Cardiff Life – Issue 240 by MediaClash

ISSUE 240 / SUMMER 2021 / £3

@CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 240 / SUMMER 2021 / GO ON, BOYS!

INDIE CITY

WHERE WOULD THE CITY BE WITHOUT ITS INDEPENDENTS? TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES

DISH IT OUT

SUMMERY PLATES OF DELICIOUSNESS FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS

MAKE ME OVER

PICTURE THIS EVENTS ARE BACK, AND WE’VE BEEN SNAPPING THEM

ALL I DO IS WIN

GET EXCITED FOR THE MOST GLAMOROUS EVENT OF THE YEAR, HERE COME THE CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

PUSHING BOUNDARIES

OVERHAULING A VICTORIAN TOWNHOUSE IN LLANISHEN INTO A THING OF BEAUTY

LOCAL SINGER’S MUSIC-MEETS-SCIENCE EXPERIMENT SEES HER SONGS PLAYED BY ASTRONAUTS IN SPACE

TEAM SPIRIT WELSH FORMER LIONS PLAYERS HAVE TEAMED UP WITH CARDIFF DISTILLERY TO LAUNCH THEIR RANGE OF PREMIUM SPIRITS

@NJIASONGANYI

EDITOR’S LETTER

here would Cardiff be without its independent businesses? It’s not worth thinking about really, is it? Choosing to shop at the indies rather than putting your money into corporate giant chains is highervibe spending; it makes you feel good, and it does good. With July being Independent Retailer Month, we’ve been getting stuck into shopping local, as if we needed an excuse, and discovering how small businesses are absolutely bossing it. Turn to page 8 to explore some of our favourite one-off, hyperlocal, cooler-than-cool indies – run by real people, not by algorithms or boards – who are behind interesting concepts and inspiring ideas and who give the city its shape, texture, colour, and taste... quite literally. Elsewhere, we’ve got our Cardiff Life Awards 2021 preview, giving an insight into what’s coming up at our in-person, glamorous event on 30 September at City Hall (page 55). And, talking of real-life gatherings and goings on, we have some snazzy events in this issue, including the launch of The Collective Spirits Co, a new premium drinks brand from a team made up of former Lions players Mike Phillips, James Hook, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne, as well as Cardiff Distillery (page 44). We also bring you: the most summery dishes around (page 37); a Victorian home renovation with lashings of floral décor inspiration from The Ivy Cardiff (page 46); and we’ve chatted with Cardiff indie-folk musician Sally Robinson who has managed to get her songs played in the most jawdropping settings, including at volcanos around the world and by astronauts in space (page 66). See you in three weeks! #CardiffTogether, always

a fath o ddinas fyddai Caerdydd heb ei busnesau annibynnol? Mae’n anodd dychmygu hynny, a dweud y gwir. Mae dewis siopa mewn busnesau annibynnol yn hytrach na rhoi eich arian i gorfforaethau enfawr yn ffordd o wario sy’n rhoi mwy o wefr; mae’n gwneud i chi deimlo’n dda, ac mae’n arfer da hefyd. Mae Gorffennaf yn Fis Manwerthwyr Annibynnol, felly rydym wedi bod yn brysur yn siopa’n lleol (doedd dim angen llawer o berswâd arnom!) ac wedi bod yn darganfod sut mae busnesau bach yn gwneud eu marc. Trowch i dudalen 8 i weld rhai o’n hoff siopau annibynnol unigryw, hyperleol a ffasiynol – a gaiff eu rhedeg gan bobl go iawn yn hytrach nag algorithmau neu fyrddau – sy’n meddwl am syniadau diddorol ac ysbrydoledig ac sy’n rhoi i’r ddinas ei ffurf, ei gwead, ei lliw a’i blas... yn llythrennol. Fel arall, rydym yn bwrw golwg ymlaen llaw ar Wobrau Cardiff Life 2021 ac ar yr hyn sydd i ddod yn ein digwyddiad crand wyneb yn wyneb a gynhelir yn Neuadd y Ddinas ar 30 Medi (ar dudalen 55). Ac, o sôn am ddigwyddiadau a chynulliadau go iawn, rydym yn rhoi sylw i ambell un cyffrous yn y rhifyn hwn, gan gynnwys digwyddiad i lansio The Collective Spirits Co, sef brand newydd sbon o wirodydd heb eu hail gan dîm sy’n cynnwys y cyn-Lewod Mike Phillips, James Hook, Shane Williams a Lee Byrne yn ogystal â Distyllfa Caerdydd (ar dudalen 44). Rydym hefyd yn rhoi sylw i rai o seigiau mwyaf blasus yr haf (ar dudalen 37) a phrosiect adnewyddu cartref o oes Fictoria, sydd wedi’i ysbrydoli gan ddecor blodeuog The Ivy yng Nghaerdydd (ar dudalen 46); ac rydym wedi bod yn sgwrsio â Sally Robinson, y cerddor indi-gwerin o Gaerdydd, sydd wedi llwyddo i gael ei chaneuon wedi’u chwarae mewn lleoliadau rhyfeddol, sy’n cynnwys ar losgfynyddoedd o amgylch y byd a chan ofodwyr yn y gofod (ar dudalen 66). Welwn ni chi ymhen tair wythnos! #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

Cardiff’s Dati clothing create fashion items from zerowaste scraps of material, forming sustainable masterpieces (as pictured). See their work on page 8, along with around 60 other inventive independent businesses

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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Take a look at some of our favourite indie businesses such as Fizz Goes Pop

Issue 240 / Summer 2021 COVER Former Wales and British & Irish Lions players James Hook, Shane Williams, Lee Byrne and Mike Phillips (not pictured) have teamed up with Cardiff Distillery to launch a range of premium spirits under the name The Collective Spirits Co. Turn to page 44 for more. Photography by Lowe Film & Photo Ltd.

FEATURES

8 SMALL WONDERS Cardiff is bursting with unique, © FIZ Z GOES POP

one-off independent businesses, and these are some of our favourites

THE ARTS

17 ARTS INTRO The Royal Welsh College of Music

& Drama is marking a decade of its world-class performance facilities 18 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and upcoming events, it’s all going on in Cardiff

SHOPPING

24 EDITOR’S CHOICE Our pick of all-local beautiful

blue gifts

LIFESTYLE

27 HEALTH & BEAUTY Our review of the sanctuary

that is Marine Spa at voco St David’s

FOOD & DRINK

29 BREAD OF HEAVEN Indie bakeries serving up the

most delectable treats

31 WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

A new street food and cocktail bar is turning heads

32 RESTAURANT REVIEW Testing out the filthiest of

meals, and, surprise, it’s vegan

37 TRY 5 Our pick of the sunniest dishes to try right now

PROPERTY

46 RESIDENCE A look inside an eclectic renovated

Victorian townhouse in Llanishen

BUSINESS

51 CARDIFF WORKS News and views and awesome

local businesses

55 THE CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2021 Get excited for

the most glamorous event of the year

REGULARS Tidy Kitchen always hits the spot

7 SPOTLIGHT Just a handful of feel-good stories 21 WYBURN AND WAYNE Our columnists talk pop-ups 41 SCENE Snapping three of the city’s newest launches 66 CARDIFF LIVES Local singer’s songs are played by

astronauts in space, and at volcanos around the world

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, Jane Cook 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

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

M O ! N RO PE W O O S H OW N

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT Just for fun

LIFE IS A ROLLERCOASTER

Following the hugely successful opening of Zip World – the fastest zip-line in the world, which has already welcomed over 10,000 visitors since it opened in April – comes a European-first rollercoaster. The Tower Coaster, which launched at Zip World Tower in the Rhigos mountain range on 3 July, represents the next stage in the evolution of South Wales’s exciting new tourism offering. It’s an industrial-style toboggan rollercoaster on which visitors can soar around the historic and iconic Tower Colliery site along a one-km track, and it can reach speeds of up to 25mph. With tunnels, banked corners, dips and peaks, the Tower Coaster is an exhilarating way to see, up close, what was once the oldest continuously working deep coal mine in the UK. For more: www.zipworld.co.uk

The Tower Coaster is a European-first

The arts

EXHIBIT A

Business

Thick-Skinned by Rebecca Moss,

FOR Cardiff has been elected as Cardiff’s Business Improvement District (BID) for the second time. After receiving 300 yes votes, the renewal ballot saw FOR Cardiff get the green light to deliver their ambitious plans to help the capital recover post pandemic. More than £7 million will now be invested in the city over the next five years to help improve it. These include FOR Cardiff have plans to become one of grand plans for the city the UK’s first equality cities, launch a university intern scheme, invest in arts and culture, and a challenge fund. Since 2016, FOR Cardiff have run a range of campaigns and events which have helped to increase footfall, dwell time and consumer spending in the city centre – and the team intend to get back to business and build on their previous successes as Cardiff’s BID. “We’re thrilled that the BID has the support of so many businesses throughout the city centre,” says Huw Llewellyn, FOR Cardiff’s chair of the board. “We represent such a diverse and expansive range of businesses, and we worked closely with them to develop a new five-year plan based on their feedback and suggestions.” For more: www.forcardiff.com

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CITY SAYS YES

A huge new exhibition has launched in Cardiff. Survey II, a national partnership exhibition led by Jerwood Arts, brings together new work by 10 early-career artists, whose practice spans from photography and moving-image to sculpture and sound installation. The exhibition launched at g39 in Cardiff ( 2 July – 11 September), bringing this major presentation of work by some of the most exciting talents to the Welsh capital for its premiere. It’s anticipated that many of the artists will respond to the times we are currently living through, with the works having been begun during a turbulent and fraught 2020 and further developed in an equally difficult early 2021. Established by Jerwood Arts in 2018, Survey II is the second edition of a group exhibition that presents new work from some of the most outstanding artists in the first stages of their careers in the UK. For more: www.jerwoodarts.org

SHOP TO IT! INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

here would Cardiff be without its independent businesses? It’s not worth thinking about really, is it? Choosing to shop at the indies rather than putting your money into corporate giant chains is higher-vibe spending; it makes you feel good, and it does good. With July being Independent Retailer Month, we’ve been getting stuck into shopping local, as if we needed an excuse, and discovering how small businesses are absolutely bossing it. Here’s our pick of more than 60 brilliant small businesses, but that’s still just a drop in the indie ocean as there are thousands of them in the city alone, all of which deserve a spotlight. Just as well, then, that we celebrate local shops in every issue of Cardiff Life we publish…

The local area is positively bursting with eclectic, oneoff indie businesses. Here are more than 60 of our favourites… By Lisa Evans

What’s new? “I have pop-ups happening across the UK, including on Oxford Street in London,” she says. Llandaff; www.duxfordstudios.com

KITI

It’s an independent fashion retailer with a unique edit of collections sourced worldwide, selling items from global fashion houses here in Cardiff. “We launched in 2015 and are proud to be a bi-lingual business,” says Gwenno Davies, owner. Surprise us: “Kiti’s customer base includes stars from Dr Who, Sex Education, His Dark Materials and other high-profile individuals, and costume designers often use our stock.” Pontcanna; www.kiticymru.com

FASHION & ACCESSORIES Dati Clothing

Pronounced da-tee, meaning ‘good on you’ in Welsh, this business, run by sisters Sarah and Julia, acts as a call to ‘be good’ and ‘look good’, as well as challenging all of us to buy in a more considered way. They are most well known for producing one-off zero-waste pieces, created from leftover fabric and recycled cotton, which are designed for all to wear, regardless of gender, race, age, ethnicity or religion. In 2016, they set up The Sustainable Studio in Cardiff Bay as a centre for supporting and promoting the creative sector in Wales. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do, from garment construction, to the way the studio is run, aiming to collectively reduce their impact on the environment. Tell us more: “For the last 15 years, we have been focused on working with grassroots organisations that represent the BAME and LGBTQ+ community,” says Sarah. “We certainly don’t create clothes the easy way. Lots of pieces are sewn together from scraps, and, like a puzzle, they’re consciously made and put back together. We consider every detail, from the recycled thread, to the reuse of a button.” Cardiff Bay; www.daticlothing.co.uk

DUXFORD STUDIOS

Jewellery designer Esme Rogers-Evans creates hand-crafted wearable art with a focus on quality and tactility, all cast in recycled, sustainable sterling silver and 18 carat gold vermeil. Drawing inspiration from the human form, contemporary culture and the sensation of touch, these are satisfyingly weighty, thought provoking statement pieces.

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Kiti in Pontcanna sells items from global fashion houses

“One of my favourite things about independents is discovering these one-off, timeless, quirky products”

This recent fashion collection celebrates the many diverse multicultural strands that influence and connect Cardiff’s Dati clothing

INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

left: Dati clothing is made from zero-waste scraps of material; below: The colourful and contemporary Whim Wham stocks quirky European brands

FIZZ GOES POP

Lizzie Iafrate’s look-at-me jewellery brand, which has graced the pages of British Vogue, is all about her love for colour and craft. From her studio in Roath, she creates playful, vibrant accessories – from juicy mirror Perspex jewellery or bold monogram and letter plaques – for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement. Her business MORE INDIE FASHION is online, but her Cardiffbased stockists include Whim SHOPS TO LOVE… Wham, Ripple Living and Flamingoes Vintage, Capitol Oriel Gallery. Shopping Centre Surprise us: “I’d never Diba Handmade, Morgan Arcade laser-cut a single thing myself The Box Edit Boutique, Barry before investing in my laserLima Lima Jewellery, Cardiff cut machine; it was a huge Rachel Burgess Bridal leap of faith, and it nearly Boutique, Penarth broke me, but I did it!” Calon Rhiwbeina Boutique, Rhiwbina Roath; www.fizzgoespop.com Bryls Boutique, Barry

HOME, LIFESTYLE AND GIFTS SPILLERS RECORDS

local curated artisan products, many of which are made using honey and beeswax from Tams’ own beehive. There’s: honey gin, skincare, handmade soap, beeswax candles, loose leaf tea, jewellery, and bespoke fine bone china. Pontcanna Mews; www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

WHIM WHAM

“My daughter lives in Amsterdam and I am hugely influenced by shopping there,” says owner Jan Williams. “My visits there are scouting missions for new brands for both Whim Wham and my lifestyle shop Beti Biggs (Beti Biggs was my mother’s maiden name) in Pontcanna which will be 10 years old next year. Whim Wham is very colourful and contemporary and I stock European brands including glasses from France, jewellery from Spain, homeware from The Netherlands and baby shoes from Wales. Fun fact: “When I was a child, if I asked what was for tea, my mother would tell us it was ‘doolally flaps with whim whams’, and a whim wham is, apparently, a decorative object or trinket, so a perfect name for a gift shop I thought.” Pontcanna; www.whimwhamcardiff.com

THE CONTENT HUB

HAMPTONS

A two-floor haven of unique, design-led home furnishings, interior accessories, fashion items and gifts, set in an elegantly converted former Victorian market. It’s also home to the new Hamptons Food Hall where you’ll find a range of tasty products from small, artisan producers. Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

New to Cardiff, and the first business of its kind in Wales, is The Content Hub, an immersive ‘selfie’ experience, here until August. “This is our first and only venture,” says founder Lisa Harding. “With 15 unique set ups and the coolest backdrops in Wales, it’s the perfect place to shoot marketing content or take fun snaps with friends! Dive into our pearlescent pearl pit, get groovy in our disco ball emporium, or pose in our life-size barbie doll box – creativity is limitless at The Content Hub. We’re also available for private hire, so you can host the best birthday party in town. We’re iPhone friendly, but you can also hire professional photographers when you book with us. It’s a strictly fun and nonjudgemental zone!” St David’s Centre; www.contenthubcreative.com

BLOSSOM & NECTAR

TY DECO

It’s the world’s oldest record shop, and was established in 1894 by Henry Spiller. It dates back to the sale of phonographs, wax cylinders, and ceramic phonograph discs. Morgan Arcade; www.spillersrecords.uk

Run by ethical beekeeper and eco warrior Tams Ford, where she can be found making the in-house products in the backroom, this ‘happy place’ shop is all about wellbeing and looking after nature so it can look after us. It promotes a pesticide- and chemical-free way of life with its

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These guys curate collections of low-maintenance houseplants and timeless, functional homeware based on mindful design. They’re based Cardiff, online only, but you can find them every last Saturday of the month at Pontyclun Market.

SADLER JONES This one’s a proudly small and friendly lifestyle store full of affordable luxuries such as homeware, stationery, accessories, apparel and beauty. “Shopping with us not only supports our small business, but also all our lovely, independent suppliers,” says Cath Jones, the owner and award-winning designer. “I originally launched it as a way to offer my contemporary greeting card designs for all sorts of special occasions, and it grew from there.” Fun fact: “Our greetings card collection is designed in-house and is stocked by Oliver Bonas, Selfridges, Anthropologie, Skinnydip and by a number of lovely independent shops all over the world.” Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

Cath of Sadler Jones, in Barry, enjoying a rare break from her busy life

“Our collection is stocked by Selfridges, Anthropologie, and by lovely independent shops all over the world”

Emily Michael who runs The Sho gallery and shop at The Castle Emporium – a hub for indies

Surprise us: “We look after all the plants in our own home, so when we

had our first order of 560 plants, we couldn’t use our living room for a week!” says owner Kiran Bejawn. Church Village; www.tydeco.co.uk

TABITHA EVE

They create beautiful, reusable products – from compostable plasticfree kitchen sponges to solid shampoo – that help you easily live a more eco-friendly and zero-waste lifestyle. Fun fact: “We’ve stopped over one million single-use items going to landfill,” says Debbie Rees, director. Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk

SHROOT

This new business in Penarth, run by Jude Cook and Carolyn Davies, sells Greens & Greetings – postable greetings cards and plant pots in one, containing everything needed to grow microgreens. “We started selling our greetings online in January,” says Carolyn. “We’ve also recently started supplying independent shops (like Hamptons in Penarth, our first stockist) and garden centres too.” What’s new? “We’re developing ideas for novel plant-based gifts, and expanding to offer customisable corporate gifts, incorporating the companies’ colours, logos and messages.” Penarth; www.shroot.co.uk

SWIMADELICA

“My friend Clare and I started Swimadelica during lockdown,” says Sophie Morgan. “We work in the events industry, which has had a tricky year, so we focused our efforts into something we love – a shop selling gifts – such as art, books and accessories – for keen swimmers. Wild swimming has seen a huge surge in popularity since lockdown and

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the swim community is fantastic. I joined a group set up in lockdown called the Taffy Dippers who regularly swim in the river Taff.” What’s new? “We have just launched Lidofest – a new festival at a Lido in London; the plan being to roll it out across lots of lidos, including Ponty, in the future. Llandaff; www.swimadelica.com

MWNCI

This local business (translating to ‘monkey’ from Welsh) produces eco-friendly wooden toys and resources for children that promote the Welsh language. “Mwnci is the only business I run, but I do so alongside my existing career as a professional singer,” says Aled Powys Williams, director. “Some might recognise me from MORE LIFESTYLE being a former member of SHOPS TO LOVE… the classical Brit AwardTreat Pontcanna, Kings Road winning vocal group Only Illustrate Cardiff, Morgan Arcade Men Aloud. Mwnci was Folk Gather Here, Cowbridge inspired by our own little Annie and Lolo, Barry two ‘monkeys’ Gwen and Eartha plant shop, City Road Morgan (three and one at BrodieDavies, Cardiff the time) as we felt there was The Wire Room, Cardiff nothing out there in terms of Ripple Living, Albany Road toys that they could play with Nest Cardiff, Heol-Y-Deri through the medium Lisa Valentine Home, Cardiff of Welsh.” Zac & Bella, Barry What’s in the pipeline?

“We have a pop-up store in John Lewis Cardiff later this year.” Llandaff North; www.mwnci.co

Pen & Paper stationery, Royal Arcade Stwff-Stuff, Cowbridge Barney and Beau, Pontcanna

INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES SHOPPING HUBS

community garden so it’s great for our markets and events as we are able to operate outdoors and maintain social distancing,” says Jodie Driscoll, MD. “At our last market we had a Cardiff legend DJ Potter This indie shopping parade features awesome varied small businesses, spinning some tunes and it really added to the atmosphere it was lovely from a gourmet doughnut shop, and an urban jungle plant store, to a to see families having a little dance with bike workshop serving craft beer and wines. their children.” The parade was set up to cater the needs of the local community, especially during HUGE NEW LAUNCH What’s new: “Fresh & Wild market at The the pandemic. “It has become a hub for the Bone Yard is now weekly so you can stock 15:17 local community creating life and vibrancy up with amazing local food producers This is a brand-new opening, which its social during the lockdown,” says Shaz Haris who every Sunday.” media manager Lee Hatim tells us all about: orchestrated the renewal of the parade. Paper Mill Road, “Imagine a department store where alongside Lakeside; @Clearwaterparade www.shippingcontainerstudios.co.uk shopping you can take an exercise class, see your

CLEARWATER PARADE

THE CASTLE EMPORIUM

It’s an independent shopping hub filled with a community of edgy entrepreneurs – from a skate store and a radical bookshop to a metaphysical shop and an art gallery – based in a converted 20s cinema. What’s new? “We’re currently expanding and have lots of room for more indies, with our most recent addition being Vegato, specialising in Sicilian foods,” says Emily Michael, manager. Womanby Street; www.thecastleemporium.co.uk

THE BONE YARD

This market was founded in 2015 and is located on a large former industrial site, on which you’ll find 10 shipping containers filled with artists, makers, a succulent emporium, and creators, plus an al fresco pizzeria and continuous creative workshops. “It’s a really exciting community of makers and we are lucky to have a large yard space with a

optician, meet friends for lunch, attend a fashion show, have your hair done, take the kids to soft play and even post a parcel while collecting your weekly veg box from the local farmers’ market. It’s a space designed to bring leisure, pleasure and service back to the high street. “We are not just a concession space, we offer experiences and services that draw people in for a few hours and not just a quick one-off purchase. This is a community within a community all under one roof, featuring so many amazing local small businesses, including: Crystal Rose UK; Barry and Penarth women’s boutique The Bees Knees; local artist Jess Toose showcasing her amazing landscape works; and the sparkling crystal couture shoe boutique. We also have menswear, children’s gifts, a beauty hall, and the incredible Fresh, Local & Wild artisan food hall.” Fun fact: “We will have 24 independent department stores by the end of the year, supporting an incredible amount of amazing UK small businesses, but Cardiff is our flagship store.” Queen Street; www.15-17.co.uk

CARDIFF INDIE COLLECTIVE

This is Cardiff’s online directory of local independent businesses – the simple way to shop locally. “We’ve currently got around 60 indies in the collective in 13 different categories including clothing, homeware, activities, jewellery, wellbeing, and art,” says Rhian Pitt, founder. “Businesses include Matico, Katherine Jones Design, Sarah Glazier Ceramics, and VinVan Caerdydd. Fun fact: “This year, we are looking to host more workshops as well as social and networking events in Cardiff to encourage more people to shop local.” Cardiff; www.cardiffindiecollective.co.uk

GOODSHEDS

It’s a unique ‘container’ village offering food, retail therapy, gym facilities and a place to sleep (with luxury serviced apartments). It’s stacked with indie-only businesses and, as director Simon Baston says, “Aims to be the first urban hight street in the UK that reflects what an independent-minded person will need in terms of the way they live, work and play.” The awesome, edgy small businesses there are based in former shipping containers and converted train carriages. There’s Crafted Arts who make personalised jewellery; they have a fingerprint scanner in the shop, to be used by children or adults, and the jewellery can be engraved with the prints as you wait. They can also engrave handwriting and children’s drawings too. We also love Fussy Home Vintage, a curated vintage lifestyle boutique specialising in a pick ’n’ mix one-of-a-kind eccentric clothing, homeware and accessories; and Wild Meadow Floral – whose name gives the game away – has a style that is wild, free and anything but mainstream, designing flowers for all occasions. Barry; www.goodshedsbarry.co.uk

INSOLE COURT

This one’s a charitable Trust committed to the preservation of Insole Court mansion, its outbuildings and grounds. The gift shop has grown with the business and serves the community with locally sourced goodies and souvenirs. The shop is only one arm of the business; there’s also a café, a pre-loved book shop in their Butler’s Pantry (Butler’s Books) and their main income generator is their room hire business for weddings, conferences, co-working desk hire and community events, with an in-house catering team on hand. Tell us more: “Our best products come from local suppliers: Insole Court Honey, Shnwcs, Bee Better Wraps, Lark Design Make, Flowers I Do, Mwnci, Oh My Socks, and Vision 21,” says Heledd Jones, bookings manager at Insole. Llandaff; www.insolecourt.org The Junction serving on-the-go coffee from a drive-thru at Goodsheds

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INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

Mallows Beauty recently opened their very first store

FOOD AND DRINK SHEFFS

Sheffs was started when Jeff Barry merged his business, Cymru Confectionery, with his now business partner Michelle Davies’ venture, The Welsh Shortbread company. “We decided to join forces as we used similar equipment and ingredients,” says Jeff. “At our flagship store you’ll find handmade shortbread, fudge and confectionery alongside artisan tea, preserves, honey, coffee, candles and cheese, all available in gift hampers filled and wrapped on site.” What’s new? “We’re opening a new location in Barry waterfront by the end of the year which is a brand-new 1,200 sq ft location.” St David’s; www.sheffs.co.uk MORE TASTY UMPA LUMPA PLACES TO LOVE…

SWEET SHOP

“We run a fabulous sweet and chocolate retro shop in the Victorian Windsor arcade in Penarth,” says owner Karen Dunlop. “It’s a fun and fabulous place full of magic and wonder for old and young. We create party bags and sweet cakes for special occasions and we have a delivery service too.” Penarth; www.umpalumpasweetshop.co.uk

Mother Nature Juice Bar, Barry Kemi’s Pontcanna, Kings Road Brød The Danish Bakery, Penarth Brother Thai, Whitchurch Road Wild Thing Café, Cathays Terrace Cocoa Therapy, Barry Fresh the Baguette Bar, Royal Arcade Crumbs Kitchen, Morgan Quarter Big Moose Coffee Company, Frederick Street The Greenary, Cardiff Indoor Market Junction Drive-Thru, Barry

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Get Caked Bake House recently opened their newest Bake Box in St David’s

WALLY’S DELI & KAFFEEHAUS

This family business in the heart of Cardiff offers a wide range of gourmet food and drink products from around the world, and features a Viennese-style Kaffeehaus. Wally’s has been trading in the Royal Arcade for 40 years this year, having moved here from across the way in Bridge Street in 1981. You’ll also find the popular Wally’s Liquor Cellar in Castle Arcade. Royal Arcade; www.wallysdeli.co.uk

GET CAKED BAKE HOUSE

This bakehouse has expanded what once was a hobby baking from home, and transformed into an indie cake empire which now has over 30 members of staff. Their new Bake Box is just outside St David’s shopping centre Cardiff. St David’s; www.getcakedbakehouse.co.uk

“You can’t beat the personal touch of a local creative ” SELF CARE

Miss Patisserie’s self-care products look as good as they perform

A glorious ‘soul-feeding’ haven for all things beautiful across vegan beauty and wellbeing, home scenting and weekly fresh British flowers, all while celebrating female-owned brands from Wales. Pontcanna; www.studiomusepontcanna.co.uk

my uncle Spiro does deliveries, and both my brothers – Matt and Jamie – have grown up working in the family company,” says Hannah Cole, sales manager. “My partner Ian, from Folio, does all our design work, and his brother did our branding. There’s no shortage of family in this family company!” Where did you start: “My dad is a former industrial chemist who put his wealth of knowledge into practice by inventing all sorts of beautifully fragranced toiletries, body creams, candles, diffusers and cleaning products. Dad is the brain behind all of our products.” Whitchurch Road; www.coleandco.com

STUDIO MUSE PONTCANNA

COLE & CO

Luxury sustainable toiletries and lifestyle brand Cole & Co is a labour of love, a labour the whole family is part of. “There’s me, my mum and my dad, but we also have my auntie Jo and cousin Kate working for us,

WHY SHOP SMALL?

Here are five from-the-heart reasons from local indie business owners themselves… “Indie businesses are run by real people, not by boards or stakeholders, there’s someone there who really cares about the quality of the product or service they offer. By supporting independent you’re helping someone to live their dream – what’s better than that?” Emily Kakili, creative site manager at Meanwhile House Cardiff, Williams Way

MALLOWS BEAUTY

This self-love beauty brand was designed to make you glow inside and out. “We are 100 per percent REAL: real skin, real bodies, real people, and products with real results,” says founder Laura Mallows. “All our products, from our face masks and body scrubs to bath bombs and candles, are vegan, made in the UK and we donate five per cent of profits to mental health charities. Our first store, in Cardiff, opened in May and is a pink dream!” What’s new? We’ll be stocked in Urban Outfitters across the UK from July, but you can also find us on Feel Unique & Missguided. Come join the self-love revolution.” St David’s; www.mallowsbeauty.co.uk

“Small businesses are what makes each city special. Most small business reinvest back into their local community by supporting local, volunteering, and making the it a more interesting place to live.” Charlotte Peacock at O Dan//Under\\Nos Da, Despenser Street

MISS PATISSERIE

“Our independents make up our true communities, not the false ones huge corporations are selling to us and profiting from.” Paisley Alice Randell Shillabeer at Umbrella Art Collective, Queen’s Street

Where did it all begin?

“You can’t beat the personal touch of a local creative who knows everyone in the neighbourhood. One of my favourite things about independent retailers is discovering these one-off, timeless, quirky products.” David Sopwith, main studio holder of Red Door Studios, Kings Road Yard

Miss Patisserie create vegan bath and body products – such as bath bombs, shower steamers and gift sets – with high quality ingredients. “We’re based in Cardiff, with our HQ in The Maltings, and amidst the craziness of the pandemic, we launched in the States and have significantly increased our retailers,” says founder Charlotte Wilson. “In my kitchen with a DIY bath bomb kit! A few months later I had catering trolleys full of bath bombs covering every space in the kitchen. I then made the decision to get a unit and we are now an all-women business! #girlpower.” n Cardiff; www.miss-patisserie.com

MORE SELF-CARE PLACES TO LOVE… Spectrum, Barry Revival Floatation Centre, Meanwhile House BUG For Men, Cwmbran Amaryllis Salon, Canton The Goodwash Company, Barry

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

THE ALB ANY GALLERY

SUMMER EXHIBITION 1 July - 14 August 2021 A changing exhibition of work by more than 30 artists View the exhibition on our website www.albanygallery.com 74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2048 7158 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Mon-Wed by appointment only, Thurs-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 11am - 4pm

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

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

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

COMING UP...

1 © JOE CL ARK

THE FLYING BEDROOM A new children’s theatre production, July and September

AMSERJAZZTIME Cardiff’s most popular jazz event, September

CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF ERROLLYN WALLEN A focus on Errollyn’s work, November

WNO OPERA GALA The annual concert in partnership with WNO, November

A SONG FOR US A song for Wales to be commissioned and performed across the country, spring 2022

ANTHONY & KEL MATSENA A collaboration between the Richard Burton Company and the Matsena brothers, spring 2022

NEW ‘22 RWCMD’s ground-breaking new writing festival, TBC

BALANCE Final year show for the Design for Performance course, June 2022

MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION Celebrating RWCMD’s partnership with Sherman Theatre, September

WORLD HARP CONGRESS Bringing the world to Wales, July 22

RWCMD concert hall

RWCMD, view from Bute Park

BIG TEN

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) is marking a decade of its world-class performance facilities in Cardiﬀ with a year-long celebration. The college, which has become a powerhouse of innovation and collaboration across the performing arts, will showcase 10 events over the course of the next 12 months, highlighting all that the institution has achieved and signposting its ambition for the next 10 years. In June 2011, a decade ago, actor and RWCMD Fellow Kate Burton unveiled the bronze bust of her father, Richard Burton, opening RWCMD’s award-winning buildings, which included the acoustically outstanding Dora Stoutzker Concert Hall, the Richard Burton Theatre, the Carne Foyer and The Linbury Gallery. The facilities enabled the College, as the National Conservatoire of Wales, to become an integral part of its cultural landscape, creating partnerships with leading organisations and hosting key global industry events including World Stage Design in 2013 and World Harp Congress 2022 as well as regularly hosting BBC Young Musician of the Year and BBC Cardiﬀ Singer of the World. “The College believes passionately in our sense of artistic community and our world-class buildings have enabled us to welcome students, artists and audiences of all ages from around the world, uniting them in a shared and fundamental belief in making work of the highest quality and in the value of the arts and artists,” says principal Helena Gaunt. www.rwcmd.ac.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 17

WHAT’S ON

The South are bringing their treasured songs such as Rotterdam, and Don’t Marry Her to The Globe Cardiff

From 17 July onwards

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES Selected weekends in July

ROOFTOP CINEMA The rooftop cinema at Jacobs Roof Garden in the middle of Cardiff opened at the start of June with a showing of Dirty Dancing and is screening films across selected weekends in June and July. Run by Lost Lands Cinema, you can watch classic and new films under the stars as food and drinks are brought to your table. Jacobs Roof Garden; www.facebook.com/ lostlandsCinemas

24 July

ED BYRNE + GUESTS Just The Tonic comedy club are bringing a stellar line up to the Tramshed, Cardiﬀ. Mock The Week’s Ed Byrne will headline and is bringing along acclaimed comics Glenn Wool (Frankie Boyle’s New World Order), Jarred Christmas (Chortle Award Winner) and Robin Morgan (Relocation BBC Radio Wales). Tramshed; www.tramshedcardiﬀ.com

25 July

Y GIG GIGLS! This brand-new Welsh language comedy show oﬀers big jokes for little

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

people, curated by Sarah Breeze. With some of Wales’ funniest and silliest comedians, Y Gig Gigls is an event for all children who love a good laugh, and parents are welcome too, if they can behave themselves. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

6 – 7 August

NDCWALES: OPEN AIR PERFORMANCE National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) invites you to join them for an open-air performance to rediscover the joy of dancing this summer. NDCWales: Open Air Performance will feature two exciting dance voices. NDCWales company dancers Ed Myhill and Faye Tan have been developing their choreographic voices over the last few years and exploring creating pieces for the outdoor in various locations across Wales. Chapter Arts; www.chapter.org

Until 12 August

HOOF! Following the success of a spring tour, Theatr Iolo will perform their outdoor family show HOOF!, to families across the length and breadth of Wales during July and August. Starring three tap-dancing

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

deer, the show has been created in collaboration with Kitsch & Sync, a company most well known for their walk-about performances at festivals, and will be performed outside in Theatr Iolo’s Travelling Theatre, coming to Summer of Smiles Festival, in Cardiﬀ City Centre on 3 – 6 August, and to West Cardiﬀ High School on 9 – 12 August. Various locations; www.theatriolo.com

22 August

THE SOUTH The South, featuring former members of The Beautiful South, are coming to play Cardiff this summer. The nine-piece band have spent 11 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK up and down the country, bringing back the full sound and arrangements of treasured songs such as A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, and Don’t Marry Her. The Globe Cardiff; www.globecardiffmusic.com

Ongoing for the rest of the year

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT COMEDY Treat yourself to an evening of award-winning comedy with four superb stand-up comedians that will

keep you laughing until Monday. For 18+ only. The Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ EXHIBITIONS Until the end of July

NATHAN WYBURN THE EXHIBITION Our Cardiﬀ Life columnist and worldrenowned artist Nathan Wyburn has a new exhibition in Morgan Arcade which showcases his viral pop culture artworks made from unusual mediums such as fake tan and peri peri sauce. You may also get to see him creating art live while you’re there too. Nathan Wyburn The Exhibition runs until the end of July, 10am – 5pm daily, 1 Barry Lane, The Morgan Quarter, Morgan Arcade, CF10 1AF

Until 14 August

SUMMER SHOW The show will be an opportunity to revisit some of the work previously only available online including Sarah Carvell’s Tenby Houses, Gerald Green’s subtle interiors and impressions of Venice and Paris, John Lines’ nostalgic allotment

WHAT’S ON

past as a means of discovering the future. St Fagans National Museum of History; www.museum.wales

and will be their biggest event to date. Line-up coming soon. Cardiff Castle; @shangagram

FOOD

INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL Be enveloped by sights and sounds that will stimulate all of your senses. Inside Out brings the best of the outside world, in to the festival. Welcome. To. Utopia. Bute Park; www.insideoutcardiff.co.uk

2 and 3 October

Until October

STREET FOOD TERAS Wales Millennium Centre have announced their partnership with street food connoisseurs Street Food Warehouse to launch an epic new foodie venture in the heart of Cardiff Bay. The Street Food Teras will host some of Cardiff’s best independent traders in an all-new outdoor seating space, open daily for your lunchtime bites and fuelling your summer evenings with drinks and local foodie favourites. Next to Wales Millennium Centre; www.streetfoodteras.co.uk

FESTIVALS

20 July – 29 August

SUMMER OF SMILES Smiles are set to spread across faces in every corner of the city, as Cardiff’s Summer of Smiles announces a city-centre festival. As part of the capital’s city-wide programme of events and activities running throughout the summer holidays, the three-week festival will take place on the lawn in front of Cardiff’s City Hall. At the familyfriendly fiesta, expect a range of activities from trying a circus skills to watching theatre performances. City Hall; www.childfriendlycardiff.co.uk

14 August

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE This event has been rescheduled, and organisers have also added a new act, with Tom Grennan confirmed to support Kaiser Chiefs. Cardiff Castle; www.depotcardiff.com

14 August top:

Mock The Week’s Ed Byrne will headline at a comedy club at the Tramshed Outdoor family show HOOF! is touring Wales with a travelling theatre

above:

antics, and Nick Pritchard’s landscapes of South Wales. The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

spans from photography and moving-image to sculpture and sound installation. g39 Cardiff; www.jerwoodarts.org

Until 11 September

Until Jan 2022

SURVEY II This is a national partnership exhibition led by Jerwood Arts, bringing together new work by 10 early-career artists, whose practice

THE FUTURE HAS A PAST This new multidisciplinary exhibition has been co-curated with Amgueddfa Cymru Producers and artist Henry Alles, and explores the

Until the end of August

THE QUEER EMPORIUM The UK’s first ever queer emporium has come to Cardiff . The pop-up will feature around 15 LGBT+ makers and independent businesses, and, they will also be hosting a series of events in the Royal Arcade, including live comedy nights and workshops as well as supporting the city’s hospitality sector with a ‘Queer Out to Help Out’ scheme at many LGBTQ+ hospitality venues. St Mary’s Street; @thequeeremporium

21 July, 4 August

SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Crafted Arts and Zac & Bella are hosting a ‘make a bracelet’ and ‘sew a scrunchie’ workshops in which you take away what you make. Goodsheds, Barry; www.craftedarts.co.uk

All summer

AQUA PARK CARDIFF Wales’ biggest water park, featuring climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers and blast bags, has returned. It’s open all summer and is one of the country’s best rated attractions. Cardiff Bay Barrage; www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk n

GLITZIEST DIARY DATE OF THE YEAR

GLITTER PRIDE Glitter Cymru, a Cardiff-based global community group dedicated to LGBTQ+ ethnic minority individuals, will host Glitter Pride online. Expect: dating and companionship in a post-Covid world; show and tell; self-care strategies; and a segment on working with allies. www.glittercymru.org.uk

21 August

OTHER

30 September

SHANGRI-LA The open-air dance festival will take place at Cardiff Castle this summer

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Our Cardiff Life Awards 2021 finalist shortlist is on page 58. Now all we’ve got to do is crown the winners at our glitzy ceremony later this year. See you there, yes? It’s always a sell-out, so grab your tickets toot sweet from our website! #NothingBeatsBeingThere. City Hall; www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

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

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

ardiff has almost fully reopened and things are looking so positive and bright going forward. We’ve had our inbox flooded with upcoming events and requests. We cannot wait for our “new normal” and we hope… a better world! Pop ups are a huge thing these days, and we think that they’ll maybe become even more prominent with how uncertain and fast-paced things can be in the modern climate. A recent pop up we visited is a new venture called Bar Dros Dro. We chatted with co-founder Leroi on our radio show and popped along to their launch event at Penylan Pantry. They had

the incredible Earl cooking from Earl’s Kitchen, and wow, the food was incredible. It’s so clear as to why he’s gained such a reputation and his products are so renowned. Keep a look out on social media for when and where their next pop up will be. It’s sure to be a constant success. On another exciting pop-up note, Nathan went along to the launch of Escape Records at the Coal Exchange Hotel in June. They’re a Welsh-based independent record company, and they for sure know how to throw a party! They are the team behind Wales’ biggest events and festivals, including Escape Festival, Inside Out and Colour Clash, and they’ve launched a pop up experience in St David’s which is filled with

top:

Bar Dros Dro’s pop up featuring Earl from Earl’s Kitchen; middle: The NHS Big Tea Party at St Andrew’s Coffee Court; left: The launch of Escape Records

“Pop ups are a huge thing these days”

experiences, including open deck DJ slots, arcade machines, exclusive merch and tickets, and a mocktail bar. To celebrate the new opening, they held a bash where guests were treated to a thrilling array of entertainment. Exciting times ahead for any Welsh-based budding musicians! We also held our first fundraiser, on a microphone, in a long time. It felt so so good! Not that we particularly need a mic to be heard as it was at our little St Andrew’s Coffee Court for the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, as part of the NHS Big Tea party. People donated wonderful raffle prizes and cakes for the event. It was a huge success and just wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves again, and taking part in a quiz, and a game of ‘name that tune’. We’ve missed the company of people so much in recent Covid times and

we feel our Coffee Court has really allowed us to provide that awesome safe space for people. Not to forget, we now have John Henry Flowers as a permanent and brilliant feature. John is an expert florist and knows his stuff, so even if you just want any advice or a chat about all things flowers and plants, pop by and see him. We’re thrilled to have him with us at St Andrew’s.

About our columnists: Nathan Wyburn is a pop culture artist who uses nontraditional mediums such as Marmite, beans, soil and fake tan; and Wayne Courtney is a healthcare support worker at University Hospital of Wales. They are also Radio Cardiff DJs with their own show, and basically know everything and everyone in the city. Follow them on social: @wyburnandwayne / @wyburnwayne

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

LAN Y MÔR DIFFUSER, £25 This is the newest arrival to Cole & Co’s diﬀuser collection, an atmospheric blend that creates a subtle unisex scent. From Cole & Co, Whitchurch Road; www.coleandco.com

DWT BABY GROW, £16 The Welsh word Dwt means a dinky, cute, sweet, and small thing. Every baby is a Dwt. From Clecs, Cardiﬀ; www.clecs.co.uk

OUT OF THE BLUE

We’ve been blessed with plenty of bluesky days so far this summer, and one of SS21’s ultimate shades is cool blue, symbolising optimism and serenity – two feels we need in their droves after the past year we’ve all had. Anyway, here’s our pick of beautiful items from independent shops to match the theme THE POSITIVE BULLET DIARY, £20 The Blue One was born to be an inspirational space to encourage you to be positive, productive, and most of all creative. From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

MINDFULNESS PUZZLE CARDS, £6.99 Rebalance and exercise your thoughts with these cards that’ll help train your brain and de-stress. From Stwff-Stuff, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

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

OCEAN SEA SALT COCONUT WAX CANDLE, £4.50 Surf ’s up with this scented beachy candle. From Tŷ Deco, Church Village; www.tydeco.co.uk

BLUE TOPAZ RING, £1,125 18ct white gold, diamond clusters and blue topaz – how dreamy. From Laings, St David's, Cardiﬀ; www.laingsuk.com

ED’S CHOICE DREAMY EARL GREY, £19 A blend of Ceylon Black Teas scented with Oil of Bergamot and ﬂoral hints of Blue Mallow ﬂowers. From Blossom & Nectar, Pontcanna Mews; www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

SWIMMER SERIES 4 PAINTING, £69 One of a series of watercolours that has been made exclusively for Cardiﬀ’s Swimadelica, by Lucy McGeown. From From Swimadelica, Llandaﬀ; www.swimadelica.com

NEWGATE CLOCK, £75 How long until you purchase this Scandi-inspired wall clock? It’s just a question of time. From Hamptons, Ludlow Lane, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

TASTER BOX COLLECTION, £25 If you haven’t tried out any of Miss Patisserie’s bath and body products, then this selection of favourites is a deﬁnite one to try – featuring sugar scrub, steamers, bath slabs and rainbow dust. From Miss Patisserie, Cardiﬀ; www.miss-patisserie.com

GREENS AND GREETINGS, £6.99 It’s a postable greetings card and envelope that becomes a water-tight plant pot containing everything the recipient needs to grow their own edible microgreens. From Shroot, Penarth; www.shroot.co.uk

VEJA - V10 SUEDE SNEAKERS, £69 Are you cool as can be? No? Ok get these sneakers, then. From Kiti, Pontcanna; www.kiticymru.com

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Marine Spa, with its pools, bubbling water beds, thermal area, sauna, gym and treatment rooms, is the epitome of a five-star retreat

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

Has a spa treatment ever made you cry? Lisa Evans’ first post-lockdown massage, at voco St David’s The Marine Spa, left her in a puddle of emotion Photos by Simon Callaghan Photography

ell, that’s the first time a massage has made me cry. I’m not usually one for having my bare flesh caressed by a total stranger; unpopular opinion but I find it awkward and uncomfortable, and I feel rigidly self-conscious. But after a year or so of not being allowed to hug my family, not holding my close friends’ new babies, not shaking hands with clients at work meetings, and even refraining from cuddling strangers’ dogs while out on walks (my ultimate pastime), being touched by another human at the Marine Spa at voco St David’s on day one of its reopening after the pandemic acted as a near-complete halt for the spa industry, overwhelmed me. As soon as the massage therapist began her tender effleurage strokes on my back, my eyes filled with tears. As I laid there face down, with no mask on (what a novelty), I felt love course through me. Now, I dislike sappiness or cheesiness of any kind as much as I dislike massages, so it’s against my nature to say something so flowery, but love is the only word that feels right. While I don’t consider myself an overly tactile person, I’ve missed normalised human interaction more than I knew. Touch is the fundamental language of

connection, after all, and it’s proven to spark a cascade of positive events in the brain. Or maybe it’s just that Caitlin at voco is the most talented masseuse to ever exist? Who knows. At the risk of making this whole review an overly sentimental love letter to her, I’ll move swiftly on to tell you about the treatment. It was a WaveStone massage (£79) using a combination of an innovative new tool that is said to be revolutionising the world of massage treatments, and the therapist’s warm, skilled hands. The curved device is carved from white Jade and its unique properties allow it to be warmed to transfer both thermal energy and beneficial trace elements deep into the body, stimulating circulatory systems and encouraging the release of toxins (and possibly tears). After what was definitely the most therapeutic, moving massage experience of my life, I was directed to a darkened relaxation room where

I lounged in my dressing gown under the glow of dim colourful lights before getting a grip and making my way to the pool area. For the next hour or so I immersed myself fully into the spa experience and felt high on life, indulging my inner child as I plunged in to the pool for an invigorating swim (AKA I bobbed around the water corridor and stood beneath swan-neck fountains), melted in the sauna, almost fell asleep in the hot tub (ill advised) and sauntered past the gym without a single intention of entering. I was lucky enough to have a room that night at the landmark luxury five-star hotel in which the spa resides, with its iconic ship’s sail architecture, sitting right on the water’s edge in Cardiff Bay, just minutes’ walk from the hub of it. I say ‘room’ but it was an astonishingly large premier space, with incredible sixth-floor views through the floor-to-ceiling balcony windows, and there was a negroni waiting for me on arrival, too, sitting silhouetted against the best panoramic sunset I’ve ever seen. On the dresser was a hand-written note to ‘Our special guest, Ms Evans’ inviting me to dine at the hotel restaurant that night; it felt like I had been dropped into the scene of a movie, and I was the leading lady. They really make you feel like a celebrity at St David’s; nothing’s too much trouble. If you’re a fan of five-star service, max relaxation, VIP treatment, and you’re open to revealing your deepest emotions, you’ll probably be a fan of this place too. Try it, and let me know how it goes… n www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

“As soon as the massage therapist began her effleurage strokes on my back, my eyes filled with tears”

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FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

clockwise above: Ground Bakery; Coffee

eclairs from Pettigrew; David from Pettigrew; bread from Pettigrew; Sian and Ian at La Creme Patisserie

BREAD OF HEAVEN

Our columnist, good food fanatic and indie foodie PR consultant JANE COOK has her finger on the pulse when it comes to what’s new and tasty in the city. This month she shares her favourite indie bakeries…

hether you’re mad about Danish pastries, vegan donuts, or sundried tomato bread, if there’s one thing Cardiffians are absolutely spoiled with, it’s access to brilliant independent bakeries. But this month, it got even better... In Pontcanna, Tom Simmons opened his chic new side business, Ground Bakery. The chef ’s new venture is just a bun's throw away from his first Welsh restaurant, Thomas by Tom Simmons, and is already proving hugely popular; with its Scandinavian colour palette and swanky marble countertops, it looks the part, too. Meanwhile on Whitchurch Road, work is almost complete on Alex Gooch’s new bakery; and over in Cardiff Marina, Tŷ Melin Bakery has thrown open its doors. If you’re yet to try one of Ty Melin’s infamous croissant bombs (laminated pastry stuffed with flavoured fresh cream) put one at the top of your to-eat list and thank me later! In Llandaff village, La Creme Artisan Patisserie has opened its first-ever retail store. The business was founded in 2005 by the wife-and-

husband team Sian and Ian Hindle and has manufacturing facilities in Neath and Cwmbran, but the new store will now enable customers to purchase a wide range of high-end cakes, desserts and patisserie to take away and enjoy. Speaking of patisserie, Pettigrew Bakery welcomed their new head of patisserie Mikey Coggan – who is also competing in the current season of Bake Off: The Professionals. He has been showing off his skills with a brand-new range of flavoured eclairs. I spoke to Pettigrew co-owner David LeMasurier about the recent developments and asked, does having so many new bakeries in Cardiff make him nervous? David, who is a long-time supporter of the Real Bread campaign, said “No way! There is definitely enough room for us all. Everyone should be able to get hold of real bread on a regular basis, not just as an occasional treat – if I had my way, there would be an indie bakery on the corner of every street.” I can definitely get on board with that idea! For more: www.janechicomendes.co.uk | @janechicomendes

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

WE CARE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR SMILE NOW G PTIN ACCE NEW NTS PATIE

THE HOME OF PERSONAL PRIVATE DENTISTRY

102 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9LP Tel: 02920 387683 Email: smile@pontcannadental.co.uk

www.pontcannadental.co.uk Charlie Stephanakis BDS (GDC 60470) Alyn Humphreys BDS (GDC 61029)

FOOD & DRINK It’s got street food, it’s got cocktails, and it’s got boutique bedrooms. Hello, Neighbourhood!

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Neighbourhood, a street food and cocktail hotspot with boutique bedrooms, has just opened in the city, here we chat to its founders, husband and wife Tudor and Caroline Barber Tell us a bit about the business…

Having both been furloughed from our jobs, we sat on our sofa during lockdown and wrote our dream business plan and set about achieving our five-year goal a lot earlier than planned. We picked up the keys to Neighbourhood in February, and finally opened the doors on 2 June. It was a big renovation project to take the much-loved former takeaway into what you see today. We do a lot of travelling, and the idea was to create a venue which we would make a beeline for in any European city – boutique bedrooms above a cool cocktail bar serving street food until late. What’s on the menu…

The concept of Neighbourhood is simple, we offer up our kitchen space on a rotating basis to some of the region’s best chefs and street food traders. Offering residency on a two- to four-week basis, our aim is to bring mouth-watering street food cuisines from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. For July, we’re hosting Makasih who will be bringing all the sights, colours and flavours of Malaysia, followed by Tiffin Meal who will bring all the freshness, spice and vibrance of authentic Indian cooking. What makes it different?

The street food is served as it should be – handheld or in (eco-friendly) trays or packaging, to be eaten there and then. We take table bookings to guarantee a seat, however we accept walk ins throughout the day. We’re open 8am until late from Wednesday to Saturday. Tell us about your planned events and collabs…

We have already teamed up with our neighbours at Tramshed to bring street food to their outside space while the venue remained closed for music-orientated events. We have a number of collabs in the pipeline but it is too early to reveal all details just yet. What jobs were you doing before this?

Caroline was and still is general manager of Tramshed, based just around the corner in Grangetown. Tudor was and still is director of Street Food Warehouse and River & Bear marketing agency. www.neighbourhoodkitchen.co.uk

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

RESTAURANT

HUB BOX CARDIFF

Here’s Lisa Evans’ review of the filthiest meal (in a good way) that she’s had in a long time, with the surprising stars of the show being all-vegan

BQ , burgers, beers and good times – that’s how Hub Box is billed on its website, and it couldn’t be truer, but there’s one other element diners are positively raving about right now, and it’s the restaurant’s meatfree clout. As a vegetarian of six years, I was eager to get stuck into the much-hyped vegan and veggie offering. The restaurant teamed up with plant-based pioneer THISTM, in June, to replicate their entire meaty menu with alternatives that look and taste so much like the real thing that I almost sent my order back thinking it wasn’t mine. To be fair, I’m not alone, as THIS’s chicken has won awards for its hyper-realism, and 96 percent of people thought it was real meat in a recent poll. While there’s always ‘something’ on the menu for me wherever I go, I have never quite seen such an extensive and exciting offering as this. There are your regular veggie

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

burgers that you’ll get in plenty of other establishments – falafel, Portobello mushrooms and halloumi – but then comes the less ‘usual’ stuff, a selection that’s not only been given attention but a spotlight all of its own. There are 11 succulent and juicy ‘b**f ’ and ‘ch*cken’ burgers to choose from, which are all vegan, with accompaniments such as tear-apart ‘bacon’, smoked cheese, guac and chipotle sauce. And we can just imagine the fun the staff had at their meetings to come up with the funky names for everything – from Hey FC chicken (which was my menu choice on the night) to the Korean BBQ sauce-enlivened Kim Yum Chick, and the Dirty Disco featuring all the glorious toppings you could muster. A lot of people ask me why, as a vegetarian, I would want my food to resemble meat in any way. Well, while there are plenty of die-hard meat-alternative-hating vegans out there who are quite happy with a plate of organic, unprocessed beans, lots of us do still crave meat

“Being veggie has never been so attractive, and Hub Box is here for it”

and are still trying to consciously make veggie choices every day, which are often boring and lacklustre, especially when there are glorious aromas pumping out of a burger restaurant’s kitchen. And meat alternatives are a great middle ground for anyone who wants to jump on the plant-based journey without feeling like they’ve gone cold turkey (or beef or chicken) too. There are so many restaurants in Cardiff whose veggie options sell out faster than their fleshy counterparts. That’s just the way things are going at the moment. Being veggie has never been so attractive, and Hub Box is here for it. When we visited the restaurant, the entire wall of bi folding doors had been thrown open, allowing the evening sunbeams to stream in and the chilled Mermaid Quay vibes to bounce around the expansive indoor and al fresco spaces. The area couldn’t be a more perfect spot for it, what with the boundless waterside views and the effervescent yet laidback vibe of the location. The restaurant was completely packed, in a Covid-safe way of course, and we didn’t see one table empty the whole night. There were a mix of couples, friends, families and even a well-behaved tiara-clad hen party enjoying themselves, and it just felt… happy. As well as the atmosphere, another delight was the filthiness of the menu extras. For example, if you want to upgrade your gigantic portion of Cornish-grown, skin-on fries, to a ‘loaded’ variety, the topping choices run deep. The Boston option caught my husband’s eye – BBQ pulled pork, smoky BBQ sauce, slaw, pickled red chilli and coriander – closely followed by the Mother Clucker (steady) – buttermilk fried chicken, cheese sauce, sour cream, Korean BBQ sauce and chilli. They’re meals in themselves really, and my favourite thing about them was that the toppings went all the way through to the bottom of the bowl, it’s not just a petty scattering on top. There’s also little red ‘make me dirty’ box on the menu, which, when selected, adds even more extras to your already-souped-up fries, in the form of Hub sauce, diced onions and jalapeños. I mean, may as well go all-out, eh? While we were at it, we also ordered buttermilk halloumi fries with jalapeño mayo, and buffalo chicken fingers with hot sauce and blue cheese dip. Stop judging us, OK? As you can probably tell, we didn’t have room for dessert, but we ordered two anyway. We went for the ooey-gooey crack pie with its oatmeal cookie crust and Cornish clotted cream, and the rocky road cheesecake with raspberry sauce and mini marshmallows. To sum up in three words: loose waistbands recommended. n

DINING DETAILS Unit 23/23A Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ; www.hubbox.co.uk In a nutshell Originating in St Ives, this Cardiff Bay New York-style street food restaurant joined the 10-venue chain at the end of 2020. In August, an 11th restaurant will open, in Cheltenham Food Casual, dirty burgers and fries Veggie options Too many to count, with plenty of gluten-free choices too Prices Starters £3.50 – £8.95; mains £6.95 – £16.95; desserts £6.50 Drinks Any time is cocktail time at Hub Box, there are also freshly madeto-order fruit coolers and American malt milkshakes, as well as a good range of wines and a collab with local legends Tiny Rebel Brewery, offering a revolving range of IPAs and NEIPAs Vibe Totally chilled, man Service Super approachable, friendly and warm (shout out to Ciara)

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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

SPONSORED CONTENT

Divorce: be in the know Benjamin Delve of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS tells us about the routes couples need to take in order to split

raditionally, divorce (or dissolution of a civil partnership) in England and Wales is viewed as an adversarial process, with many couples resorting to pointing blame at their partner for the breakdown of their relationship regardless of whether the decision to end the marriage/civil partnership was mutual. Couples can, presently, file for divorce/ dissolution without pointing blame at their partner. However, to do so they must have been separated for at least 2 years, and have their partner’s consent (or, alternatively, wait until 5 years separation if consent is not forthcoming). This period is often considered to be too long and many couples, wishing to move on with their lives, are left having to point the finger at their partner. In many cases, appointing blame for the breakdown of the relationship in court papers

can increase hostility and ill-feeling between a couple and can overflow into other ancillary issues, namely their financial and child-care arrangements. In an effort to decrease hostility in the legal process, the government have introduced a new law which will enable couples to apply for divorce without pointing blame at their spouse. From 6 April 2022 parties to a marriage/civil partnership will be able to file an application for a ‘no fault’ divorce/dissolution without having to wait at least 2 years. Couples will also be able to choose whether to file an application together – something which is not presently possible. Whilst this will be a welcome change for many, it is still a many months away and may be too long to wait for some. ■

Benjamin Delve

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From its origins:

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On 12 June, Cardiff’s first ever immersive selfie experience, The Content Hub launched a pop-up at St David’s, running until August. Whether you’re an avid blogger, product retailer, or just visiting Cardiff and want to capture the most unique memories of your trip, The Content Hub could be worth a visit. With 15 unique set ups and the coolest backdrops in Wales, this independent space is a quirky place to shoot marketing content or take fun snaps with friends. Dive into their pearlescent ball pit, get groovy in their disco ball emporium, or pose in the life-size barbie doll box. They’re also available for private hire, commercial content and birthday parties or events. www.contenthubcreative.com

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

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

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SOCIETY

THAT’S WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL Mallows Beauty, an independent self-love beauty brand, opened its first store on 20 May in St David’s, and they also held a launch event in store on the same day which saw guests browsing the all-vegan range, including face masks and body scrubs – viral TikTok obsessions – as well as bath bombs, candles, and the funkiest nail products around. “I wanted to create a beauty brand that was brutally honest with no filter, all about body positivity, and female empowerment,” says Cardiff-based founder Laura Mallows. www.mallowsbeauty.co.uk

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SOCIETY James Hook, Lee Byrne and Shane Williams cheers to their new venture together

NEW BEGIN-NINGS

Ian Fernando Jessica Davies and friend

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

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions players Mike Phillips, James Hook, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne have teamed up with Cardiﬀ Distillery, on Cathedral Road, to launch a range of premium spirits under the name The Collective Spirits Co. The launch night was held on 21 June at the distillery, which we had the pleasure of going along to ourselves. Missing the friendships and the social aspect that their rugby careers brought them since retirement, the four former Wales Rugby Union players reunited to embark on this new journey together. While the last year has seen many people reassess their options, it just happened to be over a few drinks – when the best ideas are usually formed – that the boys thought they would take advantage of the opportunity to create a whole new brand, with their plans including a range of craft gins. “We really wanted to be involved in the process of

choosing what the gins tasted like, so we worked closely to create our perfect gin – and now can’t wait for others to try the finished products,” says James. “It’s been something me and the boys have chatted about for a while so to see it come to life now through The Collective is really exciting,” adds Shane. “Creating something of this quality was exactly what me and the boys wanted to do,” says Lee. “When we helped choose the flavours, we all chipped in and then we had the chance to add the exact botanicals. We want this to be the best gin and give it the best crack.” While No11 gin is made up of 11 botanicals including coriander, angelica, orris, bilberries and almond, No15 offers a real taste of Wales by featuring rockrose, gorse flower and sea buckthorn, all of which have been found on the South Wales coast.The liquid libations were released just in time for the start of the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa. www.thecollectivespirits.com Photos by Lowe Film & Photo Ltd

There’s always time for a selfie

Shane Williams speaks to the guests Sampling their creations

Rosie Branwen and guest

Tracey Grey and friend chats with Imran Nathoo Laura Pool

Bottles to take home

Lee Byrne and James Hook prepare drinks for guests Shane Williams, Lee Byrne and James Hook

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GO GLAM OR GO HOME A look inside a Victorian townhouse in Llanishen which has had an eclectic makeover by its very glamorous owner By Lisa Evans

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RESIDENCE

this page: Stacey’s not afraid of donning an

evening dress while operating a powertool

bottom: The cosy living room

opposite page, clockwise: View from the front, complete with its sunny yellow door; The Ivyinspired bathroom; the modern kitchen/diner

five-bedroom Victorian townhouse right in the heart of Llanishen village has been passionately restored to its former glory but with plenty of modern frills – including a pink, gold and floral bathroom inspired by the décor at The Ivy Cardiff; a natural playground in the garden; and a midnight blue, exposed-brick kitchen. Here, owner Stacey Hawkes, a project management consultant who has recently started her own interiors business – Stacey Hawkes Interiors – tells us about the ongoing restoration of her home which began in 2019 with her three-monthold baby in tow.

When did you move in, and how old is the house?

We first saw the house for sale completely unintentionally. We’d just completed a four-year renovation on our home near Rhiwbina, and our youngest was three months old at the time. However, we happened to drive past one day, saw this beautiful townhouse for sale and I convinced my husband to view it, which we did in January 2019. The house was built in 1892, and although obviously once a charming family home, it had been left empty for many years. It was crying out to be loved again by a new family, and after our initial viewing it took us another two months to put in an offer, then another four months until we got the keys. Tell our readers why you look so glamorous in every renovation picture – up ladders in evening dresses and using power tools while in heels...

“Every Friday, we’d dress up, with a renovation twist”

That’s just for fun! I used to do a #renofancyfriday on Instagram so we’d be in funny renovation poses but dressed up and people joined in from all over the country. I used to post every Friday on Instagram and the idea was that instead of dress down Friday, we’d dress up, but with a renovation twist. I posted every week for about six months and it was quite a big thing.

Tell us about the renovation…

We were fortunate that the previous owners had modernised some of the rooms, however a lot of the original features needed to be restored or replaced. We did the bare minimum to the main rooms before moving in and then tackled the larger renovations as we went along – no easy job with a little one, but our two older children helped too. Installing a new kitchen was the first big task, which we did within six months of moving in. We’ve also added a single storey side extension which gave us more usable space such as a utility room, a study, a boot room and a downstairs toilet. We’ve also added a dormer extension to the fifth bedroom. What about outside?

One of the big positives to come out of lockdown for us was the redesign of the garden, it’s big and beautiful. I have invested a lot of time in planning the different sections – including a play area inspired by a natural playground, a vegetable plot with raised beds, a summerhouse and a covered pergola for outdoor dining and entertaining. We’re currently working on the exterior of the house; we recently added a Victorian-style tiled porch and painted the front door bright yellow, which some of the neighbours have commented adds a bit of extra cheer to the street.

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

RESIDENCE

What is your favourite part?

The period features were a big draw for us, but aside from this, our favourite part of the house has to be the kitchen. The dark blue cabinets were a gamble along with the exposed brick, but it paid off. We have all the space and mod cons we need including a huge rangemaster cooker, and we have managed to inject warmth and character into what was previously a large open space. The bi-fold doors also give us a fantastic view of the garden and I can’t wait to fling them open this year and finally invite friends around for drinks to enjoy the space with us. A close second favourite part of the house has to be the downstairs toilet as I had so much fun planning and decorating it. The design of it was inspired by a visit to The Ivy restaurant in Cardiff; the décor in the ladies’ toilets caught my eye. There were pink toilets and sinks, gold metallics and florals everywhere and I wanted to create something just like it. Any other highlights?

Our furniture is a real mix of old and new, and one of my passions is breathing new life into old pieces, so I bought furniture locally on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree and upcycled it. Likewise, the art in our home is an eclectic mix from vintage shops, and independent artists. The watercolour print of The Hayes in Cardiff is one of my favourites I found in a charity shop. What local businesses did you visit for the redesign?

What was your ‘vision’ for the house?

To restore it back to its former glory, but also to ensure it had the modern conveniences that a family of five needed. Many people thought we were mad at the time, with our youngest being so little and having just completed a total renovation of our last home, but there is something quite alluring about a Victorian home that has stood for almost 130 years. Llanishen itself was also a big pull for us, with the local shops in the village, the retail park nearby and the train station just up the road, meaning we could walk or use public transport rather than using the car all the time. How did you know what to do and where to start with the makeover?

I have a keen interest in interior design, so I spend all my free time thinking and reading about it. On Instagram, I follow beautiful homes across the world which gives me huge inspiration for our home. In terms of planning the work required, older houses tend to lack practical storage space which is why we invested in the single storey extension to give us this; particularly the boot room which I designed to hide all our shoes, bags and coats. The kitchen/dining area was quite spacious, but the previous kitchen units didn’t make the most of this and gave us very little cupboard space or worktops, so we needed to bring our ideas to life.

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

Stacey says her kitchen receives the most complimenets out of all the rooms

“The design of the downstairs toilet was inspired by the Ivy restaurant in Cardiff”

For the kitchen and utility room we utilised the design services of our local Howdens depot, and we had loads of great advice from Oscar Clarke Design who understand what it takes to sympathetically restore such a property. In terms of décor and home accessories, some favourites are Nest Vintage Living and the Little People Store in Rhiwbina, along with Daisy Daisy gift store and About Flowers in Llanishen village, all of which have a lovely range of items for home and garden. I’m also a sucker for a charity shop or vintage store find, and one of my all-time favourites is Happy Days Vintage Store in Cowbridge; and for carpets, my go-to is always Quality Carpets Direct on Wellfield Road What’s the nicest thing anyone has said about your home?

The previous owners told us they were pleased to see the house become a family home again and they live nearby, so I believe they are happy seeing the love and attention we give it. But by far the biggest compliment we have had is on the kitchen. Even my mum is still excited when she sees photos of the kitchen pop up on Facebook via the Howdens social media channels and I get messages on my Instagram page every week with someone telling me how much they love it. Find the house on Instagram @thehawkesvictorianrenovation

Got an amazing local home? Want it to feature in Cardiff Life? Contact lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk

clockwise: Now that’s what we call a fridge; the garden was one of Stacey’s favourite projects; the sunniest doorway of all time, feat Stacey; comfortable outdoor touches; thechildren’s bedrooms are full of character

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS clockwise from top left: Ann Hiatt, former chief of staff at Google, now consultant and strategist;

Dale Vince, green entrepreneur, owner of Ecotricity; a still from the live Entreconf event; Chris Anderson, owner and curator of the TED Conferences

WISE WORDS FROM ENTRECONF

Here’s to the future Entreconf, a major new conference for local entrepreneurs was a huge success in July...

nsights, stimulation, provocations: EntreConf the new conference for entrepreneurs and business thinkers was held at the start of July. The aim was to inspire new business, start-ups, scale-ups and entrepreneurs with powerful business thinking. Cardiff has always been strong for entrepreneurs, a trend which has accelerated during the pandemic (which was also reflected in the record number of new businesses entering this year’s Cardiff Life Awards). It featured a remarkable trio of keynote speakers: Ann Hiatt, the former chief of staff at Google, who talked about how her career began with a potential setback of the dotcom crash of 2001 when based in Seattle – which then turned into a significant opportunity with Amazon, where she worked closely with Jeff Bezos. Her inspirational talk was about seizing opportunities. Chris Anderson, the owner of the TED

BUSINESS CLUB

Conferences, spoke about his career, founding the media company Future in the UK, selling it, and using the proceeds to start what became Future US. He also spoke about the many leading entrepreneurs he has known, such as Elon Musk. The most idiosyncratic approach was taken by Dale Vince, the green entrepreneur, owner of Ecotricity and vegan-friendly Forest Green Rovers, and also executive producer of the documentary Seaspiracy. Dale was the definition of having success on your own terms – a former traveller and eco-warrior, accredited by the UN; self-described “enemy of the state” moving from outsider to a Climate Champion for the UN and now one the leading green entrepreneurs and thinkers. That sense of defining your own success was a key theme of the conference. For some entrepreneurs, success is the relatively conventional: idea, test, build, scale and then exit, with some fabulous wealth. For others, it was about being a social entrepreneur, of

“A key part of the entrepreneurial mindset is to persuade people to come along on the journey. There has to be fun, excitement, intrigue, communication of the dream, and just how amazing the world would be should this idea be brought to life.” Chris Anderson, TED Conferences “The fact we need to tackle the climate crisis has been brought about in the mainstream recently, and the pandemic has alerted us to a sense that we need to up and focus on it in much the same way; there won’t be any social distancing measures for Climate Change for one!” Dale Vince, green entrepreneur “There are 7bn people in the world. If there’s a one in a million chance something might happen, that’s 7k people with a chance, so why not you?” Ann Hiatt, former Google chief of staff “As entrepreneurs, you need to sell the positive What Ifs... and always try to negate the negative ones. There are so many technologies and new ideas that are making big concepts possible; it’s vital to think big and constantly challenge.” Richard Godfrey, Rocketmakers “Dream.” Chris Anderson. ecology, of doing good. Or maybe employing more people, or giving opportunities. For others, it was about health and wellbeing, another area which has risen sharply in importance due to the pandemic. EntreConf also featured the top 50 entrepreneurial companies, as chosen by a panel of experts. Additionally, there were practical insights on funding, future technology, starting up, valuation terms sheets, IP protection, and stimulation to new thinking, as well as the unveiling of excusive research on entrepreneurs. All videos from the day are on the EntreConf YouTube channel, with all the presentations on the website. There’ll be an EntreConf dinner for entrepreneurs in the autumn, ahead of EntreConf returning next summer. The future is indeed unwritten… For more information: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk; www. entreconf.com; @entre_conf

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

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CARDIFFWORKS

Joe Walsh Laings CEO and Stuart McDowell, retail director; far left and below: Laings’ new Cardiff showroom design

SHINE ON Laings jewellers has announced its £10m expansion. The family-run business, which has a strong presence in Cardiff, has unveiled its vision for the future, with ambitious new plans to intensify its presence across the UK. After celebrating 180 years of trading in 2020, through six generations of family ownership, Laings is now building on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches with extensive expansion plans. The jewellers confirmed it will be investing £10 million into the company over the next two years, which will see a transformation of its showrooms and workshops. The first in a series of transformations

will be unveiled this autumn with work already underway to treble the size of Laings’ St David’s Centre Cardiff showroom, allowing the company to introduce Swiss watch brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe to its Welsh clientele. “The expansion in Cardiff caters to the watch collectors of Wales,” says Stuart McDowell, retail director. “The showroom is right in the heart of the capital city and our expanded presence means we can give the brands we represent the stage to shine. No longer will Cardiff clients need to travel outside their home city to access these brands, they can enjoy having them on their doorstep.” For more: www.laingsuk.com

Matthew Robinson is the new face at NDCWales

Rachel Davenport of AlphaBiolabs

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

AlphaBiolabs, which has a centre based in Cardiff, have announced the launch of their Giving Back charity campaign which will see the testing laboratory donate £5 to charity for every legal instruction received. “As a leading provider of DNA, drug and alcohol testing, we work closely with local authorities and organisations involved in child welfare and family law,” says Rachel Davenport, director. “We are highly aware of the challenges faced by the vulnerable children, families and communities our sample collectors visit every day. We also want to recognise the efforts of local, regional and national charities for the life-changing help and advice they offer to those affected by addiction, poverty and illness.” AlphaBiolabs selected TGP Cymru as one of their charity partners for the vital work they do in supporting children, young people and families across Wales. For more: www.alphabiolabs.co.uk

CARE TO DANCE

National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) has announced Matthew Robinson as the Company’s new artistic director. He’s a practising artist having worked as a dancer, choreographer, facilitator, rehearsal director and artistic director. “I grew up in a small Devon town, a young gay person,” he says. “I did not know how to identify myself. I did not see myself in the media or in my community. Dance offered me an inclusive space where my identity could flourish, I lead with this in mind every day, seeking to develop dance as a safe and ambitious space for all.” For more: www.ndcwales.co.uk

NEW OPENING

Floral sanctuary Forbesfield has opened on High Street, Barry. “Our new space functions as an open studio which means this is a place where you can browse and buy plants, ceramics, and flowers, a space where we design and create, and where we meet clients and talk about florals and styling,” says founder Beth Forbes-Simpson. It’s also already been a backdrop for a styled shoot, and it will soon be our teaching space too.” For more: www.forbesfield.co.uk

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CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2021

SPECIAL PREVIEW SECTION

The Cardiff Life Awards take place on 30 September at City Hall, celebrating the best of the city. In this special preview, we give you a gorgeous glimpse of what to expect, and introduce our illustrious independent judges... www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 55

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CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

IT’S THE FINALIST COUNTDOWN Who made the 2021 Cardiff Life Awards shortlist?

ardiff; you’re amazing! We know you’ve all had an incredibly busy past few months, but that didn’t stop you from inundating us with your Cardiff Life Awards nominations. We received hundreds in all, from sectors right across the city: from retailers to restaurants, culture to charity, health to hospitality, legal to leisure. We’re particularly thrilled that this year we saw a record number of new businesses – proof of the thriving entrepreneurial spirit that

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scintillates in Cardiff, even during difficult times. Each nomination was carefully read, reread and read again. Discussions were held, and decisions were reached. On 17 June we held our Grand Reveal over Zoom – a live event in which the business community learned for the first time who had made it onto this year’s Cardiff Life Awards shortlist. If you missed it you can still watch the event on YouTube; or just turn to page 58 to see who made the cut. It’s now over to our impeccably impartial and illustrious panel of judges, to choose the winners. These, as ever, will be revealed at the big Awards

CATEGORY SPONSORS Cardiff Life, 13 Fields, Genero productions, Lexus Cardiff, Park Plaza, Regus and WSET.

ceremony – held this year on 30 September at City Hall, Cardiff. After the tumultuous year we’ve all had, we can’t wait to welcome you, in all your finery to the most hotly anticipated and most glamorous Awards ceremony in the city. Tickets invariably sell out quickly, so we strongly suggest you head to the website pronto. There are still a few exciting opportunities left to sponsor a Cardiff Life Award category. For more information please visit our website or email annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

GET INVOLVED With more and more interest in being closely associated with the most prestigious event in the Cardiff business calendar, sponsorship opportunities are now available. Please contact annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

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

Cardiff and the Vale’s premier Ceramics and Pottery Gift Experience at the Goodsheds, Barry. At Matthew Jones Ceramics we run a variety of Pottery Masterclass Gift Experiences that will get you creative and hands on in a fun friendly informal atmosphere. Suitable for all ages the Pottery Masterclasses are a perfect gift, a truly special date night, a perfect “try something new”experience and a great way to have fun with your Book onlin friends whilst enjoying all the e and enter Goodsheds have to offer. #CA

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CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

THE JUDGES WILL DECIDE… Every year there’s a fresh panel of impeccably impartial and independent judges for the Cardiﬀ Life Awards. It’s a disparate group from a wide variety of sectors and sizes of business. They, and they alone, will decide our all-important winners… ALISTAIR DARBY, CEO, Brains

Alistair Darby is the prominent CEO of Brains and is very well-known in Wales for his TV and radio appearances throughout the pandemic.

GARETH SHEARS, co-founder, Sanctuary Financial Planning

CHARLOTTE LEYSHON, owner, Lux Family Law Charlotte Leyshon is the founder of Lux Family Law, a boutique family law practice based in Pontcanna, Cardiff. Lux offers bespoke advice relating to all family law issues for entrepreneurs.

JAY PAGE, regional sales exec, The New World Trading Co. for South UK

Jay Page has worked in hospitality for over 15 years in Cardiff and around the UK with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and festivals. The face of many international, national and local brands as well as being awarded the Lifetime award for work in the night-time economy in Cardiff.

SARA PEPPER, director, Creative Economy at Cardiff University

RACHEL FLERI, managing director, Specialist Security Co

Rachel provides professional, quality security services to the private and public sector, and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, having founded Specialist Security Co in 2001.

Gareth is one of the co-founders of Sanctuary Financial Planning, specialising in helping business owners and media influencers with their complex financial advice and mortgage needs.

SALLY DAVIS, principle, Howell’s School

Sally has been at Howell’s School, Llandaff since 1991, and was appointed Principal in 2007, one of only nine head teachers in the school’s 160-year history.

Sara Pepper is currently a member of the National Trust Wales Advisory Board and was awarded an OBE for services to the creative economy in the 2021 New Year Honours list.

SIMON BASTON, managing director, Loft Co

Simon is part of the Loft Co group specialising in the refurbishment of complex mixed-use buildings and has recently completed a new urban village at the Goodsheds in Barry.

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CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS THROWBACK T H E AWA R DS A R E H A PPE N I N G O N 3 0 SE P T E M B E R , B U T I N T H E M E A N T I M E L E T ’ S LO O K BAC K AT T H E FU N FR O M 2019 ( Y E S, B E FO R E A L L T H I N GS C H A N G E D...) PHOTOS BY HANNAH TIMM

Eagerly awaiting the ceremony

Peter Karrie performs

FLASHBACK! Were you there? Do you remember any of this? Each year the Cardiff Life Awards sell out, with dozens left on the waiting list, for one very simple reason: we can only fit 450 people into City Hall, meaning that for years now the Cardiff Life Awards have been limited to our sponsors and finalists only. With luck and early timing you could be one of the happy attendees this year – just look at the great time these guys had... The excitement builds

All smiles A bit of light reading...

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Host Nigel Owens

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

Francesca Fish, Bronyn Wheatley, Kate Fish and Evie James

PHOTOS BY T WO CATS IN THE YARD

Our awesome Cardiff Life columnists Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney

Posing inside our giant Perspex ‘front cover’ are Gavin Sheppard, Charlotte Mahon, Nick Barber, David Lovitt, Angela Davey, Andrew Barry, Dane Jones, Menna Williams and Benjamin Jones Francesca James, Giovanni Malacrino and Dorian Bowen

Joanne Chinnock, Gerard Griffiths, Gary Hughes, Marie de Tito Mount, Colin Laity, Laura Doidge, Vicky Edwards, Steve Heathfield, John Davies, Claire Jenkinson and Susan Tester-Jones

Joanna Bumly and Dixie Normous

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

CARDIFF LIVES

“My songs were played by astronauts onboard the International Space Station” connect people globally through music. It looks to bridge the gap between science and music. The project has already had my songs played in incredible locations. I love the idea of my voice being able to travel to these incredible spaces, particularly after the Covid lockdowns, so I set myself a challenge of being heard in the most remote locations possible.

SALLY ROBINSON Cardiff indie-folk musician Sally Robinson has had her songs played in jaw-dropping settings, including volcanos and in space. Here she tells us how she looks to bridge the gap between science and music A Pontcanna-based independent indie-folk musician is pushing boundaries. Sally Robinson had the idea of getting her music heard in unique and remote locations all over (and above) the globe, so she sent her songs to scientists worldwide. This has led to her ‘A-sides | B-sides Project’ being heard inside the Amazon Rainforest, at the North and South Poles, and by astronauts in space. She released the third set of her four-element-themed project (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) on 25 June. This latest set represents fire, and

was inspired by her love of geology. She sent the songs to volcanologists around the world and they’ve now been heard on three volcano monitoring stations on Montserrat, Anchorage, and Yellowstone. The fourth and final part of the project will be available to download on 22 August. Here we chat… What led to the idea of your music being played in such unique locations?

The ‘A-sides | B-sides Project’ seeks to inspire people to engage in conversations with people they wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to speak to, and

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How did you go about getting your tracks heard in the places?

They were sent to scientific research facilities that are linked to the element they are representing: ‘Air’ was heard by astronauts onboard the International Space Station, space scientists, and meteorologists, including members of the team that work on NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover; ‘Earth’ was heard by leading female climate scientists around the world, at conservation centres inside the Amazon Rainforest, and at scientific research facilities at both the North and South Poles; ‘Fire’ has been heard by geologists working at volcano monitoring stations around the world; and the final set, ‘Water’, was sent to boats and submarines. The current ‘Fire’ element of the four-element-themed project was inspired by your love of geology, wasn’t it?

I spent most of my childhood on the beach and in nature, so I’ve always been passionate about the natural world, but my love of geology came from studying a Geology A Level at Gower College – my teacher was really

passionate about the subject and had an extensive rock collection, which I spent hours studying (the volcanic rocks were always the coolest, hence I ended up writing a song about a volcano!) Tell us more about the firethemed songs…

The Fifth View of Fuji, is about how I imagine it would feel to live next to an active volcano, and was written to sound calm and serene as it looks at the life and beauty the volcano would bring. Pele’s Hair was written about, and gets its name from, the formation of a type of volcanic glass; it forms in pale strands and is light enough to blow away in the wind. What are your favourite spots in Cardiff?

I love sitting next to the river in Bute Park on a sunny day, and I go cycling around the bay with my brothers whenever I can. Also, being a musician, Clwb Ifor Bach and The Moon will always have a special place in my heart. Surprise us…

In 2020 I ate enough bourbon biscuits so that if you stacked them all on top of each other end to end, they would reach a height of around 200 metres – that’s half the Empire State Building, or to the end of the Euphotic (or sunlight) zone in the ocean, deep enough to reach the glowy fish! n

Sally’s tracks are now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon www.sally-robinson.co.uk

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