C ITY L IFE AUTUMN 2019
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PRICELESS
I N D E P E N D E N T
C a r d i f f ’s P r e m i e r L i f e s t y l e M a g a z i n e
Heads Up HARLEY STREET JOINS CHARLES STREET PLUS ROYAL & MORGAN ARCADES, FOOD, FASHION & GIFTS
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THE CITY OF CARDIFF’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
CITY L IFE Editor Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Creative Director Mark Roberts mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Editorial editorial@goodlifepublishing.co.uk
www.citylifecardiff.co.uk 0845 130 6452 Cardiff House Cardiff Road Barry CF63 2AW Passionate about the City of Cardiff We are a small independent publisher. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. City Life magazine is written, designed and produced in the City of Cardiff for the people of the City of Cardiff. Our philosophy We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking: “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” Caveat emptor Advertisers supply their own copy or artwork, and therefore City Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in City Life or on www.citylifecardiff.co.uk (or our social media streams) is correct and accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and can offer no compensation should we get it wrong. Please note that the opinions, thoughts, views or ideas expressed in articles contained in City Life are strictly those of the authors. Intellectual property © Copyright City Life 2019. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine (including adverts) may be reproduced in any shape or form (in whole or part) without the express written permission of the publishers. We take breach of copyright and theft of intellectual property extremely seriously and will sue at the drop of a croissant. You have been warned (nicely); ignorance is no excuse. Subscriptions To guarantee your copy, please send a cheque for £20 (four issues) made payable to City Life. Visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk for special subscriber discounts and special offers. Missed the last issue? We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please telephone us or email jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk. Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing. Yes it’s free. Priceless actually! City Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across the City of Cardiff and beyond and is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed on, given to friends and generally read until it falls apart. At which point, you can recycle it and we’d be delighted if you did. Green is good The pulp used in the production of the paper City Life is printed on is sourced from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine-free bleaching process.
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WELCOME
It’s autumn! Probably my favourite season of the year. I love the fashions this time of year (probably because I like being warm) as the shops will soon be stocked with the autumn and winter ranges. Autumn is also a time of change. And there can’t be a more dramatic change than reversing baldness as our cover star Xavier Rush has done. You can read all about his dramatic transformation on pages 6 to 9. Also in this issue, we’re celebrating two of our iconic arcades: Morgan & Royal. Both arcades are home to some of Cardiff’s longest established independent businesses so we’re taking this opportunity to celebrate their success on pages 16 to 27. You’ll also find some great suggestions for eating out starting on page 10, and gift suggestions for ladies and gents with our increasingly popular My Favourite Things feature. If you’re feeling like you want to get a head start on the garden, Gary and Lisa of Dutch Garden Centre have come up with some useful tips on pages 32 and 33. Hope you have a wonderful autumn. We’ll see you again in the winter. We’ll be setting out our plans for the coming year and it promises to be exciting. Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor 07766 106 701 jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk uk.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhobbsroberts
Promote your business Butcher? Baker? Candlestick maker? Whatever business you’re in, reach our many thousands of aspirational readers right across the capital and beyond! For more information call 07766 106701 or email jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk
Our cover stars Our cover stars are Xavier Rush and the team from Head Quarters on Charles Street. You can read all about Xavier’s hair transplant journey plus we interview his associate Doctor Ted on pages 6 to 9
CITY LIFE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS. OUR CONTRIBUTORS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR FRIENDS (INCLUDING ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE) AND OUR ADVERTISERS - WITHOUT THEM CITY LIFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. WE HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT WE’VE PRODUCED AND WE’LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. CITY LIFE IS REGISTERED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY AS A MAGAZINE ISSN 1757-1723. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYLIFECARDIFF.CO.UK
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CORIAN APPROVED FABRICATORS 61
Harley Street, London, is a name synonymous with world class medicine and, over recent decades, a place most people think of when seeking the very best hair transplant in the world, or finding the best cosmetic surgeons or aesthetic practitioners. With the opening of Head Quarters on Charles Street, those seeking the best won’t have as far to travel. Head Quarters was born out of a transformative experience that Mr Xavier Rush had from having a hair transplant five years ago. The ex All Black rugby player and captain of Cardiff Blues now wants to help other men that are struggling with the often slow and painful process of going bald, so that they know that there are options available that work. Head Quarters has been built on Integrity, honesty and the drive to achieve the best possible hair restoration results for every single patient in terms of density and natural looking results. City Life wanted to find out more. Xavier, how did you find the right surgeons to join Head Quarters? This has been the most difficult decision throughout the whole process - choosing someone that I would allow to operate on my own head. I needed to find someone who has worked in the best clinics in the UK. The fact that our resident hair transplant surgeon resides in Wales means that patients can have continuity of care and aftercare. Lots of the competitor clinics have many surgeons aligned with them but not employed and it’s about who is available on the day. I didn’t want to go down this route I wanted someone I trust who cares as much about this clinic as I do. Dr Ted is our resident Hair Transplant surgeon and he is in his element when he’s performing hair transplant surgery. He’s very meticulous and this is coupled with an exceptional rate of productivity Watching him work is like watching an artist. These are the perfect balance of skill that you want in a specialist hair transplant surgeon. At Head Quarters clinic, we wanted a hair transplant surgeon who puts the patient’s wellbeing first.
Dr Ted Miln
Harley Street Dr Ted, please tell us about yourself? I studied medicine at the University of Bristol where I developed a keen interest in surgery. I was elected President of the University Surgical Society and we ran all sorts of events and workshops for other students interested in surgery. One of these was a surgical exchange program between Bristol and Cardiff. This was when I got my first taste of Cardiff. I loved the atmosphere here and the friendliness of the people. When it came to choosing where to work after getting my medical degree and working within the NHS and at elite levels privately Cardiff was the clear choice. 6
I was in the process of starting out in Cardiff when I came across Xavier and we joined forces with the common ambition of creating the best hair transplant clinic in the UK based in Cardiff. Why did you choose to partner with HQ? I see enormous potential with HQ. Living in Cardiff, I have long felt that Wales is underserved. One of my goals for the clinic is to build a truly worldclass centre for treating and researching hair loss in all its varied forms.
Joins Charles Street Xavier shares my vision and passion and there is a real synergy of ideas, yet completely different and complementary skill sets and professional networks. How do you ensure that your results match a client’s expectations? This is key. I consult all my patients prior to the day of surgery and spend a long time understanding their concerns and expectations. I explain to them what treatments are possible and work with them to put together an appropriate treatment plan. The patient is heavily
involved throughout the process. Even on the day of surgery, the patient is awake and I calmly talk through everything that is happening to reassure them. We have a comprehensive preoperative and post-operative instruction document which explains everything that can be expected at every stage so there are no surprises. Dr Ted, will the results look natural? Yes. I take great care and pride in creating natural-looking results. This is achieved by only using finer single hair grafts on the hairline and making the 7
pattern of the hair irregularly irregular which mimics nature. The multi-hair follicular unit grafts are placed behind the singles to great density. There is far more artistry in creating a naturallooking hair transplant than people realise. We expect full growth to occur between twelve to eighteen months.
“ There is far more artistry in creating a naturallooking hair transplant than people realise.�
“There shouldn’t be any stigma around men being concerned about their appearance or wanting a hair transplant to help improve their confidence – if an ex-All Black rugby player can do it, so can you.”
Dr Ted, how long does a hair transplant take? All day. We like to start at 8am and for an average case we’re usually finished between 4 - 5pm. Larger cases can go on longer - perhaps a second day. Dr Ted, will a hair transplant hurt? It is all done under local anaesthetic so the procedure itself shouldn’t be painful. I use a very gentle anaesthetic technique and often the only discomfort is the first injection of local anaesthetic. When the local anaesthetic wears off in the evening after the procedure, your scalp can feel a bit sore - people have described it as feeling a bit like sunburn, but this usually settles down with paracetamol. Xavier you have been open for a few months now, how are things going? The response has been overwhelming. In the first two months of business we are already fully booked up until the end of October and we are almost fully booked for November. Much of our business, so far, has been people returning from abroad with substandard hair transplants.
So you have patients coming to you having received poor and ineffective treatments elsewhere? I would caution anyone about going for cheap ‘all inclusive’ hair transplant deals abroad. In the UK, we’re used to a minimum standard of quality and service in healthcare. This varies enormously in some of the countries where hair transplants can be cheaper. I come across so many patients who wish they had come to a reputable clinic in the first place and saved themselves the money and the emotional anguish of a bad hair transplant which often costs significantly more to fix than if they had come to me in the first place. Xavier, how did people respond to you after your transplant? One of the main reasons I opened in Cardiff was the amount of attention I got from men that were worried about hair loss and were asking me about my transplant. It demonstrated that the demand was there in Wales. I was very honest and open about having a hair transplant. I think most men that have had a hair transplant are happy to talk about it as they are often pleased with their new look. 8
Dr Ted, what’s the best time of the year to get a hair transplant? Winter is a popular time. People make the most of the Christmas holidays to recuperate. A proportion of patients use the new year to bite the bullet. There isn’t a best time of year as such. There are extra considerations if patients wish to travel to a hot country immediately after surgery, but the results are just as good at any time of the year. Predictably we get more teachers getting it done during the summer holidays. Dr Ted, how much does a hair transplant cost? It depends on several factors including the technique (FUE or FUT), and the number of grafts required. We are able to keep the costs down to a certain extent because our overheads are lower than London. However, we are offering a quality service and utilise the best equipment and staff so our prices reflect that. If you would like to know how much your particular hair transplant would cost, it is best to request a complimentary consultation. We are all unique, like our hair.
Xavier, does Head Quarters offer payment plans? We offer monthly payments for patients’ convenience starting at £89 per month. We do our best to ensure no patient has to go somewhere else due to cost and compromise on quality. Therefore in conjunction with our specialist finance provider, Medifinance, we are pleased to offer a more affordable way for you to fund your treatment with personal loan options from 12 to 60 months, from £1,000 to £12,000 as required with a low APR%*. The benefits of financing your treatment include: n No delay in receiving the treatment you want and no major outlay of funds n You can spread the cost over a period that suits you n The discreet application process is completely managed securely online with a quick decision via Medifinance n You can apply at home, at any time.
Xavier, how do I book to come and see you and Dr Ted and talk about my hair? If you would like to book a complimentary consultation with Head Quarters, you can fill out our private online booking form on our website. Or you can call and speak to our clinic manager Nell Brunwin who will be able to answer all your questions. Call 029 2009 9385 or visit the website www.hqhairtransplants.com. Please note; Finance approval is subject to status and terms and conditions apply. Head Quarters Hair Transplants Ltd are an Appointed Representative of Medifinance Ltd (FRN: 675486) who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *APR% is dependent on your personal circumstances.
HQ Head Quarters Hair Transplants For Men 44 Charles Street Cardiff CF10 2GE Book a consultation 0800 193 3888 info@hqhairtransplants.com www.hqhairtransplants.com
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It’s a tough choice deciding where to book in the lead up to Christmas for family lunches and parties. Magazines and newspapers are full of adverts promising the best venue, the best food, the best service and the best entertainment. The Beech Tree, Culverhouse Cross comes into its own in the run up to Christmas and as staff say “It’s our favourite time of the year”.
THE BEECH TREE
“Christmas at The Beech Tree is a special time for both staff and customers alike.” This December The Beech Tree will be offering an array of options for guests; whether they are looking for a relaxing festive lunch or dinner, an evening spent with loved ones, family or work colleagues; there is something for everyone! If you have been charged with booking the office party (even large parties can be catered for), then your colleagues will thank you for booking The Beech Tree. The feedback from previous years’ events has meant that these evenings are already filling up fast, so early booking is recommended. The Christmas menu is a spectacular three courses and is a real treat! Please see the menu opposite. This menu is available up until Saturday 21st December (excluding Sundays).
Talking about the food, the vast majority is sourced locally and The Beech Tree prides itself on using the freshest and best quality ingredients. The regular menu will be available throughout the season and there are plenty of vegetarian options. So, something for everyone. The cost for adults is £29.95 per person. Children’s menu options available. The restaurant has been amazed at the interest in bookings so far, given that it’s only early October (time of writing). All of the staff are really looking forward to bringing the best service, atmosphere and food to their guests. Vouchers are available which make the perfect Christmas present for the one you love. Let The Beech Tree make this Christmas a totally unforgettable experience. 10
The Beech Tree Old Port Road, Wenvoe Cardiff CF6 6XN 029 2059 3106 contact@the-beech-tree.com www.the-beech-tree.com
CHRISTMAS MENU 2019 Available for both Lunch and Dinner Parties
STARTERS Home Made Leek and Potato Soup, Served with Parmesan Croutons Deep Fried Breaded Brie Served with a Cherry Dipping Sauce Confit of Duck with a Walnut and Orange Salad Thai Fish cakes with an Oriental Dipping Sauce Smoked Salmon and Crayfish Cocktail served with Marie Rose Sauce Chicken Liver Pate Served with Apple and Pear Chutney
MAIN COURSE Roast Glamorganshire Turkey with Traditional Garnish Sticky Glazed Lamb Shank with Spring Onion Mash and Vegetable Cassoulet Roasted Salmon with Butternut Squash and Kale Risotto Crispy Beer Battered Cod and Chips with Mushy Peas and Tartare sauce Vegetable Nut Roast served with a Wild Mushroom Sauce Pan Fried Guinea Fowl Breast with Bubble & Squeak and a Madeira Sauce
DESSERT Christmas Plum Pudding with an Armagnac Sauce Fruits of The Forest Cheesecake with Morello Ice Cream The Beech Tree Bread and Butter Pudding with Crème Anglaise Chocolate Orange Torte with Praline Ice Cream Ice Cream Sundae with Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream
£29.95 Per Person
Children’s menu options available. Open Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 9pm Bar open until late Sunday 12 noon - 3.45pm Closed Monday
All main courses are served with a selection of vegetables and potatoes available from Tuesday 26th November until Saturday 21st December (excluding Sundays) Deposit of £10 per person required at the time of booking Pre Order and final balance payable one week in advance Only one bill will be issued per table
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Day of the Dead Skull bars £7.50 www.chococo.co.uk
Rita Ora Star Collection Black Heeled Ankle Boot £39.99 www.deichmann.com
Favourite T HINGS... MY
Here’s a roundup of some of the lovely things that have caught our eye this autumn...
9ct White Gold Ring with Rose Cut Sapphire £420 Silver Ring with Rose Cut Ruby Sapphire £320 Silver Ring with Rose Cut Aquamarine £320 All available from Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth www.annemorgan.co.uk
Quantum Botanica Hydrating Gel £65 www.natilyarobinson.co.uk
Polli Leather Biker Boot £159.00 www.carlscarpa.com
Jo Malon London New Fragrance Accessory Lime Basil and Mandarin Available Nationwide £39 www.jomalone.co.uk
Les Georgettes Les Essentielles Bosquet Bracelet 25mm Silver Finish £89 www.lesgeorgettes.com
NeoStrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion £30 www.skincity.co.uk
Radara Eye Serum £165 www.radara.co.uk
Rita Ora Star Collection Biker Boots £39.99 www.deichmann.com
Product: Sisley Limited Edition Ecological Compound Launch Date: 3rd August 2019 RRP: £168 This can be purchased online at www.sisley-paris.co.uk
Rotary “Cambridge” Watch Price: £199 Reference number: GB05283/01 This style and many more are available at: www.rotarywatches.com
Isle of Harris Gin £37 available at a number of Click & Collect locations across the UK
PENCOED HOUSE ESTATE THE PERFECT FAIRYTALE WEDDING VENUE
Offering an idyllic and serene setting in the heart of the south Wales countryside, Pencoed House Estate provides the perfect fairytale wedding venue for the most important occasion of your lives.
Huw and Helen Hall chose Pencoed House for their special day and want to share their experience with us. How did you two meet? We were originally in school together and then met thirty years later at a mutual family event. Why did you decide to choose Pencoed House as your wedding venue? We loved the warmth of the place and the team with their overall desire to enhance our special day in every way. Did you look at other venues before choosing Pencoed House? Yes, we looked at various Cardiff locations but Pencoed stood out as the most unique venue. Did you work with their wedding planner? Yes. Did you use their caterers? How was the food? Pencoed House have a great collaboration with Emma Jenkins team (ejcaterers) which also made things very easy for us. 14
The food for the wedding breakfast was fantastic with everyone tucking into a deconstructed beef wellington but one of the real hits were the pies served in the evening. How did the day go? Fabulously. Everyone had a great day commenting on the warmth of the atmosphere and the celebratory feel for so many of our friends and family. What was the most special part of the day? The ceremony was bilingual and as I am a harpist, we had harp music before the ceremony and during the signing of the register. The registrar combined with the flowers and Jamie’s team created a magical atmosphere for us to commit to each other. Did you and your guests stay at Pencoed House? If so, what was that experience like? We had family staying at all the luxurious, relaxing rooms at Pencoed House. The cottage was great for us all to get ready and the kitchen there was very useful to keep everyone going before the day began. The full breakfast served to everyone the following morning gave us a great chance to reminisce as a family.
What was working with the team at Pencoed House like? It was an absolute delight to work with Jamie and the team. Very clear planning was apparent based on their experience and this contributed significantly to the success of the day. They were always ready to suggest ideas to enhance our experience and to reassure when we were uncertain. The obvious familiarity of working with ejcaterers and Julian, The Florist, Penarth as well as the registrar added to our confidence prior to the day itself. Would you recommend Pencoed House to friends/colleagues? Absolutely no hesitation and I hope we can hold other family occasions there. We understand you didn’t want wedding gifts but instead asked your guests to send contributions to the Horatio’s Garden Charity. Yes, Horatio’s Garden is a national charity which improves the lives of everyone affected by spinal injury through creating and nurturing beautiful gardens in NHS spinal injury centres. There’s more information on the charity online at www.horatiosgarden.org.uk
Where did you honeymoon? We had the trip of a lifetime to South America and Antarctica reminiscing regularly on our wonderful day at Pencoed House.
“ We had family staying at all the luxurious, relaxing rooms at Pencoed House.” 15
Pencoed House Estate Llantrisant Road Capel Llanilltern Cardiff CF5 6JR www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk 029 2167 8090
These two beautiful arcades are the jewels in the crown of Cardiff and home to some of the longest established independent businesses. From jewellers to cafes and shoe shops to fashion boutiques, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice.
ROYAL & MORGAN ARCADES Started in 1896, the Morgan Arcade was built to connect the main entrance of the David Morgan department store on St Marys Street, with his other store on The Hayes. It opened in 1899 as the New Central Arcade, running east/west from the Hayes. After buying the Royal Arcade, the family formed a holding company called the Cardiff Arcade Company, which owned and operated both the Royal and renamed Morgan arcades, which both ran underneath the store.
Built in 1858, the Royal Arcade is the oldest arcade in Cardiff. It is a Grade II listed building. In 1861, a free library was set up by voluntary subscription above the St Mary Street entrance to the Royal Arcade. Before the end of the 19th century the Cardiff School of Art was using rooms above the arcade with students such as J. M. Staniforth (a Welsh editorial cartoonist best known for his work on the Western Mail), and Goscombe John (who was commissioned to design many public monuments and statues of public figures in Cardiff such as the shipping magnate and philanthropist John Cory). 16
Between 2007 and 2008 the whole site was refurbished by Helical Bar, with the arcades restored. The companies spent many millions on restoring both the arcades, with some firstfloor Venetian windows and original wooden storefronts still surviving. The Royal and Morgan Arcades are now appreciated the world over as some of the best preserved of the capital’s arcades. Creativity is still part of the arcades today... Set above the Royal and Morgan Arcades in the heart of Cardiff City Centre the Creative Quarter provides a new home for creative and innovative businesses.Already home to a rapidly growing community of businesses, the Creative Quarter offers very cool, contemporary interiors which also maintain the integrity of the original Victorian architecture.
Morgan & Royal Arcades Entrances on The Hayes and St Marys Street Cardiff CF10 1AF
Crumbs, the much-loved restaurant/café in Cardiff’s beautiful Morgan Arcade, is approaching its 50th year and so, to celebrate, owner Paul has given what was the capital’s very first vegetarian/vegan restaurant a little makeover to celebrate.
Paul is keen to remind me that virtually nothing has changed since it opened back in the early seventies. We agree the subtle change of décor, chairs, and tables may, for the most part, go unnoticed. “It was a little tired,” he says. It wasn’t. It always looked, and still is, exceptionally clean and beautifully presented. In fact, it looks and feels much the same as it did when I walked through its door for the first time back in the early eighties. Even the menu is almost as it was then. As they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
C RUMBS FINE AT FIFTY
I must confess, I generally hate veggie food but Crumbs won me over those many years ago (I just love their cheese and potato pie). These days, it’s a favourite for a breakfast with a friend or business lunch. The Crumbs breakfast is served up to 11.30am, given the customer plenty of time to enjoy a healthy and wholesome fuel stop before hitting the shops. But what to choose?
It all looks so good. You could go for a cereal bowl of either brans or mueslis (gluten free option available) served with fresh fruit and yoghurt, but you may fancy something a bit more substantial so perhaps the vegan porridge with mixed fruit and a drizzle of local honey, eggs Florentine, scrambled eggs on toast with spinach or the homemade American-style hash browns topped with fried eggs (I’m honestly salivating writing this). There are an excellent selection of teas, coffees, soft drinks and choice of freshly squeezed carrot, apple and orange juice to choose from but I can’t resist their cappuccinos at the moment - fortunately the cups aren’t buckets like so many of the chains. 18
Crumbs has always been a firm favourite for lunch due to its plentiful, super healthy salad bowls, Mediterranean Falafels, sweet potato pakoras, seeds and olives, homemade quiches, lasagnes and pies (remember my favourite, the cheese and potato). Not forgetting the gluten free and vegan soups, vegetarian curry and chilli. For those just wanting a coffee there’s a to-die-for selection of vegan, gluten free and organic cakes to tempt should your resolve weaken. If you happen on Crumbs mid-afternoon, you must try the afternoon tea; home-made scones with clotted cream and jam and a cup of tea (traditional or speciality), it’s to die for.
TESTIMONIALS
Crumbs is regularly rated five stars “Amazing for vegans!” ***** My sister and I went to Crumbs for lunch after hearing good things about it. We are both vegans and were really impressed with the range of vegan options. We had the spiced chickpea and spinach pie with salad and hummus - it was amazing! The staff were also very friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely be going back! “Great for veggies, vegans and other humans too!” ***** Had a lovely breakfast here yesterday followed by the best vegan cake I've ever had - Morello cherry and vanilla! Breakfast section is small but great quality. Lunch looked lovely with vegan and gluten free falafels and a very tasty looking chickpea pie also vegan and GF - also great selection of salads. “Superb curries!” ***** I adore the Farrow & Ball interior. Taste is what sets Crumbs apart. Why is the food so good at Crumbs? The produce is fresh and locally sourced, so it’s full of flavour and goodness. Also, no meat is stored on the premises, which, for vegetarians or vegans, is of paramount importance.
The restaurant is bigger than it looks from outside. If it looks busy inside, take the stairs to the first floor where you’ll find two more rooms with even more seating and table space - a different vibe to downstairs (in one you can look over the arcade below! Great for people watching. Don’t just take our word on how good Crumbs is. A quick visit to TripAdvisor will reassure you that this shrine to all things veggie is a must visit. It’s amazing that Crumbs has made it to fifty - testament to how good this little foodie gem really is. If you’ve never tried it, you must. Trust me, like myself and thousands of Crumbs fans, you won’t be disappointed. 19
Crumbs 33 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2039 5007 www.crumbskitchencardiff.co.uk Like on Facebook, follow on Twitter
Wales’ Pre-Owned Luxury Watch & Jewellery Experts
visit:
WE WILL PAY TOP PRICES ON Gold, Coins, Medals, Jewellery (old, new, broken) Silver, Platinum & other precious metals.... AS FEATURED ON
Gold Buyer Wales is owned and run by Wales' leading pre-owned luxury watch specialist Watches of Wales. With our combined years of experience in buying gold you can rest assured you're in safe hands and will always get a fair price.
call: 029 2192 1552 visit: goldbuyerwales.co.uk 35 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF | customerservice@watchesofwales.co.uk
If you’re looking for an independent photography shop, you’re in the right place. Product knowledge, sound advice and excellent customer service are at the heart of this shop’s ethos since 1977.
CAMERA CENTRE CARDIFF At the heart of the Welsh capital in the beautiful Morgan Arcade, is Camera Centre Cardiff. City Life dropped in for a chat with owner and Manager, Nick Turner. Nick, what do you believe makes the Camera Centre so popular? We’re independent and family run. I believe we’ve always been the number one choice for generations of photographers. Stocking the latest photographic gear from leading brands such as Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony as well as a vast array of drones, binoculars, telescopes, film equipment, and much more, our independent, family run store is the first stop for photo and video enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. You don’t just sell new equipment though… As well as the newest releases, Camera Centre offers a part-exchange service meaning that we have a huge range of pre-owned film and digital equipment available.
AC C O L A DES & SELLIN G P O IN T S
What you love… n n n n
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Sony Alpha Professional Dealer Canon Professional Dealer Nikon Professional Dealer In store events, show days, workshops and photo walks hosted by brands such as Sony, Olympus, Canon, Nikon, Zeiss and more Recently nominated for the Customer Service/Sales Excellence Award at the ERT Awards 2019 5 Star Trustpilot rating They’ll match or beat any UK stock price if not already the cheapest Friendly, knowledgeable staff, most of whom are photographers themselves.
You’re highly regarded for your product range and knowledge, please tell us more… We offer a huge range of photography and video equipment including DSLR, mirrorless, compact and instant cameras, lenses, drones, tripods, bags and cases, studio equipment and other accessories. We stock all major photography brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, DJI, Fujifilm, Olympus and Pentax. We also have a large used section with digital and film cameras and lenses. 21
As well as photography equipment we also stock binoculars, spotting scopes and telescopes from premium manufacturers such as Zeiss, Swarovski and Sky-Watcher. We keep a large selection of traditional film in stock which you can bring in to be developed and printed Please tell us about your services… We buy used equipment and offer a part-exchange service. Customers can pay with finance options including 0% interest on selected items. We provide a camera/ lens repair service. Camera Centre UK also offer: n Photo printing and restoration n Film developing and printing service n Free digital sensor cleaning n Passport and ID photos. Camera Centre UK 14-16 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2039 4182 Also in Newport 01633 262738 www.cameracentreuk.com
Hawkes Bespoke Outfitters opened in Cardiff in 1994 and quickly made its mark on the capital supplying mainly quality leather jackets and suits. Russell Scott-Lawson purchased the shop from the previous owner in the year 2000.
H AWKES CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE
Hawkes, as it is known now, offers a superb selection of high-quality brands and labels, and Russell has added bespoke ‘made-to-measure’ and wedding hire to complete the Hawkes offering. Along with fitted suits, Russell also offers a personally selected collection of gentlemen’s shoes to complement the clothing along with other accessories. Russell says, “Above all we pride ourselves on the service we deliver, and we believe that Hawkes is unparalleled in this respect. You will always find a smile and helpful, sincere advice. We consider our customers our shareholders, and, above all other considerations, we want to ensure they are happy. We have huge knowledge gained from decades of experience with regards to all aspects of bespoke suits and tailoring which, I believe, is unrivalled in Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan. Over the years, Hawkes’ reputation for fine, bespoke tailoring and exceptional service has, understandably, ensured the beautifully presented shop in Morgan Arcade attracts many discerning, high-profile customers from the business and sporting communities.
Russell Scott-Lawson, Owner of Hawkes
Hawkes Bespoke Outfitters 37-39 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesbespokeoutfitters.co.uk 23
T HE BROGUE SUMMER BANQUET On a warm, summer evening in July, in just one hour, the beautiful Morgan Arcade was transformed into a banquet hall by Chris Macnamara, owner of The Brogue Trader, and Spiro Borg (Spiro’s Fine Dining Caterers) and their teams to raise valuable funds for City Hospice. 24
Putting on impressive events is nothing new to Chris and Spiro and the dynamic duo have earned an enviable reputation for the high quality of their events. We spoke to Chris the following day and this is what he had to say, “Last night, at the home of my Cardiff business, and with the help of my dear friend Spiro, and some good friends, we turned the Morgan Arcade into a Banqueting Hall in just one hour. We put out twenty-four trestle tables, set up a stage and PA equipment, a G&T bar, and prepared for 150 guests all in aid of Charity (#thecityhospice), a local hospice charity close to the hearts of us all here at the The Brogue Trader.”
Chris added, “On the eve of the Welsh National Rugby squad going to Switzerland to embark on their World Cup training camp, Rob Howley kindly agreed to join us for a Q&A, joined by injured Welsh Captain Ellis Jenkins and hosted by ex-Welsh rugby legend Rupert Moon.” The night went off with a bang. As guests arrived, local soulster James Williams sang his heart out, along with acclaimed magician Bryan Gunton who entertained the 150 guests. Chris added, “None of this would have been possible without the help and support of my team and some great friends, as all the people I’ve mentioned gave their time and services for free! We can’t thank them enough.” Heineken sponsored the beer and cider. Fine Wines Direct sponsored all the wine. Hensol Castle sponsored the G&T reception and Spiro and his team sponsored the three courses of fabulous food: Chicken and leek terrine with homemade breads was
their first trick, followed by a wowing main of roasted loin of pork with bubble and squeak. The show-stopping dessert consisted of traditional sherry trifle.
The Brogue Trader #morethanashoeshop
“With this amazing support the whole event could be put on for free, allowing us to raise a whopping £12,000 in just three hours!” added Chris. “I’m incredibly proud and, frankly, it’s amazing what relationships can achieve.”
www.thebroguetrader.com
The Brogue Does Beaujolais V This won’t be the last event organised by Chris either. The now legendary Brogue Does Beaujolais will enjoy its fifth event on November 21st 2019. Tickets we believe are available but this is one of the hottest events in town so you may already have missed the boat.
“Rob Howley kindly agreed to join us for a Q&A.” 25
27A Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 0843 658 1812
The Brogue Trader would like to thank: Spiro’s Fine Dining & Catering www.spiros.com Hensol Castle Distillery www.hensolcastledistillery.com Fine Wines Direct www.finewinesdirectuk.com Heineken www.heineken.co.uk James Williams www.james-williams.co.uk Bryan Gunton www.bryangunton.co.uk Booie Sall www.harlequinprintgroup.co.uk Timothy Everest MBE for donating the suit and attending
The Pen & Paper Stationery Co is celebrating its 25th anniversary next year and it’s no surprise to loyal customers that it’s lasted this long.
THE WRITE STUFF An icon of Royal Arcade, this fabulous independent has all the ingredients when it comes to stationery. We’ve long been fans, using P&P as we call it affectionately, to pick up artist materials and diaries (and the occasional gift) but they offer a whole lot more. P&P carry a superb range of high end pens and are one of the leading stockists for Lamy in Wales plus the very popular Yard-O-Led pens made in Birmingham. There’s also a large selection of fountain pen inks. Including the Diamine shimmering ink range - the art of beautiful writing is alive and well in the Royal Arcade. They’ve recently become new stockists of Cranfield art products. Cranfield artists’ oil and traditional printmaking inks are made in Cwmbran! The shop has one of the biggest selections of art supplies in the capital and offers professional and student ranges.
All things Welsh... If you’re a Welsh speaker, you’ll love their range of Welsh language greetings cards - certainly one of the biggest selections in Cardiff.
TES TIMO N IALS
You’ll find the very desirable luxury journals in stock from Leuchtturm, Paperblanks and Lamy. Also now in stock: 2020 diaries including Moleskine, Letts, Leuchtturm and Paperblanks so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
At this time of year, Christmas gifts will soon be on our minds and together with their seasonal ranges, The Pen & Paper Stationery Co has an excellent selection of Christmas gifts in stock. Panic over!
Their oil and acrylic range is top notch. I hate buying online these days and they never disappoint.
What you love… Excellent service. I’ve been shopping here for over twenty years.
The perfect gift shop when buying for creative relatives.
The Pen And Paper Stationery Company 13-17 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AE 029 2037 3738 www.penandpaper.co.uk
26
Let’s be honest, we all love a traditional turkey and all the trimmings meal at Christmas time but from the beginning of December until after the New Year, this festive bird meal does get a bit old.
CHRISTMAS WITH A K!
Keyif, Penarth’s finest Turkish restaurant offers the finest authentic Turkish cuisine and has a growing list of devotees. So, what’s on offer during November and December at Keyif? They are offering a rich three course festive season menu for just £28.50 (Tuesday to Thursday) and £32.50 (Friday to Sunday) per person. Proceedings begin with a glass of Prosecco on arrival. The first course will be the Chef’s Special hot and cold mixed mezes. A get together at this time of year is also helped along by a glass or two or three of something fizzy and, and this is the important bit, a fun atmosphere. If you’ve been tasked with booking the family Christmas or New Year meal or the office “do”, then try something a little bit different. Let the party begin.
Mains include delights such as the Grill Feast - lamb and chicken Kofte, lamb and chicken Shish, chicken wings (two) served with rice and salad; chicken or lamb casserole (vegetarian and vegan options available on request); halloumi kebab or grilled seabass. Dessert will be a delicious Keyif dessert board. 28
Musical entertainment is planned dancing is optional! Booking is recommended, so give Keyif a call today.
“Authentic Turkish cuisine and has a growing list of devotees.” Keyif 21 Glebe Street Penarth CF64 1EE 029 2070 2429 www.keyif.co.uk keyifpenarth
29
As we head into autumn and winter, that gorgeous shine can soon start to fade but a small investment in time and good cleaning products will certainly pay off in the long run.
TIME WTO SHINE
ELL, WAX AT LEAST!
Davies Motors, just off Hadfield Road, has an enviable reputation for repairing and painting high end marques and supercars. Owner, Sean Davies, gives City Life readers a few tips for keeping our bodies in tip top condition. Keeping your vehicle clean and presentable not only looks good but will preserve the value of your vehicle. Whether you’ve bought or are buying your pride and joy, or leasing, it’s in your interest to keep it looking its best. Particularly with leasing and PCPs as they will have clause that claw back money if the vehicle’s bodywork has taken a few scrapes and scratches. Wax, wax, wax… Waxing your vehicle puts an invisible protective film between all the dust, muck and menace that the winter months will throw at it. If you do one thing at this time of year, waxing is it. And, if you don’t have time, there are companies out there that can do it for you. 30
Fix the chips, dings and dents… Any time an area of paintwork is damaged, it creates a break in the paint and usually the primer underneath. Once that weakness is there, moisture will get in. Combine that with road salt and you have a recipe for the car’s worst enemy – rust. It really is worth getting those minor dings and chips sorted before they turn into something worse. Vinyl wraps… You’ll probably think I’m mad suggesting this - I know people who have the bonnets and front ends wrapped in the winter to protect from the worst the weather can throw at them (assuming they’re using their pride and joy). They remove in the spring once the worst is over. It’s a lot cheaper than painting a front end.
“You name it, we’ve probably repaired and painted it.”
Wash regularly… Inevitably you’ll have salt on your vehicle in winter. If the temperatures drop, then the Council wagons will be out gritting. Salt and water helps get rid of snow and ice but it’s the perfect solution for rust. Wash your car regularly and keep it dust and salt free. And don’t forget the wheel arches and door jams. Salt collects in these places, so be thorough. Brush don’t scrape… When it snows, brush the snow off your bodywork. Don’t use a scraper - that will just create micro scratches that will be hard to remove later and will slowly but surely erode the shine. If you have a garage, use it… Storing a vehicle out of the elements will certainly help. It’s also easier to clean and polish a car indoors rather than outside in the cold.
T ES T IM O N IALS
What customers say… MM Friendly staff and outstanding service and workmanship, the best car body shop I have ever been to, highly recommended. RC I have just received my front bumper back from having the aluminium trim resprayed and the job is outstanding! GH The best body shop by miles. If you want a quality repairs/paintwork, all guaranteed at a competitive price by true professionals who care then this is where you go. MR Old school quality. Faultless. Superb service. Professionals.
If the unthinkable happens… If you do have a bump, remember your insurer will always suggest one of their partner companies to look after any repairs. However, you’re not obligated to use them. Call Davies Motors first. Our quotations are free (and without obligation) and, sometimes, it’s cheaper to have small repairs paid for out of your own pocket rather than losing your no claims bonus.
Davies Motor Company Hadfield Close (off Hadfield Road) Cardiff CF11 8BD 029 2039 4407
Davies Motors is an approved repairer for some of the very finest motoring marques. But they also repair, restore and repaint all vehicle brands so you can be confident your vehicle will be treated like it’s a supercar.
sean@daviesmotorcompany.co.uk www.daviesmotorcompany.co.uk
31
Spring and summer are relatively easy months in gardening terms it’s the autumn and winter where the real graft is done. Lisa and Gary of the Dutch Garden Centre say, with autumn and winter approaching, it’s all about being bold and brave.
DUTCH COURAGE
The first thing that greets you when you visit the Dutch Garden Centre, a stone’s throw from Junction 30 of the M4 is how friendly and helpful they are. I know nothing about gardening other than planting a few summer geraniums and herbs. Here, no-one minds, they couldn’t be more helpful. So, when I rock up and ask “what do I do now it’s autumn?”, the tips come flowing thick and fast. Seriously, I made some notes so you don’t have to. Light bulb moments! Yes, it’s that time when you want to start thinking about planting bulbs. People seem daunted by them but, honestly, they’re a doddle. Daffs are the Welsh favourite here and they’re easy. They have an excellent selection of bulbs and plenty of ‘how to’ advice. You’ll never be afraid again…
We want a shrubbery! Remember the Old Monty Python line? Again, simple - plenty to choose from at Dutch Garden Centre. Shrubs will last a long time and you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. Also, they hide a multitude of sins and generally look great all year ‘round. Hedge your bets! For low risk planting that’s guaranteed to be a winner, hedging could be the trick up your sleeve this autumn and winter. It can be ornamental, decorative and, with taller hedging, brilliant for privacy. Talk trees! Autumn is definitely the time of year to be planting trees. Whether it’s a lovely ornamental acer or, perhaps, you’d like to save on your supermarket fruit bill. 32
Fruit trees can be brilliant for the garden and your pocket, and they’re a great way of getting children engaged with the garden and healthy eating. Basket case. Make your own or by them here… Dutch Garden Centre have everything you need to put together beautiful winter hanging baskets. And if you’re too busy, or really can’t be asked (my bad?), then you’ll have plenty of readymade baskets to choose from at really affordable prices. Log on to DGC! With the increasing popularity of wood-burners and multi-fuel stoves, you’ll be delighted to know there’ll be a super warm welcome when you buy your seasoned logs from Dutch Garden Centre. And, you can rest easy, they’re sustainably felled and reasonably priced.
Talk about logging on, don’t forget to visit them online and on Facebook. Go a little potty! Don’t stop at winter baskets. Pots can add a huge swathe of colour to a drab autumn and winter garden. Packed full of winter bedding, these cost-effective pick-me-ups are a brilliant addition. Dutch Garden centre have an excellent selection of frost resistant pots available with some gorgeous glazes so Mr Frost won’t have you cracking up. And, they’re made in the Rhondda! How cool is that? Christmas is coming! We all love a tree at Christmas, and nothing could be better than a beautiful, real Christmas tree. I can see it now. And, these trees don’t shed their needles either (well, maybe a little) but then it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of needle!
Let’s try not to fall out this year. You shouldn’t, the prices are very reasonable and, once you’ve chosen yours, it’ll be netted ready for collection. If you’re a garden lightweight like me, this is the place for you. Everything you need at very reasonable prices and the very best advice from people who absolutely love gardening, and love helping even more.
“Dutch Garden Centre have everything you need to put together beautiful winter hanging baskets.” 33
The Dutch Garden Centre Maes-Y-Bryn Road, Pontprennau, Cardiff CF23 8LZ Just off Junction 30 of the M4 029 2077 7050 Opening times Monday to Saturday 7:30am til 5pm Sunday 9am til 4pm www.dutchgardencentre.co.uk
P R E C H R I S T M A S L U N C H | £ 2 2. 5 0 P R E C H R I S T M A S D I N N E R | £ 2 7. 5 0 Glass of Prosecco on arrival
Available from Monday 18th November (Only available for pre-booked tables)
STARTERS Roasted parsnip and honey soup, crème fraîche and ginger oil (v) -
Duck and orange pâté, toasted brioche, pickled cranberries and tarragon dressing -
Smoked salmon, horseradish and chive cream, shaved fennel salad -
Haddock and leek brandade, samphire and sauce Véronique -
Oven baked cauliflower, black bomber sauce, caper and raisin vinaigrette (v)
MAIN COURSES Traditional roast turkey, pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, gravy and roast potatoes -
Braised shoulder of Welsh lamb, port and redcurrant jus, garlic chive mash -
Pan fried duck breast, berrichonne potatoes, blood orange and cranberry sauce -
Fillet of hake, Cheddar cheese crust, Prosecco and dill velouté -
Portobello and Perl Las strudel, chestnut crumb, baked celeriac and potato purée (v) (All served with traditional seasonal vegetables)
DESSERTS Traditional Christmas pudding, rum and raisin custard and vanilla ice cream -
Clementine posset and curd, shortbread crumble and toffee drizzle -
Blueberry and almond frangipane, honey scented custard and almond granola -
Dark chocolate tart, black cherry ice cream, crème Chantilly and amaretti dust
Freshly brewed coffee with chocolates and mini mince pies
BOOK NOW
01656 785011 Sea front, Porthcawl, CF36 3LT • atlantichotelporthcawl.co.uk • enquiries@atlantichotelporthcawl.co.uk
Unit 1, Jennings Building, Eastern Promenade, Porthcawl, CF36 3YR
01656 786175 info@harbourbarandkitchen.co.uk
it’s beginning to look a lot like christmas
Festive Party Menu 2019 Available Monday to Saturday from 2nd December to 30th December Excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Eve after 3pm.
This menu is only available for pre-order bookings, get your booking form at harbourbarandkitchen.co.uk/christmas
2 Courses £25
3 Courses £30
Join us Monday to Wednesday for our early week price.
2 Courses £20
3 Courses £25
Starters
KITCHEN MADE SOUP (v) crusty bread, salted butter
PRAWN COCKTAIL WITH AVOCADO
classic cocktail sauce, lemon, granary bread, butter
DUCK & PORT PÂTÉ
toasted brioche, pickled vegetables, red currant glaze
SALMON GRAVALAX
citrus cured fillet, tequila & lime sorbet, cucumber ribbons & gel
PERL LAS FRITTER (v)
Perl Las & sweet potato, red onion marmalade, grain mustard vinaigrette
Mains
ROAST BREAST OF PEMBROKE TURKEY
pigs in blankets, chestnut & sage stuffing, goose fat roast potatoes, red wine gravy
SLOW COOKED PORK BELLY
goose fat roast potatoes, crispy crackling, red wine gravy
DAUBE OF BEEF
horseradish & chive mash, chasseur sauce, Pancetta crisp
FILLET OF COD
pan fried cod, buttered greens, new potatoes, blossom honey & Prosecco cream All served with anise carrots, tenderstem broccoli & swede purée, brussel sprouts, Pancetta & toasted almonds (please ask for no nuts or Pancetta if required)
VEGETABLE RISOTTO (v)
winter vegetable risotto, Parmesan crisp, chestnut crumb & sage oil
Afters
HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS PUDDING
brandy sauce, clementine sorbet, cinammon dust
BRIOCHE BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING apricot glaze & creamy custard
CHRISTMAS PANNA COTTA
stem ginger, shortbread crumb, mulled wine gel
CHOCOLATE TORTE
dark chocolate, salted caramel, banana ice cream, pistachio brittle
/harbourbarandkitchenporthcawl
@harbourbarkitchenporthcawl
@harbourbk
WEDDINGS AT
St Donat’s Castle
A PICTURE PERFECT 12TH CENTURY CASTLE IN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN
2020 ay rd u t sa es dat ble ila ava
Oliver & Ruth Photography
Sacha Miller Photography
O + C Photography
onat’s Cast St D Steve Gerard Photography
A magical setting for your special day
With stunning sea views and colourful Tudor gardens, St Donat’s Castle is in an idyllic location and offers a romantic backdrop for your wedding day. Sitting on the stunning South Wales coast, St Donat’s Castle is only a 40-minute drive from central Cardiff and is available to hire between June and August.
Licensed outdoor ceremony
Invite up to 160 loved ones
Exquisite gardens and sea views
For more information contact 01446 799 100
bookings@atlanticcollege.org
events.atlanticcollege.org 36
Photograph courtesy of Loveseen
With stunning sea views and colourful Tudor gardens, St Donat’s Castle is in an idyllic location, offering the most romantic of backdrops for your wedding day.
ST DONAT’S CASTLE Although tucked away on the stunning South Wales coast, it’s only a 40-minute drive from central Cardiff and an hour from Swansea. When you book your special day at St Donat’s Castle, they guarantee your wedding is the only wedding at the Castle that day and you and your beloved will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful terraced gardens and sea front for those incredible photos.
The Bradenstoke Hall hosts weddings for up to 160 guests in the day and 200 in the evening.
Photograph courtesy of Oliver Jones
Licensed for indoor and outdoor ceremonies for up to 160 guests, you can marry in the dramatic Bradenstoke Hall or outdoors in the Inner Courtyard surrounded by the medieval Castle walls. Alternatively, there is also the charming St Donat’s Church on site which can accommodate a wedding ceremony for up to 100 guests. Working with Town and Country Collective who exclusively provide all wedding catering, they strive to deliver the perfect wedding day for all of their couples, listening to their bespoke needs and delivering an exceptional service for luxury and trend setting weddings.
The best way to get a feel for St Donat's Castle and its truly spectacular surroundings is by seeing it for yourself.
tle Donat’s Cas This splendid Hall is complete with honey coloured Bath-stone walls and a 30ft high ceiling dating back to the 14th century.
You can visit St Donat’s Castle by appointment; contact the events team to find out more.
Photograph courtesy of Steve Gerrard
For more information about weddings at St Donat’s Castle visit events.atlanticcollege.org To arrange a viewing 01446 799100 bookings@atlanticcollege.org
CARDIFF
Santa & Elf
DASH
Sunday 8th December Roald Dahl lass, ardiff ay
www.santadash.wales
5K walk, jog or dash around cardiff bay
festivities begin from 10am
tickets ÂŁ10 each or ÂŁ30 per group of 4
Prizes for best fancy dress
@WelshHearts
An evening with Ryan Giggs
Registered charity no 1154109
Thursday 5th December 2019 | 7pm _____
Marriott Hotel, Mill Lane, Cardiff, CF10 1EZ
Drinks Reception | 3 Course Dinner Entertainment | Auction | Raffle Plus Q&A with Ryan Giggs
TICKETS ÂŁ65 All proceeds to fund defibrillators, CPR training and heart screening in Wales www.welshhearts.org/events
Gluten - the devil’s food or misunderstood? Gluten undoubtedly has a bad reputation, but does it deserve the slandering it gets? We asked Natural Therapist Angharad Evans, Penarth to explain more.
LET’S TALK GLUTEN What is gluten? Gluten is a natural protein found in foods such as bread, pasta, cracker, oats, processed meats such as sausage. It’s typically associated with baked goods and if you’re a keen baker, or an avid Bake Off fan, you’ll know that the volume of gluten within a loaf, really impacts the taste and texture.
It’s also interesting to note that many people, when in France and eat bread from a patisserie, find that they do not have digestive issues. It may be worth reconsidering the quality of bread you’re eating?
n Also, people find that cooking with white spelt flour is beneficial. People who feel uncomfortable after eating gluten often find that they can tolerate white spelt flour.
What is the problem with gluten? Tasty baked goods aside, gluten can cause havoc to our digestive systems. People can experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, bowel problems, headaches, brain fog, tiredness, skin problems, panic attacks and unexplained weight loss. Why are some people intolerant? Celiac Disease is a debilitating auto immune condition. When a celiac digests gluten the immune system attacks the villi of the small intestine because it is mistaking the gluten as a foreign body. The villi can’t carry out their work of absorbing the nutrients from food. Which results in a whole host of horrible symptoms, making that tasty loaf, become more of a blocker to their wellbeing. Having a gluten intolerance is different, as the resulting symptoms are very much milder in comparison to those living with Celiac Disease.
n I increasingly find in my testing of clients who have ligament issues are also gluten intolerant. n Pets, especially dogs are very often gluten intolerant and pet food usually contains gluten. It may be an idea to seek out gluten free pet food for your pet.
What is a gluten free diet? It’s what it says on the tin, this diet involves the removal of gluten. For individuals living with Celiac Disease, or those who are have a gluten intolerance, omitting gluten is a sure way of avoiding debilitating symptoms. Is it a good idea to follow a gluten free diet? Do you feel good on the diet you’re eating now? Do you feel energised, is your mind and concentration sharp and you’re not overweight? If so … carry on! However, if you’re not feeling so good, then it may be worth looking at your diet. Is eating toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and pasta for tea a typical day’s diet for you? If so, it may be worth reducing your gluten intake. 39
Angharad Evans Therapïau Naturiol Angharad Natural Therapies by Angharad 07739210291 www.angharadevans.cymru AngharadsNaturalTherapy
Luxury British chocolatier is on a mission to make people happy, bringing you chocolate that is more exciting, wittier, more beautiful and, more importantly – made according to their mantra: ‘More Cocoa, Less Sugar’.
HOTEL CHOCOLAT
The new Cardiff store forms part of the company’s ever-growing portfolio, which already boasts more than 100 locations across the UK, Channel Islands, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan and the US.
The Chocolate
Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris built Hotel Chocolat on three unwavering pillars: authenticity, originality and ethics. One of the few chocolate makers to grow their own cocoa, on their eco-conscious plantation in the grounds of our Saint Lucia hotel (yes, you can stay there too), they connect the world of sustainable cocoa agriculture with the hedonism of top-quality chocolate.
The Wall of Chocolate
“This makes us unique in the UK,” says Angus. “It gives us an unrivalled understanding of what impacts the taste of our chocolate, right from the growing tree through to packaging that we’re working to make 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2021. More than just bean-to-bar, we call it ‘roots-to-wrapper’.”
They’re obsessed with cocoa and make all their chocolate in accordance with the mantra, ‘More Cocoa, Less Sugar’, for a deeper taste and chocolate that satisfies with less. The old fashioned ‘glass cabinet’ method of offering chocolate always struck Angus as a power imbalance between the chocolatier and the customer. So, in the first Hotel Chocolat store, they designed a customer-powered alternative. You could take as long as you want, choosing from a massive chocolate library that was easy to navigate and clearly labelled. All their products make perfect gifts. Angus adds, “The Wall of Chocolate is far from the only way to gift at your new store, however. You’ll find our uncompromising chocolate in elegant, contemporary gift boxes, epic Slabs to snap and share, sculpted batons designed to be the ideal shape for savouring favourite flavours or 40
discovering new ones, hot chocolate made with no powders or syrups, just grated flakes of the real thing, and more. And with sleeves tailored to your special occasion and ribbontied bags to take away, going straight from store to special event is utterly effortless.
Cocoa Café You’ve stepped into your sanctuary: the cocoa-fuelled pitstop that is the café at the new Cardiff store. Set down your shopping bags and sink into your seat, hands wrapped around a restorative drink, your choice of brownie, biscuit, granola or savoury snack on the tabletop in front of you - and don’t forget the chocolate. Bliss. Hotel Chocolat’s new Cardiff store opened on the 2nd of August and visitors to the store were treated to free chocolate samples, and a lovely ice cream offer which entitled guests to £1 off ice cream (yes, they sell ice cream!). City Life was there and, by the smiles on the faces, we think it was a huge success.
Hotel Chocolat Unit 30 St David’s Way St David’s Centre Cardiff CF10 2EQ www.hotelchocolat.com/uk
Lanelay Hall is an extensively refurbished Victorian mansion in the heart Talbot Green – a real hidden gem. And what a gem it is. Beautifully refurbished, the Hall is situated on the eastern base of the Garth Maelwg mountain (known locally as the Smaelwg).
LANELAY HALL
“We’re passionate about providing every guest with outstanding customer service catered to their personal needs.” Dating back to 1873, Lanelay Hall has been home to a succession of well-heeled gentry families throughout its colourful history. Hosting many special events and impressive family celebrations across the generations, many of which can be seen in photographs and images displayed throughout the hall. In 1951 South Wales Fire and Rescue made Lanelay Hall their Headquarters until 2007. Owner Dave Edwards says, “We are always thrilled to welcome those that were stationed, worked or visited the fire headquarters over the years. We hear so many lovely stories and special memories.” In 2018 Lanelay Hall was gifted the original station bell which has pride of place in reception. Lanelay Hall Hotel opened its doors in 2017 after an extensive renovation project. The timeless architecture and original features have been married with a unique contemporary design for the interior. It is refreshingly different and has a lovely vibe.
All bedrooms are individually designed with bespoke furniture and luxurious bed linen and the fabulous suites are all unique with rolltop baths and king size beds with plenty of space to relax and re-charge. Classic rooms and deluxe rooms all have en-suite bathrooms with a walk-in shower. You can wake every morning and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast just as you like it. Dave is keen to stress that everyone is welcome at Lanelay Hall. “You don’t have to be staying at the Hall to enjoy its superb facilities. Business-people drop by for meetings and we have a steady stream of lunch and dinner guests, and locals pop in all the time for teas and coffees,” he says.
One of its most popular offerings is the gorgeous Tribe Spa. The Spa fits the bill perfectly, following the theme of a ‘break from the norm’. The all natural (and Welsh) award-winning Tribe517 product range brings unusual and glorious treatment experiences to life, with its “dazzling fragrances, hot barley bags for comfort, and techniques to heighten your awareness”. And they’re not stopping there - Spa Phase 2 is due to open in spring 2020 and we know it will be fabulous. “Most of all we want to make you feel special, look for the little treats and surprises all along your journey with us,” says Dave. “Every visit promises to be a little different than the last. That’s the Lanelay promise.” Lanelay Hall is the perfect venue for christenings, family gatherings, private dining and intimate weddings. They’ll soon be publishing their Christmas calendar of events. To find out more, visit the website or drop in – we promise you’ll not be disappointed.
Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa Lanelay Lane, Talbot Green Pontyclun CF72 9LA 01443 558309 info@lanelayhall.co.uk www.lanelayhall.co.uk
Whether your house is already on the market or you’re getting ready to sell, there can seem like a lot to navigate. At Masons Self Storage, they have a lot of customers using their state-of-the-art self-storage as a shortterm solution whilst getting their properties ready to sell, so we asked the experts for their top tips for getting your house ready for sale.
HOME SALE STRATEGIES 7 TOP TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR HOUSE READY TO SELL! 1. First impressions count! It can be tempting to spend all your time and efforts inside the house when getting ready to sell, but rampingup your kerb appeal by giving your front garden or driveway a bit of extra love can really create the perfect first impression!
2. Check your flow Take a tour of your house as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Walk through the house and notice what draws your eye. Is there any bulky furniture that you need to navigate? Or wonky kitchen cabinets that stand out? Make sure the way your home is laid out takes prospective buyers on a journey without interruptions or awkward eyesores. From this, make a list of the little fixes that need doing - from replacing bulbs to touching up the paintwork it all helps!
3. Does it bring you joy? We’re big fans of Marie Kondo at Vale Life and the team at Masons Self Storage are too!
Marie Kondo’s whole philosophy is about reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ you own that can make your life feel cluttered and overcomplicated – and, instead, reducing your stuff to only the things that bring you joy. Organise everything into piles: to keep, to donate, to sell, and if you can’t bear to part with it, but don’t need it right now, create a fourth pile to put into storage.
4. Have a spring clean Cleanliness, as the old saying goes, is next to Godliness. When selling your home, you’re trying to make a perfect and lasting impression on potential buyers, so before any viewings take place, deep clean your home. Don’t forget to dust the lampshades, skirting boards and mantlepiece!
5. Ditch the bulky stuff When selling your home, you’re trying to show off its assets and demonstrate how much space it has to offer. When you have big, bulky items of furniture, it can make the room seem smaller than it is. 44
Put bulky bits of furniture, bikes and any other large bits and pieces you have into storage to ensure you’re offering the best view of your home’s best features!
6. Good quality packaging Good quality packaging materials are a must. The last thing you want on moving day is for one of your boxes to collapse or get damaged in transit! If you need packaging materials, take a look at the Masons Self Storage Packaging Shop, either online (www. masonsselfstorage.co.uk/packagingsupplies) or pop in and have a chat with the team. They have a huge range of moving boxes, tape and bubble wrap; plus, they can organise delivery right to your door, depending on where you live!
“Demonstrate how much space it has to offer.”
7. Use a reputable removals company Even if you only have a small amount of possessions or aren’t moving that far, it’s always worth hiring a professional removals company. There is an art to packing fragile items so that they’re properly protected and don’t get broken in the move. Masons sister company, Masons Moving Group, are a Which? Trusted Trader and a British Association of Removers (BAR) Member, which means you can be sure that you’re choosing a professional company that are dedicated to promoting professional excellence in the removals industry. Ensuring that you will receive a high level of service throughout! Visit their website www.masonsmovingroup.co.uk for a free, no hassle quote!
and storage units in a variety of sizes, with 24/7 access 365 days a year. If you’re ready to make the best first impression of your home, get in touch with the team at Masons - there’s never been a better time, with self-storage units starting from just £5 a week. Plus, they have a great offer where you can save 50% on your first eight weeks!
“It’s always worth hiring a professional removals company.”
Masons Self Storage Ltd To enquire about our flexible storage and packaging supply options, get in touch with our friendly team. 01446 700799 info@masonsselfstorage.co.uk www.masonsselfstorage.co.uk
Masons Moving Group Ltd When it’s time to pack up and move to your new home, speak to the professionals over at Masons Removals. 01446 733330 enquiries@masonsmovingroup.co.uk www.masonsmovingroup.co.uk
At Masons Self Storage, they understand selling your home can be incredibly stressful and you need all the help you can get! Which is why they offer a personal and professional service with short term, flexible contracts,
Memb No. M012
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CORNISH CREAM Next to West Wales, Cornwall is our favourite staycation destination in the UK. In the past, we’ve always looked for the perfect Cornish sea view but, on this occasion, thought we’d try inland at the beautiful Clowance Estate near Camborne.
Clowance Estate is part of Luxury Lodges, renowned for their hotelquality self-catering accommodation in some of Britain’s best loved holiday destinations – from Cornwall up to the Lake District, with a new property launching in Laugharne this Winter (the Welsh link). Luxury Lodges, which includes Clowance Estate, is owned and managed by Sharon Hurley, and it is Sharon who has been the driver behind the group’s investment in Clowance and its expansion to Laugharne.
Clowance sits in 55 acres of beautiful grounds with ancient woodlands and lakes just outside Camborne. For Sharon, who grew up in Wales, the recent refurbishment and investment surpassing £5 million is the realisation of “a truly monumental season”, and means guests have a new restaurant, bar, and pool facilities, designed with inspiration from the on-site historic manor house and a concept that echoes its elegance and the surrounding meadow land. 46
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“ The staff at Clowance are so helpful and a real mine of information if you’re looking for places to visit or dine out.”
We stayed in one of the cottages which are absolutely beautiful inside and out and are a credit to Sharon and her design team. Sharon says, “I believe that you should not have to compromise on style and quality just because you have a family to cater for. We want to offer all the luxuries of hotel-quality accommodation, but with the freedom and flexibility of self-catering. Our range of properties offer something for everyone and cater for the whole family in every stage of life, whether just starting out as a couple or celebrating milestones with multiple generations.” Everything about Clowance is five stars, including its location. It is perfectly positioned at the base of the Cornish peninsula meaning all the very best locations are easily accessible; St Ives, Penzance, Porthcurno, Padstow, Newlyn and Mousehole plus the usual south coast favourites (we even managed to
squeeze in dinner at Rick Stein’s in Porthleven). On our third day, we took a leisurely drive down to Sennen Cove, just around the headland from Land’s End. Absolutely beautiful. Our evenings at Clowance were rounded off nicely with drinks in the bar followed by a relaxing spell in the jacuzzi outside our cottage, sipping a little night cap under the stars - total bliss. As I mentioned earlier, later this year will see the opening of the newest addition to the portfolio, Luxury Lodges Laugharne and Milkwood Spa. The resort will be the first resort of its kind in the region, welcoming guests following an investment of £30 million plus. We’re really looking forward to visiting. In the meantime, if you’d like to know more about Luxury Lodges, take a look at their gorgeous website at www.luxurylodges.co.uk 49
Clowance Estate & Country Club Praze-an-Beeble Camborne TR14 0PT 01209 833100 www.luxurylodges.com/clowance
HAPPY DAYS VINTAGE Happy Days Vintage is all about bringing the eclectic, the unusual, the up-cycled, the beautiful and the retro into people’s homes.
Vintage leather boxing gloves £14
Royal Artillery Bugle £54
With Christmas just around the corner, here are just a few items that would bring a smile to friends, colleagues, family members or, (and why not), a little treat for yourself!
TESTIMONIALS
What customers say “Great place and great people. Everything from furniture to all the accessories you could ever need. Homemade cakes are amazing too!” “Happy Days was love at first shopping trip! This hidden treasure is sure to please if you love finding those perfect items to complete your home decor and furniture needs that can’t be found in the big retail stores. Filled with the most talented collection of vintage furniture/decor enthusiasts all products are top quality! If you haven’t been yet be sure to go asap!”
WWII medals £28-£30
Ewenny Pottery £9-£16
Locally made Pebble Art from “Art by Alexa” £30-£35
“Love love love it here! Lush cafe too plus dog friendly as I only leant today.”
Happy Days Vintage Homestore Church Street, Cowbridge CF71 7BB 01446 771191
Antique field officer’s binoculars £45 Vintage Coronet folding camera £25
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday 11am - 4pm Sunday cath@happydaysvintagehomestore.co.uk www.happydaysvintagehomestore.co.uk Antique first edition books £45-195 50
Solid pine 3-foot Welsh dresser painted in Potter’s chalk paints £199
Vintage vinyl Lp’s £10-£25
Painted and reupholstered Louis V style chair £95
Fair Trade pure wood fleece lined hand knitted jackets £40-£75
Arts and Crafts style spinning chair £195
Locally made reed diffuser set available in 3 unique scents £25
Vintage tins £6-£22
Vintage brooches £5-£10
If you’re a fan of The Penny Farthing, Cowbridge, you’ll already know you can drop in for breakfast, coffee, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea seven days a week, including bank holidays, but now the team are excited to announce…
We caught up with Mohammed to find out a little more about their evening aspirations. Why are you opening in the evenings? Customers keep asking me why are you not open in the evening? So, we’’ll try it! As well as our monthly theme nights, we’ll be opening as an a la carte restaurant Friday and Saturday evenings from September! We will be open from 6pm to 9.30pm, and are taking bookings from now, including for large tables, and the run up to Christmas - is it too soon to mention Christmas? What will the offering be? The focus for the evening menu will be on simple, fresh food, with grilled steaks, fish, seafood and vegetables,
THE P ENNY
including cauliflower steaks. Our fish will be supplied by Ashton Fishmongers, and meat will be sourced from Barratts Fine Meats, a butcher’s shop in Rhoose sourcing their meats from across the Vale of Glamorgan for forty years.
And what about drinks? Carefully selected wines (from Fine Wines Direct) and hand-crafted cocktails (think Whiskey Sour or French 75) will be a big feature! We’re proud of our customer service and will always try to source any particular wines or seafood, for example, that you might be hoping to find - if it’s not on our menu, just ask. And the ambience? A warm, cosy atmosphere, twinkling candlelight, delicious 52
home-cooked food. The Penny Farthing has long been established as a good food restaurant, but in recent years has only been open in the daytime, other than for theme nights and private events.
So you’ll still be available for private bookings… Yes, throughout the week, and during our evening openings on Fridays and Saturdays, we’d be delighted to accommodate individual and group bookings - just let us know your requirements in advance. Our vision is for a restaurant that offers reasonably priced, healthy food to be enjoyed with friends and family.
“We’re proud of our customer service.”
FARTHING AT NIGHT Who will be at the helm in the kitchen? We are so delighted that our talented chef Peter will be heading up our evening team. We are honoured to have Peter on board - he has a wealth of experience, having trained at Michelin star Thackeray’s, cooked for the Opera at Glyndebourne, toured as a chef with Cirque de Soleil, cooked for the athletes and broadcasters at both the London and Sochi Olympics, and for artists and their crews at Glastonbury and Reading Festivals.
DAYTIME Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm AFTERNOON TEA Monday - Saturday 2:30pm - 5:00pm Penny at NIGHT Friday - Saturday 6:00pm - 9:30pm The Penny Farthing 54 High Street Cowbridge CF71 7AH 01446 774999
Will you be posting regular updates on social media? Follow us on social media for further updates - we are so looking forward to welcoming you all for dinner later on this Summer!
www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk Images by Instagram @thechefshot
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Amanda Clegg is a Canton based portrait artist. Her Vanity Fair and cheeky comic book art has become extremely popular with Cardiffians who want an artwork or gift that is truly unique.
THE ART OF
A MANDA CLEGG
Originally Amanda painted portraits in oils (and still does), but for the past few years, she has discovered a niche market for digital portraits in the style of Victorian/Edwardian Vanity Fair cartoonist Leslie Ward.
Although there were numerous artists who contributed to the publication, these Vanity Fair portraits, are collectively known as ‘Spy’ cartoons. Named after the pseudonym (or nom de crayon) of their most influential artist Leslie Ward, ‘Spy’ was an apt name as Ward would study his ‘victims’ for many hours prior to beginning his preliminary sketches. Amanda’s digital Vanity Fair style portraits pay homage to these impressive, albeit overlooked artists. The original prints are highly collectible among legal professionals, as such her clients are mostly barristers, QCs and Judges, and more recently the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Her intention is that they would nest comfortably amongst any ‘Spy’ print collection and even pass as originals.
She also creates portraits in the style of comic book covers. These are popular with parents looking for a unique keepsake of their children. She even does adults! The cheekier the expression the better. 54
Amanda Clegg amandaclegg.co.uk
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I’ve always wanted to go to a slimming/ detox retreat. Not because I need to lose weight; my diet is pretty much on point but if you cut me, I bleed vodka! So I took myself away to the Slimmeria Retreat in Ilfracombe, north Devon, for a muchneeded five day detox.
SLIMMERIA RETREAT Merlin Court is an impressive and imposing building resting on top of a hill with fabulous views overlooking the town of Ilfracombe. The building has been beautifully restored and renovated and comprises of boutique style en-suite rooms (some with baths). Imagine stripped wood floors, white walls and chandeliers. As this is a detox retreat, there are no TVs and no kettles or trays with teas, coffees and home-made shortbread biscuits! Or vodka. Our host Galia Grainger set up her first Slimmeria retreat in Sussex. She lost more than four stone herself by following her Russian grandmother’s rules, a mix of Russian orthodox fasting, folk medicine and stern Soviet willpower. She is firm but fair (with a bit more emphasis on the firm!) I arrived on the Sunday along with my fellow guests and our host was there to greet us. More on Galia later. We were a mixed bunch. Two other women, one in her thirties and the other in her forties - a gentleman in his sixties and little, old me. We were all there to shed some pounds and tighten up our flabby bits. Some were fitter than others but, as we found out during the five days, it was very much a team effort.
How each day unfolded... Each day began with the ringing of a bell at 7.30am. We had to be in the dining room for 8am. We began the day with a slice of apple and some lemon water before setting off for one of our many and varied twohour walks. Now, if you don’t know Ilfracombe, then let me tell you it’s a hilly place so the walks all involved hills of some sort or another. The first day our host was kind to us and took us on a walk through the town via the harbour; a proper fishing harbour with working boats. Here, we had a minute to stop and admire the famous Damien Hirst sculpture - Verity - a defiant, naked, pregnant woman holding up a sword as she oversees the comings and goings of the harbour. Love her or hate her, she’s definitely the talk of the town. I was unaware that Damien was a local.
“Our host Galia is firm but fair (with a bit more emphasis on the firm!).” 56
Other walks included the harbour and Hillsborough Torrs Path (south west coast path) and the historic Tarka Trail which follows the journey of Tarka the Otter, from the classic tale by Henry Williamson. As I mentioned earlier, the group was of mixed walking ability, our host set us fitter ones on our way whilst she walked with the less fit. On our return to Merlin Court, we enjoyed breakfast a glass of juice. Each day was a variation of different revitalising ingredients. Then followed an hour long fitness class (which even I found quite tough), and then an hour of yoga (which I’m going to take up on my return).
Did we eat real food? Then lunch. Our meals were all plantbased and included ingredients such as carrots, shredded cabbage, beetroots, broccoli, some nuts and buckwheat/ quinoa with a drizzle of a light oil dressing. At 3pm we had some fruit and a herbal tea. Dinner was at 6pm. This consisted of another salad, broth or soup. We were encouraged to go for another unaccompanied walk (without taking money!) after our fruit, and before dinner, to keep the activity levels up and to lose more weight. I must admit I wasn’t even tempted by the fish and chips, pasties, fudge or afternoon teas. I was on a mission After dinner, there was another activity of either self-defence, dance, belly dancing, pad work in the gym and muscle stretching and meditation classes. The package came with one treatment, but I also opted to have a few more which included lymphatic drainage, a back massage and reflexology during my stay. Lights out was at 9pm.
It was all going well until... Everything was going swimmingly (I did that too at a local leisure centre) until Wednesday. Apparently, the lack of caffeine and carbs sometimes catches up with people, and it did me. I felt nauseous, weak, shaky and had a nasty headache. I was given a couple of raisins (a fast sugar hit) and, quite surprisingly, this sorted me out. It freaked me out though as I thought I was beyond that reaction given my caffeine and sugar free diet. And the verdict? So, did I lose weight? Yes. I lost 5lb (one pound a day) and an inch off my bust, an inch and a half off my waist, and an inch off my hips. The others in the group lost more but, in fairness, I didn’t have that much to lose in the first place. Previous guests have lost between 7-14lbs per week. Would I go again? Definitely. We all know the answer to losing weight is to eat less and move around more but it’s hard when you have to motivate yourself and contend with the working week, the house and the kids. But if you have a few days to spare and you want to kick start your diet, metabolism and tone up in the process, then a trip to Slimmeria could be just the thing to get you into that LBD for Christmas, look and feel great for an upcoming holiday or the start of how you mean to go on.
“I lost 5lb, an inch off my bust, an inch and a half off my waist, and an inch off my hips.” 58
Slimmeria Slimming Retreat Ilfracombe EX34 8AY 01424 830153 07977 827958 info@slimmeria.com www.slimmeria.com Also, in Sussex 01424 830153
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Sport is changing, and sport is challenging. Whether you’re competing, managing, or just one of the tens of thousands of support staff or volunteers out there across Wales involved in a wide variety of sports, the fact is sport is risky - accidents happen and incidents occur, that’s life.
R ISKY BUSINESS
SPORT IN WALES Watkin Davies has been at the heart of Welsh sport for over forty years so understands the many risks involved. The company recently teamed up with the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) to provide insurance and risk management advice to its members. We talked to Watkin Davies’ Sales & Development Director, Daniel Abbott, to find out more about this complex, risky world of sports insurance.
Park, Wrexham.
specialist market.
These facilities provide a huge opportunity for both coaches and youth looking to develop and have a chance to play in the National teams. In addition to working with the FAW Trust we have also been supporting the Welsh Sports Association since earlier this year and are working closely with them to provide insurance and risk management services to their members.
This has also included arranging insurances for governing bodies who have perhaps been trading under a larger British governing body and are looking to branch out and have their own insurances as a Welsh national governing body in addition to this we have also supported both the Welsh Sports Association and Football Association of Wales by attending and presenting at seminars and providing greater insight into some of the risks faced by organisations and what solutions we as an insurance broker and risk manager can provide to them.
Why is it important for Watkin Davies to be affiliated with Welsh sport? Watkin Davies are a Welsh independent insurance brokers. We have been established for over forty years and supporting Welsh businesses has always been at the heart of what we do. Grassroots sport plays a huge part in the development of sport in Wales and includes those at the top of their game such as Geraint Thomas, who started at a cycling club in Maindy. You need a healthy growth of sporting grass roots if champions are to be made, or simply supported, and provide the opportunity for youngsters to stay healthy and have fun. A lot of the time these local clubs are run by volunteers and parents and ensuring that they have the right level of insurance in place is where we come in, to protect the organisations and individuals within. What experience do you have in dealing with the specialist sector? Watkin Davies have been partners to the FAW Trust for the last three years and this is a hugely important partnership for us. We are able to support grass roots football throughout Wales and provide insurance coverage for the development centres at both Dragon Park, Newport and Colliers
What are you offering to Welsh sports in Wales? We are looking to support organisations and charities throughout Wales to provide them with any advice required with regards to their insurance needs. This can include working with an individual organisation, club or a national governing body for a sport, to carry out a review of any existing insurance coverages, comment on any areas which we feel they may wish to further consider and then conduct a thorough marketing exercise to compare pricing and cover, before then placing their insurance program into a suitable and 60
“ Ensuring that they have the right level of insurance.” What is your typical client base? Our clients could range from an individual coach providing coaching to one particular sport right the way up to a national governing body, all of its clubs throughout Wales, and all of its committee members, including its national team.
Do you have any bespoke offerings or are you in the process of developing anything further? As part of the FAW Trust’s Accredited Club scheme which is designed to raise standards in every junior club across the six area associations throughout Wales, Watkin Davies has worked closely with the Trust to develop an exclusive and bespoke Club Insurance offering to provide both superior coverage at the cost-effective price. The coverage is designed with the FAW in mind, and provides a number of specialised covers, such as damage to playing surfaces, floodlights, irrigation equipment, kits/balls and equipment, sightscreens and scoreboards and cups and trophies.
What services would you typically provide to an organisation or governing body requiring insurance? The range of risk management and insurance advice would vary depending on the type of client that we were dealing with; typically we would look to offer them a comprehensive suite of insurances to ensure adequate protection both of the individuals running the organisation and also for the organisation itself. This could range from the usual Public & Employers Liability which would include cover for volunteers as employees. Professional Liability providing cover against negligence from, advice, guidance, tuition and coaching through to management liability to provide cover for the individual committee members / trustees and the organisation itself. In addition to this we would also look to provide cover against damage to training grounds, club houses, offices, playing surfaces, grandstands and equipment.
We would also provide more specialist contingency insurances such as event insurance, cancellation and nonappearance, group personal accident and also travel insurance. In addition to placing insurances, what additional services will you provide to Welsh Sports? Insurance is constantly evolving and as part of our role in the support of sports throughout Wales, we are working closely with the FAW Trust and the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) including its trading on Vibrant Nation in order to support organisations, charities, clubs and national governing bodies to ensure that they have up-to-date knowledge both on any regulatory changes and also the types of insurances that can support them. We regularly look to issue circulars or blogs in conjunction with either the FAW Trust or the WSA to provide guidance and insight into key elements of risk management and regulation, such as GDPR, health and safety and various other matters. 61
We are very pleased to have officially launched this early this month and have already seen a number of enquiries coming in from clubs, some of whom have struggled to obtain either the correct level of insurance cover or required and alternative price due to the costs for this type of cover in the normal open market.
Watkin Davies Insurance Consultants Commercial, personal, property 15 Penlline Road, Whitchurch Cardiff CF14 2AA 029 2062 6226 www.watkindavies.com Watkin Davies Insurance Consultants are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Despite what appears to be an ever-decreasing number of live venues in Cardiff, bands continue to form and great music refuses to go quietly into that dark night. BlackElvis is one band that, reassuringly, is heading into the rock n roll limelight.
BLACKELVIS We caught up with lead singer Levi Tyrell Johnson.
BlackElvis is quite a name! How did you come up with that and what is the Presley connection? Well the name came quite organically. After weeks of trying to think of something with the band, I awoke one morning looked in the mirror and my hair was mightily “quiffed” and I thought to myself “Wow I look like a BlackElvis!” Which instantly stood out to myself. I ran it by the band and we all instantly fell in love with the name. As for connection to The King, we are trying to create a new type of Rock n Roll and hopefully reintroduce it to the younger generations as well as paying homage to the generations before us. The band members are quite diverse in their musical backgrounds. How did you all come together? Mostly through mutual friends. Being in a mega Rock-band was always my biggest dream. I’d been trying to assemble a band through my whole music career but never managed to find the perfect players. I reached out to local musicians and one of the first people to reach back was this crazy looking punk named Andy. It was love at first sight! Together we then scoured the rest of Cardiff in search of the dopest musicians in town where we then stumbled onto a teenage prodigy blues guitar hero and an experienced metal head drummer. Our styles instantly blended into sweet harmony. You’ve come a long way in just a few months and things seem to be happening very fast. How has all that happened? Tenacity and relentlessness. Before gigging we went through weeks of intense rehearsals to make sure that we could all play together naturally and confidently. We went into our first gig with no expectations but the reaction and praise we received was unfathomable. This then gave us the confidence for the ensuing live shows
where the crowds and response was just getting bigger with each show we played. We are all so passionate about the music we play and create and I feel that that is evident in our performances which keeps people coming to the shows. We’ve also received a huge amount of support from close friends who have been helping with design and photos etc making our online presence more effective. We’ve also had a huge amount of support from Newsoundwales who has been integral to our rapid progression. Your new ep “See Love” has just been released. Tell us about how it came about and what is the meaning behind the title? I felt it was important to begin our career as a band on a positive. My goal is and always will be to inspire goodness in people and I fell that the EP name should reflect that. “See Love” comes from the line “Don’t See Drama, See Love” from one of the songs from the album. My uncle Noah Francis Johnson has been my biggest inspiration through life and this phrase is one of his proverbs. People can be bad and bad things can happen at any time. The only way we can forgive and move forward as people and as a Race is with love. Everything else is irrelevant.
The ep was recorded at Woodbine Studios with John Rivers who has worked with bands like The Specials. How the experience and what was it like working with John? We were all mega excited with ultimately high expectations going to work with John and we were amazed and grateful to work with someone who has worked with such great names. I personally had my best studio experience yet working with John and after hearing the tracks back after recording, he exceeded every expectation we had. The man’s a true master of his craft and we as a band look forward to working with him again down the line. 62
How will you be promoting the ep? Every way possible. We’ll be getting as much coverage as possible through magazine, TV and social media but mostly we’ll be gigging as much as possible as that’s where the true magic lies.
BlackElvis have already gained a reputation as a formidable live band. How would you describe a BlackElvis gig to the Uninitiated? A Spectacle to Behold! There are many elements to the live shows but, in short, I’d say we’re high energy and emotion. It’s also a bit of a musical journey through genre’s full of passion and Soul. I feel we play and perform our music boundlessly with complete musical freedom which bring people from all backgrounds together. What is the best thing about being part of BlackElvis? Apart from the incredible shows and the high praise from other respected musicians and our fans, the best part about being part of BlackElvis has got to be the relationships we have made with each other. We all have so much love and appreciation for each other and of course we clash at times but the unconditional love we have for one another is truly beautiful. We all feel closer than family and I think we are all grateful for that most of all. Your family is quite musical so can you tell us about how they have influenced your career. My grandfather Frankie Johnson was a local legend and was always an early role model. He sadly died of Alzheimers before he could pass his wisdom onto me.
My uncle Noah Francis Johnson has always been in showbiz and watching him growing up do nothing other than what he loves always gave me the inspiration to step into stardom. Over the past few years especially he has been somewhat of a mentor making sure I was the best song writer and performer I can be. My father Tony Johnson is an animator and although he has had many previous successes, he’s been working on numerous cartoons over the years. His dedication to his projects has taught me to focus on what I love and believe in rather than what can make me a bit of cash. I also have a rapper brother and multiple rapper cousins.
What plans does the band have for the year ahead? Well up until now we’ve been gigging around Cardiff and local areas. This year I hope to take our music and message of love to the rest of the world making the most of every opportunity and hopefully inspiring some along the way! www.blackelvis.co.uk Special thanks to Francis Brown of NewSoundWales.com and Gwyn Williams for the images.
KING FOX MENSWEAR 6 HIGH STREET, COWBRIDGE CF71 7AG 01446 679 085 | www.kingfoxmenswear.co.uk
MARK ANDREW OWAIN
WHO'S WEARING WHAT?
Outfits from left to right:
OWAIN Olymp White t-shirts (2pack) £27.50 Tweed Jacket with Velvet trim £265 Velvet Cotton Waistcoat £110 MAC Jeans £109
STEVE
JARED
STEVE Henry Arlington Liberty Print Shirt £149 Santinelli Cotton Velvet Jacket £295 MAC Jeans £130
MARK Giordano print shirt £90 Santinelli Cotton Velvet Waistcoat £110 Santinelli Tweed Jacket with Velvet Trim £270
JARED Santinelli Cotton Velvet Jacket £295 Olymp Non Iron Shirt £65 MAC Jeans £109
ANDREW Giordano Print Shirt £90 Santinelli Wool Jacket £325 MAC Jeans £130
Greenpoint IT Ltd in Barry was established in 2007. The company provides a wide variety of IT and security services to local people and business across south Wales.
BE SECURE GO GREEN! With the environment high on everyone’s list of concerns these days, City Life chatted with Director Kris Price at his shop, and company HQ, on Holton Road in Barry about their services and what Greenpoint is doing to help the environment.
What services do you offer? We offer IT and security services. The business was established in 2007 and back then we offered repairs and spares for laptop and PCs. Since then we have expanded with the industry repairing almost all IT related gadgets. Tell us about the security side… While setting up networks and helping with IT support we were constantly being asked about security systems. With this in mind, we decided to create Greenpoint Security. This has been one of the most exciting decisions I’ve made in business as I’ve always had an interest in security from a young age, I’ve found that a lot of the technology requires lots of principles I’ve learned in IT so the overlap has helped me grow the business quickly. What’s green about Greenpoint? Our security systems are state-of-theart technology. They are all designed to be energy efficient given the tasks they have to do. With new energy and technological developments, I’m sure in the future they could be energy neutral if powered by solar etc. It’s not that far away – maybe in the next decade. On the IT side, our ethos is very much recycle and reuse. We are constantly repairing phones, PCs, laptops etc. We live in very much a throw-away world so if we can fix something economically that has to be a good thing.
“I enjoy making our customers feel more safe and secure in their own home or business.”
Do you recycle? Absolutely, we recycle just like most businesses in Barry. If we can’t reuse or repair a component, PC or laptop, we have a recycling company that collects from us every couple of weeks and they make best use of the materials and components – they are specialists.
And on the IT side, it’s repairing someone’s mobile device or fixing their computer or games console, the moment you reunite someone with their gadget and see how happy they are to have it back makes all the time spent repairing it worthwhile.
What geographical areas do you cover? Right across the Vale, Cardiff and as far east as Newport. Because we’re based in Barry, we find we can be more competitive than Cardiff based companies. What do you love about what you do? Definitely the job satisfaction! With Greenpoint Security, I enjoy making our customers feel more safe and secure in their own home or business. 65
Greenpoint IT & Security 18 Holton Rd, Barry CF63 4HD 01446 728225 www.greenpoint-it.co.uk www.greenpoint-security.co.uk
COLLECTION
Be inspired by the new season collection of furniture and accessories at Leekes this autumn. With seasonal savings and affordable finance options available, your home makeover could be even more affordable than you might think.
FOR OVER
120 YEARS EST. 1897
Checked on 12th August 2019.
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Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk
at Leekes
9.4 /10 rating on
TRUSTPILOT‡
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Everyone has been to a wedding; but not everyone has been to a tailor made Pencoed House Estate wedding. Offering an idyllic and serene setting in the heart of the South Wales countryside, Pencoed House Estate provides the perfect fairytale wedding venue for the most important occasion of your lives. Yours exclusively for the day, the Estate and its 36 acres of peaceful yet captivating grounds afford wonderful photographic opportunities to capture every memorable moment. It’s your day – and every couple wishes for a unique and memorable experience that they and their families treasure forever. - Personal Wedding Co-ordinator - Wine Tasting Evenings - Distinguished Caterers - 36 Acres of Stunning Grounds - Bespoke accomodation - Welsh Wedding Breakfast - Use of our Woodland Bar - Bentley Cars for hire
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www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk Pencoed House Estate, Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff, CF5 6JR