped gym, sauna and relaxing pool area.

I was then whisked away by the lovely Abby to the Laurent Perrier Champagne Nail Bar for my foot tidy:

And before you ask, no I didn’t indulge in the nail polish!

My treatment was very relaxing; after a soak, my nails and cuticles were tidied, feet exfoliated and dead skin removed from the bottom of my feet. Heavy work done, I was moisturised and had a foot massage. This took all the tension away from the balls of the feet and I almost drifted off to sleep it was that relaxing, felt as light as the Temper created piece in the header image.

A few drops of cuticle oil nourished the edge of my cuticles to prevent dryness. Treatment concluded, Abby then walked (ha!) me through some tips on how to care for my feet a little more in the future.

I then wandered over to for a bit of zen in the suspended hammocks:

I’ll be returning again and would recommend the #ManSpa to any man looking for a break away from the stresses and strains of modern life.

This was wonderfully peaceful and rested me well for the food to come. After a quick lift ride, we ended up at the other end of The Cube…

And what a view! We were ushered into the Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar in Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar and Grill at the top of The Cube as night drew in across the hustle and bustle of Birmingham:

The pictures above don’t really do  it justice! I’ve been before to Marco’s in the day but it’s completely transformed at night and shows how big Birmingham is from a different scale.

The main reason for our visit was to take us through their afternoon tea offerings. Available everyday from 12pm until 5pm, with customised variations for Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day.

Chris Haynes, Head Chef talked us through the menus of what was on offer:

The four “Tea’s” consisted of

Original

• Unlimited Tea or Coffee
• Shots of Gazpacho Soup
• A range of traditional finger sandwiches
• Warm sultana scones, clotted cream, and seasonal preserves
• A delicious range of cakes and sweet treats.

Mother’s Day (available 4th – 6th March)

• A glass of champagne (for the inner Edina or Patsy)
• Sandwich Selection
• Mini Brie & Spinach Quiche
• Beetroot Gazpacho
• Mini Fruit Pavlova
• Petit Fours
• Sponge Cakes
• Macaroons
• Shortbread Fingers

Easter (available 25th  -27th March)

• A glass of champagne
• Sandwich Selection
• Scotch Quail Egg
• Rabbit Ballotine
• Scone
• Hot Cross Bun
• Chocolate Egg
• Petit Fours

 Fathers Day (available 17th – 19th June)

• Bottle of Crafty Dan 13 Guns IPA or Purity Longhorn IPA or Purity Lawless Lager 9or a glass of champagne if you fancy something a little different)
• Tamworth Streaky Bacon Sandwich
• Open Roast Beef on Ciabatta
• Fishfinger Sandwich on Ciabatta
• Homemade Scotch Egg
• Homemade Sausage & Stilton Roll
• Welsh Rarebit on Cheese Scone
• Baked Guinness Pudding with Brandy Cream

My personal favourite of the night was The Father’s Day variety with an amazing scotch egg and a delicious, gooey, unguent little Guinness pudding.

To view the range of treatments for men at The Club and Spa, you can view and book here or if you want a voucher for that special someone you can get them here (perfect for a Valentine’s / Birthday / Xmas Pressie). Alternatively, you can call 0121 643 2200.

Afternoon Tea is available at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Birmingham every day between 12-5pm.  Enjoy panoramic views over the city whilst enjoying traditional finger sandwiches, Marco’s daily cake selection and a glass or cup of what you fancy. Booking is highly recommended and can be done through their website here or if you want a voucher for that special someone you can get them here. Alternatively, you can call 0121 634 3433

Disclaimer: For this evening, I was a guest of The Club and Spa, Marco Pierre White and Ed James Group who provided all treatments, food and drinks; this provides no bias to this post. This blog is my own personal opinion and strives to provide an independent view, promoting, enjoying and reviewing the range of exciting venues  and food in and around Birmingham.

When: 14/10/2015

Where: The Cube

Who: The Club and Spa, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill, Ed James Group