In The Words Of
by Carl Marsh
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. As I write this, I hear from a music radio station that Comrade Drakeford has lifted the mask restrictions for this coming Monday, 28th March. Hurrah for those that still listen to what he says! This will probably be the last time anyone cares what this man announces, but at least it is some welcome news. Last night I watched Wales beat Austria on the TV, and I have to say well done to Gareth Bale for giving the team hope of making their first World Cup in 60 odd years - if they win the game against the winners of the Ukraine v Scotland match. He might not be that fit or playing for Real Madrid, but he only needs two chances (all game) to win it for his nation. Talking about Gareth Bale, I was invited to his new venture in Cardiff last week… Par 59 - Review Situated on the street with the most drinking dens in Cardiff [St Mary Street], this joint venture with Mr Bale’s ‘Elevens Group’ and The DEPOT hopes to tempt people into its basement location with a round of mini-golf and drinks/food. Money has been spent well on the design and mini-golf, yet one can only show concern at how clean those artificial greens will look after a load of stag or hen parties (mass) drinking on their rounds of golf! Yet, I wish them well as the bar industry needs as much support in these testing times.
I did not sample the golf as I was told ahead of the event that the press night would be food and drink provided. So, I went on an empty stomach. The door staff and cloakroom attendants were very welcoming; so were the bar staff. The latter politely told me about the selection of five or six drinks. And that was it! I don’t drink beer, so that left wine and prosecco. With the food, the bar staff told me that it would be brought out as nibbles for all to enjoy so I waited… Thirty minutes later, I then asked the food waiter. He told me they would be bringing food out shortly. I gave up after 15 minutes and just asked the barman if I could buy some food; he said no need, as it would be brought out. 40 minutes later… I asked one of the cooks, who then told me I had to pay! And worse still, to use some digital app after logging onto the venue’s wifi! And could I get the damn thing to work? Hell no, so I gave up. I think the owners need to reassess any future press nights offerings. I left the venue moments afterwards to get some tacky street food on the way to my next event… The Skinner Brothers - Live Music Review I interviewed Zac Skinner last month for this column, and I had not been out for a while, and as I now love this band’s music, I thought, “Why not!” I don’t have much space to say that I loved the craziness of the band’s performance: stage diving is very much alive with The Skinner Brothers. It was so lovely to see as it reminded me of the 80’s era. The band played all the tracks off the new album - bar a few and a few earlier tracks. This band is immense. The tour is now over, so check them out at festivals and the like this year, or just buy or stream the new album.
Carl Marsh Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_CM Facebook - @InTheWordsOf YouTube - InTheWordsOf
16 CARDIFF TIMES
