Cardiff Life - Issue 229 by MediaClash

@CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

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ISSUE 229 / CHRISTMAS 2020 / £3

ISSUE 229 / CHRISTMAS 2020 / IT’S SPARKLE SEASON

DIAMONDS . WATCHES . JEWELLERY

EDITOR’S LETTER

Macramé hoop wreath, £185 From Forbesfield, Barry; www.forbesfield.co.uk For more luxurious Christmas decoration inspiration, see page 32

he magic and sparkle of Christmas may not feel as strong this year as it has done previously, for obvious reasons, but we still hope this issue of Cardiff Life can sprinkle a little festive cheer around the place. Have a flip through to see: part two of our indie-heavy gift guide (page 23), luxurious decoration inspiration, reminding us how much joy transforming our homes can bring (page 32) and our Christmas feasting feature (page 41). That’s not all, either, Cerys Matthews tells me her chilled plans for the 25th, and also gives me a bit of a telling off for my short-sightedness over a certain topic; take a look at me eating my words on page 8. And talking of incredible Welsh singers, we managed to get a quick word from the Cardiff legend that is Shirley Bassey, who has brought out her grand finale album to celebrate 70 years in showbiz (page 7). We’re not stopping there with local vocals, we’ve also spoken to a Cardiff nun on page 66, who, along with her community of sisters, has been signed to Decca (the same label as Cerys and Dame Shirley, in fact) and has released a debut album – a modern yet spiritual production from the original isolators. We’re not done yet, we’ve got plenty more, from our hyperlocal arts piece (page 14) and our modern restoration showcase on Pontcanna House (page 64), to our chunky business news section (page 55) and our festive events special (page 16). Let the merriment commence...

fallai na fydd cymaint o hud a hwyl yn perthyn i’r Nadolig eleni, am resymau amlwg, ond ein gobaith o hyd yw y bydd y rhifyn hwn o Cardiff Life yn fodd i rannu rhywfaint o lawenydd yr ŵyl yma ac acw. Ewch i bori drwy’r tudalennau i weld: ail ran ein canllaw i anrhegion, sy’n rhoi llawer o sylw i’n siopau annibynnol (ar dudalen 23); syniadau am addurniadau moethus, sy’n ein hatgoffa o’r hapusrwydd sydd i’w gael o drawsnewid ein cartrefi (ar dudalen 32); a’n herthygl am wledda adeg y Nadolig (ar dudalen 41). At hynny, mae Cerys Matthews yn sôn wrthyf am ei chynlluniau i ymlacio ar y 25ain ac yn rhoi stŵr i fi am fod mor ddi-glem ynglŷn â phwnc penodol (gallwch fy ngweld yn llyncu fy ngeiriau ar dudalen 8). Ac o sôn am gantorion gwych o Gymru, cawsom sgwrs sydyn â’r seren enwog o Gaerdydd, Shirley Bassey, sydd wedi rhyddhau ei halbwm olaf i ddathlu 70 mlynedd o fod yn rhan o’r byd adloniant (tudalen 7). Ac mae lleisiau lleol eraill yn cael sylw gennym hefyd oherwydd buom yn sgwrsio â lleian o Gaerdydd sydd, gyda’i chwiorydd, wedi ymrwymo i gontract gyda Decca (sef yr un label â Cerys a’r Fonesig Shirley, a dweud y gwir) ac sydd wedi rhyddhau eu halbwm cyntaf. Dyma gynhyrchiad modern ac ysbrydol gan yr hunanynyswyr gwreiddiol. Ond nid dyna’r cyfan... mae yna fwy – o’n darn am gelfyddydau lleol iawn (ar dudalen 14) a’n herthygl am weddnewidiad modern ym Mhontcanna (ar dudalen 64) i’n hadran helaeth ar gyfer newyddion byd busnes (ar dudalen 55) a’n rhestr arbennig o ddigwyddiadau Nadoligaidd (ar dudalen 16). Dewch i ni ddechrau dathlu

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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We have a second front cover in this issue as we loved this image so much: Graham & Brown wallpaper, available at W J Gardner, Crwys Road, Cardiff; www.rabart.co.uk

Issue 229/Christmas 2020

ONE-TO-ONE

8 CERYS MATTHEWS On new

music, Christmas plans and why she loves Cardiff

THE ARTS

13 INTRO A dog’s trail in the city 14 HOME SKETCH Efa Lois draws

on her love of Cardiff

16 WHAT’S ON

A festive events special

SHOPPING

23 ALL PRESENT AND CORRECT

Part two of our annual gift guide

32 MISTLETOE AND MAGIC

Decoration inspiration

36 TALKING SHOP A new section,

shining a spotlight on local, unique shops

FOOD & DRINK

41 INTRO A one-of-a-kind festive

collaboration featuring flowers and chocolate 42 FOOD NEWS A few newsy nibbles for you to chew on 45 RECIPES From Cerys Matthews, Angela Gray and Beca Lyne-Pirkis 48 ED’S CHOICE Scrumptious picks to give as gifts or to keep to yourself – we don’t judge

BUSINESS

55 CARDIFFWORKS News, views

and inspiring interviews with the region’s professionals

61 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

bigmoose tells us why winning means so much

PROPERTY

63 PROPERTY NEWS Our pick

of the most interesting stories on the scene 64 SHOWCASE Pontcanna House gets an ultra-modern facelift by Glen Thomas Architecture

Editor Lisa Evans lisa.evans@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 Nathan Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Sin Mei Lam and Evelyn Green Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@ mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Claire Hawkins claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Gemma Scrine gemma.scrine@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 and Exeter. 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

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SPOTLIGHT Music

Trin Brierley is one of the finalists

LOCAL VOCAL

The Welsh Music Prize 2020 winner has been announced as Cardiff MC Deyah, with her album Care City. It was chosen as a powerful self-produced and self-released album which fuses laid-back beats and lyrical flow. Plenty of other talent from Cardiff shone through in the list of finalists, too; local nominees included: Ani Glass, Cotton Wolf, Don Leisure, Georgia Ruth, Islet, Keys, Right Hand Left Hand, and Silent Forum. The Welsh Music Prize was co-founded in 2011 by BBC Presenter Huw Stephens and music consultant John Rostron. “It’s 10 years since the Welsh music prize was launched,” says Huw. “It’s very much about discovery; we hope music fans will discover new music from Wales that they love.” For more: www.welshmusicprize.com right:

Deyah was the overall winner; above and below: the Cardiffbased finalists included Islet and Silent Forum

City

STREET ART

After an open call was put out by Chapter Arts and Cardiff Council for artists to create a unique and colourful road crossing in Canton, Cowbridge Road East, the shortlist has been revealed. Selected from more than 50 applications, the successful shortlisted artists are: MARCA Design, Trin Brierley and Steffan Dafydd. The selected design will be completed in early 2021. For more: www.chapter.org

Charity

HOUSE OF HORRORS

For Halloween, a family transformed their home into a haunted house and ended up raising thousands for charity. Carmela Hargreaves and her husband – who run special effects company Real SFX, which has worked on shows including Doctor Who, Sherlock, Luther and Peaky Blinders – decked their Llandaff home out with more than 100 decorations, all in aid of the charity Dreams & Wishes, which supports seriously ill children across the UK. “I met Carmela at the Cardiff Life Awards,” says Wendy Hobbs from Dreams & Wishes, which won the Highly Commended award this year. “Carmela and her family decorated their house for Halloween and dedicated it to raising funds for our charity. The family were encouraging people not to trick or treat but to raise funds for a wonderful cause instead; they ended up raising £5,000 and we are extremely grateful to them.” For more: Carmela Hargreaves and Wendy Hobbs were all www.dreamsandwishescharity.org / fright on the night www.realsfx.com

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LIGHT UP A LIFE Usually, City Hospice holds a variety of fundraising events at this time of year, but due to the pandemic none of these can go ahead. However, this year they have launched The Light Up A Life campaign which features the Virtual Star in the Sky on their website, where people can leave a dedication in memory of a loved one. All funds raised during this time will be matched by the Hodge Foundation. www.cityhospice.org.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE

Memorial

IVORY TOWER

The Scott Memorial lighthouse at Roath Park is getting a makeover in memory of two women who, before they passed away, took pleasure in walking around Roath Park Lake. Andy Temple lost his mother, Evelyn, and his wife, Rosemary, in quick succession last year and, looking for a tribute to them both, contacted the council to offer a donation to have the memorial to be repainted. “Rose and I spent many an hour walking our dogs around the lake,” says Andy. “And on the many occasions when my mum came to visit us, she always enjoyed visiting the park; even at 97 she would still manage a full lap of the lake.” For more: www.cardiff.gov.uk

Winter Wonderland has been replaced by Christmas at the Castle this year. The festive fun will continue until 3 January, and will offer a number of festive outdoor activities including a 33m big wheel and fairground rides which will run alongside Cardiff Castle’s programme planned activities such as the Victorian Santa tours, the Keep dining experience and the Lone Stag bar. For more: www.cardiffcastle.com

Festive frolics at Cardiff Castle are ready for all to enjoy

Scott Memorial lighthouse will be restored to its former glory

Christmas

The girl from Tiger Bay

Festive magic

COME AND KNOCK ON MY DOOR

The Christmas Visit is bringing magic direct to the doors of families in Cardiff and the Vale. Using professionally trained actors, The Christmas Visit brings Father Christmas and his elves to the homes of families through an enchanting theatrical experience. “As a mum of two, I was disappointed when the Christmas events we had planned to attend started to be cancelled because of coronavirus,” says Laura Brind, who launched The Christmas Visit. “This, coupled with the fact that so many talented actors are out of work because of the impact of this pandemic, led me to the idea of The Christmas Visit.” For more: www.thechristmasvisit.co.uk Father Christmas won’t be using the chimney this year

Welsh treasure

A WORD FROM SHIRLEY BASSEY…

Tell us about the album, Dame Shirley…

Cardiff’s very own Dame Shirley Bassey, Britain’s most successful female artist of all time, has released her grand finale album I Owe It All To You. Since its debut in November, the album – her first in over five years – has already become an official charts record breaker. It includes new material, as well as tracks which reflect her sparkling life and career.

It’s a celebration of 70 years in showbiz, 70 years of support from my fans and 70 years of music. I’ve trodden the boards of many stages and kicked up many a diamante heel! What songs are on the album?

The songs I have chosen all feel very personal and connected to my life. I hope they will do the same for my fans. For more: www.decca.com

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BIG INTERVIEW

TENDER LOVING CERYS Welsh treasure Cerys Matthews tells us about her new album, her passion for poetry and her ever-lasting love for Cardiff By Lisa Evans

hen I think of poetry, I think of poems. Pretty stupid-sounding, obvious statement, that, isn’t it? But Cerys – you know the Cerys I’m talking about, she doesn’t need a surname – says poetry isn’t just about poems; poetry is everything and it’s infinite. And the sooner we open our minds to that way of thinking, the better. In fact, the multi-million selling musician even gives me a bit of a telling off in her smoky Welsh lilt for putting poetry in such a small box. But, she says, a lot of people do, because we think back to our school days when poetry was on the curriculum, and many of us didn’t look at another stanza or sonnet ever again. I personally put poems – the strict kind, with rhyming couplets and iambic pentameter – firmly in the education pigeonhole, where I was force-fed it and had no choice in the matter, and I dropped it the day exams finished. Or did I? Cerys says I absolutely did not leave poetry in the lurch that day, and, instead, I experience it every moment of my life. “Even a walk in the woods or a run down the lane can be poetic,” says the Cardiff-born Catatonia former frontwoman. “There’s poetry in familiar phrases, in a few lines of a song that’s in your head, it’s on trains, it’s in books, it’s in the first nursery rhymes you ever remember your parents singing to you when you were little.” Then she starts to give me an original rendition of Gee Ceffyl Bach, the first Welsh nursery rhyme she remembers being sung as a child. It feels like a ‘moment’ when Cerys Matthews – yes, I’m saying her surname now, as it adds to this pinch-me moment I’m having – sings directly to you during an interview. The reason the national treasure and I are even having this discussion is because I’m interviewing her about her new album, We Come from the Sun, which, during our chat, I label as a ‘poetry album’. “I don’t want to count it as a poetry album,” she says. “I would define all songs as poems, anyway. But if you specifically call it a ‘poetry album’, some people will think they won’t like it and will immediately dismiss it. It’s like when people say ‘I hate jazz’, but they like Louis Armstrong, and when they say ‘I hate poetry’ but they like Bob Dylan. All of life is poetry.”

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She’s absolutely right. When you think about it, poetry is in all song and rap lyrics, it’s in graffiti on the side of the road, it’s even in mantras and quotes that we screenshot from Instagram. It goes far beyond assonance and blank verse, it’s an expression with no boundaries and shouldn’t be thought of as confined to a yellowing old book in the classroom. “That’s it, you’ve got it now,” she says, her words smiling warmly. “A good turn of phrase can have power. And when there’s trouble in the world, you see it even more. It’s a natural reaction of human beings, to try and protest or process or comfort using words. Take away somebody’s words and you take away all that they are.” For We Come from the Sun, which will be released by Decca in January 2021, Cerys selected 10 UK poets, who recorded their words at Abbey Road Studios. Her aim was to include as many varying voices from

LOCAL LOVE

You grew up in Cardiff, tell us what you love about the city…

I was born in Cardiff… and I have lots of friends there. I love Roath and Splott, and there’s such a rich history in the city – from Shirley Bassey to Tiger Bay. It’s a melting pot of influences and cultures. And not to mention there’s a castle right in the middle. I’m fascinated by Cardiff’s stories… I recently did a show on BBC Four about St Fagans National Museum of History, and we were looking at pictures of Grangetown and Splott etc. The things I learnt were incredible – watch it and find out! There’s great food in the city too… There’s a vegetarian Indian on Penarth Road which is amazing, and there’s a Japanese restaurant in the middle of St David’s (I don’t know if it’s still there) that was a favourite of mine. And just outside Cardiff there are lovely villages with log fires and roast dinners. If you couldn’t tell, I love food, hence my cookbook [Where the Wild Cooks Go. See a recipe from the book on page 45].

“It feels like a ‘moment’ when Cerys Matthews sings directly to you during an interview”

Cerys’s new album, We Come from the Sun, is a light and dark sound journey

QUICKFIRE ROUND

What are your plans for Christmas? This Christmas it will be hard to make plans because of everything going on in the world, but every Christmas for me is a down-tools time. I spend time with family watching stupid films like Blades of Glory. How have you been coping lately with everything that’s been going on in the world? During this strange time, I’ve realised I get cabin fever really badly. I’ve also been finding it really hard not seeing my family. Who was your biggest inspiration growing up? Bob Dylan.

Cerys’s Christmas plans include watching her favourite silly film, Blades of Glory

Surprise us… I’m addicted to indoor rock climbing.

BIG INTERVIEW

The singer’s favourite places in Cardiff are Roath and Splott, and she says the city fascinates her

“Cardiff is a melting pot of influences and cultures” different areas, heritages and perspectives as possible. And she doesn’t feature on the album at all. “I was the pilot and I was flying the plane, but I didn’t sing on the album,” says the BBC Radio 6 Music presenter. “I didn’t want to have my voice on it. Today’s world is very noisy, I wanted one beautiful album to come together and quiet the noise. We are living in extraordinary times, I wanted to respond but had the urge to offer more than one voice, more than one perspective. Not an echo chamber.” With the theme of Genesis and new beginnings, she curated and composed the new album and, along with Joe Acheson of Hidden Orchestra, created a sound journey, one with lots of light and dark. “It’s an aural adventure,” she says. “Instead of just using instruments like guitars and pianos, we used field recordings to take the listener to urban settings and rural settings and even inside the human body where you can hear blood circulation and heart beats. It’s a world to get lost in.” The album’s first single, Flame Lily by MA.MOYO, was released in October to coincide with National Poetry Day, and Cerys describes it as a bold celebration of women: powerful and strident. Will we hear Cerys sing anytime soon, then? “That book is definitely closed for a while,” she says. “The last album I sang on was in 2013, I think. I’ve spent my life singing for my supper, so I’m lucky I was involved in books, festivals, radio and different ways of earning my keep. I like a bit of variation.” Cerys hopes that We Come from the Sun will be the first in a series of this genre of album on Decca, with life on earth as inspiration. “It’s as simple and complex as that,” she says. Just don’t call them poetry albums, OK? ■

Cerys’s album, We Come from the Sun, will be released by Decca in January 2021; www. cerysmatthews.co.uk

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THE ARTS

S N A P S H O T S O F C A R D I F F ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

A DOG’S TRAIL Over 50 giant sculptures of the world’s most loved illustrated dog, Snoopy, will be decorating the streets of Cardiff in Autumn 2021. Dogs Trust has teamed up with Peanuts to bring the world-famous beagle to the city, and the trail, which will continue for 10 weeks, will take visitors along some of the best local dog-walking routes and aims to raise awareness and funds for the charity – which will soon be opening a rehoming centre in the city. The unique sculptures will be designed by Cardiff-based and national artists and each will be sponsored, and at the end of the trail the Snoopys will be auctioned. “We’re excited to open our 21st rehoming centre in Cardiff in 2021,” says Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust. “The trail’s aim is to raise pounds for hounds so that we can continue to improve dog welfare in Wales.” For more: www.adogstrail.org.uk

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HOME SKETCH

Canton-based artist Efa Lois has released a series of limitededition prints that depict well-known locations in Cardiff – from Womanby Street and Pontcanna, to Splott, Canton, Roath and Cathays. Efa’s artistic business venture, Rhithganfyddiad, started as a blog, and she, along with poet Morgan Owen, started creating Welsh poems and illustrations based on places in Cardiff. “We started Rhithganfyddiad because we wanted to document the city,” she says. “Cities are constantly evolving, especially Cardiff, and we hoped to capture what the city is currently like, while reflecting on its past. The end result is a poem and an illustration – a chronicle of each place. For more: www.efalois.cymru and www.rhithganfyddiad.etsy.com

left to right: Grangetown, Splott, and Roath/Penylan

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ARTS

clockwise from top left: Pontcanna, Cathays,

Womanby Street and Canton

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WHAT’S ON

The Festive Quarter on Working Street will get you in the Christmas spirit

From 28 November onwards

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

TALKS AND AUDIO SERIES Until 7 January, 2021

HEART OF CARDIFF The Sherman Theatre’s audio series Heart of Cardiff, is inspired by the people and communities of the city. Following a search across Cardiff for writers with stories to tell about their community, pitches were selected to be developed into original audio theatre experiences, which will be made available on the website on a weekly basis. www.shermantheatre.co.uk / www.heartofcardiff.co.uk

Featuring fine art and Christmas gifts by Welsh artists and makers. Victoria Fearn Gallery; www.victoriafearngallery.wales

Until 11 April, 2021

BECOMING RICHARD BURTON This exhibition follows the remarkable story of how Richard Jenkins became Richard Burton, the international star of stage and screen. It will feature Burton’s diaries, papers and personal objects – displayed for the first time – from the Richard Burton Archives held at Swansea University. National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ FOOD AND EXHIBITIONS DRINK Until 24 December

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION

Until the end of November HOME SUPPER CLUB

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Sharing global culinary delights from the comfort of your own home, each week Oasis Cardiff gives you the opportunity to sample some of the finest traditional dishes from around the world. Each dish is freshly prepared by their chefs and is ready to be collected from the centre every Saturday until the end of November. Order lines open every Mondayat 9am until Thursday 5 pm via Facebook. Oasis Cardiff; www.oasiscardiff.org

Until 3 January

Until 20 December

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy afternoon tea in the Christmasthemed restaurant at Celtic Manor Resort where Santa will be back with a virtual twist. This special ‘meet and greet’ is sure to help get children in good spirits; Santa himself will dial in for a fun interactive group video call while his helpful elves will be there in person throughout the afternoon with magic tricks and a gift for everyone. Celtic Manor Resort; www.celtic-manor.com

DEPOT PRESENTS: WINTER WUNDERGARTEN Christmas is meant to be a time to enjoy a few beers or mulled wines with friends and family, and this year will be no different at DEPOT. Nothing will get in the way of their festive spirit, and so they’ve transform DEPOT into a huge Bavarian-inspired Christmas experience for all. DEPOT, Cardiff; www.depotcardiff.com

ALPINE FOOD AND DRINK Find Alpine Food and Drink on Castle Street. Bring your bubble and take a seat in your own alpine ski hut or picnic table. Order from your favourite on-site food stall using the app, and your fare will be delivered to your table. www.visitcardiff.com

From 28 November – 24 December

WHAT’S ON 4 – 20 December

festive offering includes Blizzard the Snow Dragon – a state-of-the-art augmented reality (AR) creation – which will be visible and ‘come alive’ to anyone with a smart phone. Plus the centre’s giant Christmas tree, twinkling decorations and light projections are back. Guests are being encouraged to share their #RDCMagicMoments on social media for the chance to win an extra special treat. The Red Dragon Centre; www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Expect a three-course festive feast, plus Dr Bev Ballcrusher and Jolene Dover will be taking it in turns to entertain you all night. Clayton Hotel Cardiff; www.claytonhotelcardiff.com

CHRISTMAS MARKETS, POP-UPS AND EVENTS

29 November – 23 December

Until 24 December

above: Cardiff’s Christmas Market will rival that of any European city left and below: Christmas at the Castle features fairground rides, games and a big wheel

CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET A visit to Cardiff’s Christmas Market will rival that of any European city, with rows of beautifully decorated wooden stalls laid out in the pedestrian heart of the city centre and all within walking distance of the main transport hubs and festive attractions. City centre; www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com

Until 24 December

MAKERS ARCADE POP UP Local makers will unite at this independent pop-up market, where you’ll find high-quality, sustainable, locally made and hand-crafted gifts for Christmas. Morgan Arcade; @makersarcadepopup

Until 24 December

4 – 6 December

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Gileston Manor Estate is bringing a little Christmas magic to families this year. Their nine acres will become a festive wonderland where you’ll find a fairy grotto with Elsa from Frozen and a mini fairground, and you’ll be able to feed the resident animals, visit Santa’s grotto and indulge in the street food offering. Gileston Manor Estate; www.gilestonmanor.co.uk

Until 31 December

FESTIVE QUARTER Shopping can be exhausting, so once you’ve worked up your thirst and appetite, stop by the Germanstyle Bierkeller and Bratwurst Grill, which offers a choice of ales, mulled wine and speciality sausages, for a Bavarian feast. Working Street; www.visitcardiff.com

Until the end of December MAGIC MOMENTS At The Red Dragon Centre, the

SANTA’S PRIVATE CHRISTMAS TOURS Santa will be returning to Cardiff Castle for private tours this year, but with a lot of Covid-friendly measures in place. This year, tours will be for single-family/bubble groups, ending in a private meeting with Santa. A personal, costumed guide will show you around the Castle’s lavish apartments, all beautifully decorated, and tell you about Christmas in Victorian times. After the tour, stop and see Santa in the drawing room and there’s sure to be a gift for all good boys and girls. www.cardiffcastle.com BYW’S VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR Not only will you be able to get your Christmas shopping done (using lots of special discounts) and support small independents, but you’ll also get to tune into some fun, festive sessions throughout the weekend too. www.bywcommunity.co.uk

5 & 6 December

CHRISTMAS POP UP This one is a collab between The Green Frog Vegan Store, Lisa Valentine Home and Spencer & Spencer antiques, all based in Cardiff. At the pop-up – in Y Stordy, the lanes between Werfa Street and Pen-Y-Wain Place – they will be selling their wares as well as wreaths, trees and mulled wine. Y Stordy, Roath; www.thegreenfrogveganstore.com

10 December

FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE POP-UP Floral company Forbesfield will be popping up at chocolate shop Cocoa Therapy in Barry. When food and flowers collide, good things happen. Cocoa Therapy; www.forbesfield.co.uk / www.cocoatherapy.co.uk

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THE ALB ANY GALLERY DAVID BARNES, NICK PRITCHARD Ceramics by South Wales Potters 26 November â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 31 December 2020 View images on our website www.albanygallery.com ONLINE CHRISTMAS SHOW: 14 November 2020 - 9 January 2021

74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2048 7158 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Monday - Wednesday by appointment only, Thursday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

NEW WEBSITE NOW LIVE

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

15 December

pastime: from your own car. You will get to see Horrible Christmas as a drive-in experience. Cardiff Airport; www.carparkparty.com

FLORAL WORKSHOP Create your very own festive table centrepiece to decorate your Christmas table. Flower Lodge; www.flowerlodge.co.uk

OUTDOORS

PLAYS/ SHOWS / PERFORMANCES 1 – 24 December

Sherman Theatre has revealed a star-studded Christmas line-up including Michael Sheen, Ruth Jones and Rhys Ifans (all pictured)

DIGITAL ADVENT CALENDAR Sherman Theatre’s festive season isn’t cancelled despite its doors remaining temporarily closed, and has revealed a star-studded Christmas line-up including Rhys Ifans, Ruth Jones and Michael Sheen. The internationallyacclaimed actors will be appearing in the Sherman’s digital Advent Calendar, each making their own special appearance emailed directly to audience inboxes. Alongside these performances, there will be festive treats including serialised audiobooks – such as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – for the whole family to enjoy. www.shermantheatre.co.uk

3 December

DRAGGED TO CHURCH An annual Christmas fundraiser like no other. Three years ago, St Andrews Church in Roath needed restoration work, so Dragged to Church was put together and the first ever drag show in a Welsh church was held. It’s now back for its third year. This year, due to Covid restrictions, the show will be pre-recorded and streamed on YouTube. uk.gofundme.com/f/dragged-to-church

9 December

KATE RUSBY AT CHRISTMAS Kate’s Christmas Tour has, for many, become as much a part of the festivities as Christmas pudding itself. Warm and inviting, spicy and sparkly she and her band embody the joyous spirit of Christmas. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

17 December

LUCY SPRAGGAN The former X Factor star’s socially distanced UK tour is still going ahead. Tramshed; www.tramshedcardiff.com

20 December

THE CAR PARK PANTO Lots of pantomimes may be cancelled, but there’s a new way of enjoying that traditional festive

Until 3 January

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE There will be no Winter Wonderland in Cardiff this year but the annual festive event will be replaced by Christmas at the Castle. You will be able to enjoy a spin on the 33m big wheel, fairground rides and games. Cardiff Castle; www.cardiffcastle.co.uk

Until 3 January

FESTIVE FUNFAIR RIDES Enjoy the family-friendly funfair on Castle Street which includes a wide range of games and rides. You can expect to see familiar favourites such as the santacoaster and dodgems. Castle Street; www.visitcardiff.com

Until 3 January

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Although there will be no official Christmas lights switch on in Cardiff for 2020, the lights will still be twinkling in the city centre. www.visitcardiff.com

28 November onwards

EXPLORE DYFFRYN GARDENS Dyffryn Gardens will offer its 55 acres to the public to explore freely. While away hours in nature and discover large open lawns, an arboretum, intimate garden rooms and a tropical glasshouse. Dyffryn Gardens; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

28 November, and 5, 12, 19 December

SANTA’S GROTTO Visit the fabulous grotto set up by our very own Cardiff Life columnists Wyburn and Wayne, raising money for St Andrew’s URC. St Andrew’s, Roath; www.wyburnwayne.wordpress.com

13 December

THE SANTA DASH The annual event will be going ahead as normal but there are additional measures in place to ensure safety, including a staggered start to the race to ensure no one is running too close to each other. Roald Dahl Plass; www.santadash.wales n

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.VALEVETCENTRE.CO.UK Cardiff: 233 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9PP. E-mail: cardiff@valevetcentre.co.uk | Phone: 02920 004007

Barry: 7/8 Ty Verlon Ind Est, Cardiff Rd, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2BE. E-mail: info@valevetcentre.co.uk | Phone: 01446 739739

WYBURN & WAYNE Move over Ant & Dec. Make way Edina & Patsy. Stand aside Batman & Robin. Our dynamic duo are in town and they’re here to give us the low down on the Cardiff high life

ust when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any more bizarre, we got dressed up to sip cocktails in a greenhouse! The Botanist was already fast becoming that staple, Instagrammable venue in Cardiﬀ, but now, well... We were invited along to have some drinks in their new rooftop Winter Garden Houses. There are six of them in total, essentially quaint green houses, beautifully decorated and, most importantly, heated for your enjoyment. You can book them out for yourself and your ‘bubble’ to enjoy a Covid-safe and unique dining or drinking experience. They’ve been created alongside Bombay Sapphire, and the special menu of cocktails is something else. Nath even aptly had edible blue paint in his. As always, The Botanist is one step ahead of the game and if we were wearing a hat right now, it would be coming oﬀ for them. Busy filming Dragged to Church for a special online event on 3 December

In other news, we’ve been keeping busy by recording a new song! We always try to record a fun charity single around Christmas and our annual Dragged to Church event. However, this year, it’s not so much a fun, silly Christmas song... it’s Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Yes The Power of Love. We had a wonderful time with Luxury on the rooftop of The Botanist Cardiff Lynise recording at Earl Lane Studios in Grangetown. We’ve recorded with him on several projects Recording at Early Land Studios now and he’s just awesome. The track will be the opening of this year’s online Dragged to Church event on 3 December. You can watch it from the comfort of your own home or streamed live on the big screens throughout the city’s LGBTQ+ venues, The Golden Cross, Mary’s

and Mainstage Bar. Also as part of our ongoing fundraising for St Andrews URC, we are bringing Santa to Roath. It took some convincing, of course, as he’s a very busy man this time of year, but he’s kindly offered to help us bring some festive joy for a small donation of £3 per family, for a photo in his grotto. Socially distant with some camera angle magic, it will be wonderful. How exciting is that? He will be at St Andrew’s in the corner of Wellfield Road for four Saturdays from 28 November. We’re super thrilled that Cardiff Castle is hosting Christmas at The Castle this year in place of Winter Wonderland; the castle is iconic and we just know it’s going to be breath-taking. Radio Cardiff is back recording live shows. We are still currently recording our Friday show from home because Wayne works in the hospital, but we can’t wait to be back – nothing beats live radio. Big shout-out to all the team at Radio Cardiff and congratulations on the latest news of going DAB, reaching so many more people. Wonderful for our beautiful city and beyond. To keep up to date with the Radio Cardiff DJs Wyburn & Wayne follow them on Facebook, Twitter @WyburnWayne and Instagram @wyburnandwayne

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

GIFT GUIDE

That’s a wrap Welcome to our unique and local Christmas gift guide. Let’s hope you’re on Santa’s nice list this year…

FESTIVE PRINT FROM CATHERINE LEWIS DESIGN, FROM £2.50 Roath-based artist Catherine Lewis has created festive designs for Christmas 2020, which are available to buy in the form of greetings cards, gift wrap and A4 and A3 wall prints. From www.catherineannlewis.com

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AT HOME

HANDMADE ONE-OF-A-KIND CARDS, FROM £3.50 From Buddug, Warwick Studios; www.buddug.com PROSECCO AND JUNIPER REED DIFFUSER, £21.99 From Hamptons, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

FAUX TAXIDERMY, FROM £165 From Fauxidermy, Makers Guild of Wales, Cardiﬀ; www.fauxidermy.co.uk

FABRIC GIFT BAGS AND PERSONALISED NAMETAGS, FROM £2.50 From Flossie and Blossom, Fairwater; @ﬂossieandblossomhoops

RED DEER, FINE ART, FROM £14.50 From Jian Chen’s Fine Art, Duke Street Arcade, Cardiﬀ; www.jianchensﬁneart.etsy.com

PLANTER BASKETS, FROM £30 From Prints by Nature, Roath; www.printsbynaturestore.etsy.com

SPARKLE WHILE YOU’RE SLEEPING WATER BOTTLE, 13.50 From Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

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GIFT GUIDE

HAND-EMBROIDERED HOOP ART, FROM £18 From The Mistress of Making, Ely; www.themistressofmaking.etsy.com

HANGING POTTED PLANT, £16 From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

LETTERBOX FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE, £19.95 From Flower Be, Pontprennau; www.ﬂowerbe.co.uk

STAG HOOK, £14.50 From Victoria Fearn Gallery, Rhiwbina; www.victoriafearngallery.wales MERMAID BOTTLE OPENER, £19.99 From Shore, Penarth; www.shorecoastal.co.uk

RING DISH WITH GOLD HEARTS, £12 From Llio Davies Designer Maker, Red Door Studios, Pontcanna; www.lliodaviesdesignermaker.com

I LOVES THE ‘DIFF 2021 CARDIFF CALENDAR FEATURING ART FROM CARL BEVAN (THE DRUMMER FROM 90S NEWPORT BAND 60FT DOLLS), £15.99 From Hall’s of Llandaﬀ and Roath’s Paperweight; www.ilovesthediﬀ.com

CARDIFF BAY PRINT, £28 From Katherine Jones, Canton; www.katherinemgjones.com

BEESWAX CANDLES, FROM £2.50 From Blossom & Nectar, Pontcanna Mews; www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

FESTIVE PRINTS, FROM £30 From Patternistas, Cardiﬀ; www.patternistas.co.uk

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OMEGA SEAMASTER CUFFLINKS, £340 From Laings, St David’s Shopping Centre; www.laingsuk.com

FLORENCE DRESS, £45 From The Box Edit Boutique, Goodsheds, Barry; www. boxeditboutique.co.uk

EDEN GREEN TOURMALINE STUD EARRINGS, £230 From Rebecca Burt Jewellery, Pontcanna; www.rebeccaburtjewellery.com

CARIAD NECKLACE, £65 From Buddug, Warwick Studios; www.buddug.com

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

SUPER SOFT NAVY GLOVES WITH FAUX FUR TRIM, £14.95 From Zia Boutique, Mermaid Quay; www.zia-boutique.co.uk

MOON DOT PEARL DROP EARRINGS, £75 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth; www.annemorganjewellery.com

ARCHO EARRINGS, £35 From Crane Jewellery, The Bone Yard, Cardiﬀ; www.cranejewellery.co.uk EMU SLIPPERS, £49 From Kiti, Pontcanna; www.kiticymru.com

BLACK AND GOLD CHARM EARRINGS, £12 From Pretty Clay, Cardiﬀ Bay; www.prettyclayco.etsy.com

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‘THE ROSIE SET’ HAIR ACCESSORIES, FROM £75 From Louise Jennifer Millinery, Llandaﬀ; www.louisejennifer.co.uk

GIFT GUIDE KAREN MABON PYJAMAS, £160 From Kiti, Pontcanna; www.kiticymru.com

REACH LEGGINGS AND SPORTS BRAS, FROM £27 From DistanceWear, Cardiﬀ; www. distancewear.co.uk

18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS, £11,675 From Laings, St David’s Shopping Centre; www.laingsuk.com

MEN’S SCARF, £10.90 From Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

ADULTS’ AND CHILDREN’S HATS, FROM £10 From Cat’s Hats, Cardiﬀ; www.catshatsshop.etsy.com

CLAUDIA ARCH RESIN EARRINGS IN TORTOISESHELL, £10.50 From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

MABEL SHEPPARD RAINBOW GLOVES, £49 From Kiti, Pontcanna; www.kiticymru.com

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CHAMOMILE & ORANGE SOAP, £4.50 From Blossom & Nectar, Pontcanna Mews; www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

GREAT BALLS OF FIZZ GIFT BOX, £17.50 From Miss Patisserie, Cardiﬀ; www.misspatisserie.com

PAMPER TIME

NON-BINARY FRAGRANCE, PAWB, £80 FOR THE SET From The Goodwash Company, Goodsheds, Barry; www.goodwash.co.uk

UNWIND FOAMING BATH COLLECTION, £24 From Neal’s Yard Remedies, Morgan Arcade; www.nealsyardremedies.com

MORRIS & CO SHEA BUTTER HAND CREAM, £12.99 From Nest, Heol-Y-Deri, Rhiwbina; www.nestcardiﬀ.co.uk

FRIDA KAHLO MAKEUP BRUSH BUNDLE, £69.99 From Spectrumn Collections, Goodsheds, Barry; www.spectrumcollections.come MERRY CHRISTMAS BATH SET, £25 From Lush, Queen Street; www.lush.com MAN KIT GIFT BOX, £28 From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

WASHBAG, £45 From Prints by Nature, Roath; www.printsbynaturestore.etsy.com

FACIAL FAVOURITES SET, £44.50 From Kiehl’s, St David’s Shopping Centre; www.kiehls.co.uk

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GIFT GUIDE HEIGHT CHART, £85 From Huzz Studio, Heath; www. huzzstudio.etsy.com DJI OSMO MOBILE 4 SMARTPHONE VIDEO STABILISER, £139 From Camera Centre UK, Morgan Arcade; www.cameracentreuk.com

LE TOY VAN PALACE DOLL HOUSE, £499.95 From Barney & Beau, Cardiﬀ; www.barneyandbeau.com

WELSH TEACHING CLOCK, £24 From Mwnci, The Welsh Toy Company, Llandaﬀ North, Cardiﬀ; www.mwnci.co

BIG AND LITTLE KIDS

SKIRTING BOARD FAIRY DOOR, £10 From Fairydoorz, Penarth; www.fairydoorz.co.uk

JILLY CAT CROCHET DRAGONS, FROM £10 From Cardiﬀ Creative Shop, Queens Arcade; www.cardiﬀcreativeshop.co.uk

LANKA KADE WOODEN NOAH’S ARK, £34.95 From Little People Store, Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina; www.littlepeoplestore.co.uk

PISHYN PRINT £10 From Shnwcs, The Heath; www.shnwcs.etsy.com

HARRY POTTER-STYLE NAME PLATE, FROM £3.99 From We Love 3D, Pontcanna; www.WeLove3D.etsy.com

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GRAHAM & BROWN WALLPAPER, FROM £60 A bit more permanent than a garland or a sprig of holly, but wallpaper can set the scene year-round. We love this palm fan design with its shimmering ﬁnish against a moody backdrop. The Graham & Brown brand is available at W J Gardner, Crwys Road, Cardiﬀ; www.rabart.co.uk

MAKING MERRY It just doesn’t feel like Christmas until you start decorating, so whether you prefer pared-back or all-out, here are our bedecking picks. Let the merriment commence... MACRAME CHRISTMAS TREES, FROM £8 A tree-mendous alternative to baubles. From String You Knot, Cardiﬀ Bay; www.stringyouknot.etsy.com

NESSA BAUBLE, FROM £5.99 Oh oh oh, what’s occurin’? This bauble is crackin’, origh? From Mark My Word, Radyr; www.markmyworduk.etsy.com

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LIBERTY PRINT BAUBLE, £9 Not actually full of hot air. From Hip Hwre, Canton; www.hiphwre.etsy.com

DECORATIONS METAL WREATH, £39.95 For the vintage-look lovers. From Lisa Valentine Home, Cardiﬀ; www.lisavalentinehome.co.uk

FESTIVE ASSORTMENT, FROM £7 From local lettering artist Narelle Dancey come these plaques emblazoned with bold, gold phrases. From Narelle Dancey Studio, Llantwit Major; www.narelledanceystudio.etsy.com

HANGING PLANT BAUBLE, £30 This low-maintenance living decoration will look great long after the tree has come down. From Flower Be, Pontprennau; www.ﬂowerbe.co.uk TWO PAPER HONEYCOMB BALLS, £9 Easy to assemble and a great visual impact. From Bodlon, Whitchurch; www.bodlon.com PERSONALISED WREATH, £30 A percentage of every sale will be donated to Shelter Cymru. From Flossie and Blossom, Fairwater; @ﬂossieandblossomhoops

HAND-PAINTED DECORATIONS, £24 No two of these baubles are the same. From Textiles by Rachel, Cathays; www.textilesbyrachel.etsy.com EUCALYPTUS WREATH, £18.50 Knot your ordinary wreath. From Rose MÔR, Grangetown; www.rosemorshop.etsy.com RENAISSANCE DOMES, FROM £28 Dried blooms are everywhere in 2020, great news for those who aren’t great at keeping the fresh kind alive. From Mason Blooms, Canton; www.masonblooms.com

MACRAMÉ BUNTING, FROM £10 License to frill. From Rose MÔR, Grangetown; www.rosemorshop.etsy.com

FOIL GARLAND, £5 Serious fringe beneﬁts. From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

GOLD WIRE WREATHS, £12.99 Minimalist will never be out of fashion.From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tis the season to shop local in Cardiff After a difficult year, Christmas feels more important than ever. It’s now up to all of us to support local across our city centre.

n a season that’s all about giving, it’s worth noting that if everyone in Cardiff spent £10 in the city this Christmas, it would create £17m for Cardiff’s economy, making it the perfect way to give back to your favourite local venues and shops after a year of uncertainty. And thankfully, local businesses have found a number of ways for you to do this whilst ensuring you stay safe in these strange times. Adrian Field, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff says, “The festive period is going to feel a little different for all of us this year, but there are still plenty of ways to make it special thanks to the hard work, resilience and innovation of Cardiff businesses. After a difficult year for Wales’ high streets, it’s great to see that local retailers have found new ways of injecting a bit

of sparkle into the season, and now it’s up to us to support them through a difficult winter.”

GIVE THE GIFT OF CARDIFF For now, Cardiff remains open for you to enjoy a socially distanced shopping spree, but if you don’t feel ready to venture to the capital for your Christmas shopping, you can still shop locally – and safely – from the comfort of your sofa. You can give the gift of Cardiff with the FOR Cardiff gift card which can be used in over 70 different shops, restaurants and bars across the city, from big names like Primark and John Lewis to local favourites such as Hobo’s and Chapel 1877. Valid for 12 months from the time of purchase, it means that the recipient can use it throughout 2021, which will hopefully be a year full of celebrations, not restrictions.

INDEPENDENTS GET INNOVATIVE Many of your favourite bars and independent eateries are offering new takeaway services so you can enjoy restaurant-quality food at home from the likes of Bwyta Bwyd Bombai – or even a pre-mixed cocktail from The Libertine if it takes your fancy. Whilst there are restrictions on the number of people we can meet, Christmas gatherings aren’t out of the picture thanks to venues like Bar 44 who are offering a virtual take on Christmas party season with a package of online experiences such as cocktail masterclasses and cook-along nights. To find out which businesses are open, offering takeaway or online shopping, visit the Shop Cardiff website: www.forcardiff.com/shopcardiff n

WIN A £50 FOR CARDIFF GIFT CARD Win a £50 FOR Cardiff gift card when you shop local this Christmas. All you need to do is share your best ‘shop local’ purchases on social media, and 10 winners will be selected to win a £50 gift card each. The competition will run until the end of December. Find out more about entering by following Cardiff Life on Twitter and Instagram: @CardiffLifeMag.

FOR Cardiff, 7 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff, CF10 3DA; 02920 314770; info@forcardiff.com www.forcardiff.com; f  forcardiff  FOR_Cardiff 34 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Surprise someone this Christmas with a gift to be remembered! Tandem Skydive Gift Vouchers From £172.95 - only £52.95 deposit required Valid from March 2021 for a year. Camera options from £80

Based at Swansea Airport 01792 207035 / 07779019655 info@skydiveswansea.co.uk www.skydiveswansea.co.uk

TALKING SHOP

FOR THE RECORD

In our new, regular Talking Shop feature, we visit local businesses that add colour and creativity to our city. Here, we roam around The Record Shop on Inverness Place Photography and words by Sin Mei Lam

vinyl and CD collector’s dream, The Record Shop in Roath is to music fans what sweet shops are to kids. Owner Paul took over the operation of the business from his wife, Pat, and the store, which literally groans with records, has been established for over 30 years. Pat originally worked for another record shop in Cardiff but she later started her own – Hippo Records, on Albany Road – which used to sell current music, but as chain record stores such as HMV became popular, her business was unable to directly compete. Pat switched up her business model to selling second-hand vinyls, CDs, tapes and VHSs. As rent started to increase on Albany Road, and the current space became available, Pat took the opportunity to move the business to their current premises on Inverness Place and rebrand it as The Record Shop.

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To say The Record Shop is full of character would be an understatement, what with its postercollaged ceiling, disc-decked walls, and there is a gargantuan variety of music-related products here, thousands of items for customers to choose from. Paul says one of his customers even travels from Japan just to visit the store, and you’ll find the occasional rock star rifling through the racks here, too. The quality of sound from a vinyl is thought to be far superior than that of a CD as it records all the details from a piece of music while CDs compress it. Paul says that vinyls have always been in demand and now the younger generation have come to appreciate them as much as the previous generations did. Paul says crate-digging customers would spend hours in the store; he would often hear them say things like, “This is the song that I heard when I

met my wife” or “This is the first album that I ever bought”. Itʼs as if time would stand still as they walk down their own memory lanes. A difficulty faced by The Record Shop in recent times is that supermarkets have started selling reissue vinyls as the market grows. But Paul says you can pick up original, vintage copies at his store for much less than the supermarkets sell them. You can own a piece of history, support a small business as well as shop more sustainably. We must champion the individuality and celebrate the independence of our community. Local businesses are the heart and soul of our city and we should try to support them in any way that we can so that they are here to be enjoyed by generations to come. With thanks to Cardiff-based photographer and blogger Sin Mei Lam; www.cardifflocal.co; @cardifflocal

opposite: The Record Shop is filled with

equal parts records, character and quirk;

this page: Paul took over the three-

decade-old shop from his wife

“You’ll find rock stars rifling through the racks here”

Why not treat someone or yourself to a fabulous culinary experience as a Christmas present? We have an extensive schedule of courses planned for 2021. For full details, visit www.angelagray.co.uk/ course-listings

Would you like to sign up for our weekly Take Away Menus and our 2020 Festive Goodies and Hampers List? To be added to our mailing list please contact: angela@ angelagray.co.uk

Angela’s new book is hot off the press, containing anecdotes and best loved recipes from her Cookery School Take Away Bundles. Priced at just £9.99, it is packed full of goodies that not only give you something to look forward to, but also teach you new skills. Please get in touch for a signed copy.

Angela Gray’s Cookery School Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8GG 02922411303 | www.angelagray.co.uk | www.llanerch-vineyard.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK © ALE X SEDGMOND

SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

Is this fir real? Images of original Forbesfield designs have been embedded into Cocoa Therapy’s dark chocolate tiles

EDIBLE FLORALS Forget collaboration, this right here is a collision. Two local business founders – Beth Forbes-Simpson of floral design and styling studio Forbesfield, and Vicky McDonald of chocolatiers Cocoa Therapy, both based in Barry – have come together to create something beautiful. Here they tell us about their floral edibles which feature flora and foliage designs on high-quality chocolate slabs. How have these creations been developed?

It’s a magical process shrouded in mystery! We can only say that there’s lots of chocolate and beautiful flowers involved.

Oh come on, give us a hint as to how it’s done…

At its most simple, the collection is a range of ridiculously delicious solid chocolate tiles laden with edible flowers. The edible flowers are not illustrated – they are images of original Forbesfield designs – which are embedded into the dark, Venezuelan chocolate tiles made by Cocoa Therapy. Where can we find them?

They are retailing through the Forbesfield online shop, and we will be doing a pop-up at Cocoa Therapy on 10 December, so pop in and say hello. For more: www.forbesfield.co.uk and www.cocoatherapy.co.uk

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

TASTY BITES

Dean’s on cloud wine with his new business

A few foodie news morsels for you to chew on…

Sri Lankan delights await

YOU’RE THE WINE THAT I WANT Welcome Wine Fiend, a new online wine supplier in Llandaff. “We specialise in sustainable wines, mainly organic, biodynamic and natural,” says Dean Euden, director. “We sell wines from smaller producers that care about how they interact with the environment. These are wines which you won’t find in the supermarket and some you will struggle to find anywhere at all in the UK. “The near-future plan is to do pop-up bars around Cardiff in collaboration with some of the many amazing food businesses we have in the city. The idea is to get people trying these wines in the most fun and interactive way possible. There may even be a wine and movie night down the road…” For more: www.winefiend.co.uk

FESTIVE FEASTING

To keep spirits high through the festive period and beyond, Sri Lankan street food restaurant The Coconut Tree, on Mill Lane, will offer 50 per cent off their entire eat-in menu and all non-alcoholic drinks, Monday to Wednesday until the end of January. Their traditional Christmas menu will have a South Asian, island-inspired twist – think split sprouts with cashews, spicy devilled pigs in blankets, and beetroot pancakes with cranberry relish – and will be coupled with a laid-back, convivial atmosphere. “In the UK, Sri Lankan food is not as widely available or understood as, say, Indian or Chinese cuisine, and we want to help change that,” says brand director Anna Garrod. “Eat Out to Help Out gave people the confidence to try new things; we want to build on that momentum by extending the offer.” For more: www.thecoconut-tree.com

BOTTLED IT Lab Bottling Company (LBC) is a newly launched arm of the Lab 22 cocktail bar in Cardiﬀ’s city centre. They’ve released a range of cocktails – from Mulled Negronis to Diamond Grasshoppers – made in-house by the team. “We wanted to be able to bring Lab to your living rooms,” says Max Hayward of LBC. “We’ve diluted each drink to the perfect level using a variety of teas, meaning that the drinks are ready to enjoy straight from fridge to Shake that glass. We have stuck to our ethos of collaborating with local independents by sourcing the tea from Cardiﬀ’s Waterloo Tea – we believe that it’s more important now than ever to support indies.” For more: www.lab-bottling-company.myshopify.com

FOR THE FUND OF IT

ONE TO TRY

We can’t wait to indulge in The Ivy Cardiff’s Christmas cocktail menu. www.theivycardiff.com

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St Canna’s Ale House, on Llandaﬀ Road, is crowdfunding to raise money for a pergola in their beer garden. “Covid has hit all hospitality businesses hard,” says James Karran, owner and landlord of St Canna’s. “A pergola will create a viable all-yearround seating space in the beer garden, allowing us to welcome more customers and ensuring they are comfortable and safe.” The crowdfunder is running until 7 December, and they’re aiming to raise at least £12,000. For more: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-st-cannas-survive-the-virus

Join the St Canna crowd

FOOD & DRINK

DISCOVER DELICIOUS

We all know the value of shopping local, so we’ve scoured Discover Delicious – the largest online collection of Welsh food and drink – to share some of our favourite indie brands from the site who are based in and near to Cardiff. For more: www.discoverdelicious.wales

KEEP YOUR GIN UP Family-run Wally’s Delicatessen in Royal Arcade has launched its own gin – Wally’s Apple Strudel Gin – in homage to the business’s late founder, Wally Salamon “My father’s parents emigrated from Poland in the 1920s and settled in Austria where they ran a general store,” says Steven Salamon, Wally’s son, who now owns the deli. “In 1939, they emigrated from Austria as refugees and came to Cardiﬀ, bringing just a handful of possessions and a few family recipes. They opened a delicatessen which was later to become Wally’s. This gin is an authentic taste of Austria in a glass. The label shows a grainy image of Wally and his brothers sitting outside the general store in Austria which their parents ran.” Find the gin at Wally’s Liquor Cellar, in Cardiﬀ’s Castle Arcade, which sells an extensive range of craft whiskies, gins, rums, beers and wines. For more: www.wallysdeli.co.uk

SAVEG Pies

Earl’s Kitchen

Frustrated by a lack of dinner options in the local supermarket, Maria Marling and Marysia Thompson created their own veggie pie offering.

Jamaica-born Earl arrived in Cardiff as a teen and began his career in the catering industry, and he went on to create Barbados Sauce to bring a little sunshine to your plate.

The Welsh Cheese Co The company’s aim is to champion Wales’ talented cheese producers. Their Cheese Lover’s Gift Box is the perfect gift for a foodie.

Hard Lines Coffee This small, artisan coffee shop and roastery is passionate about keeping things fresh and fun, and they deliver straight to your door. Grande.

Hensol Castle Distillery

This is South Wales’ only full-scale gin distillery and bottling plant – based in cellars of the historic Hensol Castle – which also offers visitor experiences and a gin school.

SamosaCo The apple strudel flavour gin is, says Wally’s son, an authentic taste of Austria in a glass

Their secret Indian snack recipes have passed generations of taste testing. Their onion bhajee Scotch eggs are an interesting must-try.

Infusion 73 From this smallbatch distillery on the outskirts of the city centre comes Jin Caerdydd, crafted with botanicals found in the Cardiff area.

The Parsnipship Unique vegetarian and vegan food is The Parsnipship’s game. Their tasty treats can be found at farmers markets, food fairs, festivals and events all over the country.

Handcrafted Horsebox

A mobile bar company that delivers Welsh produce. Their Festive Spice Kits can be used to turn red wine, cider or even apple juice into a mulled treat.

Calon Lân Cakes They specialise in traditional bakes, and their Make Your Own Welsh Cakes kit allows you to recreate their famed recipe at home.

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RECIPES

CERYS’S CAWL

Cerys Matthews handpicked this traditional wintry Welsh dish to share with us from her cookbook Where the Wild Cooks Go. “I absolutely love cooking,” says the singer. “That’s why I created this book; it’s a go-to for anyone cooking for groups with different dietary requirements, with its variety of flexible recipes for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike.”

Ingredients 1 onion, chopped 1 leek, chopped Olive oil Salt and pepper 1 large carrot, chopped 1 large parsnip, chopped 400g swede, chopped 400g potato, chopped 2 sprigs of thyme 1.2 litres of water (plus vegetable stock cube optional) 1 x 400g cooked butter beans, with their liquid (or other peas/beans, like pre-cooked chickpeas, kidney beans, black eyed peas, peas or fava beans) A handful fresh parsley, chopped

Method • Put the onions and leeks in a pan with a glug of oil and sauté with a pinch of salt until soft, 10 minutes or so. • Stir in the rest of the peeled, chopped vegetables, the herbs and the water, bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer until the vegetables are all tender, around 30 minutes. • Add the butter beans with the liquid and stir through. Keep at a gentle simmer, season to taste. At this point it’s technically ready, but can be left now at the lowest setting, to wait for you. • Serve in bowls (traditionally wooden ones, with wooden spoons, but hey), sprinkle with chopped parsley. On the table, offer a chunk of cheese and the grater, and the salt and pepper.

Non-veg option: Add small pieces of browned lamb (fried up quickly in hot oil before you fry the onion, remove from pan and set aside, adding back in at step 2). Traditionally, cheap cuts like the neck were used, so the longer you simmer, the less tough the meat; taste to see and keep adding water if it gets too thick and risks catching at the bottom.

Where the Wild Cooks Go, published by Penguin; www.cerysmatthews.co.uk

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RECIPES

BEEF COBBLER Angela Gray, who runs a cookery school at Llanerch Vineyard, has brought out a new cookbook, Delicious Bundles. During lockdown, Angela began creating food ‘bundles’ which customers ordered online and ate at home. Thanks to their success, she decided to collate the bundles into a new cookbook. Here’s one of our favourites…

Ingredients 500g trimmed slow-cook cut of beef Seasoning 2 flat tsps sea salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 flat tsp garlic granules, 1 flat tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp sugar 1 tbsp plain flour Sunflower oil for frying 1 large onion, finely diced 200g smoked pancetta, diced 2 celery sticks, sliced 2 large carrots, chopped 4 cloves garlic, sliced 150g button mushrooms, sliced 2 stems of fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 300ml fruity red wine 500ml beef stock Sea salt and black pepper To thicken and flavour 1 dessertspoon of plain flour 1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard 1 dessertspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp tomato purée Scone topping 450g self-raising flour 1 tbsp baking powder 120g salted butter ½ tsp sea salt 150g extra mature cheddar, grated

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100ml soured cream 150ml milk 1 medium egg, beaten with 1 tbsp of water, for glazing 2 tbsp of chopped herbs, such as parsley, chives, thyme Method • Mix the seasoning ingredients and add the flour. Coat all the pieces of beef with the seasoned flour, reserving any excess flour for the sauce. • Heat 4 tbsp of oil in a pan and brown the beef in batches, making sure they sizzle as they hit the oil and are lightly browned all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a casserole/gratin dish. • Check the oil to make sure any sediment from cooking is not burnt; if it is, wipe out the pan and add 2 tbsp of fresh oil. • Add the onion, pancetta, celery and carrot. Cover with a lid and sweat for up to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. • Add the garlic, mushrooms, thyme stems and bay leaves, scraping up any sticky juices from the pan. Now add the wine and use this to dissolve any sticky bits. • Pour in the stock, add the beef and any resting juices into the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce to a slow simmer and pop the lid on. Cook slowly for about two hours, until the meat is soft. • Meanwhile, make the scones. Place the flour,

baking powder, butter and sea salt in a food processor and blend to a fine breadcrumb consistency. Add the herbs and three-quarters of the grated cheese and pulse to blend. Add the soured cream and half the milk, pulse to blend. Add enough of the remaining milk to form a firm but combined dough. • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and bring into a ball. Place in a bowl, cover with a cloth and leave to rest for around 20 minutes. • Next, thicken the beef. First, discard the thyme and bay, then mix all the ingredients, plus three tbsp of water, to make a smooth paste. Whisk this into the sauce. • After resting, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to about 3.5cm thick. Use a 7cm round cutter to cut out the scones and arrange on top of the beef. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle over the remaining cheese. • Place the cobbler on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C/Fan 150°C/ Gas 3 for 30-40 minutes or until the scones are golden. Delicious Bundles, published

by Graffeg; www. angelagray.co.uk

RECIPE IDEAS

THE LUNA COCKTAIL Vermut Bar on Westgate Street shares its take on a classic sour, which incorporates familiar festive flavours of brandy and orange, but with a Spanish twist Ingredients: • 50ml Alvear Vermut Rojo • 15ml Barbadillo Solera Reserva Brandy • 12.5ml gomme (2:1 sugar and water) • 25ml lemon juice • 1 egg white Method: • In a chilled cocktail shaker; add all ingredients and shake vigorously with ice • Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a stylish coupette glass • Add a slice of twisted orange peel to garnish • To make this vegan, substitute the egg white for 25ml of chickpea water www.ultracomida.co.uk

TRADITIONAL FRUIT CAKE

Cardiff-based military wife and TV cook Beca Lyne-Pirkis has just released her new cookbook Feeding My Army, which features everything from wartime hardship meals to fare fit for a prime minister. Every page delivers recipes inspired by her family’s experience of over a hundred years of army life... Ingredients (makes one 20cm/8-inch round cake) 200g dried cranberries 200g currants 200g sultanas 200g raisins 75g candied or mixed peel 125g glace/candied cherries 7-8 tbsp brandy/rum/sherry/whatever you fancy 1½ tbsp treacle zest of 1½ small lemons zest of 1½ small oranges juice of 1 small orange 225g butter 225g brown sugar 4 eggs 225g plain flour 1½ tsp mixed spice 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp ground cinnamon 40g ground almonds 60g slivered almonds Method • Preheat the oven to 130°C fan/150°C/gas mark • Grease and line a deep 20cm/8-inch cake tin with two layers of greaseproof paper, making sure that the paper comes up higher than the tin by an inch. I also wrap the outside of the tin with newspaper and tie it with string; this gives the cake extra protection for the slow bake.

• You can soak the dried fruit in the brandy and orange juice overnight if you like. Place all the dried fruit in a bowl and add the brandy, orange juice, zest and treacle. Give it a good stir and put to one side. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light in colour. Gradually add the eggs then the flour and spices. • Add the ground and slivered almonds to the fruit and brandy, and then pack the mixture into the cake tin. Make sure you press the mixture down as you’re filling the tin, ensuring there are no air holes. Smooth the top and then lightly cover the cake with a round of greased greaseproof paper with a small hole in the middle for you to test later with a skewer. • Place in the oven on the middle shelf and bake for 3½-4½ hours. The cake is ready when a skewer comes out clean. Once baked, leave to rest on a cooling rack. I leave it under a tea towel overnight. Gently remove from the tin and feed with brandy, about 1-2 tbsp should do the trick. Wrap it in double greaseproof paper and then double foil and place in a tin (it will ‘sweat’ in a Tupperware box). Keep it cool and feed with brandy regularly. I tend to make the cake at least three months ahead of the big day, just so that it has longer to mature and take on more brandy! I always cover the cake with marzipan and icing ahead of adding any decorations. Feeding my Army, published by published by Gomer; @becalynepirkis

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12 WINES OF CHRISTMAS, £120 On the 12th day of Christmas, Curado gives to you, a dozen bottles plucked from some of the ﬁnest wine producers and regions in Spain. From Curado, Westgate Street; www.curadobar.com

DOUBLED UP COOKIE, £45 A cookie base topped with broken cookie, buttercream, sauce, and a choice of your favourite Christmas chocolates. From Heavy Hand Bakes, Riverside; @heavyhandbakes

IN GOOD TASTE

If you’re in Christmas feasting mode, then take a look at our pick of treats – which you can of course choose to gift to others if you want, or you can keep them all to yourself and properly indulge – we give you full permission

BROMPTON COFFEE SCOOP AND CAKE SLICE, FROM £10 Luxe, gold kitchen accessories are a must at Christmastime, surely? From Lisa Valentine Home, Cardiﬀ; www. lisavalentinehome.co.uk

MULLED WINE LETTERBOX GIFT This gift box – ﬁlled with mulling spice, chocolate and biscuits – slips straight through the letterbox. From Bells & Roses, Grangetown; www.bellsandroses.co.uk

CHOCOLATE HEARTS AND CHOCOPOPS, FROM £7 Pastel-pretty chocolatey treats from Cardiﬀ baker Rhian Elyse Jones. From Elyse Bakes, Heath; @elysee_bakes

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ED’S CHOICE

WELSH PANTRY HAMPER, £95 Give a little slice of Wales, and support local makers with this ultimate antry hamper. From Penylan Pantry, Kimberley Road; www.penylanpantry.com

CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES, FROM £10 What says decadent more than edible pearls on your chocolate strawberries? All you need is someone to fan and feed you. From Strawberry Lolas, Cardiﬀ; @strawberrylolas SNACK BAGS, £8.50 Patiently panned by hand in store, these snack bags of chocolate coated loveliness are perfect for sharing... or not. From Cocoa Therapy, Barry; www.cocoatherapy.co.uk

HOME BAKING KIT, FROM £9.99 PostnBake offer letterboxsized ‘bake box’ packages featuring recipe cards and pre-portioned ingredients for the easiest muffins, cookies, Welsh cakes and brownies you’ve ever made. From PostnBake, Cardiff; www.postnbake.com

BLOSSOM & NECTAR HONEY, FROM £4.50 From Cardiﬀ-based hives, using only the surplus reserves – to keep the bees happy – comes this nonpasteurised, all-natural raw honey. From Blossom & Nectar, Pontcanna Mews; www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

GOURMET CHOCOLATE PIZZA SLICE, £1.90 A Belgian milk chocolate slice topped with a white chocolate rice ball, chocolate curls and finished with edible glitter. From Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

RISING STAR

Sean Rolinson of MARTYN PROWEL SOLICITORS is one to watch for the future

ean has expertise in dealing with a range of legal issues including medical negligence, civil disputes, divorce and children matters. Sean has found dealing with diverse cases beneficial in being able to provide advice to clients concerning a number of issues. Sean has provided pro-bono advice to homeless people and survivors of domestic abuse whereby he has strengthened ties with a number of charities including RISE (formally Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aid), BAWSO and BPM. Sean is well respected amongst his peers who recognise that his knowledge is well beyond his years of experience. Sean is a pivotal member of the Martyn Prowel team with his hard work and determination playing no small part in the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansion. n

Speak to a specialist today: 029 2047 0909 Email: enquiries@martynprowel.co.uk or visit us online at: www.martynprowel.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The new leadership team at PTH Enterprises Ltd: Tom Cooper, Paul Cooper & Hayley Huntley, photographed pre-Covid.

Passing the baton to the next generation A management buyout has seen an ambitious young leadership team assume control of a group of Cardiff-based businesses, which have passed down through nearly 50 years of family ownership.

ounding partner John Prosser established the original business Dacey Ltd in 1972. Initially, he hand-made footwear and surgical appliances to improve the quality of life of his father who had Polio. This developed into a local service, with John making and fitting his appliances to a group of his father’s disabled friends, before a local hospital became aware of his enterprise and commissioned a workshop to manufacture and fit his bespoke products to patients of the National Health Service in Wales. In 1995, John’s son-in-law, Bob Cooper, took over the original business and successfully expanded it, employing 125 staff in total. Bob successfully navigated the business through good and bad times, spanning a 25-year

period. On 1 November 2020, he passed the baton to his own children, with Paul (38), Tom (36) and Hayley (34), becoming the new owners of the family portfolio of healthcare businesses. Despite challenging times, the new ownership team have hit the ground running, forming a new holding company aptly named PTH Enterprises, which includes Dacey Orthotic Solutions, Orthotix, Ace Feet In Motion and a new venture launching in early 2021 called The Healthcare Hub. As part of the strategic restructure, Stuart Rees formerly orthotics manager at Dacey Ltd has been appointed as managing director of the rebranded Dacey Orthotic Solutions. Tom Cooper becomes managing director of both Ace Feet In Motion and The Healthcare Hub. Hayley Huntley moves into a directorship role at Orthotix and Paul Cooper steps up to Group CEO, assuming overall control. Paul is fully aware of the scepticism surrounding third generation owned family businesses; he says, “Following in the footsteps of my grandfather and father brings its own pressures, but I’m confident that we can build on the sterling work of our predecessors and buck the trend by achieving long-term sustainable growth.” Once the dust has settled post-Covid business disruption, the primary focus of the new owners will be to review outdated work policies and processes, with the aim of creating a healthier workplace culture with enhanced

employee engagement and job satisfaction. The ambitious group also plan to launch an innovative new concept called the The Healthcare Hub, which will see the first store open in their hometown village of Whitchurch in early 2021. Tom Cooper, managing director describes The Hub as an out-of-town high street experience providing a selection of clinical healthcare services including podiatry, combined with a modern retail environment, offering a range of medically approved products such as comfort footwear, orthopaedic supports and medical supplies. The driver for these aspiring siblings is simply to make their grandfather and father proud by continuing the upward growth trajectory of the business group, before they in turn, pass the baton on again to a fourth generation of this extraordinary family. ■

If you are a Healthcare Professional and would like to learn more about offering your services at The Hub, please get in touch enquiries@healthcare-hub.co.uk or visit www.healthcare-hub.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

SCENE

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

Archer wins the costume competition for us

Michael Nash Ross Martin and Friends

Guests soaked up the atmosphere

Nathan Jones

HELL MOTEL

The Shining was projected on the back wall to set the creepy tone

Motel Nights, a café, bar and events space in Canton, hosted a fancy dress event in October featuring 90s emo / punk rock music, and a projector set up to play The Shining on the wall. They even wrote redrum in fake blood across the mirror in the disco ball bathroom – a favourite spot for guest selﬁes because of its Instagrammable aesthetic. www.motelnights.co.uk Photos by Nathan Roach, Coal Poet Photography

The demon drink

Chloe Johnson and friend

Redrum was written in fake blood across the bathroom mirror 52 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Sian Prosser

Jay Page, Jordan Brown and Ana Li

PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES

The Botanist and Bombay Sapphire have collaborated to bring something special to Cardiﬀ this winter. Expect fairy lights and cosy nights at The Botanist Cardiﬀ’s new winter garden houses. The individual rooftop glasshouses are the perfect escape for you and your bubble. www.thebotanist.uk.com Ceeejay Spencer-Browne Nibbles on point

Victoria Scone

Laura Morris

Emily Cotterill

L-R Lorna Bolton, Shakira Obaid, Kim Pedlar and Anna Tindal

Stifyn Parri

SOCIETY

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Surrogacy, sussed Benjamin Delve of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS tells us about the legal requirements surrounding surrogacy

urrogacy is a form of assisted reproduction whereby a woman carries a baby through pregnancy on behalf of another person, or couple. This practice has increased significantly in the last decade, with statistics from the Family Court showing that the number of couples having children with the assistance of a surrogate mother has tripled. The law relating to the use of a surrogate parent vary from country to country, with surrogacy being an illegal practice in France and Germany, whilst commercial surrogacy is permitted in Russia. Whilst surrogacy is legal in England and Wales, anyone considering on embarking on the process should be aware of the following points: Surrogacy agreements are not legally binding. It is a common practice for intended parents and the surrogate to enter into a written agreement the terms of their arrangement. This can serve as a useful framework for the surrogacy and ensure

that all parties to the agreement understand, and accept, the terms. However, these agreements are not binding and, if breached, are not enforceable. Commercial surrogacy is not legal in the UK. In some countries, commercial surrogacy agencies charge huge fees for their services. However, in the United Kingdom, payments to the surrogate mother are limited to paying her reasonable expenses and it is recommended that these costs are agreed before starting the process. Who is the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal parent upon birth? When the child is born, the surrogate mother will be its legal parent. If the surrogate mother is married, or in a civil partnership, their partner may also have legal parentage. It is essential, therefore, that the intended parents obtain a parent order following the birth of the child, transferring legal parentage from the birth parents to the intended parents. â&#x2013;

Benjamin Delve

If you have any questions regarding surrogacy arrangements, including the rights of donors, please contact our Family Team on 02920 345511 or by email at family@berrysmith.com.

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS Legal & General will take over an eight-storey office space within The Interchange, Cardiff

Moving on up

egal & General, one of the largest private employers in Cardiff, has announced that it will relocate its two Group offices in Wales to a 120,000 sq.ft. facility in Cardiff’s Central Square as part of a wider £450m regeneration scheme. The move, which is planned to take place in early 2023, will see over 1,800 Legal & General employees relocate from existing offices in Cardiff to a modern, eight-storey office space within The Interchange. It will be located alongside the new BBC Cymru Wales broadcasting studio, HMRC and Cardiff Transport Interchange. The £140m Interchange building is the fifth phase of development in the Cardiff Square regeneration scheme which, in addition to office

space for Legal & General, will include 318 build to rent (BTR) homes and a 14-bay bus station. The scheme has been brought forward as a collaborative effort with government stakeholders and Cardiff-based developer Rightacres, creating a world-class regeneration project which sets the city apart as one of the UK’s leading places to live, work and invest. This announcement marks one of the largest office lettings in the UK this year and the stateof-the-art new office and associated services will provide staff with a collaborative, agile space to meet changes to working practices in the wake of Covid-19. “This is a landmark moment for Legal & General, bringing almost 2,000 of our people to a modern, state-of-the-art office space which

“THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MARKS ONE OF THE LARGEST OFFICE LETTINGS IN THE UK THIS YEAR” sits within one of our most iconic regeneration schemes,” says Nigel Wilson, chief executive of Legal & General. “We believe a new form of office has a key role in the future of towns and cities and creating a space which is pioneering and innovative and will continue to drive up productivity, collaboration and idea sharing.” For more: www.legalandgeneral.com

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Children’s author Eloise Williams will be judging the short-story competition

CARDIFFWORKS

Momentum continues to build for the Cardiff Life Awards as category sponsorship opportunities are snapped up, with companies reaping the benefits of the Another sold-out glittering high-profile event is on the horizon… event. Organisers are anticipating another sell-out celebration for the opportunities remain. The 2020 next Awards event, held on 13 May. Awards saw most of the categories The coveted platinum sponsorship sponsored way in advance of the big is once again taken by longstanding night, which sells out each year with partner Marsh Commercial, leading many on the waiting list. an already prestigious line-up of For sponsorship enquiries, contact Annie sponsors for 2021. Kelly annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk Few category sponsorship www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

CLASS ACT The finalists for this year’s Professional Teaching Awards have been announced, with several local schools being recognised. William Howlett of Albany Primary School in Cardiff is a finalist for the Headteacher of the Year category; Tracy Mills, at Barry’s Whitmore High School is up for Youth Work in Schools; and Victoria Carey of Mary Immaculate High School in Barry is in the Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School category. Over 100 education professionals were nominated back in 2019, and now the best of the best have been shortlisted ahead of the virtual ceremony taking place on 29 November. For more: www.facebook.com/educationwales

The Royal Mint Museum has announced a short-story competition for school children in Wales to mark 50 years since Decimalisation. February 2021 marks 50 years since Britain decimalised, changing from pounds, shillings and pence to the system used today. Celebrated children’s author and Children’s Laureate Wales Eloise Williams will be judging the competition – open to all pupils in years five and six – and the winning story will win a silver commemorative coin, Eloise Williams books, print publication for the author with a book set and digital workshop session for their school. Pupils are asked to write a short story of no more than 500 words inspired by Decimal Day in 1971. “I am thrilled to have been asked to judge this inspiring competition,” says Eloise Williams. “I grew up very near The Royal Mint and have such wonderful memories of Llantrisant. As Children’s Laureate Wales, I am very excited to encourage creative writing in young people. The key ingredients I am looking for are creativity and imagination.” The closing date for entries is 11 December and stories can be submitted digitally or posted to the Royal Mint Museum. For more: www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk

52 new exhibits have been introduced at Techniquest

Plenty of local schools have been recognised at This year’s Professional Teaching Awards

DOWN TO A SCIENCE This November, Techniquest in Cardiff Bay launched their new Science Capital project. After four years of planning and development, the wait for the hugely anticipated project is over, and now visitors can finally see the radically transformed centre, which consists of a significant extension, expanding the floor space by 60 per cent, and the introduction of 52 new exhibits. The project has been the biggest in nearly 34 years of Techniquest’s existence and promises to offer a whole new experience, including an earthquake

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

simulator, a virtual operating table and a remote-operated vehicle. “The Science Capital project will bring a new lease of life into our centre and offer brand-new experiences for our visitors,” says Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO at Techniquest. “As an educational charity, the past few months have been tough, having to temporarily close our doors and face a significant loss of income, but a personal ‘thank you’ goes to out to all for their support and patience during this time.” For more: www.techniquest.org

Warrior Women co-founders Charlotte and Amy

Cardiff-based female empowerment group Warrior Women Collective has raised over £5,000 through crowdfunding to support the expansion of its events and online offering which celebrates women. Co-founders of WWC, Charlie Morgan and Amy Holland, teamed up with a number of female-run businesses to offer rewards in return for financial support during the Natwest Back Her Business crowdfunding programme. “This year has been really exciting for us as we continue to diversify,” says Charlie. “The messages we have received from our tribe of female supporters has been really humbling and it has spurred us on even more to expand our offering.” For more: www.warriorwomencollective.co.uk

JOIN THE CLUB Our most recent Cardiff Life business Club, which took place on Zoom, was a Cardiff Night Time Economy special featuring disparate tales from: Richard Hyett at Cardiff Council, Anna Garrod at The Coconut Tree, Graeme Farrow at Wales Millennium Centre, and Jay Page at The Botanist Cardiff. Thank you to all of our speakers for the insights they shared. Tune into our next club, which is a Charities and Christmas Special, on 15 December. For more, see www. linkedin.com/company/ mediaclash

BITESIZE BITS

GO, GIRLS!

WATER GOOD IDEA

CMS Seaka – the game-changing buoyant beast – was built in Cardiff

The Marine Group has just launched its new water injection dredger CMS Seaka, built by their team in Cardiff. In the years to come, Seaka will be significant in maintaining the ports and marinas of South Wales and beyond. Seaka will be one of the most efficient water injection dredgers in the country, ideal for marinas and small ports where traditional dredging is uneconomic. For more: www.themarinegroup.co.uk

Party like it’s your birthday

Congratulations to Nestlings’ Nursery, in St Andrews Crescent, which has just celebrated its first business anniversary. www.nestlingsnursery.co.uk

Starter’s orders

There are two new starters at Martyn Prowel Solicitors in Queen Street. A big welcome to solicitor Kelly Pratt who works within the conveyancing and wills and probate department, and paralegal Rachel Fogg whose speciality is within the civil and family sectors. www.martynprowel.co.uk

Howdy, partner

Partner Martyn Davies has joined Harrison Clark Rickerbys to lead their corporate team in Cardiff, as part of the continued growth of the firm’s Welsh presence. “HCR has shown tremendous growth over the previous 10 years, its recent opening of the Welsh office and the recruitment of key people is testament to significant commitment to the local and Welsh market as a whole,” says Martyn. “The opportunity to be involved in such a successful firm was a significant factor in influencing my decision to join.” www.hcrlaw.com

DIFFERENT TUNE The team behind the highly successful Oasis One World Choir, a musical project for refugees, asylum seekers and the wider community that runs out of the Oasis Centre in Cardiff, is to launch a Community Interest Company (CIC) to lead the choir into an exciting new era. Project manager Tracy Pallant, facilitator Laura Bradshaw and choreographer June Campbell-Davies have formed the new entity to ensure a sustainable future for the project, which they describe as “a The Oasis One World Choir in action lifeline” for many refugees and asylum seekers. “The choir is an ever-changing to break down along the way, demonstrate group because people are regularly moved to how special this project is. It has positively and different parts of the UK suddenly,” says Tracy. powerfully influenced perceptions of society, “The chemistry of the wonderful people from music, the purpose of music-making and art. around the globe making music together, as For more: www.oasiscardiff.org well as the many barriers that the project seems

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CARDIFFWORKS

BIZ Q&A

Daniel Wilde We sat down for a frank chat with the head of employment law at Cardiff’s Harding Evans Solicitors… How would you sum up the practice in a nutshell? Harding Evans is one of Wales’ leading law ﬁrms providing a wide range of legal support to individuals and businesses across Wales and England. Can you tell us a little about its background… We have a 100-strong team of experienced solicitors who can help clients with any legal support they might need in their personal life or their business dealings. We have expertise covering all areas of the law – from employment law, commercial and dispute resolution, right through to conveyancing and personal injury, family law, wills and probate, clinical negligence and care.

How might you describe your key clientele? In my department, employment law, our commercial clients tend to be SMEs based largely in Wales and the South West though we also act for larger national clients. We also act on behalf of employees who may be facing legal issues with their employers. We can help with all types of employment law queries and have been especially busy during the pandemic as it has been such a challenging and confusing time for both employers and employees, with government support and advice constantly changing and evolving and many employers downsizing in response to the diﬃcult economic climate.

It’s been a challenging and confusing time for businesses lately

Daniel says employment law queries have been especially substantial during the pandemic

Any immediate / long-term plans in the pipeline? Since the start of the covid crisis, employers have been confronted with all sorts of challenges that they have never had to face before. To help owner-managed companies and smaller businesses investigate the legal implications around their staffing decisions, we’re introducing a fixed fee support service for businesses with less than 50 employees. This will allow them to secure expert legal advice at a fixed price and get answers to all their employment law-related questions throughout the pandemic. Talk us through a recent example that illustrates the work you do… We recently advised a large

BUSINESS CLUB

“WE’RE ONE OF WALES’ LEADING LAW FIRMS” national surveying firm on a range of cost-saving measures including redundancies, varying terms and conditions of employment and the imposition of furlough arrangements across the workforce. We had to advise urgently as this client’s business dropped off a cliff with the impact of lockdown and without fee income coming in, the business had to reduce costs urgently to avoid running out of cash. For more: Harding Evans Solicitors, Merthyr Road, Cardiff; www.hardingevans.com

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Cardiff Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 117

CARDIFF LIFE AWARD WINNERS Daughter-dad duo Chloe and Jeff want to help people live kinder, healthier and happier lives

Former Cardiff Devils star Jeff Smith launched bigmoose – a charity and non-profit coffee shop – as a legacy for his ice hockey friend Gary Cloonan (AKA ‘Moose’) who passed away while still young. The venture became a family affair; here, Jeff’s daughter, Chloe, who co-founded the project, tells us more… CAFÉ WINNER Congratulations on winning a Cardiff Life Award!

With the ceremony being online, we were unsure what to expect but it was so great and we loved being a part of it. When we heard our

name called, we couldn’t believe it! There were so many amazing businesses in our category so we were truly honoured to win.

those who struggle with their mental health, too.

Tell us a little about bigmoose…

Yes! My dad, me, my mum and sister are all involved.

The idea began in 2014 as a legacy for my dad’s best friend who we lost to cancer at aged 42. His name was Gary Cloonan, but Beautiful interiors he was nicknamed ‘Moose’ mirror bigmoose’s as he was a big, tall guy. Dad beautiful aims and Moose played ice hockey together; they had an amazing friendship, and when Moose died, Dad started bigmoose as a way of helping people to live happier, healthier and kinder lives. Tell us about the charity work you do…

We have worked with the homeless community of Cardiff, as well as with children with disabilities, and we do a lot of work with mental health. In 2018, we became a registered charity with our three-point plan of working with: homelessness, mental health and prevention of suicide. Our coffee shop is non-profit and is the trading entity off of the charity. We work to employ, train and mentor people who’ve experience homelessness and

It’s a really family-focused venture, isn’t it…

What do you think helped secure the Cardiff Life Award win?

We like to think that people are drawn towards our ethos of leaving the world better than we found it. Lots of people say that we are a safe space to go when the world gets too much.

How does being based in Cardiff benefit the work you do?

There is a real community feel in Cardiff and a lot of support for independents; it’s wonderful to see people changing their habits supporting us little guys. It really does mean the world to us. Any collaborations with other local businesses?

bigmoose’s ethos up in lights

Coffee Roasters – a small independent that supports survivors of modern-day slavery – and we work with Cole & Co who make our coffee-based candles. We also have all of our beer brewed by Boss Brewing.

We work closely with Manumit

Surprise us…

“OUR ETHOS IS TO LEAVE THE WORLD BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT”

For more: www.bigmoose.co and www.bigmoosecoffeecompany.co

Dad and I climbed Kilimanjaro together in 2010 when I was 15 and I became the youngest Welsh woman to summit! My dad then went on to summit mount Everest in 2017.

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PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

Residential

An artist’s impression of The Interchange, a multi-million pound project

NEW YEAR NEW HOME

Swanky Cottrell Gardens

Who wouldn’t want to start 2021 on a new note? How about in a new home? Overlooking the awardwinning Cottrell Park Golf Course, Bonvilston, in the scenic Vale of Glamorgan, is Cottrell Gardens: a bespoke collection new homes, by Acorn Property Group, finished to an exceptional standard and located within 20 minutes’ drive of Cardiff. Acorn Property Group are offering three of the five-bedroom houses, each priced at £790,000, with a guaranteed move-in date of January 2021. For more: www.acornpropertygroup.org

Cardiff Property Awards

DROP A NOM

Momentum is building for the second Cardiff Property Awards; it is open to any company working in the property scene in Cardiff, whether as an agent, developer, architect, designer or property-focused financial and legal company. Nominations are closing on 3 December and finalists will be revealed at midday on 9 December. For more: www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

Big changes

PROJECT PERFECT

Wales’ leading aluminium fabricator, Dudley’s Aluminium, continues to be instrumental in the redevelopment of Cardiff’s Central Square as it begins work on a major multi-million-pound project. The Cardiff-based company has secured the contract, worth in excess of £6million, with ISG and will also be working closely with Rightacres, the developer of Central Square, to ensure that the project continues to meet the high standards that are required for the multi-layered development. The Interchange is an innovative and modern build with a mixed use set of environments. In addition to housing the capital’s new state-of-the-art bus and coach station, the development will also provide dynamic office and residential accommodation in a key city centre location. “We are thrilled to have secured another major contract to work on the Central Square development,” says Colin Shorney, managing director at Dudley’s. “Having already been involved with all of the other buildings at the site since 2016, we are delighted to contribute again to such a prominent development for the city. We are proud to be involved.” For more: www.dudleys.uk.com

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INTERIORS

Glen Thomas Architecture wanted to have as much direct sunlight entering the new rear extension as possible. To achieve this, they constructed a narrow circular steel column inside the house, which allowed for an external wrap-around glazing solution, and they added full-height sliding aluminium frame glass doors

PONTCANNA HOUSE Take a look inside Pontcanna House, a Victorian property which has been given a modernisation makeover Words by Evelyn Green Photography by Richard Wood

adical and unashamedly contemporary are probably not the words you would normally apply to a Victorian property, but in the case of Pontcanna House, you can feel free to. The semi-detached home in, you guessed it, Pontcanna, has been given a modern overhaul by Penylanbased architectural design company Glen Thomas Architecture (GTA). “The new owners wanted a complete modernisation of the rear of the property by removing the additions to the house such as a lean-to and a conservatory,” says Glen Thomas who runs GTA, which specialises in contemporary extensions, contextual one-off designs, newbuild houses and multiple-house developments. “Alongside this, they wished for a sympathetic total refurbishment of the interior and a loft conversion. We embraced the challenge of designing clean, bright, sharp spaces while conserving and respecting the history of the original structure.” n For more: www.glenthomasarchitecture.co.uk

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

It was important for the kitchen to be seen as part of the fabric of the house, so GTA (with the help of Welsh manufacturer Sigma3 Kitchens) designed white, handleless furniture, and the tall units were buried into the wall. A three-metre island with a solid oak breakfast bar became the focus of the social, well-used space, with dual aspects through the main core of the property and to the dining/living areas

In the loft wetroom, large velux rooflights ensured an abundance of daylight. The 2.5m long polished concrete sink was bespoke, formed by Penarth duo Concrete Carrot, and the shower enclosure’s turquoise tiles were set off with concrete and oak furniture

Circulation and clear sight lines are critical to all of GTA’s work. To achieve an uncluttered view that gave an honest sense of scale, walls were removed through the length of the ground floor. Crittall-style industrial glass doors were installed to allow the rooms to be shut off from sound and smell while still allowing light to flood the otherwise dark central rooms

A minimal colour palette was adopted, and huge ‘concrete’ grey porcelain floor tiles were added

Simplicity combined with the richness of the restored original brick chimney breast and solid oak clad beams gave the bedroom area a tranquil, intimate atmosphere

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CARDIFF LIVES Sister Aelred, centre, of The Poor Clares of Arundel

TOM LEWIS, CO-MD AT DECCA RECORDS

SISTER ACT A community of nuns bring ancient music to the 21st century. Here we speak to Sister Aelred Casey, from Cardiff, about the new album In October, The Poor Clares of Arundel – a community of nuns – were signed by Decca Records and released their debut album Light for the World, a soundtrack produced for the headphone generation. Their ancient plainchant music has been sonically designed with added modern beats as the ultimate spiritual antidote to the stresses for modern life.

How did the record deal come about? In the spring of 2019, we received

an email from musician and composer James Morgan. He and his wife were looking for a religious community who would collaborate with them to make an album for Decca Records. The idea was that traditional plainchant would be sung by us, with a modern musical backing added. This kind of music was a new concept for us, and the notion that our singing could ever be good enough for the prestigious Decca label seemed so fanciful as to be funny!

“Our music could reach perhaps millions of people” 66 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“The magical, calming qualities of Gregorian Chant regularly re-emerge and enjoy worldwide popularity. It is music that soothes something ancient within us all. And, with the world facing so many concurrent challenges, it’s no accident that chant is back again. When we first heard the demos from The Poor Clares of Arundel, we were transfixed. Theirs is a brand-new approach, perfectly designed for the headphone-wearing masses looking for a moment of escape.”

What happened from there?

The idea could have died the death there and then, but one sensible sister suggested that as James lived not far away, why not ask him to come ‘incognito’ to evening prayer one night and see what he thought. If it was not going to work, he could go away without further questions. He didn’t go away. So your arms were twisted?

The idea that the music could reach perhaps millions of people was the deciding factor. Could you tell us your story of joining the Poor Clares?

I joined straight from Grammar School. I had known since I was quite small that this was what I wanted to do. I’ve lived this life for nearly 60 years now, and it has been all I hoped for and more, though tough sometimes. What’s your typical day?

It begins at 5.30am and ends at 8.30pm. It’s balanced between work, prayer, reading and relaxation. We have a large and lovely garden. We aim at a prayerful silence, with the idea being that our minds and hearts are free for communion with God. At lunch and supper we are read to, and we can suggest books – it’s

one of my favourite moments in the day. We end the day with night prayer, a lovely time where everything we have lived that day is given to God. Tell us about your memories of growing up in Cardiff…

My dad’s family, the Caseys, were from Splott. He was one of seven, and his three sisters taught in St Alban’s school. I think they were a bit of an institution! Mum hailed from Canton. My parents lived first in Cyncoed and then moved to Penarth where my dad was headmaster of St Joseph’s Primary School. We loved Penarth, swimming in the rain, cycling to Lavernock after school, and collecting primroses along the Sully Road. When Dad got the headship of a big new school in Lancashire when I was 11, and we moved up North, I felt a huge inner loss that I could not put into words. I grieved for my Welsh roots. That love for Wales will never go away, and I thank God for it. n Light for the World by the Poor Clares of Arundel is out now on Decca Records; www.decca.com

Cardiff Life - Issue 229

Articles inside

RECIPES From Cerys Matthews, Angela Gray and Beca Lyne-Pirkis

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

SHOWCASE Pontcanna House gets an ultra-modern facelift by Glen Thomas Architecture

ED’S CHOICE Scrumptious picks to give as gifts or to keep to yourself – we don’t judge

and chocolate FOOD NEWS A few newsy nibbles for you to chew on

PROPERTY NEWS Our pick of the most interesting stories on the scene

INTRO A one-of-a-kind festive collaboration featuring flowers

ALL PRESENT AND CORRECT

WHAT’S ON

CERYS MATTHEWS On new music, Christmas plans and why she loves Cardiff

MISTLETOE AND MAGIC

Decoration inspiration TALKING SHOP A new section, shining a spotlight on local

INTRO A dog’s trail in the city

HOME SKETCH Efa Lois draws on her love of Cardiff