Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property
CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE
ISSUE 167 / MAY 2017 / £3
LUSTRE FOR LIFE
SHINY GIFTS TO COVET ISSUE 167 / MAY 2017 / ROATH TALES / WALES FESTIVALS
SPA SECRETS LUXURY PAMPERING AT URBASBA
YOU’RE THE
FEST THING!
KEEP IT LOCAL ROATH, BY ITS RESIDENTS
GRAPHIC DESIGN, FORMWORKS-STYLE
THE PICK OF THIS SUMMER’S FESTIVALS
WINNER
EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 167 / MAY 2017
30
SUMMER’S COMING... The best outdoor festivals across Cardiff and wider Wales
Fest behaviour Nothing quite says ‘summer’ like a sunny, rollicking good festival, and as usual, all manner of fun and discovery awaits. There are plenty of outdoor shindigs going on around Cardiff and wider Wales, with great music (this year’s Green Man boasts its best line-up ever: PJ Harvey, Future Islands, Sleaford Mods etc), awesome food, family-friendly activities and more – turn to page 30 for the skinny. We’re also back in Roath and Penylan, but this time, rather than us banging on and extolling the area’s virtues, we’ve asked some of the local movers and shakers for their thoughts on why it’s such a happy, vibrant place to live. See what they had to say on page 18... And we catch up with Jon Llewellyn, founder of Formworks Studio, who produce über-cool, limited edition prints inspired by Bauhaus style and graphic art. Trust us, you’ll want to make some wall space for these little beauties... All that, plus luxury pampering at urbasba, shiny gifts to covet, food, gossip and all the other usual goodies. There’s May for you...
Y gorau o’r gwyliau ˆ dda a thywydd Mae’n rhaid ei bod hi’n haf os oes gwyl braf ar y gweill, ac yn ôl yr arfer mae pob math o firi a hwyl yn ein disgwyl. Mae digonedd o ddigwyddiadau awyr agored yn cael eu cynnal yng nghyffiniau Caerdydd ˆ a ledled Cymru, gyda cherddoriaeth wych (mae Gwyl y Dyn Gwyrdd yn cynnig ei harlwy gorau erioed eleni gydag artistiaid fel PJ Harvey, Future Islands, Sleaford Mods ac ati), bwyd blasus, gweithgareddau i’r teulu cyfan a llawer mwy – trowch i dudalen 30 i gael y manylion i gyd. Rydym yn dychwelyd i ardal y Rhath a Phen-y-lan hefyd ond y tro hwn, yn hytrach na’n bod ni’n canu clodydd yr ardal yn ddi-baid, rydym wedi gofyn i rai o bwysigion yr ardal leol egluro pam y mae hwn yn lle mor hapus a bywiog i fyw ynddo. Trowch i dudalen 18 i weld beth oedd ganddynt i’w ddweud... Ac rydym yn cael sgwrs â Jon Llewellyn, sylfaenydd Formworks Studio, ˆ sy’n cynhyrchu nifer gyfyngedig o brintiau graffig cwl iawn, sydd wedi’u hysbrydoli gan arddull ysgol gelf Bauhaus a phensaernïaeth gyfoes. Credwch ni, byddwch chi am greu lle i arddangos y rhain ar eich waliau... At hynny, rydym yn rhoi sylw i’r lle pampro moethus urbasba, anrhegion hyfryd i’w chwennych, bwyd, clecs a’r holl bethau difyr arferol. A dyna fis Mai i chi felly...... VELIMIR ILIC Editor vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @CardiffLifeMag
CONTENTS / ISSUE 167 / MAY 2017
46
MAIN FEATURES 18 One For The Roath Roath and Penylan, in the words of its people
30 Best Of The Fests Our pick of this summer’s key outdoor shindigs
15 A Man’s World Rhys has gone sports-mad
THE ARTS 39 Arts Intro 40 What’s On Art, gigs, plays etc – time to update your diary
Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk
46 Formworks Gorgeous, bold, limited edition graphic art prints, inspired by Bauhaus style – you’ll want one...
Cardiff Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW; 01225 475800, mediaclash.co.uk, @The MediaClash
50 Film Preview
© All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.
Talking ’bout a revolution
SHOPPING 52 Ed’s Choice Shine on...
56 Fashion
60 Spa Secrets Andrea Byrne enjoys a spot of luxury pampering at urbasba
FOOD 65 Food News Cheese Pantry’s Owen Davies, and the latest food news in brief
Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Hugo Ball, Andrea Byrne, Andrea Callanan, Owen Davies, Katie Kissoon, Jamie Rees, Rhys Williams
Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager and production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie. howe@mediaclash.co.uk
The vinyl resurgence goes on...
HEALTH & BEAUT Y
Editor Velimir Ilic vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk
Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Claire Hawkins claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Ian Fernando ian.fernando@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk
OPINION
We’re going krazy for khaki
M EET T H E T EAM
BUSINESS
DEPARTMENTS
81 Business Insider
9 Spotlight
Cardiff’s new Street Ambassadors go to work, and exciting news from Cardiff Airport
Interactive storybooks, dancing in the wild, thrifty/crafty workshops and more
PROPERT Y
About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrate the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (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
71 Snapped
86 Property Showcase
TEDxCardiff, Tenovus and EffCom in the spotlight
A secluded, Grade II-listed Georgian country abode (and potentially your forever home)
90 Cardiff Lives Ceri Hill from Chalkhouse Interiors
On the cover Yep, sunnies at the ready – it’s festival season...
MICROSUCTION EAR WAX CLINIC AND INDEPENDENT FAMILY RUN HEARING CENTRE THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF SERVICE AND AFTERCARE.
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C A R D I F F: I T S L I F E A N D T I M E S
(Right and below) Artist Pete Fowler has created a series of illustrations for Land of Legends’ various themes
EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT...
LAND OF LEGENDS A new website takes visitors on an interactive storybook tour through Wales Visitors to Wales can now plan a personalised trip based around their favourite books and legends. Unusual and unexpected stories about pirates, rebels, smugglers and lost lovers – as well as Wales’ connections to some of the world’s most beloved books – are all being brought together in one place online for the very first time, through a partner project led by Literature Wales. Showcasing the best of Welsh literature, culture and myths, right in the places which created and inspired them, Land of Legends will take visitors on magical journeys to the heart of the stories and characters which made Wales. The Alice In Wonderland trail in Llandudno, the dramatic industrial landscape of the Valleys, and the ‘vampire chairs’ of
Llantwit Major are just a handful of the hundreds of literary attractions mapped out. Mapped under ten themes — including Watery Worlds, Battles, Folklore and Tradition, and more — each category highlights dozens of places attached to captivating stories, novels and myths, including places to eat, drink, explore and stay. Artist Pete Fowler, best-known for Super Furry Animals’ most iconic album covers, has also created a series of evocative illustrations for each theme, and a map which is used on the website. The website tells visitors all they need to know about following the Roald Dahl trail in Cardiff — from the waterside ‘Croc in the Dock’ art installation based on The Enormous
Crocodile, to the pretty Norwegian Church where Dahl was baptised, the sweet shop where he instigated The Great Mouse Plot, and the majestic Llandaff Cathedral in the village where he was schooled. “Wales is a walk-in storybook, with a tale in every corner, and a sense of place is important to many of our writers,” said Lleucu Siencyn, chief executive at Literature Wales. “This new resource will allow everyone who visits Wales to take their own literary trail and discover something new about our country. This year celebrates Visit Wales’ Year of Legends and Visit Britain’s Year of Literary Heroes, so what better time for visitors to design their own literary trails through Wales.” For more: landoflegends.wales
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 9
SPOTLIGHT
(Below) Bee careful, now...
GREEN DAYS
GOING IN FOR THE SKILL Thrifty, crafty and full of ideas to help people live more sustainably, Green Squirrel is back with a range of interesting and affordable workshops
to nature and the places they enjoy it most. Said artistic director of Migrations, Karine Décorne: “The beauty of Boombox Caerdydd is that you don’t need to be a professional dancer to get involved. Anyone and everyone, young or old, can take part – it’s all about putting on your dancing shoes and having fun.”
Run by Cardiff-based social enterprise Green City Events, last year’s workshops saw over 200 local people learn new skills including beekeeping, brewing, bike maintenance and much more. This year, food lovers and gardeners can learn to plan an urban garden, grow unusual edibles, preserve their harvest and save their seeds, or get a taste for wild food on foraging walks. And for those who love to ‘make do and mend’, there’s Beginner’s Carpentry, Basic DIY, Bike First Aid and Revive Your Wardrobe, amongst other things. Also new this year are the Squirrel Supper Clubs, cosy evening events where people can learn and share new skills, meet new friends and cook and share a special meal made with foraged food, or food that would otherwise have gone to waste. “It’s easy to take the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the materials we use on a daily basis for granted,” said Rebecca Clark, founder of Green City Events. “We hope that everyone who comes along to a Green Squirrel workshop will leave feeling excited about the new skills they’ve learnt, and how they can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.”
To sign up for free and watch a short preview, see migrations.uk/Boombox+Cardiff
For details of all courses and dates, see greencityevents.co.uk
Go, girl! Shaping up for Boombox Caerdydd
GO WILD IN THE COUNTRY
LET’S DANCE Boombox Caerdydd invites you to throw a few shapes and celebrate Cardiff’s legendary people and places RSPB Cymru, the City of Cardiff Council and Migrations are inviting people to celebrate the legendary wild places of Cardiff by dancing in the capital’s fantastic green spaces. In collaboration with American artist Ely Kim, Boombox Caerdydd will see 100 people being filmed dancing to their favourite music in their favourite green space in the city – celebrating and expressing their connection 10 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
SPOTLIGHT
(Left) Listening to St Fagans’ new ‘Traces’ app; (Below) The Vale Tales app uncovers stories, myths and legends from the Vale
LISTEN & EXPLORE
’APPY DAYS Two new storytelling apps bring the Vale of Glamorgan’s past and St Fagans National History Museum to life First up is the Vale Tales app: launched by Vale of Glamorgan Council to help visitors to the area uncover the myths and legends ingrained in its heritage, the app ties in with Visit Wales’ Year of Legends and has been developed to promote Vale Trails, a series of five coastal and five inland walks in the area. Designed to highlight the county as a ‘must do’ walking destination, the app offers a unique digital experience, bringing the stories, myths and legends of the Vale to life, including the one about the white lady of St Athan, who was buried up to her neck by her husband for being unfaithful. “Walking in the Vale of Glamorgan combines a fascinating 60-kilometre stretch of the Wales Coast Path with the picturesque, historic beauty of the inland
Vale,” said Nia Hollins, principal tourism and marketing officer. “The area is steeped in history and there are a number of legends and myths ingrained in its heritage. “We’ve combined these assets into an innovative digital storytelling app with the aim of getting visitors to explore and experience the heritage and beauty of the Vale of Glamorgan.” St Fagans new ‘Traces’ app, meanwhile, takes participants on a physical journey around the National History Museum’s castle gardens, moving from fact to fiction, past and present. The free bilingual app (‘Olion’ in the Welsh language version), created for visitors to experience on their own or in pairs, runs for 30 minutes and is split into four different
chapters. Based on archive material from the museum’s collection, the story focuses on characters who might have lived and experienced the castle and grounds in the early 20th century. “This artistic interpretation challenges visitors to experience St Fagans in a new way,” said Dafydd James, head of digital media, National Museum Wales. “It’s an opportunity to switch off from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the narration in the relaxing surroundings of the historic castle gardens. We hope it captures visitors’ imaginations.” Both the Vale Tales and Traces apps are free to download from iTunes and Google Play. For more, see visitthevale.com/valetales and museum.wales/stfagans
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 11
A MAN’S WORLD
RHYS WILLIAMS
GAME ON! Once again, Cardiff’s credentials as a big city of sport are in the spotlight – and with good reason, says Rhys
I
often beat this drum, but I make no apologies for banging on about this again – Cardiff is a wonderful city of sport. It’s been a big few weeks, not least because of Cardiff Devils’ historic treble-winning season. I remember going to the National Ice Rink of Wales during the 1992-94 ‘golden era’, supporting Devils greats like hometown favourite Nicky Chinn, Doug McEwen, Hilton Ruggles and, of course, Shannon Hope. I have fond memories of watching the games on a Sunday evening, alongside the rink with my sister, with the net as our only defence from the flying pucks. Then, after the game, putting on hired ice skates and trying to imitate the players. So, an incredible achievement – wouldn’t it be great if some of the city’s other sporting teams could follow in their footsteps? The Champions League final will be played in Cardiff on 3 June – fingers crossed Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid make it through...
It’s also the start of the cricket season and once again, we have high hopes for Glamorgan at the Swalec Stadium. I’ve supported them avidly since I was a youngster, watching the championship-winning side back in 1993. I also consider myself a halfdecent cricketer! There are some fantastic Welsh youngsters coming through the ranks, and I hope they will develop into another championship-winning side in the future. But arguably one of the most important events of all is the Champions League final.
THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL WILL BE A HUGE AND HISTORIC OCCASION
It is the single biggest sporting event in the UK after the Olympics and we are so lucky to have it here in our magnificent city, at the Principality Stadium (renamed the National Stadium of Wales for the occasion) on 3 June. Whether it will be Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid or Monaco playing in the final, it doesn’t matter – it will be a huge and historic occasion. More than 170,000 visitors are expected on match-day – more than ever before – and whether you are going or not, there will be plenty going on. I’ve got my ticket [You got me one, right? – Ed], and I can’t wait to tick off a sporting event that is on my bucket list. Let’s hope that Williams junior no. 2 arrives on time so that it can also be an opportunity to wet the baby’s head! But let’s not forget I’m a former rugby player, so the British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand this summer is high on my radar. What an incredible honour and achievement it is that our very own Sam Warburton has been named as captain, joining England’s World Cup-winning Martin Johnson as a record two-time British and Irish Lions captain. We should be so proud of Sam as a Cardiffian – he is certainly an absolute credit to the city, both as a player and as a top bloke. It says it all that just a day or two after the announcement, he was at Rhiwbina RFC’s presentation evening – a true ambassador for rugby and Cardiff. A local boy through and through, Sam was a season ticket holder at Cardiff Arms Park and only wants to play for Cardiff Blues (please don’t play for anyone else now, Sam!) – what more could you want? Rhys Williams is an ex-Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby star, now commercial director at the club. For more, see cardiffblues.com
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 15
Beautiful handmade kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and more...
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DESIRE
def: DESIRE: a strong feeling of wanting to have something; to set one's heart on; to crave; to aspire to; to feel passion for...
T H E A L B A N Y G A L L E RY SEVEN PERSPECTIVES Peter Brown Andrew Douglas-Forbes Mike Jones, Euan McGregor William Selwyn, Peter Wileman Kyffin Williams RA
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One of Cardiff’s more boho suburbs, there’s much more to hustling, bustling Roath – and its quieter, leafier neighbour Penylan – than meets the eye. But rather than us banging the drum, here’s the lowdown from some of the area’s key movers and shakers... I nter v iew s by V E L I M I R I L IC M a i n photo by Simon e C omelli
18 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
STREET LIFE
THE AREA HAS A WHOLE CORRIDOR OF LOVELY PARKS AND GARDENS
The Scott Memorial Lighthouse on beautiful Roath Park Lake
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19
STREET LIFE
O
ne of Cardiff’s most colourful and vibrant destinations, a mooch around Roath and Penylan offers plenty of rewards, with all manner of cool cafés, boutiques, lovely green spaces and an abundance of brilliant charity shops, begging for a good rummage. Even on the greyest of days, a wander around the streets here offers much to see and do. So, here’s Roath and Penylan in a nutshell, in the words of some of its most prominent locals...
AS AN AREA, WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS ROATH/ PENYLAN APART?
custom-built bikes and servicing, alongside MADE café, riding on the new wave of bike cafés across the country. Zoe Gingell, Cardiff MADE Spit and Sawdust is fantastic. It’s a skate park, arts space and café, and serves some of the very best burgers in Cardiff. In summer, it’s particularly lovely – their unique outside space is home to a fleet of vintage caravans and pallet furniture, and is a real sun-trap. Becca Thomas, Made In Roath The spring blossom is the true reminder of seasonality around here – that always gets me. Kasim Ali, Waterloo Tea
It’s central, culturally diverse, and has a nice mix of families, students and visitors, great primary schools and a whole corridor of lovely parks and gardens. Zoe Gingell, Cardiff MADE
Its diversity – walk along Wellfield Road, Albany Road and onto City Road and you could be travelling between different countries. City Road is particularly exciting and vibrant – you can buy anything there and try a myriad of different cuisines. Becca Thomas, Made In Roath Its multi-cultural diversity, which makes it an exciting place to run a business. Gabrielle Kelly, Milgi Roath is bursting with cafés, award-winning restaurants and live music venues. The sense of community really makes it special, and festivals such as Made In Roath really bring everyone together. Wayne Courtney, The Great Roath Bake-Off Its arty, slightly bohemian edge. Roath is buzzing with really creative people and a large student community who lend it colour, character and a youthful feel – it has real heart and soul. Jan Williams, Beti Biggs Caters for all tastes, great cafés and restaurants (including vegetarian and vegan), individual shops and galleries, and a number of glorious parks. Hannah Bryce, Albany Gallery
WE’RE REALLY
EXCITED ABOUT STREET FOOD
CIRCUS COMING HERE FOR A
SUMMER FIESTA – IT DOESN’T GET BETTER
THAN THAT!
For decades, Cardiff’s cultural epicentre has been Pontcanna, but the zing has shifted east to the animated streets and pacific parklands of Roath and Penylan. Here, where Roath’s working class terraces bump against Penylan’s Edwardian town houses, city living comes into its own. Peter Finch, poet/Real Cardiff author In five words? City Road’s Troy kebab house. That smell when you walk in is divine. But seriously, the Republic of Roath is exciting, and there’s always something happening. It’s long had a creative scene, and is ridiculously cosmopolitan. Penylan is its middle class appendage – thoroughly pleasant, pricey and leafy. Christian Amodeo, I Loves The ’Diff
WHAT’S NEW/EXCITING THERE? WHAT’S CAUGHT YOUR EYE RECENTLY?
We’ve a new boy in town: Cardiff-born Dan Bradshaw is bringing his successful Bristol-built business brand, Rollquick, to Cardiff, offering 20 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
We’re really excited about Street Food Circus coming to the area for a summer fiesta. They’re taking over a defunct milk dairy off City Road and turning it into a weekend street food festival. It doesn’t get better than that! Gabrielle Kelly, Milgi Wellfield Road has a great variety of bars and food, with everything from sushi to tapas. And there are still great independents like Mojo King, where you can get clothes that you wouldn’t easily find in the city centre. Wayne Courtney, The Great Roath Bake-Off Danish store Flying Tiger; Porro – Italian restaurant with seasonal menus, using locally sourced produce; and Café du Chat Noir – a quaint, friendly, Frenchstyle bistro. Hannah Bryce, Albany Gallery Waterloo Tea Gardens serves the best brews anywhere in the district; that bloke on a pushbike seen serving coffee to park-dwellers; Deli Fuego’s multi-Mediterranean everything restaurant on City Road; and Roath Brewery, who have made local history ultimately drinkable – try their No 3 Tram. Peter Finch, poet/Real Cardiff author Sushi Life on Wellfield Road is a place that has people raving right now. Bizzy Day, who runs pub theatre company The Other Room, says she travels from Barry Island for their dishes! Christian Amodeo, I Loves The ’Diff
GO-TO SHOPS/BUSINESSES?
Adnan’s Asian & Middle Eastern supermarket, a treasure trove of spices, veg, herbs and pulses, and The Wellfield – best fish and chips around. Zoe Gingell, Cardiff MADE Chinese restaurant .cn on City Road is the place to go for delicious and adventurous meals; and Ponnuswamy Restaurant [South Indian food] is great, and very good value. Becca Thomas, Made In Roath w (Opposite page, clockwise from top left) Café/gallery Cardiff MADE; gorgeous daffs at Roath Park (pic: Simone Comelli); fine artisan teas at Waterloo Tea; a peek inside Roath Park Conservatory (pic: Simone Comelli); delicious veggie and vegan fare at ‘plant-based’ restaurant Milgi; Roath’s popular fruit and veg stall, on the corner of Bangor Street and Wellfield Road, has been going for decades (pic: Esme Charles Photography)
STREET LIFE
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19
STREET LIFE Most of the people involved with Waterloo Tea are from Penylan: shopfitters, furniture suppliers, carpenters, fabric designers and graphic designers. Too many to mention, but they are all part of the Roath/ Penylan massive! Kasim Ali, Waterloo Tea
Vintage goodies and unusual gifts/homeware at Beti Biggs
The Spice of Life on Inverness Place is one of the best spice shops I’ve ever been to. They have everything you could possibly need, and Gareth the owner is such a character – he always brightens up your day. Gabrielle Kelly, Milgi
PIC BY ESME CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY
I’m a huge fan of authentic Indian cuisine, so Chai is always a favourite place to eat, and the little shops on Wellfield Road are great for picking up unique gifts. Wayne Courtney, The Great Roath Bake-Off Beti Biggs, for unusual gifts and homeware. Hannah Bryce, Albany Gallery The Wellfield Bookshop, for sticking to the tradition of selling books printed on paper, and doing it in style with range and service to match; and the annual culture binge that is Made In Roath, which these days seems to be happening almost constantly. Peter Finch, poet/Real Cardiff author I have to mention our stockists, Paperweight and Wellfield Bookshop – they rock! Albany Fish Bar is easily one of the best chip shops in Cardiff. Not far away is one of the city’s finest pubs, The Albany. And I enjoy a takeaway from Coffee #1, primarily due to the friendliness of the staff (and its location very close to ’Diff HQ). I love how handy – and good – Guy Christian salon (on City Road) is, too. Christian Amodeo, I Loves The ’Diff Popular café and deli Penylan Pantry, on Kimberley Road
SECRET/FAVOURITE LOCAL SPOT?
Howardian Local Nature Reserve and allotments, for walks amongst wild flowers, birds and trees – a sense of the countryside in the heart of the city. Zoe Gingell, Cardiff MADE g39, on Oxford Street, is a very special contemporary artspace, hidden in an old tyre factory. From the outside, you’d never know that some of the UK’s best artists have exhibitions in there. Becca Thomas, Made In Roath Its got to be Mirchi on City Road – I’d put it on a par with any subcontinent restaurant across the UK. Kasim Ali, Waterloo Tea There’s a lovely tree that I like to sit under in Roath Pleasure Gardens. On a summer’s evening, with a picnic, you get the last of the evening sun, and it’s perfect for people-watching. Gabrielle Kelly, Milgi Probably the roof terrace at Juno Lounge. There’s nothing nicer than taking breakfast there on a summer morning, or a glass of wine as the sun goes down. Wayne Courtney, The Great Roath Bake-Off
PHOTO BY MARTIN PHILLIPS
I have to admit that my favourite secret place is the street where I live in Penylan. I am also lucky enough to have a good-sized garden (quite a rarity in Penylan!) – it’s my little haven of calm. Jan Williams, Beti Biggs The lost mystic river flowing down the hill from the built-over medieval Penylan well. The secret passages to other worlds under what remains of Penylan’s Roman quarry. Roath Lake’s Hendrix island. Peter Finch, poet/Real Cardiff author I like wandering around the lanes off Ninian Road, and the scruffier streets of Plasnewydd, usually armed with a camera. My dad and his parents once lived on Kincraig Street, so all around the Mack feels somehow homely. Christian Amodeo, I Loves The ’Diff w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 23
STREET LIFE
You can almost smell the lovely blossom...
WHAT SINGLE THING WOULD MAKE THE AREA BETTER, OR IMPROVE LIFE THERE?
For the Council to get their heads around the parking restrictions by allowing grouped community bike bays on every street and zoned residential permits, plus proper loading bays and access for small businesses such as ourselves who are off the high street and don’t have the same group lobbying power. Zoe Gingell, Cardiff MADE Less litter! However, we’re very lucky to have the team at Keep Roath Tidy, who regularly litter-pick and keep Roath looking beautiful! Becca Thomas, Made In Roath Good question! Something similar to Chapter would go down well here. A couple more top-notch restaurants wouldn’t go amiss, either. Kasim Ali, Waterloo Tea I’d like to see more independent businesses opening up, which would encourage people to stay in the neighbourhood, instead of heading into town to support the big corporates. Gabrielle Kelly, Milgi
Something must be done to stop people cycling on the pavements. I am going to be knocked down and injured by a bike outside my Albany Road shop any day now! Jan Williams, Beti Biggs A pedestrianised City Road/Albany thoroughfare with a metro under it, in a tube, or flying through the air. Peter Finch, poet/Real Cardiff author Bike lanes – it would be amazing if Roath was on the receiving end of a radical rethink by Cardiff Council. The city needs dedicated, separate cycle routes. Christian Amodeo, I Loves The ’Diff
PIC BY ESME CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY
Make Wellfield Road one way and extend its pavements to create more of a café culture, with outdoor seating. Lack of good car parking space is the only thing that lets this beautiful corner of Cardiff down. Wayne Courtney, The Great Roath Bake-Off
YOU HAVE BEEN READING The expressive landscapes of artist David Tress, recently on show at Roath’s Albany Gallery
Zoe Gingell Cardiff MADE 41 Lochaber Street Twitter: @CardiffMADE
Jan Williams Beti Biggs 90 Albany Road Twitter: @BetiBiggs
Becca Thomas Made In Roath madeinroath.com
Peter Finch Poet/author peterfinch.co.uk
Kasim Ali Waterloo Tea 5 Waterloo Gardens waterlootea.com
Christian Amodeo I Loves The ’Diff ilovesthediff.com
Gabrielle Kelly Milgi 213 City Road milgicardiff.com Wayne Courtney The Great Roath Bake-Off Twitter: @wayne_courts
24 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Hannah Bryce Albany Gallery 74 Albany Road albanygallery.com
Open 7 days a week
Upmarket and friendly Aveda concept salon in the leafy Waterloo Gardens area of Penylan This somewhat quaint-looking Aveda salon is light, minimalist and non fussy inside. Salon team members are highly motivated and receive ongoing training both in-salon and at the Aveda Institute in London. They provide colours and precision cutting to suit every lifestyle. 7am breakfast appointments on Thursdays | 8am breakfast appointments Mon, Tues, Weds & Fri | Wednesday late nights until 8.30pm
Waterloo Gardens, Penylan, Cardiff, CF23 5AA | 029 2046 4611 | www.sands-hairdressing.co.uk
F E S T I VA L S SPECIAL
THE
FEST OF TIMES 30 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
F E S T I VA L S SPECIAL Festival No. 6: a bouncing good time
A FESTIVAL UNLIKE ANY OTHER, IN A PLACE LIKE NO
OTHER
Great music, arts and culture, family-friendly weekenders, top-notch food and plenty of surprises – yep, it’s festival season! Here’s our pick of the best outdoor shindigs in Cardiff and wider Wales this summer – time for some rollicking good adventures...
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By H UG O BA L L
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 31
F E S T I VA L S SPECIAL MUSIC
GOTTWOOD
8-11 June, Anglesey The boutique electronic music and arts festival, situated in an idyllic forest clearing in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasts an eclectic mix of intimate stages, stunning art installations and creative lighting projects. This year’s line-up features all manner of hep electronic acts and DJs, including Helena Hauff, Horse Meat Disco, Lindstrøm, Matthew Herbert and more. Tickets are almost sold out, so look sharp... gottwood.co.uk
TAFWYL
1-2 July, Llandaff Fields Cardiff’s Welsh language arts and culture festival returns, this time to its new temporary home at Llandaff Fields. On the bill this year are Geraint Jarman, The Gentle Good, Alys Williams, Kizzy Crawford, Meic Stevens, Y Niwl, Heather Jones, Candelas and Yws Gwynedd, just a few of the many Welsh artists who’ll be performing over the weekend. There will also be a stage (Yurt T) dedicated to supporting new and young talent, and on Saturday afternoon the Big Fish Little Fish family rave will entertain kids (and their parents) with DJs, big balloons, face painting and bubbles. And DJs Gareth Potter and Mark Lugg will be resurrecting their legendary club night, REU, with a celebration of Welsh electro and live music. tafwyl.org
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(Clockwise, from left) Punk-hop agitators Sleaford Mods are playing this year’s Green Man; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is one of the main attractions at Abergavenny Food Festival; fun and games at Tafwyl, Cardiff’s Welsh language arts and culture festival; boutique electronic music/arts shindig Gottwood
GET READY TO DANCE UNTIL DAWN
GREEN MAN
17-20 August, Brecon Beacons Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Green Man is a byword for good times. As well as established and rising music acts, the 24-hour entertainment includes DJs, comedy, literature and plenty of fun for kids of all ages. There’s the popular Nature Nurture area too, a quiet haven offering dedicated treatments, healing therapies and hot tubs; and the usual smorgasbord of local and global food and drink, from Welsh ales and ciders to Middle Eastern, Spanish, French and beyond. Music highlights this year include “thrilling enigma” PJ Harvey, synth-popsters du jour Future Islands and brilliantly belligerent punk-hop duo Sleaford Mods, plus stand-up from the likes of Josie Long, Rob Deering, Jen Brister, and a host of other brilliant stuff besides. Get ready to dance until dawn... greenman.net
FESTIVAL NO. 6
7-10 September, Portmeirion With the stunning Italianate village of Portmeirion as its backdrop, this bespoke banquet of arts and culture has assembled another cracking programme. Alongside established
music draws such as The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party, Mogwai, Laura Mvula, Kate Tempest and Public Service Broadcasting, there’s a panoply of other exciting acts to see, from nu jazz/ electronica outfit The Cinematic Orchestra to the crazy covers smash-up that is Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon. And a special 50th anniversary celebration of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album, performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and The Bootleg Beatles, promises to be one of the real highlights of festival season. There’s also comedy from Adam Buxton (with a David Bowie special), Henning Wehn and others, plus the usual artisan street food stalls, arts and culture, talks and activities. A festival unlike any other, in a place like no other, as they say. festivalnumber6.com
FOOD & DRINK
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
14-16 July, Cardiff Bay The city’s biggest foodie event of the year, no less, with over 100 local, national and international producers, a huge street food piazza, farmers’ market, champagne bar, craft stalls and live music. And there are plenty of delicious goodies to sample and buy, with everything from tasty farmhouse cheeses and artisan breads to handmade chocolates and specialist liqueurs. It’s free to enter, too. cardiff-events.com
ST FAGANS FOOD FESTIVAL
9-10 September, St Fagans National History Museum This popular open-air showcase of fine Welsh food and drink offers up everything from traditional local fare to contemporary cuisine. As in previous years, visitors can sample and purchase produce from an array of stalls, and, as before, we’re hoping to be able to buy bread and cakes from the Museum’s own bakehouse, and taste home-made sausages made with meat from animals reared there. museum.wales/stfagans
ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL
16-17 September, Abergavenny Celebrating artisan food in all its guises, AFF’s markets will house the usual top-notch array w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 33
F E S T I VA L S SPECIAL
(Left) The Hay Festival of literature and arts; (Below) Cardiff’s International Food & Drink Festival, the city’s biggest foodie event of the year
crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays. A great family day out! rwas.wales/royal-welsh-show
CARDIFF FESTIVAL
28 July – 3 September, Cardiff Bay Once again, there’s a host of stuff going on under the umbrella of the annual Cardiff Festival, the free outdoor shindig that brings a whole heap of fun to the Bay. Highlights include the popular Cardiff Bay Beach (28 July – 4 September), an urban beach with traditional seaside attractions for the whole family to enjoy during the school holidays. The Cardiff Harbour Festival (25-28 August) also returns, with lots of free activities, craft stalls, live music and entertainment. cardiff-events.com
THE BIG CHEESE FESTIVAL
INTIMATE AND
BESPOKE, FFOREST IS A FAMILYFRIENDLY
EXPERIENCE – DISCOVERY, FUN AND ADVENTURE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
of exhibitors and producers from Wales and beyond, as well as the always-popular chef demos and the buzzy, atmospheric Saturday night market, packed with the coolest and best street food traders. Some of the food world’s brightest lights will be there too, including River Cottage man Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and largerthan-life West Country chef Tom Kerridge. And there will also be an expanded Producers’ Market, showcasing the very best British food, and activities for kids and families, including a new edible education space with plenty of opportunities to get little hands dirty.
28-30 July, Caerphilly Set in the shadows of Caerphilly Castle, one of Europe’s great medieval castles, this free extravaganza celebrates Caerphilly’s history, heritage and culture. The event has been going strong for almost 20 years; expect to see the usual array of street entertainers, living history encampments, music, dance, a traditional fun fair, folk dancing, craft stalls and a food hall. With over 80,000 people expected to attend, a great atmosphere is guaranteed. come rain or shine. your.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese w
abergavennyfoodfestival.com
FAMILY/CULTURE HAY FESTIVAL
25 May – 4 June, Hay-on-Wye Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Hay brings more writers and readers together to share stories, ideas and events that inspire, examine and entertain. Notable appearances this year include Jeremy Paxman (being interrogated by Marcus Brigstocke), Stephen Fry, Graham Norton, Jonathan Safran Foer, Neil Gaiman and many more. There’s also a great kids’ programme and lots of events with broad family appeal, and a whole section of the festival is devoted to toddlers and parents. hayfestival.com
ROYAL WELSH SHOW
24-27 July, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells Showcasing farming, rural life and the best in Welsh produce, the Royal Welsh Show successfully bridges the gap between town and country. Along with an exciting four days of livestock competitions, there’s something to interest everyone, including forestry, horticulture, www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 35
F E S T I VA L S SPECIAL FFOREST GATHER
14-27 August, Fforest, Cardigan Billed as ‘discovery and adventure in the great outdoors’, fforest’s family-friendly experience turns the idea of a traditional festival into something much more intimate and bespoke. The emphasis is very much on fun, and adventures in nature, music, creativity, culture and simple pleasures. Set in the great outdoors of fforest farm in Cilgerran, near the popular market town of Cardigan, it has a capacity of just 500 people, and you can choose to stay for one week or two. There are workshops, creative play and outdoor activity in the day (wild swimming, fish curing/smoking or den-building, anyone?), and films, live music, DJs and performers after dark. Sounds like the perfect escape, no? coldatnight.co.uk
THE GOOD LIFE EXPERIENCE
15-17 September, Hawarden Estate, Flintshire Cerys Matthews’ festival of culture, arts, food and the great outdoors is a real weekend of discovery. Music once again takes centre-stage, with the likes of Norman Jay, Rozi Plain, BBC 6 Music faves Flamingods and hopefully Cerys herself making an appearance, plus literature, talks and food demos from Wahaca founder Thomasina Miers, acclaimed food writer Anna Jones and Cardiff’s Hang Fire girls, amongst others. There’s much more, including archery, bushcraft and a vintage fairground, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg – see the website to get a proper flavour of what this brilliantly eclectic festival has to offer. thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk
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(This pic) Cosying up to the fire at fforest Gather; (Below) Fairground fun at The Good Life Experience, co-created by Cerys Matthews
Music/theatre/film/more
ON THE RECORD
Marking the recent Record Store Day – an annual celebration of independent record shops – the new 12x12 group show at Cardiff’s The SHO gallery features a collection of vinyl sleeve artwork, and vinyl-inspired designs by illustrators/graphic designers Steve Hardstaff (aka Jacuzzi – his illustration for Manchester/Montreal band Viva Deserter’s Fallen EP, released last year, is pictured above), Nic Finch, Matt Needle, Dan Spain, Matt Joyce, Phil Morgan, Rosie Lee and Pointless Illustrations. 12x12 is on until 13 May at The SHO, Castle Emporium, Womanby Street, Cardiff. For more, see thesho.co.uk
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5 May – 5 June
Omid Djalili brings his Schmuck For A Night tour to St David’s Hall; National Dance Company Wales’ moving Lui & Artemis; Romeo & Juliet, Omidaze-style
Plays/Shows/ Performance
left behind, from the pen of writer Alan Harris (Love, Lies and Taxidermy). Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk
U N TI L 1 4 M AY
ROMEO & JULIET Politics, tragedy and aerial circus combine in this contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, presented by visionary Cardiff theatre company Omidaze. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk 10 M AY
CARLIJN METSELAAR: SCENES Incorporating elements of contemporary dance, choral music and Dutch theatre. Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama; rwcmd.ac.uk 16 -2 7 M AY
HOW MY LIGHT IS SPENT A funny, hopeful play about loneliness, longing and being
1 9 - 2 0 MAY
Y TWR Guto Puw’s new Welsh language opera (with English surtitles), adapted from Gwenlyn Parry’s classic play, explores the journey of two people bound together from youth to old age, love to despair, and desire to disillusionment. Presented by Music Theatre Wales. Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk 2 0 - 2 1 MAY
LUI & ARTEMIS Moving contemporary dance piece from National Dance Company Wales, following an elderly couple who feel young at heart in their worn-out bodies. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk
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20 MAY-24 J UNE
WNO: DIE FLEDERMAUS Welsh National Opera present Johann Strauss II’s life-affirming operetta, as opulent as a Viennese chocolate cake. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk 23-27 MAY
THE CRUCIBLE Atmospheric staging of Arthur Miller’s landmark play. New Theatre; newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
opera – comedy and poignant drama in equal measure. Wales Millennium Centre; wmc.org.uk
Comedy 7, 14 & 21 M AY
THE GATHERING A new regular Sunday night of stand-up, sketches, festival previews and featured acts, hosted by Mark Olver. Glee Club; glee.co.uk 11 MAY
26 MAY-2 J UNE
THREE DAYS IN THE COUNTRY Patrick Marber’s electric retelling of Turgenev’s classic A Month In The Country, a passionate, moving comedy of romantic obsession. Chapter; chapter.org
OMID DJALILI More political satire and expertly-crafted cultural observations from the Brit-born Iranian funnyman. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 16 MAY
3-17 J UNE
WNO: DER ROSENKAVALIER Richard Strauss’s sumptuous
STUART GOLDSMITH Fast-rising stand-up and host of the popular Comedian’s Comedian
W H AT ’ S O N
ARTS
podcast – Ricky Gervais is a fan. Chapter; chapter.org 2 4 -2 5 M AY
JOSIE LONG “An original and unflagging spirit, oozing enthusiasm and intellect,” say The Times. Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net
Music 7 M AY
WNO ORCHESTRA: FAMILY CONCERT The WNO Orchestra plays popular favourites from the world of opera, film and TV. Hosted by BBC Radio Wales’ Wynne Evans. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 9 M AY
C DUNCAN Mercury Prize-nominated singer and multi-instrumentalist tours his current album The Midnight Sun, which adds deft synthy flourishes to his signature pastoral sound. Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net 1 2 M AY
MAARJA NUUT The Estonian fiddler/singer combines traditional dance tunes, songs and stories with live electronics to create an intricate and layered soundscape. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; rwcmd.ac.uk 1 3 M AY
CATTLE & CANE AKA siblings Joe and Helen Hammill – think shiny synth swells and breezy, Fleetwood Mac-style tunes. Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net
Leading abstract artist Gillian Ayres is the subject of a major retrospective at National Museum Cardiff 1 9 - 2 6 MAY
VALE OF GLAMORGAN MUSIC FESTIVAL The UK’s only classical music festival dedicated to the work of living composers, featuring work by John Adams, Krzysztof Penderecki and Graham Fitkin, plus an international line-up of artistes and musicians. Various venues; valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk
Art UNTIL 31 MAY
KHAMIRA World music ensemble, fusing Welsh folk, Indian classical, jazz and rock. Chapter; chapter.org 3 0 MAY
UNTIL 11 J UNE
of her generation. National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk UNTIL 3 1 J ANUARY 2 0 1 8
BACON TO DOIG: MODERN MASTERPIECES FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION Featuring work by prominent 20th-century British artists and sculptors, including Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, Frank Auerbach, Grayson Perry, Peter Doig, Ben Nicholson, Anthony Caro, and more. National Museum Cardiff; museumwales.ac.uk 11 MAY- 3 J U NE
MAXIMO PARK Newcastle’s alt-rocking quartet – currently getting heavy rotation on BBC 6 Music – take their blistering new album, Risk To Exist, on the road. Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com 1 9 -2 0 M AY
3 0 MAY
FROM NOW ON Leftfield music and sound event, featuring Gruff Rhys, Islet, Flamingods, Roshi Nasehi, Twinfield and more. Chapter; chapter.org
ST ETIENNE Expect classic singles and cuts from their forthcoming album, Home Counties, due out 2 June. Tramshed; tramshedcardiff.com
DIFFUSION Cardiff’s biennial celebration of world-class international photography returns, themed around ‘revolution’. Various venues; diffusionfestival.org
2 4 MAY
SIMPLE MINDS Jim Kerr and co perform acoustic versions of their era-defining rock and pop anthems. Support comes from multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, The Anchoress, whose Confessions Of A Romance Novelist was nominated for the Welsh Music Prize. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
1 6 M AY
3 J UNE
THE BESNARD LAKES Dark-hued Canadian psych/ space rock collective – think My Bloody Valentine entwined with Led Zep. The Globe; globecardiffmusic.com
THESE ROTTEN WORDS Artists explore the physicality of communication via painting, sculpture, photography, sound and moving images. Chapter; chapter.org
SEVEN PERSPECTIVES With pieces by Peter Brown, Andrew Douglas-Forbes, Mike Jones, Euan McGregor, William Selwyn, Peter Wileman and Kyffin Williams. Albany Gallery; albanygallery.com
UNTIL 17 J UNE
25TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION Showcase of 20th century and contemporary Welsh art. Martin Tinney Gallery; artwales.com UNTIL 3 SEP TEMBER
GILLIAN AYRES Major exhibition celebrating the bold and colourful work of the Turner Prize-nominated painter, one of the leading abstract artists
13 MAY- 9 J U LY
VOICES FROM THE EDGE: MURMURATIONS Showcasing five visual artists – Emma Prentice, Michal Iwanowski, Prue Thimbleby, Ticky Lowe and Claire Cawte – all of whom have spent two years working with care home residents across Wales. Craft In The Bay; makersguildinwales.org.uk w
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ARTS
W H AT ’ S O N
Psych-popsters Islet are at music/sound event From Now On, at Chapter 1 8 M AY-1 9 JUNE
BLOOM Annual, nature-based affordable art showcase. Cardiff MADE; @CardiffMADE 2 7 M AY-2 JUNE
CARDIFF SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN: SUMMER SHOW Fine art, ceramics, illustration, textiles and more from CSAD’s final year degree students. Cardiff School of Art & Design; cardiffmet.ac.uk/csad
Family ONGOING
DOCTOR WHO EXPERIENCE Experience mind-blowing special effects, face up to Who baddies and fly the TARDIS through time and space. Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay; doctorwhoexperience.com 2 8 M AY
ART CAR BOOTIQUE Eclectic and eccentric mix of artist projects and performances, live music, street food and vintage fashion, celebrating the best of South Wales’ creative community. Chapter; chapter.org 2 8 -2 9 M AY
COWBRIDGE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Every kinda scran, from awardwinning, traditional bara brith to wood-fired pizza. cowbridgefoodanddrink.org
Book Now 8 - 1 0 JU N E
CONSTELLATIONS Touching and funny, Nick Payne’s acclaimed play tells the story of Roland and Marianne, a tale of free will, friendship, love and honey. Sherman Theatre; shermantheatre.co.uk 1 2 JU LY
THE SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE Pin-drop ballads, absurdist humour and more from the Australian vocal ensemble. St David’s Hall; stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Sport FRI DAY 1 9 MAY
GLAMORGAN v NOTTS Specsavers County Championship, 11am. SSE Swalec; glamorgancricket.com SATU RDAY 3 J UNE
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL Will it be a ticker tape Cardiff homecoming for Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale? Kick-off 7.45pm. Principality Stadium; principalitystadium.wales TU E SDAY 6 JUNE
ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND ICC Champions Trophy, 10.30am. SSE Swalec; glamorgancricket.com
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WANT MORE? Sign up now for the Cardiff Life newsletter As editor of this fine mag, there’s nothing I love more than drawing your attention to this great city’s choicest events, places and people. To keep readers fully updated about what’s happening in Cardiff, we send out a free Friday email newsletter, packed with news, tips and special offers. (Please note: no way will we share your data with any third parties – we’re just not like that!) So if you’d like a friendly hello from us in your inbox as the weekend beckons, please sign up today: mediaclash.co.uk/cln
P R O P E R T Y adve r tisi n g f eat u r e
It’s All About the Orangery Lifestyle Based in the Vale of Glamorgan, Vale Orangeries specialise in designing and building bespoke living spaces, tailor-made to their clients’ specifications
W
e all need our own space – somewhere to relax, enjoy our home comforts and spend quality time with family and friends. Look no further: husband and wife team Dean and Leanne Edmonds are dedicated to providing the space you need. Their company, Vale Orangeries, based in the Vale of Glamorgan, specialises in designing and building bespoke extensions. “An orangery is a great way to extend and create a seriously stylish addition to your home," says Leanne. "There are various design packages available including bi-folding doors, recessed lighting options, underfloor heating, home entertainment solutions and an interior design service to help with those allimportant finishing touches."
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Dean adds: “If you’re not sure exactly what you want, we can help. We offer a free consultation and design service, and have numerous orangery show-homes throughout South Wales available for inspiration and ideas. “Having a living space built to your specification is a dream for many – and a reality for our clients. There is no need to concern yourself with architects, planning or building control as this is all part of the package. The only planning we want you to worry about is where to put your sofa – but we can even help with that, too!” If you're thinking of an extension, but want something different or need inspiration, call Dean or Leanne on 01446 746353 to discuss how a Vale Orangeries orangery can work for the way you live.
Dean & Leanne Edmonds
I’M HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY GROUNDBREAKING
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SUCH AS WIM CROUWEL AND PETER SAVILLE
Formworks owner Jon Llewellyn with some of his striking graphic art prints
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GRAPHIC ART
ARTS
Inspired by Bauhaus style and graphic art, you’ll want to make some wall space for these über-cool, limited edition prints from Cardiff design studio FORMWORKS w By H UG O BA L L
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 47
ARTS
GRAPHIC ART
Y
ou know that bare bit of wall in your lounge, the one you’ve been trying to fill for ages with just the right piece of cool art? Look no further... Founded last year by Jon Llewellyn (also the owner and creative director of local graphic design studio Diagram), Formworks Studio in Cardiff produces original, very limited collections of graphic art prints – there are only 20 editions of each, making them instantly collectible – that explore the relationship between bold geometry, 3D and colour play. Real things of beauty they are, too. We catch up with Jon below... Why did you set up Formworks? Having worked as a commercial graphic designer for over 20 years, I set it up to create artworks that were very personal and inspired by my influences. My work is about experimentation with form, space and colour – hence the name Formworks Studio. What makes Formworks special? Every artwork is very different to the last, and completely unique. I only ever produce 20 editions of any design. Once sold, each artwork is archived and never again produced. I also create commissioned one-off pieces for spaces at any required size, using my understanding of colour to help the piece complement the environment. Visually and creatively, where do you draw inspiration from? While training as a typographer and graphic designer, I was heavily influenced by the bold form and functional approach of the Bauhaus movement, modernist buildings and architects such as Le Corbusier, furniture designers like Charles Eames and Marcel Breuer, and groundbreaking, pre-eminent graphic designers such as Wim Crouwel and Peter Saville. For more: formworksstudio.co.uk, @formworks_studio
48 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Jon Llewellyn: “Every artwork is very different to the last, and completely unique”
ARTS
FILM
NAPOLEON PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF THE BIOPIC, INTRODUCING CINEMATIC INNOVATIONS AT EVERY TURN (Clockwise from left) Napoleon, Citizen Jane: Battle For The City, and Clash
TALKIN’ ’BOUT A REVOLUTION Chapter explores ‘revolution’ on its cinema screens this month, to coincide with the theme of this year’s Diffusion festival, Cardiff’s biennial celebration of world-class photography, taking place throughout May By JA M I E R E E S
F
ocusing on socio-political movements – and the individuals that lead those changes – there are nine films to choose from as part of Chapter’s ‘revolution’ season this month, but here are my top picks... Clash (15, 19-25 May) is a 2016 Egyptian film. On the streets of Egypt, supporters of the Morsi government and anti-Morsi protestors are out demonstrating. In the chaos that ensues, innocent bystanders, journalists and fierce political rivals are all rounded up and thrown in the back of a truck. Locked up together on a long hot day, tensions run high as they await their fate. As riots continue to flare up around them, we feel their claustrophobia, anger, fear, horror, despair... and glimmers of hope. Napoleon (PG, 20 & 31 May), meanwhile, made in 1927, traces the life of the French military and political leader, from snowball-throwing schoolboy to the battlefield. Director Abel Gance’s masterpiece pushes the boundaries of the biopic, introducing cinematic innovations at every turn, including hand-held photography and pioneering widescreen format. 50 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Next up is Citizen Jane: Battle For The City (PG, 22 May-1 June), the exciting and inspirational story of legendary writer and urban activist Jane Jacobs, who fought a David-and-Goliath battle against NYC ‘master builder’ Robert Moses to preserve the historic neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village, Soho and Little Italy, scuppering Moses’ plans to divide (and destroy) them with expressways – a timely and much-needed lesson in how the power of the people can win out against the self-serving plans of the elite. Finally, fascinating documentary Letters From Baghdad (12A, 27-31 May) explores the extraordinary life of English writer, archaeologist, diplomat and spy Gertrude Bell, as she travels throughout the Middle East, becoming the only woman to wield significant political power in British Imperial policy. Openly critical of colonialism, remarkable archive footage is woven together with her letters and testimony from Bell’s peers – including T.E. Lawrence – showing how her work offered a counterpoint to British all-male colonial power.
F ILM OF THE MONTH
DON’T TAKE ME HOME Welsh film-maker Jonny Owen’s captivating documentary relives the remarkable story of the Wales football team’s success at Euro 2016 Beginning with the tragic loss of manager Gary Speed, looking at Chris Coleman’s personal challenges as he steps into the shoes of his best friend, and going right up to the semi-final that brought a nation together, it’s the poignant story (you will get goosebumps) of a whole country and its people, for so long left in the shadows, finally finding their place in the sun. Showing at Chapter from 19 May-1 June.
All hail the Bale! For more: chapter.org
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LUSTRE for LIFE UNLEASH YOUR INNER MAGPIE WITH THESE SHINY TREATS
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1. POINT THE FINGER
2. TICK OF THE BUNCH
3. BOWLED OVER
4. BEO GOOD
5. GOING FOR GOLD
Hope ring, £198 Typically distinctive piece from Anne Morgan, made from beautifully textured silver, with 18-carat gold and a blue topaz From Anne Morgan, 10 Glebe Street, Penarth; annemorgan.co.uk
Vacheron Constantin ‘Patrimony’ automatic watch, £95,200 Yep, you read it right – the king of watches, no less From Watches Of Switzerland, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff; watches-of-switzerland. co.uk
Bone brass bowl by Tom Dixon, £80 Gorgeous, no? It’ll slowly develop a unique patina as it oxidises, too From John Lewis, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff; johnlewis.com
BeoSound 2, £1,475 This powerful, Dalek-like wireless speaker system boasts room-filling 360degree sound – party on! From Bang & Olufsen, 12 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff; bang-olufsen.com
Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale ‘The Cure’ (4x15ml), £810 Renewed-looking skin in 28 days? Ooh, yes please! From Central Pharmacy, 63-67 Wellfield Road, Roath; escentual.com
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ED’S CHOICE
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SHOPPING
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6. COASTING ALONG
7. PERK LIFE
8. HI-HO, SILVER
9. SHIMMER ME TIMBERS
10. LIFE’S A GLASS
Stainless steel tide clock, £34.99 Look sharp – the dog won’t take its beach walk by itself, you know... From Shore, The Esplanade, Penarth; shorecoastal.co.uk
Alessi ‘Pulcina’ espresso coffee maker, £59 More tactile, design-led brilliance from the iconic Italian brand From John Lewis, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff; johnlewis.com
Wallace three-strap shoes, £410 Soft nappa leather, antiquey-looking buckles, Westwood cool – what’s not to like? From Vivienne Westwood, 55 The Hayes, Cardiff; viviennewestwood.com
Mercer large metallic leather tote bag, £315 Glam personified From Michael Kors, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff; michaelkors.co.uk
Shard effect mirror, £700 Interiors accessory or cool artwork? You decide... From Taylors Etc, The Design Quarter, 143 Colchester Avenue, Cardiff; taylorsetc.co.uk
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Evergreen Wales, Fields Park Road, Newport, Gwent, NP20 5BA Newport: 01633 254 339 | Cardiff: 02920 231 426 | www.evergreenwales.com
SHOPPING
FA S H I O N Black open-toe ankle boot, £170; Ivy cargo vest, £220; white ribbed sweater tank, £70; black cargo jeans, £140; gold-tone sunglasses, £129; gold-tone oversized watch, £230; black doublegrommeted belt, £150; Mitchell medium leather cross body bag, £240; all MICHAEL Michael Kors
KRAZY for KHAKI Add a bit of edge to your outfit this summer with a dash of khaki, one of the season’s hottest colours
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he tried and tested way to style khaki is to go grunge. A killer pair of black heavy-duty boots teamed with jeans, a khaki military shirt and biker jacket gives you an instant fashion hit. If you need a little style inspiration for your utilitarian look, All Saints is a great one-stop shop. This year, khaki has taken an unexpected turn in the style stakes. Labels are now using the hue with a classic cut, adding a new twist to otherwise traditional elegance. Whether you decide to pair it with a khaki pair of heels or a killer peep toe, a khaki dress is the perfect canvas on which to build any outfit. If you’d rather go for elements of khaki, as opposed to an overall block, why not try a floral tea dress styled with a khaki jacket – be it biker, bomber or parka. Accessories are also a great way to update your wardrobe; whether you choose a tantalising tote or a chic envelope bag, you’ll be the one to watch in the fashion stakes. All items are 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 visit online at stdavidscardiff.com
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1. Cupro utility jumpsuit, £52, Oasis 2. Teddy waistcoat, £275, Vivienne Westwood 3. Longline gline casual jacket by Whistles, £155, John Lewis 4. Sophia sleeve trim tank top, £45, Reiss 5. Margot collarless waist detail shirt dress, £180, Reiss 6. Jemma military shirt, £108, All Saints 7. Letty Bow slip-on trainers, £180, Kurt Geiger 8. Dorrian circular lock tote bag, £75, Dune 9. Blacktie oval sunglasses by Christian Dior, £455, John Lewis 10. Olive ‘Rosalie’ suede peep-toe ankle boot, £240, MICHAEL Michael Kors www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 57
H E A LT H & BEAUTY
Spa SECRETS Luxury pampering without the designer price tag at urbasba, Cardiff and Vale College’s unique ‘urban spa’
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By A N DR E A BY R N E Photo s by E SM E C H A R L E S PHO T OGR A PH Y
ut the words ‘luxury’ and ‘spa’ together and nine times out of ten, what you end up with is a plush menu of treatments with a pumped-up price list. Well, I may have just discovered a haven for pampering that makes luxury suddenly seem all that more affordable. What’s more, the top-notch treatments and chic facilities I’m talking about are smack-bang in the middle of the city – just a quick stroll from Cardiff Central train station. So, what’s my secret? None other than urbasba at Cardiff and Vale College. Located on Dumballs Road, the swish, contemporary campus, now in its second academic year, boasts impressive facilities. My friend Sian and I arrived to a stylish reception, where we were warmly greeted by therapists Rachel and Ellie – both students training in beauty therapy. Not knowing quite what to expect in comparison to other professional salons, we were whisked away to private booths in a low-lit and sultry-looking treatment area. But we needn’t have worried; as I settled in to enjoy my hot stone massage, I was just blown away. Rachel was brilliant, going out of her way to work those areas of tension and knead those niggly knots. And what’s more, thanks to the spa’s partnership with Elemis, all the therapies use top-of-the-range products, so you know your skin and your muscles are getting a special treat. My friend Sian chose a facial, 60 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Therapist Rachel kneads out Andrea’s niggly knots
and at the end of her session with Ellie, she was already asking when she could book it again! What’s not to like? Well, would you believe there’s a lot more? Our package also included use of the spa facilities – jacuzzi, steam room, heated relaxation beds and a sauna. And there’s a private room with a flotation tank in it, a special bed that promises to give you the equivalent of eight hours’ sleep in just 40 minutes. Incredible! I need one of these in my life. Last but not least, we finished off our morning with a visit to CAVC’s awardwinning restaurant, The Classroom, where top professional chefs train future culinary talent. With great views across the city, we indulged in a two-course lunch – again, all
as part of our deal. We both ate crab roulade, followed by seared cod loin, and we really couldn’t fault the food or the service. We left feeling revitalised – but also relieved – that we’d found this place. Both of us love a regular spa treat and will often travel miles to find it. Now we’ll be sticking closer to home, knowing there’s a hidden gem on our doorstep that rivals top hotels for ambience, therapies and service. Just don’t tell too many people, okay? Andrea experienced the Ultimate Spa Package, costing £40. It includes one treatment, full use of spa facilities and flotation tank, and a two-course lunch. For more: urbasba, Cardiff & Vale College, Dumballs Road, Cardiff CF10 5FE; Tel: 02920 250450, urbasba.co.uk
HAIR & BEAUTY
URBASBA OFFERS TOP-NOTCH TREATMENTS AND CHIC FACILITIES
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Claim up to £500 cashback when you purchase selected single or double ovens, plus any four other NEFF appliances (excluding warming drawers and accessories) between 1st April and 31st May 2017.
www.neff.co.uk
*The Promotion is the offer by the Promoter of up to £500 Cashback to purchasers (“the Gift”) in respect of selected NEFF appliances that are purchased as part of an overall kitchen purchase including the kitchen furniture and from the same Retailer (participating retailers only) between 1st April 2017 and 31st May 2017 and for which the Promoter has received a completed and valid claim before midnight on 30th November 2017. For full Terms and Conditions please visit www.neff.co.uk/cashback2017h1
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
BEST RIB & TUCKER Celtic Manor Resort unveils The Rib, its new smokehouse and grill Situated at its Coldra Court Hotel in the Usk Valley, Celtic Manor’s latest restaurant offers a range of Southern-influenced dishes, all smoked in-house. The new concept is led by head chef Simon Crockford, the newly-crowned National Chef of Wales. Menu highlights include lime and coriander chicken wings with chipotle mayonnaise, and signature rib dishes of beef, pork and Beijing Bang lamb, slow-smoked
over hickory wood and served with a speciality BBQ sauce. “Smokehouses are very much on-trend, and we have designed our own concept with a Celtic Manor twist,” said Matthew Barnby, manager of Coldra Court Hotel. “We hope our guests will embrace this new restaurant and that The Rib’s unique dining experience will greatly enhance their stay with us.” For more: celtic-manor.com
“Unpasteurised cheeses have a much richer complexity,” says Cheese Pantry’s Owen Davies
CHEESE, PLEASE!
QUICK ON THE RAW
The Rib at Celtic Manor – smokin’!
Our new food columnist OWEN DAVIES, from Cardiff’s award-winning Cheese Pantry, on why we should eat unpasteurised cheese
A DIFFERENT CORNER Popular central Cardiff pub The Corner House re-opens after a modern refit Located on Caroline Street in the city centre, The Corner House has had a significant overhaul – and a brand new team, to boot – to create a more modern and stylish environment. The pub is also showcasing a brand new seasonal menu, with dishes such as lobster, crab and nduja sausage linguine, and a 30oz split rib steak sharer with bone marrow butter, plus daily specials and pub favourites, all freshly prepared in-house. “The Corner House provides the perfect place to rest those weary feet after a busy day or to grab a quick lunch whilst
Spread ’em! The Cornerhouse’s baked Camembert
on the move,” said new general manager, James Brown. “Our stunning changes retain a welcoming feel for our regulars, whilst at the same time bringing us into the 21st century.” For more: cornerhousecardiff.co.uk
Unpasteurised milk often gets a bad name, mainly concerning its safety. But this is slowly changing, with a growing number of cheese-makers using raw milk to make unpasteurised cheese. Unlike pasteurised milk, which has been heattreated to kill all the bacteria, raw milk retains the wonderful natural bacteria and flora which benefits and protects us, by building our immune system to fight against other more harmful bacteria. Because raw milk is untreated, it’s much kinder to our stomachs and easier to digest – often, people with dairy intolerances find themselves able to drink raw milk. I recently visited Fen Farm in Suffolk, where Jonny and Dulcie Crickmore make Baron Bigod, the UK’s only unpasteurised British farmhouse brie – it’s a big hit at Cheese Pantry! The Crickmores are fighting the corner for raw milk and unpasteurised cheese; they’ve even installed a raw milk vending machine at the farm gate where local residents have access to fresh raw milk. It’s been such a huge hit that many other farmers around the country have adopted a similar system. It was at the farm that I realised what milk should really taste like – with such richness and depth of flavour, you could almost feel the goodness! Supermarket milk, by comparison, just tastes like water. It’s because of this natural bacteria and wonderful taste that unpasteurised cheeses have a much richer complexity; they don’t need added flavours – the milk alone will do this naturally. Try them – you’ll be converted! Cheese Pantry is located at Cardiff Central Market. For more: @cheesepantry
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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’
Estyn Inspection - ‘Excellent’ including the seldom awarded ‘Excellent’ for Standards of Teaching (2012)
Nursery & Infants
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Sixth Form
Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit:
02920 778936
www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com
Charity No. 701294
I N T E R I O R S ad v er t i s i n g feat u re
Meet the Interior designer If you’re looking for local interiors inspiration and know-how, you’ve come to the right place – when it comes to interior design, this lot know what they’re talking about...
DORIAN BOWEN
Project One 029 2140 6283 www. projectone.design What sets you apart from your competitors? We make a lot of the products we specify, so combined with our unique ‘luxdustrial’ brand of interior architecture, our Project One ‘style’ really does set us apart. What motivates you? Awards are very important to the team – it’s a gold star from your peers! We’ve had three years of winning the Cardiff Life Awards, noms in the Global Design Awards and an ultimate Luxury Designer Award. Plus eight FMB awards for build quality, and the best of Houzz. So, awards... very motivating! Where do you see the business in five years? We moved into London and Edinburgh last year, so Monaco and the Middle East is the next step. SkyFall, our Client Experience Platform in Cardiff, comes online in September; it’ll be an industry first, so hopefully massive things ahead. With its 15km of cabling and almost AI-level of automation, combined with our newest materials and composites, it has been a tenyear ambition, so being close to launch feels massive.
Deborah Drew
Hayley Perkins
Deborah Drew Designs 029 2052 0828 www.dddesigns.co.uk
In the main, what sets you apart from your competitors? In September, we will be celebrating 20 successful years at Deborah Drew Designs. Knowledge and experience are critical in this fast-moving industry, and I have completed well over 10,000 hours, pre-requisite for the ‘expert’ badge we’ve all heard about. I was the interior designer on BBC One’s DIY SOS for four of those years, having to work under enormous pressure and to very tight deadlines. Over the years, armed with experience, you naturally end up working smarter, which is why our clients highly value our input on their projects. What’s the best project you’ve worked on? Holm House in Penarth was fantastic to design – I was involved in every aspect and managed every design element through to completion, including organising the design trades and suppliers. It was great, as I was given creative autonomy, and it was a pleasure to be a part of the team – the location was quite nice, too! What motivates you? Quite simply, high standards. I love what we do, all our clients are such lovely people and our relationships are particularly strong. When we meet, we always have a good catch-up about life in general, before we put our
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Jewels Canley Interiors 029 2070 7779 www.jewelscanley.co.uk design heads on and get down to work. Playing such an important part in helping make sure they meet their objectives in their own homes is a real privilege. My aim is to deliver to the highest standard, which I would personally expect both in terms of customer service and quality. Where do you see the business in five years? The company is growing year on year, and we’ve needed to expand the team to meet this increase. Samantha Hedges joined the company in 2016 as our full-time design co-ordinator and she is outstanding – clients love her. I would like to continue this growth steadily over the next five years, and hopefully launch our new e-commerce website, which is currently under development. What has been your biggest achievement to-date? From a design perspective, probably DIY SOS, only because I can’t believe I did it in the first place. I was never truly comfortable staring into a great big camera lens – I prefer to look at two little lenses called eyes! Favourite room in your house, and why? I would have to say our living room – it’s always very inviting after a long day at the office.
What sets you apart from your competitors? We build up a good client rapport very easily and listen to what the clients are asking from us. We always work into a project not just what can be aesthetically beautiful, but also functional. If there are to be any queries or changes mid-way through a project, then we can accommodate these easily and smoothly for a client. Where do you see the business in five years? Bigger than it is now – I’m working to add more bathroom projects to our portfolio as this is another great area to completely transform. In terms of tiles and shower systems alone, there is so much variety available now that you can achieve so many different looks. Gone are the days of boring white ceramics! Favourite room in your house, and why? Probably my living room. I currently have a loft apartment, with two full-width windows upstairs and downstairs, both of which bring in so much light. This instantly makes the apartment feel very spacious, and with the extra height and the bedroom being on a mezzanine floor, it makes the space downstairs an ideal place for entertaining.
a dvertising fe ature I N T E R I O R S
LEsley Taylor Lesley Taylor BIID of Taylors Etc 029 2035 8400 www.taylorsetc.co.uk What sets you apart from your competitors? Our Cardiff-based showroom is home to some of the world’s leading interiors brands. We also have The Baked Tile Company section, which boasts some superexciting tiles, including 3D textured wall tiles, chipboardeffect porcelain and digitally printed distressed woodeneffect planks to die for! What motivates you? The Taylors Etc team love producing affordable designled interiors for our clients. We never feel more motivated than when a client is blown away by the design stage and the finished project. Can you tell us a bit about your background? I am thrilled to be the design director for Taylors Etc, with an extensive background in interior design, completing projects ranging from boutique hotels to large scale residential I love to share my knowledge with the team. Our designers are degreetrained, and all of our staff have a passion for creating affordable luxury. Favourite room in your house, and why? Bathrooms! In 2015, our showroom won Independent Bathroom Retailer Of The Year at a national award ceremony, and in 2016 one of our designers, Zoe Curtis, took home the prestigious accolade of Bathroom Design Of The Year.
Liz Mynett
Natuzzi Cardiff Cardiff Bay 02920 488 698 Cardiff Gate 02920 733 331 www.natuzzi.co.uk What sets you apart from your competitors? Harmony is the ultimate goal and our idea of home – leather and fabrics with the same tones and finishes are carefully blended by our interior designers. For instance, a lamp or coffee table with the same marble, wood or colour metal as the leg of the sofa, wall units with the same harmonious finishes. ‘Your Design by Natuzzi’ is a complete interior design experience, right from 3D view through to delivery. Do you have a particular type of customer? Our mission is always to achieve customer satisfaction, whether it’s just a rug, a single armchair or a complete home project. Every customer is important and deserves the same level of care and attention. We do not take for granted that consumers can choose from any furniture brand in the world, so when they recognise Natuzzi as the right fit, we always do our best to find the right product for their needs. Can you tell us a bit about your background? Our family has been in the furniture industry for more than 40 years, and began a partnership with Natuzzi in 1989, supplying retailers across the UK and Ireland. In 2008, we decided to open our own Natuzzi Italia store in Cardiff Bay and restore an old historical building of Cardiff Docks. This store gave us first-hand experience with consumers, which also helped us to serve our retail partners better.
CERI Hill
Chalkhouse Interiors 029 2023 3308 www.chalkhouseinteriors.co.uk What’s the best project you’ve ever worked on? It’s still ongoing! We have designed furniture for nearly every room in a brand new luxury home in Cardiff. The kitchen is huge and features a circular seating booth in the vast island, which was top of my client’s wishlist. She is very open to ideas and suggestions which is always a great bonus when designing. Which is your favourite room at home? Our new family room has transformed the way we live. Built-in display units to show off my white ceramics, a beautiful Saarinen-style marble tulip table and a gorgeous lime Designers Guild sofa for guests to lounge in whilst we cook. It’s a room that’s always filled with light, thanks to the double French doors overlooking the garden – the perfect spot for tea and cake. What motivates you? I love designing and I love meeting people, so this is the best job in the world for me. Having a new kitchen can be stressful but when clients are delighted and have enjoyed the whole experience as well, it really makes all the hard work worthwhile. What sets you apart from your competitors? The whole team are passionate about delivering the best, and our customer care is second to none!
Leanne & Dean Edmonds Vale Orangeries 01446 746353 www.valeorangeries.co.uk
Tell us about what you do... Based in the Vale of Glamorgan, we are a family business that builds bespoke living spaces. Our first orangery was completed back in 2009, and since then, we have designed and built over 85 lifestyle extensions across South Wales. We offer a complete design and build package, tailor-made to suit a vast range of tastes and budgets. What sets you apart from your competition? Our creativity and vision, and our personal touch. We are passionate about creating beautiful living spaces, and encourage our clients to open their homes and embrace the space and light we can introduce through our work. We don’t have a showroom, but invite prospective clients to view our previous builds and meet our customers. This is a unique opportunity to see the quality of our work and discuss the build experience directly with the client. What motivates you? The end result. Building projects can be stressful and frustrating at times, but we know how delighted our clients are once the dust has settled. It’s extremely rewarding visiting a completed project and seeing how the build we created has changed the way our clients live. We are enormously proud of our work and this gives us great job satisfaction.
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More adventures in party-going
SNAPPED! AC ROS S CA R D I FF, O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E
IDEAS WORTH SHARING Cardiff’s Tramshed recently hosted the biggest ever TEDxCardiff event – speakers included an 84 year-old skydiver, and a palliative care doctor whose letter to David Bowie was read out by Benedict Cumberbatch at Hay! For more: tedxcardiff.co.uk
Dan Tyte (Working Word), Mike Dennis, Talia Loderick (Creative Cardiff), Mark Leruste (speaker), Pablo Janczur (Orchard)
Lisa Williams (Big Learning Company), Liz Arnold (Tramshed Tech), Ed Barnett (Ignite Cardiff) and Laura Sorvala (illustrator)
John Hill, Morgan Travers (both Salvation Army), Sam Knight (Cardiff Council), Stephanie Newton (Salvation Army)
Alisha Arthur (Working Word), Dawn Evans (Ajuda), Bethan Darwin (Thompson Darwin Law), Emma Del Torto (Effective HRM)
Dr. Mark Taubert (speaker), Neil Cocker, Laura Dewis (both TEDxCardiff), Lorraine Clark, Anna Rees (both Waterloo Foundation)
Claire Scantlebury and Neil Cocker (TEDxCardiff)
Matthew James, Mali Taylor– Powell (Cardiff SU) and Kayleigh Mcleod (Creative Cardiff)
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SOCIETY
Graham Jones and Lindsay Doyle
HAVING A BALL Over 300 guests and supporters of Tenovus Cancer Care raised £37,000 at the charity’s recent Viva Las Vegas ball at Cardiff’s City Hall in March, helping to support cancer patients and their loved ones across Wales and England. The charity received a visit on the night from their Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, who met with VIPs and addressed guests. Hosted by Welsh weathergirl and travel blogger, Sian Lloyd, the event was also attended by charity patrons, including Carl Edwards (ITV Wales) and Paralympic champion Aled Davies OBE.
Natasha Livingstone and Carl Edwards
Liz Wilson, Barry Field-Thomas, Sabrina Norman, Damien Gallivan and Tom Dyer
For more: tenovuscancercare.org.uk
Kirsty Lay and HRH The Princess Royal
Tenovus Cancer Care’s ‘Kilimanjaro Trekkers’
Claire Swindell and Megan Jenkins Professor Lazarus, Rhian Edwards and Maureen Lazarus
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SOCIETY
COMMS AS YOU ARE Cardiff-based PR and digital marketing agency Effective Communication held a ‘meet and greet’ client event at the SSE Swalec Stadium. The event also included a keynote presentation on ‘The Changing PR and Media Landscape’, showing the latest trends currently affecting communications in organisations. For more: weareeffective.co.uk Dr Emma Saunders and Katie Edwards (Genesis Biosciences)
Andrew Walker and Louise Griffin (Cardiff Met University)
Amanda Milliner, Emily Benwell and Malcolm Pearson (Hospital Innovations)
Pay attention, now...
Merle Bethell (Centurion VAT Specialists) and Julian Hilton (Jelf)
Robert Lloyd Griffiths (Institute of Directors), Kelly Bolderson (Glamorgan Telecom) and Alastair Milburn (Effective Communication)
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Shake-ups/launches/successes/promotions
CA R D I FF G E T S S ER I O US
QUOTE OF THE ISSUE Let’s go to work: Cardiff BID’s new Street Ambassadors
THE BIG STORY
WORD ON THE STREET Cardiff Business Improvement District (BID) launches its new team of Street Ambassadors, recruited to give local businesses a voice and make sure visitors to the city have the best possible experience The Ambassadors will take to the streets seven days a week, recording issues affecting organisations within the BID area, and making sure that Cardiff operates effectively for local businesses and their customers. The uniformed team will also be on hand to provide a warm welcome and helpful information for visitors and tourists. Established in July 2016, Cardiff BID covers 130 streets across the capital city, stretching from Principality Stadium to Newport Road, and Butetown to Cathays. The Ambassador scheme is just one of the many programmes of work the BID has planned for their five-year strategy to make the
city more welcoming, vibrant and influential. In addition, there is a full programme of work in the pipeline to prepare the city for its prestigious Champions League final on 3 June, including floral decorations, a deep-cleaning programme across the city centre, and additional taxi marshals in key areas to help people find taxis and have a safe journey home. Said Adrian Field, executive director of Cardiff BID: “With their existing passion and knowledge of the city, our Street Ambassadors know Cardiff inside out. By working with businesses on a daily basis, their enthusiasm and love of Cardiff will help us to learn more
about our businesses and visitors, so we can continue to create and develop initiatives that work for everyone coming into the capital. “I’ve lived in Cardiff for 40 years so I’m really excited to have been chosen,” said Street Ambassador Louise O’Hanlon. “Improving areas of the city and increasing footfall is really important, especially to the quirky arcades and small businesses – people don’t visit them enough! I’m really looking forward to getting out there and meeting people.” The new uniformed Street Ambassadors patrol Cardiff’s Business Improvement District daily. For more information, see cardiffbid.com
“DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR SUPPORT. IF YOU THINK YOU NEED IT, YOU PROBABLY DO…” Wise words from our resident biz columnist, Andrea Callanan. More on page 83...
225,000 THE BIG NUMBER
That’s how many square feet are on offer at one of Cardiff’s major office buildings, currently undergoing a major refurb. Turn over for the full story...
Got a business news story for us? Email vel.ilic@mediaclash.co.uk
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BUSINESS INSIDER
Currently in the final stages of a major refurb, Brunel House dominates Cardiff’s skyline
BUSINESS PROPERTY
CHANGE OF SCENE Cardiff’s largest office building is undergoing a major transformation. MARK SUTTON, partner at property consultants Knight Frank, explains how Brunel House is changing...
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he largest office building in Cardiff city centre, Brunel House dominates the skyline, with a total of 225,000 square feet over 16 floors. The building is now undergoing an extensive refurbishment to construct a new glazed entrance, reception, coffee shop and business lounge. The reconfigured entrance will create a brand-new concierge reception to complement the high quality office space and space for tenants to ‘meet and greet’ clients, pick up a coffee or take a break for lunch. Brunel is situated in the heart of Cardiff, within easy reach of of St David’s shopping centre and right next door to Queen Street station. There are secure on-site parking spaces with additional public parking available close by at Knox Road, Capitol Centre and Dumfries Place. For cyclists, there are secure on-site bicycle parking and shower facilities on site. The building also provides 24-hour on-site security, an on-site gym and crèche facilities, and a business centre for smaller occupiers. The remaining office space has been completely stripped out and the refurbished offices benefit from a high specification including air conditioning, access control, raised access floors and LED lighting. The available suites can accommodate requirements from 3,000 square feet upwards and the large, efficient floor plates can easily seat over 200 staff per floor. The extensive glazing provides occupiers with excellent natural light to all parts of the office floor, and boasts impressive views across the city, Cardiff Bay and beyond. Already home to household names including Legal & General, Admiral Insurance, HM Revenue & Customs, Countrywide Lawyers and Regus, the construction of the new reception will be completed in July 2017 and there are opportunities available for businesses of all sizes. For more: brunelcardiff.co.uk 82 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
BUSINESS INSIDER
BREAKING NEWS
FLYING HIGH BIZ WISDOM SUPPORT NETWORK Specific business support is vital when you’re steering your ship, says ANDREA CALLANAN, voice expert and founder of inspireMe Support comes in various forms. Specific bodies like the Princes Trust, Business Wales and Business In Focus, for example, offer great, free, tangible support for different stages of your business, and business support networks such as the Institute of Directors, BNI (Business Network International), The Chamber of Commerce and many others can offer specific support and contacts within your sectors. They can also signpost you to potential financial support if you’re at that stage. Smaller and less formal social business networks are important for peer to peer relationships and support. There are many tailored online forums and social media groups too, such as Cardiff Start for tech and creative start-ups and small businesses.And there are also various business mastermind courses to suit every pocket. Great online courses are available, too, such as Marie Forleo’s B-School and at learning site Udemy . Business and personal coaches are also beneficial. A paid business coach assesses where you’re at and either coaches you through a stage in your business journey, or you can hire them for a set time to take your business to the next level.
You’ll also need personal support in your entrepreneurial journey. This may range from free emotional support to paid professional services to make your ‘everyday’ easier. A personal coach can support you in your growth, and help you face new challenges and experiences, particularly if you’re overwhelmed or need support with mindset and confidence. And don’t forget family and friends, a cleaner, childcare, a dog walker and even a PA – they can all offer support, freeing you up to run your business better. One thing I value above all is my team of mentors, a handful of total diamonds who between them will most likely have been through what I need support with. I don’t pay these people financially, but in the spirit of reciprocity, I’ll make sure their input is recognised, appreciated and returned. Their invaluable insight and advice is second to none. So, don’t be afraid to ask for support. If you think you might need it, then you probably do. People are usually very happy to have a helpful conversation if you reach out. Leverage your networks and, if needed, pay for a support service. Trust your instinct and keep going! inspireMe are a Cardiff-based engagement and selfdevelopment company that offer UK-wide team-building and training. For more, see andinspireme.com
Qatar Airways announces new, frequent, long haul service from Cardiff Airport to Qatar’s capital city, Doha Renowned for The tug of war was quality and excellent sure to end in tears... customer service, the five-star airline has also said that Cardiff Airport will be the only new planned UK route in its network for 2018. The service will be the first regular, direct longhaul flight linking Wales and south west England to a major global hub in the Gulf region, benefiting both leisure and business travellers. Services will fly between Cardiff and Hamad International Airport in Doha, which, since opening in 2014, is one of the world’s largest hub airports, with more than 30 million passengers using the state-of-the-art facilities each year. Via the hub, Qatar Airways connects to more than 150 destinations across six continents, including key routes to Australia, UAE, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, South Africa and China. The new service will stimulate inbound tourism to and from the region as a major gateway to the UK. “I am immensely proud that Qatar Airways has chosen Cardiff Airport to operate its new service to Doha,” said Debra Barber, CEO at Cardiff Airport. “It is fantastic that we will now be able to offer our customers more choice of travel with a world-class airline, providing easy connections to destinations across the world. Over the coming months, we will work with the team at Qatar Airways to confirm the details of the service, and look forward to the flights being on sale in the near future.” For more: cardiff-airport.com
Mill Cottage, Llanmaes A charming and distinctive detached four bedroom character cottage, occupying a lovely position nestled on the outskirts of the pretty and quiet idyllic village of Llanmaes. This period home was originally built in 17th Century, extended in both 1960 and then again in 2001/2, providing comfortable living space for a family, with the special benefit of a private front garden landscaped with two lawns, a large sun terrace with Indian Sandstone paving stones and enjoying lovely relaxing views in each direction onto rolling green fields. This impressive house of character boasts many period features including a solid stone fireplace within the lounge (16’11 x 13’8) equipped with a multi fuel cast iron wood burner, exposed beamed ceilings, farm house style pine doors with oak and brass latches, exposed stone walls and natural wood floors. Improvements include solid oak replacement windows with stone & slate sills, reclaimed pine lintels, a hand made solid ash wood kitchen and breakfast room equipped with Iroko dark wood work tops and a gas range cooker, gas heating with panel radiators and a combi boiler (2017), a full re-wire in 1998, a new roof (re-placed around 1985), whilst the extension roof was a added circa 2000. This truly wonderful home provides easy living space for a small family or couple, with local children collected by bus for Cowbridge high school, and a host of country facilities available including walks, bike rides and equestrian pursuits. Special features include a wide private drive approached by a five bar gate with side pedestrian gate, leading to a large detached garage with potential to be extended or converted, the main drive provides ample parking for 4/5 cars, whilst the deep front gardens enjoy a pleasing view across green fields, with a natural screen of trees to one side, surrounded by playing fields and farm land. The accommodation includes both a gable fronted porch with stable door and flagstone threshold, a large lounge, a separate dining room/sitting room (15’1 x 8’9), a versatile snug, a kitchen and breakfast room, a utility cupboard, a ground floor modern white shower room, whilst on the first floor there are four bedrooms and a spacious family bathroom with a modern white suite. There is extensive storage space within the eaves roof space, and outside there is a useful garden room in the form of an attached conservatory. This unique home benefits considerable history being a former water mill dating back to the 17th century, and forming part of the original village of Llanmaes. Mill Cottage is classed as a county treasure within the Vale, and whilst it has in recent years been improved to current standards it still retains an elegant appearance which is indicative of a country cottage.
For sale with PA Black Cowbridge Branch 01446 772857 £525,000
Coed Y Wenallt Rhiwbina A modern bright well designed five bedroom detached double fronted house, built in 2000 by Beazer Homes, later known as Persimmon Homes, completed with a 10 year N H B C guarantee, and forming part of select small development positioned adjacent to pretty designated wood land. This impressive home fronts a small quiet close, well away from passing traffic, and within easy reach of Rhiwbina Garden Village. A special feature are the delightful gardens which are well designed and command considerable privacy, ideal for a family and positioned opposite ancient woodland. In recent years the current owners have completed a number of significant improvements including a stunning new fully fitted quality kitchen/breakfast room, supplied by Magnet and fitted in 2012, and a newly fitted utility room also supplied by Magnet. In 2007 a truly magnificent PVC double glazed sun lounge conservatory has been added, (21’2 x 12’2) equipped with a clear glass roof and dual French doors which open onto two sun patios. This lovely property also includes gas heating with panel radiators, white PVC double glazed windows, white panel doors with regency handles, coved ceilings, and an elegant Minster stone fireplace within the main front lounge (16’0 x 11’4), inset with a living flame gas fire. The property also comprises a downstairs cloak room with a modern white suite, a formal dining room, and an integral single garage, approached also from a courtesy door from the utility room. The spacious first floor comprises five bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with white suites, one being ensuite the master bedroom. Each of the bedrooms enjoys pleasing views across the quiet front close and across the charming rear gardens. Outside there is parking for two/three cars, plus a single garage (16’8 x 8’3). The front gardens extend to the side of the property, where a private sun patio enjoys views onto the adjacent wood land, a lovely setting. The property is located on the prestigious Coed Y Wenallt development off Wenallt Road, striking distance to both Rhiwbina Village and an exit onto the A 470 and the M4, allowing fast travel to Newport, Bristol and Swansea. Must be seen!
For sale with PA Black Llanishen Branch 02920 618552
£525,000
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86 112I I CARDIFF CLIFTONLIFE LIFE I I www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk
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PENTRE COURT A spacious, secluded, Grade II-listed Georgian country house in a lovely semi-rural location near Abergavenny By K AT I E K I SSOON www.mediaclash.co.ukI I CLIFTON CARDIFFLIFE LIFE I I 113 87 www.mediaclash.co.uk
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ocated at Llanwenarth, about three miles south of Abergavenny, Pentre Court is surrounded by its own beautiful gardens, laid to lawn with gorgeous hedgerows, mature borders, trees and flower beds, plus a flagstone patio area for alfresco dining, swimming pool, charming bridges crossing the stream, a small area of woodland, two pasture paddocks, and even its own apple orchard. There are glorious, far-reaching views across to the Black Mountains National Park, too. So far, so picture-perfect. Wherever you turn, there’s an abundance of space. The driveway leads to a parking area with plenty of room for several cars, and a coach house with potential for conversion to further accommodation. Inside, there’s a large, welcoming entrance hall, with four reception rooms on the expansive ground floor – family room, sitting room, with large, striking Tudor inglenook fireplace and exposed beams, drawing room and study – each enabling comfortable living (and great entertaining potential) for a large family. There’s also a luxurious family kitchen – effectively a further reception room – with doorways leading off to the rear and side gardens. And there’s even a modern second kitchen, fitted with quality work surfaces and integral oven/induction hob. The first floor is accessed by two separate staircases, one of which leads from the entrance hall to five generous bedrooms, including the master bedroom, with a large, stylish en-suite shower room and magnificent views over those lovely lawns. The second bedroom also has its own en-suite, while the three remaining bedrooms are serviced by a family bathroom. 88 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Pentre Court has an abundance of space – both inside and out
HOUSE NUMBERS Pentre Court, Llanwenarth, Abergavenny
9
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4
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2
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The second staircase, accessed from the sitting room, leads to two further bedrooms and a shower room, while yet another set of stairs rises to the second floor, with two more bedrooms and another large, modern shower room. Set in about five acres of land, thoughtfully landscaped and beautifully maintained, Pentre Court is perfect in every way – a vast, sprawling ‘forever home’ that just keeps on giving.
bathrooms
£995,000 guide price
For more info, contact Savills, 12 Windsor Place, Cardiff CF10 3BY; Tel: 02920 368920, savills.co.uk
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ne of Cardiff’s go-to interiors companies, Chalkhouse’s handmade, bespoke kitchens range from Victorian classic to ‘designer cool’, and beyond. Ceri Hill, who runs the business with partner Graham Screen, is one of the loveliest people around, as you’re about to find out... Where’s home, and what makes it special? Penarth. I’ve spent most of my life there and wouldn’t really want to move anywhere else. It has a real community spirit. What sets Chalkhouse Interiors apart? Customers have very differing budgets for their new kitchen or bedroom, but good design costs nothing – this is where my passion lies. More so than ever, the kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s really important that it works superbly as well as looking fantastic. What would your fantasy kitchen look like? I’m very drawn to Scandi style, so a mix of white and pale whitewashed oak slab doors, with some contrasting anthracite display cabinets (to show off my collection of white ceramics), faux cement walls and gorgeous Italian marble worktops. If you could get up on your soapbox about a particular issue, what would it be? I’m obsessed about good driving skills and lane discipline. I’ve been known to rant at inconsiderate drivers! Most famous person you follow on Twitter? Kevin McCloud. We met him when we were the guest kitchen experts at the Grand Designs show in Birmingham last year – he was a real gentleman, very charming. How do you relax? I love curling up with my iPad. I’m obsessive about Pinterest and constantly browse for ideas and inspiration. Most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you? Congratulating a “blossoming” mum at school on her pregnancy – only to be told coldly that she wasn’t expecting. When did you last cry? Last weekend, at my son’s wedding – he cried, I cried, my mum cried. And when my 14 year-old granddaughter made a very emotional speech to her favourite uncle, she cried, then we all cried! Dream dinner party guests? Steve McQueen – my crush when I was 14; Michael McIntyre – he makes me cry with laughter; Tricia Guild – my design inspiration; and Gino D’Acampo – I love Italian food, and have all of his recipe books.
90 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
CERI HILL The co-owner of Chalkhouse Interiors talks fantasy kitchens, Kevin McCloud and bad drivers If push came to shove, what would be your final meal? Something vegetarian and Italian: arancini, melanzana [aubergine] parmigiana and zuppa Inglese, an Italian trifle made with limoncello. If your nearest and dearest had to describe you, what would they say? Fussy – I have a very keen eye so don’t accept anything less than perfect. Who would play you in a film about your life? Sandra Bullock. She’s a beautiful woman (so I would look much better!), but very down to earth and with a slightly mad sense of humour. Guiltiest pleasure? Chocolate, in any shape or form. Most important lesson life has taught you? You never know what’s around the corner so there’s no point worrying until it happens. What’s on your bookshelf at the moment? Enjoy Italian by Sylvia Lymbery. I usually listen to Italian CDs and read through some grammar and vocabulary at night – it helps me relax. Karaoke choice? Anastasia’s I’m Outta Love – it gets me on the dancefloor every time, singing wildly. Must-watch television programme? Graham Norton – he’s so naturally funny and gets all the best guests.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? A built-in ray gun, so I could zap all those people in the wrong lanes! Best thing about Cardiff? It’s a wonderful city – big enough to have great shopping, theatres, cinemas and facilities but small enough to be really friendly. Favourite shop(s) in Cardiff? I’m a bit of a John Lewis junkie – even everyday items like bins and ironing boards are displayed beautifully. Locally, where do you like to eat and drink? I Cicchetti in Radyr, an Italian deli and restaurant. Really great food, a lovely atmosphere and they sell wonderful fresh Italian cheeses, meats and breads, too. Secret or favourite Cardiff spot? We love walking over the Barrage – there’s always something to see out on the water, and at the end of the walk we can treat ourselves to a drink and meal in one of the cafés in the Bay. Finally, surprise us about a little known fact about yourself... When I was young, I worked for Cardiff City Council, following the ashwagons around with a stopwatch in my hand (to time how long the men took to throw the rubbish bags in!). It wasn’t glamorous, but I had a whale of a time.
For more: chalkhouseinteriors.co.uk
www.icebodysculpting.co.uk - info@icebodysculpting.co.uk 02921 202 190. 122 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff, CF5 5BT