Cardiff Life - Issue 250 by MediaClash

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ISSUE 250 / FEBRUARY 2022 / £3

THE CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2022 ARE ALMOST HERE

ISSUE 250 / FEBRUARY 2022 / MILESTONE MOMENT

OUR 250 ANNIVERSARY ISSUE TH

OF CARDIFF LIFE MAGAZINE

EDITOR’S LETTER

ell, what a feeling it is to say… welcome to our 250th issue! It feels like a lifetime ago that our very first issue hit the city; 15 years later we’re still committed to championing and celebrating local businesses, places and people in this fantastic city. So far, we’ve printed 2.5 million copies! Here’s to millions more. This mag is a huge milestone for us as it is, but to be able to mark our anniversary after such a tumultuous time in the industry, and the world, feels epic. Thank you so much for all your support in helping us to get to where we are – whether you’re a reader, an advertiser, a contributor, a behindthe-sceneser, an attendee of our events, or even an Instagram follower – it has all helped to hold us in a strong position to keep doing what we love to do. Thank you. To celebrate our 250th, we’ve asked our wonderful readers for 250 of their favourite things about Cardiff. And what an interesting perspective they’ve offered – highlighting everything from the city’s phone box libraries and The Hurricane experience at the Bay, to the secret ‘royal’ dining room hidden inside a fast-food chain, and the rather dark Death Junction where bodies of executed criminals were dumped (page 13). We’re excited this month for another reason, too; we have received everyone’s Cardiff Life Awards nominations, which means it’s now all systems go in prep for the Awards ceremony itself. Hundreds of nominations have landed on our desks ready to send to our all-new independent panel of judges from across the city (to be announced soon). They will be read, and re-read, and a mighty discussion will be held over which businesses and organisations make the shortlist. We’re now busy throwing glitz and glamour at our event-planning mood board ready for the big night at City Hall on 31 March, where we’ll announce the many worthy winners. We’re proud to say, the Cardiff Life Awards are the business highlight of the city. They are the most prestigious, most tightly contested Awards with the greatest number of local companies involved. Tickets and tables are now available to buy on our website (see page 89 for more). For now, we hope you enjoy all this issue has to offer. It’s been, and continues to be, a joy and a privilege to produce this magazine for you. #CardiffTogether, always

ae mor braf gallu dweud… croeso i’n 250fed rhifyn! Mae llawer o ddŵr wedi mynd dan y bont ers i’r rhifyn cyntaf ymddangos yn y ddinas; 15 mlynedd yn ddiweddarach rydym wedi ymrwymo o hyd i hyrwyddo a dathlu busnesau lleol, mannau lleol a phobl leol yn y ddinas wych hon. Rydym wedi argraffu 2.5 miliwn o gopïau mor belled! Ymlaen â ni’n awr i argraffu miliynau’n rhagor. Mae’r rhifyn hwn ynddo’i hun yn garreg filltir arbennig i ni, ond mae gallu dathlu’r garreg filltir honno ar ôl cyfnod mor gythryblus yn hanes y diwydiant a’r byd yn deimlad epig. Diolch o galon i chi am eich cymorth i’n helpu i gyrraedd y man hwn heddiw – p’un a ydych yn darllen y cylchgrawn, yn hysbysebu ynddo, yn cyfrannu iddo, yn gweithio y tu ôl i’r llenni, yn mynychu ein digwyddiadau neu hyd yn oed yn ein dilyn ar Instagram – mae’r cyfan wedi bod o gymorth i sicrhau ein bod mewn sefyllfa gref i allu parhau i gyflawni’r hyn rydym yn dwlu ei wneud. Diolch. I ddathlu ein 250fed rhifyn, rydym wedi gofyn i’n darllenwyr gwych am 250 o’u hoff bethau ynglŷn â Chaerdydd. Ac maent wedi rhoi darlun diddorol dros ben i ni o’r ddinas – gan amlygu popeth o’r llyfrgelloedd mewn ciosgau ffôn i’r cyfle i brofi corwynt yn y Bae, mynd i’r ystafell fwyta ‘frenhinol’ hanesyddol a dirgel mewn bwyty bwyd brys, a dysgu mwy am y gyffordd dywyll o’r enw Cyffordd y Meirw (’Death Junction’) lle câi cyrff troseddwyr wedi’u dienyddio eu gadael. Rydym yn llawn cyffro’r mis hwn am reswm arall hefyd; y diwrnod cyn i’r rhifyn hwn ymddangos yn y ddinas oedd y diwrnod olaf i gyflwyno enwebiadau ar gyfer Gwobrau Cardiff Life’, sy’n golygu y byddwn yn brysur o hyn ymlaen yn paratoi ar gyfer y seremoni ei hun. Mae cannoedd o enwebiadau wedi glanio ar ein desgiau’n barod i’w hanfon i’n panel newydd sbon o feirniaid annibynnol o bob rhan o’r ddinas. Bydd yr enwebiadau’n cael eu darllen fwy nag unwaith a bydd trafodaeth fanwl yn digwydd er mwyn dewis y busnesau a’r sefydliadau a fydd yn cyrraedd y rhestr fer. Rydym wrthi’n ddiwyd yn awr yn rhannu syniadau er mwyn cynllunio ar gyfer y noson fawreddog a chrand a fydd yn cael ei chynnal yn Neuadd y Ddinas ar 31 Mawrth, lle byddwn yn cyhoeddi’r holl enillwyr haeddiannol. Rydym yn falch o ddweud bod Gwobrau Cardiff Life yn ddigwyddiad o fri yn y ddinas. Dyma’r Gwobrau y mae’r nifer fwyaf o gwmnïau lleol yn ymwneud â nhw, y mae’r clod mwyaf yn perthyn iddynt ac y ceir y gystadleuaeth agosaf amdanynt. Gallwch brynu tocynnau a byrddau’n awr ar ein gwefan (ewch i dudalen 89 i gael gwybod mwy). Am y tro, rydym yn gobeithio y gwnewch chi fwynhau’r arlwy sydd yn y rhifyn hwn. Mae wedi bod yn bleser ac yn fraint cynhyrchu’r cylchgrawn hwn ar eich cyfer, a bydd gwneud hynny yn parhau i fod yn bleser ac yn fraint yn y dyfodol. #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

Celebrating 250 issues of Cardiff Life (that’s 2.5 million copies and counting!)

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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VIEW OUR BROCHURE ON OUR WEBSITE

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

PHOTO BY TOM DAVIES, @TOMAESH

Issue 250 / February 2022 ON THE COVER Our incredible cover designer Trevor Gilham created this masterpiece which depicts the Wales Millennium Centre’s windows morphed into the number 250 to celebrate our 250th issue of Cardiﬀ Life magazine

INSIDE A huge thank you and applause to our in-house designers, Andrew Richmond and Megan Allison, for creating such striking designs in this special anniversary edition

FEATURES

13 250 WAYS TO LOVE CARDIFF As it’s our 250th anniversary issue,

we asked our readers for 250 of their favourite things about the city

42 BIG INTERVIEW Huge changes are afoot for the WMC, as its

artistic director Graeme Farrow tells us

47 COVER UP Our favourite front covers from the past 15 years in print 58 KEEP CALM AND MARRY ON Our top local wedding venue

choices for 2022

ARTS AND EVENTS

37 DARK MATTER Elfyn Lewis’s solo exhibition at Ten gallery 38 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and events, it’s all going on in Cardiﬀ 83 SCENE Some of the city’s top recent events – spot yourselves?

SHOPPING

53 DON’T BE DAFF A glamorous way to wear your St David’s

Day daﬀodils

54 EDITOR’S CHOICE Heavy-metal-hued buys from local shops

FOOD & DRINK

65 BIRD JAMBOREE An event celebrating women in food who are

making a diﬀerence

66 TASTY BITES A serving of juicy food news and views for you to

chew on

73 TIDY KITCHEN A new shop in the city, launched by a celebrity

private chef

PROPERTY

77 BUILDING MOMENTUM An array of up-to-the-minute property

stories for you

BUSINESS

86 CARDIFF WORKS News and views and brilliant local businesses 89 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Getting ready for another huge celebration

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT Just a handful of feel-good stories 41 WYBURN AND WAYNE Our columnists have been out and

about again

71 JANE COOK Our food columnist on the changing tastes of Cardiﬀ 79 GETTING SCHOOLED Victoria Bond talks education 90 CARDIFF LIVES Siân Lewis at the Urdd, on its 100th anniversary

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, Victoria Bond Commercial manager Mark George mark.george@ mediaclash.co.uk Business development 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 Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Cardiff Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT JUST A HANDFUL OF FEEL- GOOD STORIES

HOPE IS EVERYTHING

Ricky Gervais has donated two benches to Cardiff. The creator and star of Netflix hit Afterlife has collaborated with suicide prevention charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to place 25 benches at different locations around the UK, including one in Parc Cefn Onn and one in Victoria Park, which serve as places to talk, listen and reflect. The benches are in celebration of the new series of Afterlife, which landed on Netflix in January. The popular show covers issues such as grief, loss, depression and recovery – with plenty of laughs alongside. The benches feature QR codes leading to online messages of support, and are inscribed with a quote from the third series of Afterlife: “Hope is Everything”. For more: www.netflix.com

In celebration of the new series of Afterlife, Ricky Gervais has donated benches to Cardiff

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Celebrities

THE CARDIFF-AND VALE-BASED ACTS RECEIVING THE AWARDS ARE…

Mace the Great and Aisha Kigs are two of the Cardiff artists receiving awards

Music

MUSIC IN THE CITY

For 2022, Horizons Launchpad Fund has announced awards totalling over £63,000 to 49 emerging Welsh artists, the most since it was established in 2014. The fund is part of Horizons – a partnership between BBC Cymru Wales and Arts Council of Wales, investing in and platforming original music talent.

• Alice Low • Anwar Sizbar • Aisha Kigs • Alekxsandr • Artshawty • Asha Jane • Clwb Fuzz • Cupsofte • Hanna Lili • Teddy Hunter • James And The Cold Gun • Kinnigan • Harry Jowett

The local artists receiving awards to develop their music careers include: dramatic trans auteur Alice Low, a winner at the Welsh Music Awards 2021; BBC 6Music favourites The Bug Club; Ladies of Rage alumni Asha Jane; emerging pop star Hana Lili; and Cardiff MC Mace the Great. Since its inception eight years ago, Horizons Launchpad Fund has been granted to over 250 artists, from over 60 different Welsh towns, spending £273,000 in the Welsh music ecosystem. The funds for Launchpad are made possible through the National Lottery, allocated

• Mace The Great • Mali Haf • Mantaraybryn • Mirari More • Niques • Panta Ray • Roman Yasin • Soren Araujo • Su Sang Song • Tara Bandito • Voya • Yazmean • Xl Life

by Arts Council of Wales. “We’re very grateful to Arts Council of Wales and BBC Wales for supporting this project into its eighth year, providing crucial first steps for artists in Wales,” says Bethan Elfyn, project manager with Horizons. “It’s more important than ever to connect a community, to believe in the artists and their journey and to inject the Welsh music industry with investment. We’re really excited to see how these music projects develop.” For more: www.bbc.co.uk/horizons

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SPOTLIGHT Charity

ANGELMAN DAY

City Hospice is ready for the return of a pawsome event

Animals

WAG THIS WAY

Leading Cardiﬀ charity City Hospice’s Wag this Way event is returning this March after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The sponsored 5km dog walk, raising money for City Hospice to continue their vital work in the local area, will take place in the grounds of Bute Park on 20 March, starting at 11am. City Hospice provide care to people with terminal or life limiting illnesses, as well as essential counselling and support services for the families of their patients. The only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital, it provides care and compassion to 550 patients at any one time. For more: www.cityhospice.org.uk

Film

WALES ON THE BIG SCREEN

One of the new Welsh films is Hijra, focusing on the transgender community of New Delhi

Eight Welsh films are hitting cinemas in 2022. From the Welsh language horror Gwledd, to the transgender community of New Delhi in documentary Hijra, the eight eclectic films are set to bring Welsh talent and stories to the big screen in 2022. Through their Made in Wales strand, Film Hub Wales are currently working with distributors, Welsh cinemas and film festivals to promote films to much wider audiences. “The films highlight that there is plenty to be discovered about life in Wales, beyond our rural landscape,” says Hana Lewis, Film Hub Wales’ strategic manager. “Welsh filmmakers have globally significant stories to tell, which can inspire both new talent and local audiences. Through Made in Wales, we have a chance to consider how the films can give us a voice worldwide and build the film industry around us. Greater awareness of these films can only benefit our sense of community and cultural identity.” Wales is an increasingly exciting place for film, with the scripts attracting actors such as Rebel Wilson (The Almond and the Seahorse) and The Walking Dead’s Samantha Morton (Save the Cinema) to leading roles. As venues work to recover from the pandemic, many filmmakers hope audiences go to see these films on the big screen as they were intended. For more: www.filmhubwales.org

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PHOTO BY IL A MEHROTR A

Cardiff Castle and City Hall will light up on 15 February for Bella and others with AS

On 15 February, Cardiff Castle and City Hall will light up blue to mark International Angelman Day and spread awareness of Angelman Syndrome (AS) – a rare genetic disorder. The Creigiau-based woman who pushed for these local landmarks to shine bright – joining other iconic sites from previous years including Niagara Falls and Burj Khalifa – is Rachel Hosgood, whose 19-month-old daughter, Bella, was diagnosed with AS last year. “AS is a condition that affects the neurological system, meaning individuals Bella and are non-verbal, have severe learning Rachel difficulties, may not walk, have seizures and require 24/7 supervision throughout their lives,” she says. “When we found out this was the path carved out for our daughter, our whole world crumbled, but nearly a year on, we have become a big part of the Angelman community, ensuring that we are raising awareness where we can, as well as raising all-important funds for Angelman UK and FAST UK. “I liaised with Cardiff Council to light up the landmarks to honour all the children and adults who have to fight every day living with AS. I think it’s an incredibly important message for the people of Cardiff to understand.” For more: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Bellahosgood and www.angelmanuk.org

SPONSORED CONTENT

250 WAYS TO LOVE

PHOTO BY ADAMROSS WILLIAMS, @ADAMROSSSI

CARDIFF

As this is our 250th anniversary issue, we’ve asked our readers for 250 of their favourite things about Cardiff and beyond. The tourist brochures focus on the sights to see – from the Castle to the Bay – but what about all the flavoursavouring, the aroma-smelling and sound-hearing? Here, our readers give us the full sensory overload… By Lisa Evans

Lavernock point in Sully, which, thankfully, is rarely busy. Sameer Gangoli, @grandsnap

Watching the Always look sunrise over up in the the city from the Arcades. Garth. Seeing Martin Evans the city wake up from up high is just magical. Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

Lapping up the culture of Butetown, one of Britain’s first multicultural communities. Dafydd Roberts

Howardian Gardens. Lisa Grace, @suitcaseofsugar

The epic city view from Clayton Hotel. Danni Lowe

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I love standing on the bank of Cardiff Bay on a clear, quiet day and taking it all in. Nathan Sussex, actor

The little pink hut at the Barrage. Han Frederickson

Sadly, I’ve only seen pictures, but the underground tunnels of Cardiff look amazing. Luke Gordon

Spying ‘the crocodile’ on the Barrage. Jane Dunn

Waterloo Gardens are great when you need to unwind. MantaRayBryn, singer

Watching a film at the rooftop garden cinema above Jacob’s Market. Jack Harris

Christmas lights in the city, especially the Alice in Wonderlandthemed ones. Kate Mansell

The Pink Hut on the Barrage, which, last time we saw inside it, was a private gym

I love the sea, obviously, so walking at Sully Island is great. Hannah Mills, the most successful female sailor in Olympic history

PHOTO BY SAMEER GANGOLI, @GR ANDSNAP

The New Theatre

Being able to walk to see the water is really good for my soul. James Fox, singer

City photo tours with the brilliant Cardiff Shooters group (@CardiffShooters). Leslie Davies

The changing seasons in Roath Pleasure Gardens. Lucinda Horton Willis, The Media Angel

St Mary the Virgin Church. There is a ruin of the church which was built on the site of an Iron Age hillfort. Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

Bishop’s Palace, Llandaff, an ancient medieval fortress. Hannah Short Carys Rees at St Mary the Virgin Church

PHOTO BY SIN HART

PHOTO BY SAMEER GANGOLI, @GR ANDSNAP

The New Theatre is beautiful. I had a great panto run playing the Prince in Cinderella. Lee Mead, actor

SIGHTS THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

A sea of red jerseys heading in to town on a rugby day. Kasey perks, Create Salon

The laser light show at Christmas at Bute Park. Gareth Harris

Cardiff Made, a community-centric celebration of Cardiff artists. Ben Hughes

The beautiful muqarnas ceiling covered in gold leaf in The Arab Room at Cardiff Castle. Owen Mathias, Owen Mathias Photography

The Arab Room at Cardiff Castle

Art indulgence at Blackwater Gallery in the Bay. There’s just so much to see. Jenny Pearce

Public art – sculptures and murals. The city is so creative. Nathan Wyburn, artist

I love to see independent businesses thriving. The shops, restaurants and attractions you just can’t find anywhere else are the things which make a city unique. Jane Cook, independent PR consultant

PHOTO BY HAYLEY TOMS

29 Lisa Grace (@suitcaseofsugar) at Roath Park Phone Box Library

The phone box libraries. I’m always snooping for my next read! Lisa Grace, @suitcase ofsugar

When I was working on On Bear Ridge, I just loved the fact I could cycle from Pontcanna across Bute Park, down the side of the drama school, and I would carry the bike over the railway line at Cathays. I loved that ride to work every morning, it was such a joy. Rakie Ayola, actor

All the huge events that come to Cardiff, especially the Inside Out festival, bringing worldfamous acts to our little city. Jay Page, The New World Trading Company

The interior of the beautiful Morgan Arcade. Helen Grant, HLM Architects

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SIGHTS THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

The colour blast at Jian Chen’s Fine Art in Morgan Arcade. Carl Davies

The flower stall at Studio Muse Pontcanna. Instaperfect every day. Rachel Eling, Howell’s School, Llandaff

The Zara new edit dropping in the fab new store in St David’s. Caroline Sims, St Tewdrics House

Dawn breaking over Roath Park Lake as the swans start their day. Luke Holland, Cathod Du Consultancy

Where else has such a beautiful civic centre, green spaces, gardens, a class museum and is within a stone’s throw of a Norman castle? Ceri Hill, Chalkhouse Kitchens Ltd

The elegance of the Martin Tinney Gallery. Nia Dare

Taking in Cardiff Bay’s Scandinavian links at the Norwegian Church. Alistair Harvey

The amazing mural on James Street, painted by Cardiff graffiti artist Rmer One. It acts as a beacon of hope and beauty that replenishes my heart each day. Matt Downes, Welsh National Opera

Kids can enjoy looking at fossils via the microscopes at the museum. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

The views of the city as you take the Aqua Bus from Mermaid Quay to Cardiff Castle. It’s an underrated experience and you get to see The view parts of Cardiff that from the first you miss out when floor looking into walking or driving. Cardiff Market. James Robinson, The rich history of Hello Starling the city still lives in its walls. Dorian Bowen, Project One I love seeing The posters within the hidden WWII bunker at Cardiff Castle. Owen Mathias, Owen Mathias Photography

one of the only remaining original doorways (to my knowledge) on Queen Street – part of the frontage of River Island. It’s a grand Bath stone Georgian doorway. I always imagine the gentry of the day entering in top hats. Andrew Gardiner, The Six Gables Dental Practice

The stunning cherry blossoms near Bishop’s Palace. Guy Murphy

One of the posters in the WWII bunker at Cardiff Castle

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The Betty Campbell monument

The new Betty Campbell monument. It’s an incredibly inspiring piece of art that people of all ages can experience close-up and learn about her hugely significant role in education in Cardiff. Lee Lyford, Theatr Iolo

Cardiff Museum; there is always a guarantee they will host some sort of photography-related exhibition. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking

The Rooftop Garden at Cardiff Castle. Kelly John

Bute Park’s gardens; they are kept so beautiful and instantly take away the stresses of life. Tiffany Hall, Amaryllis Salon

PHOTO BY TOM DAVIES, @TOMAESH

The sunrise at Penarth Pier is a sight to behold. Tom Davies, @tomaesh

Penarth Pier

Idles at Tramshed Cardiff

PHOTO BY NATHAN ROACH, COAL POET MEDIA

Tramshed; I love the fact they invite bands that I’ve never heard of but they sound like top-chart acts. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

SOUNDS THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

The roar of joyousness during a night out at Bingo Lingo at DEPOT. Harriet Webber

It’s got to be the sereneness at Llandaff Cathedral. Katie Rogers

Swn Festival for me. Huw Stephens, radio DJ

Womanby Street, which is synonymous with the city’s live music scene. Lauren Smith

The cheers and the celebrations at the Cardiff Life Awards. Alex Brown, Cardiff Met Uni

The oldest record shop in the world, Spillers, is in Cardiff. Toby Watkins

Spillers Records, the world’s oldest record shop, in Morgan Arcade

I love the live music at Porter’s. Lorna Prichard, comedian

People Hearing the speaking wonderful Wyburn and Wayne Welsh when walking down a street. on Radio Cardiff. It’s an instant feeling Mark Rees of home. Dani Vinson, Create Salon

I’ve had the pleasure of performing at Cardiff City Hall alongside Sian Lloyd and Max Boyce. Singer Laura Evans

The amazing drag acts at Mary’s bar. Steph S

The sound of ripping open (yet another) package from Sadler Jones. Kelsey Redmore

I love it when there’s a gig in the Castle; as it’s all open-air, the sound carries for miles. I was lucky enough to see Nile Rodgers and Chic there a few years when DEPOT Cardiff booked them to play there. Jane Cook, independent PR consultant

The sound of the Glamorganshire Canal. It was originally built to carry iron from Merthyr Tydfil to the port in Cardiff. This is one of the only sections of the canal left after it finally closed in 1951. Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

The hubbub inside the Brewery Quarter in the summer. Matt Whitcombe

“Rag and booooone!” Guy Collins

Clwb Ifor Bach has a ton of history and has supported so many up-andcoming bands. Tom Rees, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard

The giggling as the nude cyclists pass during The World Naked Bike Ride. Steve Weaver

The Wales Millennium Centre is my happy place – especially if I’m there for a musical. Freddie Griffiths

We’ve always had a great reaction when we play in Cardiff, it’s such a great crowd. Keep on Rockin’. Dave Hill, founding member, Slade www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19

Passengers saying “Cheers, Drive” when stepping off a bus. Sophie Allen

I’m from Lakeside, and most of my memories revolve around orchestra courses and concerts in Cardiff. Lucy Richardson, Dyson

When you hear the sound of ‘Oh!’ said in Nessa’s accent down in Barry. John Baker

Our debut single launch Jungle Fever in Clwb Ifor Bach was an absolute storming Norman. The place was bouncing. David Bassey, CVC band

Squeals of children going down ‘the big slide’ at Roath playground. Alan Morgan

Hustle and bustle in the city. When I moved here as a student, hearing trains every few minutes was so comforting to me. Nathan Wyburn, artist

Being in a stadium with loud Welsh crowds singing the anthem. Wayne Courtney, University Hospital of Wales

Splashing and laughing at the outdoor Aqua Park in the summer. Rob Jones

Laughter from days and nights out; and venues with local acts performing. Jay Page, The New World Trading Company

Live sax at a ClubBrunch event at The Botanist. Alice Clements

The music at the Havana People Salsa classes. Jo Frei Hill

Fantastic buskers Symphonies that make everyone at St David’s Hall. smile. Ella Price Helen Grant, HLM Architects

The awesome power of Welsh National Opera’s world-class orchestra and chorus filling the iconic Wales Millennium Centre – life-affirming, life-changing, life-encapsulating. Matt Downes, Welsh National Opera

DEPOT are known for their incredible events at Cardiff Castle

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A great concert ringing out over the Taff. Dorian Bowen, Project One

The fizz of prosecco bottles opening at the many, many new business launches in the city. Sarah Cummings

The sea lapping on the rocks of Penarth Beach. Lisa Grace, @suitcaseofsugar

The sound of flipping through Cardiff Life magazine’s beautiful pages! Caitlin Stanley

The eventual silence when walking through Cefn Onn Park, as the road fades away and nature takes over. Luke Holland Cathod Du Consultancy

I love to hear the happy soundtrack of people enjoying outdoor spaces. Lee Lyford, Theatr Iolo

The resounding thwack as a ball meets a racket at the Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club in Bute Park. Rachel Eling, Howell’s School, Llandaff

SOUNDS

THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

The Principality Stadium

People’s feet playing the giant piano at Techniquest. Rachel Hanson, Techniquest

I used to work in The Moon music venue, which does lots of amazing work. Tom Rees, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard

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75,000 people cheering on Our Boys at Principality Stadium – a hair-standing-up-on-the-back-of-yourneck time, feeling proud to be Welsh. Ceri Hill, Chalkhouse Kitchens Ltd

The BBQ smell in the air. Jay Page, The New World Trading Company

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The shrieks of laughter when people first experience The Hurricane at our science centre! Rachel Hanson, Techniquest

Sounds of birds chirping when you take a morning walk at the Forest Farm. Sameer Gangoli, @grandsnap

Westgate Street on matchday – the singing, excitement and anticipation. Nicola Jenkins, Create Communication

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Mike James busking on Queen Street. Molly Kate, @CardiffStreet Photography

Cardiff is a leader when it comes to the music scene. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

The chants of ‘Wales, Wales, Wales’ on a rugby day. You know you’re home and in good company. It’s a feeling that I’ve only ever experienced in Cardiff. James Robinson, Hello Starling

Live music bouncing off the city’s buildings when the world’s biggest acts grace the city’s stadiums. Andrea Byrne, newsreader

The silence within Cardiff Castle’s walls; it’s like an oasis for those looking for peace and quiet. In all directions, there’s visual history to admire as far back as AD 55. Owen Mathias, Owen Mathias Photography

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The damp-smelling wine dungeons at Castell Coch. Dan Connolly

PHOTO BY TOM DAVIES, @TOMAESH

Castell Coch

SMELLS THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

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When the fragrant, spicy steam from a bowl of Matsudai Ramen hits you. Alex Brown

Espressos at Uncommon Ground. Jen Douglas

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The gorgeously musky smell of books at Cardiff Library. Lillian Young Matsudai Ramen

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Little Man Coffee on Tudor Lane. Molly Kate, @CardiffStreet Photography

Franks Hotdogs at the market. Amira Barden

The sweet

smell of bluebells in The Wenallt. Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

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The fresh scents inside The Goodwash Company. Joe Simpson

Backsreet Roath bakery Allen’s – nothing beats their freshly baked croissants on a Saturday morning. Nicola Jenkins, Create Communication

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It used to be the smell of the brewery, not an overly pleasant smell but it was the smell of the city centre. Kasey perks, Create Salon

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The lavender lushness coming from a box of Cardiff’s Miss Patisserie bath goodies. Rachel Lee

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The lush smell of greenery at Roath Park Conservatory. Katy Lou

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Brother Thai rotis. Sam Spiers

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The PX and tapas at Bar 44. Mouth-watering! Josh Jones

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Mingled aromas of street food from the many shacks at Goodsheds. Dean H

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Street food traders at Cardiff Bay Food Festival. Wayne Courtney, University Hospital of Wales

Treating myself to a blow dry at Yume and smelling utterly fabulous. Sarah S

PHOTO BY NATHAN ROACH, COAL POET MEDIA

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The wholesome smells while sustainable shopping at Ripple – the peanut butter machine especially. Ash O’Connor Fresh bread from all the independent bakeries. Nathan Wyburn, artist The essential oils at Yurt in the City during a massage. Beth Price

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SMELLS THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

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Hot sugared doughnuts on Queen Street. Lisa Grace, @suitcaseofsugar

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Ecofriendly shopping at Authentic House in Splott (I don’t want to count how many bath bombs I’ve bought). Lesley W

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The parks’ Malllows grass Beauty’s being cut through scrubs smell spring and summer. sensational. Jay Page, Aimee Mercer The New World Trading Company

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The pizzas at Dusty’s. Helen Grant, HLM Architects

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A hot pork roll from the Hayes Island – perfect pre-gig lunch at St David’s Hall. Matt Downes, Welsh National Opera

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Sweet aromas from Bloomfull’s dried flower diffusers. Emma Wootton

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Honeyglazed nuts at the Christmas market. Andrew Gardiner, The Six Gables Dental Practice

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Wally’s Delicatessen. No contest. Luke Holland, Cathod Du Consultancy

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Cardiff Market (not the fish section). Tom Rokita, @tomrokita

Not to be biased, but The Queer Emporium coffee blend first thing in the morning is pretty epic. Yan White, The Queer Emporium

Being surrounded by fresh plants at Eartha on City Road. Kaye Moon

Riverside Market food vendors. Molly Kate, @CardiffStreet Photography

Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine from the festive markets. Andrea Byrne, newsreader

An unexpected summer downpour on hot city streets. Rachel Eling, Howell’s School, Llandaff

Assador 44 steaks smoking up a storm. Daniel Phillips

The first roast coffee of the morning, rising from Coffee Mania in Cardiff Bay. Rachel Hanson, Techniquest

It used to be the hops as I alighted the train at central station, but these days it’s the morning baking from our many wonderful cafés. Dorian Bowen, Project One

Stephen Peckham at Eartha

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An independent bakery in the heart of Pontcanna. Rhodri Humphreys Hern & Crabtree

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PHOTO BY MANON HOUSTON

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Wild garlic when it pops up in the parks in spring. There are huge patches at the Wild Gardens next to Roath Park Lake, and in Bute Park just after the Blackweir Bridge. I use it to make pesto. Jane Cook, independent PR consultant

PHOTO BY TOM ROKITA, @TOMROKITA

145 The Welsh cake stand in the middle of the market; every time I pass I always have to buy some. Tom Rokita, @tomrokita

Cardiff Market

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‘Fire food’ from Kindle, an outdoor restaurant in Sophia Gardens

Kindle, with their amazing business idea focused on sustainability. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

TASTES THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

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A Beaujolais Day lunch at The Angel Hotel. Cerys S

My favourite restaurant is Thomas by Tom Simmons in Pontcanna. It’s truly fantastic that someone of his calibre has moved his restaurant to Cardiff. Angharad Mair, Bafta Cymru

Partaking in the craft Big Bear Blondies. beer revolution at Craft Republic. Lisa Grace, @suitcaseofsugar Alffi Adams

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A sweet chai latte from the Junction drive thru at Goodsheds. Robyn Fay

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The Crêpe Escape in Penarth. Mr. Doner on Tudor Street (nicest Sameer Gangoli, @grandsnap folks around!). Molly Kate, @CardiffStreet Photography

Jasmin Restaurant on Wellfield Road. Lucinda Horton Willis, The Media Angel

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What I’d give to dine in the secret ‘royal’ dining room – the Mahogany Room, with medieval décor – hidden in Burger King on St John Street. Alex Morgan

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Nothing quite beats a Pettigrew Bakery cruffin. Yan White, The Queer Emporium

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Drinks at Pennyroyal. Luke Bowen

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All the cheeses at The Welsh Cheese Co. Claire James

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Sitting outside Pitch with friends, people-watching with a vegan sharing platter. Jay Page, The New World Trading Company

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Hensol Castle Distillery’s new gin. Corrie Roberts

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Slabs of vegan cake from Parkside Café, Heath. Shaun Hopkins

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A delicious cake from The Little Jar Co. Nathan Wyburn, artist The everevolving street food scene. Tom Davies, @tomaesh

Lee Skeet’s new restaurant, Cora, in Pontcanna. Ellyse Rowe

Friends Can’t in Knead. beat an Lisa Grace, IPA at Tiny Rebel. @suitcaseofsugar Dai Edwards

Junction drive thru at Goodsheds

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TASTES THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

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Welsh Rarebit at Waterloo Tea. Marty Harris

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I have a bit of a sweet tooth and am addicted to Bad Boy Brownies at The Bone Yard. Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

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It’s impossible to choose the best taste in the city! That’s probably why Bite Cardiff was so popular – it was an independent food festival, held at Insole Court, where 30 chefs cooked a single dish each. I am hoping Bite will return to the city this summer. Jane Cook, indie PR consultant

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A cuppa at St Andrew’s Coffee Court on Wellfield Road. Nathan Wyburn, artist

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Cockles with pepper and vinegar in Cardiff Market. Dorian Bowen, Project One

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Lab 22’s cocktail concoctions. The bar has been named best in the UK! Ricky Lowri

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The Secret Garden Café in Bute Park. A little hidden gem. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

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Kath’s Kitchen UK Rocky Road from Forage Farm Shop is my all-time favourite sweet treat. Lisa Grace, @suitcaseofsugar

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Grabbing a Fresh Baguette and wandering around the Arcades. Jay Page, The New World Trading Company

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The independent Italian, Casanova. Hands down the best restaurant in Wales’s Capital. Andrew Gardiner, The Six Gables Dental Practice

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Salty midnight chips from Caroline Street. Rachel Eling Howell’s School, Llandaff

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Ice cream from Cadwaladers in Cardiff Bay. Rachel Hanson Techniquest

Wild Thing

does the best vegan breakfasts ever. MantaRayBryn, singer

The steaks from Pasture on High Street. James Robinson, Hello Starling

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

Cardiff Dough

& Co. Lisa Grace, @suitcaseofsugar

Deli food at Cicchetti in Radyr brings a taste of Italian sunshine to those grey Welsh days. Ceri Hill, Chalkhouse Kitchens Ltd

The lamb with Padron peppers at Catalan gem La Cuina is hard to beat. Matt Downes, Welsh National Opera

The moistness of the carrot cake at Juno Lounge. Fran Holly

Sunday lunch with all the trimmings at Laguna Kitchen & Bar. Caroline Sims, St Tewdrics House

I love Luna’s Vegan Corner in Roath. Lorna Prichard, comedian

Kemi’s in Pontcanna. Lorna Prichard, comedian

The City Arms... and the City Arms again. David Bassey, CVC band

Lab 22 has been named the best cocktail bar in the UK

High Street Arcade

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The wonderful coffee and fantastic breakfasts from Hard Lines, just round the corner from our office. Lee Lyford, Theatr Iolo

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The first pint from a new barrel of SA in The Albany. Luke Holland, Cathod Du Consultancy

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Alex Gooch bakery’s sourdough. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

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La Crêperie de Claudie. Molly Kate, @CardiffStreet Photography

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TukTuk, my new favourite Thai restaurant. Their lemongrass margaritas are so good. Tiffany Hall, Amaryllis Salon

New York Deli in the High St Arcade. Kate Birbraer, E Clean

The taste of victory when Wales win the Six Nations! Andrea Byrne, newsreader

The bubbles in a freshly poured glass of Bollinger at Roath’s Glory Stores (accompanied by a bacon butty). Nicola Jenkins, Create Communication

Being a pizza super star, it’s got to be Romeat. Dorian Bowen, Project One

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Calabrisella in Canton – their pizza is simply amazing and the ice cream place they opened not long ago is now a thing I can’t live without. Tom Rokita, @tomrokita

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Aubergine Café’s chocolate vegan cake. Molly Kate, @CardiffStreet Photography

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The Vegetarian Food Studio on Penarth Road. Lorna Prichard, comedian

A Waterloo Tea brunch feast

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TOUCH/FEEL THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

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The exhilaration of shooting through the water on a speedboat in the Bay. Calvin Thompson

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I am a huge advocate for getting outdoors and the feeling it gives you. Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

A ‘five senses’ synesthesia massage experience at Lush Spa

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Running your hands through a client’s hair at the end of a service and feeling a sense of pride. Dani Vinson, Create Salon

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Woven textiles at Laura Thomas. Laura’s work has been shown around the world – The V&A, the Powerhouse Museum, and the National Wool Museum. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

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I’ve travelled all around the world with my career and lived in major cities like New York, London, and Toronto, but, none of them feel as friendly, welcoming and convenient as Cardiff. James Fox, singer

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Feeling empowered by the confidence of the women dancing on the bar at Coyote Ugly. Niamh Myers

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The comfort of watching an indie film at Chapter Arts. Louise Mills

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The feeling of history surrounding you when you step inside the Coal Exchange building, where the world’s first million-pound deal was made. Jessica Linney

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I grew up in Dinas Powys and my parents still live there. I moved for the London 2012 Olympics but I still love the feeling of going home to Mum and Dad! Hannah Mills, Olympian

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Running your hand along the bronze slates covering Sherman Theatre. Lucinda Horton Willis, The Media Angel

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The feeling of embracing modern democracy at The Senedd. Mike Godfrey

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

Cycling along the myriad paths feeling the wind rushing through your hair. Sophie Lewis

Bobbing inside a floatation tank at Revival Centre in Meanwhile House. Kirsty Stephens

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Running your hand over the big red dragon’s scales at the castle. Hattie Downey

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Laughing until you can’t breathe at the Glee Club. Faye Jacobs

A sensory massage at Lush Spa. Julie J

Touching Ianto’s Torchwood Shrine at Cardiff Bay. Bethan May

The shudder running through you when you walk over Death Junction (the spot where Albany, Richmond, City and Crwys roads meet) where bodies of executed criminals were dumped. Alan Paul

Hi-fiving my favourite runners on my jogs (pre-Covid). Stan Ford

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The spooky sensation when you remember there used to be a chair hanging over the Taff that people would sit on as punishment. It was called the cucking stool and was suspended over the water. Alan Paul

The cosy feeling of walking through the Arcades on an early evening when all the lights are on. Tom Rokita, @tomrokita

Cardiff isn’t called The City of Arcades for nothing!

PHOTO BY TOM ROKITA, @TOMROKITA

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PHOTO BY TOM DAVIES, @TOMAESH

voco St David’s Hotel

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The feeling of the crisp sheets at voco St David’s Hotel. Jenna Bunce

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The atmosphere on match days; the feeling of a whole city waiting in anticipation for kick off, and the communal celebrating or commiserating afterwards! Jane Cook, independent PR consultant

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Feeling tired but happy on the Sculpture trail at Forest Fawr. Rhys John

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Bute Park The with no luxury of shoes or socks on! relaxing on a sofa Helen Grant, at the Everyman Cinema and having HLM Architects cocktails brought to your seat. Lisa Grace, @suitcaseofsugar

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Delving through vintage shopping racks around the city. Alys Richardson

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Coldwater therapy. The feeling of the cold water on my skin first thing in the morning while swimming with the Dawnstalkers club in Penarth is something else. Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

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The thrill of Escape Rooms Cardiff. Maddie Scott

The sea breeze on my face when cycling around Cardiff Bay Barrage. Caroline Sims, St Tewdrics House

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

The tickets you manage to blag just a few hours before kick off. Luke Holland, Cathod Du Consultancy

The grass between my fingers in Canton’s Thompson’s Park. Matt Downes, Welsh National Opera

I feel ‘drunk’ a lot, but a sensible answer is… Cardiff makes me feel ‘safe’. Nathan Wyburn, artist

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Rummaging through the packed shelves at Troutmark Books. Georgia Martin

We can touch our very roots at St Fagan’s Museum – a true sensory experience, seeing the tiny houses where our forefathers lived, touching the very furniture they sat on, bringing to life our heritage. Ceri Hill, Chalkhouse Kitchens Ltd

The feeling of buying from an independent. Emma Kate Francis has made several bespoke jewellery pieces for me, one of which I’ve worn every day for over 11 years! Carys Rees, This Girl Walks

TOUCH/FEEL THE FIVE SENSES OF CARDIFF

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The stomach flip you get when you’re taking off at Cardiff Airport. Oksana James

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A hot chocolate warming your hands at Mrs Potts. Elanor Simmonds

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A plastic gun in your hand as you shoot baddies on the arcade games at NQ64. Jamie Blackmore

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The comfy couches at Crumbs café in the Arcades. Molly Kate, @CardiffStreet Photography

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Searching through the charity shops in Whitchurch and Roath. Lorna Prichard, comedian The sun on my back while enjoying a cold mojito on Mill Lane. Ceri Maunder, E Clean

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Dancing like no one’s watching at The Philharmonic’s club. Sara Robbins

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The hard frozen ground underfoot in Roath Park Rec when I walk my dog – it’s so much nicer than the usual mud! Lee Lyford, Theatr Iolo

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The feel of a sparkling Laings diamond on your finger. Laings is the best local shop. Sam Burrows

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The feeling of taking a walk on the empty streets of the city centre on Boxing Day. Sameer Gangoli, @grandsnap

Everyman Cinema in the Bay

The feel of the ground beneath your feet at the top of Rudry Forestry – looking at the breath-taking views across Cardiff. Nicola Jenkins, Create Communication

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The thrills at Cardiff International White Water. Charlotte Bird

The contagious feeling of unity and togetherness during matches. It’s so strong that even I, not being Welsh, can feel it to the core. It’s a very strange feeling as it makes me feel at home when I am so far away from home. Aga Hosking, Aga Hosking Photography

Finally… the wholesome, smug sensation you get whenever you remember that Cardiff is your home. Lisa Evans, Cardiff Life magazine editor www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 33

PHOTO BY TOM ROKITA, @TOMROKITA

The pines underfoot on Caerphilly Mountain Forestry; it feels like God’s trampoline. Dorian Bowen, Project One

SPONSORED CONTENT

The new clinic

L-R: Dannii & Fran with their scan

THUMBS UP FOR NEW FERTILITY CLINIC The BRISTOL CENTRE FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE (BCRM) has a state-of-the-art new premises

ewlyweds Dannii and Fran Thorington Neve, who are expecting their first baby in August, have given an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the new state-of-the-art fertility clinic just opened by Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) at Aztec West. The pair were among the first group of expectant couples to have a pregnancy scan at the clinic and have said they are “bowled over” by the new premises. Fran, 34, said: “We were thrilled to see the scan of our baby, who is the result of our second round of IVF with BCRM. The whole thing is such an amazing experience, and we are incredibly excited about becoming parents. “Dannii and I opted for reciprocal IVF, which means she is carrying my embryo, and we’re hoping – after a suitable interval – to be able to do it all over again with me carrying Dannii’s embryo next time, to provide a little brother or sister for this one.” The couple, who married last July, both work for the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, where Fran (34) is a vet and Dannii (38) is a veterinary operations manager, and they live in Totterdown in Bristol. Fran said they are both very impressed by BCRM’s new premises. “The new clinic has a lovely warm feeling to it: much more spacious and airy. It’s easily

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

Dannii & Fran on their wedding day

accessible, near the junction of the M4 and the M5, and there’s loads of free parking,” she said. “Of course, we’re still being seen by the same wonderful BCRM nurses. They just have the nicest team of people there, who make you feel so special and well looked after.”

clinic has focused on enhancing the patient experience, as well as equipping them to treat a greater number of patients and to continue developing as a centre of excellence. The Aztec West premises offers a very large consulting suite for patient appointments and a spacious waiting area which affords high levels of privacy and comfort for people coming through. And with the latest technology, laboratories, equipment and treatment rooms for IVF and other fertility treatments, plus more energyefficient features and ultra-modern theatres, best-in-class care is assured. BCRM treats heterosexual couples, same sex couples and single women, and can help with male as well as female fertility issues. The clinic has some of the best success rates in the country for IVF and the team is well-known throughout the fertility industry for the dedicated care and support they provide to patients throughout their whole fertility journey and treatment. ■

“THE NEW CLINIC HAS A LOVELY WARM FEELING TO IT” One of the longest-established fertility operators in the South West, the ever-increasing demand for BCRM’s services was a major driver in their relocation, and the planning for the new

For further details, please contact us: BCRM, 135 Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4UB; 0117 259 1159; contact@bcrm.clinic; www.fertilitybristol.com

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

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

THE ALB ANY GALLERY

AFFORDABLE ART SHOW (All work under £500)

We will also be holding a Stock Room sale with 10% gallery discount on selected works under £500 11 February - 5 March 2022 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: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm | www.albanygallery.com

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

DARK MATTER

Elfyn Lewis’s solo exhibition, at Cardiff’s TEN gallery, showcases an important development in Elfyn’s recognisable work – the ‘capturing’ of flowing paint. This paint – that is central to and characteristic of his work – now pools at the edges. The layers of paint become amplified further as they collect over the edges, supported by laser-cut plywood, further blurring the lines between sculpture and painting. Here we see part of Elfyn’s process which was left on the studio table – the overflow that has now become an integral part of his paintings. “My work has developed in many directions due to the enforced extra time awarded to the concentration on the ‘why’ and ‘how’,” he says of his work’s pandemic-pushed evolution. “I might well have reached the same point in my practice under normal circumstances, yet the journey of these developments might have taken a while longer. Now, the paint spills – like rivers making their way to the sea in an ever-changing landscape. “The Welsh language is at the core of my work. I name each painting to reflect a feeling, a particular word or a place names in Wales [pictured is Garth]. This is important to me, especially when seeing the disappearance of so many Welsh names, lost forever. I see old ways disappearing, and a small country rich in history losing her identity and losing sight of her future. But this work looks back in order to look forward. I testify through my paintings. They represent myself and my birth-place – a Welsh man finding his voice through an international language.” See Elfyn Lewis’s solo exhibition at Ten gallery, The Coach House, 143 Donald St, Cardiff, until 19 March; www.gallery-ten.co.uk

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

PHOTO BY BRINKOFF AND MOGENBURG

The Lion King is at WMC in July and August

WHAT’S ON

From 11 February onwards

PLAYS / SHOWS 18 February – 19 March

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA’S SPRING SEASON Welsh National Opera has announced full details of its Spring 2022 Season which features Mozart’s Don Giovanni (18 February – 17 March), Janáček’s Jenůfa (5 – 18 March), and the critically acclaimed new production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly (16 and 19 March). Welsh National Opera at Wales Millennium Centre; wno.org.uk

20 February

DRESS Following his critically acclaimed show Dots, comedian and writer Ahir Shah will come to The Glee Club with his brand-new stand-up show Dress. Ahir returns with his signature blend of philosophical inquiry, personal examination and sweet gags. The Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

24 February, ongoing

BAMBOOZLE Expect magic and mind-reading from world-class magician and entertainer Jasper Blakeley at this over 18s show. The Small Space, Barry; www.thesmallspace.co.uk

4 March

WALK LIKE A MAN West End Jersey Boys’ star Michael Watson has been announced as the new lead of Walk Like a Man, the multi-award-winning fan favourite featuring music from the Four Seasons. Tramshed Cardiff; www.tramshedcardiff.com

1 and 2 April

RHOD GILBERT: THE BOOK OF JOHN It has been a while, but the multiaward-winning Welsh comedian is back, with a brand-new live show. In a seven-year break from stand-up, a lot has happened to Rhod. And just when he thought he’d hit rock bottom, he met a bloke... called John. This show sees Rhod raw, personal and brutally honest; no more lies, no more nonsense. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

MUSIC

16 February

FLO & JOAN: SWEET RELEASE Musical comedy duo (and sisters) Flo & Joan are climbing out of their pits, armed with a piano and percussion section to bring you a brand-new show of their critically

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

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

acclaimed songs and comedy. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

24 February DUCKS LTD Propelled by a fondness for boundless jangle-pop, Toronto’s Ducks Ltd is a duo – Tom McGreevy and Evan Lewis – that operates with the dynamism of a full band. Clwb Ifor Bach; www.clwb.net

KIDS

21 February

FIREMAN SAM: SAVES THE CIRCUS Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an allsinging, all-dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

21 – 23 February

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated show returns on tour. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

23 – 24 February

TOM THUMB Come and join tiny Tom on his very big adventure. Outwitting his parents and an ogre, Tom shows everybody that even though he is small he is still mighty. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

FILM

Until 17 February

DEATH ON THE NILE Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian holiday aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is short. This star-studded film features Kenneth Branagh, Gal Godot, Annette Bening, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Russell Brand. Chapter Arts; www.chapter.org

22 February

THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR The festival features the world’s best adventure films, telling highadrenaline stories of extreme journeys into the wildest corners of the planet. Expect inspirational characters, remote scenery and amazing cinematography. St David’s Hall; www.banff-uk.com

WHAT’S ON far left:

DEPOT in the Castle returns this summer; left: Idris Elba will headline Inside Out festival in May

sell-out crowds at London’s Lyceum Theatre in its 20th year. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

9 – 10 July

THE SIX NATIONS Our top 5 picks of where to watch the live Wales games…

- Goodsheds, Barry - Corporation Yard, Canton - Sophia Gardens, Cardiff -Flowerhorn Brewery, Western Ave - DEPOT, Curran Embankment

ART/ EXHIBITIONS Until 5 March

AFFORDABLE ART SHOW AND SALE Start a collection with a painting from The Albany Gallery. Their Affordable Art Show features new work priced at £500 or less, showcasing a selection of first-time exhibitors at the gallery. There will also be a Stock Room Sale with a discount on selected works. The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

Until 5 March

KEVIN SINNOTT NEW PAINTINGS In their 30th anniversary year, the Martin Tinney Gallery presents Kevin Sinnott’s solo exhibition. Kevin is a contemporary Welsh artist with an international reputation. In 1995, he established himself at the forefront of the renaissance in Welsh painting. While his work is primarily concerned with human relationships, the influence of the Welsh landscape is strongly felt in his paintings. Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.com

Until 12 March

OTHERWORLDS EXHIBITION Otherworlds features works by

prominent Welsh/Wales-based artists, curated by Zoë Gingell and Lucia Jones. It will present a collection of works which delve deep into views and states of worlds which parallel, or those that sit outside the ordinary. References range from science fiction, comic books and virtual reality, to symbolism, and give sight to dreams and fears and revels in the spaces on the edge of the conscious or known worlds, allowing us to walk among it. Cardiff MADE; www.cardiffmade.com

Until 3 April

ART IN THE BAR The current Art in the Bar exhibition is by Sarah Taylor Silverwood, a visual artist who works with drawing. She makes public art works, animations, books, exhibitions, sculptures and textiles. Love Bugs, at Chapter, is the story of a busy landscape where creatures come together in scenes of intimacy, creativity, craft and industry. Chapter Arts; www.chapter.org

LATER IN THE YEAR (TICKETS NOW ON SALE) 24 April

BLONDIE One of the most influential bands to emerge from the NY punk scene will be touring for the first time in four years. Iconic front woman Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, and powerhouse drummer Clem Burke, get back on the road, along with long-standing band mates bassist Leigh Foxx, guitarist Tommy Kessler and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen. Motorpoint Arena; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

1 May

INSIDE OUT Idris Elba will headline Cardiff’s Inside Out festival this spring. The Hollywood star is part of an ultracool music line-up for the bank holiday festival. The Luther, Thor and The Suicide Squad star will take a headline spot alongside People Just Do Nothing’s Kurupt FM boys. Also heading up the festival are rising stars Tion Wayne and Andy C. Bute Park; www.insideoutcardiff.co.uk

2 – 4 May

LITTLE MIX – CONFETTI TOUR Pop superstars Little Mix will tour their latest album, Confetti, and will be performing some of their greatest hits too. Motorpoint Arena; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE One of Britain’s most successful artists of the past decade Rag ’n’ Bone Man will headline a Saturday night set in the grounds of Cardiff Castle this summer. A sell-out Saturday night at DEPOT in the Castle is always followed by a full day of familyfriendly fun on the Sunday, making for an epic weekend of good music, good food and good times. Cardiff Castle; www.depotcardiff.com

23 November

PETE TONG IBIZA CLASSICS Global dance music legend Pete Tong has announced the return of Ibiza Classics with a new show for 2022. With long-time collaborator and conductor Jules Buckley, and The Heritage Orchestra plus a whole host of special guest DJs and vocalists, Ibiza Classics has firmly cemented itself as part of the live music calendar becoming the world’s most iconic classical electronic music event. Motorpoint Arena; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

26 – 28 May

ED SHEERAN Ed returns to Principality Stadium for three gigs as part of his + – = ÷ x tour. Fans will get to see him perform an array of tracks off his upcoming album live for the first time. Principality Stadium; www.principalitystadium.wales

2 July

SHANGRI-LA Shangri-La festival returns to Cardiff Castle with arguably the world’s number one house brand, Defected. Cardiff Castle; @shangagram

7 July – 27 August

OUR OWN, VERY SPECIAL, EVENTS 24 March

PROPERTY SYMPOSIUM: SUSTAINABILITY A new arm of our annual Cardiff Property Awards, the Property Symposium is an online conference full of dynamic, powerful insights about property and sustainability. www.cardiffpropertyawards. co.uk/property-symposium

31 March

THE LION KING Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s The Lion King is a worldwide theatrical phenomenon. It has been experienced by 100 million people globally and is still drawing

THE CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS We cannot wait to invite hundreds of you back to our extra-glam red-carpet extravaganza. Tickets are now available on our website. Nothing beats being there. For more, see page 89. City Hall; www.cardifflifeawardsco.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 39

WYBURN & WAYNE

“We are so humbled by your generosity”

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

ow, this is the 250th edition of Cardiff Life… what a huge milestone moment for the magazine. We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who’ve been involved over the years and who continue to make this the best of what’s on in the city! We’re very privileged to be part of the team. Now let’s chat about what we’ve been up to in the past weeks in the city… We noticed on Facebook that we’d been getting tagged in a group post about the company Alexis Joinery, which creates beautiful chopping boards with their left-over cut-offs of wood. Alex had kindly said that he’d donate all the profits to a local charity, and, because of the power of social media,

and about a hundred tags, we had a little message from Alex to say our very own St Andrew’s Coffee Court had been donated the money! It was a very generous sum of £350 which we’ve put towards a freshen up of the charity coffee area, situated on the corner of the busy shopping strip Wellfield Road. To Alex and his team, we and the church are very grateful. Wayne celebrated his 47th birthday recently (although as two of them have been with lockdowns or restrictions, he’s still claiming to be 45). We had a wonderful time down at The Golden Cross and also took a trip to London to see Cabaret starting Hollywood megastar Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley. It’s his favourite show and it was out of this world. While in the Big Smoke, Nathan completed a project called #BrewMonday at Waterloo station, painting coffee art for The Samaritans. He’s also recently been making other pieces of unusual art including The

Karate Kid using ‘karate chops’ of paint instead of a paintbrush; Tom Holland as Spider-Man using toy spiders; and even a self-portrait, alongside Welsh Arts Council, using packaging from his prescribed Sertraline medication – raising awareness and helping the stigma around talking about mental health, something we both feel very passionate about. Throughout January, we continued our toiletries collection for Cardiff & Vale University Health Board’s patient experience department – and they were overwhelmed with our van full of donated deliveries. Before we rocked up, they showed us they literally had just a ‘show box’ of donations. Our friends and social media followers are incredible, we are so humbled by your generosity. We’d like to give a special thank you and shoutout to our friends at North Star Cardiff, who, even though they’ve stopped home deliveries (after all the lockdowns), have still kept delivering our Sunday roasties specially to us. They’re aware that we care for Kath (our 70-year-old bestie) whose mobility is now very limited, and they know how much she loves her roasty. Please go and support them in the venue if you can. Great food all week round. To end our column, and in tribute to one of the greats who passed away recently, we leave you with a question which we often ponder… what wouldn’t Meat Loaf do for love? About our columnists: Nathan Wyburn is a pop culture artist who uses non-traditional 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 they run St Andrew’s Coffee Court in Cardiff. Follow them on social: @wyburnandwayne / @wyburnwayne

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WMC’s artistic director Graeme Farrow

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

CENTRE STAGE Here we chat to Graeme

Farrow, the artistic director of Wales Millennium Centre, about the major upcoming changes, shows and projects at the home for the performing arts in Cardiff Bay By Lisa Evans

espite enduring incredibly tough challenges throughout the pandemic, things are looking bright for Wales Millennium Centre (WMC). Here, artistic director Graeme Farrow tells us what he’s most looking forward to, including Anthem – a milestone production that will mark 10 years since WMC has been producing their own shows – as well as major new developments for the building.

homegrown work, including upcoming cabaret shows like Grandmother’s Closet – our co-production with Luke Hereford about queer identities and how Luke learned to love his own with the help of his grandmother and her colourful wardrobe. What many people don’t know is that we’re a charity; that arm of our work is huge, and includes projects like Radio Platfform, which broadcasts from two studios – one in the building and another in Porth.

Imagine someone is reading this who has never set foot inside the WMC – how would you describe it?

The site of the Centre covers an area of 4.7 acres. Designed by Welsh architect Jonathan Adams, the building is clad in 1,350 tonnes of multi-coloured Welsh slate, and the interior is dominated by bands of wood from renewable sources in mid-Wales. As well as the Donald Gordon Theatre and three other performance spaces, the building is home to eight resident organisations including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Touch Trust – making it a Welsh cultural campus.

This is precisely the conversation we have at our community banquets, where we invite locals who’ve never set foot in the building to cross the threshold and see for themselves how much is going on. There’s a rolling programme of West End shows in our 1,800-seater Donald Gordon Theatre of course, whose programme this year includes Waitress, Six, and Les Misérables. But there’s also always a programme of more

Can you tell us some unusual/surprising facts about the incredible building?

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What shows should people get in their diaries for the year ahead?

We’ve already announced our first two productions of 2022, starting with Anthem (30 March – 10 April), a roaringly funny musical from comic genius Llinos Mai, performed in Welsh but suitable for learners. The highlight on the Donald Gordon Theatre stage this year will no doubt be Disney’s The Lion King; a truly worldwide theatrical phenomenon. The wait has been torturous – even more so since we had to postpone it in 2020. Other shows coming up include School of Rock, Dreamgirls and Welsh National Opera’s Spring Season, which starts this month. Festival of Voice will take on a slightly different format this year and feature a very special event – keep your eyes peeled for more on that in the coming months.

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Talking of Anthem; the production will mark 10 years since WMC has been producing its own shows – what a milestone…

Ten years ago, we were known as a venue for visiting productions, but now making our own work is more than just a feather in our cap – from Mae Bili’n Bwrw’r Bronco back in 2012, to Man to Man and The Mirror Crack’d (which, between them, have seen us tour to the US and Asia) and not forgetting Festival of Voice, the now annual centrepiece of our productions. Most recently, we staged The Boy with Two Hearts, which won rave reviews and huge audiences. I can’t say much but do keep an eye on our channels – you haven’t heard the last of that extraordinary play.

top: The striking building, designed by Welsh architect Jonathan Adams;

middle: Butetown Carnival outside the WMC; bottom: The Lion King is on its way

How has the pandemic affected things for the WMC?

It’s been incredibly difficult navigating closures and reopenings, and cancelling or postponing so many shows. But one of the benefits of being a truly creative organisation is that we were able to apply that creativity even when our doors were closed. We turned our building into an art gallery, and commissioned several community exhibitions including Your Voice, which used every nook and cranny of the building. We launched Creative Voice courses for young people to learn skills like film-making and zine-production – those are ongoing, as are the eight Creative Associates who are making extraordinary work with us, such as Jo Fong’s inspiring Come Rain or Shine walks around the building. And nothing could stop the Butetown Carnival from going ahead last August; working with Butetown Arts and Culture Association on that is one of the highlights of our year. Are you optimistic for the future?

We really are. We’re making major changes to the public spaces in our building which will make it the buzzing, creative hub we’ve always pictured it becoming. And a lot of the work we’ve dipped our toes into during lockdown – Creative Voice courses, commissioning and curating community works of art – will be ramped up; look out for huge exhibitions during school holidays. Plus, we have some really innovative hip hop projects coming up, all of them led by the very communities who know it best. And we’re planning a special St David’s Day event this year – check out our website for details. n www.wmc.org.uk © PHOTO BY DEEN VAN MEER

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Graeme’s optimistic for the future of the Centre

“We’re making major changes in our building; it will be the buzzing, creative hub we’ve always pictured it becoming”

ISSUE 250

TAKE

COVER After 15 years and 2.5 million copies printed, we are celebrating our milestone of reaching our 250th issue of Cardiff Life. What a feeling!

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e can’t celebrate our 250th issue anniversary without a look back at the issues that came before it now can we? So here’s a handful of our favourite front covers from down the years – the covers that not just tell the story of this magazine, but of the ever-evolving city we call home. A huge thank you to you, the people reading this right now, for all of your support, love, interest and inspiration.

MILESTONE ISSUES

Issue 1 Cardiff Life’s very first issue! 15 years ago, we launched with this bad boy. We billed it as ‘a new magazine for Cardiff, Cowbridge and Penarth’; its cover featured a historic Water Tower in Cyncoed that had undergone a contemporary makeover. We also shone a spotlight on St Fagans, dining at Cardiff Bay, the Laguna Spa, the Cardiff Blues, autumn arts, and Cowbridge’s Food Festival. This was way back in 2007, and, from that day on, we’ve been celebrating the city and its surrounds. A true local love story.

Issue 50 Our ﬁrst oﬃcial ‘anniversary’ issue in 2010. This one featured a very vintage wedding on its cover, and inside we: chatted to comedian Chris Corcoran, brought you along with us for a private view of the city’s contemporary art scene, and highlighted the most sensational spots in the city.

Issue 100 Our 100th anniversary issue, back in 2013, featured five different cover artworks: Pete Fowler’s I Remember Chips, Sarah Hopkins’ Millennium Stadium, Elliot Baker’s Roath Park, I Love’s The Diff’s Some Like it Splott, and Mike Collins’ Doctor Who.

Issue 150 The 150th issue hit the city in 2016 and featured a snap shot of Cardiﬀ’s key areas and buildings – from Roath Park and the WMC, to Penarth Marina and the Norwegian Church – as well as some of the most beloved of all the independent shops, which were all selected for us by the magazine’s readers.

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Issue 200 The 200th anniversary issue was a celebration of all things hyperlocal: food, rugby, architecture, music, indie businesses and people, complete with a huge readersubmitted feature on how the city had changed since we ﬁrst launched the mag in 2007. The biggest ways in which people thought Cardiﬀ had transformed at that point (by the year 2019) were: the city’s street food, craft brewing and open-air market scenes, as well as how the city proudly punched above its weight on the global entertainment stage, and how it had become a much more inclusive and multicultural place.

ISSUE 250 Issue 226 This one’s important to us because it was the first issue we published after we came out of our lockdown printing pause. Featuring the title ‘Together Stronger, We’ll Win if we Unite’ – the lyrics from Manic Street Preachers’ C’mon Wales – this autumn 2020 edition was full of immense pride for how our city had bounced back. The main feature was named ‘They got locked down, but they got up again’ and praised myriad indies for their pandemic-pivoting ways. It was surprising to see just how many new businesses launched in the city during the first lockdown, despite the restrictions and obstacles they knew they’d face. We are in awe of you, Cardiff.

THE ONES WITH FAMOUS FACES ON

Whether they are touring celebs or are born-andbred Welsh legends, we aim to get them on our front covers, and interview them of course. We deﬁnitely can’t choose our favourite out of these, but what we can say is Cerys Matthews gave us a personal little rendition of a song during our chat, which left us in a daze. Charlotte Church also seriously impressed us when telling us about her passion for raising awareness of social injustices, like the issue of homelessness in Cardiﬀ. And that same subject was what Michael Sheen spoke to us about when the Homeless World Cup came to Bute Park in July 2019.

After two years of Michael’s campaigning to bring the remarkable event to the capital, it took place in a purpose-built stadium with more than 500 players representing over 50 countries. And we have to mention the issue which we dedicated to Dilys Price OBE after the sad news of her passing in 2020. The Cardiﬀ legend was the world’s oldest skydiver (with over 1,000 dives under her belt), became the face of luxury fashion brand Helmut Lang when she was 86, and founded Touch Trust charity (which still thrives at the WMC) – her legacy. In the issue, we shared some of the hundreds of tributes celebrating her life that came pouring in after her passing; it was an extremely touching piece to put together.

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ISSUE 250 THE ONES WITH INDIE BUSINESSES ON

Ahhh, the indies; they’re what we’re all about. After all, we’re an independent business ourselves, and we love to celebrate and champion other small, local and growing ventures whenever and however we can. Where 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 time and time again is higher-vibe spending; it makes you feel good, and it does good. We proudly celebrate local shops – old and new – in every issue, guaranteed. We’ve given thousands upon thousands of them a well-deserved spotlight, and we will always continue to do so.

THE FOODIE ONES

Cardiﬀ should now be considered one of the best and brightest cities for food. You can’t move for new launches, pop-ups, supper clubs, street food start-ups and pairing collabs. The multicultural ﬂavours and innovative menus (we’re looking at you, Kuró on Albany Road) continue to excite us no end. And that’s not to mention the cocktails…

THE ARTY ONES

A failsafe way of creating a pick-me-upand-take-me-home cover is to feature a piece of art by a local artist, or one from a current exhibition. We’re never short of images to choose from, as you can probably imagine.

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THE LGBTQ+ ONES

Vibrant and diverse, Cardiff is Wales’s LGBTQ+ hub and it’s positively bursting with awesome ventures, epic events, courageous activism and UK firsts. The remarkable local people we spoke to on these pages included acclaimed screenwriter Russell T Davies; Nigel Owens MBE, rugby’s most celebrated referee; Lisa Power, who co-founded Stonewall with Sir Ian McKellen; and Brookside actor Stifyn Parri who had the first gay kiss on British TV. There are also tons of queer-owned businesses and goings-on in the city and we dived into an array in these issues (and in all of our other issues too, of course). They include: The Queer Emporium on St Mary’s Street; Cardiff’s Iris Prize Festival, the largest LGBTQ+ short film prize in the world; and eye-opening groups and projects, such as Trans Aid Cymru, making extraordinary changes in the city.

THE ONES WITH HOMES ON

The Cardiff property scene seems to be constantly on the rise, so much so that we often find ourselves scrolling through all the luxurious million-pound-plus homes on the market, dreaming and wishing on our lunch breaks. In fact, we were so inspired by the thriving property sector in the city that we created an awards ceremony to reflect it: the Cardiff Property Awards, which launched in 2019 (with our next one coming up in November). And next month we’ll launch a brand-new event – Property Symposium: Sustainabilty, taking place on 24 March.

THE OUTDOORSY ONES

A brisk walk in the fresh air is always good for you, but the list of other activities you can do (and things you can see) outdoors in Cardiﬀ feels pretty endless. We loved our chat with Cardiﬀ’s Carys Rees (there she is under a waterfall, left), a solo hiker who spoke to us about the power and freedom of exploring alone – and the best places to discover locally. And, although we are still yet to brave joining in personally, it was fascinating to talk to the Dawnstalkers Sea Swim Club who meet daily to swim at sunrise in Penarth. We invested in water shoes after that interview, so we are determined to have a go when the frosty temperatures ease up a bit – maybe we’ll be ready by June? To see more of our previous issues, go to www.mediaclash.co.uk

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

DON’T BE DAFF With Saint David’s Day coming up on 1 March, it seems only fitting to showcase The Daffodil collection from Cardiff’s Emma-Kate Jewellery. The designs include freshwater pearladorned pendants, studs, bracelets and rings in solid sterling silver and 18k yellow gold vermeil. They are handcrafted in a double-layered form of a trilogy petal to create a daffodil, supporting and nurturing the pearls within. A gorgeous way to wear your daffs on The National Day of Wales. Daffodil pearl collection, from £69, Emma-Kate Jewellery, Roath; www.emmakatefrancis.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 53

EDITOR’S CHOICE BERRIES & CINNAMON CANDLE, £20 Light up your life. From Authentic House, Splott; www.authentichouse.co.uk

HEAVY METAL

As a nod to our Wales Millennium Centre-themed front cover, we’ve hunted through local businesses to ﬁnd local items in the bronze/ copper-coloured hue of the art centre’s roof – the one that gave rise to the building being known locally as the Armadillo

AGNES SKIRT, £35 Show a little leg in this swish number. From Box Edit Boutique, Goodsheds, Barry; www.boxeditboutique.co.uk

ANTIQUE BRASS WALL CLOCK, £95 We’re big ‘fans’ of this design. From Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk

CWTCH HEART PENDANTS, FROM £75 EACH From a new collection which launched in January. From Tiaﬁ, Roath; www.tiaﬁ.com INKOLLU DISH RACK, £54.95 A practical piece in a subdued aged brass tone. From Lisa Valentine Home, Penylan; www.lisavalentinehome.co.uk

KATIE LOXTON SENTIMENT POUCH, £16.99 Embossed with ‘Just Married’. From Zia Boutique, Mermaid Quay; www.zia-Boutique.co.uk

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WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE JIGSAW, £26 A 1,000-piece challenge by Dan Santillo Photography. From Jigsaws of Wales, South Wales; www.jigsawsofwales.com

SHORTHAND COIN NECKLACE, £147 One from Claire Hill’s new Shorthand Collection, based on the shorthand she learnt as a journalist. This one says ‘hope’. From Claire Hill Designs, Castle Street, Cardiﬀ; www.clairehilldesigns.co.uk

MACRAMÉ HOOP WREATH, £120 A contemporary piece made with preserved and dried flowers and grasses. From Forbesfield, High Street, Barry; www.forbesfield.co.uk

PHOTO BY ALE X SEDGMOND

CARDIFF BAY ARTWORK, £28 By Canton-based artist Katherine Jones. From Katherine Jones, Cardiﬀ; www.katherinemgjones.com SEAFOAM COPPER ENAMEL EARRINGS, FROM £15 From the Silk Purse Sow’s Ear jewellery collection. From Swimadelica, Llandaﬀ; www.swimadelica.com

COPPER BATH, FROM £3,465 We like big tubs and we cannot lie. From The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design

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WEDDINGS

AISLE E BE THERE

Sant Ffraed House will open this summer

very part of wedding planning is important, of course, but the venue is undoubtedly the biggest decision. This single choice involves myriad smaller selections first: couples need to decide on the type of wedding they’d like – do they want everyone they know to watch it, or would they prefer an intimate low-key bash? Then they’ll need to agree on a careful budget, choose a date to reserve the venue, settle on a style and setting, decide whether they’re willing to travel on the big day between church and reception, agree on whether they’ll want overnight accommodation on site for themselves and guests… and the list goes on. So, with that in mind, here are a few of our top local venue picks right now…

HENSOL CASTLE

Newly engaged? Congrats! Let’s look at some dream local venues together…

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Situated within a magnificent estate, accompanied by a 15-acre serpentine lake, the Grade I-listed Hensol Castle is a gorgeous setting for anyone who ever dreamt of a fairy-tale wedding. This historic venue is just bursting with character – think towering turrets, sweeping staircases and gothic towers – and is surrounded by Welsh countryside, providing the most inspiring backdrop for your wedding photographs. With exclusive use of the castle for the day, prepare to be enchanted. And, to boot, it’s just 11 miles from Cardiff. Vale of Glamorgan; www.hensolcastle.com

SANT FFRAED HOUSE

One of Wales’ newest wedding destinations is Sant Ffraed House, which is set to open as of this summer. Part of The Oldwalls Collection, the former Grade-II country house hotel and restaurant, Llansantffraed Court Hotel, has been transformed into a place of contemporary luxury and old-world grandeur.

We hunted through stores to track down what we believe to be the ultimate engagement ring. There were many contenders, and we were only planning on choosing one, but we caved and selected three incredible sparklers from Laings in St David’s Centre. www.laingsuk.com

THE ‘ULTIMATE’ ENGAGEMENT RINGS

18ct white gold handcrafted yellow and white diamond ring, £79,700

Platinum threestone sapphire and diamond ring, £25,265

Platinum marquise-cut diamond ring, £27,000

ABOVE: Hensol Castle offers a fairy-tale setting; LEFT: The new bedrooms at Hensol Castle

“With exclusive use of the castle for the day, prepare to be enchanted” xxxxxxx

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A gorgeous shoot at Fairyhill in Gower, by Yolanda Kingdon

“I try to be a fly on the wall on the day so I can document the day as it naturally unfolds”

WEDDINGS

voco St David’s providing an epic backdrop

POINT AND SHOOT

A quick chat with Cardiff-based wedding photographer Yolanda Kingdon… How would you describe your style and approach? My style of photography speaks out to a wide variety of clientele; I can do light and airy or dark and moody. I love both. I like to have a relaxed approach to my work so that my clients feel comfortable. I try to be a fly on the wall on the day so I can document the day as it naturally unfolds. What’s your favourite shot to capture? I love the entire day, from bridal prep to the dance floor shots – they are very fun as everyone has had a glass of bubbly by then and can relax fully. Tips for people who want to get into this line of work? The best advice I could give to a newbie photographer is to always work on your portfolio and collaborate with new and exciting teams, and always keep your work fresh. www.yolandakingdon.co.uk

“Some may consider this a bad time for a hospitality business to expand, but as the economy and wedding industry bounces back we feel the timing has never been better,” says managing director Andrew Hole. “A new wedding venue is just what Wales needs!” In keeping with the group’s reputation to oﬀer an unrivalled, exclusive wedding experience (they’re known for their Fairyhill and Oldwalls venues in Gower), Sant Ffraed House will oﬀer a reception and ceremony space for at least 150 guests, substantial on-site accommodation, two bars and an evening entertainment space. The property is set within 330 acres of historic estate with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the high-end market town of Abergavenny is just a 10-minute drive away. “The property is perfectly positioned to attract couples and their guests from all over Wales and the rest of the U.K,” says Andrew. “The Severn Bridge or the M5 can be reached within 25 minutes.” www.oldwallsgower.com

VOCO ST DAVID’S

If you like the idea of getting married in an exotic land but you don’t want the hassle, voco St David’s in Cardiﬀ Bay could be your answer. “The waterfront features deﬁnitely make the hotel stand out,” says Emily Brown, wedding and commercial coordinator at voco. “It feels like you’re getting married abroad. The water laps up the edge of the stylish building, complete with an entrance hall that soars so high, your guests will be stunned from the moment they arrive. “Also, with the demand for ‘green weddings’ on the rise, you’re able to host the ceremony, reception, and have accommodation within the same venue here, to reduce your carbon footprint. “We’re also dog friendly, so your pup can of course be a part of your special day.” ■ www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

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Host your dream wedding in one iconic location. Located in the heart of Cardiff city centre, set opposite Cardiff Castle and beautiful Bute Park. The Angel Hotel offers a traditional, Victorian Grade 2 listed setting with original features, providing a picture-perfect backdrop to your special day in the Welsh capital. Your wedding ceremony can be as simple or traditional as desired, with the option of, civil ceremony or blessing, catering for numbers from 20 to 200 across our wedding suites. If you are looking for a hire only option, the hotel also offers self-catering packages within their speciality events brochure available on the website.

Book your appointment today with our wedding team on 02920 649200 or email events@angelhotelcardiffcity.co.uk

www.angelhotelcardiffcity.co.uk

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TE O

E FR

Getting married? We love to be involved in weddings and help create your perfect look. We can come to your home or wedding venue on the big day. Or the bridal party can come to us to us and enjoy a glass of fizz. We offer a range of bridal hair packages starting from just £165. We also offer bridal make-up and a range of beauty services for some pre-wedding pampering, perfect for all the bridal party. As Great Lengths specialists we can also advise on including some hair extensions in your bridal look.

Book in for a complimentary consultation to discuss all the options. 175 Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiﬀ, CF11 9DF 02921 321211 / hello@gojihair.com www.gojihair.com T I F gojihair

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

left to right: Sabrina Gidda, Nicole Pisani and Betty Vandy and will speak at Bird Jamboree

BIRD IS THE WORD

ird Jamboree is an event believed to be the first of its kind in the city, celebrating the women in food who are making a difference. Organised by Bird – a kitchen apparel business – the event will take place on 25 April at The Classroom on Dumballs Road. This first annual Bird Jamboree will be co-hosted by Welsh TV chef Lisa Fearn and Bird founder Vicky North, and will welcome six key speakers. They are... Nicole Pisani The former head chef at Ottolenghi’s NOPI, Nicole is the co-founder and executive head chef of Chefs in Schools and works on the food education programme at the School of Food. Trine Hahnemann The Danish food writer and chef – who you may recognise from her appearance on The Great British Bake Off, or her guest chef stint on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen – owns a food and event space in Copenhagen. She’s also the cofounder of the Rye Bread Project launched in NYC, and has written 10 cookbooks.

Betty Vandy Betty, the founder of West African street food brand Bettylicious Cooks, is an African food activist, educator and writer. Through her social enterprise venture, Gather at the Table, with a book of the same name due for release this year, Betty aspires to build a centred voice for African women across the diaspora to share their culinary legacies with the world. Kitty Tait At 17 years old, Kitty co-founded Orange Bakery in Oxfordshire after an episode of depression left her unable to go to school. In addition to the bakery, Kitty speaks openly about her mental health journey through her blog. Alissa Timoshkina Food writer, chef and supper club host Alissa came to the UK in the late-1990s from Russia. Since 2015, she has been running a supper club, KinoVino, offering her own take on Russian food, namely through her cookbook Salt & Time. She also runs cooking classes and hosts MotherFood, a podcast dedicated to mothers working in food.

Sabrina Gidda Sabrina – who you might know as judge on Masterchef, or as a Great British Menu contestant – began as a stagier at The Dorchester hotel and ran two successful gastro pubs before taking over The Sanctuary Spa Covent Garden. She twice competed in the prestigious Roux Scholarship competition to the final six contestants nationally – the only woman on both occasions – and went on to open Bernardi’s Restaurant in Marylebone. “It’s a day to connect, confer and enjoy great food and drink,” says Bird’s Vicky North. “Joining us will be a wide range of people, from hospitality greats to folk breaking through in the world of food, and some of the best chefs, bakers, cooks and food writers from across the UK. “This year, Bird Jamboree’s theme is Be the Change. I’m super excited to be launching it here in our Bird home town of Cardiff.”

For more: www.birdkitchenclothing.co.uk

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TASTY BITES

A handful of tasty morsels for you to chew on

PAINT THE TOWN PINK

The burlesque brunches at Tonight Josephine are what we’re most looking forward to

Cardiff has been chosen as the next location for Tonight Josephine. The Adventure Bar Group, the company behind venues such as Adventure Bar, Blame Gloria, Bar Elba and The Escapologist, have announced plans to launch their latest Tonight Josephine site in Caroline Street, AKA Chippy Lane, in March. Formerly known as Charleston’s Steakhouse, the location will be receiving a trademark bubble gum pink makeover to welcome the highly-anticipated cocktail bar. The concept, and its Instagram-worthy interiors, has three sites in London and one in Birmingham. The pink emporium, which will create 30 new jobs, will enjoy a capacity of around 290. Revellers can expect a lavish cocktail menu, late-night adventures and extravagant bottomless brunches when the venue announces its events schedule, a little later in the year. “We love Cardiff and have admired its vibrance and hospitality scene for some time,” says Tom Kidd, Adventure Bar Group founder. “We’ve built a legion of fans in London and Birmingham; we’ve had such an amazing reaction to the concept so far. We can’t wait to open our doors to the people of Cardiff in true ‘Tonight Josephine’ style.” For more: www.tonightjosephine.co.uk

TALK A-BAO IT

Popular street food vendors Tokyo Nights opened a stall inside Cardiff Market in February. Expect gyozas, bao buns and plenty of Japaneseinspired deliciousness, with a full menu launch coming soon. Owners Oli and Katy describe Tokyo Nights as a fresh and bold but respectful approach based on the traditional flavours in Japanese cooking but with a refreshing and accessible western take. The aim? To bring the side streets of Tokyo to Wales, embodying the spirit of the place, celebrating its beautiful chaos with a bold and creative menu. We can’t wait to try the Karaage fried chicken with shichimi and garlic and yuzu mayo. For more: www.tokyonights.co.uk

BANK ON IT

A former bank in Dinas Powys is set to be transformed into a coffee shop, cocktail bar and bistro. After the development of the 1,000 sq ft building, The Old Bank Dinas, on Elm Grove Road, will be a stylish spot to eat, drink and socialise from dusk ’til dawn. It’ll have a 1920s nod – a reference to the building’s history – a high-end feel and will open in April. www.theoldbankdinas.co.uk

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The aquavit is thought to be a first from Wales

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS Welsh distillery Silver Circle has created what it claims is the first aquavit made in Wales. “Aquavit is part of my Swedish heritage, so it’s something we planned to produce from day one,” says Nina Howden, co-founder of Silver Circle in Monmouthshire. “It has a deep connection to food and drink culture across Scandinavia which goes back centuries but is now growing as a category around the world.”

Distilled with caraway, fennel, raspberry, lemon and rye, the spirit is traditionally enjoyed straight with food, but is acquiring a reputation as a ‘cocktail chameleon’ for its ability to twist classic recipes into something new and exciting. Let’s hope they bring it to Cardiff’s Bone Yard soon (we still haven’t gotten over Silver Circle’s Ultimate Bloody Marys at The Bone Yard’s Fresh & Wild market last summer). For more: www.silvercircledistillery.com

PHOTO BY JAMIE ALLEN

FOOD & DRINK

ABOVE: Matsudai’s founder

James Chant;

FAR RIGHT: MasterChef

Champion Tim Anderson; RIGHT: The limited-edition Lazy Goat Ragu-men

MISO HAPPY

Cardiff cult ramen pop-up Matsudai Ramen has teamed up with 2011 MasterChef Champion Tim Anderson to launch a limited-edition Ramen Kit, with all profits going to charity. The new kit, available for delivery from 18 February, allows you to recreate the ‘Lazy Goat Ragu-men’ which Tim made for the judges on BBC’s MasterChef: Champion of Champions earlier this year. Crowned London’s Best Dish by Time Out magazine, it’s made with curried goat, handmade noodles, scotch bonnet-infused bamboo shoots, fried shallots, spring onions and a Lapsang Souchong tea-pickled egg, topped with tuna and smoked prawn dust. Of the collaboration with Matsudai, Tim says, “Matsudai is easily one of the best ramen purveyors in the country, if not the best. They’ve really made the rest of us up our game, and it’s a genuine honour to collaborate with James and the team. “Mental health is an important issue for both James and me, so I’m pleased to be supporting Cardiff Mind and Mosaic Brixton through the sales of this kit.” For more: www.matsudai.co.uk A new premium experience has landed in Llandaff

OYSTERS AND CHAMPAGNE

A new Champagne & Oyster Bar has come to Cardiff. You’ll find the ‘premium drinking experience, with a little bit of food’ upstairs at the Heathcock dining pub on Bridge Street, Llandaff. Alongside champagne (Heathcock has a partnership with Pommery), they’ll serve Welsh twists on classic cocktails, their own homemade spirits, Welsh craft ales and Welsh sparkling wine. The oysters will be served with a variety of garnishes, as well as British and Welsh cheeses and charcuterie. They’ll also serve daily changing specials, depending on what is being served in the pub. www.heathcockcardiff.com

CLUB LIFE

In February, a new 300-capacity nightclub is due to open in Cardiff City Centre. Carpe Noctem, which translates to ‘seize the night’, will take over the Cathedral Walk venue previously occupied by cabaret club Minsky’s Showbar, which closed in March 2020 after 25 years. The new underground electronic dance music venue will host events – including queer and inclusive varieties – inspired by Cardiff’s warehouse raves that took place in the ‘80s. For more: @carpenoctemcardiff

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FOOD

clockwise from top left: Opening

night at Curado Bar 2016; Hang Fire’s Sam and Shauna; The Heathcock is now my favourite pub in Cardiff; Dusty’s Pizza; Asador 44; a dish from Heany’s

CARDIFF TRANSFORMED

Our columnist, good food fanatic, local blogger and indie foodie PR guru JANE COOK has her finger on the pulse when it comes to what’s new and tasty in the city…

word from the editor, Lisa Evans: “As this is our special 250th anniversary issue of Cardiff Life, we asked our lovely Jane to take us back in time 15 years – when Cardiff Life was founded – to tell us how Cardiff, in her eyes, has changed over that time. The long and short of her response: she decided to move away from Cardiff all those years ago because there wasn’t enough to keep her here; but much has changed. Here she explains...” In my early 20s, I decided to swap my cosy, friendly home city of Cardiff for a shiny, new post-university life in London. I managed just over six years (2008 – 2014) in the chaos of the Big Smoke, but in that relatively short time the changes back here in the Welsh capital were nothing short of transformational. I watched from a distance as the extension to St David’s Arcade changed the whole

footprint of the city centre; as the station where I used to wait for the bus with my nana was demolished to (eventually) make way for the BBC Wales HQ; and as the Wales Millennium Centre gave Cardiff Bay’s skyline a new, glamourous edge. Change was afoot all over the city and, sometimes, it felt hard to keep up! But it was the evolution of the city’s food scene which really excited me – and eventually, it’s what drew me back. In the last few years, dusty old pubs (like The Grange, The Lansdowne and The Heathcock) have been brought back to life by independent landlords with shedloads of verve and vision. Floppy burgers have been replaced with authentic pintxos and ice-cold glasses of vermouth as Curado Bar took over the place where a fast-food chain once stood. And just outside the city centre, The DEPOT has shown just what can be done when you apply

heaps of imagination to thousands of square feet of empty warehouse space. As the trend for pop-ups and kitchen takeovers took hold, Cardiff played its part in nurturing success there too; Sam & Shauna (who started Hang Fire Southern Kitchen by touring Cardiff pubs) are now national TV regulars, while pop-up-to-permanents like Dusty’s Pizza and Brother Thai have picked up multiple awards as they’ve grown. And newer fine dining options like Asador 44, Heaney’s and Thomas are pushing Cardiff’s Michelin Guide count up to 10; with plenty of new openings on the horizon, my guess is that we’ll be at 15 or more by the end of 2022. It really is a great time to be a (hungry) Cardiffian. Bring on the next 15 years. And happy anniversary, Cardiff Life! For more: www.janechicomendes.co.uk | @janechicomendes | www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk

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cardiffnorth@bluebirdcare.co.uk

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TIDY, LIKE

FOOD & DRINK

As a private chef, LAURA WILLETT has fed everyone from Formula 1 drivers to famous musicians; here she tells us about her new venture – opening her first ever shop, in Cardiff

Laura Willett, Tidy Kitchen Co’s founder www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 73

DID YOU KNOW

“I cooked for Eric Clapton and Jools Holland during the Monaco Grand Prix”

Laura outside the new Tidy Kitchen HQ

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

All of Tidy Kitchen’s meals and grazing platters had previously been hand-prepared in Laura’s catering-standard home kitchen. The business built a loyal fan base by creating crowd-pleasing oﬀerings for private clients and special occasions using mainly Welsh ingredients. But during the pandemic, it began delighting customers with healthy comfort food which could be ordered online for home delivery. It was this experience of working through the pandemic that pushed Laura to rethink the business model. Here she tells us more… Your clients include Formula 1 drivers and chart-topping musicians – are you able to name-drop any?

Due to strict privacy requirements, many have to remain secret, but I was lucky enough

rom preparing dishes for celebs in Monaco, and dishing up for Formula 1 drivers, to living on superyachts as a private cook, and feeding chart-topping musicians, Zimbabwe-born Laura Willett has lived the cheffing dream. Now, her latest venture is to expand her Cardiff-based start-up, Tidy Kitchen Company, from private catering to its first ever shop. Four years after the business was first founded, Tidy Kitchen Company has bagged a city-centre unit at 16 Museum Place, set to open in spring. It will run a ‘grab and go’ business model, inviting customers to pick up a wide range of luxury, healthy and freshly assembled meals.

Laura was previously a private chef on superyachts

The company is all about fresh and healthy meals

to cook for Eric Clapton and Jools Holland during the Monaco Grand Prix one year – an amazing experience. And you’ve worked alongside big-name chefs too…

During my time in London I was lucky enough to stage for Roux at Landau, Medlar in Chelsea, and spent time in Cornwall at St Enedocs with Chef Tom Brown. Before moving back to Wales, I worked with an incredible team at the Hill Food Company who are hugely inspiring with an incredible work ethic and creative vision. Tell us about your years of working as a chef on superyachts in Palma, Antigua and the Middle East…

It was a wonderful experience. The hours

Laura, who was professionally trained at Leith’s School of Food and Wine, starred in Matt Pritchard’s TV show, Dirty Vegan, helping the extreme athlete to prepare and cook a hearty vegan meal.

In a bid to build a more sustainable business, infinitely reusable, fold-flat, dishwasher-proof and microwaveable food-to-go boxes will be available for repeat customers at the shop – earning a discount every time they are used

SUSTAINABLE STUFF

FOOD & DRINK

Sausage rolls and homemade ketchup

WHAT’S ON THE MENU...

Salads, soups and sandwiches will be available for those preferring to eat on the go or those quickly grabbing something delicious to take back to the office. Catering to all diets, these will be primarily plant-based, with the option to add Welsh beef, lamb or free-range chicken. Chiller units will sell pots of Tidy Kitchen’s homemade hummus, muhammara and baba ghanoush, and a retail section will offer reusable coffee mugs, Tidy Kitchen merchandise and ‘ambient food products’.

Even the cakes are healthy

Breakfast of champions

would vary hugely, with extremely early starts to late ﬁnishes, but I had access to incredible produce from all over the world. It really helped to develop my skill set being a sole chef, as everything was produced on my own – from breakfast service to pastries and desserts. I was lucky enough that I worked in parts of the world where we could catch ﬁsh to feed crew, go out to local markets, and explore huge ranges of ingredients I would never have access to in the UK.

variety of plant-based ingredients, listening to your body and the way it responds, it can’t be anything but positive. Like any food group, highly processed produce comes with its own restrictions, so it’s really important to me and the way we run Tidy Kitchen that we represent the plantbased community with varied and nutritious options just as much as those that eat meat.

You were in Matt Pritchard’s TV show Dirty Vegan; do you have a love for plantbased foods?

We started the business with a focus on meetings and events. But during the lockdowns, we really saw a demand for quality meals that gave individuals an easy way to eat well without having to cook from scratch every time. Now that people’s lives are returning back to normal, we’ve seen that the

I do. In particular, I love working with whole foods; vegetables and salads are hugely underrated. As a chef, I’m a big fan of balance. If you can maintain a healthy lifestyle eating a

Is it true that the pandemic was what inspired you to open your first shop?

demand is still there; people are still looking for convenience to help them make their day-today lives easier, but they have become even more passionate about supporting local and valuing high-quality ingredients. What celebrity would you most like to be a personal chef to?

Personal chef work is great fun; you really get to know what fuels people, and food is such a huge aspect of people’s lives. I would love to cook for anyone at the peak of their athletic career. It’s a great way to see the eﬀect of what they are consuming based on their success in their own ﬁeld. Anyone from Emma Raducanu to Lewis Hamilton and Anthony Joshua would be right at the top! ■ www.thetidykitchencompany.com

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SUSTAINABILITY 24 MARCH 2022

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE, VITAL TOPICS THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND KEYNOTES: We’re proud to announce our first two speakers: · Lucian Cook, the head of residential research for Savills · And Jennet Siebrits, the head of research at CBRE

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

A new arm of the annual Cardiff Property Awards has launched

PROPERTY SYMPOSIUM

Our all-new event, Property Symposium: Sustainability, will launch on 24 March. A new arm of our annual Cardiff Property Awards, the symposium will be a conference full of dynamic, powerful insights about property and sustainability. The expert speakers will cover: • Bespoke research on both residential and commercial • Keynotes on the built environment and longer-term responsibility • Panel sessions • Networking opportunities To discuss commercial opportunities, please talk with annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk The Property Symposium online event will run from 9am – 1pm on 24 March. To register, visit www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk/ property-symposium

PENTHOUSE DREAMS

The city centre property is on the market with Savills Cardiff

A new-to-market property that has caught our eye this month is 293 Altolusso – a high-spec city centre penthouse with commanding views. The three-bed Bute Terrace apartment, on for a guide price of £699,950, is located on the 21st floor and is finished to an exceptional, modern standard. Our favourite part without doubt has to be the full wraparound balcony with panoramic views – from one of the highest points in Cardiff – over the city, the Bay, the countryside and the Bristol Channel. For more: www.savills.co.uk

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

Last year’s event was a triumphant success. Pictured: the team at Edwards & Co

The Cardiff Property Awards are returning on 18 November, and sponsorship opportunities are now open. The Awards celebrate the vibrant local property sector. From residential to commercial, lettings to new builds, from civic buildings to bold re-imaginings, Cardiff simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny. Our current sponsors are: Marsh Commercial, Savills, and Sanctuary Financial Planning; to get involved and to find out more, contact annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk or mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 77

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Tutor groups Is extra help the way to go as exam season approaches?

rivate tutoring has never been more accessible or affordable – or such a source of angst for parents. ‘Can’t stop worrying about your child?’ whispers one sparkly advert for online tutors that promises to boost confidence and grades. But one-to-one help is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so here’s how to figure out if hiring a tutor is right for your child. First and foremost, tutors are a great option for filling in gaps. Even pre-pandemic, a key reason to hire a tutor was to focus on the basics that may be stopping a pupil progress. In simple terms, you can’t get to grips with algebra if you are still struggling with multiplication. If you think your child might be missing some key

building blocks in their learning, a tutor will help. Tutors are also a brilliant way to humanise a subject and get motivation back on track. A fresh approach to overcome an issue with a teacher – it happens – can quickly bring a fresh injection of energy. Many of the new breed of online tutors are undergraduates and their ‘mentoring by the back door’ approach can really help with focus. If Sam studying Biology at Birmingham University tells your son that he’s going to need to pull his ﬁnger out and put the work in, he’s much more likely to listen. This brings me to a key reason NOT to take on a tutor. Tutoring can’t be a box-ticking exercise to just get them to do more work.

Teachers often tell me that they worry about tutors being a distraction because pupils think it’s ‘job done’ in terms of the extra time after school. It’s critical that you have a key focus for the tuition and don’t take on the expense unless the tutee commits to at least the same amount of time on top of the tutoring session per week. The best tutors give homework; they are not THE homework. If you are still unsure on whether extra help is a good idea, talk to your child’s teacher or department head. They are usually more than happy to discuss problem areas and set extra work. There may be the option of extra subject clinics – did your son or daughter forget to mention that?! – or help to access past papers. Most schools also have subject-speciﬁc virtual

“Tutoring can’t be a box-ticking exercise to just get them to do more work”

WHAT TYPE OF TUTOR IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD? Online The best online websites offer hundreds of tutor matches by level, subject and price, and all tutors are vetted. Take up the option of a free intro chat with three or four tutors before you choose, and always agree to start with a trial lesson. Interactive whiteboards and the ‘learn anywhere, anytime’ approach is ideally suited to teens.

Try: MyTutor, Tutorful, Tutor House In-Person Face-to-face tutoring is not just the ‘old school’ option. Personal connection and a dedicated learning space can work best for younger pupils, and many are full-time tutors with focused experience. Always make sure they are DBS checked and, for

extra reassurance, verify credentials with The Tutors Association. Try: word of mouth introductions from friends or try asking for recommendations on local parenting Facebook groups Education Hubs With both in-person and online options, tutoring agencies can assess your child, and

learning platforms that, with a bit of gentle prodding from you, might be all your child needs. The exception to this is if your child has an entrance or eleven plus exam to prepare for. Getting ready for tests that might include areas of the curriculum that your child hasn’t covered yet, or include skill-based verbal or nonverbal reasoning questions, are where a specialist tutor can make all the diﬀerence. Finally, let’s get to the educational elephant in the room: the cost. While prices per hour have dropped and accessing a private tutor is no longer only for the privileged few, it’s amazing how quickly ‘only £22 an hour’ mounts up to a few hundred pounds. The tutor industry is now worth an estimated £2bn in the UK, and there’s no doubt the boom is fuelled by worry. Don’t be afraid to only commit to a few sessions, especially if building conﬁdence is the issue, or look at alternatives – even if they require a bit more legwork.

do the homework to find the right tutor. Some ‘tutoring’ options like DoodleMaths don’t involve a tutor at all but boost your child’s knowledge of the curriculum via a personalised online programme. Worth exploring; especially if cost is key. Try: Kip McGrath, Kumon, Maths Doctor, Doodle Maths

Victoria Bond is founder & CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools. For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT

SAFE AS HOUSES CORNERSTONE FINANCE advise on how a secured loan could help you reach your 2022 goals

secured loan lets you use an existing asset – mainly your home – as security to allow you to borrow money. They’re becoming an increasingly popular way of helping people borrow money to help them realise their financial goals.

WHAT IS A SECURED LOAN? A secured loan, also commonly known as a homeowner loan, is secured against your property. Having the value of your property under your belt, lenders often allow you to borrow larger amounts of money, usually at lower rates. The amount you borrow, the term and the interest rate will depend on the equity you have in your property, your credit history, and your personal circumstances. Secured loans allow lenders to consider other factors than simply your credit score, so if you’ve struggled to be accepted for a personal loan and are a

homeowner, they are a good alternative. Unlike an unsecured loan, a secured loan requires the security of your property. They’re often easier to obtain than a personal unsecured loan, as you’re providing collateral, meaning there is less risk to the lender.

HOW CAN A SECURED LOAN BE USED? Depending on your and the lenders’ requirements, a secured loan can be used for many reasons, from purchasing a new car to undertaking home improvements. Three common ways people use secured loans include: 1. HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOVATION – INCLUDING BUILDING EXTENSIONS AND GARDEN ROOMS If you’re looking to build an extension, convert a loft or upgrade your living space, a secured loan may be the right option for you. Your home may need: • Urgent repairs or renovations such as a new roof or a central heating replacement. • More living space, such as a conservatory, utility room, garden room or loft conversion. • Replacing a kitchen or bathroom. • Increase the value of your home before you sell. When planning to make home improvements, being realistic in terms of affordability and practicality is key, so it’s a good idea to do your research before starting the secured loan application process. 2. CONSOLIDATING DEBT If you’ve got multiple credit cards or small loans and want to get on top of your finances this year, a secured loan could be a simple way

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

to refresh your financial future through debt consolidation. A debt consolidation loan allows you to merge existing borrowing, lowering the overall amount of interest you pay on that debt. When taking out a loan to consolidate debt, it’s important to understand the risks of a secured loan. If your house is put up as security and you don’t make repayments, there is a danger it will be repossessed. It’s important to understand your repayments are affordable both now and in the long term. 3. PURCHASING A NEW PROPERTY A secured loan may be a good option when investing in another property, such as buying a second home or purchasing a buy-to-let property. There are several fees involved when taking out a secured loan to purchase an additional property, so ensuring it’s something you can afford before going ahead is essential. Whatever your needs, it’s important to speak to a financial adviser to discuss which finance option is right for you. Need help? Our team of independent experts are here to provide you with tailored financial advice. Come and speak to us for financial expertise you can trust, with solutions built around you. ■

SPONSORED CONTENT

BREAK THE BANK (HOLIDAY) Are employees entitled to an extra day’s holiday for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? Selena Baker, senior associate in the employment team at BERRY SMITH LAWYERS explains...

t has been announced there will be an extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 4 June 2022. The May Spring Bank Holiday, which usually falls on the last weekend of the month, will be moved to Thursday 2 June, and Friday 3 June will become the extra bank holiday, therefore potentially creating a four-day weekend for some employees. Whether the employee is entitled to the extra bank holiday is not as straight forward as it sounds and is in fact dependent upon the terms set out in their contract of employment. Employees will be entitled to the extra bank holiday if their contract of employment states their entitlement is 20 days holiday plus bank holidays. Employees will not be entitled to the extra bank holiday if their contract of employment states their entitlement is 20 days holiday plus 8 days bank holiday or 28 days or 5.6 weeks, which includes bank holidays.

Depending on the contractual terms, while there is no automatic right to this extra bank holiday, employers may wish to consider whether it should be given as a gesture of goodwill. This may be a preferable option and may go some way in demonstrating appreciation for employee loyalty, especially where there are difficulties in retaining staff members. This will of course need to be weighed up against the needs of the business. If employees usually have bank holidays off, then they are likely to expect the same to apply for this extra bank holiday on 4 June 2022 and we expect there is likely to be a negative reaction from employees if this extra bank holiday is not acknowledged. In any event, it is important that staff are kept fully informed of what they are entitled to. In the event the employment contracts do not allow for this extra day and employees are required to take this day as part of their annual entitlement, employers will be able to ask the employee

to use one of their holidays for the extra bank holiday as long as they give twice as much notice as the leave, i.e. at least 2 days’ prior notice to take 1 days leave. Please note, any employees who work part time hours should not be treated less favourably than their full-time or permanent colleagues concerning bank holiday entitlements. n

If you would like any further information concerning the issues raised in this article, please feel free to contact the employment department at Berry Smith on 02920 345 511 or at employment@berrysmith.com.

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SCENE

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

Dan Preece and Ian Wang

Lyndsay Doyle, Samantha Luehrs and Robert Lloyd Griffiths Paul Thorburn, Nic Downs and Alun Owen

Lydia Whtfield, Kathryn Roberts, Nicola Edmunds and Natalie Thomas Mark Soanes, Ian Gwilym, Gavin Stiff and James Smith

IMDB INSIGHTS

IMDb Founder and CEO Col Needham was a guest speaker for Cardiff Business Club – an organisation connecting members and sharing inspiration via world-class speakers – recently. The club’s members gathered at the newly opened Parkgate Hotel to hear Col’s fascinating story about how he began his iconic global company as a 14 year old making notes after watching films. “I love watching films, but I used to forget which ones I’d watched, so started jotting titles and credits down in my notebook,” says Col. “I transferred this online when I got my first computer and started interacting with other film fans around the world to grow the Col Needham

Daniel Jacob and Siôn Tudur

database. In 1993, when the internet was still in its early stages, I got an email from Rob Hartill, a computer science student at Cardiff University, offering to upload the database onto the World Wide Web. Initially we were receiving 60 hits an hour, which, at the time was very exciting! “Multiple universities then began hosting the database on their servers across the world and traffic was doubling every two weeks. We made the decision to commercialise the website, and in 1996 I quit my daytime job with Hewlett Packard.” www.cardiffbusinessclub.org Photos by Richard Bosworth

Faye Tanner, Lloyd Morgan, Matthew Davey and Sengagh Hill

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THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN

RETURNING

30 JUNE Content and sponsorship opportunities now available. Let’s collaborate.

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SOCIETY

Charlotte Jennings, Ceri Jennings, Matthew Davey and Paul Gorin Edmund Heery

Rebecca Cole, Stephen Pobjoy, Paul Harris and Nicola Montgomery

CIPD WALES AWARDS

Peter Kennedy and Nia Bennet

Cardiff businesses scooped top accolades at the recent CIPD Wales Awards, which celebrate HR and people development. Now in its fourth year, the Awards returned with a hybrid virtual and in-person event at the Park Plaza in Cardiff. This year saw three companies and two individuals from Cardiff take home awards. ITV Cymru Wales was commended for its apprenticeship scheme, while creative technologies start-up iungo Solutions collected the Best Learning and Development / Organisational Development Initiative Award. Barry-based cleaning company Sparkles Cleaning Wales and West beat off competition from several large UK-wide organisations to pick up the Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative Award. Edmund Heery, emeritus professor of employment relations at Cardiff Business School, was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award. And Amy Maidment from Principality Building Society was awarded Rising Star of the People Profession, which shines a spotlight on emerging talent. www.cipdwalesawards.co.uk Photos by Wales News

Xxx

Claire Baker and Yasmeen Haq

Caryl Griffiths and Maria Jones

Heather Hinkin and Norman Davies Emily Thomas, Gayle Budden, Michelle Fulford and Chrisitine Bradbury

Victoria Walters, Kathryn Davies, Shannon Johnson and Siobhan Cole

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It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS WATCH THIS SPACE Laings has announced plans to open a new mono-brand OMEGA showroom at St David’s shopping centre, Cardiff. Following a 60-year relationship with the Swiss watch brand, the launch of the Laings’ OMEGA showroom – set to open in spring – signals further development for the business as part of its UK-wide expansion plan. As Laings’ first monobrand showroom, this is the latest investment for the family business – which recently invested £3m into its existing showroom at The Hayes, St David’s earlier this year – as it continues to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches. It is expected that the new showroom will

present pioneering training opportunities with the innovative brand for employees at all levels, while offering a new luxury in-store experience for Laings’ clientele in Cardiff. For more: www.laingsuk.com

The plans for Parador 44 include nine boutique hotel rooms plus an Andalucian-style outdoor terraza, with a similar aesthetic to this image

Laings will open an OMEGA showroom at St David’s

BEST IN WALES One Planet Cardiff’s plan for a carbon neutral city has been rated the best in Wales. One Planet Cardiff, the council’s strategy for a carbon neutral city by 2030, has been rated as the best in Wales by a citizen data science project led by Climate Emergency UK, who have assessed and scored Climate Action Plans across 409 UK councils. “The council’s direct carbon emissions have reduced by 17 per cent every year since 2016 and, since declaring

Cardiff’s sustainability plan has come out on top

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a climate emergency in 2019, we’ve accelerated that work massively,” says Cardiff cabinet member for environment, Cllr Michael Michael. “We’ve opened a new 9MW solar farm, continued with the retrofit of council-owned buildings, started switching our fleet of vehicles to electric, and developed plans for our low-carbon district heating network which will cut gas emissions in connected buildings by 80 per cent once it’s built. “Our Coed Caerdydd project to increase tree canopy cover is gathering pace, our network of cycle lanes continues to grow, and we’ve allocated capital funding to accelerate schemes around public EV charging points and heat recovery at Thornhill Crematorium. “But there’s more to do. Much more. With Cardiff as a whole producing 1,626,059 tonnes of CO2e every year, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels, so as well as driving forward the carbon reduction projects in our plan, we’ll also be looking at the results of these newly published scorecards to see where we can learn from other local authorities, so that we can lead the way, not just in Wales but across the UK.” For more: www.oneplanetcardiff.co.uk

RULE OF THREE Three Cardiff ventures have benefited from the Transforming Towns loans programme. These key buildings in the city centre have secured £2.35m in interest-free loans from the Welsh Government’s loans programme, via Cardiff Council, to help with repurposing and regeneration plans. They are: • The Asador 44 building in Quay Street, which has now began work to repurpose the vacant upper floors into a boutique hotel, called Parador 44. • 30-31 Windsor Place, which will be converted into offices and incubation spaces for leading tech and fintech businesses. • Imperial Gate, lower St Mary Street. The former nightclub will be transformed into a new golfthemed leisure attraction. The loan funding has been successful in the past, regenerating buildings such as the Tramshed in Grangetown, and the Butetown Railway Station into key spaces. “The Welsh Government are investing significant amounts to give this boost to Cardiff not only to restore buildings, but to restore confidence in the city centre after a difficult period,” says the deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters. For more: www.gov.wales

CARDIFFWORKS

TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY

While putting the past 250 issues of Cardiff Life magazine together, we’ve had the privilege of working with some of Cardiff’s most creative, bright and innovative people and businesses. We told some of these friends in the city that we were celebrating our 250th anniversary issue of Cardiff Life and here are just a few of the lovely messages they sent us (we’ll be posting them all on our Instagram page: @cardifflifemag)…

The airfield team at Cardiff Airport created this giant message for us that can be seen from the skies

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The team at Wales Millennium Centre; an original artwork by Cardiff artist Laura Hickman Sell at Cynefn; the team at voco St David’s hotel in Cardiff Bay; Blasus Succulent Emporium at The Bone Yard created this green beauty made of succulents for us; Chloe Davies at Get Caked at St David’s Cardiff made us a special anniversary cake; Kate Fryer of Khaya Studio in Roath crafted a message from William Morris wallpaper. Thank you, all!

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CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

“TICKETS ARE READY TO BE SNAPPED UP”

Nigel Owens, our host

OUR HOST

Nigel Owens will be taking to the stage as our host once again! The former international rugby union referee, who currently holds the world record for the most test matches refereed, hosted our 2019 Awards, where he was very Nigel Owens, cheerfully yomping off piste as the whim took him. More of the same this year please, Nige!

THE DETAILS Nothing beats being there

The ultimate ticket

WHAT: The Cardiff Life Awards 2022 WHERE: City Hall, Cardiff WHEN: 31 March WHY: To celebrate the very best local businesses and organisations in Cardiff, The Vale and surrounding areas P.S: Finalists announcement on 17 February, Zoom, 2pm (head to our website to register)

The business highlight of the city is almost upon us. The Cardiff Life Awards are the most prestigious, most tightly contested Awards, with the greatest number of local companies involved. Tickets are now ready to be snapped up!

he day before this issue of Cardiff Life hit the city, the entries for the Cardiff Life Awards 2022 closed – which means, as you read this, we’re sifting through hundreds of nominations and creating our official finalist shortlist! The excitement is palpable. So, what are the next steps, you ask? Read on…

JUDGING

Our team of independent judges from across the city (also soon to be revealed) will come together for the difficult task of picking out the crème de la crème, the elite, the hidden gems among the hopeful to determine this year’s crop of finalists.

FINALIST REVEAL

Are you eagerly awaiting the news of who made it through? Start the countdown by signing up for our Grand Reveal Day on 17 February, via the Awards website. On Zoom from 2pm, join us as we announce this year’s finalists, category by category, and start the celebrations for our city’s innovative, creative and community-driven businesses, projects, organisations and charities. THE BIG EVENT

The Cardiff Life Awards have sold out every year, so if you want to be a part of it (whether you’ve nominated your business for an Award or not) head to our website for tickets. You can purchase up to six single tickets, or tables of 10. It’s always worth bagging them early so you don’t miss out.

GET INVOLVED

Nominations are closed, but it’s not too late to get involved. A few sponsorships for the Awards are still available, with benefits like your own company table and the chance to present an Award to a lucky winner on stage. Join sponsors including Crumbs, Cardiff Life, Cardiff Property Awards, Lexus Cardiff, Regus, Genero, 13Fields, Park Plaza, and EntreConf and get involved in the biggest night of Cardiff’s business year. For more information about sponsoring, contact: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk or mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk.

www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

WANT TO BE PART OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE, MOST EFFICIENT AND MOST STYLISH AWARDS IN CARDIFF? Scan this to see the Awards!

INITIAL SPONSORS

For main Sponsor opportunities, please contact annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk or mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk

CARDIFF LIVES

Siân, with Mistar Urdd, presenting one of the new World Record certificates

SIÂN LEWIS Here we speak to Siân Lewis, the Urdd’s chief executive, about the Urdd’s two world records for its 100th anniversary… Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Wales’s largest national youth movement, celebrated its 100th birthday in January with two Guinness World Records titles. The Urdd broke the records for: most videos of people singing the same song uploaded to Facebook in one hour (461), and the most videos of people singing the same song uploaded to Twitter in one hour (1,176). The organisation achieved this milestone for their centenary by singing Hei Mistar Urdd! (Hey Mister Urdd) – their anthem, written and composed by musician Geraint Davies. The participants were invited to sing and upload their videos to Twitter and Facebook between 10.45am

and 11.45am on 25 January. As expected, it attracted endless love and support across Wales and beyond, with more than 95,000 people joining in. During the day, the movement received support from various wellknown figures such as the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys and music legend Bonnie Tyler. Today, the Urdd has over 10,000 volunteers, 55,000 members aged between eight and 25, and runs 300 sports clubs. We catch up with Siân… I thank everyone…

who has taken part in our centenary celebrations and enabled us to reach this

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PHOTO COURTESY OF URDD GOBAITH CYMRU / DAF YDD NANT

“The year of our centenary will be one to remember” SOME OF THE YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE...

• International trips for young people to America, Ireland and Norway. • The Sports Department will lead with the Welsh Urban Games festival in Cardiff Bay – which will showcase new Olympic sports such as BMX and skateboarding. • A Concert to Celebrate the Urdd’s Centenary with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. • S4C has commissioned a series showcasing Llangrannog through the decades. • The In Character theatre production, Canrif Syr Ifan will be touring around schools in Wales. • The National Library of Wales will be organising plenty of exhibitions and workshops.

special milestone. The Urdd has developed considerably during the century, and the pandemic has forced the Urdd to experiment and lead with new virtual ways. The main aim remains, to provide children and young people with wonderful and unique opportunities to enjoy experiences through the medium of Welsh.

Centre in Llangrannog; and the opening of the new Water Centre at Glan-llyn.

There is no doubt…

www.urdd.cymru

that the period since March 2020 has been the most challenging in our history. As a result of the pandemic, we had to close our camps and our regular community, sporting and cultural activities had to stop. However, we are rebuilding…

and the year of our centenary will be one to remember, with the plans of every department reflecting our spirit and ambition. We are also…

making a significant investment in our camps and there will be three exciting openings in 2022 – the opening of the first environmental camp of its kind in Wales at Pentre Ifan, Pembrokeshire; the opening of the Heart of the

This is a huge opportunity to celebrate…

and for us to thank everyone who has played a small or significant part in making the Urdd an important movement for Wales and the people of Wales. n

Pedr ap Llwyd, chief executive and librarian at the National Library of Wales says… “The Urdd continues to be an indispensable national movement that continues to enrich the lives of children and young people while promoting the Welsh language at the same time, a hundred years on from its establishment. “The extent of the organisation’s contribution to our national life is immeasurable and we’re proud to say that much of the organisation’s work is recorded here in the Library’s collections, in archival collections, books, sound and moving images.”

THE

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