Cardiff Life – issue 153

Y L IL IA M EC FA S P N

FU

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

!

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 153 / JULY 2016 / £3

ISSUE 153 / JULY 2016 / CHILD'S PLAY / ARTS PREVIEW / GRAPHIC FASHION

peachy!

Just

The Wondercrump World of ROALD DAHL

Go graphic

Head-turning fashion large version

AN ABERTHIN PROPERTY GEM

large version

Good day sunshine

COOL OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES

Plus lots more summer fun for the kids

Discover the secrets of a writer beloved by gazillions of children – he used to be a spy!

Snapped!

WERE YOU PAPPED THIS MONTH?

Spotted!

BEYONCÉ IN CARDIFF – OR IS IT?

Stage antics

OUR MUST-SEE ARTS PICKS

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 153 / JULY 2016

School’s out!

With local schools breaking up for the summer, parents all over Cardiff are no doubt wondering how on earth they’re going to keep the kids occupied for the next six weeks. But there’s no need to worry about them getting under your feet – we’ve plenty of suggestions for summer holiday fun and adventures (including lots of colourful, whoopsy-splunkers Roald Dahl stuff, celebrating the Llandaff-born storyteller’s centenary) for your children to get involved in, with a bit of something for everyone.

But we’re not just about the kids; our latest arts preview looks forward to some of the fantastic music, comedy, theatre etc coming up over the next few months, as Cardiff once again brings its arts A-game to the table. Turn to page 38 to see the stuff that’s got us really excited (what’s that, you say? Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart – yes! – do Pinter?)...

Last but not least, a massive shout-out to Wales for reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – you did yourselves and the nation proud. We salute you!

Gwyliau’r ysgol ar fin dechrau!

20

TALL TALES Steven Spielberg’s The BFG heads up a whole Cardiff summer of fun for the kids

Wrth i wyliau’r haf nesáu, rhaid bod rhieni ledled Caerdydd yn dechrau meddwl sut y gallant gadw eu plant yn brysur yn ystod y chwe wythnos nesaf.

Ond fydd y plant ddim dan draed oherwydd mae gennym ddigon o awgrymiadau ynghylch digwyddiadau difyr ac anturus y gallant gymryd rhan ynddynt yn ystod y gwyliau (gan gynnwys llawer o ddigwyddiadau lliwgar “whoopsy-splunkers” i ddathlu canmlwyddiant geni Roald Dahl a oedd yn hanu o Landaf). Mae’r rhestr yn cynnwys rhywbeth a fydd at ddant pawb.

Rydym yn rhoi sylw i chi’r oedolion hefyd; o ran y celfyddydau rydym yn bwrw golwg ar rai o’r digwyddiadau gwych sydd ar ddod yn ystod yr ychydig fisoedd nesaf ym maes cerddoriaeth, comedi, y theatr ac ati, wrth i Gaerdydd gynnig arlwy heb ei ail unwaith yn rhagor. Trowch i dudalen 38 i weld y perfformiadau sydd wedi dod â dwr i’n dannedd ni (Ian McKellen a Patrick Stewart yn perfformio gwaith Pinter!).

Ac yn olaf, pob clod i Gymru ar gyrraedd rownd gynderfynol Euro 2016 – gall y chwaraewyr ymhyfrydu yn yr hyn y maent wedi’i gyflawni ac mae Cymru gyfan yn ymfalchïo yn eu llwyddiant. Gwych!

VELIMIR ILIC Editor vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @CardiffLifeMag

REGULARS / ISSUE 153 / JULY 2016

MAIN FEATURES

M EET T H E T EAM

20 Kids’ Stuff

Editor Velimir Ilic vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk

School’s out, and your summer survival guide is right here

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Thomas Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Andrea Callanan, Hugo Ball, Katie Kissoon, Rhys Williams, Suzanne Williams-Smyth

SPORTS 17 A Man’s World Cardiff Blues’ Rhys Williams on a fantastic Welsh summer of sport

Advertising manager Andy Baker andy.baker@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Claire Hawkins claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Becca Bella Luke becca-bella.luke@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

THE ARTS 33 Arts Intro A new photography exhibition at Ffotogallery looks back at life in the South Wales valleys in the 70s and 80s

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk

34 What’s On Your social life in Cardiff – sorted!

38 Arts Preview Iconic electro-popsters The Human League, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart do Pinter, embittered stand-up Stewart Lee and more – it’s curtain up on another exciting season of live arts

SHOPPING 42 Editor’s Choice Ice cream, beer, shades etc – all your summer essentials!

44 Fashion Make a style statement with the latest graphic prints

FOOD & DRINK 47 Food News Go-to pizza joint Dusty Knuckle on the move; and new café SOS Kitchen, helping diners ‘eat themselves healthy’

38

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUT Y

DEPARTMENTS

53 Mercure Spa

13 Spotlight

Deri Robins enjoys an indulgent facial and pedicure at the “fragrant sanctuary” of Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel’s new spa

Virtual reality meets nature at Bute Park, a priceless masterpiece ‘disappears’ from the National Museum, Electric Six frontman Dick Valentine, and more

BUSINESS 63 Business Insider ‘Beyoncé’ in Cardiff, the impact of Brexit and Menter Caerdydd’s Sian Lewis in the biz Q&A

PROPERT Y

48 Restaurant

70 Property Showcase

City fish bar and grill Le Monde, as reassuringly old-school as ever

A contemporary gem in Aberthin, with glorious panoramic views

54 Snapped!

The latest Cardiff parties, launches, events and hot tickets

Cardiff Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW; 01225 475800, www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help.

Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

82 Cardiff Lives Cardiff Airport MD Debra Barber is in the chair On the cover It’s looking like a Roald Dahl-tastic year...

“Winner of the Restaurant in Cardiff Award” – Cardiff Life 2016 Ocean Buildings, Bute Crescent, Cardiff, CF10 5AN T: 029 2049 8120 E: enquiries@moksh.co.uk

www.moksh.co.uk

C A R D I F F: I T S L I F E A N D T I M E S

“It’s in the trees, it’s coming!”

ANIMAL INSTINCT

BACK TO NATURE Discover wonderful wildlife through the eyes of animals, as virtual reality meets nature at Cardiff’s Bute Park Following the success of the TAPE installation at Cardiff’s Bute Park last year, RSPB Cymru and Migrations are inviting the public back there this summer to discover the world anew, through a 360-degree virtual reality experience.

Taking place from 15 July until 4 August (from 8am to 7pm, daily), In The Eyes Of The Animal promises to immerse families and children in an exciting digital world of woodland creatures, with the aim of inspiring them to look after Cardiff’s fantastic wildlife and get closer to nature.

Created by immersive experience studio Marshmallow Laser Feast, the free installation will allow visitors to keep their feet firmly on the woodland floor while wearing bespoke virtual reality headsets.

Viewers will be transported on a multisensory journey, creeping through the forest and flying high in the trees – all

through the eyes of an owl, a dragonfly and a frog native to Bute Park.

But the experience doesn’t end there – families can also enjoy some extra ‘wild time’ with additional daily activities, all with a digital twist; from giant bug hunts for woodland creatures to unearthing animal tracks and trails through the trees.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Marshmallow Laser Feast to not only bring this extraordinary experience to Cardiff but to be introducing Wales to such an brilliant virtual reality experience,” said Karine Decorne, artistic director of Migrations.

“It has been wonderful to work with RSPB Cymru and we know that In The Eyes Of The Animal will capture the imagination of visitors in an unforgettable way!”

For more: bute-park.com, rspb.org.uk, migrations.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 13

Local folk share their photos This issue: Wonderlings, champions of children’s adventures instagram.com/wonderlingsco

Giles Coren: in the frame Discovering secret pathways in wild gardens

ART

FAKE IT! A priceless masterpiece disappears from National Museum Cardiff – or does it? The plot thickens…

A top secret operation recently saw millions of pounds worth of priceless masterpieces removed from the collections of galleries and museums around the UK – including National Museum Cardiff. In a further twist, the seven missing paintings – all by celebrated British artists – have been switched for copies.

The ‘heist’ has been co-ordinated by Sky Arts, to launch a month-long national art competition for a new TV series called Fake!

The Great Masterpiece Challenge, presented

by Giles Coren and art historian Rose Balston. At National Museum Cardiff, a copy has been made of an unnamed British landscape, amongst masters such as J.M.W. Turner and Richard Wilson. Visitors can go

along and join in the fun in person or go to skyartsfake.com and take part online.

“This is a unique opportunity to be part of Sky Arts’ Fake! The Great Masterpiece Challenge competition and programme,” said Beth McIntyre, senior curator at National Museum Cardiff. “We want to challenge our gallery visitors to come and look closely, to really examine the finest details in some of our masterpiece paintings, and to look at brushstrokes, texture and colour. It’s a fun and exciting competition to be involved with over the summer, and we hope our regular and new visitors from Wales will join the challenge.”

Mud glorious mud! It’s #NationalMudDay

If this one got away, he’d be *ahem* escar-gone

For more: museum.wales/cardiff, skyartsfake.com

LITERATURE

WORD UP Welsh author Horatio Clare and publisher win UK first children’s novel award The Welsh writer recently won the 2016 Branford Boase Award, given annually to the author and editor of an outstanding debut novel for children, for Aubrey And The Terrible Yoot, published by Cardiff-based independent Firefly Press.

Author Horatio Clare and (inset) his award-winning book

Written for 8-12 year-olds, and beautifully illustrated by Jane Matthews, it tells the story of rambunctious child Aubrey and his determination, with the help of the animals of Rushing Wood, to save his father, Jim, when he falls under the spell of the spirit of despair itself: the ‘Terrible Yoot’. Beating off strong competition from other shortlisted titles and publishers, including Penguin Random House and Harper Collins, the judges said the novel was “something very special… the author’s voice is very exciting.”

“I am absolutely lit up about writing for children,” said Horatio. “I feel there are no limits, their imaginations are so powerful, and I love being in dialogue with an imagined child reader. It’s an honour to win such a prestigious prize.”

For more: fireflypress.co.uk

14 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Found these foraging in the flowerbeds – think it’s wild garlic? Whatever it is, these little hands wouldn’t let go…

We were so lucky to see this beauty appear through the sand on the shoreline right in front of us

C A R D I F F: I T S L I F E A N D T I M E S

“So – who forgot to change the lightbulb?”

FILM

DISPOSSESSED! From Ron Howard to Rebecca Hardy – the Cardiff filmmaker wins an international award A web series that was made in Cardiff has become one of only two submissions from the UK to win the most recent Award Of Merit from the Accolade Global Film Competition.

DisPossess, a five-part supernatural comedy-drama detailing the adventures of a small company that gets rid of nuisance aliens and supernatural phenomena, was filmed in the city in spring last year. And the creative force behind it, writer and director Rebecca Hardy, now joins the likes of Mark Ruffalo, Ridley Scott and Ron Howard as some of the names recognised by Accolade over the years.

“For our series to be recognised on the international stage really is wonderful,” said Rebecca. “We had an amazing time filming it, and I’d also like to pay tribute to my writing partner, the cast and the rest of the crew, who have been passionate about getting the series made and creating something we can all enjoy. So much so that we have already filmed series two, which we will release later in the year.

“In the meantime, I hope people will see each six-minute episode of DisPossess as great entertainment – you can binge-watch the series in less time than it takes to watch a prime-time soap opera!”

For more: edge21.co.uk

SEVEN DEADLY SINS In our regular mini Q&A with visiting and local performers, Electric Six frontman DICK VALENTINE bares his wicked soul LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

I saw this amazing hi-def picture of a hip-hop succubus demon woman on the internet and I can’t stop thinking about her.

It came up when I was Google-searching ‘demon’.

GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink!)?

I should be cutting down on the internet.

See previous question.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

Nando’s! Not sure why, to be honest. Just seems like if presented with an unlimited tab there, I’d consume a dozen chickens.

And some olives.

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?

I really should be doing more cardio stressers. They say that people who do 75 cardio stressers a day are usually mildly happier, and with happiness comes a glow and an energy that people perceive, and then it spreads like a virus and then the whole world is happy and there’s no more war. So that starts with me.

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

People who elect not to come see me play my show or elect not to buy my music. My music should be heard and it should be purchased. If you are electing not to give me your money, well, then I get angry... because I’m entitled to.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of?

Adele, of course. Because she gets to feel

a baby growing inside her and I’ll never experience that.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

Electric Six!!!!!

Dick Valentine performs a solo acoustic show at Cardiff’s Moon Club on 24 July. For more info, see themoonclub.net

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 15

A MAN’S WORLD

WE’RE ALL VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW CAMPAIGN

RHYS WILLIAMS Ou r ma n at Ca rdif f Blues

WINNING MENTALITY The summer of sport just keeps on coming...

I

simply love this time of year in Cardiff – you can’t turn without something going on around you.

Living in Pontcanna, I’m spending endless hours in Bute Park and Llandaff Fields. Just a few days after returning from our charity cycle to Amsterdam, my wife and I clocked up a few more miles with our daughter on the Taff Trail.

It’s also a summer of sport, and while it was a disappointing end to the Wales rugby tour of New Zealand, there has been plenty of other success to keep spirits high. I’m a massive cricket fan, so it’s great to see Glamorgan doing well, especially in the T20.

I have so many fond memories of the last time Glammy reached the final, so fingers crossed they can get there again.

I was also at the SWALEC Stadium for the recent one-day international between England and Sri Lanka. It was a one-sided game, but a great performance

The Cardiff Blues players at Techniquest science centre

from England and a brilliant event. There was also the Extreme Sailing in Cardiff Bay – the Formula One of sailing – and it was great to see two of our players, Alex Cuthbert and Josh Navidi, given the chance to go out on the water. It’s a growing event and something very different to the usual sporting events we see in Cardiff.

And, of course, there is Wales at the Euros. Like everyone else here, I’ve been absolutely hooked on the tournament and it is just incredible what Chris Coleman and his men have achieved in France. Following the success of Leicester City in the Premier League and Connacht in the Guinness PRO12, perhaps it really is the year of the underdog!

There was a record TV audience tuning in to see them beat Belgium, and it was brilliant to see the whole country getting behind the boys. Huge congrats to them for reaching the semis, and making a bit of footballing history in the process.

It’s not just sport taking hold, mind; as a self-confessed foodie, I’m slowly trying to make my way around all of the culinary delights at the market around The Hayes, although I’m hooked on the ‘double meat and sweet’ salad box from Bomber’s Café. I just need to make sure I get to the gym – or Celtic Fitness’ bootcamp at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park – to work it all off!

Speaking of the Arms Park, pre-season is well underway, so spare a thought for the players whose summer break is already over. They are all working very hard and it’s been great to see some of the teambuilding events they have taken part in so far. We have all spent many school trips at Techniquest, and the players rolled back the years and had a productive afternoon at what is truly a Cardiff institution.

They have also been river gorging in the Brecon Beacons, thanks to the guys at the Cardiff International Rafting Centre.

There’s plenty more to come – much of which is top secret so I can’t put the boys out of their misery! – and hopefully it will all be beneficial when the rugby season starts up again.

First up is the Welsh leg of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s series, which we host at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on 22 July.

Given that it’s a summer of sevens, with the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics, we are hosting it with a carnival theme. It should be a feast of running rugby, with some of Wales’ top emerging talent on display.

Then it’s straight into the pre-season friendlies – we kick off down the road at Newport Gwent Dragons, before hosting Premiership new boys Bristol on 20 August.

We’re all very excited for the new campaign – most of the new signings have now arrived and we can’t wait to see them in a Cardiff Blues jersey.

Rhys Williams is an ex-Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby star, now sales and marketing director at the club. For more, see cardiffblues.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 17

SUMMER FUN

THERE ARE SIX BRILLIANTLY

BLISSFUL WEEKS OF FUN AND RELAXATION TO LOOK FORWARD TO

SCHOOL’S

OUT Panicking about what to do with the kids over the school holidays? Fear not – here’s our guide to the most fun family stuff going on in and around Cardiff this summer…

By K AT I E K I SSOON

20 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SUMMER FUN

w

L A splashing good time at Cardiff Bay’s urban beach

isten up, kids: now that school’s out and the summer hols are upon us (no more homework, SATs, boring registration, dreary assemblies etc – yay!), you have six brilliantly blissful weeks of fun and relaxation to look forward to. So, take this handy feature to whichever adult is in charge of you today (they’ll be in the kitchen, probably looking tired and gulping coffee), as it has lots of ideas for great local days out for you, your besties and your siblings. It’s time to go and get well and truly exhausted…

SUMMER IN THE CITY CARDIFF FESTIVAL

As usual, there’s lots happening at the Cardiff Festival, the free annual shindig that brings oodles of fun to Cardiff Bay. Highlights include the popular urban beach (22 July – 4 September), with traditional seaside attractions; the Cardiff Harbour Festival (28-29 August), with free activities, craft stalls, and live music/ entertainment; and Cardiff Harbour Festival, featuring the watery thrills and spills of the P1 Welsh Grand Prix Of The Sea. Cardiff Bay; cardiff-events.com

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 21

SUMMER FUN

Go Air: Jump around, jump around, jump up, jump up and get down

GO AIR

This innovative, all-weather, family-friendly trampolining arena is a byword for all-out fun.

There’s open jumping on over 150 interconnected trampolines, bounce dodgeball and basketball, and special events for all ages; there’s also a Go Air Tots for parents and toddlers, ensuring that those under six can still have a good bounce.

Older ones might like to unleash their inner ninja and try the energetic and creative parkour classes, figuring out the fastest route from A to B using running, climbing, swinging, vaulting and rolling moves. Guaranteed to tire them out!

Ty Glas Avenue, Llanishen; goairtrampolinepark.co.uk

DOCTOR WHO EXPERIENCE

You don’t need to be a Whovian to enjoy this interactive, action-packed adventure (learn how to walk like a Doctor Who monster – cool!) through space and time with the Twelfth Doctor.

After traversing the universe and flying the TARDIS, step behind the scenes into the world’s largest collection of original props, sets and costumes from the iconic telly show. As ever, those pesky Daleks are never far away...

Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay; doctorwhoexperience.com

CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL WHITE WATER

Thrill junkies of all ages will love the highadrenaline watersports at Cardiff International White Water, located in the heart of the city’s International Sports Village. The family rafting offers the best experience for a mix of ages – the water level and speed of the rapids are lowered, allowing younger visitors to enjoy rafting on the white water course. More adventurous types might like to try the stand-up paddleboarding, indoor surfing or a spot of the rather rudesounding hot dogging – a white water challenge in a two-person inflatable kayak. There are various taster sessions on offer during the course of the summer, too.

Watkiss Way, Cardiff Bay; ciww.com

TECHNIQUEST

The Doctor’s regeneration had gone a bit wrong...

22 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Given kids’ attention spans, successfully combining education with fun is often tricky, but Techniquest are on the case. Their science centre in Cardiff Bay is crammed with interactive programmes and engaging exhibits that even the most difficult-to-please kids will love. One of this summer’s highlights looks to be Splendiferous Science (various dates, see the Techniquest website), a new science theatre show inspired by the work of Roald Dahl. Ever wondered if there was an easy way to find a golden ticket? What would it be like to get the terrible shrinks like The Twits? And how did Augustus Gloop really get stuck in that pipe? Now you can find out!

Stuart Street, Cardiff; techniquest.org

SUMMER FUN

CHECK OUT THE MINDBLOWING DIVERSITY OF WORMS AT

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM’S

WRIGGLE EXHIBITION

This summer also sees the return of Breakin’ The Bay (23-24 & 30-31 July), WMC’s celebration of hip-hop culture, offering hip-hop-hued family fun for all b-boys and b-girls, including hip-hop ‘battles’, remixing (with renowned producer DJ Kane from London’s Kool FM), emceeing and live graffiti demonstrations.

On 30 July, The Fun DMC promises a real block party experience, where parents and children can dance, practice their graffiti and play with super-fly hip-hop fancy dress.

Bute Place, Cardiff Bay; wmc.org.uk

CARDIFF CASTLE

There’s lots of colourful stuff going on at the castle, one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions.

Follow the Family Trail around the grounds and meet the characters that have made the castle their home over the centuries; other highlights include the Georgian Gents (23-24 July), a fine and dandy day out with fencing duels, storytelling and games, and the Grand Medieval Melee (13-14 August), with a medieval tournament, battling knights, falconry and family activities. And there’s also the torch-lit ghost tour of the castle, a suitably spooky after-dark experience presented

by Cardiff History and Hauntings.

Castle Street, Cardiff; cardiffcastle.com w

NATIONAL MUSEUM

As you’d expect, the National Museum is heavily geared towards families, with plenty of activities and events to go alongside its various exhibitions. Try the summer family trail (21 July to 4 September) – just follow the trail around the museum and solve the clues. And check out the new Wriggle exhibition (until 30 September), delving into the wonderful world of worms. From fossils to fantasy, food to spectacular beauty (and the scary ones, too!), visitors can discover the mind-blowing diversity of worms from the museum’s own collections for free. And at sister venue St Fagans National History Museum, there are lots of family drop-in activities over the next few weeks, as an Iron Age roundhouse, a Victorian schoolhouse and a 1930s farm all come to life. Nature-lovers might also like to sign up for one of their cool, after-dark bat walks (various dates for all, see website).

Duelling fun in the sun at Cardiff Castle

National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park & St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans; museum.wales

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE As well as all the activities around the centenary of Llandaff-born storyteller Roald Dahl (see page 28), the Tiger Bay Tales trail (from 19 July), will be up and running for the summer. Download the app and experience the Tiger Bay of the past, stopping off at various beacons to watch and listen to unique digital content that will transport you back in time, with fascinating stories told by the community figures who knew Tiger Bay best.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 23

Learn to Swim Swim Champs, inspired by British Olympic Swimmer David Davies, offers lessons for non-swimmers, right through to squad competitive swimmers!

WE ARE THE ONLY SWIM SCHOOL IN WALES RUN BY 2 TIME OLYMPIC MEDALIST DAVID DAVIES. Term time swimming lessons from Birth through to Advanced Club Swimmers. School Holiday Crash Courses available to book now.

You DO NOT need to be a DW gym member for your child to attend.

We understand that all children develop at their own pace and our experienced instructors tailor our teaching system to ensure that the children achieve their full potential.

Come to our classes in

CARDIFF DW Fitness Club Leckwith CF11 8EG

BOOK ONLINE

www.swimchamps.co.uk @swimchampsDD

SwimChamps

SUMMER FUN CARDIFF BLUES

Aimed at 6-14 year-olds, the Blues’ rugby summer camps offer a fun and interactive environment in which to learn the game’s latest skills, drills and techniques, coached by the club’s expert rugby development officers and community coaches.

The camps take place at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park over three days (25-27 July and 30 August – 1 September) – as well as playing on the club’s own 3G surface, participants also get to meet and have a Q&A session with Cardiff Blues players, and receive a goody bag and a Cardiff Blues camps T-shirt. Result!

BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Westgate Street, Cardiff; cardiffbluescamps.com

SWIM CHAMPS

Run by two-time Olympic medallist David Davies, this swimming school offers lessons to non-swimmers from three years-old upwards (their intensive summer crash courses, held at DW Fitness in Cardiff, are tailored to all levels and abilities), right through to competitive squad swimmers. They also cater for babies and toddlers, providing special sessions to build water confidence – a great way for you to bond with your baby and help with their co-ordination skills and physical development. swimchamps.co.uk

RED DRAGON CENTRE Treetop Adventure Golf: so par, so good

TREETOP ADVENTURE GOLF

ON A

RAINY DAY, THE RED DRAGON CENTRE IS HARD TO BEAT

Everyone loves a bit of crazy golf, right? Treetop’s colourful 18-hole mini golf courses, located at St David’s shopping centre, draw in people of all ages – tackle the Tropical Trail or the Ancient Explorer, then brave the bonus 19th hole to win a free round. Extra activities this summer include exotic animal encounters, free face painting and glitter tattoos, and arts and craft sessions – see Treetop’s website for dates. They do saver deals for families of four or five, too.

The latest movies, family-friendly food and drink, entertainment and gaming – on a rainy day, this place is hard to beat. Inside, there’s a 12-screen Odeon Imax cinema (the Ghostbusters reboot in 3D, anyone?), a 26-lane bowling centre and a wide range of restaurants and cafés, with something to appeal to even the fussiest of eaters. It’s open 364 days a year, too.

Hemingway Road, Leisure Village, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff; thereddragoncentre.co.uk w

Level 3, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff; adventuregolf.com

NO FIT STATE

The UK’s leading, large-scale, contemporary circus company produces professional touring productions and a wide variety of community, training and education projects for people of all ages. As well as a plethora of courses and workshops for kids of all abilities – including various Youth Circus activities, teaching circus skills such as trapeze, rope, unicycle, tight wire, juggling, human pyramids and acrobatics – they also have week-long summer schools (25-29 July, for 5-7 years; 1-5 August, for 9-11 years; and 22-26 August, for 11-16 years). A great way to hang out and make new friends!

John Street, Cardiff; nofitstate.org

Make new friends and learn cool circus skills at NoFit State

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 25

SUMMER FUN

GO WILD IN THE COUNTY LIDO PONTY

The only one of its kind in Wales, the Grade II-listed National Lido of Wales in Pontypridd, originally built in 1927, has been restored to its former glory. Updated for modern-day visitors, it boasts three heated swimming pools (main pool, activity pool and splash pool), a state-of-the-art visitors’ centre, an adventure play park and a newly-built Waterside Café. Admission is free, too!

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd; lidoponty.co.uk

DYFFRYN GARDENS

Featuring magnificent Edwardian gardens (and a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms), overlooked by a large mansion, and covering more than 55 acres, there’s plenty of fun to be had here over the holidays, from craft-inspired ‘Make It Mondays’ (25 July & 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August, 12-3pm) to ‘50 Things Wednesdays’ (26-27 July & 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 August, 12-3pm), where you can have a go at fun, outdoor-inspired activities from a list of 50 self-led things to do before you’re 11.

There’s even a croquet taster day, too (29 August, 11am-4pm), with experts from Dyffryn croquet club on hand to provide useful tips on honing your technique.

St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan; nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens

CELTIC MANOR

With activities for all ages this summer, families are truly spoilt for choice here, with everything from archery and adventure golf to woodland wanderers and crafty kids. Always popular with young adventurers is the adrenaline-pumping Forest Jump (ages 6+), an outdoor activity where you can swing through the trees, tackle exhilarating high ropes and face challenging obstacles. If you fancy something a little more

sedate, enjoy some family swim time at the awardwinning Forum Spa pool, whether that means clocking up the laps or just splashing around.

Coldra Woods, Usk Valley, Newport; celtic-manor.com

(Above) On target – archery sessions at Celtic Manor Resort; (Below, left) The Grade II-listed National Lido of Wales, in Pontypridd – book early!

TAFF VALLEY CENTRE

Located in the beautiful Taff Valley just outside Cardiff, this quad biking and activity centre is all about full-on, swashbuckling adventure.

Experience the thrill and challenge of junior quad biking, with a dedicated 150-metre children’s circuit for juniors aged 7-11, or try a spot of archery or laser shooting. Their newest activity, the Woodlands Assault course, is proving popular, too – run, climb, jump, crawl and swim to your heart’s content.

Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Upperboat, Pontypridd; adventurewales.co.uk w

TAFF VALLEY

QUAD BIKING AND ACTIVITY CENTRE IS ALL ABOUT FULL-ON

ADVENTURE

26 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SUMMER FUN

SPLENDIFEROUS! There’s a plethora of Roald Dahl-themed stuff happening this summer, too – plenty for kids big and small to enjoy

U

nder the umbrella of Roald Dahl 100, a year of activity celebrating the centenary of the Cardiff-born writer, the city is planning a host of activities paying tribute to the muchloved and much-missed storyteller.

First up is The Wondercrump World Of Roald Dahl (12 August 2016 – 14 January 2017, Wales Millennium Centre), a magical, interactive experience inspired by Dahl’s life, work and boundless imagination, aimed at all ages from 7 to 107. There are free Dahl-inspired activities at WMC, too (25 July – 4 September) – delve deep into the BFG’s world of dreams, capturing stories in beautiful dream jars, or try a spot of tortoise-fishing, inspired by Esio Trot.

Also coming up is City Of The Unexpected (17-18 September) an epic, weekend-long celebration of the great man, his characters and his stories, created by Wales Millennium Centre and National Theatre Wales, and featuring a cast of thousands.

Cardiff city centre will become a place where reality

is turned on its head, where the predictable will give way to magic and the surreal – just as if Dahl himself was at the helm. Expect to make extraordinary discoveries, with unexpected sights, performances, pop-ups and surprising spectacles on the streets and in buildings throughout the centre.

Some of Dahl’s biggest (and well-known) fans will read extracts from his stories in unusual locations, too.

And audiences are invited to join an unprecedented mass picnic in Bute Park – in their pyjamas! – and to bring with them food inspired by the man himself.

Dahl’s films are also being brought to life as part of a major UK-wide programme put together by Chapter and Film Hub Wales. Chapter’s screenings include Steven Spielberg’s The BFG (22 July – 4 August), Matilda (12-14 August, with speciallycommissioned scratch and sniff cards – yes!), and Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox (20, 21 & 23 August), plus various other workshops and events.

And over at the National Museum, the Quentin Blake: Inside Stories exhibition (until 20 November) celebrates the work of the much-loved illustrator, best known for his contributions to Dahl’s books.

All in all, it promises to be quite a splendiferous summer…

For more: cityoftheunexpected.wales, wmc.org.uk, chapter.org, museum.wales/cardiff

Steven Spielberg’s The BFG – based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel – is showing at Chapter, part of a whole year of Dahl-themed fun 28 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THE WONDERCRUMP WORLD OF ROALD DAHL IS AIMED AT ALL AGES,

FROM 7 TO 107

L E I S U R E A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! An IMAX cinema, top restaurants and even a state-of-the-art gym – find all this and more at Cardiff's entertainment and foodie hub THE RED DRAGON CENTRE

T

he Red Dragon Centre offers a whole entertainment and foodie experience in Cardiff Bay, with something for all ages – come rain or shine! Open every day until late, the Centre is accessible, easy to travel to by car or public transport, and offers free parking for customers.

Our centre houses an ODEON cinema – boasting the only IMAX screen in Cardiff – and

a 26-lane bowling centre with bar, diner and top-of-the-range amusements. The 24-hour casino also boasts a restaurant and sports lounge, showing all the major fixtures, and there's a state-of-the-art Vitality Gym – perfect if you're looking to get beach-fit for summer.

And with top restaurant brands such as Five Guys, Bella Italia and Chiquito, plus independents including Chicken House, Oriental Garden, Spice Route, Grill 'n' Shake and Cadwaladers, you’ll be sure to find something to suit all tastes.

Know your radio? Broadcasting legends Capital FM and Heart also broadcast live from The Red Dragon Centre.

Visit us and look out for special events this summer, as the Centre prepares to celebrate some of the biggest blockbusters – including Stephen Spielberg's The BFG! There will also be fun activities to celebrate the Olympics and a free Sand Art workshop for kids on the 29 August Bank Holiday. CL

ission child adm 1 x FREEwith this advert 27/07/16 Tractortastic featuring Tractor Ted 03/08/16 Join us as we welcome Torfaen Playscheme 10/08/16 The Bees & The Birds 17/08/16 Piggy Pranks 24/08/16 Tractortastic Two! BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 29th AUGUST - CANINE CAPERS So popular, its back!

Today is the day where you can bring your pooch along to enjoy the farm and enjoy a day all about them!

SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER - THE GREENMEADOW SHOW A fantastic family day out for all

TEL: 01633 647662 Open 7 Days a Week - 10am-5pm. www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk

Full details at www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk The Red Dragon Centre, Hemingway Road, Cardiff CF10 4JY

Independent day school for boys and girls 2½ to 18

01656 782509 info@stclares-school.co.uk www.stclares-school.co.uk Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5NR

WINNER! Best Hair Salon - Cardiff Life Awards 2016

why choose UP TO 50% SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE TO YEAR 7, 8 AND 9 PUPILS

?

• all organic hair products and colour • Creative Director, Greg James, formerly of Kamigata • late nights Wednesday and Thursdays • Goji Junior for children, open on Sundays • Olaplex and Nanokeratin treatments offered • Great Lengths hair extensions specialist • secluded, relaxing environment in the heart of Pontcanna

We look forward to welcoming you to Goji!

No6 Pontcanna Mews, Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9DH. Telephone: 02921 321211 / Email: info@gojihair.com Twitter: @gojihair / Facebook: goji hair / www.gojihair.com

Frozen in Time - Dr Kevin Blockley - Carrara marble

Target Atlas - Glenn Ibbotson - Acrylic on Paper

Nina Simone - Dominic Castree - Acrylic on Board

Serendipity - Pauline Thomas - Acrylic on canvas

SERENDIPITY

Off the Walls’ Summer Show.

Starts July 16th 10-4pm.

The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Rd, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2DQ. T : 029 20554469 E : art@galleryoffthewall.com. Open Tuesday–Friday 9.30-5.30 Sat 10.00-4.00 www.galleryoffthewall.com

Music/theatre/film/more

A SLICE OF LIFE

Featuring the work of Welsh photographers Walter Waygood and Huw Alden Davies, Where Will I Be is a new exhibition at Ffotogallery in Penarth, celebrating life in the South Wales valleys, where both men grew up. Their photographs, capturing the people and communities around them, revolve around their immediate families, friends and a colourful cast of local characters, as in Waygood’s wonderfully evocative Rockabillies shot (pictured above).

Waygood, who photographed in Blaenafon and Merthyr in the late 1970s and early 1980s, sees ‘beauty in the ordinary’ and ‘nobility’ in the lives of the people he grew up with, and there’s a wonderfully simple resonance in his images, a stark commentary on working class life.

Where Will I Be is at Ffotogallery in Penarth until 3 September.

For more information, see ffotogallery.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 33

15 July – 15 August

Matt Gillett as The Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Taking Flight’s Romeo & Juliet is set in the 1960s; voice-throwing queen Nina Conti

Plays/Shows/ Performance U N TI L 3 0 JULY

CARDIFF OPEN-AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL Featuring Romeo & Juliet (21-30 July), and Peter Pan (23-30 July).

Sophia Gardens; everymanfestival.co.uk 19 -3 0 J ULY

THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK Riotous musical comedy take on Lewis Carroll’s classic poem.

Sherman Cymru; shermancymru.co.uk 20 -2 3 J ULY

OH HELLO! Jamie Rees’ affectionate, much-

lauded one-man portrait of comedy actor and Carry On legend Charles Hawtrey, brilliantly capturing the flawed star’s eccentricities and erratic behaviour.

Chapter; chapter.org 2 2 JU LY

FLOSSY & BOO’S CURIOUS CABARET Cheeky songs about love, adventure and the trials of being middle-class.

Chapter; chapter.org 2 5 - 3 0 JU LY

CHICAGO Award-winning Broadway and West End musical, set in the roaring 20s – Razzle Dazzle and All That Jazz, anyone?

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

34 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

25-30 J ULY

YURI Acclaimed theatre company August 012 present Fabrice Melquiot’s wonderfully absurd comedy, adapted by Daf James. Patrick and Adele can’t have children – and then Yuri appears. But who is he?

Why is he here? Is he dangerous?

And should we love him?

Chapter; chapter.org 27-30 J ULY

ALIX IN WUNDERGARTEN A group of actors – locked in a radio studio, trying to do a play – go tumbling down a black hole in this dark, terrifically bonkers, Edinburgh-bound comedy.

Presented by Difficult Stage and The Other Room, in association with Chapter.

Chapter; chapter.org

28-30 J ULY

AS YOU LIKE IT Contemporary take on the Bard’s pastoral comedy, part of the RSC Open Stages project.

Sherman Cymru; shermancymru.co.uk 30 J ULY

ROMEO & JULIET Set in Verona in 1963, Taking Flight’s new take on Shakespeare’s perennial tragedy combines visual theatre with live original music and plenty of comedy. This offsite promenade performance takes place at The Kymin in Penarth – bring a brolly, just in case!

Chapter; chapter.org 3-21 AUGU S T

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG More musical japes in this

fantasmagorical family favourite.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

Comedy 1 9 & 2 5 JULY

MIKE BUBBINS Popular Cardiff stand-up, whose style has been described as ‘observation and exasperation.’

Chapel 1877; chapel1877.com

Film UNTI L 2 1 JULY

GREEN ROOM Jeremy Saulnier’s punchy horror-thriller pits a hardcore punk band against Patrick Stewart’s neo-Nazis, as a tense stand-off spills over into primal, bloody violence.

Chapter; chapter.org UNTI L 2 1 JULY

HAIL, CAESAR! Stylish, typically zany Coen Brothers comedy caper, starring George Clooney as Baird Whitlock, a hapless alcoholic actor kidnapped for ransom.

Chapter; chapter.org 2 2 -2 8 JULY

MAGGIE’S PLAN When young, independent New Yorker Maggie (Greta Gerwig) weds John (Ethan Hawke) – after his marriage to university professor Georgette (Julianne Moore) falls apart – everything seems rosy. But after falling out of love with her new husband, she comes up with a plan to reunite him with his ex-wife in this agreeably witty comedy.

Chapter; chapter.org 2 2 J ULY – 3 0 AU GU ST

ROALD DAHL ON FILM A celluloid celebration, featuring filmic adaptations of Dahl’s iconic stories (see kids’ summer activities feature, page 28).

Chapter; chapter.org 2 9 J ULY – 4 AUGU ST

CHEVALIER Six men play a series of bizarre games while sailing on a luxury yacht in the Aegean Sea. Friendships are invariably tested and flaws scrutinised in this absurdist Greek comedy.

Chapter; chapter.org

Music 2 2 JU LY

HOT 8 BRASS BAND Raw hip-hop, jazz and funk, fused with the sounds of New Orleansstyle brass.

Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net 2 3 JU LY

LAST NIGHT OF THE WELSH PROMS Popular classics from the likes of Bernstein, Tchaikovsky, Elgar etc, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 2 4 JU LY

DICK VALENTINE Solo set from the highly charismatic Electric Six frontman; see Spotlight, page 15.

The Moon Club; themoonclub.net 2 9 JU LY

THE DOORS ALIVE Doors tribute, widely regarded as the most authentic – and thrilling – on the circuit.

Acapela; acapela.co.uk 2 9 JU LY

AN EVENING WITH SASHA Three-hour set from the Welsh superstar DJ. Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com 2 9 JU LY

TIME FLIES More superstar-ish DJs: Seb Fontaine, Brandon Block and Jon Pleased Wimmin.

Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net 2 AU GU ST

AN EVENING WITH LOW The American slowcore legends, no less. Latest album Ones And Sixes is rich with new-found depth and resonance.

Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com 3 AU GU ST

CARINA ROUND Acclaimed, enigmatic songstress, with a canon of beautiful and haunting songs.

The Globe; globecardiffmusic.com 1 2 AU GU ST

YEARS & YEARS Olly Alexander’s high-octane electro-popsters – check out sprightly new single Worship –

(From top) Enigmatic chanteuse Carina Round plays The Globe; Laura Ford’s Eclipse etching, part of gallery/ten’s annual summer show

headline Party In the Parc, with more acts still to be announced.

Coopers Field, Bute Park; partyintheparc.co.uk

Exhibitions UNTIL 31 J ULY

RARE EXHIBITION POSTERS Original lithographs for Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Chagall et al.

Fountain Fine Art; fountainfineart.com UNTIL 20 AUG UST

SUMMER gallery/ten’s annual summer show, a mixed and changing exhibition with painting, prints, ceramics and sculpture from contemporary Welsh and Wales-based artists. gallery/ten; gallery-ten.co.uk

UNTIL 2 7 AU G U S T

SUMMER SHOW Includes work by leading Wales artists past and present, including Gwen John, Augustus John, David Jones, John Piper, Ceri Richards and many more.

Martin Tinney Gallery; artwales.com UNTIL 4 S EP T EM B ER

‘WAR’S HELL!’ – THE BATTLE OF MAMETZ WOOD IN ART Exhibition marking the centenary of the titular conflict, one of the most significant battles fought by Welsh soldiers during the First World War. National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk UNTIL 1 1 S EP T EM B ER

WEAVE Featuring the work of 24 artists, w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 35

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

each with an element of ‘weave’.

Craft In The Bay; makersguildinwales.org.uk

exhibition up for grabs.

Cardiff MADE; Twitter: @CardiffMADE

UNTI L 1 8 S E P T EMBE R

Family

STICKY INTIMACY Inquisitive, quirky scultpures by artists Katie Cuddon, Emma Hart and Nicholas Pope.

Chapter; chapter.org UNTI L 3 0 S E P T EMBE R

AUGUSTUS JOHN IN FOCUS One of the leading Welsh artists of his generation, no less.

National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk UNTI L 2 0 N O V E MBE R

QUENTIN BLAKE: INSIDE STORIES Co-curated by Blake himself, a magical insight into one of the world’s most important illustrators, best known for his work on the books of Roald Dahl.

National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk 2 2 J ULY – 2 4 S E PTE MBE R

DOES THAT INCLUDE US? Intergenerational programme of spoken word, theatre, music and visual art, presented by artists, facilitators and activists. g39; g39.org 2 9 J ULY – 2 7 AU GU ST

SUMMER OPEN ART PRIZE Works from selected South Wales artists across various mediums, with the prize of a solo 2017

ON GOI N G

DOCTOR WHO EXPERIENCE Experience mind-blowing special effects, fly the TARDIS through time and space, and face the Doctor’s scariest foes in 3D. Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay; doctorwhoexperience.com

Book Now 1 0 OCTOBE R – 13 NO VEMBER

MAMMA MIA! Enchanting feelgood tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk 4 N OV E MBE R

PAUL SIMON Return of the legendary American troubadour, on the back of his excellent recent album Stranger To Stranger.

Motorpoint Arena; livenation.co.uk 2 8 N OV E MBER

NINA CONTI: IN YOUR FACE The mischievous, voice-throwing queen’s new show, in which the audience are the ‘dummies’.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

36 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

(Clockwise, from top left) Witty film comedy Maggie’s Plan; DJ Jon Pleased Wimmin; musical comedy The Hunting Of The Snark at Sherman Cymru

DEFY THE SIGNS OF AGING WITH HIFU

Get your FREE CONSULTATION TODAY Introducing ... HI-FU Treatment EXCLUSIVE TO SOUTH WALES HIFU is the non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound and the body’s own natural healing process to life and tighten loose skin, Unlike lasersm which penetrate the skin from the outside-in, the HIFU procedure bypasses the surface of the skin, and delivers targeted energy specifically into the deep, structural tissues and muscles.

HIFU Facelift

From £500 a 2 year facelift.

Non invasive with results lasting for up to 2 years.

Fat Freezing £100 per area (usuallly £150!)

Lose up to 40% of fat on targeted areas.

Cavitation £50 per area Helps weight loss and targets cellulite.

Radio Frequency £50 per area Tightens, tones and lifts targeted areas.

Radio Frequency Facial £50 per facial Tightens and lifts skin on the face and neck.

Crypen £50 per treatment Targets age spots, broken veins and warts.

CONTACT US: 866 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff CF3 4LJ. Tel: 029 2000 4060.

Cardiff Beauty Online Cardiff Beauy Clinic Email: cardiffbeautyclinic@hotmail.com. Open - Mon-Fri: 9-5pm, Sat: 10-4pm, Sun: Closed.

Find us online at: www.cardiffbeautyclinic.co.uk

ARTS

PREVIEW

CURTAIN UP! After a stonking first half of the year – Festival of Voice will linger long in the memory! – here are 11 more essential live arts gems for your diary

A

By V E L I M I R I L IC

s ever, there’s an abundance of exciting arts goodies coming to Cardiff throughout the rest of this year, including cutting edge drama, top-notch stand-up, contemporary dance and exhilarating music in all its colourful forms. 2016 really is shaping up to be a vintage year – here’s our pick of the best to see…

MANDELA TRILOGY 24-27 AUGUST

From tribal initiation rites on the banks of the Mbashe River, through the heady and rebellious days in Sophiatown, to incarceration and reflection on Robben Island and finally beyond, to freedom – the amazing life of Nelson Mandela is brought vividly to the stage by Cape Town Opera, in a large-scale celebration and tribute to the man who touched hearts and minds around the world. Told in three parts by a cast and orchestra of over 60 South African performers, the music and story matches the vastly different phases of Mandela’s journey, from freedom fighter to president. The upbeat jazz and swing-influenced songs of Sophiatown are framed by musical styles more familiar in contemporary opera, with a dash of Xhosa folk music that grounds the production in its African roots, but with an over-arching dramatic theme that shines a light on the life of an extraordinary man.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

NO MAN’S LAND

29 AUGUST – 3 SEPTEMBER

Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart return to the UK stage in Sean Mathias’ acclaimed production of Harold Pinter’s entertaining and absurdist masterpiece; Stewart has even cited it as his favourite Pinter work. One summer’s evening, two ageing writers, Hirst (Stewart) and Spooner (McKellen), meet in a Hampstead pub and continue their drinking into the night at Hirst’s nearby stately house. As the pair become increasingly inebriated, and their stories more and more unbelievable, the lively conversation soon turns into a revealing power game, further complicated by the return home of two sinister younger men. Given the powerful chemistry between the two master actors, this contemporary, stylish take on Pinter’s comic gem promises to be a real treat.

New Theatre; newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 38 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ALVIN AILEY DANCE THEATER 4-5 OCTOBER

Returning to the UK after a five year absence, Ailey’s “irresistible dancers” (The New Yorker) are back with another dazzling repertoire; under the leadership of artistic director Robert Battle, they continue to wow audiences and critics around the world. The all-star line-up includes new works by some of today’s most acclaimed choreographers (Ronald K. Brown, Raphael Xavier and Christopher Wheeldon, whose After The Rain here features the music of Arvo Pärt), as well as Ailey classics including his popular and transcendental Revelations, the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world, fervently exploring the deepest grief and the holiest joy.

ISY SUTTIE

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

18 SEPTEMBER The award-winning actress (Peep Show, Shameless) and stand-up’s new show The Actual One – featuring stories, songs and readings from the new book of the same name – is about that heart-stopping moment in your late 20s when you realise that all your mates are growing up without you. Suddenly, says Suttie, everyone around her is “into mortgages, farmers’ markets and nappies”, rather than “skinny-dipping in the sea and sambuca sessions on ropeswings.” When her dearest friend advises that the next guy she meets will not just be ‘the one’, but ‘the actual one’, our heroine decides to delay the onset of adulthood for just a bit longer – until a bet with her mum results in a mad scramble to find a boyfriend within a month...

KATE RUSBY 6 OCTOBER

Of all the stars in folk music’s dazzling firmament, few shine as brightly as Kate Rusby. A remarkably interpretive singer, Rusby – possessed of a “heartbreakingly tremulous voice and bawdy Yorkshire wit” (Daily Telegraph) – has that rare ability to transport her audience and stir their emotions, making each tune live vividly within their experience and imagination. Joined on stage by her trusty band, she’ll be performing a selection of classics from her back catalogue, alongside new tracks from her latest studio album, due for release in October.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

Glee Club; glee.co.uk

WONDERMAN

13-18 SEPTEMBER Following their 2013 Edinburgh smash-hit The Bloody Ballad, multi-award-winning Cardiff theatre company Gagglebabble are back in an exciting collaboration with National Theatre Wales.

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s short stories for adults, with script and lyrics by Daf James and music by Lucy Rivers, Wonderman is a unique gig-theatre take on Dahl’s twisted tales, combining a sizzling hot score of original live music, macabre characters and thrilling twists and turns, suffused with a wicked sense of dark humour.

In other words, expect the unexpected in this celebration of the wonder of one of Britain’s most revered storytellers in his centenary year.

Tramshed; nationaltheatrewales.org

w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 39

ARTS

PREVIEW

DEAD SHEEP

11-15 OCTOBER

Tragedy and comedy clash head-on in Jonathan Maitland’s dramatic inside story of Margaret Thatcher’s downfall. In 1989, a seemingly invincible Thatcher ruthlessly sacked Geoffrey Howe, her Foreign Secretary. She foolishly thought she had nothing to fear from her onetime friend and political ally – after all, his speaking skills had famously been likened to “being savaged by a dead sheep”. But, inspired by his wife Elspeth, Howe destroyed the Prime Minister’s career with one of the deadliest political speeches ever made. Starring Steve ‘Spitting Image’ Nallon – who does Thatcher to a tee, of course – it’s a witty, entertaining tale of loyalty, betrayal and revenge.

New Theatre; newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

STEWART LEE 4 NOVEMBER

Lee is like comedy Marmite: those who hate him really hate him, while those who buy wholesale into his anti-populist shtick fervently lap up everything he does. Digital Content Provider, his first full-length live show since the award-winning Carpet Remnant World, promises more of the same: cleverly-crafted routines, spattered with provocative jibes and vitriolic scorn (particularly when it comes to his big-hitting fellow stand-ups), ad-libbing and improvising as only he can. Each ticket also includes a special limited edition of his new Comedy Vehicle DVD – with a slip-cover designed by cooler-than-cool artist Luke Drozd, natch – exclusively available to bookers of the live show.

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

40 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PREVIEW

ARTS

LUDOVICO EINAUDI 20 NOVEMBER

Almost by stealth, Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi has quietly become one of the most successful musicians in the world – and one of the most streamed classical artists. Nestled somewhere between minimalist, neo-classical and ambient, his hauntingly beautiful and evocative contemporary music is known by millions (the ‘go-to’ soundtrack composer was BAFTAnominated for his This is England ’86 score) and he counts the likes of Iggy Pop and Ricky Gervais amongst his fans. Taking in influences as disparate as African music and folk, the Italian maestro’s work defies easy classification, but his latest album Elements – dappled with stirring flourishes of piano and electronica, and from which this tour takes its name – is typically poignant and immersive.

Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

THE HUMAN LEAGUE 26 NOVEMBER

Since forming in Sheffield in 1977, the iconic synth-pop pioneers have sold more than 20 million records, inveigling themselves into the nation’s consciousness with landmark 1981 album Dare and subsequent dancefloor classic Don’t You Want Me, a chart-topper in both the UK and the US. You’ll know more of their hit singles than you think (Mirror Man, (Keep Feeling) Fascination, The Lebanon, Human – another US number one – and Tell Me When, anyone?), and after almost 40 years in the business, they’re still a major influence, packing audiences in year-on-year. Little wonder they’ve been dubbed the ‘electronic Beatles’.

St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

CIAN CIARÁN & BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES: RHYS & MEINIR 4 NOVEMBER

The Super Furry Animals man comes together with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for this world premiere performance of a work that has been almost two decades in development. It’s sure to be stirring stuff: Rhys and Meinir find love in the village of Nant Gwrtheyrn, North Wales, and their childhood romance blossoms for all to see.

On the day of their marriage, however, Meinir is nowhere to be found, and the mystery leads Rhys into months of despair. When a thunder strike finally reveals Meinir’s final hiding place, Rhys is unable to live a second longer. Featuring a full 84-piece orchestra, Ciaran’s magnum opus promises a mesmeric sonic experience, fusing the drama of ancient Welsh folklore, the envisioned splendour of the rural landscape and the innate, musical curiosity of the intrepid composer.

BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 41

1

2

FUN in the SUN

MAXIMISE YOUR OUTDOOR TIME THIS SUMMER 3

5

4

1. LICKED!

2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS

3. TOE THE LINE

4. SPECS APPEAL

5. WHIP IT

Zoku space pop lolly moulds, £16.95 Just add fruit juice or flavoured yoghurt and freeze for the best ice lollies in the galaxy From Kitchens, 14 High Street, Cardiff; kitchenscookshop.co.uk

Rosewood luxury picnic blanket, £119 Picnics just got a touch more fancy...

From Wonderlings (online), wonderlings.uk

Toms classic canvas espadrilles, £35 Slip them on for instant cool – available in either ash or navy From John Lewis, St David’s Dewi Sant, The Hayes, Cardiff; johnlewis.com

Pink tortoiseshell belt sunglasses, £155 These retro-inspired sunnies are our go-to accessory this summer From Vivienne Westwood, St David’s Dewi Sant, 55 The Hayes, Cardiff; viviennewestwood.com

Ice Cream Adventures, £16.99 If Willy Wonka made ice cream, it’d be a lot like the flavours Stef Ferrari dreams up – sage chocolate chip or Indian pale ale, anyone?

From Waterstones, 2A The Hayes, Cardiff; waterstones.com

42 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

6

7

8

10

9

6. LEAN ON ME

7. CHEERS!

8. TAN-FASTIC!

9. WHEEL DEAL

10. JUST CHILLIN’

Fatboy Lamzac Original (grass green), £74.50 Retire your old sunlounger in favour of this inflatable, portable lounge seat From Momentum, 31 Charles Street, Cardiff; momentumcardiff.com

Pipes beer (various prices and local stockists) Handcrafted and 100% natural, Pipes beers are summer. Bottle sales take place on Saturdays (noon to 7pm) at their brewery shop in Pontcanna From Pipes Beer, 183A Kings Road, Pontcanna pipesbeer.co.uk

Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair tanning cream, £55 (50ml) The perfect way to sunkissed skin. It’s antiwrinkle, too!

From Central Pharmacy, 63-67 Wellfield Road, Cardiff; escentual.com

Pashley Guv’nor three-speed hybrid classic bike, £875 This three-speed bike is a dream, whether you’re racing to work or just pootling to the shops From Tredz, Penarth Road Retail Park, Penarth; tredz.co.uk

Gold picnic cooler, £50 Just the thing to keep everything nice and cold the next time you venture out for a picnic From Rossiters, 33 Royal Arcade, Cardiff; rossitersofbath.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON CARDIFF LIFE LIFE II 43 www.mediaclash.co.uk 69

SHOPPING

FA S H I O N

GO GRAPHIC There’s no better way of making a fashion statement than graphic prints and clashing colours – here are some ideas from St David’s Cardiff to take you from day to night

B

otanical prints are the perfect way to stylishly and seamlessly bring summer into your wardrobe, and Karen Millen’s exclusive botanical print scuba dress (see main pic) is perfect for special celebrations or evening shindigs. The print is inspired by vintage botanical drawings, and the skirt ripples elegantly from the waist for a flattering cut. Style up or down with your favourite strappy sandals or mules.

And Vivienne Westwood’s cool Greek Key Sumo culottes are a sure fashion win; inspired by ancient Greece, the check fabric is printed with a ‘Greek key’ motif. Crafted in a soft cotton blend, they have a cropped, loose fit, with an elasticated waistband and drawstring tie – the perfect piece, whatever this changeable weather is doing.

In need of a bit of evening glamour? Bag yourself some crystal embellishment with the Minty foldover bag from Reiss, featuring all-over metallic beading that will instantly add a graphic tint and sparkle to any look.

With a sleek shape and optional chain strap, it’s as practical as it is striking – slip in your after-dark essentials and swing it over your shoulder as you head out for the night.

All items available at St David’s Dewi Sant in Cardiff at the time of writing. To keep up to date with the latest trends, news and offers, see St David’s on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@ StDavidsCardiff), or online at stdavidscardiff.com 44 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Botanical print Scuba dress, £180, Karen Millen

4

1 3

2

7

6

5

9

8

10

1. Becca midnight printed dress, £180, Reiss 2. Cami silk printed dress by L.K. Bennett, £325, John Lewis 3. Greek Sumo culottes, £285, Vivienne Westwood 4. Brown Fold blouse, £260, Vivienne Westwood 5. Minty embellished foldover bag, £110, Reiss 6. Selena stripe jumpsuit, £119, Coast 7. Penn printed dress by Samsoe & Samsoe, £89.95, John Lewis 8. Floral print silk camisole, £125, Karen Millen 9. Fanfare multi-coloured high heel sandals, £99, Kurt Geiger 10. Kali beige flat low-top trainers, £55, Kurt Geiger www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 45

FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N C A R D I F F

STAND AND DELIVEROO Deliveroo, the on-demand restaurant food delivery service, celebrates its first birthday in Cardiff Since its launch in the city last year, more than 66 restaurants have signed up to Deliveroo, with the creation of more than 80 jobs. “We’ve had a fantastic first year, and the service has been incredibly well-received by local foodies,” said Jeremy Rawlinson, general manager at Deliveroo.

“We’ve served thousands of local customers and we’re looking forward to continuing to bring delicious dishes straight from the hands of Cardiff’s chefs to customers’ doors. And we already have a number of fantastic partners across the city, with some exciting expansion plans in the pipeline to widen the variety of restaurants on offer.”

Dusty Knuckle’s Italian fennel pizza – makes you want to lick the page...

LUST FOR CRUST

For more: deliveroo.co.uk

Dusty Knuckle Pizza in Canton has moved its courtyard to larger premises Dusty Knuckle, one of Cardiff’s homegrown food pop-ups, has moved to larger premises at The PrintHaus arts collective in Canton.

The new site, which also houses 15 resident artists, has enough seating for 50-60 customers, including a large outdoor urban courtyard where guests can happily chomp on their pizzas undercover.

“We never expected to move premises so quickly after launching the restaurant, but we were having to turn customers away

because we were so stretched for space,” said Dusty Knuckle founder Phill Lewis.

“The PrintHaus is a really natural fit for us, as it’s a great urban space with a similar ethos. It already grows its own produce, so our identity will still very much be that of an edible courtyard, and the larger outdoor space allows us to seat a lot more customers than we could before.”

For more: dustyknucklepizza.co.uk, @dusty_knuckle

Who you gonna call? Deliveroo!

FOOD SOS! New café is helping diners ‘eat themselves healthy’ SOS Kitchen, specialising in providing customers with healthy and nutritious food, has opened off Lamby Way in SOS Kitchen’s consultant chef Cardiff, headed John Quill, with co-owners Rebecca up by consultant Edwards and Sam O’Sullivan chef and Paleo nutrition specialist John Quill, who has catered for Olympic athletes, Paralympians and New Zealand’s legendary All Blacks.

Part of fitness facility SOS Athletic Excellence, the brainchild of Rebecca Edwards, Sam O’Sullivan and Gavin Attore, the café offers

a breakfast and lunch menu to help diners reach their fitness goals, with high protein, calorie-controlled dishes made from locally sourced, high quality food.

All dishes are labelled with calorie content and a full macronutrient breakdown, allowing diners to make informed choices about what they eat. The café will also offer a food prep service for those who struggle to find time to cook from scratch.

“You can’t out-train a bad diet, so SOS Kitchen will provide diners with healthy breakfast and lunch options, so they can eat out without undoing all of their good work at the gym,” said Rebecca Edwards.

“All of our dishes here are natural and as close to mother nature as possible, with all diets catered for including vegetarian, vegan and coeliac. Of course, we also offer more traditional café fare to those who want it. But we hope that when people see the quality of our freshly cooked, healthy meals, they will plump for those every time.”

For more: soskitchen.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 47

48 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Le Monde Reassuringly old-fashioned, this classy fish bar and grill is a bit of a city institution – and, having celebrated its 30th birthday last summer, it’s still in very rude health

By SUZ A N N E W I L L I A M S - SM Y T H

C

ardiff city centre’s restaurant scene has changed beyond recognition in recent years – mostly for the (much) better, but too often settling for the kind of chain restaurants one might find on any high street, the length and breadth of the country. Nestled in what is now a somewhat unlovely part of St Mary Street, among betting shops and neon-clad bars serving lurid shots, is one of its hidden gems; one that it’s a relief to find has retained its identity and distinctive character amidst so much blandness.

Le Monde Fish Bar and Grill celebrated its 30th birthday last summer – a feat in itself, given the rapid changes in its surroundings. I must have walked past it a thousand times, and never guessed what an experience I was missing.

Stepping in off the street, one instantly feels that there’s something reassuringly old-fashioned about this place. Black painted walls and ceilings, art deco mirrors, ornate chandeliers and red leather-backed chairs may sound dated, but are, conversely, a breath of fresh air.

The soul music and smartly-dressed but unfussy and attentive waiters are equally reassuring; here’s a restaurant where the best old-school values have been preserved. “This is what Café Rouge is trying to be,” my husband pointed out. It’s true – it’s a bistro with lots of class and no pretensions. Add in a haze of smoke and a sultry sax solo and this could still be 1985.

The same can be said of the food. A fish- and meat-lover’s dream, there are no airs and graces on the menu, just old favourites. The kitchen is on full display (why is it such a pleasure to watch someone cook your dinner?), as are the meat and fish. It’s a cruel trick to make you walk past the counter, with its glistening shellfish, whole salmon and lobster and mouthwatering

HERE’S A RESTAURANT WHERE THE BEST OLD SCHOOL VALUES HAVE BEEN PRESERVED

steaks, on your way to the table – very tempting.

I started with what the menu called a pair of king prawns (but which, for some reason, brought a friend with them – I’m certainly not complaining), all three swimming in a moreish white wine and garlic butter sauce, while he ordered assiette of smoked fish: a neat, delicious trio of salmon, mackerel and trout. A very promising start.

Our main courses were packed with flavour, if a little lacking in texture. Steak fillet was perfectly cooked, and with another of those sauces you’d drink from a mug if they offered it to you (I chose creamy mushroom and leek). Sides were exceptional; we tried the steamed asparagus and a fresh rocket, watercress and parmesan salad, and wolfed down some of the best homemade chips I’ve had in years. The red snapper was a little unwieldy, but the mustard sauce gave it a lovely kick.

Desserts are every bit as retro; I plumped for strawberry pavlova, piled high with fruit and drenched in cream.

There’s a fulsome wine list too, of course, but also a comprehensive cocktail bar.

I can’t say it was a perfect evening; one habit of older restaurants which I’m glad to see the back of is salad served on hot plates, so that they wilt and wither before they’ve reached the table; and the pannacotta had none of the wobble you’d hope for.

But the suits and pearls in the know who come here – and they clearly come here in high numbers – don’t come for the detail, but for the experience, and there’s nowhere quite like it in this city for that.

There’s little on the menu here that isn’t done well in other restaurants a stone’s throw away. But none of them will give you the same continental, grown-up, tipsy kick as Le Monde.

Perhaps inevitably, and certainly forgivably, there are signs that management want to modernise the place a bit; there are adverts aplenty for afternoon tea (hard to picture in such a dark room). I certainly hope they don’t change too much. Le Monde is, we concluded as we left, a place that feels like a permanent Friday night. And who doesn’t want that?

DINING DETAILS Le Monde, 60-62 St Mary Street, Cardiff CF10 1FE; Tel: 02920 387376, le-monde.co.uk Opening hours Monday to Thursday, noon to 2.30pm and 6-10pm, Friday & Saturday noon to 2am, open on Bank Holiday Sundays Prices Starters from £5.75, mains from £13.95; two-course lunch £12, three courses £15 Drinks list Extensive wine list plus cocktail bar (cocktail masterclasses available!) Service/atmosphere Impeccable, lively atmos

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 49

F O O D A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

MR VILLA’S – A RESTAURANT FOR LOVERS OF GOOD FOOD Dishing up everything from fish and chips to Sunday roasts, new restaurant MR VILLA’S in Barry promises the finest and freshest local produce, simply cooked

G

reat ingredients, simply cooked – that’s the food philosophy which has kept Christine and Beppe Villa at the top of the culinary league in South Wales for a long time.

Now they’ve applied that philosophy to their newest venture, Mr Villa’s fish and chip restaurant and oyster bar.

“We buy our fish (always fresh!) from Ashtons and Snowdens in Cardiff, and our meat from Vic Hopkins and Marshalls of Barry,” says Beppe. “We believe in using the finest fresh local produce we can lay our hands on.”

50 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Dishes include scallops roasted in their shells, Dover sole, hake in a beurre blanc sauce, mussels and vongole, king prawns in garlic butter, roasted mixed shellfish and the perennially popular cod and chips – with smashed fresh peas – which patrons travel for miles to eat. Christine and Beppe love to visit Langland Bay on Gower to gather laverbread for their cockles, bacon and homemade laverbread, too.

There are always at least four meat dishes on the menu. A gorgeous Sunday roast, or pan-fried free range chicken in lemon and rosemary, steaks, homemade beef burgers or Mrs Villa’s famous steak and kidney pie.

Wines are from the Oxford Wine company and Fine Wines Direct of Cardiff. And children are also well looked after, with freshly-made fish lollipops, spaghetti, sausages and mash, mini beefburgers and chips on offer.

The restaurant is in a delightful parade of small shops and cafés, within a stone’s throw of the beach and the boating lake at The Knap in Barry. It’s just a mile from the famous beach and funfair, but its peaceful setting could be a world away.

For Christine, it’s a welcome return home to Barry, the town she left for Brighton, in order to pursue her passion for cooking.

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E F O O D

WIN

A MEAL FOR FOUR

“Beppe and I were both working in restaurants in Brighton, after I’d finished my catering studies, and Beppe had come to England from his home near Milan to improve his English,” recalls Christine. “He was living in a flat in the same block as me, but had lost his key, so knocked on my door for help. For me, it was love at first sight!”

The couple worked in London and Cornwall before coming home to Wales.

Beppe manged the New Continental in Cardiff, before opening their first restaurant, Colhugh Villa in Llantwit Major.

Many will remember their fish restaurant, Mulligans, which was on the A48 near Cowbridge, with a beautifully appointed branch in Bristol.

They also ran Quaintways and Italian Joe’s in Llantwit Major, before concentrating on their outside catering business, the Really Fresh Food Company, which caters for all sorts of special occasions.

“The outside catering business is still as busy as ever,” says Christine. “The Really Fresh Food Company is the preferred caterer at Fonmon Castle, the wedding and events venue near Cardiff Airport. The company also caters for marquees and private homes.”

So why the move back into the restaurant business? “We just love it!” laughs Christine.

“The site came up and we thought, ‘What a fantastic place for a fish restaurant!’”

The couple chose a nautically themed, blue and white striped décor with an open kitchen, so diners can watch their food being cooked – all dishes are cooked to order. Christine is also responsible for the homemade puds, amongst them lemon tart, chocolate brownies, hazelnut meringue, caramelised oranges, and her very popular ‘proper’ rice pudding.

Just want a snack and a drink? No problem – you can choose from Mr Villa’s snacks and light meal menu. How about a round of fresh crab or egg mayonnaise sandwiches, onion tart, smoked salmon or a salmon fishcake with salad? Or a cake or pud with coffee?

“It really is all about the dishes here,” says Christine. “Mr Villa’s is a restaurant for lovers of good food, and that’s it – pure and simple.”

DAILY SPECIALS MENU 2 courses for £10.50, 3 courses for £12.95.

Call us to make a reservation!

Mr Villa’s, 3-4 Bron-Y-Mor, The Knap, Barry, CF62 6SW is open from 12 noon to 10pm, with last food orders at 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Reservations on 01446 730662 Email: enquiries@mrvillasbarry.

Facebook: mrvillasbarry Twitter: Mr_Villas_Barry

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

Mercure’s spa uses Skin Regimen elixirs

Relax in (yes!) the relaxation room

MERCURE SPA Hidden away from the noise and traffic of Newport Road, a fragrant sanctuary is poised to offer you the utmost in pampering treatments

T

By DE R I ROBI NS here are Moroccan lanterns adorning the front of Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa on Newport Road.

These aren’t quite as incongruous as you might think. Even before I’d spotted them, I’d been reminded of a past trip to Marrakech: the taxi driver had insisted that the dusty street he’d stopped at was the correct address for our five-star riad, but it was only when we’d stepped through an unpromising gateway into a fragrant courtyard filled with orange trees and birdsong that we believed him.

Style icons Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe adorn the walls

Newport Road is a bit plusher than my Moroccan side street, but not a lot, and I’m allowed to say this because I was born on Glossop Road. The outside of the hotel, too, is a bit Cardiff-turn-of-the-century-generic.

But once the entrance doors of the Mercure slide open, the traffic, noise and dust are forgotten; inside, it’s elegant, contemporary and really rather swish.

It smells lush too, probably because the spa reception is on this floor; though once I’ve been checked in, I’m led upstairs, past a vast and enticing-looking bar area (I do like a bar next to a spa) and along hushed corridors dominated by a collage featuring those contrasting icons of feminine beauty, La Hepburn and La Monroe. It’s good to have something to aim at, I suppose.

I’m in for the Skin Regimen Longevity Facial, one of the spa’s new Comfort Zone treatments. Therapist Natalie proves to be refreshingly down to earth, offering useful nuggets about skincare without flagging the chosen product range to death.

Naturally the cleansers, peels (tingly!) and moisturisers all smell divine – not like fruit or chocolate or honey, like some spa products do; just how luxury smells.

Natalie uses a light finger massage (roulage) that feels a bit as if someone’s doing ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ up and down your face; it’s like a gym for the skin, releasing muscle stress and stimulating collagen; this should, she says, become part of my regular night-time routine. We’ll see.

A LARGE COLLAGE FEATURES THOSE ICONS OF FEMININE BEAUTY, HEPBURN AND MONROE; IT’S GOOD TO HAVE SOMETHING TO AIM AT I also like her use of the phrase ‘the popcorn effect’, as an analogy of the way that the skin layers hydrate and bloom once serum has opened the way for the moisturiser to soak in. When she’s finished, my skin feels as plump and dewy as a baby’s cheek, and I can see that the lines round my eyes are notably reduced.

I’m also treated to an Orly pedicure, and so this can dry properly I am wafted along to the relaxation room; I know that, strictly speaking, I should drink water after a treatment, but I really fancy a coffee, and Natalie doesn’t bat an eyelid.

This is why I liked the Mercure so much.

The treatments are highly effective, you feel thoroughly pampered, but not remotely lectured; oh, and nobody strikes a stupid little gong at the end of your treatment, as if you’d both been through some deeply spiritual experience.

Now, about that bar... CL Skin Regimen Longevity Facial, £45; Pedicure, £28; Mercure Cardiff, 24-26 Newport Rd, Cardiff 02920 435000; mercure.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 53

Toci Wood and Nick Miles

More adventures in party-going

SNAPPED!

Mo Syed and Gavin Rickard

AC ROS S CA R D I FF, O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

’KIN GREAT KIN+ILK hosted a launch party to celebrate the opening of its second café bar on Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, with guests treated to wines and tasty treats from its new menu.

Angela Gidden and guests

For more: kinandilk.com Photos by Alex Jenkins (alexlloydjenkins.com)

Neil Cocker and Aimee Bateman Morgan Griffiths and Amy Williams

Darren Witts and Fiona Campbell

54 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Tim Nurse and Catherine O’Shea

SOCIETY

CYMRU ROCKS!

Daisy’s Dressing-Up Box

Tafwyl, Cardiff’s Welsh arts and culture festival, recently took place at Cardiff Castle, with a record-breaking 36,500 people attending over the festival weekend.

Highlights included a performance by 90s girl band Eden, cooking sessions with Bryn Williams, head chef at Michelinstarred restaurant Odette’s, and indie rockers Candelas, leading the crowd in a rendition of the Euro 2016 anthem Rhedeg i Paris.

“It was a fantastic weekend once again this year,” said Sian Lewis, chief executive of Tafwyl organisers Menter Caerdydd. “It was lovely to be able to welcome so many people to celebrate Welsh culture with us.”

For more: tafwyl.org Photos by Kristina Banholzer (kristinabanholzerphotography.com)

Alys Williams

90s girl band Eden Indie rockers Candelas

Performance/dance theatre trio Kitsch n Sync Collective

Rock on!

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 55

SOCIETY

JUMP TO IT Go Air, Wales’ largest trampoline park, hosted an epic charity trampoline dodgeball event in aid of #StayStrongForOws – the fundraising and awareness campaign for injured Cardiff Blues player Owen Williams.

Compered by Capital FM’s Matt Lissack, the evening saw teams from S3 Marketing, Yard Digital, Brains, Peters Pies, Bartholomew Hawkins Financial Advisors and the Cardiff Dragons battle it out for top honours, raising over £500 for a great cause.

For more: goairtrampolinepark.co.uk staystrongforows.com

Mike Dacey, Sam Rogers, Phil Treen, Ben James, Stephen Norman and Luke Potts

Team S3: ready to play!

Team Go Air: Karl Burns, Lloyd Walker, Charlie Spring, Stuart Quest, Dan Wood, Dale O’Brien and Lee Roy Lewis

Amie Jones and Scott Esnouf (Cardiff Dragons) and Go Air team up The boys from Peter’s Pies

Go Air MD Lisa Entwistle-Evans with event host Matt Lissack (Capital FM)

56 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY Event host Gethin Jones and Susie Amy

CHUKK AS AWAY! More than 2,500 people enjoyed a glamorous afternoon of sporting action at this year’s Polo At The Manor event, held at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort. A polo village for spectators featured live music, bars and food outlets, including A Taste Of Cen, by 2013 MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen.

Sir Terry Matthews, owner of Celtic Manor Resort

For more: celtic-manor.com

The Bright family: (L-R) Dave, Georgia, Roma, Debbie, Lydia and Freddie

Horsing around‌

Josie Gibson

A sizeable crowd turned up to watch

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 57

SOCIETY

BIRTHDAY BUBBLES PR and marketing consultancy Cowshed celebrated its second birthday at its city centre offices in Cardiff. Clients and friends toasted the company’s success, which has seen it double in size and win coveted new clients since setting up in 2014.

For more: wearecowshed.co.uk

David Francis (Johnson Matthey) and Geraint Thomas (Heavenly)

Will Barker and Christian Amodeo (I Loves The Diff)

Stacey Oliver (Cowshed), Kathryn Williams and Karen Price (both Wales Online)

Aaron McManamon (Hello Starling), John Rhys (Heavenly), James Robinson and Angharad Edwards (both Hello Starling)

The Cowshed team: (Back, L-R) Camila Araya-Larrain, Stacey Oliver and Hollie Jones; (Front, L-R) Kate Mann, Vicki Spencer Francis, Alex Gravell and Cerys Palmer Cerys Palmer, Alex Gravell (both Cowshed) and Fflur Lawton (Smart Energy GB) 58 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

HOUSE CALL

Lesley Taylor and Deb Steward

Interior design company Taylors Etc held its latest client evening at its Colchester Avenue lifestyle store in Penylan, to showcase its latest interiors products and ranges.

For more: taylorsetc.co.uk Photos by Aga Hosking (agahosking.com)

Joanne Staniforth and Claire Gillard

Zoe Curtis, Ricardo Vieira, Ceri Evans and Hayley Martin

ALL-NATURAL

Organic beauty salon and holistic therapy boutique Luna held a launch party for invited guests at its new premises in Whitchurch. “Our clients look for ethical, sustainable, high-quality beauty products and treatments,” said owner Samantha Davies. “Most of the Luna Organic Skincare range is made by hand in small batches by us – using certified organic ingredients – in our workshop in Cardiff.”

For more: lunaorganicbeautyboutiquecardiff.co.uk

Jeanette Daniels, Carol Ward, Sophie Daniels and Lucy Daniels

Rachel Webber and Nicola Jones (both Luna Boutique)

Samantha Davies (salon owner) and Julie Morgan

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 59

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

THE CARDIFF CLINIC Bringing together a group of experienced specialists in all areas of non-invasive cosmetic treatments, dermatology and plastic surgery

O

verseen by consultant plastic surgeon Mr Richard Karoo FRCS(Plast) and clinic director Hayley Redway, The Cardiff Clinic is the most exclusive clinic of this type in the city, bridging the gap between cosmetic surgery, non-surgical cosmetics and beauty skin therapies.

What gave you the idea of creating The Cardiff Clinic?

Over many years of practice, we had seen the number of patients requesting non-surgical treatments increasing, wanting their treatment to be undertaken with a qualified plastic surgeon. Over time, it was felt that to create a luxury boutique setting – as one would expect in London – was long overdue in Cardiff.

Cathedral Road in Pontcanna felt like the perfect setting.

The setting, in your Victorian town house, is indeed lovely, but what about the treatments on offer?

When it comes to our treatments, we aim for a natural, refreshed look, delivered by the

Above: Hayley Redway Right: Richard Karoo

appropriate highly trained members of the team. Our philosophy is simple – to provide patients with honest and safe advice.

From the initial consultation, treatment, and through to your aftercare, we aim for the highest standards of care and quality possible, giving you a positive experience.

Treatments can range from anti-wrinkle injections, fillers for mid-face, nasal and lip enhancement, chemical peels and semipermanent make-up, all the way to the awardwinning Exilis Elite body contouring machine and advice on cosmetic surgery procedures.

So I guess this broad spectrum of knowledge is your USP? Absolutely! The fact that we can direct the patient to a sensible solution to their cosmetic needs with the help of a plastic surgeon means that no-one coming to the clinic is offered a limited treatment range. Armed with sound advice, it is then for the patient to decide how they wish to proceed.

Hayley, have you had any treatments yourself, or are there particular ones you would recommend?

Personally, the only treatment I’ve had is with the Exilis Elite body contouring/skin tightening device – this worked really well on my thighs and arms. We are the only clinic in Wales with this machine, and patients from Bristol and the South West have travelled to us for this treatment.

For body contouring, the hand-piece is placed on the skin, reducing fatty deposits and tightening areas of mild skin laxity, with no downtime. Of course, if large pockets of fat or excessive skin laxity are present, surgery is the only sensible solution.

Why do you think cosmetic treatments have grown in popularity in recent years?

We all like to take some pride in our appearance, be it the way we apply makeup, style our hair, work out in the gym or by the clothes we wear, but when undertaken well, cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, can also be a truly positive experience to make you feel good about yourself.

Whether socially or at work, one’s selfconfidence can dramatically change – posttreatment, many of our patients find a real spring in their step. Seeing positive results and receiving thanks from all those we’ve helped is what makes this field such a pleasurable one to specialise in.

So, what’s next for The Cardiff Clinic?

We have just launched our beauty rooms.

Our beauty therapist Lisa has a range of treatments from massages to facials using Jan Marini products. Lisa offers free skin consultations, and – especially at this time of year – she gives advice on protecting the skin from UV damage. Overall, we will continue to focus on high quality aesthetic treatments for all of our patients and, as always, provide sound, honest advice.

116 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna; Consultations and treatments: Booking: 02920 256498 www.thecardiffclinic.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 61

St John’s College, Cardiff

A leading independent day school for boys & girls aged 3–18 Choir School to Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral

Top School in Wales in The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ - November 2015

A Level Results 2015: A*/A - 78% A*/A/B - 96.8% Pass Rate - 100% Nursery & Infants

●

Juniors

●

Seniors

●

Sixth Form

Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit:

02920 778936

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Charity No. 701294

Shake-ups/launches/successes/promotions

CA R D I FF G E T S S ER I O US

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

Queen Bey in Cardiff – but all is not as it seems...

THE BIG STORY

‘BEYONCÉ’ SPOTTED IN CARDIFF Recent sightings of Beyoncé around Cardiff were actually a ruse by Walesbased training provider ACT and a hired impersonator – cheeky!

ACT and advertising agency The Media Angel hired the Beyoncé lookalike to tie in with Queen Bey’s recent Formation world tour date at the city’s Principality Stadium. The PR stunt was carried out in a bid to raise awareness amongst young people of the apprenticeship schemes that ACT has on offer.

Gemma Shaw, who has worked as a Beyoncé lookalike for three years, travelled around in an ACT-branded taxi and interacted with fans around Cardiff. Followed by ‘paparazzi’ and accompanied by an entourage, Gemma handed out details of ACT’s apprenticeship schemes.

The first sighting of ‘Beyoncé’ was on Wednesday evening, when Gemma arrived at the Park Plaza hotel in the city centre, and was photographed having a drink with ACT brand ambassador and rugby legend Jonathan Davies.

On the day of the concert, Gemma visited ACT apprentices in their workplaces, to use their services

and help promote apprenticeship schemes. She also grabbed a coffee at The Early Bird café in Cathays and had her hair done at the Vanilla Rooms salon. As you’d expect, Twitter went into near-meltdown.

“Beyoncé lookalike Gemma was spotted all over Cardiff and we’ve had a great reaction on social media,” said Jayne McGill Harris, ACT Training’s marketing and PR manager. “We’re hoping that the extra attention our channels are receiving will help to raise awareness of the options available for young people to live, learn and earn with apprenticeships.”

ACT Training offers a range of apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships which can help businesses upskill their existing workforces by offering accredited qualifications in over 30 areas including beauty, IT, professional services, and teamleading and management.

For more: acttraining.org.uk

“AS A CARDIFF GIRL, I’VE WITNESSED THE GROWTH AND BUZZ THAT’S DEVELOPED AROUND WELSH MUSIC, CULTURE AND LITERATURE” Yay, go Wales! Who’s championing Welsh arts? Find out on page 66…

244m

THE BIG NUMBER

That’s the estimated net amount Wales stands to lose from Brexit…

Find out more on page 64

Got a business news story for us? Email vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 63

BUSINESS INSIDER (Below) Vale Resort’s marketing manager Steph Metson (right), pictured with e-commerce executive Molly Mann

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS WINNER’S PROFILE

VALE RESORT Steph Metson, marketing manager at the Vale Resort in Hensol, winner of the Leisure & Tourism category at the 2015 Cardiff Life Awards, on the Resort’s diverse offering, Brexit and having lunch with Jilly Cooper So, how did it feel to win a Cardiff Life Award?

I was absolutely delighted! To be crowned winners from among such a competitive field was a real coup for us.

What was it about your year/nomination that clinched it, do you think?

We have worked hard at attracting major sporting teams over the last few years, who stay at the Vale Resort to take advantage of our first-class sporting facilities. These have included the British Lions as well as the French, Argentinian and Welsh rugby teams, ahead of last year’s Rugby World Cup. Obviously, having the Wales football team staying with us before heading off to the Euros has definitely heightened our profile nationally.

What did you enjoy most about Awards night?

It was a great evening from beginning to end, but meeting Mark Lewis Jones from Stella was a definite highlight!

Where is your Award now?

It has pride of place in our hotel reception, for all to see!

As a hotel, what is it that particularly makes the Vale Resort stand out?

Our fabulous rural location, diverse product offering and dedicated team of fantastic staff. And where else can you exclusively hire an entire 400-year-old Grade I castle [Hensol Castle] for a wedding or business event, while staying in the adjacent contemporary hotel that’s kitted out with the latest technology and amenities? Together with our sporting excellence as home to the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff City FC and Cardiff Blues RFC, it gives us a unique positioning over our competitors.

How’s business at the moment?

We have just celebrated a record first quarter, and we’re in the middle of a very busy wedding season – so business is very good!

As marketing manager, what does your role generally entail?

To ensure our brand, its values and our product offering are successfully marketed and 64 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

FORWARD THINKING BREXIT, SCHMEXIT

communicated to our core business markets. This includes everything from managing a send-off for the Wales football team, all media advertising requirements, PR and resort social media and digital marketing planning. I’m very hands-on and like to roll my sleeves up. You sometimes even find me helping to put up the Christmas decorations!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The range of different brands I work on under the umbrella of the Vale Resort. In any one day, I can be working on a campaign to promote spa days, thinking of how we make the Welsh football team feel at home, or filling our kids camps during the summer holiday. There is never a dull moment!

What’s new at the Resort?

We are currently extending our Vale Grill restaurant to provide us with an additional 43 covers, as well as being able to offer a private dining experience and beautiful afternoon tea area complete with stunning views of the golf course and countryside. And we’re still refurbishing Hensol Castle – it’s currently open as a conference and wedding venue, but we’re adding luxury bedrooms and a top-end restaurant which are due to open in summer 2017.

Which other local businesses do you admire?

The Elephant and Bun is an independent deli in Cowbridge that does amazing food.

What does the future hold for the hotel/leisure industry in 2016?

That’s a good question – I think the answer is ‘uncertainty’! After Brexit, and the pound weakening against the euro and the dollar, there may well be a rise in staycation breaks as well as visitors from abroad, which will be great for the leisure industry.

But it really is too early to tell.

Tell us a secret about yourself...

I once had lunch with Jilly Cooper around about the same time as she was researching her novel, Wicked.

Little did I know that I would get a credit in the final copy of the book!

For more: vale-hotel.com

The impact of Brexit is already being felt, says team-building guru ANDREA CALLANAN, founder of inspireMe ‘The personal is political’ is a 1960s political argument which outlined the connections between personal experience and larger sociopolitical structures; it’s a saying that resonates very much with Brexit.

I was devastated with the referendum result. For me, this referendum was not about immigration, as it has been for many – it was about government infighting, resulting in a broken trade agreement that will affect business, the economy and individuals on a huge scale. Both the ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ campaigns were misleading, often deliberately vague and full of rhetoric and propaganda.

Regardless of which side we supported, the impact on our communities is already being felt.

I feel bereft at the potential loss of the single market, and particularly the community and business support Wales has benefited from in recent years. According to Cardiff University research, Wales’ estimated contribution to the EU budget in 2014 was £414 million, and we got back around £658 million. That means we got an estimated net benefit of around £244 million.

So the bottom line is that Wales has been massively boosted by being part of the EU. I’m hoping we can still negotiate a deal going forward which will benefit us.

It’s said that you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs, but only time will tell whether that will ring true in the coming months.

Sing & Inspire are a Cardiffbased team-building and training company. For more info, see singandinspire.com and inspiremegroup.com

BUSINESS INSIDER

BREAKING NEWS

TRIPLE WHAMMY

Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing and important local business stories happening right now…

WINNING DESIGNS Cardiff and Vale College’s striking, wedge-shaped campus is just one of the buildings shortlisted for this year’s National Eisteddfod of Wales’ Gold Medal for Architecture, supported by the Design Commission for Wales and Royal Society of Architects in Wales. The Gold Medal recognises the importance of architecture and honours architects achieving the highest design standards.

The College’s contemporary campus building is located on a two-hectare site offering state-ofthe-art amenities and learning facilities, with a fine dining restaurant on the sixth floor.

Drawing inspiration from Cardiff’s arcades while incorporating sleek and spacious design,

1

BDP Architects have created a campus that adds vitality to its urban site.

“The broad range of projects this year is encouraging, as is their ingenuity,” said Gayna Jones, chair of the Design Commission for Wales.

“Learning, heritage and cultural life feature strongly in a range of settings, with the common factor being that each project demonstrates the skill of designers and the transformational impact of very good design.”

The Gold Medal winner will be announced on 30 July.

For more: dcfw.org

2

FEST BEHAVIOUR The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the trade association that represents UK festival organisers, has announced details of its 2016 Festival Congress, which will take place in Cardiff for the third year running, at Wales Millennium Centre from 1-2 November.

Playing host to over 400 delegates in a celebration of the independent festival industry, the programme will, as always, include the Festival Congress Awards, which take place at The Depot venue on Dumballs Road, with a street food banquet and DJ/Bestival founder Rob da

3 Hazel Cushion, owner of new bookshop Octavo’s in Cardiff Bay

That’ll have someone’s eye out, if they’re not careful

Bank’s ‘Purple Rave’, a tribute to music legend Prince.

“Festival Congress is the one time in the year when independent festival professionals and the wider industry can get together and share their experiences, so we’re putting together a fantastic programme,” said Paul Reed, general manager of AIF. “From our legendary Congress party and awards to a brilliant line-up of speakers, it’s going to be a really special, jam-packed couple of days.”

Paul Reed, Rob da Bank and Jim Mawdsley at last year’s Festival Congress

For more: festivalcongress.com

TAKE IT AS READ Located in Cardiff Bay, new city bookshop, café and wine bar Octavo’s has bagged a national award – just a few weeks after opening its doors.

The bookshop won the prestigious ‘bookshop of the month’ accolade from Caboodle, the National Book Tokens rewards programme, in recognition of its stellar activities and events held during Independent Bookshop Week, including masterclasses, book launches, writers-in-

residence and author Q&As (from their sister company Accent Press).

“We are utterly delighted to be named Bookshop of the Month, [especially] as we are so new,” said Octavo’s founder Hazel Cushion. “We aim to provide a communityfocused establishment, where customers can come and enjoy gourmet food and relax with coffee and a good book.”

For more: @Octavo_Books

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 65

BUSINESS INSIDER

THE BIZ Q&A

SIAN LEWIS The chief executive of Menter Caerdydd, which promotes use of the Welsh language in Cardiff, talks about the buzz surrounding Welsh culture and Yr Hen Lyfrgell, the city’s recentlyopened cultural centre Tell us more about what Menter Caerdydd does...

We create opportunities for the people of Cardiff to make use of their Welsh language skills. The Welsh language is growing, and there’s a great demand for services.

Menter Caerdydd is at the forefront of delivering social opportunities in the capital, and we have over 40,000 service users.

What does your job entail?

Safeguarding and accessing funding, and creating partnership opportunities in order to see the Welsh language thrive in Cardiff.

There seems to be a heightened buzz around Welsh culture at the moment (the popularity of Cardiff’s recent Welsh language arts/culture festival Tafwyl, organised by Menter Caerdydd, being a prime example) – what’s your take on it all?

As a Cardiff girl, I’ve witnessed the growth and buzz that’s developed around the Welsh music, culture and literature scene over the past 20 years. It’s great to see so many Welsh language events being recognised as part of the social calendar in Cardiff. Numerous partners have worked diligently for a number of years to create this buzz, and I’m very proud that Tafwyl is one of the focal points of the social scene within the city.

You’re also one of the partners behind the recentlyopened Yr Hen Lyfrgell, Cardiff’s first Welsh cultural centre – what does it offer?

Yr Hen Lyfrgell offers the opportunity to anyone, whatever language they speak and wherever they come from, to immerse themselves in the Welsh language scene for a while. There’s a lovely relaxed atmosphere, with a kitchen bar, a shop selling wonderful Welsh products, teaching rooms to learn Welsh, meeting rooms and a full programme of activities and events. We’ve had comedy nights, acoustic gigs, pub quizzes, pop-up markets, yoga and photography courses and more. With our big screen, the atmosphere during the Euros has been amazing, with the crowds singing anthems and football songs in fourpart harmonies!

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The creative elements and freedom to develop that comes with the job, the people and partners that I work with, and the fact that they understand and respect the importance of the Welsh language agenda within our services. And seeing people use their Welsh language skills because of our work always brings a smile of satisfaction to my face!

66 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Sian Lewis: “Seeing people speak Welsh because of our work always brings a smile to my face”

Who has been your main career influence and/or role model?

Every woman that contributes towards breaking down the gender barriers that face women in the workplace is a role model to me!

Best bit of career advice you’ve ever been given?

Trust your instinct and say ‘yes’ to more things (my colleagues will be able to relate to this!).

Greatest professional achievement to date?

Tafwyl, and developing Menter Caerdydd to be one of the most prominent language initiatives in Wales.

How important is social media to your work?

Essential – best advertising tool ever invented for those on a very tight marketing budget!

YR HEN LYFRGELL HAS A LOVELY RELAXED FEEL

If you weren’t working in this industry, what other field would you be in?

I would have enjoyed running my own business, possibly within the events/tourism field.

Favourite place for business lunch or dinner in Cardiff (not including Yr Hen Lyfrgell)?

Lolfa Thai Lounge in Whitchurch – excellent food and service. And since it’s my local, there’s no need for a taxi home!

What do you do in your spare time?

Keeping fit – I recently participated in a paddleboarding course in Cardiff Bay. And I enjoy my weekly bootcamp lessons with the wonderful Cadi Fon (cadifon.co.uk), running and, of course, socialising with friends and family.

Surprise us with a little-known fact…

My guilty pleasure is watching Dog The Bounty Hunter!

For more: mentercaerdydd.org, yrhenlyfrgell.wales

Cardiff Life

is now available to download. www.mediaclash.co.uk

Cwrt Cefn Lisvane Occupying a delightfully secluded position on the edge of the small and select private development of Cwrt Cefn, this spacious modern detached property, is situated at the end of a long driveway, with a southerly rear aspect over ample lawned gardens. A spacious modern detached house, built in 1975, extended greatly circa 2009 by the present owners, substantially built with cavity elevations finished in textured white render, inset with relief panels of treated timber work, under a mono pitched roof of interlocking tiles. The property is of ultra-modern design and will appeal particularly to those who appreciate something a little different. The family sized accommodation is laid out largely on two floors, with a mezzanine entrance level, making it a short distance only to the upper floor living rooms and the lower floor bedrooms and bathrooms. The property is well served by gas heating with panel radiators and a conventional boiler (2006), good quality vinyl floor coverings, contemporary wood panel internal doors, and stylish white PVC double glazed windows, french doors and bi-folding doors throughout. The property is located within a quiet residential close, set back off Mill Road, with elevated views across a private lawned garden. In recent years the property has been extended providing a charming first floor enclosed balcony, approached from both the 31 ft lounge and sitting room as well as a well fitted 21 ft open plan kitchen and breakfast room. There is also a separate study/office, a 19 ft formal dining room, a downstairs cloak room with a modern white suite and a separate utility/second kitchen (10’1 x 7’5). A three/four car entrance drive approaches a large attached garage (16’4 x 14’8) with courtesy door to the accommodation. The rear gardens are wide and private, comprising a level neat lawn, screened by high laurel hedgerow affording maximum privacy, and approached from both a versatile garden room (18’0 x 9’9) via bi-folding doors as well a quirky spiral staircase from the first floor balcony. The lower floor comprises four double sized bedrooms and a modern white family bathroom with separate shower, whilst the master bedroom (14’3 x 12’10) also boasts a large ensuite shower room with modern white fittings.

For sale with PA Black Llanishen on 02920 618552

£599,950

Parkview Apartments City Centre A superior sixth floor executive two bedroom luxury apartment, positioned above the prestigious Park Plaza Hotel with exclusive use of both the Gym and Swimming pool on application, together with a secure basement residents car park with individual parking bays. This fabulous City Centre Apartment offers stunning accommodation with two of the bedrooms both double in size and each with their own Ensuite bathrooms. A large entrance hall leads to a fully fitted quality kitchen, lounge and dining room (31 ft x 27 ft), leading onto a wide private roof garden. Off the hall there is a further cloak room with a stylish luxury white suite, two utility cupboards and a cloak hanging cupboard. The large 55 ft wide full size balcony enjoys wide ranging views across the City centre and to the Bay. There is a private numbered parking bay positioned within the residents car park, secure and able to accommodate an estate vehicle. Accessed via a smart and secure entrance foyer with Concierge and video operated telecom door entry system, the apartment provides secure private city centre living with an extensive range of facilities all within a few minutes walking distance including within just 12 minutešs walk to Cardiff Central mainline station, making journeys to London and other parts of the UK convenient. This capacious apartment is located on the sixth floor and includes double glazed windows, UNDER FLOOR HEATING., an intruder alarm, oak floors, LED spotlights, a surround sound music system, stylish internal doors and remote controlled lighting.

For sale with PA Black Albany Road on 02920 462246

ÂŁ499,950

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

70 112I I CARDIFF CLIFTONLIFE LIFE I I www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

Privacy and seclusion, charming gardens, superb views – this high-spec little gem in Aberthin has an awful lot going for it

By K AT I E K I SSOON

www.mediaclash.co.ukI I CLIFTON CARDIFFLIFE LIFE I I 113 71 www.mediaclash.co.uk

B

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

L

ocated near Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan, Aberthin is one of those gorgeous, sleepy little villages that you can’t help but fall in love with at first sight. Stonebuilt cottages happily sit side-by-side with more modern properties, surrounded by farmland, two thriving watering holes – including Cardiff Life Award-winning ale and food house The Hare & Hounds – and a village hall, a real community hub.

If all that sounds good, it’s about to get even better; this month’s showcase property, Brooklands, is a real cracker.

Contemporary and spacious, and set in an elevated location, it’s an immaculate, high-spec home with superb views of the countryside all around.

Approached via a private driveway, a wrought iron gate opens into a pretty garden, where a gabled entrance porch provides access to the property. Once inside, you’re greeted by a large, modern open-plan kitchen with sitting and dining areas, luxury German-designed fitted units with granite worktops, an oak-topped breakfast bar, an extensive range of integrated appliances and a cast iron wood-burning fire.

Further on, the large living room feels really homely and welcoming, with another wood-burning fire and a broad picture window from which you can enjoy some of those fine rural views across to Cowbridge common and beyond, and a set of bi-fold doors that open out onto a decked seating area. At the back of the house, there’s an additional reception room, ideal for use as a study or playroom, and a double bedroom with its own en-suite and bi-fold doors leading to the rear garden.

Upstairs, you’ll find the remaining four bedrooms.

The principal bedroom has a dressing room, an en-suite shower and fabulous views over the gardens and surrounding countryside, while the other double 72 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Brooklands has been remodelled into a truly exceptional contemporary abode

HOUSE NUMBERS Brooklands, Pen-y-Lan Road, Aberthin

5

bedrooms

2

reception rooms

3

bathrooms

1

bedrooms are serviced by a large, modern bathroom.

Outside, the generously-sized garden has been newly landscaped with a lawn, hedged boundaries and herbaceous shrubs. There’s also a low-maintenance paved and artificial turf garden at the side of the house, with laurel hedges and floral beds, along with a separate detached garage block, with plenty of space for two vehicles. Above the garage is another room of the same size, currently used as storage, with great potential for conversion to a home office or playroom. So, the dotted line awaits – maybe see you at the Hare & Hounds for an ale or two to celebrate?

open-plan kitchen

£799,950 price

For more info, contact Savills, 12 Windsor Place, Cardiff CF14 1DJ; Tel: 02920 368930, savills.co.uk

E S TAT E A G E N T S A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

MEET THE ESTATE AGENT What is it that makes a good estate agent?

Some of Cardiff’s best tell us what they do – and why you should use them

BRADLEY DAVID

SARAH JONES

So – how long have you been established?

We have been established over 20 years with our office in North Cardiff, strategically placed in the heart of Whitchurch Village. We are a local family-run business, living and working in the area.

What do you specialise in?

Moginie James has five offices across Cardiff, each specialising in residential sales, lettings, property management and investment markets. I specialise in lettings, but my experience of working in sales in the past has come in handy in our busy, dual-discipline, bilingual office in Pontcanna.

As well as being named Cardiff Life’s best estate agent of the year 2016, I feel particularly proud to work in the Pontcanna office, as we are currently rated 8th best estate agent in the UK for customer service by RaterAgent.

We recommend works that need to be carried out, which have to be orchestrated in a timely fashion before the new tenants take occupation.

Alongside the two processes, I check everything to ensure that the landlord, and ourselves, remain compliant in terms of our legal and statutory obligations which can involve checking gas safety, PAT certificate, EPC, electrical certificate, HMO licence if applicable and Rent Smart registration. I then draw up the tenancy agreements and liaise between all parties to ensure the move goes well.

What does your role involve?

Before our new tenants move into the lovely new homes that we’ve found for them, they have to undergo a stringent referencing process which includes credit, affordability and employment checks and a landlord reference. We monitor all these checks, and continually update the landlord.

While this process is ongoing for the new tenants, there is a simultaneous ‘move out’ process going on for the outgoing tenants which involves a thorough final inspection and check-out report.

What is the biggest misconception surrounding what you do?

I’m sure many people think we simply show a potential tenant a property, they like it and move in. In reality, however, there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than people realise (as above)!

The property rental market is hugely diverse and due to the nature of lettings, there is always a time element in everything we do, which is what I love so much about my job – no two days are the same and I love the constant challenges in each new day!

Chambers Estate Agents Tel 02920 522106 chambersestateagents.co.uk

What do you specialise in?

We have dedicated departments specialising in the complex world of property, residential sales, new homes, commercial, residential lettings and property management, to ensure the best possible service at all times.

What is your favourite element of the job?

Our relationship with our clients and all matters relating to the property market. We are passionate and knowledgeable about the area, which is why we are certain to increase our clients’ opportunities to sell or let their properties.

RHYS GOULD

Head of Residential Sales Watts & Morgan Estate Agents Tel 01446 773500 wattsandmorgan.wales

Branch Manager, Moginie James, Pontcanna Tel 02920 344434 moginiejames.co.uk

76 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

How long have you been established?

Established in 1857, Watts & Morgan is a one of a kind in South Wales. With a vast amount of local knowledge, we offer extensive services on virtually every aspect of property related matters: residential sales and lettings, commercial property and agricultural property markets.

What is your favourite aspect of the job?

Helping people. Moving can be a stressful experience, and I strive to assist my clients by taking away the stresses and strains of selling their home. I find it really awarding when clients have a positive experience, and are delighted with the service that my team and I offer.

What advice would you give to potential buyers?

Make sure you’re registered with an estate agent. If you are an active buyer in the market, we need to know your requirements and build a clear picture of what it is that you are looking to buy. Not every property goes on to the website portals (i.e. Rightmove and OnTheMarket.com) and we sell properties without them having to go on the ‘open market’.

Voted best small chain in UK Mill Road, Lisvane

£670,000

A unique and impressive four bedroom detached property situated on the most desirable roads in Lisvane, Mill Road. This excellent family home is situated on a stunning plot with a generous sweeping driveway to front and a very generous private garden to rear. The property offers well proportioned space with a living room and kitchen. The property comprises: entrance hall, dining room, living room, sun room, kitchen, breakfast room and wc on the ground floor and there are four bedrooms, en suite and a family bathroom on the first floor.

Cyncoed: 02920 761999

• Detached • Four bedrooms • Garage • Driveway • Stunning plot • EPC Rating - E

Kimberley Road, Penylan

£525,000

Rarely offered to the market is this truly unique and stunning four bedroom period residence. Situated on this prestigious tree lined street, this impressive property must be seen to appreciate the sheer quality and size of this outstanding double fronted property. The ground floor offers a welcoming entrance hall with original tiles, a light and airy 20ft living room with French doors to the garden, an open plan kitchen/dining room and further living area and a utility room with high level wc. The first floor offers a spacious landing, four double bedrooms, a study or dressing room, a family bathroom and additional shower room. Further benefits include a private enclosed rear garden and a host of original features thought this impressive home.

Roath 02920 484898 • Double fronted period residence • Impressive family home • Five bedrooms • Local shops and restaurants • Excellent transport links • EPC Rating - E

Kings Road, Pontcanna

£295,000

A spacious and well proportioned traditional Victorian terraced house. The accommodation comprises: entrance hall, living room, sitting room, dining and good size kitchen on the ground floor and there are three bedrooms and large family bathroom on the first floor. The property benefits from a host of original features, gas central heating, double glazing and pleasant garden.

Close to the shopping facilities at Cowbridge Road East and the facilities of Pontcanna and the Chapter Arts Centre. No Chain.

Pontcanna: 02920 344434

• Three bedrooms • Terraced house • Period features • Spacious first floor bathroom • Great location/No Chain • EPC Rating - E

www.moginiejames.co.uk

CARDIFF LIVES

Q&A

A

fter joining the military in 1984, Debra worked in and around RAF airfields as an air traffic controller group captain, then, as air traffic management force commander, was responsible for all RAF air traffic units in the UK and around the world, before retiring after 28 years’ service. As Cardiff Airport MD, she’s overseen a significant growth in passenger numbers, a new airline base, new services and improvements to the terminal and airfield operations, amongst other things. She’s certainly earned her stripes!

So – where’s home in Cardiff and what makes it special?

On the edge of Penarth. It’s a lovely rural setting, only ten minutes from the centre of the city, and also walking distance from Cosmeston Lakes – fantastic for an ‘unwinding’ stroll after a busy day at the airport.

DEBRA BARBER Cardiff Airport’s MD tells us about day-to-day operations, being an outdoor person and enjoying Welsh National Opera in full flow

As MD and chief operating officer at Cardiff Airport, what does your job entail?

Overseeing all aspects of the airport’s business and leading the team in the delivery of our mission, which is to be a sustainable airport business generating significant economic benefit for Wales.

Who would be your dream dinner party guests of choice?

Nancy Wake, who was a secret agent and one of the true heroines of World War II – she was a Kiwi living in Marseille when the Germans invaded.

She immediately became active in the resistance movement and by 1943 was on the Gestapo’s ‘most wanted’ list. Women like Nancy were a huge inspiration throughout my military career.

What’s new and exciting at the airport?

We’ve done a huge amount of work to improve the terminal recently, and we’re really excited to have introduced a transformed walk-through duty free shop, a new bar and a new coffee shop to the departure lounge this summer.

If push came to shove, what would be your final meal of choice?

A huge plate of crispy calamari with loads of lemon and black pepper.

Who’s the most famous person you follow on your Twitter account?

Nigel Owens – he’s a great friend of the airport!

How do you relax?

I’m a real outdoor person, so I take any opportunity to enjoy our fantastic countryside; I also enjoy yoga and I’m a huge fan of the arts.

Meeting up with friends for good food and wine invariably features strongly, too.

Proudest life moment so far?

Being part of the Cardiff Airport team that welcomed 17 heads of state and 28 senior ministers to Wales for the NATO Summit in September 2014. A huge weekend for the airport that really put us on the world stage – and the team pulled it off without a hitch.

Must-watch TV programme?

I just loved The Night Manager. I recorded it, and return for a binge session every now and again.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Being able to travel back in time – I really enjoyed studying the Tudor period at school and would love to see it for real.

Best thing about Cardiff?

The city centre on match-day – for atmosphere, you can’t beat it.

Who would play you in a film about your life?

Zoe Wanamaker – she’s funny and doesn’t appear to take herself too seriously.

Favourite shop in Cardiff?

I enjoy exploring the independents in the arcades – there really are some great little gems.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Maltesers – I love biting all the chocolate off before eating the ‘malty’ bit, and could very easily eat a whole bucketful.

Locally, where do you like to eat and drink?

Favourite places that spring to mind are Pier 64, Bar 44, The Potted Pig, Arbennig and Barker Tea House. We really are spoilt for choice!

What’s the most important lesson life has taught you?

That things always work out okay in the end.

Secret or favourite Cardiff spot?

The Dead Canary – amazing cocktails and great service. You can tell the incredible staff your favourite ingredient or song and they’ll make a cocktail for you!

What’s on your bookshelf at the moment?

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, a novel exploring the impact of choices and fate, as a woman lives her life over and over again.

What piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?

The Welsh National Opera in full flow – I was unexpectedly blown away by their performance of Wagner’s Lohengrin at Wales Millennium Centre last year.

82 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Karaoke choice?

I Don’t Want To Talk About It by Rod Stewart.

Finally, surprise us with a little-known fact about yourself...

Given my chosen career as an air traffic controller, you’d be forgiven for thinking that I might have a good sense of direction and even know my left from my right. But nothing could be further from the truth!

For more: cardiff-airport.com