Cardiff Life - Issue 184

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @CardiffLifeMag

On the

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

HEY BIG SPENDER! Ways to splash the cash ISSUE 184/MAY 2018/LIVING A LIFE OF LUXURY

UBERGLAM Party pics from the Cardiff Life Awards

CASTLE WALLS

Issue 184/May 2018/£3

water

A fairytale fortress for sale

All the LOVE for CARDIFF BAY

editor’s letter / Issue 184 / May 2018

18

Bay city living Why Cardiff Bay’s kind of a big deal

Flying high We’re pretty excited here at Cardiff Life about the new Qatar Airways Cardiff to Doha routes which take off for the first time next week. Of course it’s always great to have more holiday opps from a local airport, but more importantly than that, it’s a marker of Cardiff’s economic status in the region. The fact that Qatar Airways chose our city’s airport over any of the others in the South West really is a big deal. And of course if means that not only is it easier for us to travel further afield, but also that we can welcome more people to our awesome city. Because Cardiff really is fantastic, and while we know it, there’s a whole load of people out there who don’t. Yet. While we’re on the subject of the fantastic-ness of the city, don’t miss all the pics from the Cardiff Life Awards on pages 62-67. Also in this issue, we take a closer look at Cardiff Bay and find some great ways to splash the cash.

Stay fabulous!

Hedfan fry Yma yn Cardiff Life rydym yn llawn cyffro ynghylch llwybrau hedfan newydd Qatar Airways rhwng Caerdydd a Doha, a fydd yn gweithredu am y tro cyntaf yr wythnos nesaf. Wrth gwrs, mae bob amser yn wych pan fydd maes awyr lleol yn cynnig mwy o leoedd i ni gael gwyliau ynddynt, ond yn bwysicach na hynny mae’n arwydd o statws economaidd Caerdydd yn y rhanbarth. Mae’r ffaith bod Qatar Airways wedi dewis maes awyr ein dinas ni yn hytrach nag un o feysydd awyr de-orllewin Lloegr yn dipyn o gamp. Ac wrth gwrs, yn ogystal â’i gwneud yn haws i ni deithio i leoedd newydd, mae hefyd yn golygu y gallwn groesawu mwy o bobl i’n dinas fendigedig. Oherwydd mae Caerdydd yn wirioneddol wych ac, yn wahanol i ni, mae yna lawer o bobl yn y byd nad ydynt yn gwybod hynny.

Hyd yn hyn.

Ac o sôn am wychder y ddinas, peidiwch â cholli’r cyfle i weld yr holl luniau o seremoni wobrwyo Cardiff Life ar dudalennau 62-67. Yn y rhifyn hwn hefyd, rydym yn bwrw golwg fanylach ar Fae Caerdydd ac yn dod o hyd i rai ffyrdd gwych y gallwch wario eich arian.

Pob hwyl!

EMMA DANCE Editor emma.dance@mediaclash.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @CardiffLifeMag

CONTENTS / ISSUE 184 / MAY 2018

THE ARTS

M EET T H E T EAM

29 Arts Intro

Editor Emma Dance emma.dance@mediaclash.co.uk

Olivier win for Sherman Theatre’s Killology

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Megan Price, Charlie Rose, Dean Euden, Andrea Byrne, Sam Warburton Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Kate Butterfield kate.butterfield@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Lorena Cussens lorena.cussens@mediaclash.co.uk Advertising executive Louis Grey louis.grey@mediaclash.co.uk

34 What’s On Dates for your diary

40 Film Chapter’s season embodies the outspoken spirit of 1968

SHOPPING 45 Shopping Intro The new store showcasing Cardiff’s creative talent

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

48 How To Spend It Credit cards at the ready....

56 Fashion Your summer holiday packing, sorted

LIFEST YLE 59 Health & beauty Splashing about at the marvellous Marine Spa at the St David’s Hotel

FOOD 77 Food News Bite-sized chunks of tasty titbits

78 Recipes Our Gastropub of the Year, The Fox and Hounds, shares some tasty dishes to cook at home

48 DEPARTMENTS 9 Spotlight

BUSINESS

Dean Euden on the value of expensive wines

Our regular biz news round-up

Sam Warburton on why charity matters

PROPERT Y 92 Property Showcase The splendid Fonmon Estate (complete with castle) comes on to the market

92

59

© All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

Andrea Byrne takes some time out to recharge and refresh

87 Business Insider

15 A man’s world

Cardiff Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW; 01225 475800, mediaclash.co.uk, @The MediaClash

60 Girl about town

83 Wine Column

OPINION

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

Flying high, circuses, sailing and more!

62 Snapped!

Party pics from the Cardiff Life Awards and other hot happenings around the city

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

98 Cardiff Lives Cardiff Airport’s graphic designer Sophie Bishop shares her secrets

On the cover Sitting on the dock of the Bay

a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e E D U C AT I O N

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

SHOPPING

STREET STYLE Students from the university of South Wales are opening a pop-up shop in the Capitol Shopping Centre “embracing chic and unapologetic luxe sportswear.”

Athluxe Platfform will be trading from 3-8 May, and as well as selling clothes will also host a range of events including DJ and pizza and prosecco nights as well as a customisation workshop.

For more: www.platfformpopup.com

Get the Athluxe look

Qatar Airways begins flying from Cardiff in May

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT

TOP FLIGHT

The first direct flights linking Wales and the West to the Gulf will take off next week The new Qatar Airways route from Cardiff to Doha begins on 1 May, with flights leaving daily from the capital.

The inaugural flight will be flown on the ultra-modern Airbus A350-900, in recognition of the fact that the aircraft’s wings are actually built by Airbus in Wales.

Thereafter the route will be served by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “The launch of our new service to Cardiff is a major milestone for Qatar Airways. It makes sense that the inaugural flight that welcomes Qatar Airways to Wales is on the A350-900, as the wings of this very plane are built at the Airbus plant in Broughton, North Wales. The new service will connect the Welsh people with more destinations

globally and provide them the opportunity to experience our unparalleled five-star service. We look forward to welcoming our new passengers on board and to connecting them to Doha and points beyond.”

Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, said: “The daily service between Cardiff and Doha is a huge boost for Wales. It will open up Wales’ links with the rest of the world and deliver new economic, leisure and travel opportunities for Welsh businesses and the people of Wales. Providing a direct route into the world’s fastest growing hub airport, Hamad International Airport, will also bring Wales closer to leading global markets such as India, China, Singapore and Australasia.”

For more: www.qatarairways.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 9

Photo by Mark Robson

Kaiya and Molly

PERFORMANCE

Circus skills Sam Warburton

CHARITY

Star support British and Irish Lions, Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby star Sam Warburton has chosen NSPCC Cymru/Wales as the main charity beneficiary of his testimonial year.

The year (which began on 1 April) will feature a number of sporting and fundraising events held across Wales and in London to celebrate 29-year-old Sam’s outstanding career.

Several charities will receive money raised throughout the testimonial season, but the 74 times Wales-capped flanker has selected NSPCC Cymru/Wales as the main charity to benefit.

He said: “I’m flattered that I’m being supported in my testimonial year by the

Cardiff Blues and Welsh Rugby Union and for me it was pretty much a no-brainer to pick the NSPCC as my main charity.

“I recently visited my old primary school in Cardiff and it was great to see volunteers from the charity deliver their Speak Out Stay Safe message. It taught the children that it’s ok to speak out if they are suffering neglect or abuse and I could see the kids were listening intently.

“As a dad, now knowing more about the NSPCC, I can’t bear to think of anything happening to my little girl. That’s why I’m helping the NSPCC prevent abuse” For more: www.samwarburtontestimonial.com

Celebrating the end of an exciting project exploring the history of Welsh circus, NoFit State’s Youth Circus Students have released a short documentary. The 13 minute film, Circus: 250 Years Young, condenses their nine-month journey, taking you with them as they delve into the history archives, learn lost circus skills, visit the big-top tent, and imagine what the future of circus might hold – all in the lead up to a spectacular performance.

The film is a part of the UK-wide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of British circus. It documents the progress of Youth Circus Students as they look at the unique Welsh contribution to the development of circus.

Olga Kaleta, head of Youth Circus, NoFit State, said: “I’m really proud of our youth for fully engaging with all the aspects of the project. I’m confident to say that it has changed the way they think about the circus and its history. All different aspects of the project meant that a large number of young people were able to benefit from the activities. It’s been a fantastic experience for everyone involved. We’re all so inspired and excited for the future.”

For more: www.nofitstate.org

THEATRE

On tour

Hijinx in Lesotho

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

Award-winning theatre company, Hijinx, took a group of learning disabled actors and staff to tour the landlocked country of Lesotho, with a performance project called Able to Act. Four professional actors with Down’s Syndrome from Hijinx’s performance training Academies in Wales undertook the trip – Justin Melluish, Gareth Clark, Laura Tilley and Victoria Walters.

They partnered with four local drama students from the Machabeng International College to create a totally new piece of theatre, which was initially developed in the Hijinx Academies across Wales.

Performances were held across five locations throughout Lesotho, including the Mamohato Children’s Centre run by Sentebale – set up by Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry. Here the production was performed for staff from their disability department and the rest of the organisation who were undergoing disability awareness focus training.

Palesa Mphohle, country director for Sentebale said: “This was inclusion at it’s best.

I’ve never seen such a wonderful performance as this before. It was really inspiring.”

For more: www.hijinx.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

Welsh sailor Bleddyn Môn en route to Cardiff

CHARITY

A team from Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar has raised £70,000 for charity by running the Cardiff 10k.

The money will be given to the AwutuWinton Senior High School in Ghana, which provides secondary education for financially disadvantaged children and is funded by the UK based charity EDP Trust.

David Lunan, Director of the EDP Trust said: “This is a very exciting development for the school charity that will allow us, amongst other projects that are also planned , to upgrade the new library, which will be named The Octavo Library, with a complete refit of furnishings and books , as well as allowing us to create an IT link.”

For more on the ECP Trust: www.edp-trust.org For more on Octavo’s: www.octavobooks.co.uk

Team Octavo’s ready to run

PHOTO BY SAM GREENFIELD/VOLVO OCEAN RACE

BEST FOOT FORWARD

SAILING

A HELPING HAND Volunteers are being recruited to help out when the Volvo Ocean Race stops over in Cardiff from 27 May-10 June.

500 people are needed to assist at the major sporting event, and one of those who has already signed-up is Hilary Coulson, a 66-year-old retired nurse from Roath, who has already volunteered at a host of sporting events, including the London 2012 Olympics. “I must be Cardiff’s least-sporty volunteer,” she said. “But that makes no difference. I’ve had years of fun, enjoyment, and the fulfilment of being part of a team. There’s a real buzz to these bit sporting events, and you meet such great people who become firm friends. I know how good these major events are for the reputation and economy of Cardiff and Wales, but I get so much out of them in personal terms. I’m proud to show off my city to these temporary residents, and I’d urge

people to come and try it for the Volvo Ocean Race in this Year of the Sea in Wales.”

There will be a two week long free festival in the Volvo Ocean Race Village located near Cardiff Bay Barrage, where visitors will be able to see the boats, and find a variety of Race-themed attractions and entertainment on the waterfront, including live music and performances of LEXICON, a contemporary take on circus heritage, created by Cardiff’s own NoFit State (see across the page for more on them) and Firenza Guidi. The festival will have a Welsh flavour, with Welsh producers offering locally-sourced food and drink – from bars offering real ale to the most popular street food vendors.

For more on volunteering: www.thesportshub-cardiff.com For more on the Volvo Ocean Race: www.volvooceanrace.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 11

A MAN’S WORLD

ALWAYS

SAM WARBURTON

I’VE FELT IT’S IMPORTANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO

GIVING BACK Sam might be a superstar, but he’s all about life’s simple pleasures

I

think it’s safe to say that it’s been one of the most unique seasons of my career to date, primarily for the fact that I haven’t been able to step foot onto a rugby pitch since July.

Following last summer’s Lions tour – one of the highlights of my career – a couple of injuries have kept me out of action for the entire campaign. Having not planned on having most of the season away from rugby, I decided to make the most of the time and the off-field opportunities.

Over the past few months, I’ve been given a real opportunity to do a lot of charity work for causes that are really close to my heart.

I’m currently a patron for Velindre, an ambassador for Tenovus and with my testimonial year coming up I’ve been able to do bits and bobs for NSPCC and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

When you’re playing and preparing for games from week-to-week it’s difficult to find time to keep up with all the requests,

but I’ve always felt it’s important to contribute to charities when you’ve got the time on your hands. Even though being on the sidelines can be pretty frustrating, I’ve quite enjoyed that side of it.

Give DIFFerently was also a fantastic campaign to be involved with recently in Cardiff. It offered people an alternative way of donating to homelessness, and it involved contactless payment and a big screen on The Hayes, which featured myself trying to encourage people over.

It was a very clever idea for a very worthy cause. What you’ll find with a lot of the professional rugby players in Wales is that we’re from very normal backgrounds with very down-to-earth and grounded families so it’s always surreal to see yourself on big screens or televisions around the place. You never quite get used to that.

I’m not sure if people have a very glamorous perception of rugby players’ lives, but I’m pretty simple when it comes

CHARITIES

WHEN YOU’VE GOT TIME ON YOUR

HANDS

to unwinding during my spare time. I like walking the dogs and spending time with my family and that’s pretty much it to be honest.

I’ve still been doing my training in my local gym at Rhiwbina Rugby Club, which is basically a temporary building with all the utilities in there, so I like going in on my own to keep fit.

I love living in Rhiwbina, and I’ve been there all my life. I walk the dogs around the area often, and it’s boring old news if I’m spotted around the place! It’s quite nice!

I’ve probably got more than 20 family members living around the area and every street name and every road I walk down has got a memory from my childhood.

It’s a bit of a local inside joke to say “There’s nowhere nice-a than living Rhiwbina” and it’s somewhere that I can see myself living for the rest of my life.

The Juboraj curry house is a favourite of mine in the area. When I picked up my OBE in London recently, people asked me if I would be celebrating for the night in London, but in reality there was nothing better than heading back home and having a curry at the Juboraj.

But I’m now focused on returning to action with CardiffBlues. I’ve been back running for a good few weeks, and once you start running you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. My next target will be to integrate myself back into the rugby side and once I’ll be able to do that, I’ll be ready to go.

I’m looking forward to being ready for day one of pre-season training. That’s the plan and at the moment it’s going well and I am raring to get back on the Cardiff Arms Park pitch with the boys.

Sam likes to use his fame to help good causes Follow Sam on Twitter @samwarburton

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

VOLVO EVENT advertising feature

Photo: Jesus Renedo

Photo: Ainhoa Sanchez

Photo: Jesus Renedo

Photo: Jesus Renedo

racing to port

There's a proper celebration planned when the Volvo ocean race arrives in Cardiff

S

ince 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race has provided the ultimate test of a team and a human adventure like no other. This edition will take the teams around the world, across four oceans and 12 landmark host cities. Following the fleet’s departure from Newport (Rhode Island, USA – that is!), they are due to arrive in Cardiff on 28 May. To celebrate, Cardiff Bay will play host to a festival with free entry, from 27 May to 10 June – and with the first week of the event being half-term, there’s fun for the entire family.

This is the only UK stopover, so show your support and give the teams a big Welsh welcome!

Here’s a taste of what you will find for free...

• The opportunity to get an insight into the race itself with a cinema experience in The Globe.

• Take part in a variety of fun-filled workshops from the National Marine Aquarium, Cardiff University and more.

• Impress your friends with a selfie behind the wheel of a replica Volvo Ocean-65

racing yacht.

• Grab yourself some delicious street food and enjoy live music on the waterfront.

• Try your hand at static trapeze, juggling, uni-cycling and more with Organised Kaos Youth Circus workshops.

• Get out on the water with our trained coaches for a taster session in sailing and stand-up paddle boarding.

You can also buy tickets on the day for a range of activities, including a climbing wall, zip wire and even the opportunity to get a birds-eye-view of the action from our big wheel. Also, it’s the only chance to see the NoFit State Circus performance, Lexicon, in Wales!

Why not book a teambuilding session?

It’s the ultimate challenge for friends or co-workers to attempt something new, in a fun and unique environment. Teams will be take part in an array of sailing challenges, explore the Race Village with a tour guide and even get the chance to experience ‘Try Sail’ sessions, for those who want to get out onto

the water with a specialist coach!

Also, bookings are now being taken for memorable hospitality experiences in the Wales Pavilion. Situated in the heart of the Race Village, it boasts views of the racing in both the Bay and Estuary, to experience the race up close! Plus, guests can enjoy food, drink and entertainment whilst gaining insights from the Volvo team and live race action will also be streamed onto the screen in the marquee.

Put it in your diary now - 27 May to 10 June - it’s too good to miss!

The Cardiff Stopover will be held in Cardiff Bay, on Alexandra Head (next to the skate park on the barrage).

Visit volvooceanracecardiff.com for more information.

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

On the

dock of the Bay From derelict docklands to a dazzling destination – we take a closer look at Cardiff Bay

By E m m a Da nc e

The St David’s Hotel is a striking sight 18 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CARDIFF B AY

I

t’s a little more than 30 years ago that the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation was set up to regenerate the 1,100 hectares of derelict dockland between Cardiff and Penarth.

Three decades later and, save for a few architectural stalwarts like the red brick Pierhead which stands sentry at the water’s edge, and the Norwegian church made famous as the christening place of Roald Dahl, it’s almost unrecognisable as the same sad stretch of mudflaps and abandoned docks that it once was.

In fact, before the scheme that was dreamt up to breathe life back into the wasteland, the area wasn’t even known as Cardiff Bay. Now though, it’s one of the most visited areas of the city and more and more businesses are moving to the new waterfront district.

EARLY ADOPTER

THIS IS WHERE GREAT IDEAS ARE BORN

One of the organisations that has been in the Bay since almost the start of the regeneration is educational charity and science discovery centre Techniquest.

“We’ve been here since the early years of our institution, and we’ve seen Cardiff Bay develop from an empty dockland into a thriving, spirited community of businesses,” says CEO Lesley Kirkpatrick. “We’re proud to say that we’ve been a celebrated fixture of the Bay since 1988.

“The move from our city centre site (the former British Gas showroom) was facilitated through a partnership with the then Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, Welsh Development Agency and Wales Tourist Board. At the time, the Corporation was embarking on a major regeneration programme for the area and it was a perfect opportunity for Techniquest to be at the heart of this exciting new initiative.

PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT WALES

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19

CARDIFF B AY TOP OF THE SHOPS

“We moved into our current site in 1995, allowing us to provide interactive, fun, and educational experiences for generations of people. It’s great to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic community which has the potential to put Cardiff on the international map.”

BIG NAMES

At the heart of the Bay is the Senedd, and alongside it, the striking Wales Millennium Centre, perhaps the biggest symbol of the Bay’s transformation and a tremendous draw for both tourists and residents alike.

Artistic and creative director at the centre, Graeme Farrow, says, “Wales Millennium Centre is the nation’s home for the performing arts. As well as providing an extensive programme of world class visiting productions throughout the year, we also produce our own ‘Made in Wales’ productions including Tiger Bay the Musical which played to over 23,000 people in November 2017. We also aim to raise the aspiration of young people across Wales through our Creative Learning programmes and are home to several resident organisations such as Welsh National Opera, BBC NOW and NDC Wales.

“For me, what makes Cardiff Bay so special is the extraordinary history of one of the most richly diverse areas of the UK which we tried to depict in Tiger Bay the Musical, and the indomitable community spirit which survives there today.”

CARDIFF BAY IS A MELTING POT OF CULTURE

It was the transformation of the Bay area that prompted Jo Roberts, owner of Fabulous Welshcakes, to open her store selling the delicious Welsh delicacy in Mermaid Quay nine-and-a-half years ago.

“I wanted to update the welshcake, making a traditional speciality but bringing it up to date with modern branding and presentation, and the Bay, having gone through its own regeneration seemed the ideal place to set up shop,” she says. “The Bay is unique and I love it. There’s a relaxed vibe – everyone is there to enjoy themselves.”

Also championing Welsh produce is the Makers Guild in Wales’ Craft in the Bay gallery.

“Having moved from temporary premises within Cardiff we were offered the fantastic opportunity to utilise the former D-Shed in Cardiff Bay during the redevelopments,” says manager of the Guild, Simon Burgess. “The D-Shed is an important part of Cardiff’s rich maritime history having been built around 1860 as a cast iron structured transit warehouse. The D-Shed was relocated to The Flourish on Lloyd George Avenue and following successful fundraising of £1.4million the Makers Guild Wales opened Craft in the Bay in 2002.

“Cardiff Bay has a rich diversity of architectural design, from its historic buildings of former Cardiff Dock/Tiger Bay to the contemporary Senedd and Wales Millennium Centre. The re-use of historic buildings, including our D-Shed, makes the Bay quite unique and a fantastic place to work and visit.”

Natuzzi Cardiff Bay moved into its beautiful red-brick pumphouse showroom almost a decade ago. “It’s the perfect location for us to showcase our collection of sofas, beds, furnishings and accessories,” says store manager Angela Coles. “And we’re very lucky to have breathtaking views across the Bay. We’ll be celebrating our 10th birthday in Cardiff Bay this summer so it’s a very exciting time for us.”

On the same street is another furniture and interior design store – Trendy Products. Although it’s been in the city for 11 years, it’s a relative newcomer

PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON AYRES

Caffi Sio

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

to the Bay, having opened the new office and showroom in December last year.

“Being a Welsh business we knew we had to choose the perfect home for our luxury furniture business and Cardiff Bay was the obvious choice thanks to its undeniable beauty, tourism presence and affluent people living in the area,” says UK sales and operations director Rufus Bowen. “We love to be in the same location as the Welsh Assembly, Wales Millennium Centre and, of course, our neighbour, the St David’s Hotel. We have many international suppliers and they love visiting as the Bay feels very cosmopolitan and the skyline never fails to impress.

“Cardiff Bay is the vibrant area of the city. This is where great ideas are born and innovative businesses like ours have the chance to grow even further.”

CHILLING OUT

PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT WALES

As you look over the Bay from Mermaid Quay you can’t fail to notice the St David’s Hotel dominating the skyline. And if you venture inside, either to stay in one of the luxurious hotel rooms, for a drink at the bar, a delicious meal, or for some pampering in the spa, you’re treated to beautiful views over the water.

“I love the history of behind the Bay and how it has blossomed into a modern yet idyllic location,” says director of revenue and sales Nicola Edmunds.

It’s this history that drew Hazel Cushion to open Octavo’s book shop, café and wine bar in the area.

“Octavo’s is located in an old coaching inn, in the oldest licensed premises in what was known as Tiger Bay,” she says. “There’s always a real vibrancy to the Bay – it attracts visitors of all ages and has a large resident population too. But while it’s often busy, I think it has a much more relaxed, recreational feel because of the water. There are so many events

Roald Dahl Plas

They’re enjoying their Fabulous Welshcakes!

happening here too – there’s always something new to see.”

Ken Picton opened his award-winning salon in the Bay 18 years ago, keen to take advantage of the influx of visitors and the luxury lifestyle that the new development offered.

“I wanted to create the ultimate destination salon with all services under one roof,” he says. “Cardiff Bay suited the luxury brand that I wanted to create and it offered the space that I required, and the tranquil holiday-feel of the area suits the business.”

Caffi Sio, just across from Roald Dahl Plas, is a relative newcomer to the Cardiff Bay scene, celebrating its first birthday in June. Part of the same family as the Chapter Arts centre in Canton it champions local produce. “Caffi Sio is one of the few independently-owned dining experiences amongst all the chain restaurants on offer in Cardiff Bay, so we thought it was a good opportunity to champion great produce, Welsh coffee and a talented team,” says executive chef Kate Parsons. “We wanted to bring a little artisanal flare to Cardiff Bay! “Cardiff Bay is a melting pot of culture, there is always a great cross section of society milling about in Roald Dahl Plas, mostly down to the WNO and the Welsh Assembly and we love it!”

Guy Christian, owner of Guy Christian Salons is also a huge fan of the buzzing atmosphere in the Bay. www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 21

CARDIFF B AY “We chose Cardiff Bay as our second location in the city because it’s so vibrant and fun,” he says.

“It has a very up-beat atmosphere which attracts people who are local to Cardiff as well as tourists. It’s great for socialising, plus the view over the Bay is beautiful.”

MORE TO EXPLORE

MOVING IN

With the commercial developments in Cardiff Bay, came residential developments too, and there has been some discussion about whether the market can support the number of new homes being built.

“The debate has rumbled on since the development in the Bay started, yet this hasn’t stopped major developers building in the area and, more often than not, building apartments in preference to houses,” says Nick Tatham from Bay City Living and Online Agent Cardiff. “Human nature dictates that we like new things and, as we are a consumer driven nation it’s why we keep seeing new flats being built and purchased. Perhaps building another 10,000 flats isn’t sustainable but Cardiff and Cardiff Bay is still growing so the demand must still be there.

“There are two main types of buyers in the Bay, buy-to-let landlords and first time buyers. The buyto-let market has always performed strongly owing to the Bay’s fashionable image and popularity with a younger generation of tenants. Often these tenants turn into first-time buyers and the Bay is perfect for them as there are some affordable one-bedroom apartments.

“The Bay tends to be very seasonal – not a lot happens on a cold, wet day in Mermaid Quay – but if you head down in the middle of August you’ll see why so many people love the place. The housing market tracks this seasonality so if you are buying or selling around the Bay then spring through to early autumn is the best time to do so.”

Cardiff Bay is both historic and modern

PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT WALES

It’s during the summer that the Bay is at its most alive, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere. It’s not just the shops and restaurants that make the Bay worth a visit though.

“The diverse waterfront wraps round a 200-hectare freshwater lake, creating a stunning vista, no matter which direction you’re facing,” says Medina Bailey from the Cardiff Harbour Authority. “Within close proximity you’ll find the beautiful barrage with magnificent views of the Severn Estuary and the Bay, which is perfect for a promenade or bike ride. The circular Bay Trail is a fantastic way of taking in the sights and sounds of the Bay, including its historic landmarks, iconic buildings and cosmopolitan waterfront area. The 10km route for pedestrians and cyclists runs across to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont Y Werin bridge.

“RSPB Cymru, Cardiff Harbour Authority and Glamorgan Bird Club are working in collaboration on a Swift Tower for the barrage to be installed in May. “Creating a flagship home for swifts in the city, the tower will provide 90 safe and secure nest sites.

Free public events and activities will take place on the barrage during the summer to help people spot swifts and find out how they can help them.”

DIRECTORY Bay City Living; www.onlineagentcardiff.co.uk Caffi Sio, Lloyd George Avenue; www.sio.wales Craft in the Bay, The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue; www.makersguildinwales.org.uk The St David’s Hotel Havannah Street; www.thestdavidshotel.com Fabulous Welshcakes 14 Bute Street, Mermaid Quay; www.fabulouswelshcakes.co.uk Guy Christian 2A Bute Place; www.guychristian.com Ken Picton 8 Mermaid Quay, CF10 5BZ; www.kenpicton.com Natuzzi Italia Havannah Street; www.natuzzi.co.uk Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar 100 West Bute Street; www.octavobooks.co.uk Techniquest Stuart Street; www.techniquest.org Trendy Products Unit 4, Sovereign Key, Havannah Street; www.trendyproducts.co.uk Wales Millennium Centre Bute Place; www.wmc.org.uk

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

ad v ertising feat u re B u S I N E S S

BROTHERS IN BUSINESS The Cooper brothers, Paul and Tom from the leafy Cardiff suburb of Whitchurch have been involved in their family business since graduating from university. Having followed in both their father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, they are now the third generation to take up the reigns of a family business portfolio which includes Dacey Orthotic Solutions, Ace Feet In Motion and Orthotix Sports & Orthopaedic Bracing.

A

ll three businesses are currently based under one roof on Sanatorium Road, Canton where they employ more than 125 local staff. Dacey Ltd manufactures bespoke footwear and medical appliances for NHS patients across Wales and England. Ace Feet In Motion are foot health specialists offering a full range of general podiatry services alongside their unrivalled biomechanic sports injury clinic. Orthotix supplies off-the-shelf sports bracing and orthopaedic supports to hospitals, sports teams and direct to the public through their online trading platforms.

The brothers share their thoughts below, providing an insight into life as directors in their family businesses.

Did you always think you’d both join the family business?

From an early age we both wanted to be involved in the business which we’d seen our grandfather run and eventually pass over to our father. Growing up we were always around them in work and even as children we lived through the highs and lows of the business as part of our family life.

When our father invited us to join the business, we felt obliged and excited to carry on the family tradition and put our shoulders to the wheel.

What’s it like working together and is there any sibling rivalry?

As family members in a business with a lot of employees, there is an air of nepotism and an undeniable expectation to perform above

and beyond your colleagues, but this serves as motivation for us and has contributed to the successes we’ve achieved to date. Being brothers and having grown up together, we naturally have a competitive edge to our work dynamic. We see it more as a healthy rivalry and we haven’t come to blows yet!

What are the benefits of working with your family?

We have unequivocal trust in each other and the comfort that comes with this loyalty is so reassuring as you know that you are all working for the same common goal and are in it together come rain or shine.

Working alongside each other and our father for more than a decade has enabled us as a third-generation management team, to gain a wealth of experience and invaluable business acumen that we would never have picked up on our own.

What’s been your biggest learning curve so far?

I think the biggest learning curve for us has been the concept of introducing ‘change’ across a traditional workplace and how to manage our workforce’s perception of it.

What's been your biggest achievement to date in business?

We’ve been involved with ACE and Orthotix since their humble beginnings, so it’s been a great achievement for us to grow both businesses to surpass their million-pound turnover milestones. It has also been lovely to receive some recognition along the way, winning the Welsh SME Family Business Award in 2017 and earlier this year scooping the prestigious Cardiff Life Award for Best Health & Wellbeing Business.

Please visit our websites to learn more about the products and services we offer. www.feetinmotion.co.uk www.orthotix.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 27

PLOT FOR SALE

£250,000 WITH FULL PLANNING PERMISSION TO BUILD THIS SPLIT LEVEL HOUSE 4/5 BEDROOMS 193.5M2 exclusive location between CARDIFF & NEWPORT convenient to M4, schools & University Hospital.

Stunning views overlooking the Bristol Channel.

Contact: buildingplot@btinternet.com

T H E A L B A N Y G A L L E RY KYFFIN WILLIAMS RA Centenary Exhibition 9th May - 2nd June 2018 Bronzes by David Williams Ellis Ceramics by Phil Rogers To celebrate the centenary of Sir Kyffin Williams’ birth, a selling exhibition of oil paintings, watercolours and drawings of his beloved Wales.

Catalogues available.

View the exhibition on our website www.albanygallery.co.uk 74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2048 7158 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am-4pm

PHOTO CREDIT MARK DOUET

Music/theatre/film/more

HIGHEST HONOUR

Killology, a co-production between Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and London’s Royal Court Theatre has won an Olivier Award in the Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre category.

Killology, a powerful play about fatherhood, masculinity and violence, was the second collaboration between Welsh playwright Gary Owen and Sherman’s artistic director Rachel O’Riordan.

Rachel said: “I am absolutely over the moon to win this award. It means so much to be recognised by the Olivier Awards panel, and I feel very honoured. My creative partnership with Gary Owen is a joy, and we are proud to make his work come alive at the Sherman. The production teams at Royal Court and Sherman deserve enormous praise, as do all the other many people who work behind the scenes to make theatre happen”.

For more: www.shermantheatre.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 29

E D U C AT I O N a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

The best education starts at foundation level Kings Monkton School – the fastest growing independent school in the UK – puts learning first from the get-go, with children engaging in a diverse variety of subjects from as young as three years old.

K

aren Norton, vice principal explains why learning should start at foundational level to ensure a child receives the best education possible.

"When parents bring their little three year olds to us, their children won’t just be doing ‘free-play’ at school, they will begin learning. We start on their literacy and numeracy skills straight away, in a fun learning way. We have very small numbers in our classes – currently 24 pupils and six teachers and teacher’s assistants – and are always able to have personal one-on-one breakout sessions. We want to instil a positive relationship with learning, because we are building the foundations for the rest of a pupil’s life.

"The difference in what we can achieve with this early learning in two years is astounding. Pupils can ‘add on’ and know their 3D shapes, as well as learning how to hold a pen, overwrite and start to underwrite their words. We work on some

basic French with the children too. They really are quite advanced by the time they start year 1, an advantage that pays dividends and becomes apparent in the following years.

"Our foundation class also engages in lessons around topics like sustainability and the natural environment. This includes working with small animals, building organic bird feeders and hanging them in our city garden. The result of this work is immensely positive and when our children progress into year 1, we observe a genuine desire and aptitude in them towards sustainable thinking.

"This thinking feeds through to their later stages of school, whereby our sixth form pupils choose and work with a charity as part of their unique co-curriculum, inspired by the International Baccalaureate. For example, one of our pupils’ co-curricular faculties focuses on the environment, raising awareness of global warming and moving the school towards a more eco-friendly environment.

"Pastoral care is very high on our priority list at Kings Monkton, and our commitment to the personal, social and academic needs of our students starts in foundation class. This young and responsive age is perfect to teach the foundations of learning how to be aware of the world around them."

Kings Monkton School welcomes visits from parents and prospective pupils all year round. For more information, visit www.kingsmonkton.org.uk

27 April – 27 May

Heather Small plays St David’s Hall; Peter Andre is set to come to Cardiff as part of a 90s revival concert; Funny woman Sarah Millican

Plays/Shows/ Performance 30 AP RI L – 5 M AY

TITANIC THE MUSICAL Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk 3 M AY

ENCORE Encore Dance Company, the 3rd year Graduate Company from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, returns with an exciting mixed programme of all dance genres. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

4 MAY

DYLAN THOMAS: CLOWN IN THE MOON Clown in the Moon (the title of a poem written when Dylan was 14) is a dramatic portrait of the poet’s chaotic, frequently hilarious, and all too brief life. Located in a BBC studio, it sets some of Dylan’s famous broadcasts and iconic works alongside vivid reminiscences of his clownish antics in pubs, bars and parties, and his encounters with a host of eccentric and volatile women.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk 8 – 1 2 MAY

DERREN BROWN: UNDERGROUND Direct from the West End, the multi-award winning master of mind-control and psychological illusion returns to amaze, astonish

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

and enthral audiences with his latest smash hit show.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk 9 – 13 MAY

AWFUL AUNTIE The world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 14 – 16 MAY

ESTRON An intriguing new play for the current generation by a talented young writers, and winner of the Drama Medal at the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod, 2016. Estron was performed for the first time in the Cwt Drama at the Anglesey

National Eisteddfod, 2017.

Chapter; www.chapter.org 14 – 19 M AY

THE LAST SHIP The UK premiere of Sting’s breath-taking new musical, an epic tale of community, hope and a great act of collective defiance.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk 15 – 19 M AY

SON OF A PREACHER MAN Directed and choreographed

by Craig Revel Horwood, Son of a Preacher Man is the sparklingly funny and sweetly touching new musical featuring the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield.

New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N

1 5 – 1 9 M AY

EVERYMAN PRESENTS: GIRLFRIENDS This inspiring musical shines a light on the pressures, expectations and dilemmas women faced supporting the war effort and how they rose to the challenge with courage, stoicism, camaraderie and inner strength.

All from different backgrounds with different temperaments, they become friends in this unusual melting pot.

Chapter; www,chapter.org

Comedy 2 9 APRI L

CRAIG CAMPBELL: EASY TIGER The majestic mountain moose in a tiger striped onesie brings his thrilling new show Easy Tiger out of the Fringe jungle and onto the world stage for his third solo tour. Queens and Toms pack some nip and prowl on down to screech and howl the night away!

Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk 3 0 APRI L

MY DAD WROTE A PORNO What would you do if your dad wrote a dirty book? Ignore it?

Not Jamie Morton. He reads it to the world. Along with his best mates James Cooper and Radio 1 DJ Alice Levine, Jamie reads a ‘Lost Chapter’ from his dad’s notoriously brilliant Belinda Blinked saga.

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 8 M AY

TOM ALLEN: ABSOLUTELY The sharply dressed, wellspoken, disparagingly camp son of working class Bromley, Tom Allen embarks on his debut solo tour this autumn.

Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk 9 – 1 0 M AY

SARAH MILLICAN: CONTROL ENTHUSIAST You’ll learn about Rescue Men, farting in hospital pants, what can happen at a bra fitting, the benefits of casserole, plus tips on how to talk to shop assistants and the correct way to eat a biscuit. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

ARTS

1 0 MAY

IVO GRAHAM; EDUCATED GUESS After an eventful year off (got a new laptop, etc.), the boy’s back in town, with resolutions galore but less courage in his convictions than ever. How much has Ivo learnt? And what good has it done him? Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk 1 8 MAY

CONNIE ORFF Having trained with Pride in London host, Michael Twaits, at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern - the RADA of Drag - Welsh Drag LL-ensation Connie Orff brings you a brilliantly bilingual evening of comedy, special guests and music in two languages... Perhaps more!

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk 2 4 MAY

BRIDGET CHRISTIE: WHAT NOW? Brexit. Trump. Nuclear apocalypse. Environmental catastrophe. Is rolling news affecting your ability to enjoy the simple things? Like baking, gardening and autoerotic asphyxiation?

Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk 2 4 MAY

BARA CAWS: BRÊCSHIT Doris Morris’s family has been farming at Bryn-Cwd-yr-Arian for generations, but following the Brexit referendum, poor Doris has had to find alternative means of making ends meet. By now she is running a therapeutic clinic which is also a haven for people with all sorts of problems.

Liberal Club, Canton; www.wegottickets.com

Music

Above, inspired by the Welsh landscape at the Albany gallery; Below, Titanic, The Musical

winning performer Sheridan Smith embarks on her debut UK tour, following the release of her brand new self-titled album, Sheridan.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

2 8 A PRI L

BOY AZOOGA Boy Azooga is the project of Cardiff-born Davey Newington.

After the storming success of Face Behind Her Cigarette they’re coming home to Cardiff as a part of their tour of the UK. Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net 2 9 A PRI L

SHERIDAN SMITH IN CONCERT BAFTA and Olivier Award-

1 MAY

THE WATERBOYS Ever since Mike Scott first brought The Waterboys to public attention their career has been marked by storied departures.

Staking out bold, new territory with fresh approaches and inspirational collaborators has been the defining factor of Scott’s creative flow.

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

3 MAY

CSM PRESENTS: MACRO EFFECT A collective of diverse musicians and sonic artists from University of South Wales. This is an eclectic gathering of acts incorporating LoFi beats, minimalist piano sketches to funkadelic guitar chops. CSM presents will aim to open up a diverse spectrum for all listeners.

Chapter; www.chapter.org 5 MAY

MANIC STREET PREACHERS Manic Street Preachers announce their return to active duty with details of a new album and massive UK tour to coincide with the release of their 13th studio w

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

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

album, Resistance Is Futile.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 5 M AY

CIARAN LAVERY In 2016 his sophomore album Let Bad In, won the Northern Ireland music prize. Lavery is now fresh from his tour of Europe, the UK, US, Ireland and Canada, you don’t want to miss this intimate gig at Clwb.

Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net 6 M AY

CARDIFF SINFONIETTA This special one-off event, conducted by Jonathan Mann, will feature music from all nine episodes of Star Wars, along with some surprise guests, and is guaranteed to be a huge hit with the whole family.

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 6 M AY

DON MCLEAN The legendary singer/songwriter brings his musical prowess to Cardiff.

Wales Millennium Centre www.wmc.org.uk 1 2 M AY

HUW WARREN: DO NOT GO GENTLE Swansea-born composer Huw Warren presents his jazz suite Do not go Gentle based on the poetry of Dylan Thomas.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk 1 4 M AY

THE SHIRES The supremely talented duo of Ben Earle and Crissie Roads are back with their captivating brand of country pop.

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 1 5 M AY

GARY BARLOW The Ivor Novello Award-wining singer songwriter leaves his Take That band mates at home for his solo tour.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 1 6 M AY

STELLA DONNELLY Stella Donnelly has forged her way to the forefront of the new guard of songwriters in Australia.

Her debut EP Thrush Metal was

met with critical acclaim with her brutally honest and witty observations of people and relationships transformed into blissful poems and lyrical punch lines.

Clwb Ifor Bach; www.clwb.net 1 7 MAY

HEATHER SMALL It’s 25 years since Heather Small, ‘The Voice & Face of M People’, burst onto the music scene and now she’s bringing her nationwide How Can I Love You More tour to the Hall. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 1 9 MAY

BEVERLEY CRAVEN The BRIT Award-winner will be performing her new songs alongside timeless classics.

Acapela; www.acapela.co.uk 2 4 MAY

NATIONAL OPERA STUDIO The Young Artists of the National Opera Studio and the WNO Orchestra perform scenes and excerpts from some of the world’s best-loved operas.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

Art U N TI L 5 MAY

DAVID BARNES, ALED PRICHARD JONES, STEPHEN YARDLEY Three popular gallery artists inspired by the outstanding natural beauty of the Welsh landscape and coastline.

The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com U N TI L 2 JU NE

SIR KYFFIN WILLIAMS CENTENARY EXHIBITION Kyffin Williams is regarded as Wales’ pre-eminent and most influential artist of the second half of the 20th century and one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters of that period. The paintings in the show span the artist’s career from 1950 to 1995, a period during which many would agree he produced his strongest work.

Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.com

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

Country pop duo The Shires

Book now 14 O C TO BER

THE STEPBACK 90s CONCERT Some of the biggest hits of the 90s will be brought to life at a revival concert in Cardiff featuring a host of popular names. The StepBack 90s Concert will feature performances from Peter Andre, 5ive, S Club, B*Witched, Blazin’ Squad, Booty Luv, Big Brovaz and East 17.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 19 NO VEMBER

BJÖRN AGAIN To celebrate the huge 30th Anniversary of Björn Again, Australian director and musician Rod Stephen will be taking the internationally acclaimed show on tour. The enduring appeal of ABBA is reflected in the ongoing success of the show having amassed 5,000 performances in 72 countries in 30 years.

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Sport SATUR DAY 28 AP R IL

CARDIFF BLUES v OSPREYS Guinness Pro14, KO 5.45pm Cardiff Arms Park, www.cardiffblues.com

F R IDAY 4 M AY (4 DAY S )

GLAMORGAN v KENT Specsavers Country Championship, 11am.

SSE Swalec; www.glamorgancricket.co.uk SUNDAY 6 M AY

CARDIFF CITY v READING Sky Bet Championship, KO 12.30pm Cardiff City Stadium; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk MO NDAY 1 4 M AY

CELTIC DRAGONS v LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING Vitality netball Superleague, 7pm Sport Wales National Centre; www.celticdragonsnetball.com F R IDAY 1 8 M AY

GLAMORGAN v GLOUCESTERSHIRE Royal London One-Day Cup, 11am SSE Swalec; www.glamorgancricket.co.uk SUNDAY 2 0 M AY

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, bring their spectacular show to Cardiff. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

SATUR DAY 28 AP R IL

CELTIC DRAGONS v TEAM NORTHUMBRIA Vitality Netball Superleague, 4pm.

Sport Wales National Centre, www.celticdragonsnetball.com

W EDNE S DAY M AY 2 3

GLAMORGAN V MIDDLESEX Royal London One-Day Cup, 2pm SSE Swalec; www. glamorgancricket.co.uk

ARTS

FILM Clockwise from left: Animal Farm; Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist; Gook

VIVE LA REVOLUTION The revolution will be projected! Chapter present a season of films embodying the defiant, outspoken spirit of ’68

By M EGA N PR IC E

F

ifty years ago, in May 1968, antiestablishment protests brought France to a standstill. At the same time, anti-Vietnam protests, the civil rights movement, decolonisation struggles and the sexual revolution raged across the world. Cameras captured events on the streets as they unfolded. European auteurs like Godard and Pasolini made challenging, mischievous films that attacked bourgeois values. African and Latin American

filmmakers rejected colonial power and tradition, and generated bold new cinematic styles. The provocative and innovative films in this season (presented by Chapter and the BFI Film Audience Network) are smart and earnest, yet often very playful and occasionally a little bonkers. More than anything, they demonstrate the ability of film to challenge the way we think and live our lives. They show us the power cinema has to change the world.

Here’s just a few of the highlights….

Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist (15) (27 April-3 May), is a documentary telling the remarkable story of punk visionary and fashion icon Vivienne Westwood, as she fights to maintain her legacy.

Redoubtable (15) (11-17 May) is a biopic of French cinema’s most notorious director Jean-Luc Godard as he falls in love with, marries and later rejects 17 year old actress Anne Wiazemsky.

The Proud Valley (PG) (16 May) is the story of David who arrives in Wales seeking work and finds an ally in the form of miner and choir master Dick Parry.

In Gook (15) (11-17 May), young street-smart Kamilla starts an unlikely friendship with two brothers running a shoe store, as racial tensions bubble to the surface in 1992 Los Angeles.

Also in May is Anim18, a UK-wide celebration of British Animation lead by Chapter and Film Hub Wales, with screenings including Animal Farm (PG) (4-10 May), Chicken Run (U) (12-20 May), Watership Down (U) (27-31 May), The Breadwinner (12A) (25 May-7 June) and Song of the Sea (PG) (30 May-3 June).

THEY DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY OF FILM TO CHALLENGE THE WAY WE THINK

The Proud Valley For more information and a full schedule of screenings, visit www.chapter.org 40 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

PREMIER LIVING Hybrid property specialist Nick Tatham from BAY CITY LIVING and ONLINE AGENT CARDIFF shares his local knowledge on premier lettings and sales What sets you apart from other agents?

Because both firms – Bay City Living and Online Agent Cardiff are small enough to care and large enough to cope it allows my brother Richard and I to retain that family owned personal touch, when working with new and existing clients. Sometimes firms are guilty of expanding too much and lose what made them great. We try to blend local knowledge, experience, technology and social media together, which allows us to offer the best possible packages and choices to our clients for both sales or rentals.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

Some of the BCL refurbishments we have handpicked for clients have been so rewarding. It is always satisfying, sourcing the property, refurbishing it fully and then bringing it to the rental market with BCL or the re-sale-market via OAC. One we're currently finishing off in Rhiwbina, will be my favourite. We are taking a two bedroom detached bungalow and turning it into a four-bedroom family bungalow. Some of our social media followers will know the one I am talking about!

What are the greatest opportunities in Cardiff today?

Cardiff has so much growth potential, especially with the bridge tolls being abolished soon. Anyone who knows me will know that I love to shout about how great Cardiff is. Areas such as North Grangetown, Riverside and Adamsdown are all seeing growth. I see Cardiff's Central Square, where the BBC is relocating and the new proposed development on the site of the existing Brains factory, being huge driving factors behind improved infrastructure, economic growth and ultimately job creation in our city. We are currently following the same model as Manchester, which has seen that city thrive. If we keep going and stay on the right path we'll see some fantastic opportunities for all.

What motivates you?

I think being told I wouldn't last in business, but eight years on having launched and sustained two companies, is big motivation. The other thing that motivates me is working hard and earning enough money to have a comfortable lifestyle. Life is too short so I want to have fun, and try not to take it too seriously when possible! CL

Nick Tatham, Principal 123a Station Road, Cardiff CF14 2FE 07484163789 info@onlineagentcardiff.co.uk www.onlineagentcardiff.co.uk

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

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

Gifts/fashion/stores/more

GETTING CREATIVE A new shop is opening in the Capitol Shopping Centre on 28 April showcasing Welsh arts and crafts.

Cardiff Creative Shop is the brainchild of Gemma Cox, and her mother Nicola Day, who decided to set up the venture to give small, artists, crafters and makers an affordable platform to show and sell their products.

The store will host up to 30 traders at a time, selling everything from art to clothing and home accessories, and next door is an interactive workshop space and a cafĂŠ.

For more: www.facebook.com/cardiffcreativeshop

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 45

a d v e rtisi n g f e at u r e L AW

do your research Meet Emma Selfridge, a Conveyancing Solicitor at Bowden Jones Solicitors, as she explains the importance of choosing the right Conveyancing Solicitor.

B

uying or selling a house involves copious amount of paperwork, a significant amount of time and a fair bit of expense. But finding the right solicitor to coordinate the property transfer can take some of the burden from your shoulders. The key to ensuring you find the right people to work with is to take your time and weigh up the costs, any recommendations you get and the service you are likely to receive.

Conveyancing in a nutshell The conveyancing process is essentially the legal transfer of a property from a seller to a buyer.

This may sound simple, but it means a solicitor or conveyancer needs to be on the ball. They will obtain searches, such as a Local Authority Search and Water Authority Search, handle the contracts, deal with the Land Registry, transfer funds and liaise with all the relevant parties, including you.

A recommendation on where to start Getting recommendations is a great way to

narrow down your search and draw up a shortlist.

Family and friends are a logical source as they can give you a first-hand view of the service they received. Recommendations will also be offered from other quarters. Your estate agent, for example, may refer you to a firm, but it may not be the best choice for you.

Conveyancing costs Another good way to split the competition is to get plenty of quotes and compare them like-for-like.

However, as with most things in life, you are likely to get what you pay for. When receiving a quote, make sure all costs, VAT and third party disbursements are included so you are comparing like for like.

Look local If you want plenty of support throughout the process, it may be worth keeping your search to local firms rather than conveyancing factories.

Local firms tend to have a smaller conveyancing team and smaller client list, which means you can build a strong relationship with team members.

Conveyancing Quality Scheme Accreditation (CQS) This is a mark of expertise awarded by the Law Society for law firms that carry out conveyancing work. Most mortgage lenders will require your firm to be CQS accredited. You can find out if your solicitor has CQS accreditation by checking out the Law Society Website.

For more information on these issues, please call Emma Selfridge on 02920 484 550. Alternatively, please visit www.bowdenjones.co.uk to learn more about how we can help you and your business.

Buying or selling your home should be one of the most exciting experiences of your lifetime but at Bowden Jones Solicitors we know how stressful this process can be.

Whether you are selling, buying, investing, or re-mortgaging your home, our Residential Conveyancing Solicitors can help you. We are proud of our ability to get the job done quickly and efficiently, whilst always providing sound legal advice, all at a reasonable price.

We have a national reputation and hold the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme Accreditation.

For initial advice, a quotation, or to arrange a meeting with one of our Conveyancing Solicitors, please contact us on 02920 484 550 or send an e-mail to conveyancing@bowdenjones.co.uk

For business Commercial Litigation Commercial Property Corporate & Commercial Law Debt Recovery HR Consultancy 22 Park Place, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 3DQ

029 2048 4550

enquiries@bowdenjones.co.uk

For individuals Civil Litigation Conveyancing Criminal Defence Personal Injury Wills & Probate www.bowdenjones.co.uk

HOW TO SPEND IT

SPLASH the CASH! If you’ve got the dosh you don’t just have to dream big, you can spend big too. And here’s some of the best that money can buy in and around Cardiff. So sit back, pour that glass of champers and get the credit card at the ready, because things are about to get VERY expensive……

By E M M A DA NC E

Sail away on an uber-luxurious cruise with Yachts of Seabourn 48 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PORSCHE

No, it’s not gonna fit all the kids in the back, and no, it’s almost certainly not the most fuel efficient set of wheels out there. But it will turn heads. And it will be mighty fun to get behind the wheel and put your foot down. What other reasons to you need to get a Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive out front?

Price tag: from £186,916 Porsche Centre Cardiff, Link Park, Penarth Road CF11 8TW; www.porschecardiff.co.uk

Put your foot down and drive!

BUSINESS CLASS FLIGHTS

With Qatar Airways launching their new routes from Cardiff to Doha this week there’s even more opportunity to see the world.

Beat the jet-lag and arrive at your destination feeling fresh by flying business class. With touches like dineon-demand cuisine, luxury amenities, White Company sleeper suits and a ton of entertainment options at your fingertips you’ll almost be sorry to land.

Price tag: from £4,234.87 (return from Cardiff to Doha) www.qatarairways.com w

Jet lag?

What jet lag?

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HOW TO SPEND IT

FINE WINES

Whether you’re looking to make an investment, or simply want to quaff something rather special, a well-stocked wine cellar is a must so we asked Dean Euden, Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s UK Business Development Manager for Wales, South West and Midlands to recommend a few bottles.

Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Château Latour 1995 Pauillac (£749.99) is a powerful wine with great complexity and as one of the five chateaus listed in the famous 1855 Classification as a first growth wine, Latour is one of the most desirable wines in the world so would make a great addition to your collection.

Meanwhile, Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé 2001 St Emilion (£549.99) comes from what is possibly the leading estate of St Emilion on the Right Bank of Bordeaux.

Or how about a Château d’Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur 1998 Sauternes (£399.99)? If Sauternes are thought of as the best sweet wines in the world, then Chateau d’Yquem is regarded as the best wine of Sauternes. Mainly Semillon with about 20 per cent Sauvignon Blanc the wines are intense with tropical fruit, floral notes and racy acidity to keep it all balanced. Indulgent and long lasting they can age for more than 50 years.

Price tag: Around £1,700 for the three Fine Wines Direct, 242 Penarth Road, CF11 8TU; www.finewinesdirectuk.com

DIAMOND NECKLACE

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and with this sparkly little number you’ll have no less than 500 BFFs. This Chopard Happy Diamonds Joaillerie white gold pendant has a total diamond carat weight of 10.15ct, all set in white gold.

It’s probs not everyday wear, to be fair, but invest in this bit of bling and you’ll have a family heirloom of the future.

Price tag: £60,450 Laings Jeweller, 27 The Hayes CF10 1GA; www.laingsuk.com

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HOW TO SPEND IT MICHELIN-STARRED DINNER FOR FOUR

“I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant. But nothing, I said nothing can take away these blues,” sang Sinead O’Connor. But then we rather suspect she wasn’t dining at the Chef ’s Table at Restaurant James Sommerin. Because frankly, if you’re not completely blown away by having 14 fabulous courses conjured up before your very eyes by one of Wales’ finest culinary talents, then there’s not much hope.

Price tag: £600 for four (not including wine) Restaurant James Sommerin, The Esplanade, Penarth CF64 3AU; www.jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk

Ooh, that looks a bit yummy!

w

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Antique Welsh Dresser

If you’ve won the lottery, the chances are you’re not going to be furnishing your mansion with an Ikea flatpack furniture. Instead, you might want something like this antique George III oak potboard dresser base lovingly crafted in Glamorganshire. We can almost see the ice buckets laden with champagne lined up on it...

Price tag: £6,950 Havard & Havard, 59 Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7EL; www.havardandhavard.com

One of the most wonderful things about money is how it can open the door to the world.

For a holiday of a lifetime, how about 10 nights in a premier suite at the celeb-tastic Four Seasons LA in Beverly Hills (pictured), followed by an uberluxurious 34-day cruise with the six-star Yachts of Seabourn in a lavish owners suite taking in the islands of Hawaii and the South Pacific, before arriving in Auckland for 10 nights in the impressive 548 sq ft Windsor Suite at the Hotel Grand Windsor.

With business class flight and private limo transfers at both ends – natch.

Price tag: Around £90,000 for two Cartwright Travel, 23 Heol Y Deri, Rhiwbina CF14 6YF; www.passionforcruises.co.uk 52 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons

Escape to the sun

HOW TO SPEND IT HOSPITALITY BOX

Make every match day an occasion with a season ticket for a hospitality box to watch Cardiff Blues at Arms Park. You an up to 11 others can enjoy food, drinks, and of course, some prime viewing spots (with padded seats no less).

Price tag: from £10,000 plus VAT. www.cardiffblues.com

In it to win it

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L E G A L a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

digital divorce Do you need expert legal help with family matters?

BERRY SMITH LAWYERS in Cardiff and Bridgend, experts in this field, can answer all your questions.

I

want to get divorced and don’t fancy the thought of all the paperwork. Is it possible to get a divorce online?

a: Yes, and no. The Government is currently

piloting an online system that allows anyone wishing to file for divorce/dissolution of a civil partnership to do so online. This system has been designed to streamline the divorce/ dissolution process, and reduce paperwork and delays caused by typographical errors, missing documents misdirected post etc. In the event that the divorce/dissolution is undefended, it is envisaged that the process will be completed entirely online without any paper forms to complete.

Presently, however, paper applications for divorce/dissolution of a civil partnership are still required in South Wales, and these should be filed at the Family Court at Newport (Gwent).

No dates have been provided as to when the

online system will be available countrywide.

In the event that you choose to start the divorce without assistance, you would still be sensible to consider taking legal advice as there are a number of significant implications to becoming divorced, including financial division, inheritance, maintenance and so on. CL

If you require any advice and/or assistance in divorce proceedings, please feel free to contact our team at family@berrysmith.com or call 02920 345511.

Katie McColgan, Partner (Family Department) at Berry Smith

SHOPPING

FA S H I O N

READY? JET SET! GO! Ready to escape Britain’s dreary, grey skies for a warmer, more golden climate? So are we!

Whether you’ve already booked your vacation or are still curating your dream destinations, it’s never too early to plan your packing list...

E

ase and versatility are the buzzwords for holiday wardrobes, and pieces that fulfil more than one role will always earn top place in your suitcase.

Whistles’ lilac linen Bardot dress (4), available at John Lewis, will take you from beach to bar effortlessly. For day time strolling chuck on with a pair of Superga plimsolls (9), available at John Lewis, and a graphic tote for all your beachy essentials. When the evening comes, just add statement earrings, like this gold pair from Marks & Spencer (2), a pair of wedges and switch the tote for a cute cross body bag, like this one from Whistles (3), and you’re all set for a night out.

The bikini has ruled the waves for several decades, but the one-piece is definitely back as swimsuit of choice. Whether strapless and colourful or a timeless black and strappy number, there is a flattering and wearable style for all body types. For a bold, modern option we love this flattering, graphic print number from Marks & Spencer (7). Throw on a brightly coloured skirt, like this one from Oliver Bonas (5) and a loose tee to take your look from beach to city streets in a flash.

For moments when you just want to curl up under your parasol with a good read and take a break from the sun, a cover-up is a must. A loose fabric is the key to looking stylish and comfortable in the midday rays, so opt for this sheer blue piece from Monsoon (1), just slide on some sandals, like this pair from Kurt Geiger (8), and you’re ready for the beach bar too!

And what would a holiday be without the perfect pair of sunnies!? We absolutely adore these ultramodern hexagon pair from Vivienne Westwood (7), or this oversized cat eye pair from Prada, at John Lewis (10), which will be sure to give any outfit that extra edge.

All items available at St David’s Dewi Sant in Cardiff or online at the time of writing. To keep up to date with the latest trends, news and offers, see St David’s on Instgram, Facebook and Twitter (@StDavidsCardiff) or at www.stdavidscardiff.com 56 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Adina print midi dress, £79, Monsoon. Jacket, coming soon

FA S H I O N

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SHOPPING

4 2

3

6 5

7

9

8

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1. Helen long sleeve maxi dress kaftan, £69, Monsoon 2. Modern drop earrings, £9.50, M&S 3. Niko Cross Body Bag, Multi, £75, Whistles 4. Linen Bardot Dress, Lilac, £129, Whistles 5. Utility orange mini skirt, £49.50, Oliver Bonas 6. Tortoiseshell half frame hexagon sunglasses, £185, Vivienne Westwood 7. Graphic print swimsuit, £25, M&S 8. Bloom Bow Sandals, Black, £110, Kurt Geiger 9. 2750 Cotu classic plimsolls, white, £50, Superga @ John Lewis 10. Cat’s eye sunglasses, tortoiseshell, £278, Prada @ John Lewis www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 57

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

Jets and bubbles abound

SOMETHING in the WATER The Marine Spa at The St David’s Hotel is regularly ranked as one of the best in UK, so we went along to see what makes it quite so special

By E M M A DA NC E

B

y their very nature, spas are relaxing places to be. If one isn’t, well, then something’s gone very wrong given that that’s basically its whole raison d’être.

At the Marine Spa though, it’s all gone a bit further than just massage jets, saunas, relaxation rooms and that special aroma that you only ever get in a spa.

There are all those things, natch, but also there’s been some science applied to the whole thing too.

The centrepiece of the spa is the hydroptherapy pool, with its massage jets, fountains and water corridor. Already sounds good, right? It is. But actually it’s even better than that because the water has been treated to replicate sea water which is rich in minerals and sea salts, and heated to body temperature. The theory behind it is that much of the liquid inside us is actually pretty similar to diluted sea water, and when seawater is heated to body temperature some sort of biological magic happens so the salts in the water draw out impurities in the body and the body absorbs the minerals in the water that it needs.

I’ve no idea whether or not this is a true thing, but I’m prepared to believe anything if it justifies chilling out surrounded by

bubbles. And I can confirm that I felt pretty good when I emerged.

Not as good, though, as I did around 90 minutes later, after I’d experienced the Decleor Escape treatment comprising a full body massage and a facial.

Decleor products are just gorgeous anyway – all using the benefits of essential oils to help create an extra nurturing and relaxing experience – but my therapist

THE WATER HAS BEEN TREATED TO REPLICATE SEA WATER WHICH IS RICH IN MINERALS AND SEA SALTS Stacey was fantastic. I like a firm pressure in a massage – no pain, no gain and all of that – and she didn’t shy away from working on the numerous knots in my muscles, trying to undo some of the effects of spending most of my time hunched over a keyboard.

Muscles at least a little looser, it was time for my face and scalp to have a bit of TLC. Various lotions and potions were applied to my face, and then, while a mask worked its magic on my skin, I was treated to a scalp massage to take me into an even deeper state of relaxation.

Relaxed and rejuvenated I was lead to a cosy relaxation room to snuggle under a duvet until I felt ready to face the outside world again. Turned out, that took a bit longer than I anticipated as I was so chilled out that I missed my train home. Totally worth it though. CL Emma’s Decleor Escape cost £95.

The Marine Spa, The St David’s Hotel, Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay; www.thestadavidshotel.com

The St David’s Hotel

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GIRL ABOUT TOWN

ANDREA BYRNE News a nchor

A BIG BLOW OUT

W

It’s time for some R&R..... e are now nearing May and although lambs are frolicking in the fields and daffodils adorn the sidewalks, the weather doesn’t seem to have got the message that spring is allegedly meant to have sprung! Instead, the barometer seems to be stuck firmly in favour of those pesky April showers.

What better reason, then, to engage in some seasonal yoga to heal the body and cleanse the mind. I took myself off to a one day yoga retreat at the Coedy-Mwster hotel for an entire day of stretching, relaxing and meditating in the surroundings of a beautiful country house hotel.

The theme of the day was new growth and the change of the seasons, so I thought if I worked extra hard on my ‘downward dog’ and ‘warrior’, then maybe I might usher in some sunshine. There were healthy green juices, a nutritious lunch

and great company thrown into the mix as well though, so come rain or shine, I would highly recommend this kind of therapy! If you’re interested, the retreat I chose was with ‘Diana Brook, Yoga With Soul’. Doesn’t matter what your experience is, the moves can be tailored to suit any level. You will come away feeling positively rejuvenated!

Aside from attempting to draw out the sun through various worshipping postures, there are of course some other important and practical considerations when the showers just don’t let up. So, my next stop was a new salon dedicated to something we

I THOUGHT IF I WORKED EXTRA HARD ON MY ‘DOWNWARD DOG’ AND ‘WARRIOR’, THEN MAYBE I MIGHT USHER IN SOME SUNSHINE Ready for a blow out?

Feeling rejuvenated after a yoga sesh

all need in times of drizzle: the blow dry!

These specific blow dry bars are few and far between at the moment, so keep your eyes peeled for them. I was invited to open a brand new one in Bridgend called Blowout. It’s a swish space in the town centre with swanky chandeliers (I love a chandelier!). It’s also close enough to parking to ensure your ‘do’ stays intact and equipped with branded ‘Blowout’ umbrellas should you need to walk a little further afield!

It’s a walk-in salon so no appointment necessary – and they do everything from a straight and curly blow drys and up dos, to a mini-me blow dry for under-14s and a subsidised service for over-60s plus braids and surf curls. You are guaranteed that when the sun – and even perhaps the summer – does put its hat on, you’ll be sure to shimmer for those proms, weddings, races and festivals.

So, between beauty blowouts and yoga hideouts, I think I’m pretty much all set for whatever the Welsh weather chucks out next. Although a week on an exotic island wouldn’t go amiss!

Follow Andrea on Twitter: @andreabyrnetv, or at andreabyrne.tv

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Adventures in party-going #1

snapped!

So, that’s this year’s Cardiff Life Awards done and dusted, and it will certainly live long in the memory. Thanks to everyone who came along and contributed to making it such a special night.

But before we drop the mic on all the fun and frolics let’s just take a few moments to relive that celebratory night with some fabulous pictures.

And of course, once again, hearty congrats to this year’s finalists and winners from all of us at Cardiff Life. See you next year!

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Photo by Hannah Timm

Ac ros s Ca r d i ff, o n e s h i n d i g at a t i m e

CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S Photos by HANNAH TIMM

Celebrations from Design Management Partnership as they are announced as winners in the Property category

Hannah LivesyIngham and Claire Baldwin

Claire Batchelor xxxxxxx

Hayley and James Huntley Mark Hobbs Laurence Denison

Alex Mills and Benjamin Delve

Hannah Barrett and Victoria Western

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CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

Getting into the party spirit

Photos by JAKE MORELY

Enjoying the celebrations Nigel Owens

Smile for the camera!

It’s all getting very exciting!

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Having fun

Team Introbiz pose for a selfie

CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

The excitement is building

Lauren Hall and Kate Murray

All smiles!

Gathering before the big announcements!

Enjoying the party

Only Boys Aloud

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CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

Dawn Bratcher, Nicola Wrench, Adam Jones, Paul Bainbridge, Vicki Spencer-Francis

Photos bySTUDIO 87

Fizz and fun

It’s selfie time!

Cheers!

Ready to party

Looking good!

Millie Wright and Joanne Euden

Angelo Cavarra, Bryan Rees, Christopher Clarke 66 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

Esther Morris, Laura Powell, Phil Scully, Kate Parsons Fun and frolics

Uberglam!

The Dead Canary team

Ready and waiting

Smiles all round

Gemma Poolman, Tom Cooper, Claire Batchelor and Paul Cooper

xxxxxx

Neil Warnock and daughter

Ready for the celebrations Raising a glass

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More adventures in party-going

Pamela and Nigel Gunn (Atradius)

SNAPPED!

Claire Brown and Bethan Rees (both Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales)

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

DOING THE BIZ

Kelly Williams and Joe Guishard (both Right at Home)

The Welsh Business Awards celebrated the success of local companies on 8 March. The black-tie event took place at the Cardiff City Hall, and was hosted by the South Wales Chamber of Commerce.

For more: www.southwaleschamber.co.uk Liz Maher (CBI, South Wales Chamber of Commerce), Kevin Hammond, Lucy Harrington, Adele Severn (all Westfield Health) All the winners!

Dan Cox (Concrete Canvas), Luis Rigo (Concrete Canvas), Heather Myers (South Wales Chamber of Commerce) and Peter Brewin (Concrete Canvas)

Tracey Lewis, Rayner Davies, Ashley Davies, Chloe Stanford, Dora Vasarhelyi (A&R Cleaning Services team)

Sophie Price, Katie Edwards, Lauren Freckleton and Emma Saunders (all Genesis Biosciences)

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SOCIETY

Sara Kempe, Jessica Barkley, Louise Anderson, Emily Stanworth, Victoria Grieveson and Amy Williams.

BRUNCH TIME The first WeBrunch event was held on 30 March at Le Monde. WeBrunch is a new bottomless brunch and entertainment event, inspired by similar events in London and Dubai.

Each ticket entitles guests to 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco and beer, followed by a three-course brunch with a DJ and entertainment.

Photos by Yony Photography For more: www.webrunch.co.uk

DJ Spice and Aimee Jay Sax

Elliott Lynn, Gianluca Trisolini Longobardi, Richard Crossland

Hannah Hughes and Kylie Glassar - Founders

Shakira Obaid, Jessica Venn, Natalie James and Wendy Stephens Nasreen Miladi and Najat Miladi

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

Creative and

natural storytelling bespoke wedding photography to suit all budgets

www.hannahtimmphotography.co.uk | 07730 582111

The Whites Dental Centre Tell us your story.

Dr Pamela White BDS GDC 52754 Dr Matthew White BDS GDC 52753 Ian Seddon BDS GDC 64868 (Practice Limited to Dental Implants) The Whites Dental Centre in association with Seddon Dental Implant Practice Ltd. 3 Station Road Radyr, Cardi CF15 8AA

Tel 02920843658 info@white-smile.net www.white-smile.net

Limited to private practice.

SOCIETY

FEMALES OF THE SPECIES Introbiz and I AM WOMAN hosted a fantastic International Women’s Day Event at The Vale Resort, sponsored by Lexus Cardiff. Guests enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea and entertainment from top class magician James Went and inspiring talks from entrepreneurs including Tracey Smolinski, Cheryl Bass, Joy Ogeh-hutfield, Lisa MarieBrown, Alison Edgar, Lyndsay Morgan and Tineke Rensen.

For more: wwwintrobiz.co.uk

Delicious treats courtesy of The Vale Resort

Guests enjoyed fantastic entertainment from world-class Magician, James Went

Xxxx

Guests continued networking and creating business connections throughout the day

The event included incredible women who were so supportive and welcoming of each other

The event was hosted by Introbiz founder Tracey Smolinski and I AM WOMAN founder Cheryl Bass

Attendees witnessed inspiring talks from local entrepreneurs

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SOCIETY

SHOWING OFF

Jamie Rees, Gareth Lloyd Roberts, Jack Hill and Coray Bullock

The latest Creative Cardiff Show & Tell focused on using creativity to make change and featured Minty, of Minty’s Gig Guide, and Emma Peddie, BBC’s Sustainable Production Advisor. Show & Tell brings together Cardiff’s creative community to hear about current projects and ambitions in the form of lightning talks at Porter’s Cardiff.

Photos by Laura Hodges For more: www.creativecardiff.org.uk

Kerry Cameron and Vadim Vagal

Emma Peddie

Creative Cardiff holds regular Show & Tell events Dan Minty of Minty’s Gig Guides

Erin Brown and Erin Page

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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

FREE TIME

They know their ales at The Grange

The Admiral St David has launched three new “free from” afternoon tea menus. There are now vegetarian, vegan and non-gluten-containing options on offer, to cater to guests with allergies and dietary requirements.

Pastry chef Michael Coggan responsible for creating the new menus, said: “We’ve seen increasing demand for vegetarian, vegan and non-gluten afternoon teas, and while we’ve always been able to cater to these dietary requirements on request we wanted to introduce dedicated menus. The team worked hard to create these free from afternoon teas and we’re excited to finally launch them to the public.”

For more: www.admiralstdavid.co.uk

TOP OF THE PUBS The Grange has been announced as the 2018 Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year in Cardiff – and it’s only been open one year The pub in Grangetown was brought back to life in March 2017 by the owners of The Lansdowne pub and Milkwood restaurant after being derelict for 18 months.

Runner up and last year winner is The Grange’s sister pub, The Lansdowne, which opened in 2012.

Dai Dearden, Manager of The Grange, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have received recognition by CAMRA in our first year. A lot of hard work has gone into restoring The Grange and this is credit to our brilliant staff and customers.”

Brian Francis from CAMRA Cardiff said: “The Grange has been turned around

Tom Watts-Jones is hoping to be named Pub Restaurant Chef of the Year

from a rundown pub with a limited selection of beers to an independent, inspired pub that champions real ales.

They stood out as winners this year as this is a great achievement in just one year of business. It is clear they are keen real ale people.

“Grangetown is a tough area to have a pub, with lots closing over the past few years, but the Grange is showing great signs of success seen in the number of people flocking there. We wish them every success. And if you haven’t been already, then we suggest you do.”

Follow The Grange on Twitter @PubGrange

Tea for two

HERE’S HOPING Huge congrats to Tom Watts-Jones, head chef/owner of the Hare and Hounds in Aberthin, who’s in the running to be named as Pub Restaurant Chef of the Year in the 2018 Craft Guild of Chefs. He’s one of just three finalists in the category, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in June.

Tom said: “I’m ecstatic at this achievement; it’s great to be recognised alongside so many other distinguished chefs.”

For more: www.hareandhoundsaberthin.com

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THE FOX AND HOUNDS The Fox and Hounds in Llancarfan was recently bestowed the very prestigious accolade of Best Gastropub in our Cardiff Life Awards. If you’d like to recreate their winning flavours at home, then have a go at this pair created by head chef JIM DOBSON

WILD GARLIC GNOCCHI WITH ARTICHOKE, PEAS & BROAD BEANS (Serves 2) Ingredients 3 or 4 large baking potatoes 1 large egg (yolk only) 125g pasta flour (plus extra for dusting) Salt (to taste) Bunch wild garlic 100g peas 100g broad beans, shelled Small pack of marinated artichoke hearts Olive oil Knob of butter Method: 1. Bake potatoes in oven at 180ºC/350ºF/ gas mark 4 for 90 minutes or until soft.

2. Remove from oven, leave for 15 minutes to cool slightly then cut in half and scoop out the middle into a mixing bowl and mash until smooth.

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3. Weigh out 1kg of the potato, add the egg yolk and mix.

4. Sieve in the flour and salt the mix together with the chopped wild garlic to form a dough.

5. Leave dough to rest for 15 minutes then cut the dough in to 4 pieces.

6. On a floured surface roll each piece of dough in to a thin sausage about the diameter of a 20p then cut into 2cm pieces and place on a floured tray.

7. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, then quickly add gnocchi to the pan in small batches. They should start to float after a few seconds, at this point you need to remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and put in to a bowl of iced water to cool.

8. Remove the gnocchi from the iced

water and put into a bowl with a little oil to stop them sticking together while you prepare the rest of the dish.

9. In a hot non-stick frying pan with a splash of oil quickly sauté the artichoke, peas and broad beans with a splash of olive oil.

10. Remove from vegetables from pan onto plate then add a little more oil to the pan.

11. Gently place 1 portion of gnocchi into the pan – be careful as they might break apart, add a knob of butter and let it foam in the pan to crisp up the gnocchi slightly.

12. Put half the peas, beans and artichoke back into the pan, season with salt and pepper, mix then spoon onto the serving plate.

13. Repeat with the second portion.

RECIPES

FOOD

PAN FRIED SEA BASS, JERSEY ROYALS, PEA, BROAD BEAN & HERB BROTH (Serves 2) Ingredients 2 fillets of sea bass, de-boned and scaled but skin left on 200g Jersey Royal potatoes 100g peas 100g broad beans, shells removed 1 carrot 1 shallot 1 stick celery 1 clove of garlic 200ml vegetable stock Handful of chives Handful of tarragon Handful of parsley Pea shoots (to garnish) 100g butter Salt & pepper Oil

Method: 1. Wash potatoes and cook in salted water with a knob of butter until nearly tender then take off the heat and leave in the water until needed.

2. Finely dice the carrot, celery, shallot and garlic, mix all together in a bowl.

3. Finely chop all the herbs and mix together in separate bowl.

4. In a small pan crush the potatoes with a fork, add a small knob of butter and a generous pinch of the herbs and gently heat through.

5. In another small pan with a little oil, sweat off the diced vegetables for 1 minute with a little olive oil, then add the vegetable stock, bring to the boil then simmer for 1 minute.

6. Add the peas and beans and keep warm while you cook the fish.

7. Season the fish with a little salt and pepper. Then, in a non-stick pan, heat a little oil then add the seasoned fish, skin side down. Depending on the size of the fillets, cook for around 2 minutes on skin then add a knob of butter to the pan, let the butter foam then flip the fish and turn down the heat to let it cook all the way through.

8. Add a good pinch of the chopped herbs to the broth and stir in. Taste, and add more herbs if you like.

9. Place a small pile of the potatoes to the middle of a bowl, spoon the broth around the edge then place the fish on top of the potatoes and garnish with the pea shoots. www.fandhllancarfan.co.uk

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a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e FA M I LY L AW

Love is in the air Tying the knot doesn't have to mean sharing all your assets, as Rebecca oakley family law solicitors explains

S

pring time and weddings go together like confetti and wedding cake but there are a lot of people getting married (or entering a civil partnership) who wish to consider how to protect themselves and their family financially should things go wrong.

This is often the case where it is a second or third time around for one or both members of the happy couple and perhaps they have property they wish to ensure passes to their own children/family in the future. No one should go into a marriage believing it will end, but making appropriate arrangements can be extremely reassuring.

Protecting assets can be achieved in a number of different ways from making a will to pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Wills

can be made to give a spouse a right to live in a property during their lifetime, for example, but not to inherit it directly, which means it can be left to the owning spouse’s family.

Whilst the law of England and Wales doesn’t yet formally recognise pre-nuptial or postnuptial agreements a well drafted agreement, drawn up in line with the current provisions under the law, will be very persuasive and give both of you peace of mind. There are an increasing number of decisions being made in the higher courts which reflect the agreements reached between parties which have been drafted in line with the existing laws.

Both Rebecca and Belinda, our solicitors, are long standing members of Resolution: First for Family Law which promotes a constructive approach to conflict resolution and we also

support the use of mediation or alternative dispute resolution in all suitable cases. CL

If you are interested in exploring one of these options, please contact Rebecca Oakley Family Law solicitors for advice on 02920 532888 or info@oakleyfamilylaw.com

WINE

FOOD & DRINK

THE WINE GUY

TASTE the DIFFERENCE DEAN EUDEN on the value of expensive wine

T

he most I have spent on wine is £120 when my son was born, it was a bottle of Krug NV Champagne, it was extravagant but hey I was celebrating the birth of my second nipper.

There are people that spend a lot more than me however, and I mean a LOT more.

In 2013 a case of a Pinot Noir from Burgundy sold for £335,000 at Christies in Hong Kong, that’s nearly £28,000 a bottle.

These wines came from a tiny vineyard in the Cote de Nuits, the vineyards are designated the highest level ‘Grand Cru’ and come under the producer name DRC (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti). As well as the name on the bottles the year was also important for the high price; the vintage

QUALITY WINES ABILITY TO AGE IS

THE OF THE AND THEIR

REMARKABLE

How much would you pay for this bottle of wine?

was 1978, one of the stellar vintages often talked about by Burgundy wine lovers.

“Why so expensive?” I hear you cry. One of the main reasons why the wine was sold for this price is its rarity. The vineyard for DRC La Romanée Conti covers 1.8 hectares (the size of about two football pitches), from this vineyard they produce between 400 to 500 cases a year, and that’s it! The soil and the position of the vineyard make the most sought-after Pinot Noir in the world.

The quality of the wines and their ability to age is remarkable so if you put unrivalled quality and rarity together you get very rich people dribbling with desire and willing to part with huge wads of cash.

The sad part of this however, is that these wines are very rarely opened and drunk. Instead they are traded and kept as investments. Now, here is my opinion on that – beautiful wine is meant to be enjoyed, not treated as an investment.

That’s taking something made with pure joy and passion and turning it into numbers on a chart. Also does the wine even taste like it’s worth in excess of £20,000 a bottle? Like everything in wine, that’s a decision made by the person drinking it. My personal feeling is no, it won’t, and if you expected it to you’d be setting yourself up for a huge disappointment.

If ever I get my hands on a bottle I would never think of the value but the complexity of the wine and the passion of the winemaker as I drank it…the price tag in these terms is irrelevant.

Now I’m off to crack open my £6.99 red, best served with crisps I think. Cheers!

Dean is a business development manager for the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust (WSET). www.wsetglobal.com

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R e c r u i t m e n t ad v er t i s i n g feat u re

Meet the Recruiter If you’re looking for a new role, or you’re an employer searching for the perfect candidate to join your team, these are the people you need to speak to!

Jessica Harmer

Red Berry Recruitment 02921 051007 www.redberryrecruitment.co.uk What sets you apart from other recruitment companies?

Red Berry Recruitment offers a personal service to clients and candidates. Each consultant ensures both parties feel like they are the only one we¹re supporting. We offer a bespoke and tailored service to meet all expectations and manage our service delivery.

What areas of recruitment do you specialize in?

Red Berry is a multi-sector agency. From the Cardiff branch I personally specialise in more senior level requirements across Commercial, Technical, Creative and Marketing, Finance and IT. What advice would you give to an employer?

In the current market I would advise employers to move quickly with candidates of interest. As candidates control the marketplace at the moment, we see a lot of disappointed clients who have made their final decision too late and lost excellent candidates to other companies. I also recommend that employers select a recruitment agency to support them. This relieves a lot of stress/increased workload!

MICHAEL IVES

LAUREN KEEN

MARC JONES

What sectors do you recruit for?

As a Legal Specialist I recruit for roles from trainee solicitors to partner-level appointments across South Wales and the UK. My current focus is the corporate and property sector due to industry demand for high-calibre candidates.

What sectors do you recruit for?

I specialise in permanent recruitment across the South Wales area, focusing on the commercial market. It’s a varied sector and the clients I work with vary across industries – from manufacturing and production to law firms and financial services

What area do you specialise in?

As Director of Operations at Acorn, I manage a team of specialist consultants who recruit Construction, Mechanical & Engineering skilled professionals for highprofile projects and national accounts across the UK.

Acorn Recruitment 07901 827946 www.acornpeople.com

What sets you apart?

My legal industry experience and LLB (Hons) in Law is an undeniable advantage. I understand the industry and can therefore relate to my clients and candidates. We have also launched a unique platform encouraging Welsh legal professionals who have relocated outside Wales for work to return home, supported

by Wales Week in London.

What’s your recruitment style?

I network regularly with fellow law professionals and always try to meet people in person.

Our end-to-end recruitment solution means we fully support employers - offering proactive searches, competitor market mapping and talking to passive professionals as well as those actively looking for work. Our service doesn’t just stop after placing someone either; our post-placement care ensures any hire is a smooth transition for everyone involved.

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

Acorn Recruitment 07769 643850 www.acornpeople.com

Why use Acorn for my recruitment needs?

There are more than 10 million office workers in the UK. Out of the 187,000 people working in the Cardiff area alone, more than 38,000 work in administrative or sales-based occupations.We know that employers often don’t have the time or resources to spend on recruiting new employees, which is where we come in.

We don’t just fill a vacancy – we partner with our clients to understand exactly what it is they’re looking for and will use our extensive contacts to identify possible candidates for roles. We’ll review every single application made and carry out pre-interviews and comprehensive checks on any shortlisted applicants; giving our clients a stress free experience and peace of mind that their new hire is right for their business.

Acorn Recruitment 075008 33443 www.acornpeople.com

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

It’s well known that there is a skills gap within the construction industry – demand for skilled workers is outstripping supply, and combined with increasing material costs is proving a real industry issue.

What are you doing to combat the skills gap?

We’ve partnered with homelessness charity The Wallich on the BOSS Project, which provides employment training and support to exoffenders and prisoners across South Wales. As part of the project, we have worked with employers to place participants in construction roles and the partnership is proving very successful. We’re also working to encourage more women to enter the industry and will be holding a ‘Women in Construction’ event over the coming months.

ad v er t i s i n g feat u re R E C R U I T M E N T

David Bowen

Bowen Eldridge Recruitment 029 2002 6511 www.boweneldridge.co.uk What are the misconceptions about recruitment?

I hear all sorts of stories from candidates and clients about mistreatment and questionable practices and sometimes I feel sympathy for competitor consultants as the working environment can be very target driven. We have no such activity targets so do not pester, push or persuade anyone to do anything they are not comfortable with.

How long have you worked in recruitment?

I started in the early 2000s and recruited staff for the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage. I subsequently worked for a specialist Accountancy/Finance recruiter and a national Commercial agency.

What advice would you give to an employer?

Today’s employment market is definitely “candidate driven” meaning employers need to set realistic expectations not only of applicants but of themselves.

If you see someone you like, move fast as they won’t be available for long!

Tell us what your company does for charity or the community?

A percentage of our fees are donated to our designated Charity of Year. To date we have donated to Ty Hafan, BrainsTrust and our chosen charity for the coming year is Alzheimer’s Cymru.

Cheryl Eldridge

Rachel Phillips

What sets you apart from other recruitment companies?

We are an owner-led agency whereby all of our clients and candidates will only ever work with David or myself.

We believe that less is more and would prefer to work with less clients and provide a higher quality service. Our long-term objective is to be known for providing a highquality recruitment service in south Wales, not to be a sprawling national agency.

What sets you apart from other recruitment companies?

As a business, TSR Legal offer recruitment solutions to legal organisations and departments all across the UK. We provide 1-1 key account management services allowing HR and hiring managers to get to know the consultant really well and also enables us to really get to know how the business and department operates. We have long standing members of the team, some of whom are legally qualified offering both clients and candidates a professional insight into the active and non-active market. We have consultants who play an active part in Law Society events, keeping up to date with market trends and developments.

We have built long standing relationships with our clients and candidates and are always pleased when we see development in their career from a trainee solicitor to a partner.

Bowen Eldridge Recruitment 029 2002 6511 www.boweneldridge.co.uk

How long have you worked in recruitment?

I have worked in recruitment since 2005, starting my career in Birmingham working for a small independent. I relocated to South Wales in 2006 and have worked for two independent agencies and set up Bowen Eldridge in 2016.

What areas of recruitment do you specialize in?

Accountancy, Human Resources and Marketing at all levels, permanent and fixed term contract.

Which employment sectors are growing?

I look after the roles with our Accountancy Practice clients which has been extremely busy. I feel “The Making Tax Digital” programme will ensure this remains the case for some time.

DANIEL MASON

TSR Legal Recruitment 02920 388100 www.tsrlegal.co.uk

TSR Legal Recruitment 02920 388100 www.tsrlegal.co.uk

What areas of recruitment do you specialize in?

The majority of my focus is for Legal 500 firms in South Wales who offer excellent starting points for candidates who wish to develop their legal career. There has been a lot of positive change for Wales, especially Cardiff recently, with larger firms with a city presence moving to the area. This has meant an influx of senior appointments and business into the area.

Which individual project have you most enjoyed working on?

For me it has been sitting on the Training Contract Panel for consecutive years for one of Wales’ tier one corporate commercial law firm - Capital Law. As an ex-solicitor myself I have been in the shoes of the potential trainees, so I am able to put them at ease, source the best candidates and ultimately see first-hand the start of their successful careers.

What does your company do for charity or the community?

My directors have partnered with Dreams and Wishes a total non profit charity dedicated to helping seriously ill children by making their dreams and wishes come true. I have introduced the charity to my contacts in the Welsh Assembly and local sport stars, who have both put on events to raise awareness for the charity.

If you could give one bit of advice to a customer what would it be?

Ultimately, engage with an agency that will listen to your needs, act as an extension of your team and go over and above the competitors. This is the mantra that has seen TSR Legal be the longest established legal recruitment agency in Wales and seen our growth Nationwide.

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Shake-ups/launches/successes/promotions

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

THE BIG STORY

A HOLIDAY HOTSPOT Wales Tourism Week takes place in May, and the theme of this year’s event is “Collaborating to Compete”

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018 (VISIT WALES)

The Principality Stadium

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018 (VISIT WALES)

The week-long focus on tourism from 12-20 May is co-ordinated by the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), the voice of the tourism industry in Wales, and aims to drive the industry higher up the political agenda, and highlight the power of partnerships.

Held annually to raise the profile of tourism, Wales Tourism Week also highlights the industry’s huge revenue-generating value as well as jobs and careers opportunities.

A reception, sponsored by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, is being organised at the Senedd, home of the National Assembly for Wales, on 15 May. The keynote speech will be delivered by Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, who holds the tourism portfolio within the Welsh Government.

There will also be a series of events throughout the week held by the industry to highlight how different enterprises within sectors co-operate, provide excellent

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

The High Street Arcade

“NOW WE HAVE PROOF THAT CARDIFF IS A FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING PLACE TO VISIT” To find out more turn to page 88

self-employment and career opportunities as well as customer service excellence.

The WTA, along with its partners, is calling on tourism associations, trade organisations and businesses across the country to organise events that highlight the importance of the industry and emphasise partnership during Wales Tourism Week.

Adrian Barsby, WTA chairman, said: “We are entering a particularly turbulent political era and we want tourism associations and businesses to contact their local elected members at whatever level and invite them to meet their local tourism businesses.

“It’s an important opportunity to showcase their tourism product and emphasise the economic contribution the industry makes to local communities, particularly with regard to jobs and skills.”

For more: www.wta.org.uk

£1bn

THE BIG NUMBER

A South Wales-based legal expert has been instrumental in deals that have topped this much money!

For more information, turn to page 88

Got a business news story for us? Email emma.dance@mediaclash.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIDER

Nia Bennett from EffectusHR

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC THE PROPERTY LADDER

James Thomas has recently been promoted to associate director within the residential division in Savills. Last year was very positive for Savills in Cardiff with several landmark sales in the City.

James said: “It’s been a great few years since I joined Savills, increasing market share in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. With this promotion, I look forward to continuing to grow our business, selling quality homes throughout South Wales.”

For more: www.savills.co.uk

FAIR PLAY

Former England and Glamorgan cricketer, Simon Jones MBE is the latest addition to the Cathedral School sports coaching team.

Simon said: “I am really looking forward to working at the Cathedral School. The commitment and enthusiasm from the pupils I have met so far is very impressive. With one of the most picturesque cricket squares in Wales, I am very much looking forward to the season ahead.”

For more: www.cathedral-school.co.uk

James Thomas

CSL Cricket

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MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

IN THE MONEY

TOP AWARD

Vicky Kells, Clarke Willmott

Less than a year since CIM (The Chartered Institute of Marketing) established its new Wales Board, two further appointments have been made, completing the expert line-up.

Cardiff-based food marketing specialist, Martin Sutherland has held positions at McVitie’s, Tesco and Somerfield. He currently holds the position of commercial and marketing director at ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University and will bring years of product marketing and customer engagement experience to the board.

Meanwhile, Ruth Williams, marketing director at digital transformation firm, Restore Scan, plans to use her new role on the board to showcase the benefits of CIM membership. She said: “Much of my career success is down to my involvement with the CIM, so naturally I’m keen to give something back to the community that’s supported me. I’m hoping to help new marketers develop their skills and take full advantage of all the member benefits to further their careers.”

For more: www.regions.cim.co.uk/Wales

Cardiff-based HR Consultant Nia Bennett has been recognised with the Independent Consultant of the Year Award for her role as director of bilingual HR consultancy EffectusHR at the 2018 Wales HR Awards, which recognises and celebrates the achievements of HR professionals across Wales.

Nia said:”Effectus is latin for ‘performance’ - when I first formed EffectusHR it was my ambition to provide relevant, insightful and highly valuable advice that would boost the performance of clients who wanted to get the best out of their people.

“Little over a year later, and I have been privileged and delighted not just to have the opportunity of boosting the performance of firms large and small across a range of sectors, but also to have that achievement acknowledged by the industry and in the presence of so many peers that I respect.”

For more: www.waleshrnetwork.cymru/

A South Wales-based legal expert has been instrumental in deals that have topped the £1 billion mark.

Having forged a reputation as a prominent practitioner in social housing finance across the UK, Vicky Kells, partner at the Cardiff office of Clarke Willmott LLP, is one of a growing number of highly experienced and qualified women who are heading up businesses that employ significant numbers of people and who are involved in some of the country’s biggest deals.

Vicky said: “It’s been an exciting time and we’ve enhanced our reputation as part of the firms’ national market-leading social housing team and a centre of excellence for social housing finance here in Wales and the UK. “By learning and sharing best practice with colleagues in the industry, support from my team and a passion for what I do, we’ll now look to consolidate our position not only within the social housing sector but across the Welsh legal sector.”

For more: www.clarkewillmott.com

BUSINESS INSIDER

CUSTOMER CARE

The new showroom

DRIVE TIME Jaguar Land Rover Cardiff recently announced the official opening of its new Arch Concept retailer with a celebratory weekend-long launch event.

The new Stratstone retailer, located at Hadfield Road, Cardiff, hosted a welcome weekend on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 March to give customers the chance to see the new showroom facility and the Jaguar and Land Rover models at its core.

More than 300 people came across the weekend, including Welsh rugby union legend, Sir Gareth Edwards.

Graeme Matthews, head of business at Jaguar Land Rover Cardiff, said: “The launch weekend was a great success.

“I’d like to thank everyone who attended, including Sir Gareth Edwards, and I look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to our retailer in the near future.”

The places to find the best customer service in Cardiff have been revealed.

FOR Cardiff carried out mystery shopper surveys throughout the city, and of the almost 40 businesses visited, award-winning Spanish eatery Bar 44, and one-stop-shop for family friendly entertainment Superbowl UK, came top of the pile.

Thirty-eight surveys were carried out across the city with the mystery shoppers visiting a range of hospitality and retail businesses, scoring them on categories including overall experience, appearance and environment and local knowledge.

Natalie Isaac, operations director at Bar 44, said: “We pride ourselves on offering an excellent experience for our customers whether they join us for a relaxed dinner, a small plate after shopping or a drink with friends. We only hire the very best staff that can make sure every single visitor gets special treatment, so we’re thrilled the survey has confirmed what we strive to achieve.”

Daniel Myatt, marketing manager at Superbowl UK, said: “Bowling is such a popular activity for Bar 44

For more: www.stratstone.com

Superbowl UK

friends and family to spend time together so we always do everything we can to make sure our customers are having the best possible time while they are with us. I’m delighted to be able to share these results and shout about the amazing experience we are offering to people here in the capital.”

The mystery shopper surveys were arranged

by FOR Cardiff to highlight the hard work and dedication of the businesses across the city centre.

Adrian Field, executive director of FOR Cardiff said: “We already knew that businesses across Cardiff offer the very best service possible to their customers, but organising the mystery shopper surveys and getting these fantastic results back validates the fact. Now we have proof that Cardiff is a friendly and welcoming place to visit and hopefully one that people will come back to time and time again, driving even more traffic through the doors of our businesses.”

For more: www.forcardiff.com

SPRING INTO ACTION

Juliette Dickinson regional director GLL, Cllr Peter Bradbury, Anthony Hayes manager Llanishen Leisure Centre

A new beginners’ gym has opened in Llanishen equipped with 12 Shapemaster Toning Tables. It is the first of its kind in Cardiff and has been designed so that it can be used by everybody, irrespective of age, mobility, weight or fitness level.

Anthony Hayes, general manager, Better Cardiff Llanishen said: “Many people feel intimidated or uncomfortable in a conventional gym or fitness environment. Toning tables are perfect for beginners because they literally walk you through each exercise step by step, so you’ll know how to do all the moves and techniques. Our new equipment is power assisted so you

work with the machine not against it.

If you need to take a quick rest, the electronically powered equipment will continue to move you. It is the perfect choice for a beginner or for anyone coming back to exercise after periods of rest or inactivity, including the elderly or people that are less mobile. The gym is also good for those recovering from an accident or illness.

“The new equipment has all the benefits of traditional gym equipment increasing losing those extra inches on your waist and improving circulation and flexibility.”

For more: www.better.org.uk

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

A MAN’S HOME IS HIS CASTLE Live the fairytale dream with a Norman castle

By C H A R L I E ROSE

92 112I I CARDIFF CLIFTONLIFE LIFE I I www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

www.mediaclash.co.ukI I CLIFTON CARDIFFLIFE LIFE I I 113 93 www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

L

et’s be honest, there’s few of us who have never dreamed of living in a castle. Now, there’s the chance to make that dream a reality.

It’s safe to say that the Fonmon Estate, just a few miles out of Cardiff in the Vale of Glamorgan, is no ordinary property. For a start, there’s a 12th century Norman castle, watch tower, stables and no less than eight (yes, eight!) estate houses and cottages, not to mention extensive farmland, pasture and woodland – around 950 acres in fact. Oh, and a limestone quarry.

Impressive, no?

The castle itself is positively swoon-worthy. For eight centuries it’s been at the core of this landed estate, and is remarkable for its combinations of architectural phases, most especially Georgian interiors with magnificent Rococco-style plasterwork. There really is no end to the number of gorgeous features inside, which include sweeping staircases, grand fireplaces and an old kitchen complete with original Victorian cooking ranges. There’s no less than seven bedrooms as well as a wine cellar, library, and seemingly countless grand reception rooms.

Naturally, there are stunning gardens too, (the immediate gardens surrounding the castle are believed to date from when the castle was built way back in 1180) including lawns, a scented garden, and a kitchen garden which is believed to have once been the largest fullyfunctioning one in Glamorgan.

It probably won’t come as surprise to discover that at present, the castle is used as a weddings and events venue, (can you imagine a better venue than a castle for 94 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Clockwise, from top left: A fairytale castle; one of the homes on the estate; the grand staircase hall; the farm

HOUSE NUMBERS The Fonmon Estate, South Wales, CF62 3ZN

1

12th century castle

8

cottages and houses

950

a fairytale wedding?). Of course, there’s no reason why it couldn’t be a home, but thanks to a private apartment taking over the whole second floor of the castle, there’s still the option of boasting a castle address, but on perhaps a slightly more manageable scale! With a fullheight panelled master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom, three further bedrooms, kitchen, dining and living rooms you’ll still be able to enjoy the splendour of the surroundings.

Not that there’s any shortage of other places for you to live on the estate though. There’s two castle lodges, two woodland cottages, a further traditional cottage, a threebedroom house on Fonmon Road on the edge of Fontgary village and a modern semi-detached house in the village of Rhoose.

To describe this property as “vast” would be a massive understatement, so if taking on the whole shebang seems a bit daunting, then it can be split into three separate lots.

With the thriving events business, working quarry and cement works, the farm and potential income from the homes, if you do take on the whole lot there’s potential for some major return on investment, and with longer term development opportunities (subject to planning) there’s no end to the possibilities available.

So go on, take a closer look, and a take a step closer to living the dream….

acres

£11.5M guide price

For more: Savills, 5th Floor, 2 Kingsway, Cardiff F10 3FD; Tel: 02920 368900; www.savills.co.uk

Savills Cardiff 2 Kingsway, Cardiff, CF10 3FD 02920 368 930

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

Silverdale, Flemingston Vale of Glamorgan ÂŁ740,000 EPC = C pa black Cowbridge 01446 775148

A hidden gem in the jewel of The Vale.

Exceptional five bedroom detached family home.

Architect designed.

3000sqft of well-proportioned living space.

Uninterrupted views of the valley on two sides.

21ft lounge with log burner.

Solid oak handmade kitchen Master bedroom, ensuite, breakfast room, dining room.

Double garage.

Private landscaped gardens.

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

Springfields, Church Road Pentyrch £835,000 EPC = F pa black Whitchurch 02920612328

NEW PRICE REDUCED BY A MIGHTY £75,000 MUST BE SEEN NO CHAIN! Detached seven bedroom country house with truly stunning country views.

L shaped 24FT x 19FT kitchen/breakfast room.

18FT dining room, 31FT Lounge, indoor pool.

Three bathrooms, double car port, double garage, single garage, extensive parking.

CARDIFF LIVES

Q&A

S

ophie Bishop joined the team at Cardiff Airport three years ago. As graphic designer she helps create all the branding and logos that greet people as they land in the city!

What do you like most about Cardiff?

Cardiff is the perfect city to get lost in. I love nothing more than wandering around the Castle Arcades and St David’s Shopping Centre when I have some free time. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s high street brands, small boutiques or specialist shops. I’m a real magpie and am always in search of shiny objects!

I’m also vegetarian and I really like the choice of cafés and restaurants that there is around the city.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

At Cardiff Airport I’m lucky enough to work alongside a number of airlines, and I really enjoy working with them to understand their brand, their tone of voice and creating artwork that reflects their values. It allows me to work closely with our airline partners to create campaigns that are very impactful and stand out.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

My boyfriend Tom and I got into a bit of a pickle whilst on holiday in Iceland last year. Whilst out in search of the Northern Lights our 4X4 got absolutely wedged into a snowdrift. After hours of trying to dig ourselves out, and with darkness fast approaching we finally had to give in and call on the Icelandic emergency services to come and rescue us! Cringe.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

My childhood favourites Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke; designer Milton Glaser; comedian James Acaster; my favourite Podcaster Karen Kilgariff and musician Jimi Hendrix – he’d certainly make things entertaining!

SOPHIE BISHOP Cardiff Airport’s graphic designer shares her secrets How do you relax?

I love a relaxing bath after a long day, I also own lots of nail varnishes and enjoy giving myself a nice manicure.

What’s your favourite shop in Cardiff?

I love Scribbler, a cute little stationery shop on The Hayes. I like the different designs and the gift cards available.

What’s on your bookshelf at the moment?

We have many coffee table books, especially books about landscape photography. There are also many vegetarian and vegan cookbooks. I’m currently reading The Leopard by Jo Nesbitt.

And your tip for the best place to eat out there?

My tip is Wahaca. Although it’s well known it’s still authentic with something for everyone on the menu. There are lots of vegetarian choices too.

What do you never leave home without?

My Charlotte Tilbury lipstick.

Tell us about a secret Cardiff spot we might not be aware of…

Not sure if it’s secret anymore, but Pettigrew Tea Rooms is absolutely lovely. A quaint tea room in the grounds of Bute Park offering delicious afternoon tea!

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Without a doubt, cheesy 80s pop music. I love it.

The cheesier the better!

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

Graceland by Paul Simon. It reminds me of my mum and being little.

Which words or expressions do you use the most?

I always seem to add “If I’m being perfectly honest” to the end of my sentences!

What are you listening to at the moment?

I am absolutely addicted to podcasts, I particularly enjoy crime podcasts like My Favourite Murder which discusses true crime in a comedic way.

Who would play you in a film about your life?

Drew Barrymore.

What’s your favourite television programme?

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

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

Surprise us with a revelatory fact about yourself…

I have a condition called Pernicious Anaemia which is essentially a B12 deficiency. It’s treated and under control now, but like many people it took many years for me to be diagnosed properly. I’m keen to raise awareness of the condition as it can cause a range of symptoms that affect your quality of life. I find resources like the Pernicious Anaemea Society really useful.

It’s run by Martyn Hooper and the organisation is based in South Wales. www.cardiff-airport.com

www.icebodysculpting.co.uk - info@icebodysculpting.co.uk 02921 202 190. 122 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff, CF5 5BT