This month (December 2015) I had the pleasure of visiting Birmingham’s brand new retail and leisure destination: Resorts World Birmingham. 

I enjoyed a very comfortable 2-night stay at the 4 star Genting Hotel and SANTAI by EF MEDISPA. It’s conveniently nestled within walking distance of the NEC, Birmingham International Airport, Genting Arena, and the Resorts World Birmingham outlet shopping centre. 

It’s home to 50 outlet stores and 18 stylish bars and restaurants AND an 11 screen Cineworld IMAX cinema and International Casino.

My stay at this lovely boutique hotel coincided with the very fun Resorts World Birmingham Style Insider Weekend, done in collaboration with Style Birmingham magazine. 

Over the course of the weekend, I met and photographed 100s of people, who stopped by to check out fashion shows, beauty demos and to enter the #RWBStyleInsider competition. Our gorgeous models (below) showed off a few of the great outfits that people could shop at RWB’s outlet stores. 

#RWBStyleInsider outfit - Day one… I wore a couple of cute pieces from JOY – one rather seventies-looking striped shirt dress worn with my Topshop Magnificent tan leather boots.

#RWBStyleInsider outfit - Day two… I wore a pretty yellow tea dress, also from JOY, thrown on over tights, and worn with my pair of Dr Martens Clemency black patent leather boots, and a leather biker jacket to make it look a bit more grunge.

Here are some of my favourite outfit highlights, from two days of shooting street-style photography.

From embellishments and print clashes. To glitter lips and all black everything.

And not forgetting the cutest little girl – who I was told was wearing ‘all Next’ – and the most dapper young chap in a bow tie – there was a lot of sartorial savviness to choose from.

Our #RWBStyleInsider winner… Lauren Marklew (below)

I had a great time trying out the dining options too. On the Saturday we ate as a group, and had a meal at Robata Bar & Grill. I ordered a couple of gin & tonics and Robata’s very delicious, crispy aromatic duck with honey and szechuan pepper. It’s a very extensive menu, so be prepared to feel a little indecisive.  A couple of the others opted for grilled squid skewers stuffed with crab, spring onion and sweet chilli. It was soo good!

We then headed for Prosecco at High Line, followed by cocktails at Sky Bar, located at the top of the Resort, with great views over Birmingham. 

Foodie fans can take advantage of popular dining options such as Nandos, Las Iguanas, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, TGI Fridays, Pizza Express and Patisserie Valerie. I’ve also heard great things about Bottega Prosecco Bar, they apparently do a charcuterie meats board – for two people to share – for under £10. Bargain.

I also highly recommend the breakfast buffet at Genting Hotel, which takes place in the Robata restaurant. They offer a great range of continental and cooked options, and even had real honeycomb to top off your Greek yoghurt and fruit! Nice.

On my final evening at RWB, my tastebuds were treated to a three course dinner at Waters Restaurant, owned by Michelin star winning Chef, Andy Waters.

To start I ordered the goats cheese bonbon two ways with beetroot, figs, grapes, toasted pine nuts and dressed mustard leaves, £7.25. A gorgeously light combination of textures and flavours.

For my main I had the fillet with a cannelloni of slow cooked beef, creamed mushroom and sherry sauce, £23.50. It literally melted in your mouth – the beef was that tender.

And finally… dessert! Sticky toffee pudding with fresh cream, caramelised hazelnuts and sea salt, £6.95. Heavenly.

It’s also worth noting that Waters Restaurant does a great Sunday Lunch menu of 2 courses for £18.95. 

Resorts World Birmingham is a go-to destination for shopping, celebrating and enjoying a little Genting luxury – this: Las Vegas or Dubai, but not far from the heart of Brum. 

Plan your visit here.

See more photos from #RWBStyleInsider weekend on Resorts World Birmingham’s Facebook page.

Photography © Lucie Kerley