Cardiff Life - Issue 194

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

SHERRY…

THE DEMON HEADMISTRESS ISSUE 194 / DECEMBER 2018 / GIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

MISS TRUNCHBULL’S IN TOWN

IN THE

PRESENT MOMENT GORGEOUS GIFTS FOR GIVING GOOD GROWING CULTIVATING CHRISTMAS TREES

ISSUE 194 / DECEMBER 2018 / £3

(IT’S NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!)

© Bethan Miller

Editor’s letter

Sherry - it’s for cocktails as well as Christmas! below: Stuck for Christmas pressie ideas? We’ve got a bunch of inspiration for you on pages 44-47

I

won’t be the first to say it, and I almost certainly won’t be the last – but how is it almost Christmas already? Even though we’ve been talking (and writing) about Christmas for what must be months now, somehow it’s still taken me by surprise.

If, like me, you are yet to begin your Chritsmas shopping then take a look at our gift guide on pages 44-47, where you’ll find all kinds of inspiration. Or if, also like me, the thought of everything you still have left to do is sending you into a panic take a deep breath and head to The Dead Canary and ask them to knock you up a sherry cocktail. That’s what I did, and I can assure you it definitely helped! You can read more about that on page 62.

Amid all the Christmas craziness, make sure you do take some time out to enjoy yourself – like going to see Matilda the Musical at Wales Millennium Centre, for example. Turn to page 30 to find out more about Craige Els who’s playing the fearsome Miss Trunchbull.

And try to enjoy the Christmas build-up.

After all, it will be over soon enough!

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id fi fydd y cyntaf na’r olaf i fynegi syndod ei bod hi bron yn Nadolig yn barod.

Er ein bod yn sôn (ac yn ysgrifennu) am y Nadolig ers misoedd, mae’n siŵr, doeddwn i ddim yn disgwyl i’r ŵyl gyrraedd mor sydyn.

Os nad ydych chithau fel finnau wedi dechrau eich siopa Nadolig eto trowch i’n canllaw prynu anrhegion ar dudalennau 44-47, sy’n cynnwys llwyth o syniadau i’ch ysbrydoli. Neu os yw meddwl am yr holl bethau sydd heb eu gwneud o hyd yn eich dychryn chithau hefyd, cymerwch anadl ddofn ac ewch i The Dead Canary i fwynhau coctel sieri.

Dyna wnes i, ac roedd yn bendant yn help! Gallwch ddarllen mwy am hynny ar dudalen 62.

Ynghanol gwallgofrwydd y Nadolig, gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod yn neilltuo amser i ymlacio – ewch i weld Matilda the Musical yng Nghanolfan y Mileniwm, er enghraifft. Trowch i dudalen 30 i gael gwybod mwy am Craige Els sy’n chwarae rhan y cymeriad cas Miss Trunchbull.

Yn fwy na dim, ceisiwch fwynhau holl gyffro’r cyfnod cyn y Nadolig. Bydd y cyfan drosodd yn fuan iawn!

EMMA DANCE Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 3

Issue 194/December 2018

Cover Just giving

44

featureS

66

16 branching out Christmas trees don’t just

grown themselves y’know

40 New year Parties you won’t want to miss

the arts

21 INTRO A new imagining of the classic Frankenstein 22 WHAT’S ON Clear your diary because there’s a lot

going on this month

30 Matilda Craige Els tells all about his

transformation into the fearsome Miss Trunchbull

Sherman Theatre

37 State of the arts It’s been a busy year at the

shopping

44 Gift guide It’s time to start/finish that Christmas

shopping

52 FASHION Look sharp, fellas

92

food & DRINK

57 FOOD & Drink NEWS More tasty titbits 62 BAR Discovering the delights of sherry 66 Chef Tommy Heaney’s cooking up a storm in

Pontcanna

Business

81 business insider News from the movers,

shakers and innovators of Cardiff

Property

92 showcase A sleek and stylish waterside apartment

Regulars

10 sPOTLIGHT Newsy nuggets 72 sNAPPED Adventures in partygoing around the city 98 CARDIFF lives Actor Sunny Dhillon tells all

Editor Emma Dance emma.dance@mediaclash.co.uk Managing Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Graphic Design Megan Allison Cover Design Trevor Gilham Contributors Charlie Rose, Ed Newsome Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Kate Butterfield kate.butterfield@mediaclash.co.uk Advertising executive Louis Grey louis.grey@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Cardiff Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag). Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 5

spotlight Everybody’s talking about…

Living history Visitors to St Fagans National Museum of History are being encouraged to ‘be part of history’ following a £30 million redevelopment of the museum. Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’ six year project, which has received funding from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh government and many others – is the most ambitious redevelopment project in its history.

St Fagans, which reflects life in Wales from 230,000 years ago to today, remained open throughout the redevelopment with opportunities for people from all over Wales to get involved. Around 120 community organisations, street charities and local groups have helped to shape the redevelopment providing advice and expertise and more than 3,000 volunteers have contributed more than 21,000 hours of time to the project.

The redevelopment includes a completely refurbished main entrance building with improved visitor facilities, new spaces for learning and collections research in the Weston Centre for Learning, three new galleries combining Wales’ social history and archaeology collections, Llys Llywelyn – a medieval prince’s court based on archaeological evidence from Llys Rhosyr on Anglesey; Bryn Eryr Iron Age farmstead based on an archaeological site from the time of the Roman conquest; the re-interpretation of one of the existing historical buildings, Oakdale Workmen’s Institute, as a dementia-friendly exhibit and a space to support Welsh learners; Yr Iard play area inspired by the historic buildings at St Fagans and designed by artist Nils Norman; and Bronze Age Barrow – an experiment in recreating a Bronze Age burial monument developed with local secondary school pupils to provide further insight into people’s lives and identities.

David Anderson, director general of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales says, “The story of Wales is still evolving and so is the Museum.

“St Fagans has long been Wales’ most popular heritage attraction and holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales. This is because St Fagans is a people’s museum, exploring history through everyday lives. We believe we have preserved everything that people love about St Fagans, but introduced important new dimensions.

“We see this not as a project but as a way of working for the whole organisation, based on social justice and participation, which we will sustain and develop in the years ahead. It is the beginning of a new era at St Fagans and all of Wales’ national museums.”

For more: www.museum.wales/stfagans

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

The new main building

There’s lots to see inside

Bryn Eryr Iron Age farmstead

Top ranking

He’s got the power

Dan Williams and Zodiac

Entrepreneur Dan Williams, founder of Cardiff based Visualise Training and Consultancy, was announced as one of the most influential people with a disability in the UK at a reception at the South Bank Centre on 17 October.

The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List is an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. More than 700 nominations were received for the 100 places.

At 22 years old, Dan launched his business with help from The Prince’s Trust. The company runs training sessions, educating organisations to better assist people with disabilities and has worked with more than 700 clients.

Alongside his enabling furry friend

Zodiac the dog, Dan uses his experience of gradual sight loss to help organisations become Disability Confident so that inclusion is just ‘business as usual’. The consultancy makes recommendations on what adjustments can be made to support employees with visual impairments as sight loss should not equal job loss.

Dan says, “I’m delighted to be included in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List at such an early stage in my career and accept this accolade on behalf of the 2 million people in the UK with sight loss. At the beginning, sight loss feels like the end but later you realise it’s just the start of seeing in a different way and having a new outlook on life. Overcoming my challenges has given me resilience, determination and the ambition needed to be successful.”

For more: www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy. com/ and www.disabilitypower100.com

Health

Inspiring others

An inspirational mum from Cardiff has won a national award for her campaigning and fundraising achievements in support of Diabetes UK Cymru.

Beth Baldwin received the Quality in Care (QiC) Diabetes People’s Award at an awards ceremony in Guilford on 18 October.

Beth’s son Peter, 13, passed away from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes in 2015. Since then, Beth, her husband Stuart and Peter’s sister Lia, 12, have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition, hosting a multitude of fundraising events and presenting to Assembly Members at the Senedd.

The family has so far raised more than £70,000 for Diabetes UK Cymru and helped to launch the ‘Know Type 1’ campaign last summer to raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.

The Baldwins also worked closely with the Petitions Committee on a report that called for better diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes in children and young people. The Welsh Government accepted all ten of the recommendations made in the report in September.

The QiC Diabetes ‘People’s Award’ recognises the outstanding work of carers, campaigners and fundraisers from across the UK, who make a real difference to people living with diabetes.

Beth says, “I’m honoured to receive this award. Knowing that the diabetes community voted for me means so much. It is a real privilege to be part of such an inspiring and proactive movement.

“We will continue to campaign until outstanding diabetes care is a part of healthcare services across Wales and the rest of the UK. This award is a testament to the young man Peter was and shows how one person can make a real, lasting difference.”

Beth Baldwin (right) and Dr Hilary Jones For more: www.diabetes.org.uk

Susanna Thomas is surprised by Strictly star Robin Windsor

Community

Surprise, surprise

The National Lottery’s ‘Big Surprise’ honoured its first Welsh recipient on 27 October – with Goldies Cymru’s much-loved organiser, Susanna Thomas, receiving a surprise visit from Robin Windsor of Strictly Come Dancing fame.

In a 90-second slot during an ad break on Saturday night primetime ITV, the National Lottery ‘Big Surprise’ highlights individuals who have made a real difference with the help of National Lottery funding.

Goldies Cymru is part of the Golden Oldies charity which reaches out to brighten the lives of hundreds of older, isolated people across England and Wales. When Susanna, who is senior branch librarian at Rhydypennau Library in Cardiff, first heard about Goldies Cymru three years ago, she decided she wanted to set-up her own group using music to bring people together within her library’s local community.

For Susanna’s ‘Big Surprise’, The National Lottery worked with Susanna’s Goldies Cymru group to film the transformation of Rhydypennau Library into a glittering ballroom and had Robin on hand to spin Susanna around the dancefloor, in front of her cheering Goldies.

Susanna says, “It was all quite overwhelming, but by far the best bit of the surprise was seeing the Goldies all dressed up. People you see every week going to such an effort made me quite emotional.

“This was a wonderful surprise from The National Lottery and I can’t believe that so many people managed to keep such an exciting secret under wraps.”

For more: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk / www.goldiescymru.org.uk

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

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hether you’re an adult or a child, everyone wants a great smile. We created embrace to meet the growing demand in Cardiff for premium adult orthodontics delivered with excellent customer care, while we’ve designed Crocodile for parents who want to give their children straight, healthy teeth for life and in the most convenient way.

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A local flavour For a true taste of Wales, pay a visit to BARA MENYN on Cardiff Bay

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ith its exciting location, commitment to using independent local producers and willingness to adapt to its customers’ needs, new Cardiff Bay café-bar Bara Menyn has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most exciting businesses. It is open daily from 8am until 5pm – keep an eye on its social

media pages for details of its evening openings – and recently installed an extensive gin bar, specialising in Welsh gins.

Located directly opposite the BBC’s Roath Lock premises, on the bottom floor of the Gloworks media complex, Bara Menyn is based in one of Cardiff’s most exciting cultural centres, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Wales Millennium Centre and Senedd buildings. There is plentiful parking space and the cafe is served by both the number 6 bus from the city centre and the river bus. The delicious breakfast and brunch weekend menu – including the new prosecco bottomless brunch deal, and breakfast sharing platters – combined with a walk along the barrage or around the Bay make a visit to Bara Menyn a perfect weekend day out.

The cafe also caters for private functions and can tailor events to your needs and budget. Bara Menyn is the perfect location for a workplace Christmas party or seasonal catch-up with family and friends. It is also available all year round for evening supper clubs and as a space for your events, gigs and other functions.

Bara Menyn’s owner, Catrin, has firmly established herself on the Welsh food scene and will soon feature on a major new tapas-themed programme on S4C, bringing her passion for independent Welsh producers to a wide audience. The Welsh tapas boards have become beloved for the innovative uses of classic Welsh ingredients and diverse international influences, and the café has gained a reputation for its mouth-watering vegan and vegetarian options,

including the famous chick pea and spinach curry and vegetable lasagne. The Full Welsh Bara Menyn Breakfast has remained a staple of the menu from the beginning; customers who taste its combination of the Bara Menyn bomb (a potato and laverbread croquette fried in organic oats), Tiger Bay sausage and spiced homemade baked beans – alongside plenty more – can never resist a return visit.

Since opening in summer 2018, Bara Menyn has consistently expanded and adapted its menu, and welcomes all customer feedback.

Its recently launched breakfast tapas sharing boards, a selection of hot and continental breakfast items to share with friends, have also proved hugely popular. The café also offers a location for an alternative Sunday brunch catch-up and a few drinks with family and friends. Additionally, it can open specifically for large parties of people. n

To arrange a special event or simply to book a visit, contact Catrin at baramenyn.cymru@gmail.com, at 07814033760 or search ‘Bara Menyn’ on Facebook, twitter or Instagram. www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 15

Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree For Sarah Padfield a Christmas tree isn’t just for Christmas Words by Emma Dance

M “People just turn up at Christmas and think that no-one has done anything all year, but it’s a year round job looking after the Christmas trees” 16 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ost of us bring a Christmas tree into our home around the start of December, take it out at the start of January and for the next 11 months the thought of one doesn’t enter our heads.

For Sarah Padfield, however, it’s a rather different story. No, not because she’s one of those “interesting” people that celebrates Christmas every day of the year (at least as far as I know), but because she grows them.

And, it turns out that that’s not quite as easy as you might think.

“People just turn up at Christmas and think that no-one has done anything all year,” says Sarah, who runs Pinewood Christmas Trees, with her partner David Boulton, over at Pinewood Meadows, near Draethen. “But it’s a year round job looking after them.

“In January we start planting baby trees, then we have to water them and keep the weeds at bay. And during the summer months we have to prune them to get the right shape.

Contrary to what a lot of people think, the trees won’t grow into that typical Christmas tree shape if they are left to their own devices.”

That might not sound too arduous, but consider that at any one time Sarah has several

Christmas thousand trees in the ground. And to grow a tree to six feet tall can take anything from five to 10 years depending on the variety, so in order to meet demand year after year Sarah needs to ensure that there’s always trees at different stages in their development.

“Whatever we sell each year, hopefully, many hundreds, we will plant the same number, plus a few more, to meet a hopefully increasing demand,” she says.

Sarah grows four varieties of tree on Pinewood Meadows, and, as she explains, they all have their own distinct characteristics.

“The Norway spruce is the traditional Christmas tree, and it has a really lovely smell,” she says. “People think though, that it will drop lots of needles, but if you have a fresh one, that isn’t a problem. It’s the kind I always have, because it has that wonderful aroma.

“Nordman Fir is perceived to be a reduced needle drop variety and has thick, waxy dark green needles. It’s not hugely fragrant, but it is very popular because of its needle retention.

“Fraser firs have a lovely balsam fragrance but they’re not so popular yet because they haven’t been on the market for so long, and a Noble Fir has a lovely smell and a bluey tinge to the needles. They are narrower, more compact trees which are ideal for a smaller space like a flat.”

So back to the needle drop thing – since no-one likes having an endless amount of needles to clear up post-festivities surely that’s an important consideration?

“What you have to remember is that a lot of the trees in supermarkets and garden centres might have been cut for up to a month already when you see them, especially if they’ve been imported from a Scandinavian

above: Sarah Padfield is getting ready for the Christmas rush; below: Sarah and her partner David Boulton

country – so they are already not at their best.

Here at Pinewood Christmas Trees you can pick your own, so it will be very fresh, and in my experience, will last as long as any other variety, as long as you look after it well.”

So how do you look after your Christmas tree to keep it looking its best until the big day?

“Treat a Christmas tree like you would a bunch of flowers,” advises Sarah. “Just before you bring it inside cut an inch or so off the trunk with a saw. And make sure that you have a stand that holds a good amount of water. A Christmas tree will drink at least a pint of water every day, and it needs watering every day. When you come downstairs in the morning and put the kettle on, water your tree.

“Try to keep your tree away from fires, radiators and underfloor heating, and keep the room as cool as possible to preserve it. Also, and this might not be very popular, don’t put it up too soon. To be honest, the later you put it up, the better it will look when you reach Christmas Day.” But if you’re worried that leaving getting your tree until the last minute will leave you with the less attractive specimens then fear not.

Most of the Christmas trees at Pinewood are “pick your own” so you can walk around the fields and make your selection and it’s chopped down to order. And, you can select your Christmas tree any time from 24 November, reserve it, then leave it situ ready to collect at a later date.

So when it does finally make it into your home, the branches really are lovely!

For more: www.pinewoodchristmastrees.co.uk

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

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Cardiff is beautiful Mwah stands for Makeup, Women and Hair – it’s a city centre salon for hair and beauty.

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“Exactly what Cardiff needs; hair, make up, nails, tanning all in one salon; you can even have a shower and your clothes steamed if you’re going straight out from work - what’s not to love!!! X” Beth Hope, Cardiff “What an experience at Mwah! I came to the salon for the first time for A full colour change and I’m absolutely in love! Everyone was really welcoming and friendly and did the best job on my hair haven’t felt this good in a long, long

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Chloe Graciz Hutcheon “I had both my hair & make up done today in Mwah and can honestly say it was such a lush experience! Staff are so welcoming and don’t make you feel awkward or anything! They are really chatty and bubbly. Loved my hair and my make up. Honestly can’t recommend enough!”

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You can find Mwah Cardiff opposite Flannels on Churchill way a few doors up from the Chapel.

24 Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2DY 02920 372 759. info@mwahcardiff.com www.mwahcardiff.com b a j x L www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19

T H E A L B A N Y G A L L E RY

WINTER EXHIBITION 15th November -­ 12th January A changing exhibition of paintings, sculpture and ceramics by more than 40 artists

View the exhibition on our website www.albanygallery.com 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

the arts s n a p s h o t s o f C A R D I FF ’ S c u lt u r a l l i f e

Is it a monster?

This November, a new Frankenstein is born as a company of five performers and two musicians bring to life a compelling new adaptation of the ultimate gothic fantasy.

Celebrating 200 years since the publication of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece; Cascade Dance Theatre breathes new life into a story that has become so much more to us than its 19th century origins. Visceral and engaging, Cascade’s production brings to the stage all the potency, drama and tragic inevitability that has made the original novel beloved of generation after generation. We all know Frankenstein; the tale of the monster made of, and by, man. A cautionary tale, a creation story, an outsider story…a love story.

Frankenstein will be performed at Chapter from 29 November – 1 December.

For more: www.chapter.org

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

What’s on 23 November – 23 December

Hansel, Gedeon and the Grimms’ Wood

Plays/Shows/ PERFORMANCES Until 22 December

MARGARET AND THE TAPEWORM An uninvited guest lurking at the office buffet brings surprising consequences for love-lorn Margaret and determinedly festive Amber.

As this trio collides we discover that, person or parasite, no-one wants to be alone at Christmas.

Chapter; www.chapter.org

Until 28 December

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Full of charm, songs and fun, this new version of the classic tale is the perfect Christmas treat for children aged 3 – 6

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

and their families.

Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

23 November – 29 December

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Follow Alice down the rabbit hole this Christmas to meet all of your favourite characters. Catch up with the White Rabbit (he’s still running late) or join the Mad Hatter for tea; just mind the Queen of Hearts doesn’t see you or it will be “off with your head!”

Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

27 November – 1 December

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Whilst paying homage to the 1977

John Travolta classic, this all new stage version promises more drama, more music and is bound to have you jiving in the aisles.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org

28 November – 1 December

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs including Singin’ in the Rain, Good Morning and Fascinating Rhythm. This show will be the perfect pre-Christmas treat for all the family.

New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

28 November – 8 December RAGE Thirty-one scenes based on a series of photos by Joel Goodman, which captured the excitement and the mayhem of New Year's Eve 2015/16

in Manchester city centre.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

28 November – 8 December THE GLASS MENAGERIE Williams’ powerful and moving play about love and bitterness became a defining moment for American theatre. Tom is trapped in a job he hates following his father’s abandonment. His overbearing mother demands that he helps to find a suitor for his fragile sister Laura, who is lost in her imagination.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

29 November – 8 December ROAD 1987. Working class Britain is in despair. Unemployed and

what’s on Beauty and the Beast is a production packed full of sensational special effects, beautiful costumes, music, comedy, dancing, and audience participation. New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

desperate in the face of recession.

Jim Cartwright’s first play takes an energetic and humorous snapshot of a street in Northern England and the extraordinary resilience shown by the array of characters that live there. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

9 – 10 December

JEFF WAYNE’S WAR OF THE WORLDS Conducted by Jeff Wayne, with the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, the most ambitious production yet will ‘break through the fourth wall’ bringing action closer to the audience for a most captivating and immersive, musical experience, including the iconic 3-tonne 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flames.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

1 December

THIS IS NOT A SAFE SPACE Benefit cuts are hitting disabled people the hardest. Half of people in poverty are disabled or live with a disabled person. The future looks grim, so how can we get people to sit up, listen and care and not keel over with empathy-fatigue?

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

2 December above:

Festive fun with Elf at the Motorpoint Arena left: Funny man Jason Manford below: Snowdonian Winter, part of the winter exhibition at the Albany Gallery

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE – LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE Iconic punk poet, Dr John Cooper Clarke shot to fame in the 1970s due to his quick-fire, dry, biting and hilarious satirical verse.

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

13 – 15 December

2 – 4 December

CHRISTMAS ON BROADWAY After last year’s sell-out run, Christmas on Broadway returns to the Dora Stoutzker stage for three special performances of timeless classics and more contemporary repertoire. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

6 – 8 December

HANSEL, GEDEON AND THE GRIMMS’ WOOD This Christmas join Odyssey, Hijinx’s community theatre group, as they follow Hansel and Gedeon on their adventure in the woods, in a sparkling new production for the whole family, written by Llinos Mai. Hansel, Gedeon and the Grimms’ Wood features a vibrant cast of disabled and non-disabled performers from Odyssey, and pupils from Woodlands High School.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

6 December

CAPPUCCINO GIRLS Demi, Connie and Hillary meet every day to share their secrets, hopes and dreams over a cappuccino. Until Eddie, the new barista, walks in ...

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

8 December – 13 January BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

WORKING Students from BA Perfformio, BA Musical Theatre, MA Perfformio and MA Musical Theatre come together for the first time to perform Stephen Schwartz's Tony Awards nominated musical Working.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

14 – 16 December

ELF Elf, the hit West End and Broadway musical based on the Hollywood blockbuster movie, is supersized into a Christmas spectacular.

Starring pop legend David Essex as Buddy the Elf ’s father, and Love Actually star and singer Martine McCutcheon as Buddy’s girlfriend, Jovie. Buddy the Elf will be played by comedy actor Tam Ryan.

Motorpoint Arena; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

13 – 15 December

CLARISSA A wild, modern woman, her story blurs the boundaries between theatre and cinema to show the extraordinary life and glamorous times of the woman who was a celebrity long before it was fashionable.

Chapter; www.chapter.org

15 & 17 December

TIDDLY PROM: BERT AND CHERRY’S CHRISTMAS PLUM PUDDING This special performance from the Tiddly Prom team brings Bert, Cherry and many of their musical friends back together for fun and frivolity. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

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

What’s on 18 – 21 December

THE ADDAMS FAMILY The Addams Family features an original story, infectious toe tapping music and comedy. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

18 – 19 December

FLOSSY AND BOO: THE ALTERNATIVITY In this cabaret-style theatre show, Flossy and Boo delve into the festive season in all its messy glory, hangovers and all...

Chapter; www.chapter.org

19 & 20 December

SNOW MAIDEN Based on a traditional folk-tale, set in the snow covered landscape of the Russian countryside, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world.

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

20 – 31 December

DUCKIE Family-friendly glamour and glitz takes centre stage as critically acclaimed cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat breaks out of his shell in his first work for children, a classic tale of identity and belonging.

Duckie is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling with a message of tolerance and self acceptance at its core.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

21 – 24 December

THE NUTCRACKER This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairytale world where nothing is quite as it seems…

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

COMEDY 25 November

DYLAN MORAN: DR COSMOS Moran will offer his unique take on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life, all served with poetical panache from one of the finest comedians of his generation.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

1 December

JASON MANFORD: MUDDLE CLASS

Muddle Class is Jason’s latest tour and it features a wealth of new material about Jason growing up “working class” then finding, over the years, that part of him has become “middle class” – causing much confusion. Delivered with Jason’s amiable charm and captivating wit, this is a show not to be missed.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

6 – 22 December

CHRISTMAS COMEDY SPECIAL Christmas Comedy Specials at The Glee offer you the best comedians and a delicious festive menu with one, two or three course options.

Every show has a superb comedy atmosphere with four stand-up comedians and an after-party with a live DJ to keep celebrations going into the night.

Glee Club Cardiff; www.glee.co.uk

8 December

TORI SCOTT: VODKA IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON New York’s Tori Scott brings her hilarious and heartwarming Christmas show to Cardiff, featuring songs by Dolly Parton, Madonna, Michael Jackson and many more.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

14 December

MARY BIJOU Start the Christmas party season in style with a night of wintery cabaret and dodgy Santa comedy.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

14 December

CONNIE: CHRISTMAS IS ORFF Take the stress out of the stress-tive season by visiting Connie Orff’s grotto to enjoy her mulled reflections on Christmas.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

MUSIC

25 November

THE FOUR SEASONS BY CANDLELIGHT The Four Seasons has become one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music ever written and remains as popular today as when it was first performed.The verve and virtuosity of the 18th century is brought to life in this enchanting concert staged in an elegant candlelit style setting with an evocative

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

above: The Snow Maiden – she’s as cold as ice... left: Florence and the Machine are back in the ‘Diff below: Flossy and Boo have some alternative ideas about Christmas

What’s on power, under the baton of Geoffrey Patterson. BBC Hoddinott Hall; www.wmc.org.uk

1 December

BONEY M One of the most legendary names from the 70s disco era, live in a rare show, celebrating 40 years since 1978 when they ruled the airwaves and Rivers Of Babylon became the second highest selling single of all time in the UK. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

1 December

above: The WMC Performances for the Curious season continues with This Is Not A Safe Space left: Songstress Katie Melua

THE PLANETS As a finale to their 50th anniversary year celebrations, join the Rhondda Symphony Orchestra as they perform Holst’s The Planets.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

2 December

HEN OGLEDD: MOGIC ALBUM LAUNCH Founded by Peilot artist Rhodri Davies and Richard Dawson, Hen Ogledd return to Chapter with the addition of Bothwell and Sally Pilkington to present their most surprising and accessible album to date. Chapter; www.chapter.org

4 December

programme crowned by Vivaldi’s sublime masterpiece. www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

bring a performance that’s sure to cause a riot!

Clwb Ifor Bach; www.clwb.net

26 November

28 November

GILAD HEKSELMAN’S ZUPEROCTAVE Expect a cool, retro-futuristic sound filled with quick fire interplay and threaded with Gilad’s extraordinary, fluid improvisations.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

MUMFORD & SONS Mumford & Sons bring a groundbreaking new show in support of their fourth album, Delta.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

29 November

FLORENCE + THE MACHINE The multi award-winning band is back in the ‘Diff.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

KATIE MELUA Multi award-winning recording artist Katie Melua has announced an extensive European tour for winter 2018, including at date at the Hall!

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

27 November

30 November

26 November

THE AMORETTES With a strong influence on their music from the likes of Motorhead, Scottish rock trio The Amorettes will

ILLUMINATION AFTERNOON CONCERT BBC NOW performs two premieres in a concert full of light and

JOHN WILSON AND THE JOHN WILSON ORCHESTRA John Wilson’s 70-piece superstar orchestra returns with their brand new show At The Movies. The Orchestra has established an international reputation, performing repertoire from the golden era of Hollywood and Broadway musicals and music for the big screen.

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

5 December

KIRAN LEONARD Kiran Leonard is an art-rock craftsman that creatively intertwines his landscape of influences to create otherworldly folk, rock and indie.

Clwb Ifor Bach; www.clwb.net

5 December

KING FOR A DAY: THE NAT

7 December

AMSERJAZZTIME: WINTER JAZZ SPECIAL Classic songs of winter and traditional carols are given new treatments with an emphasis on “Having yourself a very groovy Christmas!”

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

7 December

FESTIVE BRASS This popular family friendly concert from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Brass Band returns to the Hall for another lunchtime filled with traditional carols and festive favourites, guaranteed to have you singing along. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

8 December

TAX THE HEAT Bristol Boys Tax the Heat bring their rock ‘n’ roll edge and excitement to Clwb for a night of incredible live music. Clwb Ifor Bach; www.clwb.net

8 December

HANDEL’S MESSIAH: BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES Handel needed a change of fortune in 1740. His latest opera had flopped and he was in dire straits. So he turned to oratorios instead and with this, his sixth in the genre, he hit gold. From humble beginnings at its première in a packed Irish town hall, Messiah remains his most performed work by far. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

8 December

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES’ CAROL CONCERT A festive end of year celebration for the Ronald McDonald House in Cardiff, to say thank you to supporters and families who have been helped throughout the past year. St John’s the Baptist church; www.rmhc.co.uk

7 December

KING COLE STORY King for a Day, is the brand new concert from acclaimed jazz vocalist, Atila, celebrating one of the defining voices of the 20th century.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

THE PROMISE OF CHRISTMAS The Promise of Christmas has been a regular part of the Christmas season in St David’s Hall every year since 2000. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

10 December

CHRISTMAS WITH THE 3 PHANTOMS All of the artists have starred as The Phantom in the West End and are coming together for a great night of showstoppers – solos, duets and trio selections from the hit show as well

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

What’s on as Les Miserables and popular West End shows.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

album, this has to be a not-to-bemissed event for Fab Four fans of all ages. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

10 December

18 – 22 December

13 December

ART, CRAFT, PHOTOGRAPHY & EXHIBITIONS

THE RAT PACK AT CHRISTMAS Back by popular demand and following sell-out performances across the globe, The Definitive Rat Pack brings you an evening of festive classics. St David’s Hall; www. stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

15 December

CARDIFF SINFONIETTA AND EMILIO AVERSANO Cardiff Sinfonietta is joined by acclaimed Italian pianist, Emilio Aversano, for a spectacle not to be missed; a piano marathon, featuring not one, not two, but three piano concertos! Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

16 December

JANE SIBERY Iconic and enigmatic; Jane Siberry is one of the world’s most unique and gifted singer/songwriters.

Blessed with a sincere integrity and emotional depth, her work has spanned three decades, with the release of 14 studio albums and performances on concert stages around the world.

Acapela; www.acapela.co.uk

16 December

BBC WALES: CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS BBC Wales’ annual festive concert returns to St David’s Hall with a selection of popular carols, readings

by BBC Wales presenters and a massed choir of primary school pupils.

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

17 December

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES With a little help from their own Pepperland Sinfonia and this year featuring a special set celebrating the 50th anniversary of the White

ICONS Opera and lycra loving cabaret sensation Le Gateau Chocolat storms into the Weston Studio with his latest work, Icons.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

above: The Amorettes left: Dylan Moran gives his take on life, the universe and everything

Until 12 January

WINTER EXHIBITION A changing exhibition featuring selected works from over 40 prominent artists including Sir Kyffin Williams RA, Will Roberts, Mike Jones, Tim Fudge, Peter Kettle FRSA RCA, Martin Llewellyn and David Barnes.

The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

Until 10 February

TIM PEAKE’S SPACECRAFT See the spacecraft that brought British astronaut Tim Peake back to Earth from the International Space Station. You can also relive the descent from space through a virtual reality experience.

National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

SPORT

Saturday 24 November

CARDIFF COMETS V PETERBOROUGH PENGUINS EIHL Southern Divison One League, Face Off 3.30pm Ice Arena Wales; www.cardiffcomets.co.uk

Sunday 25 November

CARDIFF DEVILS V MK LIGHTNING League, Face Off 6pm Ice Arena Wales; www.cardiffdevils.com

Friday 30 November

CARDIFF CITY V WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS Premier League, KO 8pm Cardiff City Stadium; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

Sunday 2 December CARDIFF DEVILS V

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

© Andy Hollingworth

SAINT SISTER Saint Sister, formed in November 2014, is the creation of Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty.

Their music draws from early Celtic harp traditions, 60s folk and electronic pop to create ‘atmosfolk’—a mix of soulful vocal harmonies, dreamy synth and electro-acoustic harp.

Clwb Ifor Bach; www.clwb.net

DUNDEE STARS League, Face Off 6pm Ice Arena Wales; www.cardiffdevils.com

Wednesday 5 December

CARDIFF DEVILS V GUILDFORD FLAMES League, Face Off 7.30pm Ice Arena Wales; www.cardiffdevils.com

Saturday 8 December CARDIFF CITY V SOUTHAMPTON Premier League, KO 3pm Cardiff City Stadium; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

Friday 14 December

CARDIFF DEVILS V GLASGOW CLAN League, Face Off 7.30pm Ice Arena Wales; www.cardiffdevils.com

Saturday 15 December CARDIFF BLUES V

SARACENS European Rugby Challenge Cup, KO 1pm Cardiff Arms Park; www.cardiffblues.com

Friday 21 December

CARDIFF BLUES V DRAGONS Pro 14, KO 7.35pm Cardiff Arms Park; www.cardiffblues.com

Saturday 22 December

CARDIFF CITY V MANCHESTER UNITED Premier League, KO 5.30pm Cardiff City Stadium; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

Saturday 22 December

CARDIFF DEVILS V DUNDEE STARS League, Face Off 7pm Ice Arena Wales; www.cardiffdevils.com n

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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F

rom 1 April 2019, "Making Tax Digital" (MTD) will mean all VAT registered businesses turning over £85,000 or more will have to maintain their accounts information digitally and file their VAT returns through a recognised accounting software system. This forms part of HMRC’s aim to be “one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world.”

One of those most effected by MTD will be practice accountants whose workload will increase and evolve. The most often quoted challenge that MTD represents will be moving from quarterly to annual returns. Accountants will not only have to provide relevant accounting advice to their clients

“YOU NEED TO ENGAGE AND EMBRACE IT”

but inevitably have to provide some training and assistance about the software package they choose to use.

Gary Butt, Director of BYB Accountancy says, "Accountancy practices and businesses will have to work together because whatever your opinion of MTD you need to engage and embrace it “ James Pucknell, Associate Director of Graham Paul Accountants says, "We are spending a lot of time setting up and training our clients on relevant software, whilst the main reason is to ensure compliance we are also using it as an opportunity to help them improve their record keeping at the same time” There are a variety of software packages that would suit an SME business, including Sage, Kashflow and Xero.

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Love to hate her

As Matilda the Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre next month, we catch up with Craige Els, the man within the girdle of the fearsome Miss Trunchbull to find out why he loves dressing as a woman and terrorising children‌ Words by Emma Dance Photos by Manuel Harlan 30 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Dom’t mess with Miss Trunchbull!

ONE TO ONE

“It’s not often that you get the chance to transform so much in a character”

F

earsome, formidable and frightfully horrible, Miss Trunchbull might be the Roald Dahl villain we most love to loathe.

And she is coming to rule over the Wales Millennium Centre with her iron fist this December, as part of the award-winning Matilda the Musical’s nationwide tour.

Playing the role of the demonic headmistress is Craige Els. I would say that you’d recognise him from previous roles in shows like Ripper Street, Call The Midwife and The Bletchley Circle, but such is his transformation or “Trunch-formation” as he affectionately calls it, that you’ve got practically no chance. Because by the time Craige has donned his wig, make-up and fat suite, he’s pretty much completely unrecognisable.

It’s not the first time Craige has strapped himself into the Trunchbull girdle though – he played the role for three years in the West End so he’s more than used to the routine.

“I’ve done it for so long now, that putting on the suit is just like putting on a very warm, padded pair of pyjamas,” he laughs. “I’ve got the make-up down to about half and hour and there’s a great team who help me as well.

“It was a real privilege to do three years with Matilda in London, so I jumped at the chance to get back to the show.

“It’s not often that you get the chance to transform quite so much in a character, and Trunch is totally different to any character I’ve ever played. For a start, I’ve never played a woman before!”

But while there is the whole man-dressedas-a-woman thing going on, Trunch is certainly no tawdry pantomime dame.

“It’s definitely not panto,” says Craige.

“You can’t go for cheap gags with her, you play it straight. Even if it seems completely ridiculous, you have to play it straight.

There’s a voice that I use for her, and certain mannerisms that I have but after a while you almost forget that she’s female I think.

Because she’s the dark element of the piece it becomes less of a conscious thing after a while. She just becomes the villain rather than a woman.”

She ain’t nothing like a (panto) dame

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 31

ONE TO ONE Having been (almost literally) under the skin of Miss Trunchbull for so long, Craige’s got to know his alter-ego intimately.

“In any character you have to find your own reason to find the way they are, even if they are just full of malevolence,” he says.

“There’s a reason the Trunch is the way she is, and hopefully there’s a shred of something reasonable in there.”

There’s a certain warmth in the way that Craige talks about his alter-ego that prompts me to question whether, despite her numerous and very obvious flaws, he’s grown to actually like her.

“I enjoy getting to play her and slipping into that guise for a while,” he laughs. “The baddies are always the best ones to play. But I don’t like her, or admire her personally!”

He does however, have a very definite soft spot for his young fellow cast members.

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

“Working with the kids is one of the most appealing parts of the job.

They are pure magic!”

“Working with the kids is one of the most appealing parts of the job,” he says. “They are pure magic. They do so much, and work so hard – they are wonderful co-stars! Working with such a fantastic young company cast really is one of the best things about being in the show.

“Because we work with different sets of kids it helps to keep everything fresh as well. And one of the joys of touring is that not only is every audience different, but every so often you get a completely different venue and city. Some people will laugh at certain bits, and others, other bits. It’s always interesting to see the different reactions in different places.”

And Craige’s looking forward to bringing the Trunch’s charms to a Cardiff audience.

“I love the Wales Millennium Centre and I love the city,” he says. “I was actually at the Centre many years ago with Never Forget, the show based on the music of Take That, and I

played the Robbie Williams character. I was actually texting the guy who played Gary Barlow the other day and we were joking around because he went on to play Shrek and I’m playing Trunchbull – it’s a bit different from the parts we were playing back then!

“I went to university in Aberystwyth too so Wales has a special place in my heart.”

Cardiff will be Craige’s last port of call as Miss Trunchball as after the run he’ll be hanging up his fat suit, and despite his protestations of dislike for the character he does admit he’ll miss her.

“There’s always a point when you have to let a role go,” he says. “But this one will definitely be one of the hardest.”

Matilda the Musical will be at Wales Millennium Centre from 4 December to 12 January.

For more: www.wmc.org.uk

The “magic” young cast

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

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STATE OF THE ARTS

left: Woof part of the new spring season;

centre: Alice in Wonderland; above: The newly

refurbished foyer in the Sherman Theatre

Community theatre Ed Newsome, head of marketing and communications at the Sherman Theatre reflects on the past 12 months, and looks ahead at what’s to come

T

his has been a landmark year for Sherman Theatre. Under Rachel O’Riordan’s artistic directorship the Sherman has become a major force in British theatre and this was recognised earlier this year with two major award wins. Our ambition has always been to become a theatre Cardiff can be proud of and in 2018 we think that really is the case. In January, we won the title of Regional Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2018. The esteemed award panel decided that the Sherman was, in their view, the most exciting theatre in the UK outside of London. In April, our co-production with London’s Royal Court Theatre, Killology by Gary Owen, which was directed by Rachel won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre.

Over the past five years Sherman Theatre has introduced a range of new plays to the canon of Welsh theatre. These plays including Iphigenia in Splott, Killology, Bird and How My Light Is Spent are about what it is to live in Wales now.

We are very proud that our success has not just put Sherman Theatre on the cultural map of Britain but has also helped raise the profile of theatre in Cardiff in general. However, what is most important to us is the people who we create theatre for. Every premiere of a new play, every new production of a classic drama

and every Christmas family show is created especially for the people of Cardiff.

Our relationship with our audiences and our local communities is hugely important to us. Through ground-breaking community and engagement programmes we are working to ensure that everyone in Cardiff can have access to exceptional theatre. Over the past five years, through the generous funding of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, our Sherman 5 scheme has given more than 3,000 people who face barriers / disadvantages the opportunity to experience theatre for the first time. In some cases the impact Sherman 5 has had on its members has been life changing.

As well as working to ensure that everyone can have access to the arts, we are committed to ensuring theatre in Wales has a vibrant future.

Through our artist development schemes – the New Welsh Playwrights Programme and the JMK/Sherman Directors Group, which are supported by The Carne Trust, we have nurtured emerging Welsh and Walesbased directors and writers. Many of these artists have gone on to other opportunities at Sherman Theatre including assistant director roles, directing youth theatre productions for

the National Theatre Connections Festival and directing Sherman Theatre productions in our Studio. In spring 2019 JMK/Sherman Directors Group participant Hannah Noone will direct the world premiere of a play by New Welsh Playwrights Participant Jacob Hodgkinson in a co-production as part of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s New: 2019 new writing festival. In addition to our artist development schemes, our celebrated Youth Theatre programme has given many young performers valuable experience and a platform to perform on.

This Christmas, our main house production for ages seven plus, Alice in Wonderland will be Rachel’s final production as artistic director before she takes on her new role at London’s Lyric Hammersmith theatre. Our main house Christmas shows are always spectacular and huge fun and this year, with a superb cast of Welsh and Wales-based actor musicians, will be no exception. In our Studio we present a new version of Little Red Riding Hood | Yr Hugan Fach Goch for ages three to six which is presented in English and Welsh. The Studio Christmas show is performed in an intimate atmosphere making it the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones.

Spring 2019 will be the final season Rachel will curate as artistic director.

At the heart of the season are three new plays made at Sherman Theatre – a riotous new re-telling of The Taming of the Shrew, Woof – a gritty new play in the Welsh language about two men in love, and Lose Yourself, a powerful drama about the darker side of our celebrity obsessed culture.

Together, they explore issues important to our society including sex, identity, gender and the use and abuse of power. The season demonstrates our continuing commitment to creating theatre that means something, theatre Cardiff can be proud of. n www.shermantheatre.co.uk

“We are committed to ensuring theatre in Wales has a vibrant future”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff LIFE I 37

When the clock strikes TWELVE

As we hurtle towards 2019, make sure you’ve got your tickets to see in the new year in style 40 I cardiff LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

NEW YEAR’S EVE

W

ith all the excitement of Christmas preparations it can be easy to overlook the fact that New Year’s Eve is edging ever closer too. If you want to make sure that your celebrations go with a bang, then make sure you get your mitts on tickets to one of the best parties in Cardiff.

TEN MILL LANE

You can party through the night at Ten Mill Lane this year, with celebrations running from 10pm to 10am. DJs will be playing the best in funky and party anthems and cocktails will be flowing all night long.

You can even make your New Year’s Eve extra special by booking a private booth, or a private room for your friends and family.

For all bookings, tables and guest list please email bookings@formerlybars.co.uk

CLAYTON HOTEL

Enjoy an intimate evening with a delicious and carefully selected four-course meal by an award-winning chef at the Clayton Hotel. Dance the night away to music from a private DJ, and toast the new year with complimentary glass of bubbly at midnight while taking in a panoramic view of the city’s celebrations below.

And if you don’t fancy the trip home afterwards then take advantage of the discounted accommodation packages and stay the night.

Tickets from £45.99pp; www.claytonhotelcardiff.co.uk

HOLM HOUSE

The Penarth hotel is hosting an elegant black tie celebration this year, with a fizz and canapé reception and a three course meal.

Tickets cost £95pp. To book call 029 2070 6029 or call into the hotel.

LA CUINA

Celebrate new year Catalan style at La Cuina.

The Pontcanna restaurant will be serving a six course menu, with dishes such as scallops with lime, Serrano ham stuffed padrón peppers, a fish and seafood casserole, beef rump steak or slow cooked lamb with truffade, and ending with cheeses and Catalan nougat and traditional grapes. (or if you don’t think you can manage the whole thing, the same choice of dishes will also be available on an á la carte basis). You can also join in the Spanish tradition of saying goodbye to the old year by eating a grape for each of the last 12 strokes before midnight.

Dining begins at 7.30pm or for those that want an earlier celebration there will also be an early evening sitting from 4.30pm – 6.45pm.

Tickets cost £75 (£60 for the early sitting). www.lacuina.co.uk

LAGUNA BAR

Dance and dine your way into 2019 at Laguna Bar, with a DJ and delicious dishes including mini turkey burgers, pigs in blankets, crispfried Camembert, tempura king prawn and mini desserts.

Tickets cost £20pp (minimum of four).

To book email spascoe@parkplazacardiff.com or call 02920 111 222.

TWENTY NINE PARK PLACE Do new year your way at Twenty Nine Park Place. Food is served from 5pm with last orders at 10.30pm, and the bar will be serving through til 2am. There’s a three-course menu on offer (including amuse bouche and petit fours) with dishes including 20-hour braised

ox cheek Scotch egg and textures of onion; a celebration of duck with smoked duck breast – pan seared breast, a duck bonbon and a duck fat potato fondant; and Champagne mousse, griotte cherries, cherry jam, white chocolate and Matcha.

Dinner costs £40pp; www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk

ST DAVID’S HOTEL

The decadence and colour of the 1920s returns to Tiger Bay for an alternative New Year’s Eve “Peaky” event at Cardiff’s only five star hotel. Look forward to a 1920s waterfront reimagined with bootleg cocktails, Bathtub gin, Champagne and dockside dining entertainment with burlesque entertainment, gambling corners and speakeasy DJ. Come suited and booted, or in the 1920s diamonds and pearls!

And why not make a whole night of it by booking an accommodation package too.

Tickets are £69pp. For more information and bookings email stdavidsevents@thestdavidshotel.com

BAR 44

Relax and enjoy new year at Bar 44 with a leisurely grazing menu of dishes such as seared tuna, sirloin of salt-aged local beef, and heritage carrots, pinenuts and oloroso dressing and desserts and cheese being served at around 10.30pm. This will leave ample time for some dancing to the house DJ before toasting in the new year at midnight with the age-old Spanish grape ceremony!

Doors open at 7pm, carriages at 1am and tickets cost £55pp and include a glass of Cava and nibbles on arrival as well as the grazing menu. For more information visit www.bar44.co.uk

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

Stuck what to buy the person who has everything?

Buy a voucher for a glass course at Glass By Design and let them make their own Christmas present. A day they will always remember, making an item they will be so proud of.

Course vouchers are sold in values of £25/£55/£105 This can also be gift boxed with a choice of a fused or stained glass decoration for an extra £10.

Glass By Design, 1 Station Approach Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 3EE Telephone: 029 20705317 sales@glassbydesign.co.uk | www.glassbydesign.co.uk

The perfe c present w t ith a difference !

BARKING MAD IS READY FOR

We have lots of gifts for your four legged friends such as treats, advent calendars, toys, stockings, coats, bone toys, bowties and bandanas and lots more.

We also sell affordable treats that children can buy for their dogs for stocking fillers.

Barking Mad, 85 Eastgate, Cowbridge, CF71 7AA

07949 143184 Barking Mad barking_mad85

Barney & Beau is a curated lifestyle store dedicated to sourcing and providing innovative, stylish and modern products for kids and the home.

With a collection of brands that are not only ethical & sustainable but also mostly sourced from small independent female/mum run businesses and a strong Scandinavian influence that includes apparel, decor, furniture, gifts & toys.

Pop along to the store or shop online and be sure to sign up to our newsletter for 10% off your first order!

New Baby Gift List Service Bespoke Gift Boxes made to order Personal Shopping

Unit 6, Pontcanna Mews, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9DH Tel: 029 2034 0022 Email: info@barneyandbeau.com www.barneyandbeau.com

Rugs | Kilims | Furniture | Furnishings | Clothing Accessories | Cleaning | Repair | Valuation

At Bookbarn International, BS39 6EX | 01761 451764 www.orientalrugsofbath.com

Present company Special gifts for special people…

Standing Mice £19.95 each, Mouse and Dog Standing Decoration £22.50, Ellie Fairy Tree Topper £17.50, Lord Olly Mouse £8.50 From White Stuff, Unit A2, South Building, The Hayes; www.whitestuff.com

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

FOR THE HOME

TREBAR TEA LIGHT HOLDER, FROM £24.99 From Shore, The Esplanade, Penarth; www.shorecoastal.co.uk

WOODEN REINDEER NAPKIN RINGS, £15 From Home by Kirsty, 64a Glenroy Street, Roath; www.homebykirsty.com

POP COASTERS, £10 EACH From Emily Marlin, www.emilymarlin.com

DESERT FLEUR CUSHION, £35 From Sian Elin; www.sianelin.com

RNLI OH WHALE BUTTER DISH, £15 From Penarth Lifeboat Branch Shop, Lifeboat Station, Cliff Hill, Penarth; www.rnli.org

BARTI DDU RUM, £32.50 From Wally’s Delicatessen, 38-42 Royal Arcade; www.wallysdeli.co.uk

GOLD SEQUIN BASKET, £19.99 From Oxfam, 33 Whitchurch Road and 34-36 St Mary Street; www.oxfam.org

ALESSI ‘BIANCA LA BALENA BUONA’ BAUBLE, £35 From John Lewis, The Hayes; www. johnlewis.com

ANTLER TEA LIGHT HOLDER, £19.99 From West Hampton, 6 Penny Lane, Cowbridge; www.westhampton.co.uk

WHITE MOSS AND SNOWDROP DELUXE CANDLE, £126 From Jo Malone London, 49 The Hayes; www.jomalone.co.uk

ROSE GOLD COCKTAIL MIXING SET, £50 From The Alchemist, 117 St Mary Street; www.thalchemist.uk.com

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

SHOES AND ACCESSORIES

18CT WHITE GOLD AQUAMARINE AND DIAMOND PENDANT, £5,920 From Laings Cardiff, 27 The Hayes; www.laingsuk.com

LUNA PEARL STUD EARRINGS, £79 From Emma-Kate Jewellery, No.5 The Balcony, Castle Arcade; www.emmakatefrancis.com

TUDOR BLACK WATCH, £2,410 From Laings Cardiff, 27 The Hayes; www.laingsuk.com

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

FUR-LINED BROGUE BOOT, £270 From The Brogue Trader, 27a Morgan Arcade; www.thebroguetrader.com

CALLA LILY ROSE DROP EARRINGS, £120 From Emma-Kate Jewellery, No.5 The Balcony, Castle Arcade; www.emmakatefrancis.com

HAND-MADE SATELLITE COLLECTION GOLD AND WHITE GOLD RINGS, FROM £195 From Barr Jewellery, 1 Camarthen Street, Llandeilo; www.barrjewellery.com

CATHERINE THOMAS WAVES BROOCHES, FROM £135 From Anne Morgan Jewellery, 10 Glebe Street, Penarth; www.annemorgan.co.uk

YEN JEWELLERY, 9CT GOLD DROP EARRINGS, £710 From Anne Morgan Jewellery, 10 Glebe Street, Penarth; www.annemorgan.co.uk

AIR & GRACE CRU GLITTER TRAINERS, £165 From Kiti, Unit 1 Pontcanna Mews; www.kiticymru.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

MOROCCANOIL EVERLASTING VOLUME COLLECTION, £38.50 From various salons in Cardiff; www.moroccanoil.com

ORANGE BITTERS COLOGNE, £96 From Jo Malone London, 49 The Hayes; www.jomalone.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

LONE STAG TOPIARY GARDEN HAND AND BODY BALM, £16.50 From Sloane Home; www.sloanehome.co.uk

COAST PATIO SPA, FROM £5,295 From Cardiff Pool & Spa, Unit 2, The Trade Centre, Hadfield Road; www. cardiffpool.co.uk

FOR THE KIDS KID’S BALANCE BIKE, £175 From Barney & Beau, 6 Pontcanna Mews; www.barneyandbeau.com

SILVER HEADDRESS, £16.50 From Home by Kirsty, 64a Glenroy Street, Roath; www.homebykirsty.com

GIRLS’ FOX CAPPED GLOVES, £3.49 From British Heart Foundation, 110 Cowbridge Road East; www.bhf.org.uk MIFFY AND HER RED DRESS, £25 From Home by Kirsty, 64a Glenroy Street, Roath; www.homebykirsty.com

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

Fidela Mini 9ct Rose Gold Pendant - £165 Simple, modern & sophisticated.

Handmade Commission for customer using their own Diamond and Gold, inspired by our Organic Collection.

Akin 18ct White Gold 0.40ct Diamond Engagement Ring - £2,100 One of our handmade engagement ring collection pieces.

Organic 9ct Rose & Yellow Gold Double Sided Cufflinks - £360 Inspired by nature.

Barr & Co Jewellery Ltd For help choosing a piece of jewellery or placing an order, or any questions please email or call: info@barrjewellery.com | 01558 822 927

1 Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6AE.

www.barrjewellery.com

advertising feature

Meet the Jeweller

If you’re looking for something that sparkles and shines, these are the women talk to...

Claudine Longueira-Barr

Emma-Kate Francis

Tell us a bit about your background?

I have been in the jewellery trade now for 30 years. I served a traditional five year apprenticeship which started in New Bond St, London. Over the years I have been lucky enough to be taught by some fabulous goldsmiths, who taught me all the traditional skills I use today to help me create the collections and comissions at Barr & Co. What bespoke services do you offer your clients?

Customer comissions are a huge part of our business.

We work direct with the customer at every stage – from the simple pencil sketch, to choosing their own stones, and inviting them in to see their creation unfold on the jewellers bench, to the finished article. We can also reuse any old, no-longer-worn jewellery and stones, and use them to create something more unique and modern. We handmake all of our Collections in our showroom, and have many beautiful one off pieces too.

What motivates you?

Mainly the love of creating beautiful jewellery that has been made by hand. I am also passionate about keeping my traditional skills alive, and passing my knowledge on to some up and coming young talents. I am in the process of develping a five year jewellery appenticeship scheme, which will enable me to fulfil this ambition.

What’s the oddest thing you’ve done in your job?

Probably melting down a full gold dental bridge, which one of my customer’s found down the back of a radiator in his old house when he renovated it. I melted it down and made it into a miniture guitar pendant for him.

Tell us a bit about your background?

Originally from Brighton, I’m a classically trained silversmith who went to Germany to study on an exchange program not knowing a single word of German and then gained a Masters from the Royal College of Art in 2002. I then met a Welshman in London and we moved down to Cardiff in 2008, when I set up my jewellery gallery and studio situated in the heart of Cardiff, in the beautiful Castle Arcade. I design and create bespoke jewellery, from wedding rings and engagement rings to personalised anniversary gifts and also have my ready to wear silver, gold and pearl collections where clients can by online or in the gallery.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

My style, passion and knowledge. I come from a silversmithing background so I’ve made everything from cocktail shakers and candle holders to Christmas decorations and bespoke rings. I take exceptional pride in each piece of jewellery or silverware I design and create as each piece is handmade in my studio.

I’ve collaborated with the Victoria and Albert museum to design a range of homeware and I’ve designed a beautiful pearl jewellery collection for Jersey Pearl.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Having a baby has been my biggest achievement to date along with still running my business. I have so much respect for all mums – it’s one of the toughest jobs out there and the most rewarding. Combining it with running my jewellery business has been challenging both mentally and physically but I love them both!

BARR JEWELLERY 01558 822 927; www.barrjewellery.com

Angela Copp

Laings Jeweller, Cardiff 029 2066 0890; www.laingsuk.com Tell us a bit about your background?

Jewellery has always been a passion of mine, as I studied

Emma-Kate Jewellery 029 2034 4715; www.emmakatefrancis.com

Claudine Longuiera

Emma-Kate Francis

at the Birmingham School of Jewellery. I gained a vast amount of knowledge and my silversmithing experience meant that I could work on bench repairs, as well as sales and bespoke design.

My role has developed to supervising the jewellery and diamond team. I also undertake any bespoke jewellery enquiries and help with the creation of some beautiful pieces for our customers, either by sourcing specific gemstones or using existing pieces of jewellery that the customer already owns. Every month is different and new challenges open up opportunities to develop myself and the business What sets you apart from your competitors?

We are an independent familyrun jewellers that has been in the industry since 1840. This means

that we have decades of expertise and will only select the finest diamonds for our customers.

Laings is also a great company as they take the time to educate the staff, making sure they have the knowledge they need. We can then use our training to educate customers about what they are buying, ensuring they receive the best possible service.

I visited Antwerp for four days to attend the IGI diamond grading course. This course was amazing!

I loved every minute of it as the knowledge was so in depth and the training we received was second to none. I also visited Chopard in Switzerland to see how the watches are made, this is something that will stay with me as one of the high points of my career.

Describe the best client/project you ever had?

There are just too many to choose from!

I’ve worked on numerous design projects over the years and every single one gives me a great sense of satisfaction. It may be something as simple as a shaped-to-fit wedding band, but it’s just fantastic to see the customer’s happiness and it’s amazing to know that you’ve made that possible.

What motivates you?

Every purchase at Laings will make someone happy and this is a huge motivation. Selling diamonds and educating customers on what makes a truly beautiful diamond is fantastic. I love the fact that I can use my knowledge to help customers to find exactly what they want. To know that someone is going to be wearing a diamond that is the best quality gives me great job satisfaction.

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

FIX UP LOOK SHARP

Christmas partywear isn’t just for the ladies! Whether you’re headed to a black-tie ball or need to whip your attire into shape for a work do, fellas, we’ve got you covered…

Suited & booted Nothing says sophistication like rocking a suit! If chosen wisely, it can work for any occasion. This elegant Debenhams navy blue tailored suit (1 & 5) is perfect for the party season and you can take it one step further with this gorgeous Hugo Boss light blue silk tie (3). For a hint more sophistication, add this waistcoat from Reiss (6) to the ensemble. You can never go wrong with a slick white button down underneath the suit, so opt for this All Saints slim fit white shirt (2).

Velvet Stores have been stacking their shelves with luxurious velvet jackets to coincide with forthcoming celebrations, and we think it’s an absolute must this season! Rock up to the Christmas party with this must-have M&S red blazer (9) to make a statement. Or, opt for this slim fit velvet green jacket (8), available from John Lewis, which will be sure to make an impression! Double up on the luxe texture with this dark red velvet bow tie from M&S (7).

The final touches It’s time to add the finishing touches to pull your look together! Grab this stylish All Saints brown coat (4) to enhance your look and keep you warm in the chilly winter.

As for shoes, opt for these Oxford toecap dress shoes from Reiss (10) that you can team up with the suit.

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

Blazer £285, trousers £125, from Reiss

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

FASHION 3 2

1

4

6 7

5

8

9

10

SHOPPING LIST 1. Red herring navy suit jacket, £99, Debenhams 2. Slim fit white shirt, £80, All Saints 3. Pin dot silk tie, £45, Hugo Boss 4. Bodell coat oatmeal brown, £365, All Saints 5. Navy suit trousers, £90, Debenhams 6. Belief modern fit travel waistcoat, £115, Reiss 7. Dark red velvet bow tie, £12.50, M&S 8. Kin Slim fit velvet dress jacket, £119, John Lewis 9. Red velvet blazer, £99, M&S 10. Romont Oxford toecap shoes, £185, Reiss

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Celebrating 30 Years The dedicated teams at ACORNS NURSERIES have been providing the highest standards of childcare for generations

I

n October 1988 Acorns Nurseries opened their first nursery on Oakfield Street in Roath. The nurseries provide care for children from six weeks to five years, with nurseries opening Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6pm.

Now, 30 years on, they have 12 nurseries throughout South Wales and Bristol, including prestigious workplace nurseries for the Office of National Statistics, Aviva Insurance, BBC Wales and a partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd.

The latest addition to the portfolio is Acorns at the University of South Wales in Treforest.

This idyllic nursery is set at the top of campus and benefits from beautiful woodland surroundings.

Acorns also runs a successful holiday club called Action Pak for children aged four to 14 years during the Easter and summer holidays.

Kay Webber the Action Pak Manager has managed the club since 1992.

To mark Acorns’ 30th birthday, each nursery held a week of celebrations for the children and a final party was held to thank staff for their hard work, loyalty and commitment at the National Museum of Wales with more than 300 staff

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

attending. A special awards ceremony was held to recognise the outstanding achievement of the staff, with 25 of their staff awarded on the night for their contributions to childcare.

Cherie Wilson, operational director, says, “We are so proud of our nursery team. We employ some of the very best in the business.

We have nursery nurses who work for Acorns that actually came to our nurseries as children!

“Our management team have been grown organically within the Acorns culture, starting as nursery nurses. Zoe Smith Phillips is the longest-serving member of the team. We were delighted to take Zoe to London to represent Acorns, as we have made it into the final five of the Nursery Management Times Awards for Outstanding Nursery Group of the Year Award.

We have an exceptional record for staff retention and many of our staff have worked for Acorns for more than 25 years. We ensure that staff fulfil their potential by developing their knowledge and qualifications with the Acorns policy of continuous staff development. Our nurseries have also achieved healthy workplace awards in bronze and silver. It’s a fun environment for staff as well as children!

Many of our staff are level 5 qualified and some are Forest School Leaders.

We spend a lot of time in the gardens, and are fortunate to have a team of gardeners who encourage the children to grow and develop their vegetable patches.

All our staff are paediatric first aiders and we were the first nursery group in Wales to have defibrillators in every nursery.

We have our own team of housekeepers, maintenance staff, gardeners and decorators, who ensure the nurseries are maintained regularly and provide a safe and welcoming environment for the children.

Good nutrition is very high on our agenda.

Each nursery has its very own chef who prepare home cooked meals, often using fruit and vegetables the children have grown in our gardens.

We are fortunate to have a variety of beautiful buildings and very large natural gardens, where children can take part in ‘Forest School’ sessions and sporting activities as well as exploring and discovering in our outdoor classrooms. Outdoor play is always available whatever the weather.

We have cared for thousands of children over

advertising feature

the years, and there is no better compliment when you meet families years later, with grown up children who have such fond memories of their time at Acorns.... and remember you!

Our philosophy is to provide the same high standards of care and dedication that we would want for our own children, and we can do this thanks to of the skills and dedication of our nursery team. n

Should you wish to discuss a nursery place for your child or a job within the Acorns team please contact Becca Rees our parent / staff liaison manager on becca.rees@acornsnurseries.co.uk or 029 2038 2009.

“We have Nursery Nurses who work for Acorns WHO came to our nurseries as children!� www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 55

food & drink news Luke Lee, trainee assistant manager in the arms of Ant Warren, deputy general manager of the Head Of Steam Cardiff

Full steam ahead A new bar with a focus on craft

beer and pub grub has opened on Church Street.

The Head of Steam, which is owned by Hartlepool-based Camerons Brewery, offers customers the chance to eat from its signature menu of “pub-grub with a contemporary twist” or sample a beer from its 45 cask and keg lines.

Jim Bentley, retail managed house director says, “We are really excited to bring the Head of Steam to Cardiff, this will be our first venue in Wales, and we feel it is ideally located in this brilliant city, so it should be a real success.

“Our aim is for the venue

Great taste

Welsh Great Taste food and drink winners

were on show celebrating their success at a special event at the St David’s Hotel on 6 November.

More than 150 products from Wales were recognised by the awards earlier this year and around 40 award-winning producers attended the event including Caws Teifi Cheese, who recently topped the bill by receiving the top accolade of Golden Fork from Wales.

Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths says, “It is fantastic to see Welsh food and drink businesses showcasing their high quality produce here at this celebratory event.

“Every one of the winners from the 2018 Welsh Great Taste Awards should be commended for their sterling efforts.

I’d also like to say congratulations to the 15 Welsh products which have achieved European Protected Food Name status.

This accolade should confirm their status as trusted brands and inspire confidence in consumers in their quality and provenance.

“In these challenging times ahead of Brexit, it is more important than ever that we champion Welsh produce and support food and drink businesses in every way we can. We are committed to supportive programmes, such as our Food and Drink Action Plan, which will help provide a boost to the industry in these uncertain times.”

For more: www.greattasteawards.co.uk

to go back to basics, embrace our core brand values of inclusivity – we want this to be a place for everyone – even dogs are welcome! We can’t wait to welcome the people of Cardiff to share a drink with us and enjoy some great food.”

The Head of Steam food menu serves up signature dishes like the Full Head of Steam Burger which includes two 4oz Road Crew infused beef and chilli burgers topped with chilli jam, guacamole and nachos, and The Besler Board, a combination of three light bites with their recommended beer pairings.

For more: www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

left: Cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths

with Golden Fork from Wales winnerJohn Savage of Caws Teifi; below left: Lesley Griffiths bigs up Welsh produce; below: Some of the Great Taste award-winning produce

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

food & drink news

Chicken tonight Popular US brand Slim Chickens is winging

its way to Cardiff for the launch of its first regional restaurant outside of London.

Fans of American cuisine will be able to get their hands on Slim Chicken’s signature buttermilk marinated, hand-breaded chicken tenders, which are freshly prepared to order, when the branch opens in St David’s next month. The menu will also feature chicken sandwiches and chicken wings, as well as quintessential Southern sides, including 13 dipping sauces, mac and cheese, fried pickles and Texas toast. For those with a sweet tooth, there will be milkshakes, fried pies and jar desserts.

The ambience and hospitality of the Cardiff restaurant will echo its Southern US roots, with a relaxed, fun vibe, American sports shown on TV and modern blues music playing in the background.

With a focus on delivering a great experience, along with good quality and great value food, served speedily and with a smile, the Cardiff restaurant will also have ordering kiosks, a refillable drinks station and will run a click and collect service, so that there is no need to queue.

For more: www.slimchickens.co.uk

No slim pickings at Slim Chickens

Shauna Guinn and Sam Evans

© Paul W ynch-Furness

They’re on fire!

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

Massive congratulations to Sam Evans, Shauna Guinn and the rest of the team at Hang Fire Southern Kitchen on being voted by Observer Food Monthly readers as their restaurant of the year.

The Barry barbecue joint is the first South Wales restaurant to win the accolade in the 15 years that the awards have been running.

Sam and Shauna’s culinary journey began in 2013 when they starting winning over the tastebuds of Cardiff with their brisket and ribs at a pop-up at The Canadian pub in Splott. They opened Hang Fire Southern Kitchen in Barry in 2016 and have gone on to win an award at the BBC Street Food Awards, release a cook book and appeared in their own BBC TV show, Sam and Shauna’s Big Cook Out. The OFM says, “In the world of street food, the story of beardy geezers quitting the rat race to set up a barbecue joint is oft repeated as to be a cliche, but Shauna Guinn and Sam Evans subvert it.”

Who says barbecue season is over?

For more: www.hangfiresouthernkitchen.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Good taste GARLANDS offers tasty food in cosy setting

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arlands coffee house and eatery opened in the historic Duke Street Arcade more than 65 years ago, and though it has changed hands a few times since then, the principle remains the same – honest, homemade food in a cosy setting. It's this which has ensured that we have maintained such a loyal customer base.

Our decor reflects the theme of Cardiff’s New Theatre. The first café proprietor was a former manager of the theatre. As well as employing the theatre painter he used stage props in the café’s

furnishings which include the elegant chandelier which still hangs here today. The magnificent walls were drawn out using simple plumb lines, set squares and card templates. Traces of pencil guidelines can still be seen and, over the years, though they have suffered slight wear and tear, they have also gained a fine patina or toning.

We aim to maintain the theatrical tradition of old world charm, combined with excellent service to honour the history of the premises. New frames are added onto the walls annually, containing photos of Welsh artistry, acting, literature and music to reflect the theme, and these details often become a focal point for our customers. In fact, we used to be a secret spot for many of the writers and actors based in Cardiff. Today, we serve a lot of customers that have been coming here for decades, as well as new faces and we do benefit significantly from tourist footfall, especially in the summer months.

All of our food is made on the premises, and we feel we can offer a unique service, by providing a warming and cosy environment, all whilst being in the middle of the city centre. ■

“Situated at the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains, our farm has long been renowned for quality meat. We pride ourselves on producing and sourcing the very best meat Wales has to offer.

Our own herd of Welsh Black cattle and sheep, along with free range Welsh pork from West Wales and Christmas turkeys from outstanding free range Welsh farmers.

We have a genuine passion and love for good food, and a tradition of delivering exceptional produce. It was a natural progression to take our produce from gate to plate!

Our Christmas range includes free range locally sourced bronze turkeys, 35 day dry aged Welsh Black beef and Welsh mountain lamb.

Order forms are available from our Canton butchery.”

CANTON BUTCHERY. 108 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff, CF11 9DX PONTCANNA BUTCHERY. Opening early 2019.

221 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, CF11 9PP FARM. Llygadenwyn Farm Office, Llanybydder, Carmarthenshire, SA40 9QS

02920 230088 | info@orieljones.co.uk www.orieljones.com

Duke Street Arcade, 4 Duke St, Cardiff CF10 1AZ Tel: 029 2035 9370

© Bethan Miller

Sherry good

Emma Dance heads to The Dead Canary to discover the delights of sherry

I

f all you think of when you hear the word “sherry” is your grandmother with her glass of Bristol Cream at Christmas then trust me, your world is about to get so much better.

I mean, that is sherry, and it’s perfectly fine in its own way (we wouldn’t dream of denying Nan her favourite tipple) but there’s so much more to the grape-based libation than that. And, in fact, if those in the know are to be believed, sherry could be on the cusp of becoming the next big thing – in drink terms. Something that I, for one, would be very happy about. (Come on gin, don’t you think it’s time to stop hogging the limelight?).

Especially since my visit to The Dead Canary for a brief education in not just how delicious, but also how versatile, sherry can be.

We’re tasting Xeco sherry, a contemporary brand that’s aiming to, well, make sherry a bit more hipster – basically.

But although Xeco’s only been around a couple of years, it’s got the weight of history behind it since it’s produced

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

by a genuine bodega in Jerez in Spain (the home of true sherry) which has been making the stuff since 1876. So it’s got a long and distinguished lineage, and bottles that you’d be pretty happy to have on display. All winning so far.

There’s two types of Xeco sherry available, Fino and Amontillado, and we begin by tasting them straight up – probably the most traditional way to drink sherry.

The Fino, served beautiful chilled, is crisp and dry, with nutty notes that almost nudge it into the realms of savoury.

The Amontillado however, having been aged in oak barrels, is that bit richer and darker and more aromatic.

But while it smells a little sweet, it’s actually still dry on the palate.

Both are eminently drinkable just as they are (especially alongside some little Spanish-style snacks like olives, cheese and nuts), and I’m already convinced that my drinks cabinet is all the poorer for their absence.

But, The Dead Canary hasn’t won best bar in the Cardiff Life Awards for the past three years just for pouring

© Bethan Miller

BAR

Here’s a couple of sherry cocktail recipes to try making at home…

Sherry & Tonic / She & T 50ml Xeco Fino Sherry Glug of Indian Tonic Water Add all ingredients together and garnish with a slice of lemon or even apple for something different Tuxedo Martini 60ml/2 parts Plymouth Gin 20ml/0.75 parts Xeco Fino Dash orange bitters Lemon zest twist, or a pickled and green olive to garnish Mix the gin, Xeco Fino and bitters together and garnish with lemon or olives.

drinks. No, indeed. The mixologists here are among the best in the UK, and although you might not think of sherry as a cocktail ingredient, the bartenders here can work their drink-mixing magic on it just as well as any of the other bottles lining the back of the bar.

First, is a martini – but made with Fino instead of Vermouth. It might sound a little strange, but it works and, when you consider that it’s the vermouth which puts the “dry” in a martini, there’s no reason at all why a Fino can’t do the same job just as well. In fact, the result is a cleaner, crisper, more savoury, almost salty drink, that ticks just about all the boxes for an ideal aperitif. Turns out that a sherry martini even has a name too, a Valencia – although it’s not exactly a common fixture on a cocktail list so if you do want to try it you’re probably better off asking for a martini made with Fino instead of gin (even our expert mixologist had to employ the power of Google to find the name!).

Our Amontillado-based creation saw it paired with rum and a smattering of secret ingredients selected by our cocktail creator. Unsurprisingly, it is a resounding success with the aromatic nuttiness proving an excellent match to the spicy rum. It doesn’t have a name, but then, it doesn’t need one – at least not at The Dead Canary, because part of the great joy of the place is that the guys and gals behind the bar are just so good that they’re more than happy to go off menu, and knock you up a bespoke creation. All you need to do is ask for something with Xeco sherry and soon you’ll be supping on something utterly delicious.

Give it a go. After all, sherry isn’t just for Christmas… n

“Sherry could be on the cusp of becoming the next big thing”

Drinking details The Dead Canary, Barrack Lane, Cardiff CF10 2FR; www.thedeadcanary.co.uk; 029 2023 1263.For more on Xeco sherry: www.xecowines.com Opening hours 5pm til late, Tuesday – Sunday Prices Most cocktails are around the £9 mark Service and atmosphere Cosy corners and cocktails with a twist. Quiet early evening, but properly buzzing as the night wears on. You won’t find more knowledgeable staff anywhere, and they are more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise.

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

“If I had to choose between money and having a good reputation, I’d choose my reputation every time”

Tommy’s tucker Tommy Heaney’s eponymous restaurant in Pontcanna is proving a tasty addition to Cardiff’s dining scene. EMMA DANCE meets the chef behind it all

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

food & drink Tommy for their meal. He thanks them graciously, and says that he’ll pass the thanks on to the other members of staff. Because although Tommy might be captain of the restaurant team, he’s keen that everyone at Heaney’s gets the credit they deserve. “You would be lying if you said you didn’t think it was nice when people tell you that’s you’ve made them happy,” says Tommy when I ask if he enjoys meeting his apparently adoring fans. “Of course it’s lovely to have people tell you how much they have enjoyed the food. And it’s great for the other guys as well – it builds the morale.” See, there’s that team spirit again.

And since replicating last year’s Great British Menu success, and making it through to the final for the second time, even more people are recognising him. The timing of his on-screen appearances couldn’t have been better, almost perfectly coinciding with the opening.

“The timing was great – but a complete fluke,” he smiles. “I couldn’t be more grateful for what Great British Menu has done for me. It takes a lot to put yourself out there though. There are people who want you to fail, but without it I wouldn’t be here. It puts your name out there.

“But when you put yourself on national TV you’re opening yourself up to criticism. I actually found last year a bit harder – this year I took it all with a pinch of salt. One of the things I’ve learned most about being a chef is that you can’t get defensive.

“And with Great British Menu there’s a difference between cooking what you want to cook, and cooking for the judges. I think that was maybe my

A sweet creation

I

f you haven’t heard the buzz about Heaney’s in Pontcanna over the past few weeks then, well, where have you been?

Because the new restaurant from chef Tommy Heaney (you might recognise him from Great British Menu) has been garnering some serious love from, it seems, just about everyone who’s walked through its doors since it opened at the start of October. And even before that, actually, since while Tommy and his team were refurbing the former Arbennig restaurant he opened a pop-up in the next-door deli to give people a taste of what was to come.

The pop-up wasn’t just a chance to carry out a bit of market research though, it raised some of the cash which helped make Tommy’s restaurant dreams a reality, along with a crowd-funding Kickstarter campaign (offering rewards such as tickets to special guest chef nights at the restaurant, and even Tommy having a pledger’s initials tattooed on his arm) which saw 356 people pledge more than £41,000 between them in just over a month.

“We couldn’t be happier with the response we’ve had from locals,” says Tommy. “But it’s been a tough couple of months. If we didn’t have the pop-up, in all honesty, it would have been a bit of a struggle. It gave us a bit of thinking space. When we took on the business, with that came the staff and we were always conscious about keeping everyone happy while we were doing the refurb – and we couldn’t close completely. But there were things that cost money that we hadn’t even thought about, and we realised that we were going to have to come up with some money from somewhere, so the Kickstarter was a massive thing.

“It got people talking and the reaction we had was incredible – not just from those who pledged, but from other chefs too – including all those who are coming to do guest chef nights. In a million years I never thought that we’d be talking to those people…”

Despite his rep as one of the UK’s most exciting culinary talents, Tommy is endearingly humble and, when I suggest that the rave reviews from the pop-up and the number of people keen to invest in the venture must have been a great ego boost he looks slightly uncomfortable.

“Yes,” he says. “Of course. But in a way it was also quite daunting.

There’s a lot of pressure to deliver.”

Judging by the response so far though, he’s more than delivering and dinner reservations are fast becoming the Holy Grail of the Cardiff dining scene.

As we chat, a pair of freshly-fed diners come over to gushingly praise

Tommy hard at work in the kitchen

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food & drink biggest downfall – when I started cooking too much for the judges.”

Unlike many of his fellow competitors Tommy isn’t planning on replicating his Great British Menu in his restaurant. “I’ve never done it,” he says. “But I will cook variations on them.”

Perhaps part of the reason why Tommy is reluctant to cook his entire entry is his way of approaching his menus. Every day is different, depending on what’s been delivered that morning.

“We don’t print menus,” he says. “I write the menu around what comes in. I think there’s too many places that have a set menu for six months. It’s good for the chefs because they learn a lot more and they don’t get bored. I’m also the most disorganised person in the world, which is another reason why I end up writing the menu every morning! Apart from that though, it’s nice for people to be able to come back over and over again and have something different. But then I suppose the other side of that is that they might come back and their favourite dish might not be there.

“It’s important, though, that it’s not just about what I want to do. It’s about the customers. They are the most important thing. With the pop-up it was a great opportunity for us to showcase what we wanted to do, but also get the feelers out a bit to see what they wanted.

We started off only doing small plates, but then we realised that what people wanted on a Sunday was a roast. We wanted to put our twist on it so now you get your Sunday roast and a big selection of sharing vegetables.

“It’s all about being sociable and relaxed and sharing dishes and having a great time with friends and family.

When it comes down to it, basically we just want to cook nice food.”

Cardiff almost missed out on having Tommy on the doorstep though. He and his partner Nikki were looking for a suitable site, and were seriously tempted

“There’s a real sense of community in Pontcanna, and the appealing thing is that everyone is looking to support each other” 68 I cardiff LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

xxxxx

below: The bar at Heaney’s; right: Tommy’s dishes are made for sharing;

below right: The mural in the restaurant was created by the artist responsible for Tommy’s tattoos

to open across the bridge in Bristol, and were actually visiting a site in the city, when they were alerted to the potential opportunity at the then Arbennig.

“I’d put something on social media asking people if they thought we should open in Cardiff, Swansea or Bristol,” says Tommy. “I was really leaning towards Bristol because I feel like there’s a real community feel in the industry there. I didn’t feel like that about Cardiff until I came to Pontcanna.

“There’s a real sense of community here, and the appealing thing is that everyone is looking to support each other.”

The charms of Pontcanna having won Tommy over, he and his team are here to stay, and despite having only been open for a matter of weeks, Tommy is already making plans.

“In the spring we want to put in some outside seating,” he says. “And put a herb garden out the back. There’s a room upstairs that we would like to turn into a conference room too. And of course, there’s the deli which we used for the pop-up. I’m thinking maybe a café and sandwich shop which is open during the day. I’m a massive fan of barbecue and I’d like to be able to do pastrami and corned beef and that sort of thing. The problem with me though is that I don’t like doing things by halves. If I’m going to open up that door I want it to be perfect and that would mean another refurb. But can we afford another refurb? No. “I want to make sure the restaurant is where we want it to be though, and I don’t want to put any more pressure on the team at the moment.

“We’ve got big plans and I want to keep pushing, but I know that I need to keep my feet on the ground.

“I think I’m probably the worst businessman in the world, because although I’m very driven, I’m not sure if it’s for success. If I had to choose between money and having a good reputation, I’d choose my reputation every time.”

You know what though Tommy? If you carry on the way you are, I’m pretty sure you’ll manage to have both. And you deserve it.

For more: www.heaneyscardiff.co.uk

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DREAMS & WISHES CHARITY Dreams & Wishes is a wonderful charity that is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families by making their dreams and wishes come true.

Dreams and Wishes hosted a wonderful Halloween party at Cardiff Castle, for the children and their families which was an overwhelming success. What made the day even more special was the fact that Miss Wales, Bethany Harris, the Miss Wales contestants 2019, and the staff from the Disney Shop, came along to spend time with the children which added to the excitement.

Wendy

The charity’s wonderful team of volunteers arranged fun activities for the children, including, party games, dancing, stories, gifts for the children and a delicious buffet. The highlight of the day was when the children were taken into the tunnels on a Ghost Tour, exploring the Castle’s history through tales of ghostly encounters from times gone past to the present day.

and S ummer

en Childr

ilies & Fam

CHRISTMAS EVENTS In December, Dreams and Wishes continue to arrange many special Christmas events for very sick children and their families. To name a few, the charity have arranged another visit to the Harry Potter Studios, they are hosting a glittering Christmas party, and they will be taking the children on the annual visit to the House of Commons as special guests of The Speaker of the House of Commons.

Wendy H Betha obbs with M ny iss Wa les, Curtis Harris and Dream MBE, Cha Mr Tony ir s and Wishes man of Chari ty.

Magical Adventures for all ages!

The award-winning charity was founded in 2011 by, Mr Tony Curtis MBE, who is also the Chairman. The charity have been working with families across the UK, providing vital support throughout the child’s illness as well as helping to build happy memories by granting lifelong wishes.

Dreams and Wishes is very unique as it is a 100% volunteer- based charity, and 100% of all funds raised create the dreams and wishes of very sick children. No matter how big or small a child’s wish is the dedicated team of volunteers work tirelessly to make it happen.

Battling a life-threatening illness is heartbreaking for both a child and their support network and can often mean countless hospital stays, painful treatments and a loss of a childhood, something which most children take for granted. Dreams & Wishes provide support for children and their families as well as ensuring that families are still able to make wonderful and long-lasting memories.

The charity understand that every child is special with their own dreams and wishes, so it is their aim to make sure that every child they work with is able to fulfil their dream. Some children want to meet their favourite TV stars, fly in a helicopter, visit Legoland or to just have their own playhouse. No matter how big or small a child¹s dream is, the charity are committed to making sure it comes true.

“One snowy night, Claudia Quash, makes a special wish on the brightest star in the sky...”

Wendy Hobbs, Ambassador, is delighted to be invited back to John Lewis, Cardiff in December to host another charity book-signing event with ‘Claudia’s Special Wish’ a beautifully illustrated magical Christmas story. Wendy wrote the book for the charity to inspire the children never to give up on their dreams and wishes and to give parents hope. So far, the book has raised thousands of pounds for the charity and raised awareness of the charity’s amazing work.

Claudia’s Special Wish is available to order via the charity or on Amazon.

Whether you, your company or your group would like to get involved with the charity, there are many ways you can do so. By taking on a fundraising challenge, volunteering for us or choosing us as your designated charity, you can help us to make more dreams come true.

For more information - wendy@dreamsandwishescharity.org | www.wendyhobbs.com | Twitter @WendyfHobbs Or Dreams and Wishes - www.dreamsandwishescharity.org | Twitter @DreamsWishesOrg

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Being civil The experts at BERRY SMITH LAWYERS can offer advice on all aspects of family law

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y partner and I have lived together for five years and would like to ‘take our relationship to the next level’.

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SOCIETY

SNAPPED AC ROSS C A R D I FF, O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E

Paul Lavelle and Emma Woods

Lyndon Wood and Cindy Williams

Dan Clegg, Jenny Schemel, Nick Soady and Anthony Barder

Adam Thomas, Jessie Blaen and Justin Neal Jamie Egan, Chris Potts and Juliet Gamlin

WORLD VIEW

Cardiff will be exhibiting at MIPIM, the largest property show in Europe in March 2019 and on 18 September key businesses from across the city and city region – all keen to support and showcase Cardiff – came together at the Blake Morgan to find out more about getting involved.

Photos by Nick Treharne

Joanna Rees, Wayne Locke, Gareth Lloyd and Jamie Egan Ken Poole, Kellie Beirne and Rhys Thomas

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

Tom Lee, James Gundy and James Morgan

SOCIETY

Street view of the Brickworks

Dave Eaves Trade Street Cafe pizza

PEEPING OUT

Portabella hosted a Peep Show themed event on 27 September to launch their Brickworks show flat.

The team at Trade Street Cafe provided the Prosecco, beers and handmade pizzas; Time Flies’ resident DJ span the tunes and the mixologists of Mocka fixed the drinks. The show flat is now open daily 12-2pm and 5-7pm Mon to Fri and 11am to 4pm at weekends.

Peter Reilly David Loosemore

Dan & Seth with Tom Williams (Maison)

Kurt Bettles with Nicola and Alexander Smart

Julia Morris, Claudia le Gros and Jonathan Latham

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 73

SOCIETY

Amy Daniel, Sara Harries Davies, Dylan Raw-Rees and Rhys Parry Jones

Angharad Mair, Adam Price, Berwyn Rowlands and Andrew Pierce

FILM STARS

The 12th Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival opening night took place at Cineworld Cardiff on 9 October and kicked off a six day celebration of films, talks and social events.

Thirty-five short films competed for the 2018 Iris Prize of £30,000, supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation, and the winner was Three Centimetres, directed by Lebanese filmmaker Lara Zeidan.

Iris continues to be the only LGBT short film prize in the world which allows the winner to make a new film.

Andrew Pierce, Berwyn Rowlands, Suzie Davies, Adam Price and Hannah Blythyn

Neil Moffat, Carrie Lyell and Heather Small

Luke Dixon

QUESTION TIME

On 4 October, Martyn Prowel Solicitors held a quiz night to raise money for the Cardiff based charity Bullies Out at Barocco Bar. The evening raised £635.13.

Caron Rockey and Helen Davies Rebecca Rees, Natalie Xuereb and Jodie Preece

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

Xxxx Reggie Hawthorn and Linda James

SOCIETY

Catherine Diment, Richard Lord, Andi Peters and Nina Conti Nina Conti

Joanna Fox, Hayley Ward and Bridget Farrell

DINNER AND DANCING

Bartholomew Hawkins held their annual charity dinner in aid of bereavement charity 2 Wish Upon a Star on 21 September. Held at St David’s Hotel, the evening was hosted by Andi Peters and guests were treated to entertainment from Nina Conti. More than £7,500 was raised for the charity.

Photos by Jules Allen Event Photography

Ian and Helen Thomas Sarah Harvey, Maria Hopkins, Anabelle Harrington, Catherine Diment, Leigh Coates-Jennings and Carlene Lord

Nina Conti and friends

2 Wish Upon A Star Founder and CEO Rhian Mannings, Andi Peters and Sarah Morgan-Davies

David Hulse, Karan Vickers Hulse, Kirsty Davies, Andrew Davies, Rhodri Evans, Angharad Prys Evans, Melanie Scott, Matthew Scott, Helen Stiff, Gafyn Stiff

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 75

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Arrangements at Christmas time REBECCA OAKLEY FAMILY LAW can help you move onwards after a relationship breakdown

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ne of the “hottest potatoes” when a family breaks down is often the arrangements for the children during the Christmas holidays, often regardless of the family’s religious background.

There is no hard and fast rule about whether the children spend Christmas Day with Mum or Dad or someone else entirely. It is always hoped that the parents will be able to work out something which suits the children above everything but, sadly, that isn’t always what happens. Far too often we see arguments about where the children spend Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day itself. Sometimes these arguments end up in court as an urgent application to try to see a judge before the 24 December arrives so it’s crucial to plan ahead!

At Rebecca Oakley Family Law our solicitors, Rebecca and Belinda, will always encourage you to put the children’s needs first and to resolve the issue without having to rely on the court system which is expensive and slow in many cases. We want to help our clients to find a constructive way to sort out the arrangements for the children without a fight because it is guaranteed that as soon as two parents start to view the children as possessions to fight over, the children begin to feel they are just items to be argued about and it can force them to choose sides and lose a good relationship with the other parent. It is rarely in a child’s best interests to only have one parent in their life and they may come to resent one or both of their parents once they are older too.

We believe that good parenting starts with positive communication and we will always

encourage our clients to keep trying to talk to their ex about the children even if there are other aspects of a relationship breakdown to be dealt with too. Effective communication is usually better face to face but it doesn’t have to be. There are a variety of options that can be explored to find out which will work best for the children.

If you would like to speak to one of us about this, or any any other issue, then please contact us on 02920 532888 or by email at info@oakleyfamilylaw. com or by post at 5 Washington Chambers, Stanwell Road, Penarth, CF64 2AF and we will do our best to help you with your enquiry.

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BUSINESSINSIDER CARDIFF GETS SERIOUS

Quote of the issue

Seb Davies, Jason Harries, Jessica Tompkinson, head of communications and external affairs InLinkUK, Alwen Williams, BT Director Wales, Adrian Fields, executive director of Cardiff BID

“WE’LL BRING TOGETHER AN EXCITING AND MEMORABLE EVENT IN 2019” To find out who said this and why turn over the page

The Big Number

215,000 The number of people already subscribed to InLinkUK. For more, see left

LINKED IN Getting connected in Cardiff city centre is now easier than ever

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f you like to tweet while you eat, share while you shop and generally stay connected in Cardiff, then the new InLinkUK service in the city centre is for you.

Cardiff is the second Welsh city to benefit from the free InLinkUK from BT service, which offers the UK’s fastest free public wi-fi plus a range of digital services, including local council and community information.

The first three dual-language InLinks have been activated in

“IT ALLOWS THOSE IN THE CITY CENTRE TO HAVE THE MEANS TO MAKE THEIR VISIT AN EVEN BETTER EXPERIENCE”

the city, on Queen Street, St Mary Street and Bridge Street, providing ultrafast wi-fi speeds of up to one gigabit per second (1Gbps), the fastest free public wi-fi service available in the UK. The InLinks also provide free phone calls to UK landlines and mobiles, rapid mobile device charging, the BT Phone Book app, as well as easy access to charity helplines, and have digital screens that display real-time information, including local events and interesting facts, as well as community messaging.

Adrian Field, executive director, for Cardiff BID says, “We are delighted that Cardiff is benefitting from the installation of InLinks to help improve the aesthetics of an area, safety, and promoting key messages. It allows those in the city centre to have the means to make their visit an even better experience.

We expect them to be widely embraced by visitors, residents and employees.”

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Laura Lowe is waging a war on plastic

© JOE CL ARK

The Creative Cities Convention will be held at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

GET CREATIVE Cardiff has won its bid to host next year’s Creative Cities Convention (CCC).

The two-day convention, which provides a meeting place for people working in creative media across the UK and travels to a different city each year, will take place in at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on 1 and 2 April 2019.

The event will once again be hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Kirsty Wark.

Creative Cities Convention Director, Ruth Pitt, said they were very much looking forward to building on the success of the first event and bringing a stellar programme of speakers to the Cardiff venue.

“Cardiff has a global production sector and we’re excited to be bringing CCC 2019 to this vibrant, creative city,” she says.

Next year’s convention will have a celebratory Let’s

Be Friends theme, focusing on the importance of working together. Coming just two days after Britain officially leaves the EU and only a few months after Channel 4 announces the location for its new HQ , the theme will be a timely reminder of the need for people and cities to collaborate with each other rather than compete.

Leader of Cardiff Council, Huw Thomas, says, “We were delighted to win the bid to host the Creative Cities Convention. Working with Ruth Pitt and her team, we’ll bring together a spectacular and memorable event in 2019, highlighting the best and the brightest in a sector in which the UK already excels.

“Cardiff is at the heart of this story. Many of the world’s leading drama productions come out of our city, epitomising the role that Britain plays in screen production and the creative industries. We have some of the most talented, innovative and exciting people working in the sector, and we need to start shouting louder about how good our UK cities are in contributing towards the world’s creative economy.

“The Creative Cities Convention is our opportunity to get together and build on this success, and to reach out to our friends across the globe to make sure we cement our position in the world’s creative business environment.”

A full list of leading and diverse industry speakers will be announced in the coming months, with a programme that provides a platform for debating big issues affecting the industry across content production and distribution as well as gender inequality and social mobility.

For more: www.creativecitiesconvention.com

AWARDS KICK OFF!

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

Less than five months until the Cardiff Life Awards… Get involved!

© JAKE MORLEY

The Cardiff Life Awards have properly kicked off – with nominations now open and excitement building for the ceremony on 21 March.

Organisers are gearing up for another record level of nominations from local businesses.

Companies can enter multiple categories via a form on the website, and it’s free to enter. To help entrants craft the best nomination, a special 12 top tips guide is now on the awards website. They cover everything from what to include within a nomination to advice on using social media as a supporting tool.

“The best piece of advice we can give to hopeful award winners is that timing is everything,” says Steph Dodd, events manager at MediaClash, Cardiff Life’s publisher. “Please don’t sell your business short by leaving your nomination to the last minute. Absolutely any business can win!”

A select number of silver sponsorship packages are also available, as well as a handful of category sponsorships, both of which involve an unrivalled marketing campaign as well as a guaranteed table at the event. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Mark George mark. george@mediaclash.co.uk Already showing their support for the Cardiff Life Awards are headline sponsors Cardiff Airport, platinum sponsors Jelf, and an impressive list of

category sponsors which includes Cardiff BID, Genero, Savills, Robertson Solicitors, Chapel 1877, WSET and Hotel Indigo.

Winners are chosen by a panel of independent judges, newly selected each year, and finalists are announced on 5 February. The glittering event will take place on 21 March at City Hall.

Tickets are on track to sell out again, and businesses are urged not to delay if they wish to attend the ceremony. The 2018 awards sold out with more than 400 guests in attendance – with more on the waiting list – and organisers are keen to ensure no one is left disappointed.

For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

THE PARTY’S OVER FOR PLASTIC A mum of three has taken the war on plastic into her own hands after launching one of the UK’s first ever sustainable party supply businesses.

Laura Lowe launched ‘Make It Pop’ after a party held at her Vale of Glamorgan home for around 100 guests left her “freaking out” at the amount of waste involved.

Disturbed at the level of landfill left over, Laura set about sourcing her own range of melamine tableware, decorations, plasticfree party bags and other eco-friendly alternatives which are now available to hire or buy online, UK-wide.

Laura, 34, says, “Like most parents I try and be mindful of the environment, and the amount of waste involved in hosting children’s parties at home or in hired venues is quite shocking.

“With three children, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where I’m not attending a party and witnessing the wastage involved there either – Make It Pop is my own personal contribution to the war on plastic I suppose, which is far from new but has certainly gathered pace in recent times.”

With a background in marketing, Laura created the site to help raise awareness of the positive effects renting out items such as table runners, re-useable melamine plates and cups, and decorations can have not only on the environment but on the purse strings too.

For more: www.makeitpop.shop

business insider Darshan Patel and some of the PIXAFUSION Digital team

and influencers such as Grant Cardone and Dan Lok. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Every day is a different day and my diary is always full and constantly changing! One minute I could be talking to a client over coffee, the next minute I could be flying half way around the world to start marketing campaigns with our international clients.

Building links

What’s the biggest challenge in your job?

It’s always a challenge trying to educate customers about new marketing techniques and technologies and getting them to believe in investing some of their marketing budget into areas such as lead generation through sales funnels, chatbots and automation.

When clients finally understand these benefits they see the returns for themselves. Our case studies and the work we provide is a testament to this.

PIXAFUSION Digital is a full-service digital marketing agency, providing 360-degree marketing solutions incorporating web design, development and online marketing including SEO, pay-per-click (PPC) and lead generation. We find out more about CEO and founder Darshan Patel Hi Darshan! Tell us, what drew you to this career?

I’ve never worked for anyone else, and I started the dot com journey when I was a teenager.

I was in the business of hosting websites and providing domain names then one day one of my clients asked for a website and I haven’t looked back since.

Over the last 10 years I’ve become an expert in website design, development, providing exposure to websites on the internet and generating leads for businesses through SEO, PPC, social media and other mediums. I’ve achieved this by hiring the right skill set and the top people within industry.

Do you have any regrets? Is there anything you would have done differently?

The truth is I have no regrets in my business career, not even one. But just because I don’t have regrets doesn’t

mean that I haven’t made mistakes or experienced my own share of failure. I’ve had times where things haven’t gone exactly to plan, or I’ve fallen short of my goals, but I have no regrets.

Do you have any tips for others starting out?

You need to learn to know yourself, your true motivational level, the amount of money you can risk, and what you’re willing to do to be successful. Work hard, do whatever you need to grow your business and

“I have no regrets in my business career, not even one”

build a good set of clients who you can add value to and create relationships with to help each other grow.

So, are you someone that switches off the emails evenings and weekends?

Anyone who knows me will instantly laugh at this question – the answer is no! I’m always online and always connected, day and night. I might relax the odd evening or on Sunday mornings but that’s it. As some of my friends and colleagues will say ‘apparently’ I carry a satellite in my car for places where I can’t find internet.

Is there someone in business that you admire and try to learn from?

I don’t really admire anyone, but I follow the likes of Lord Sugar, Richard Branson and all the successful entrepreneurs in the UK. I’m a massive fan of motivational speakers

Tell us about the atmosphere at PIXAFUSION Digital.

We’re like one big family here at PIXAFUSION. We’re all extremely passionate about the work we do and focus highly on company culture. I really believe that a connected team increases creativity and productivity and, as a result, we design amazing websites and produce some very successful campaigns.

How do you want a client to feel when they come to you?

No matter how much you spend with us, we treat every customer the same and with the utmost importance. Over several years, we have developed a certain formula and process which ensures we provide an amazing experience for the customer throughout their journey with us.

Clients tell us all the time that we have an amazing team.

For more: www.pixafusion.co.uk

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business insider

Cardiff life awards 2018

© Studio 87

JONES THE BARBER

So how did it feel to win a Cardiff Life Award?

So good! We were highly commended last year, but the category was even tougher this year, so we didn’t expect to win.

Why do you think you won?

Talking with some of the judges after the event, it seems that they were impressed with the fact that we are ‘one man band’ who had seen huge growth over the course of that year. The truth is that although I’m the only barber, the success of the business is down to the support of my family and friends and the awesome customers that make me love my job.

I am blessed.

How did you first get into barbering?

It was a complete change for me. I had been in scaffolding for years, then my wife and I had a couple of catering businesses that we sold as the market got tougher. I was doing odd jobs, and considered returning to scaffolding when I was asked what it was I really wanted to do. I said ‘be a barber’, and so I did! Starting from scratch with a young family was

HEALTH & BEAUTY WINNER

“The truth is that although I’m the only barber, the success of the business is down to the support of my family and friends and the awesome customers that make me love my job”

As the man behind the scissors at Jones the Barbers, Ross Jones is a familiar face to many. We caught up with the winner of the Cardiff Life Health & Beauty award to find out more… save don’t borrow. Believe in yourself, ignore competition, be nice and go for it.

a bit daunting but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?

What do you love most about being in Cardiff?

God has a plan for you – find it.

What plans do you have for Jones the Barbers?

Presently I’m looking for another barber as I’m working at maximum capacity at the moment. I like the idea of mentoring guys so they too can find their place and have a job that they love doing.

It’s such a nice city. Aesthetically the arcades are something special and the city has a real sense of occasion – whether it’s rugby, Christmas, festivals…there’s a real buzz. It’s a diverse community with some real characters and it feels like home.

Tell us something about you we won’t know…

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people, definitely the people.

The diverse selection of customers is a blast and the the conversations can be hysterical. I love that JtB is a place where men can come to ‘just be.’ Life is tough and having a no-stress haven is invaluable; the fact you get a great haircut is almost secondary to that.

I’m an open book so I think most of it is out there! I’m a Dad to four really amazing kids, I’m a Christian who recognises that I’m truly blessed, and I’m a Blues supporter (but happy to welcome Dragon, Ospreys and Scarlets fans).

What advice would you give someone looking to go into this sector?

The same as any business venture really... love it or leave it. Start small –

For more: www.jonesthebarber.com

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BUSINESS INSIDER

MEDIA ACADEMY CARDIFF

A non-profit children’s organisation established in 2010, working across South Wales with children caught up in the criminal justice system, who are not involved in education or training or are interested in the arts, Media Academy Cardiff was a worthy winner of the Cardiff Life Education Award.

Director Nick Corrigan tells us more…

we have room for growth over the next 10 years.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

I am humbled every day, riding on the backs of an incredibly talented and passionate staff team whose roles all involve giving children and young people in Wales opportunities to reach their potential.

© STUDIO 87

What has been the highlight of working with MAC so far?

Diverting 10,000 children from receiving a criminal record, which we believe puts difficult barriers up for their future employment options.

Also, supporting thousands of victims of crime to move forward with their lives.

EDUCATION WINNER SPONSORED BY

“BEING RECOGNISED

BY A MAGAZINE THAT REPRESENTS THE VERY BEST IN THE CAPITAL CITY IS HUGELY IMPORTANT FOR US”

So how did it feel to win a Cardiff Life Award?

The whole staff team were overjoyed.

Being recognised by a magazine that represents the very best in the capital city is hugely important for us as our HQ is based in the city centre.

Why do you think Media Academy Cardiff won?

We would like to think we won due to being able to evidence our results. Working with people it can be difficult to demonstrate success in traditional ways as each person’s successes are individual to them.

Every year we see 1,500 children and young people from across Wales trust us enough to walk through our doors. Working with children who have offended or are excluded from education isn’t always the easiest to sell, or to evidence the positive changes that young people make to reach their potential. We often support young people to tell their

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stories and individual journeys in their own voices, which I think makes it real for the judges and for the wider public to gain a sense of our day-to-day work.

How did you first get involved in MAC? I created the organisation, back in 2010, after seeing a gap in Welshcentric services responding to the needs of Welsh children. We started with four staff and now have nearly 40 delivering our work across a number of service areas across Cardiff and South Wales.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?

Find something you love and if it’s not out there already, create it.

What plans are there for MAC? It’s a very exciting time for the company, as in the new year we are relocating to larger offices to ensure

What advice would you give someone looking to go into this sector?

Working in the third sector in Wales is a privilege. It is full of passionate, creative and vastly experienced people who dream of a better and fairer society. To be fulfilled in your work-life make the leap and look at careers in the voluntary sector!

What do you love most about being in Cardiff?

I settled in Cardiff after living in many major cities in the UK because of the people. I’ve found many communities around the city have heart and passion. You only need to go out on a rugby day to see, hear and feel it.

Tell us your favourite bit of MAC trivia …

MAC has a dog called Mister Bear who comes to work every day and is loved and cared for by all the team.

For more: www.mediaacademycardiff.org

On the dock of the Bay

Live a life of luxury in a stunning waterside apartment on Cardiff Bay

By Charlie Rose 92 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

T

his waterside apartment on Cardiff Bay is the kind of pied-ĂĄ-terre that dreams are made of.

Bright, spacious, chic, and part of the sought-after Lacuna Development next door to the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, with views to the wildlife wetlands and Penarth beyond, and the vibrant Mermaid Quay (almost) right on the doorstep, this swanky pad ticks all the boxes, and then some.

As soon as you step through the front door the luxurious feel is apparent. Everything has been upgraded, from the doors and woodwork to the bathrooms and kitchen, creating truly swoon-worthy interiors throughout.

From the hall, glass doors lead to the hub of the home – a large open plan kitchen/living room/ dining room. At one end is the living room, and those

property

beguiling views, with doors opening to the front of the building and at the other end, the kitchen – all gleaming white units and sparkling black work surfaces. It’s equipped with all the integrated appliances you could need, and there’s a wealth of storage space thanks, at least in part, to a useful island which is ideal for casual dining situations.

There are electric blinds in the living area too, so you can let in the sunshine, or shut out the dark nights at the mere touch of a button.

Wine collectors, whisky connoisseurs and gin enthusiasts will love the bespoke drinks room that has been created in one corner of the living space.

With glass panes and a glass door, and plenty of space to store an extensive bottle collection, it adds a truly decadent touch to the home.

There are two bedrooms, both more than big enough to comfortably accommodate a double bed, and both equipped with fitted wardrobes.

The master also boasts an exquisite shower room, with a walk-in shower.

The family bathroom is finished to a similarly impeccable standard, and has a bath for when you fancy a long soak at the end of a hard day.

Outside, there are two allocated parking spaces in the development’s gated car park, so you can be sure that your wheels will be safe.

You may find however, that with so much of Cardiff within an easy walk or quick train ride, you don’t feel the need to take the car very often.

While there’s no doubt that this apartment would make a wonderful home, if you’re looking for an investment however, then it could offer great returns, with a projected rental income of between £1,250 and £1,500 a month.

It’s such a stunner that anyone who walks through the doors of this apartment is sure to fall for its charms. n

House numbers 41 Windsor Esplanade, Cardiff Bay Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 Receptions 1 Guide price £369,950 Drinks rooms 1 For more: Savills, 5th Floor, 2 Kingsway, Cardiff CF10 3FD; www.savills.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 93

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

The Retreat, Ironbridge Road Tongwynlais ÂŁ610,000 EPC = D pa black Whitchurch 02920 612328

Large detached four bedroom, three bathroom, dormer style bungalow with large and lovely gardens backing onto green fields.

26 ft kitchen & breakfast room, formal dining room, separate snug, 19 ft lounge with wood burner.

Extensive private parking, detached former double garage now converted into a self contained office, summer house, breeze house, large decked sun terrace.

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

Ty Isaf Farm, Castle Road Tongwynlais ÂŁ599,950 EPC = D pa black Whitchurch 02920 612328

Truly stunning detached four bedroom farm house of character.

Magnificent period features throughout, superb improvements and totally renovated in 2001.

Three separate living rooms, 16ft kitchen & breakfast room. Utility room, two cloak rooms, three bathrooms.

Large and lovely gardens, separate walled cottage garden, entrance drive with ample private parking, charming location.

No chain. Country views.

CARDIFF LIVES

“Despite being 6ft4 I’m a big softie”

Sunny Dhillon The Cardiff actor talks Tom Hardy, Disney films and an unfortunate incident involving a swan…

Hi Sunny! Tell us a bit about yourself…

I studied business at university in Cardiff but after graduating I soon realised that a corporate career wasn’t for me. I fell into acting where I discovered a passion for writing and directing too. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some very interesting places across the globe where my work has been showcased in more than seven countries including, India, Canada and Portugal.

What is your job? How long have you been doing it?

I’m a professional actor and split my time between the UK and L.A. I’ve been acting for nearly four years now and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

How do you like to spend your free time?

To be honest I’m so busy with work that I like to just chill out or train in my spare time. I love going to the cinema and binge watching Netflix

series! I’m also really into my fitness and boxing.

Where in Cardiff do you live and what makes it special?

When in Cardiff I reside in Roath where I grew up. It’s such a vibrant area of the city thanks to Roath Park and the hustle and bustle of Wellfield Road. Whenever I’m in Cardiff I love to go for a walk around Roath Park lake as it takes me back to being a kid again when my dad would take me there most weekends.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being recognised in my trade is always an honour. Winning Best Actor at the critically acclaimed Los Angles Film Awards and Best Actor at the Calcutta Film Awards in India within the past 12 months has definitely been a career highlight!

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s

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ever happened to you?

I’d tell you…but then I’d have to kill you!

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Cristiano Ronaldo, Dan Carter, The Rock, Barack Obama, and Spartacus.

When did you last cry, and why?

Despite being 6ft 4 I’m a big softy.

Disney films get me every time!

I always cry watching Up, the opening scene is so emotional…

Who would play you in a film about your life?

I would love Tom Hardy to play me in a film as I respect him as an artist however we don’t really look alike! So if I was basing it on a convincing casting I’d probably say Jason Momoa from Game of Thrones as we’re the same build and both ‘ethnically ambiguous.’ I’ve been compared to him a few times which is pretty flattering – I’m hoping I can reach his career highs!

What job would you be terrible at?

Being a chef. I can make a cracking scrambled egg on toast or an omelette, but that’s about it.

What’s on your bookshelf at the moment?

Recently I’ve got into psychology and following professors of that field so I’ve got couple of Professor Jordan Peterson’s books and I’m currently reading his book 12 Rules of Life.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Margot Robbie no doubt about it!

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I love a good pamper and spa day.

Which piece of music would you put on at the end of a trying day?

Got to be a bit of Hanz Zimmer to ease the mood. I love his cinematic music.

What’s your favourite piece of clothing?

This is a tough one! I’m not sure if this counts but I love my rings and I have several interesting ones I wear.

I like to get them from King Baby.

If you have a spare five minutes in the day, what are you likely to fill it with?

Eating or sleeping, my two favourite loves after acting!

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

My dad taking me to Roath lake for the first time… I got so overwrought with the excitement to feed the ducks and swans and didn’t portion out the bread which wound them up. Next thing I know I’m surrounded by hungry swans and one bit me on the behind – needless to say it hurt! I avoided the lake for several years after that…

What are your favourite places to eat/drink and shop in Cardiff?

I’m a vegetarian so tend to play it safe with a Pizza Express, I do like Milgi’s too and Giovanni’s on Park Place for good old fashioned Italian. For drinks, I head to Ten Mill Lane.

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

Holm House in Penarth isn’t praised enough in my opinion.

It’s such a cosy hotel tucked away, overlooking the Severn channel.

It’s probably one of the best spots for some relaxation away from the city bustle, the spa and restaurant is superb.

We’d better let you get on….

What are you doing as soon as you’ve done this?

Back to the laptop and doing admin work, I need to speak to my agent in LA as it’s pilot season at the beginning of next year. Will probably eat first and a grab a cheeky five minute nap! n For more; www.sunny-dhillon.com