Cardiff Life - Issue 256

ISSUE 256 / LATE JUNE 2022 / £3

@CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 256 / LATE JUNE 2022 / OUTSIDE WORLD

THE OUTSIDERS QUICK! THE SUN’S OUT, LET’S DRINK AND DINE AL FRESCO

ALLOW US TO BE QUEER

A SPOTLIGHT ON CARDIFF'S FIRST LGBTQ+ FRINGE FESTIVAL

INSIDE STORY

TIME FOR A SUMMER INTERIOR REVAMP?

REBUILDING LIVES A WARM WELSH WELCOME FOR REFUGEES

GET IT IN THE DIARY

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIGGEST EVENTS IN THE CITY

NEW PROJECTS ON OUR WEBSITE

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

PHOTO BY SIN HART AT JACOBS ROOF GARDEN

EDITOR’S LETTER

It’s all about the al fresco spots right now. Turn to page 12 for more

W

hether you’re in the mood for chilled Ibiza-style DJ sets, with a cocktail in hand, watching the sunset from a rooftop garden, or sharing fire-cooked food with friends under the stars, or indulging in family feasts in a stretch tent by the river, this issue has you covered when it comes to al fresco drinking and dining in and around the city.

Bars and restaurants have taken it to another level yet again this summer, and we have never been more excited to brave the Welsh weather.

Turn to page 12 for a round-up of 35 of our favourite local outdoor nibbling and sipping spots.

Elsewhere, on page 29, we’ve been chatting with festival director Yan White about Wales’s very first Queer Fringe Fest. Continuing until 3 July, the milestone event spans the entire city and includes theatre, comedy, live music, film, drag, visual art exhibitions and dance.

Talking of our big interviews in this issue, we also had the chance to sit down with Oasis Cardiff, a centre for asylum seekers and refugees, whose aim is to help people integrate within the local community, but also to learn and be inspired by cultures and traditions from around the world (page 32).

We also delve into summer looks for home interiors (page 43); we bring you a hugely diverse What’s On section (page 22) and we take you on a local shopping spree (page 38).

Enjoy! #CardiffTogether, always

P

’un a ydych am fwynhau setiau DJ hamddenol tebyg i rai Ibiza gyda choctel yn eich llaw yn gwylio’r machlud o ardd ar ben to, am rannu bwyd wedi’i goginio dros ben tân â ffrindiau dan y sêr, neu am wledda gyda’ch teulu mewn pabell ymestyn ar lan yr afon, mae’r rhifyn hwn yn rhoi digon o sylw i gyfleoedd i yfed a bwyta yn yr awyr agored yn y ddinas a’r cyffiniau.

Mae bariau a bwytai wedi gwella eu darpariaeth ymhellach fyth ar gyfer haf eleni, ac rydym yn edrych ymlaen yn fwy nag erioed at herio’r tywydd a gawn yng Nghymru. Trowch i dudalen 12 i weld y 35 o fannau bwyta ac yfed awyr agored lleol yr ydym yn arbennig o hoff ohonynt.

Fel arall, ar dudalen 29, rydym wedi bod yn sgwrsio â’r cyfarwyddwr gwyliau Yan White am Ŵyl Ymylol Queer gyntaf erioed Cymru. Mae’r digwyddiad hwn, sy’n dipyn o garreg filltir, yn para tan 3 Gorffennaf ac mae’n ymestyn ar draws y ddinas gyfan ac yn cynnwys gweithgareddau ym maes theatr, comedi, cerddoriaeth fyw, ffilm, drag, celf weledol a dawns.

Ac o sôn am ein cyfweliadau mawr yn y rhifyn hwn, cawsom gyfle hefyd i sgwrsio ag Oasis Caerdydd, sef y ganolfan i geiswyr lloches a ffoaduriaid, sy’n ceisio helpu pobl nid yn unig i integreiddio yn eu cymuned leol ond hefyd i ddysgu am ddiwylliannau a thraddodiadau o bob cwr o’r byd a chael eu hysbrydoli ganddynt (ar dudalen 32).

Rydym hefyd yn bwrw golwg ar y ffasiwn diweddaraf o safbwynt addurno’r cartref (ar dudalen 43); yn cyflwyno adran ddigwyddiadau amrywiol dros ben i chi (ar dudalen 22) ac yn eich tywys o gwmpas rhai o’n siopau lleol (ar dudalen 38).

Mwynhewch! #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

LISA EVANS

Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

Issue 256 / Late June, 2022 ON THE COVER Jacobs Roof Garden in Cardiff is where the party’s at. Photo by Sin Hart. Turn to page 12 for more

43

32

FEATURES

12 THE OUTSIDERS There’s no better time to drink and dine

al fresco

29 BIG INTERVIEW Chatting with the founder of the city’s first

Queer Fringe Festival

32 ONE TO ONE Oasis Cardiff on how they’re helping people

thrive in new lives

ARTS AND EVENTS

21 ARTS INTRO A simple celebration of gay love at Martin

Tinney Gallery

22 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and events, it’s all going on in Cardiff 57 SCENE Papping some of the most popular events locally – can

you spot yourself ?

SHOPPING

37 BEARLY DRESSED Animal-obsessed Anna Palamar’s locally

made textile designs

38 EDITOR’S CHOICE And it was all yellow (and all local)

INTERIORS

43 TIME FOR A REVAMP? Adding a splash of colour to your

living spaces

FOOD & DRINK

49 TASTY BITES A handful of news morsels for you to chew on 51 JANE COOK THE FOODIE Our columnist gives us the

low down on zero waste

52 RESTAURANT REVIEW Ahead of The Ivy Asia launch, we

refresh our palates at The Ivy

BUSINESS

61 CARDIFF WORKS News and views and brilliant businesses 63 CARDIFF LIFE AWARD WINNERS 2022 Stratigens won

our Technology & Innovation category

REGULARS

9 SPOTLIGHT Just a handful of feel-good stories 27 WYBURN AND WAYNE Our columnists have been out and

about again

55 GETTING SCHOOLED Victoria Bond talks education 66 CARDIFF LIVES Shahira Shahir shares her emotional story

of fleeing Afghanistan

52 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, Megan Gaen and 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 7

SPOTLIGHT JUST A HANDFUL OF FEEL- GOOD STORIES

Children

Nathan and his royal mates

TELLING TALES

ROYAL TREATMENT

Nathan Wyburn with his coin masterpiece

Creativity

WRITE-ON

A new project called Cardiff 75 has been designed to help strengthen the city’s diverse writing communities. The project is the brainchild of Cardiff Writers’ Circle which marks its 75th anniversary this year.

Cardiff 75 aims to bring people together to train, network and build partnerships through free-to-access activities and events.

“When 11 people came together in a room in 1947 to form Cardiff Writers’ Circle, they probably never imagined that the group would be thriving 75 years later,” says Paul Jauegui, chair. “We are now the oldest continually running creative writing group in Wales and one of the oldest in the UK. Rather than simply mark our own birthday we wanted to respond positively to the pandemic by working with local writers to celebrate and support creative writing in Cardiff.”

Cardiff Writers’ Circle’s usual base is the YMCA DATE FOR THE DIARY in Shakespeare A Writers’ Gathering, on 3 July Street, where Speakers will include writers Philip they meet every Gross and Katherine Stansfield Monday Evening. and activities will include an open For more: www. mic and a panel discussion.

Jurys Inn, Cardiff cardiffwriterscircle. cymru

In celebration of the Platinum Jubilee, The Royal Mint unveiled a giant portrait portraying The Queen, made entirely out of coins. The bespoke mosaic-style mural was created by Cardiff Life magazine’s very own Nathan Wyburn, our long-time columnist.

The coin art will sit in the entrance foyer at The Royal Mint Experience in Pontyclun.

In other news, Nathan met with the The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Cardiff Castle during the Platinum Jubilee. There, he presented them with portraits he’d created of Kate, Prince William and The Queen.

The artworks were digital collages formed of thousands of tiny photographs of the royal family.

For more: www.nathanwyburn.com / www.royalmint.com

The Down Syndrome drag troupe is the first of its kind in the world

© PHOTO BY SCALLY WAG FOX

In June, Unbound will publish The Mab, a children’s book, in both English and Welsh, which has been supported and championed by Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who wrote the foreword and was instrumental in getting the book funded.

The Mab is an illustrated collection of 11 Welsh stories from the Mabinogion, the ancient Welsh epic, retold for young people.

For more: www.unbound.com

Art

Performance

DRAG SYNDROME Drag Syndrome, a ground-breaking, internationally acclaimed drag collective featuring drag queens and kings with Down Syndrome, is coming to Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre on 26 June.

The troupe, which is the first of its kind in the world, demonstrates that people with Down Syndrome are hard-working and professional.

The show is the final event of the Hijinx Unity Festival, one of Europe’s largest inclusive arts festivals and the only one of its kind in Wales. It was created in 2008 to provide an opportunity for disabled, learning disabled and/or autistic artists to perform on a high-profile platform.

For more: www.wmc.org.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 9

THE OUTSIDERS

T

hrough some unexplainable phenomenon, food definitely tastes better when we eat it outdoors in the sunshine, with our shades on. It’s just science.

With that in mind, here we share some of our favourite al fresco spots, from street food and small plates to fire food and brunches; from the city centre to The Vale to Penarth. Quick, read on before the clouds come back!

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

PHOTO BY SIN HART

Cardiff’s al fresco spots have taken it to another level yet again this summer; there are stretch tents, disco balls, epic rooftop views and plenty of Ibiza-vibe DJ sets and musicians to entertain you while you sip and nibble outdoors. We have never been more excited to brave the Welsh weather

By Lisa Evans

AL FRESCO

A chilled evening at Jacobs Roof Garden

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PHOTO BY SIN HART

AL FRESCO

JACOBS ROOF GARDEN

Events at Jacobs Roof Garden include wine clubs to DJ nights

HOLM HOUSE HOTEL

Holm House, the luxury boutique hotel based in the heart of Penarth has unveiled a stylish new look just in time for summer. As part of the extensive refurbishment – which includes an uplift of all 12 of its en suite bedrooms – the garden has been relandscaped to guarantee Holm House’s spot as one of the most popular al fresco destinations in the area.

The outdoor space: It boasts one of the largest outdoor terrace and garden spaces locally, offering an outdoor bar, state-of-the-art lighting, and ample seating including two 16-seater sunken fire pit areas.

The menu: Choose from afternoon tea or à la carte, accompanied by upmarket slush puppies such as Provence Frosé and frozen Aperol spritz.

Did you know: Celebrity fans include Kylie Minogue, David Hasselhoff and Anthony Joshua.

Marine Parade, Penarth; www.holmhousehotel.com

THE BEAR

Ever since anyone can remember, The Bear has been a gathering place to meet, celebrate, socialise and stay. Nestled in the bustling heart of the charming town of Cowbridge, it began life in mediaeval times as the town house to Llanmihangel, a local country house. Replete with nooks, crannies and tales to make your hair curl, it stands as proudly as ever.

What’s outside: In their enclosed courtyard lined with flowers and foliage, you’ll find ‘The Cube’ – their glass pergola with its fully retractable roof and sides – an al fresco dream.

The menu: A selection of nibbles and small plates including potted crayfish, duck salad and cinnamon pickled cauliflower florets, to main dishes like their signature burgers, Glamorgan pale ale-battered haddock and moules marinière.

High Street, Cowbridge; www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk

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On top of what was once one of the tallest buildings in the area, nestled among the high-rise hotels and office blocks, you’ll find a hidden rooftop garden retreat, perched above Jacobs Antique Centre. It’s a secret oasis with views over the city centre, overlooking all of the Mill Lane madness.

What’s on: They host a wide range of events, from wine club tastings, to rooftop cinemas, with plenty of music from local jazz musicians and summer-vibe DJs. Their sunrise Pilates & Yoga classes, hosted by Studio S, are a particular joy.

The view: It’s spectacular, with a clear line to the sunset over West Cardiff and the buzz of the city centre.

The vibe: There’s a strong focus on plants and flowers, with a little bit of an Ibiza beach feel thrown in.

The menu: Expect cocktails, mocktails and beers galore. The food offering has a Spanish edge – think olives, stuffed peppers, flatbreads and a load other of sides and snacks.

What’s new: A Gin Experience in August, plus the introduction of coffee and cake on the roof during the weekdays, provided by the Coffi Clwb below them.

What else: When the weather is more unpredictable, they host events in the West Wharf Gallery below them. Also, The Jacobs Antique Centre Itself (also below them) is currently celebrating its 40th year trading.

W Canal Wharf, Cardiff; www.jacobsroofgarden.co.uk

NEW IN TOWN TML Terrace

TML Terrace is a brand-new sunshine strip in the heartbeat of the city, offering street food, drinks and shisha, opposite Ten Mill Lane.

Mill Lane; Instagram: @tmlterrace

The Rangers Hut

The former park warden’s shed has been lovingly restored by the team behind Waterloo Tea, and now serves artisanal gelato and freshly spun candy floss.

Waterloo Gardens, Roath; www.waterlootea.com

PHOTO BY SIN HART

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN STONES GALLERY

“It’s a secret oasis with views over the city centre, overlooking all of the Mill Lane madness” top: Holm House has launched its new-look outdoor area; middle: Jacobs Roof Garden is on what was once one of

Cardiff’s tallest buildings; below: The New House and its striking glass pergola

AL FRESCO THE NEW HOUSE

Described as a little haven, just outside Cardiff, the Grade II-listed New House is a serene and romantic country pile, originally built by wealthy Welsh industrialist Thomas Lewis in the 1730s.

The al fresco area: Perched on the hill at the front of the hotel is their striking glass pergola, ideal for a lazy lunch, afternoon tea or for sundowners watching the sunset.

The view: The full Cardiff cityscape – from the Principality Stadium, to Wales Millennium Centre and out to sea – it really must be seen.

The menu: A delicate afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches and homemade cakes.

Did you know: Their gorgeous glass pergola is available for weddings and events.

Thornhill; www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk

BY THE WATER

THE HEATHCOCK

An edgy, waterside cocktail bar in the Bay with plenty of holidayvibe music events.

Porth Teigr Way; Instagram: loloungeuk

The Admiral St David

An all-day summer hotspot based on the outdoor terrace of Voco St David’s Cardiff hotel. Look out over Cardiff Bay’s waterfront and Penarth. It’s almost tropical.

Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay; www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

The Deck

A waterside venue at Penarth Marina, where you can enjoy brunch, dinner, or even a sundowner on the balcony overlooking the boats moored below.

Penarth Marina; www.thedeckpenarth.co.uk

Lo Lounge

They did up their pub garden during lockdown and have kept adding to it ever since; think festoon lighting, varied seating styles, beautiful flowers, and a kitchen garden that the chefs are often rifling through, picking salad.

What’s on: They regularly have live music in the garden over the summer – keep an eye on their social media, as they tend to book a musician on a Sunday afternoon if the weather is looking good. Also, they have a bunch of BBQs booked in.

The menu: There’s a small plates garden menu coming soon, stuffed with dishes such as crispy pig cheek, squid and fennel salad, and homemade breads. They always have a great beer selection too, with at least five Welsh ales on offer, plus Pommery, Pimm’s, homemade seasonal gins and other Welsh spirits.

What’s new: They’re looking to announce an outdoor BBQ afternoon instead of Sunday lunch, featuring grilled mackerel, summer salads, lamb skewers and the like. A beer festival is in the making too.

Bridge Street, Llandaff; www.heathcockcardiff.com

Cosy Club

The outside terrace looks over the sparkling waterfront. Their new cocktail menu collaboration has landed from World of Zing – founded by Channel 4 Sunday Brunch cocktail expert Pritesh Mody. We have our eyes on the orange cherry blossom negroni.

Mermaid Quay; www.cosyclub.co.uk

MOTEL NIGHTS

Just a watermelon ginball’s* throw from Victoria Park, this place is an independent bar and event space in a unique location with bags of character.

The al fresco space: It’s a combination of a heated marquee, ping pong tables and a sunny beanbag area, with room for 40 people.

What’s on: Live Music, DJs, outdoor cinema and street food events are planned throughout the summer, along with private-hire parties and weddings hosted in the marquee too.

View/vibe: The al fresco area, situated next to their newly renovated shipping container kitchen, is under festoon lights, disco balls and shimmering glittery décor.

The menu: They recently launched their in-house street food brand, Side Piece, which aims to blur the lines between street food and high-end small plates with a changing menu focusing on a different nationality each month. *And you need to try their ginballs and rumballs immediately.

Anything else: The outdoor space is available for private hire any day of the week for birthdays, weddings and any type of celebration.

Paper Mill Road, Cardiff; www.motelnights.co.uk

PHOTO BY BAB HAUS ME X

GOODSHEDS

The Goodsheds, Barry

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At Goodsheds in Barry, you’ll find communal outdoor seating areas, and the opportunity to order from any of the street food venues in the Container Village. So if one person in your group wants Mexican, one wants Greek, and one wants deep-fried ice cream waffles, then you’re all catered for and you can all sit together.

The al fresco space: It’s split into four different sections: a large open terrace at the entrance, the food court, the upper-level tracks (a converted train platform), and cosy high tables for two. Our favourite spot is under the pagoda, which has a retractable roof to allow the sun in and keep the rain out.

What’s on: They host weekly themed quiz on Thursdays nights (the Friends and Harry Potter nights being popular); there’s live music and DJs some weekends; there’s a farmers market on Saturday mornings; and board games on Sundays.

What else: It’s not just food at Goodsheds; you can indulge in beauty and hair treatments, do some shopping at the independents, grab cocktails with your mates, and have a full day out.

Hood Road, Barry; www.goodshedsbarry.co.uk

“It’s an outdoor-only restaurant, under a stretch tent, looking out at the creative community” Dusty’s flagship restaurant is at The Bone Yard

GORGEOUS GARDENS The Castle Café

Situated on Cardiff Castle’s spacious terrace, take in the spectacular views of the Norman Keep and the Castle grounds.

Castle Street; www.cardiffcastle.com

St. Canna’s Ale House

If you haven’t been to the colourful, mural-walled garden at this Canton micro-pub, you must.

Llandaff Road, Canton; www.stcannas.com

The Romilly

Families are welcome to this large beer garden for those warm summer days.

Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; Facebook: theromilly

Brother Thai

Small but perfectly formed, and a proper afternoon suntrap.

Whitchurch Road;www.brotherthai.co.uk

Secret Garden Café

A sustainable, walled garden café in the heart of Bute Park.

Bute Park; www.bute-park.com

The Pen & Wig

It’s in the middle of the city but with a chilled-out vibe. There’s a covered terrace, a sun canopy and plenty of umbrellas.

Park Grove; www.classicinns.co.uk

DUSTY’S

Dusty’s flagship restaurant can be found at The Bone Yard, home to resident artists who run their businesses from brightly coloured shipping containers. The weekends are full of life, with stall holders selling their wares – perfect for a pre- or post-pizza browse.

The al fresco space: The Bone Yard-based eatery is an outdoor-only restaurant, under a stretch tent, looking out at the creative community.

The menu: Their pizzas are made fresh on site every day. They use long-standing and trusted suppliers who source only the best ingredients, allowing them to showcase some incredible local produce on their traditional Neapolitan pizzas.

What else: You can also dine semi al fresco on the tables outside their new city centre Dusty’s, inside Castle Arcade in the city centre.

The Bone Yard, Canton; www.dustyspizza.co.uk

KINDLE

Perched right on the edge of the city centre, this outdoor-only restaurant is a garden oasis away from the hubbub. Their tables sit in a kitchen garden with its raised beds, and herb planters. Grab a seat at the front to watch the city life rush past, or hide at the back, nestled next to the green space of Sophia Gardens.

The menu: It’s all about seasonal produce cooked with fire; but cooking food with fire is not the same as cooking food over the fire, y’know. They have two fire sources: an open fire and a smoker. They dip into fire, they grill over embers, and they smoke, so the fire touches every dish, adding flavour and character. Expect dishes such as grilled Wye Valley asparagus with smoked egg, and gnarly fire-baked potatoes with garlic aioli.

Sophia Gardens; www.kindlecardiff.co.uk

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AL FRESCO THE BOTANIST

PHOTO BY WILL BARKER

You’ll find Cardiff’s largest rooftop al fresco area here, situated in the heart of the city, featuring everything from tables for two, to a fire pit table which seats 12 guests together.

What’s on: There’s a summer session DJ line-up every weekend, plus events from Club Brunch each month, and a Tiny Rebel take over.

The view and the vibe: There are skyline features of the Stadium, St. John’s Church Tower, City Hall and the Castle Clock Tower, and there are beautiful gardens potted all around you. You can be as chilled or as excitable as you wish on this roof.

The menu: Allow their botanical team to take you on a journey; explore the life cycle of plants around the world through their unique pairings and curious cocktails, derived from weird and wonderful flowers. Food is served with their event days only, or book a function and add on canapés or a buffet to your table.

What else: New World Trading Company (NWTC), the team behind The Botanist, is opening The Club House in Mermaid Quay very soon.

More on that in an upcoming issue.

Church street, Cardiff; www.thebotanist.uk.com

BAB HAUS MEX

Riverside Farmers Market takes place every week

They offer a wide range of Mexican and LA-inspired street food dishes – from tacos and smoked beef burritos, to tostadas and loaded nacho fries, washed down with and frozen passionfruit margaritas – at their site in Goodsheds.

What’s on: Look out for Taco Tuesdays and extended opening hours over the summer holidays.

What else: You can also find Bab Haus at their Smoke Shop HQ site in Caerphilly where they serve Texas-inspired BBQ dishes. This site is predominantly takeaway at their converted industrial estate kitchen where they take pre-orders online, though they have converted oil drum tables and stools for customers to use when it’s sunny.

At home: They offer nationwide delivery of their ‘heat at home’ taco kits which can be found on their website.

Hood Road, Barry; www.babhausmex.co.uk

RIVERSIDE REAL FOOD

More than 100 farmers and small producers sell food and drink across three regular markets every week: • Rhiwbina Farmers Market on Fridays 10am – 1pm, at Ye olde Butcher’s Arms, Heol y Felin, in the rear car park.

• Roath Farmers Market on Saturdays 9am – 1pm, at Mackintosh Sports Club, Keppoch Street, opposite Gate Arts Centre.

• Riverside Farmers Market on Sundays 10am – 2pm, at Fitzhamon Embankment, opposite the Principality Stadium.

You’ll find a wide range of essentials like fruit, veg, meat, dairy and bakery products, but there are also hot street-food traders who pop up every week. Riverside Real Food also runs a monthly market at St Fagans, and pop-up markets at Cardiff Met University.

What’s on: There are often buskers and other live musicians at the markets, providing background ambience.

On the menu: Kimi’s is one of their longest standing and best-loved traders, known for serving up hot Indian breakfasts at the Sunday market in Riverside. More recent additions include Rue De La Cocotte (tartiflette) and Hug Paeng (Northeastern Thai street food).

What’s new: The Riverside Night Market takes place on the last Wednesday of the month from 5-8pm.

Across Cardiff; www.riversidemarket.org.uk

PAVED PARADISE La Pantera

Perch outside this cool spot and indulge in ‘unauthentic tacos’ and agave cocktails.

Quay Street; www.lapantera.co.uk

Pitch

PHOTO BY BAB HAUS ME X

Open from breakfast ’til cocktails, with a party atmosphere in the sun.

Mill Lane; www.pitchcardiff.com

Look out for Taco Tuesdays Bab Haus Mex

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The Coconut Tree

At this Sri Lankan restaurant, think pavement café culture with islandinspired vibes.

Mill Lane; www.thecoconut-tree.com

Curado Bar & Vermut

This restaurant and cosy bar, next door to each other, offer a little taste of Galician bar life from their pavement seating areas, perfect for you people watchers.

Guildhall Place; www.curadobar.com

NOOK BY THE RIVER

above: Nook by the River is back!; below: Kindle only cooks with fire

“Grab a seat at the back, nestled next to the green space of Sophia Gardens”

Last spring, one of Cardiff’s most popular restaurants launched an outdoor pop-up on the banks of the River Taff. While hospitality was limited to outdoor-only restrictions in Wales, Victoria Park’s Nook moved into a 12 x 10m stretch tent situated alongside Llandaff Rowing Club. Last year, the pop-up proved so popular that table bookings for the entire four-week residency sold out within minutes of going on sale.

And now it’s back!

When does it return: Wednesdays to Sundays, from 13 July until 7 August. Reservations are now live.

The menu: The small plates menu showcases seasonal, local produce, accompanied by a selection of natural and low intervention wines. n Llandaff Rowing Club; www.nookcardiff.co.uk

YET MORE OUTDOOR SPOTS

The Brewery Quarter

Inside this dedicated food and drink section of the city, you’ll find a whole host of restaurants, cafés and bars with outdoor seating.

St Mary’s Street; www.breweryquarter.co.uk

The Corporation Yard

A curated outdoor experience with some of the finest street food vendors, alongside craft beer, wine, and a cocktail bar. An exciting program of events and independent markets await you.

Cowbridge Road East; www.thecorporationyard.co.uk

PHOTO BY AGA HOSKING

Chapter Arts Centre

Find an undercover beer garden here, with patio heaters to keep you cosy when it gets a little chilly, all with the backdrop of Cardiff’s celebrated arts centre.

Market Road, Canton; www.chapter.org

Ansh

There’s outdoor dining at this sustainable burger joint, but we like to grab a takeaway and chow down in Victoria Park.

Cowbridge Road East; www.ansh.cymru

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

SIMPLE LOVE

Beautiful and White Flowers, David Hockney’s limitededition lithograph from 1966, is an etching for Illustrations for Fourteen Poems from C.P. Cavafy, the renowned Greek poet whose writings celebrate gay love.

We spotted this artwork at the Martin Tinney Gallery in Cardiff city centre and, as June is Pride month, we thought it a fitting artwork to highlight in this issue.

David’s imagery often focuses on friends and familiar places, traditional literature and gay culture. Cavafy was one of his favourite poets, and the images he made to illustrate a selection of Cavafy’s poems are mostly of young male couples, created with a simplicity and frankness which reflect the quality of Cavafy’s writing.

Beautiful and White Flowers, 1966, 35 x 23cm, available at Martin Tinney Gallery, St. Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff; www.artwales.com

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PHOTO BY DAF YDD OWEN / FFOTONANT

Tafwyl Festival is back at the castle

WHAT’S ON 17 June onwards

PLAYS/SHOWS 18 – 26 June

CIRCLE OF FIFTHS National Theatre Wales’s latest production is an immersive experience directed by Butetown’s Gavin Porter. The Dance House, Cardiff Bay; www.dancehouse.wales

20 – 25 June

CHICAGO Murder, greed and adultery… so begins the musical, Chicago.

New Theatre, Park Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Sherman Theatre includes UpRoar Festival, showcasing the work of the Sherman’s Introduction to Playwriting participants.

Sherman Theatre, Cathays; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

26 June

21 June

29 June, and 1–2 July

MUSIC AND DANCING

29 June

24 June

7 July – 27 August

24 June – 30 July

A SUMMER CELEBRATION A Summer Celebration at

STEREOPHONICS They’ll play in Cardiff, supported by Tom Jones, Feeder, Gruff Rhys and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard.

Principality Stadium, Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

Every Friday and Saturday

THE BEAST IN ME The Devil’s Violin creates music and storytelling shows, their latest being The Beast in Me. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org THE_CRASH.TEST Award-winning theatre company Hijinx returns to the stage and screen with a darkly playful Frankenstein tale for our age. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

COMEDY

17 June

DRAG SYNDROME Presenting the world’s first drag troupe with Kings and Queens of Down Syndrome.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.hijinx.org.uk MIGRATIONS Through a series of parallel storylines, Welsh National Opera explores the highs and lows of migration: from birds to the sailing of The Mayflower. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wno.org.uk

21 – 23 June

Marie Curie Cardiff Fundraising Group presents a fashion show to celebrate local charity shops.

St Andrew’s Church Hall; www.standrewsurccardiff.co.uk

THE LION KING This worldwide theatrical phenomenon has been experienced by 100 million people. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

13 July

FASHION SHOW: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

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

COMEDY NIGHTS Treat yourself to an evening of award-winning comedy.

The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay; www.glee.co.uk

Every Thursday

HAVANA FIESTA The Salsa party night is back!

Get ready for Latin dance line-ups, Salsa, Bachata and Reggaeton hits until 1am.

Revolucion de Cuba, The Friary; www.havanapeoplesalsa.co.uk

Every Friday until 1 July

AMSERJAZZTIME Cardiff’s most popular (free) jazz night returns, featuring the best from RWCMD’s jazz department.

RWCMD, Cathays Park; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

VIOLET SKIES The Welsh singer-songwriter brings her soulful electro-pop to Cardiff.

Clwb Ifor Bach, Womanby Street; www.clwb.net COURTNEY BARNETT She’s hitting the road in the UK and Europe in between festival slots and shows supporting The National and Foo Fighters.Tramshed, Clare Road; www.tramshedcardiff.com

8 July

IBIZA CLASSICS Global dance music legend Pete Tong is back with his Ibiza Classics.

Cardiff Castle; www.petetong.com

16 July

CARDIFF CRITICAL CREATORS FUNDRAISER Critical Creators present a fundraiser in aid of UHW Hospital Critical Care Unit, with music from Icantdie,

WHAT’S ON featuring sprays, jets and a tipping water bucket.Victoria Park, Cardiff; www.outdoorcardiff.com

Ongoing

THE MEADOWS This farm village retreat offers an interactive animal experience with pygmy goats, micro pigs, and alpacas.

Caerphilly; www.pwthemeadows.co.uk

Ongoing

ALPACA MY BOOTS An hour outside Cardiff, trek with an adorable gang of fluffy alpacas (that you walk on leads!) while taking in stunning natural views.

Brecon Beacons; www.alpacamyboots.com PHOTO © DISNEY

ART/ EXHIBITIONS Until 18 June

above: The Lion King is coming to WMC left: See Emily Powell’s work at The Albany Gallery

DREAMACHINE An immersive art experience using flickering light, designed to be ‘seen’ with your eyes closed.

Temple of Peace, Cathays Park; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Brewery and Mr Croquewich.

The Bridge Studios, Western Avenue; Instagram: @boneyard_bridgestudios

Until 2 July

Every Sunday

INDIE SUPERSTORE Outdoor markets supporting local independents in South Wales.

The Bone Yard, Canton; Instagram: @indiesuperstore

EMILY POWELL Painter Emily Powell returns to Albany Gallery with a collection bursting with colour and texture.

The Albany Gallery, Albany Road; www.albanygallery.com

19 and 26 June

Until 3 July

MAMMA MIA! BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH Say ‘I do’ to free-flowing drinks, a scrummy brunch and show-stopping shenanigans. More themed brunches are planned for June and July.

Tonight Josephine, Caroline Street; www.tonightjosephine.co.uk

26 June Bridge the Divide and Ellie Thomas. Womanby Street; www.fuelrockclub.co.uk

16 July

THE SMYTHS More than a tribute, The Smyths, recreates the sound and spirit of The Smiths.The Globe, Albany Road; www.globecardiffmusic.com

20 July

HAIM: THE ONE MORE HAIM TOUR A long-awaited return for the Californian sisters. Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Every week

RIVERSIDE FARMERS MARKETS There are regular markets every week: Rhiwbina Farmers Market on Fridays, Roath Farmers Market on Saturdays, and Riverside Farmers Market on Sundays. and the Riverside Night Market is on the last Wednesday of the month.

Across Cardiff; www.riversidemarket.org.uk

Every Friday and Saturday BEER AND STREET FOOD Outdoor afternoons of beer and street food, courtesy of Flowerhorn

INSOLE COURT FARMERS MARKET Browse over 20 stalls packed with the best local produce South Wales has to offer. Insole Court, Llandaff; www.insolecourt.org

26 June

CLUBBRUNCH This rooftop party features bottomless prosecco, brunch and live music.The Botanist, Church Street; www.clubbrunch.co.uk

FAMILY & KIDS From 2 June

VICTORIA PARK SPLASHPAD It’s back! The popular Splashpad

JOY LABINJO: ODE TO OLAUDAH EQUIANO This is British artist Joy Labinjo’s first institutional exhibition in Wales.

Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

Until 16 July

GWEN JOHN PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS Gwen is now considered to be Wales’s finest 20th Century artist and one of Britain’s most important artists. Martin Tinney Gallery, St. Andrew’s Crescent; www.artwales.com

Until 29 August

DAVID HURN: SWAPS Throughout his career as a documentary photographer, Hurn has amassed his private collection by swapping works with other photographers. National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park; www.museum.wales

From 17 June

CRAIG HUDSON’S SCULPTURES Blackwater’s newest artist, Craig Hudson, creates ‘disarmingly messed

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

WHAT’S ON up’ bronze humanlike sculptures.

Blackwater Gallery, Pendeen House; www.blackwatergallery.co.uk

21 June

This annual festival celebrating the Welsh language, arts and culture is part of the core work of Menter Caerdydd. Cardiff Castle; www.tafwyl.org

A DOG’S TRAIL SCULPTURE AUCTION A Dog’s Trail has come to an end, and now the giant Snoopy sculptures will be auctioned by renowned auctioneer Charles Hanson.The Coal Exchange Hotel, Mount Stuart Square; www.adogstrail.org.uk

18 – 26 June (& 2 July)

24 June – 30 July

23 June

JON POUNTNEY: WALES AT THE SEASIDE Themed on scenes of coastal Wales, we are transported to summer days at the seaside. TEN Gallery, Roath; www.gallery-ten.co.uk

25 June – 30 July

I WANT TO BELIEVE Ellie Young’s solo exhibition combines humour, the absurd and popular culture to delve into deeper human experience. Cardiff MADE, Lochaber Street, Roath; www.cardiffmade.com

2 – 3 July

SKETCHES AND SPOONS Courses with Lee John Phillips, an award-winning illustrator and spoon carver from Wales.

Beth Morris Workshops, Insole Court; www.bethmorrisworkshops.co.uk

FILM

29 – 31 July

ADVENTURE CINEMA At the open-air cinema event, expect to see an eclectic mix of classics, musicals, big blockbusters and family films. Bute Park and Arboretum; www.bute-park.com

FESTIVALS Until 2 July

UNITY FESTIVAL Hijinx’s Unity Festival – one of Europe’s largest inclusive and disability arts festivals – has a packed programme of over 100 events.

Across Cardiff; www.hijinx.org.uk

Until 3 July

QUEER FRINGE FESTIVAL Venues and artists across Cardiff will collaborate for the first LGBTQ+ Fringe Festival in Wales. See page 29 for more. Across the city; Instagram: @queerfringefest

18 – 19 June TAFWYL

PENARTH LITERARY FESTIVAL The festival will hold an event every day, aimed at both adults and children.

This year is focused on Welsh authors and stories.

Various venues in Penarth; www.griffinbooks.co.uk CARDIFF PSYCH & NOISE FEST A three-day celebration of psychedelia, noise, weirdness and experimentalism. Venues on Womanby Street; www.themooncardiff.com

above: DEPOT in the Castle is on the way left: See Ellie Young’s solo exhibition at MADE

23 June – 30 July

CARDIFF OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL: EVERYMAN 22 The largest open-air theatre festival in Wales, and one of the largest in the UK, is heading back to the capital.

Over six weeks, it will offer theatrical events to suit everyone’s taste – from a Shakespeare comedy, to a muchloved British sitcom, to a cult-favourite musical. Sophia Gardens, Cardiff; www.cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk

1 – 3 July

CARDIFF FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Cardiff's original celebration of home-grown produce and street food. Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay; www.cardifffoodanddrinkfestival.com

1 – 2 July

THE GIN TO MY TONIC AND CRAFT RUM SHOW Discover the best gin and rum in Cardiff, with unlimited tasting samples – the ultimate spirited adventure. Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

2 July

SHANGRI-LA Shangri-La festival returns with arguably the world’s number one house brand, Defected, and special guests Gorgon City. Cardiff Castle; Instagram: @shangagram

9 July

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE Rag ’n’ Bone Man will headline at Cardiff Castle this summer, joined by Faithless, Melanie C and Toploader.

Cardiff Castle; www.depotcardiff.com

30 – 31 July

GLASTONBARRY FESTIVAL Expect 21 tribute acts – from

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

Queen to Blur – over one weekend. Romilly Park, Barry; www.glastonbarry.com

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES 18 – 19 June

THE URDD URBAN GAMES The Oval Basin will be transformed into a freesports arena for a weekend of ultracool competition.

Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay; www.gemaustryd.urdd.cymru

23 June

KENNY DALGLISH LIVE For the first time live, Kenny Dalglish will be talking about his life in and out of football. St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

23 June onwards

AQUA PARK CARDIFF Bigger, better, wetter ‘n’ wilder than ever before, Wales's biggest Aqua Park is coming back. Cardiff Bay; www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk

Ongoing

WATER SPORTS Whether you fancy a spot of family white water rafting, gorge walking, hotdogging (inflatable kayaking) or SUP, head down to CIWW. Cardiff International White Water; www.ciww.com

Ongoing

ICE SKATING Get your skates on and take to the ice with the whole family. Our favourite session is the Friday Night Ice Party, Fridays from 8.15pm.

Ice Arena Wales, Olympian Drive; www.icearenawales.com

OTHER

3 June, and every Friday

BINGO LINGO Cardiff, brace yourselves. This is one of the city’s biggest and wildest Friday nights out. It’s bingo with the dust shaken out. DEPOT; Curran Embankment; www.depotcardiff.com

Through June and July

GHOST TOUR Join Dark Wales Tours and explore Cardiff Castle at night. Cardiff Castle; www.darkwalestours.co.uk

23 – 24 July

PENARTH OPEN GARDENS TRAIL The 26th annual event will see a variety of gardens opened up, including courtyard, cottage and community gardens. Across Penarth; Facebook: Penarth Open Gardens

30 July – 14 August

FOREVER FLOWERS DISPLAY City Hospice has invited supporters to purchase handmade sunflowers to remember loved ones. The unique and lasting tributes will feature in a striking floral display.

Cardiff Castle; www.cityhospice.org.uk

Year round

COIN, COAL AND CHEERS Hensol Castle Distillery, the Royal Mint Experience and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience have joined forces to create a new package which provides an action-packed day out for tour planners.

Various venues; www.visitthevale.com

LATER IN THE YEAR (TICKETS ON SALE NOW) 6 August

FEELS LIKE SUMMER A one-day festival featuring music from Billy Ocean, Sophie EllisBextor, Bloco B Sama and Mr Motivator. Bute Park; Instagram: @flsummeruk

7 August

WELSH VEGAN FESTIVAL Expect all-vegan stalls selling world foods and quirky clothes and accessories. Tramshed, Clare Road; www.vegansociety.com

13 August

FIM SPEEDWAY Britain’s biggest indoor motorsport event is set to make a blockbuster return to Cardiff, celebrating its

City Hospice is hosting a commemorative tribute with their Forever Flowers display

20th year in the Welsh capital.

Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

18 – 21 August

area of Cardiff Bay before arriving back at the Centre ready for outdoor live music. Outside Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Wales’ biggest festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Cate Le Bon joins headliners including Michael Kiwanuka, Beach House, Metronomy and Kraftwerk.

The Black Mountains; www.greenman.net

15 September

25 August

2 October

PAW PATROL LIVE The pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages.

Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

27 – 28 August

PRIDE CYMRU Pride Cymru’s Big Weekend hosts over 50,000 people to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. There will be three stages, a mile-long parade and family fun. City Hall Lawns, Cardiff; www.pridecymru.com

29 August

BUTETOWN CARNIVAL The Butetown Carnival parade will make its way along the waterfront

LIAM GALLAGHER The Oasis frontman will bring his solo tour to Cardiff for an outdoor gig. He will be supported by ’90s indie legends The Charlatans.

Alexandra Head, Cardiff Bay; www.ticketmaster.co.uk WIZZ AIR CARDIFF HALF MARATHON The iconic road race around the city is back for its second time this year.

Cardiff; www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk

21 – 23 October

SWN FESTIVAL An award-winning multi-venue music festival, based entirely in the city centre.

Cardiff; www.swnfest.com

From 1 December

CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK Tickets are on sale for this year’s Christmas at Bute Park, a breathtaking festive festival of light – the biggest Wales has ever seen. www.christmasatbutepark.com n

OUR OWN VERY SPECIAL EVENTS 30 June

ENTRECONF Two remarkable keynotes have been announced for EntreConf, the online conference for entrepreneurs. The two new speakers are: the legendary food entrepreneur, reggae name, and Dragon’s Den success story Levi Roots; and videogames guru, former president of PlayStation games studios worldwide, and the VP for Google, Phil Harrison. www.entreconf.com

18 November (Nominations open in June)

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS On 21 June, nominations will open for our Cardiff Property Awards 2022. Businesses ranging from architecture firms and developers to estate agents and interior designers are encouraged to enter. The Awards, celebrating the dynamic local property sector, will take place at Mercure Cardiff Holland House, Cardiff. www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

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

WYBURN & WAYNE

“Nathan’s latest masterpiece is a three-metre artwork of Her Majesty’s head using 5,000 coins”

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

W

eren’t all the Jubilee celebrations in Cardiff so much fun?

We threw a party of our own at St Andrew’s Coffee Court, with live music, afternoon tea and our dear friend Joanna Bumme who entertained the crowds with a wonderful drag show. Do you know she once got booked on a gig in Paris to dress as The Queen and didn’t realise until she got there that it was for Vogue? We love her!

Also Nathan has unveiled his latest masterpiece, a three-metre artwork of Her Majesty’s head using over 5,000 coins from The Royal Mint in Llantrisant! It’s now in permanent display in the foyer of The Experience Museum.

Rupaul’s Drag Race hit Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena after much delay due to the pandemic. Brought to us by Voss Events, the Werk The World Tour was a spectacle like no

other. Hosted by fan favourite Asia O’Hara, the show followed Asia on her quest to use her (not so reliable) time machine to go back to her finale episode, which she did not win.

Hilariously of course, things did not go to plan for Asia, as the time machine kept landing on random places in history (and the not too distant future) where queens revealed themselves – each with a performance in their specific era, such as Jurassic, Ancient Greece and futuristic cyborg – and absolutely slayed the Motorpoint Arena stage!

Among the incredibly talented queens there was an array of exceptional dancers and ariel acrobats, with staging and lighting to emphasis the pure fabulousness of the show.

Asia also wasn’t shy of coming down into the crowd, teasing a few security guards and also pulling two lucky audience members to the stage for a lip sync of their lives.

The show created a safe space for everyone to be whoever they are or wish to be – and

that’s certainly the whole ethos of drag.

Theatre wise, Cardiff is booming! Waitress sashayed it’s way into the WMC with a gorgeous smell of baking pies this month!

Starring Casualty star Chelsea Halfpenny and actor David Hunter, it’s such a great, feelgood story about self-empowerment, and the songs are killer! Also, while we’ve been away in Vegas (it was an amazing holiday by the way, thanks for asking) our young apprentices have been filling in for us. Ivan and Sam had the privilege of reviewing Singing In the Rain, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and also Footloose at New Theatre, not to forget School of Rock down at the WMC. Sam’s favourite was the latter due to its punk rock attitude, and Ivan’s was Footloose with its upbeat punchy songs.

Both also said they weren’t aware of how many songs Carole King had written for huge stars and also herself. We were shocked when we saw it a few years back too; what a legend she is.

We’re very proud of the boys and how confident they’ve become. Initially volunteers for us at our charity coffee court, they both have a keen interest in performing arts and media, so it just fits. They really are a mini Wyburn & Wayne duo! Thanks for all the help, lads!

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

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

THE ALBANY GALLERY EMILY POWELL 10th June - 2nd July

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

THE BIG INTERVIEW Yan is the man

PRIDE & JOY

The Queer Fringe Festival, which runs until 3 July, has taken over Cardiff with its city-wide, month-long programme in celebration of Pride Month. Here we speak to festival director Yan White...

Words by Lisa Evans Images by Kalum Carter Photography www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 29

O

ne year ago, Yan White set up The Queer Emporium in Cardiff as a pop-up which was only supposed to be in place for a month. Fast forward to now, and the business is still firmly in place in Royal Arcade and is responsible for a regular LGBTQ+ events programme in the city. For Pride Month, though, Yan and his team set their sights even higher and put together a month-long Queer Fringe Festival, which sees over 40 venues hosting performances, arts, cabaret, varied acts and more fun than you can shake a rainbow flag at. Meet Yan… The Queer Fringe Festival is in full swing!

Tell us all about it…

In celebration of Pride Month, it’s an LGBTQ+ festival across the city in loads of venues with loads of different acts on every day. The aim is to platform and pay as many queer artists as possible. We’ve got really cool events happening every day until 3 July, from theatre, comedy and live music to film, drag and dance.

How many venues are taking part?

There are the core queer venues, such as The Queer Emporium, The Golden Cross, Mary’s, the Eagle, Glory Stores and Aubergine Café, and other, more unexpected, venues such as Norwegian Church, Porter’s, Sherman Theatre, Sustainable Studios, The Moon, Umbrella Cardiff, AJ’s Coffee House, Bird & Blend, Geek Retreat, Chapter Arts and The Corp.

What’s the biggest highlight for you?

We’ve got loads of people who are previewing their Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows, which means you don’t have to go to Edinburgh if you want to see some of the best comedians and different types of performers, because they’re here in Cardiff for Pride Month – everyone from Sarah Keyworth and Jessica Fostekew to Morgan Rees and Bethany Black.

One of Yan’s hopes for the Queer Fringe Fest is to showcase the safer spaces within the community

Why are queer festivals important?

It’s showing there are safer spaces in the community all over the city and hopefully it will expand the customers for those venues and will bring bigger audiences for the artists we are platforming; it creates a lovely cross pollination.

You seem to be putting Cardiff on the map for all things LGBTQ+, Yan...

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and someone who lives and breathes it every day, I see on a daily basis how much of a real impact this has on so many people who don’t feel like they’re able to go to certain spaces or don’t know where they can go to create friendships and find people; the things that we do are ultimately trying to address that. So, we have things like ‘speed

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

friendshipping’ which is a really cool regular event and means queer people can meet.

Wales is striving to be the most LGBTQ+ accepting country in the world, and with Cardiff being the capital it’s only right we should be pushing harder in this city than anywhere else. It’s down to the whole community, everything from The Iris Prize, which is massive, to smaller events like the monthly Queer Skate Night.

You founded The Queer Emporium, in Royal Arcade, a year ago (congrats!) how has it grown since then?

“The Queer Fringe Festival is the first of its kind in Wales”

It’s going really well. I originally set it up as a pop-up for four weeks, so I can’t quite believe how much of a success it’s been and how much the community has rallied around us. We’ve had quite a few new brands come in, and we’ve now got binders in the store which is a really important thing for a lot of trans masc and trans men and people who want to bind their chests, so we get people travelling quite far for them. We have a wide selection of books from Paned o Gê and we still have a lot of the same brands as we started with – like KelZo Jewellery and Candy Goblins – and we have plenty of new ones, like Pie Box, who do our cakes and brunches, and Gays Who Wine who supply our alcohol.

THE BIG INTERVIEW What feedback have you had from the community?

We’ve just finished our impact report, which has been amazing. We surveyed 200 of our visitors and found amazing stats. Almost 40 per cent of people say their primary reason for visiting the Queer Emporium is because it’s such a safe space. It’s a huge responsibility because trying to keep a place safe is difficult sometimes.

We’re one of the only accessible LGBTQ+ spaces that is there for young queer people. At least once a week we’ll have someone come in who has never set foot in an LGBTQ+ space before and that’s an amazing thing to see and gives me goosebumps every time.

Also, lots of parents come in, maybe because their child is non binary or queer etc., and we answer their questions. Seeing the love and support from those parents is an amazing thing and demonstrates how much the world is changing.

Surprise us…

I get my hustling from my mum – she’s the biggest hustler I’ve ever met. She has more followers on Instagram than me, and she gets stuff sent to her for free; my mother is an influencer is essentially what I’m saying!

What’s in the pipeline?

Keep your eyes on Pride Weekend at the end of August as we are trying to pull off something quite hilarious at The Queer Emporium. n The Queer Fringe Festival runs until 3 July, across Cardiff; www.queerfringefestival.com

above: Pride accessories galore at The Queer Emporium;

below: Mythsntits is one of the newer brands at The Queer Emporium

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

With around five different events running every day until 3 July, check out The Queer Fringe Festival’s site for the full programme 17 JUNE Kingdom Come Join Justin Drag for Cardiff’s regular Drag King night. Royal Arcade 18 JUNE Song Birds’ 10th anniversary concert Join Songbirds Choir for the best of pop ballads, show-stoppers and Welsh folk songs. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama 19 JUNE Community Brunch: Eurovision Even though Eurovision has been and gone, Esther Parade is still going to throw a banging party in June.

The Queer Emporium 24 JUNE Hey Mary Cardiff’s original alternative drag night.

Mary’s Bar 29 JUNE Zing! Mixology Exploring hybrid identities through physical theatre pieces.

Norwegian Church

30 JUNE Comedy in the Arcade Stand-up from Leila Navabi, Sam Williams, Sîanny Thomas & Sarah Keyworth. The Queer Emporium 1 JULY Ballroom Finale To celebrate the end of Pride Month and to mark The Queer Emporium’s first birthday, Welsh Ballroom Community are having a Solstice Kiki.

The Royal Arcade 2 JULY In Conversation: Shon Faye The headliner finale, the author Shon Faye is in conversation to coincide with the launch of the paperback version of The Transgender Issue.

Premier Cinema 3 JULY Dog Pride Parade Starting at The Queer Emporium as part of the weekly Queer Dog Walk, and ending at The Corp. Featuring dog fancy dress.

The Queer Emporium

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

SAFE CITY

With Refugee Week taking place 20-26 June, here we speak to Reynette Roberts, the CEO of refugee and asylum seeker charity Oasis Cardiff

By Megan Gaen

O

asis Cardiff is a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers in the city to help them to integrate within their local community. It’s one of the largest charities in Wales in this field, and they support roughly 200-250 people daily.

Here we speak with Reynette Roberts, head honcho at Oasis Cardiff, who has been working with refugees and asylum seekers since the age of 18. After setting up Oasis nearly 14 years ago, she was awarded an MBE for her exceptional work.

Hi Reynette, can you briefly tell us what Oasis Cardiff is all about?

Oasis Cardiff has supported refugees and asylum seekers since 2008. We have been in our current building in Splott for six years and we’re coming up for our 14th birthday next year.

Do the people you help come from all over the world?

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

Yes, from Africa, Syria, Sudan and Yemen, to Asia and South America, and now we’re in a period where we have clients from Afghanistan and Ukraine. There is a lot of movement of people around the world seeking refuge because they don’t feel safe.

Do you offer mental health support?

The crises in Ukraine and Afghanistan has seen Cardiff become home to many young people seeking sanctuary in recent months; with this comes a need for specialist support.

The National Lottery Community Fund recently awarded us over £1.5m in order to improve the mental health of young refugees and asylum seekers in our community.

Research shows that trauma experienced before, during and after fleeing their home country, means asylum seekers are five times more likely to have mental health needs than the general population.

Recent events in Afghanistan and Ukraine have underlined the importance of mental health support for people seeking refuge –

especially children and young adults – dealing with trauma and anxiety after escaping conflict and war.

How do you help people become comfortable with their new lives?

We offer everything that focuses on integration into the new community – from English lessons, advice sessions, IT classes, and women-only sessions, to exercise, recreation and family activities, as well as workshops that help clients with the difficulties of integration and trauma.

We serve a hot lunch every day for all our clients; we all meet in the main hall.

We offer excursions so that people who are settled in Cardiff by the Home Office find out a bit more about the city or the South Wales area. We also take people out to various places just to give them experience of Wales as their new home and obviously we help them with advice about their asylum claims or their refugee status, or whatever is needed.

ONE TO ONE Your slogan is ‘a warm Welsh welcome for refugees and asylum seekers’, but you do so much more than welcome them, you help them set up a life...

Imagine if you were dropped in the middle of a foreign country, would you know how to cope? Simple things, like how the transport system works? Would you know where to go and get the basic things of life? A lot of our clients have not left their home countries before. It’s a seismic shift in anybody’s life and they may have taken several years to reach here. For a lot of them it takes a huge amount of readjustment to get over the traumatic experiences they’ve had at home or during the journey and to settle in a new place.

It might be simple things like knowing how to pay an electricity bill, how to take the bus from their home to a doctor’s surgery or a school. The key thing for us is helping people to learn those things, helping them adapt, and the better English they speak the easier it’s going to be to integrate.

Our clients come from all kinds of backgrounds all kinds of levels of society, from people who have been bankers or economists or artists through to young men who are There will be live music from Barracwda

opposite page: Raynette (bottom left) has been helping refugees since she was 18; Oasis clients; below: The charity regularly hosts events and actvities

“Imagine if you were dropped in the middle of a foreign country, would you know how to cope?” teenagers and have been advised by their family that the best thing they could do is leave their home country to try to survive.

GLOBAL GROOVES FESTIVAL

24 June, 3pm At Oasis Cardiff, Splott Road Thanks to the support of their many donors and partners, Oasis is throwing its biggest Refugee Week event yet.

Tickets are free (or a suggested donation of £5) and everyone is welcome to join in and celebrate.

There will be live music from Barracwda, Asha Jane, Oud Resists, The Gentle Good and the Oasis One World Choir. Enjoy street food from Oasis’s very own Global Eats trailer and sample Iranian cakes and biscuits.

If you’re feeling creative, there will also be an opportunity to check out local makers’ stalls, henna tattoos and face paint.

In celebration of different communities, it is encouraged to wear clothing that represents your cultural identity. All ages are welcome.

Oasis Cardiff, Splott Road; www.oasiscardiff.org / Instagram: @Oasiscdf

Have you found that Cardiff is an open and welcoming city for refugees?

I think so. We talk about a warm Welsh welcome, that’s what they say about Wales don’t they? Obviously, we project that and that’s what we offer to our clients. Nobody flees without needing to; nobody makes that journey without good reason. The most basic thing we can do is offer that welcome in whatever shape we can and if it helps them, then it’s worthwhile. They can’t go home, so it’s key that we make them feel welcome. The Welsh public have shown support for that.

Should we all be open to helping, welcoming and contributing to refugee safety in the city?

It’s a moral responsibility. I think it’s key for us to recognise that we have that responsibility to people; it improves our culture, our society, and the country that we live in to be welcoming and to bring those people into our community.

They want to contribute to the UK. What can local people do to help if they want to get involved?

Well, we exist purely by the charity and

generosity of our supporters – they may be major national organisations like The National Lottery Community Fund or Comic Relief, or it can be individual donors. We focus on the things we can do well that have positive outcomes. So, support, donate, and, if possible, volunteer your time – that’s what people in Cardiff can do to help.

You hold a lot of events; can you tell us about them?

We recently had a fundraiser event with the harpist Catrin Finch at The Gate in Roath.

We run everything from concerts to international food events. Also, we regularly attend Green Man Festival, supported by Green Man Trust, so we’ll be there in August. We run two or three campaigns for donations during the year, too; there’s always something going on so it’s always worthwhile taking a look at our webpage or following us on social media to see what we’re up to.

How are you marking Refugee Week in June?

We are running a series of events from photography and art exhibitions to all kinds of events that will make our clients feel involved and help spread the word about the work we do.

We’ve got some great music events that will be happening and lots of things with the National Museum at St Fagans.

Could you tell us some interesting facts about the charity?

Oasis Cardiff is one of the largest charities in Wales in this field, but we don’t work alone.

This is a challenging time for our sector. We work with the Welsh Refugee Council, British Red Cross and lots of other agencies and organisations. We are also part of the Refugee Coalition; we share information, we share ideas, we work together as much as we can, and that’s something we want to build on for the future.

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

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

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

BEARLY DRESSED

Anna Pamalar is a Cardiff-based designer and printmaker who dreams up the cutest cast of characters – from foxes in bow ties to cats on bicycles – for her Anna Palamar Designs range.

Her love of illustrating nature is lifelong; the walls of her childhood home are an excellent witness to this. All of her designs, which she creates at her studio in the Market House, Canton, start off as handdrawn sketches that then go on to illumine a range of original paper- and textile-based goods, from apparel to homeware, that she screen prints at Printhaus, in Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre. You can see her work online as well as in local shops like Cardiff Creative, Homemade Wales, Oriel Makers and Cooper’s Rhiwbina, as well as Waterloo Tea on Wellfield Road until the end of June.

Anna Palamar Designs, Cardiff; www.annapalamardesigns.com

Sunflower Bear hoodie, £38; Just Checking tea towel, £12

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

BIG HUG MUG, £9.50 Generous in size and sentiment.

From Stwff-Stuff, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

TWEEDMILL WOOL THROW, £59.99 Add a little warmth and texture to any room.

From West Hampton, Penny Lane, Cowbridge; www.westhampton.co.uk

COVER ME IN SUNSHINE Come shopping with us for a sunny-yellow haul for summer

HABOTAI SILK SCARF, £40 Naturally dyed using sustainable botanical colourings.

From Lil & co, Sustainable Studio, Cardiff Bay; www.lilco.uk

ROSITA BONITA, LEMON FEAST NECKLACE, £126 Squeeze the day in this joyful accessory.

From Anne Morgan Jewellery, Glebe Street, Penarth; www.annemorganjewellery.com

BUBBLE CANDLESTICK HOLDER, £13 For the retro lovers and maximalists.

From Sadler Jones, Barry; www.sadlerjones.com

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

WHITE AND YELLOW DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS, £35,000 Meticulously handcrafted, with exceptional clarity and colour.

From Laings, The Hayes, St David’s, Cardiff; www.laingsuk.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE

PAGODA UMBRELLA, £22.95 Resistant to the rain and UV Rays. Welsh weather, eh?

From Victoria Fearn Gallery, Heol-Y-Deri; www.victoriafearngallery.wales

YELLOW ROSES ARTWORK, £1,750 By the hands of Mhairi McGregor.

From The Albany Gallery, Albany Road, Cardiff; www.albanygallery.com

TRIANGLE BIBS, £12 Grab-and-go bibs that won’t compromise your kid’s cool outfit.

From Greene & Olive, Cardiff; www.greeneandolive.co.uk

LARGE CLUTCH BAG, £49 Part of The Small Steps Collection,

by Eliza Eliza, which aims to raise awareness of living more sustainably.

Available exclusively from Yellow TSE, Morgan Arcade; Instagram: @yellow_tse / www.elizaelizauk.com

ROSITA BONITA BANANA EARRINGS, £39 Very appeeling.

From Anne Morgan Jewellery, Glebe Street, Penarth; www.annemorganjewellery.com

ROOT 7 BANANA SPLIT BOTTLE, £24.99 Keeps your drinks hot for up to 20 hours, and cold for 30 hours.

From Hamptons, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

CREATIVE WITH COLOUR Brave, bold colour choices are becoming more and more popular in the bathroom.

Here, THE TAP END in Pontyclun give us their top tips...

SPONSORED CONTENT

W

hile neutral is the most requested colour scheme by our clients, colour is becoming increasingly popular and we are all for it! When we have a client who requests colour, we always spend the time to find out what types of colour they favour.

Just saying ‘open to colour’ can be too broad a statement; if you are working with a designer on your home, be sure to clarify exactly what you mean by colour. If you love graphic, bold home interiors then primary colours against a white backdrop would probably be perfect for you, while others may love colour but prefer more muted tones like pastels. Pops of colour in a bathroom work wonders in creating an isolated focal point in a room. Think bright blues or greens if you are brave enough. Creating a successful pastel colour palette is all in the mixing. Use a few pastel colours together to create subtle interest, colours that work really well together are off whites, pinks, blues and olive tones.

If you plan to sell your home in the near future, neutral is always a safe bet; however, if you love colour then you can still incorporate this into a neutral scheme without putting off a prospective buyer.

A good way to do this is through a patterned tile. For example a patterned floor tile with a bit of colour will not be as obvious and eye catching as a patterned/coloured wall tile, so ideal for having a touch of colour without it being overpowering. Patterned tiles with colour are available in many different types. You can have printed ceramic/porcelain which are machine made and generally easy clean, easy maintain and do not require sealing. On the more artisan side of the scale you have specialist tile companies that offer reclaimed tiles that are limited edition, handmade and examples of true historical craftsmanship. Then there are encaustic tiles which are hand poured and created via traditional methods. We are proud to say all types are available via The Tap End through our carefully selected ranges.

All photographs featured are of completed The Tap End projects

Colour of course comes in other bathroom products as well as tile.

Glass is always an amazing product to get creative with colour.

Glass is often used in a bathroom to create shower screens, splash backs, shelves and even internal windows/partitions. Furniture is no longer confined to white and wood effect – good brands of bathroom furniture will offer bespoke colours and a range of standard colours.

Freestanding baths are also now available in painted external colours, we are partial to matching a bath to a vanity unit for a cohesive finish.

Other non-committal ways to adopt colour into your bathroom is through paint which can be easily changed down the line. Whatever you do, be sure to have fun with it, It is your home after all!

If in 2022 you are embarking on a bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom project then consider engaging the services of a bathroom design company. The Tap End can assist you in deciding on the best layout for your brief and how you use the room, help you spread your budget across the products so you have good quality throughout, show you interesting features and technology for the space, and of course create a colour scheme and tile choices that are both timeless and stunning. n

The Tap End, 57 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun, CF72 9DP 01443 449056; www.thetapend.design  thetapend  thetapend.design  The Tap End  TheTapEndDesign For more information search The Tap End on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Houzz. Or visit our website. We have a Pontyclunbased showroom open to clients for browsing and consultations open Monday - Saturday, closed Sundays. www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 41

INTERIORS David Hunt Lighting scallop shades, £390 each, available at EMA Lighting, Cardiff

Fancy a summer interiors shake up?

Here’s our pick of bright, bold, pretty designs, all from local shops…

LIVED-IN COLOUR

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 43

INTERIORS

I

t would be brave (and maybe a bit silly) to attempt to redecorate your home every season – who has time for that?

– but simple additions and touches can update your living spaces without you barely needing to try. A lick of paint here, a cushion there, maybe a side table or lamp for good measure and you’re set. We scoured 15 local businesses for summer looks to last, here’s what we chose…

Cava coffee table, £1,330, from Natuzzi Retro phone, £59.99, from West Hampton

Bright Boats Crowd the Coast, £2,500, acrylic on canvas by Emily Powell, from The Albany Gallery

Anteprima leather chair, from £2,000, from Natuzzi Handcrafted plates, £60 for four, Matthew Jones Ceramics

The None Sponge, reusable washing up sponge, £8.95, from Tabitha Eve

Navigate Sloth storage, £9.99, from Leekes Cushion, £35, from Athena Interiors

Carlton three-seater sofa, £3,897, from BoConcept 44 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Interior design by Cardiff’s Dioro

Pink vase, £34.20, from Leekes

Hardwick Vintage Rose Boot Room, by Sigma 3 Kitchens

A Chalkhouse Kitchens’ design

Brass robe hooks, £129, from The Tap End

Botanic fabric sofa, from £2,370, from Natuzzi

Lampshade, from £39, from Matico Studio

Art and accessories, various prices, from BoConcept Metallic copper vanity unit basin, from £923.23, and ribbed basin from £785.64, from The Tap End

THE DETAILS

Princeton Bar Stool, £519, from BoConcept

Reusable bowl covers, £17.95, from Tabitha Eve

Athena Interiors, Cwmbran; www.athenainteriors.co.uk BoConcept, St David’s Centre; www.boconcept.com Chalkhouse Kitchens, Bessemer Close; www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk David Hunt Lighting at EMA Lighting, Ocean Park; www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk Dioro Interiors, Whitchurch Road; www.diorointeriors.co.uk Hamptons, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk Leekes, Newport Road; www.leekes.co.uk Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.maticostudio.etsy.com Matthew Jones Ceramics, Barry; www.matthewjonesceramics.com Natuzzi, Cardiff Bay; www.shop.natuzzi.co.uk Sigma 3 Kitchens, Llantrisant; www.sigma3.co.uk Tabitha Eve, Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk The Albany Gallery, Albany Road; www.albanygallery.com The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design West Hampton, Cowbridge; www.westhampton.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 45

SPONSORED CONTENT

HUB OF THE HOME

If you’re searching for blue and grey kitchen inspiration, look no further than this dreamy kitchen in South Wales from SIGMA 3 KITCHENS

L

ast year, the Sweeney family decided to embark on a kitchen extension project with the hope to relocate afterwards.

Helen Sweeney explained that several of her friends had kitchens from Sigma 3, so she always knew she’d go with Sigma 3 when the time came to purchase her own new kitchen.

Shortly after the extension was built and the blue and grey kitchen was installed, the family decided to stay put. The new kitchen allowed

the family to rekindle the love for their home and create a whole new space for family living and hosting.

THE BRIEF Mr and Mrs Sweeney met with the kitchen designer at our showroom. During this time, a move was still at the forefront of the couple’s mind. So, the house needed a kitchen that everyone would like.

Helen and her husband explored our modern kitchen ranges. Their kitchen designer guided the couple through our neutral colour palette, which would provide a blank canvas that the future homeowners could easily customise.

THE DESIGN PROCESS Following the completion of the kitchen extension, the family fell head over heels in love with their newfound space and decided that relocating was no longer on the cards.

Subsequently, the kitchen design needed a bit of rejigging. Helen explained that the 3D visual design that had been created was exactly what they’d initially hoped for. However, it did not reflect the family’s style and taste. They decided to incorporate some colour into the design and opted for our Oxford Blue finish for a twotone blue and grey kitchen. The family found themselves torn between traditional kitchens and modern kitchen styles. The solution?

Our Melrose range. Melrose’s unique design comprises flat slab doors with a traditional inframe feature, providing the family with the best of both worlds.

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

Picking storage features was simple. Helen fell in love with The Connery Drinks cabinet as soon as she saw it in the showroom. Helen explained that the previous utility room was a bit of an eyesore; it was used to dump recycling bags and waste. So, The Velabin waste solution was incorporated into the design, allowing for waste to be concealed behind closed doors. Pull-out larders were incorporated into the design of the kitchen island, utilising the feature.

THE OUTCOME The completed grey and blue kitchen is everything the Sweeney family had hoped for and more. The large kitchen island has created a space where all the family and guests can gather.

Helen is looking forward to truly putting the kitchen through its paces and showing off her glamourous drinks cabinet to guests.

Ready to start your kitchen journey?

Sigma 3 are delighted to have been a part of Samantha’s cottage renovation story. If you’re ready to begin your kitchen journey, then book your free design consultation online today. n

Simply visit sigma3.co.uk/book-a-design-visit or view our beautiful new brochures and get inspired. Sigma3.co.uk/brochures

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FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

TASTE OF PARIS

Maison Entrecôte will specialise in only one main course

The Fork Society won People’s Choice

The team behind independent bar chain Gin & Juice is expanding its business in Castle Arcade, Cardiff, with plans to launch a new bistro inspired by the romance and charm of Paris.

Maison Entrecôte, set to open in September subject to approval, will be an all-day dining experience focused on speciality SteakFrites. The new restaurant will occupy two units at the heart of the arcade, formerly occupied by Madame Fromage.

The venture, which is expected to create at least 20 new jobs, is the latest from husband-and-wife team Stephen and Charlotte Barker together with their sons Kurtis and Kane.

The Barker family has been trading in Castle Arcade since 1982, switching the business from fashion retail to hospitality with Coffee Barker 12 years ago. Coffee Barker was joined by the Barker Tea Rooms and, more recently, the bars Gin & Juice and Rum & Fizz.

“We have always loved Paris,” says Charlotte. “The rustic little bistros are what captured our hearts. These restaurants are like stepping back in time, often serving only one dish so they can master it and become a destination for it. They are our inspiration, and we believe Cardiff has a gap for such a cosy, charming little restaurant. It will be the most magical and romantic in the city.” www.thecityofarcades.com

STREET FOOD AWARDS

The Welsh Street Food Awards came back to Cardiff in May. The Bearded Taco scooped the Judges Award, and The Fork society took home the People’s Choice Award.

It was hosted by Street Food Circus at Roath Yard, a street food court which took over an old milk float depot, just off City Road, for four weekends of flavours from around the world.

Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn of Hang Fire fame returned to their judges’ chairs. The couple have a busy summer ahead of them – from supper clubs in Lee Skeet’s Cora restaurant in Cardiff, to hosting at Cardiff Pride in August. www.streetfoodcircus.co.uk

Thousands of people willl descend upon Cardiff Bay for the festival

BALE ALE

You’ll soon be able to order a refreshing pint of Bale Ale, Bale Pale or Bale Lager at pubs and bars across Wales. The three beers, brewed by Glamorgan Brewery in collaboration with Welsh footballer Gareth Bale’s Elevens Bar & Grill in Cardiff city centre, will also be made available to the off-trade, and will be hitting supermarket shelves in the next week or so.

“The feedback to our collaboration with Glamorgan has been great,” says Gareth.

“We’re really excited to be extending the partnership; it’s especially nice to be working with a Brewery so local to me in South Wales, based just a few miles from where I grew up.” www.glamorganbrewing.co.uk

FEASTING FESTIVAL

Gareth Bale has partnered with Glamorgan Brewery

Cardiff Food and Drink Festival – one of the most popular free events in the summer calendar – returns in July for the first time since the pandemic.

The festival is back at its regular venue in Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay from 1 July to 3 July, with over 100 stalls offering a range of local produce and delicacies from around the world.

“The Food and Drink Festival is always something to look forward to, and has been since it started more than 20 years ago,” says the council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke-Davies. “We’re expecting thousands of people to come along over the course of the three days and enjoy what’s on offer.” www.visitcardiff.com

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

FOOD

THREE OF MY MOST RECENT ZERO-WASTE / PLASTIC-FREE BUYS

1

Fresh organic milk in returnable glass bottles from Pettigrew Bakery

2

Mushroom gyozas from Tokyo Nights, served in my own reusable lunchbox

3

Plastic-free flowers from Secret Garden Florist in Cardiff Central Market

clockwise from top left: Gyozas from Tokyo Nights; organic milk from Pettigrew; Little Green Stores; me and my reusable coffee cup; wine refill at Nook; plastic-free flowers from Secret Garden; zero-waste shopping at Ripple; the Refill App

ZERO-WASTE WONDERS

E

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…

arlier this month I spent some time working with City to Sea on their annual #WorldRefillDay campaign (16 June) – a global awareness day which highlights the importance of refill and reuse in the fight against plastic pollution. Though the day itself has passed, working on the campaign was a great reminder of why we should all be trying to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic.

Here in Cardiff, there are local champions leading the Refill Cardiff and Refill Mermaid Quay community schemes.

These volunteers work to raise awareness of the Refill campaign throughout the city to both businesses and residents, and have collaborated with events such as the Tafwyl Festival and Cardiff Half Marathon to install free tap water refill points for attendees, saving thousands of single-use

plastic bottles from entering the waste stream!

We’re lucky to have lots of local businesses who support refill and reuse, too. There are independent zero-waste stores dotted all over the city. The first, Ripple, was founded by ex-journalist Sophie Rae back in 2018, and the movement has been growing ever since; now you can find Little Green Stores in Canton, Siop Sero in Rhiwbina, and Iechyd Da in Whitchurch. These stores offer an easy way to buy dry goods, household cleaning items and toiletries without the pointless plastic. To find out more, check out my guide to Cardiff’s zero-waste stores over on my site www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk.

City to Sea’s Refill App (refill.org.uk) can also help people to find new places to shop without plastic. In Cardiff, it lists over 1,800 locations where people can reuse and refill everything from takeaway coffee cups and

HERE ARE A FEW WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH REUSE & REFILL IN CARDIFF • Try the free Refill App to find new places to reuse and refill hundreds of products • Invest in a reusable coffee cup; Little Man Coffee sells one for just £5 • Ask your favourite café / shop to accept reusables and offer a discount; they can add themselves to the Refill App (for free) to help others to find them • Try a refillable wine! At Nook restaurant and at Wine Fiend (both in Canton) you can bring your own bottle to refill on their sustainable, natural wines

water bottles, to toiletries, cleaning products and dry goods staples.

For more: www.janechicomendes.co.uk | @janechicomendes| www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

THE IVY

With The Ivy Asia set to launch in Cardiff this summer, we headed to The Ivy to refresh our palates in preparation

By Lisa Evans

W

hat’s better than being served lobster, twice-baked soufflé and Veuve Clicquot by a bow-tied waiter in an Art Deco dining space? It’s being served by a bow-tied waiter in an Art Deco dining space while sitting next to the most successful band in UK chart history, that’s what.

OK, it wasn’t the whole band, but it was Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock and her family, including her beautiful twin babies, plus her gigantic bodyguard.

It was the first day of Little Mix’s run of concerts at the Motorpoint Arena, and The Ivy Cardiff was where the global superstar chose to fuel up before that epic performance.

A shy kid, around the age of eight, nervously approached Leigh-Anne’s table as the singer made herself comfortable; the little girl – who was clearly gearing up for the concert later that day – donned a

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

Little Mix T-shirt and was visibly shaking and close to tears at the sight of one of her idols. The shock of the bodyguard coming into view must have scared her off as she ran back to her table in a state of overwhelm before she reached her intended destination, phone likely readied in selfie mode. One of the top 10 cutest things I’d ever seen.

The Ivy has always been known as a celebrity-spotting hub ever since the London mothership became a landmark over a century ago.

When owner Abel Giandolini and maître d’hôtel Mario Gallati joined forces in 1917, their modest café soon gained favour among the theatre community, given its location, and The Ivy was born.

Fun fact, the name came from an exchange between Giandolini and a regular. After he had apologised for his building works, explaining his desire to create one of London’s finest dining rooms, the actress Alice Delysia replied in the words of a popular song of the day, “Don’t

RESTAURANT

worry, we will always come to see you, we will cling together like the ivy.” And the name stuck.

Laurence Olivier, Marlene Dietrich and Dame Nellie Melba all ate there. It quickly became an institution. It’s still a magnet for the glitterati and the movers and shakers, and, we noticed on that particular day, for the older generation of ladies who lunch.

I actually had to make my way to the back of the restaurant before I left so that I could ask one silver vixen where her snazzy flatforms were from, which she’d effortlessly styled with a tailored beige suit that complemented her frosted Anna Wintour bob. Vanessa Wu is the answer, if you’re wondering.

The heady glamour the restaurant has always been known for remains, but the très exclusive element has somewhat dimmed now that the collection spans far and wide (with 38 sites) but, hey, that means there’s no longer a six-week wait for a table.

From the ever-changing seasonal menu, I started with the freshest, crispiest salt and pepper squid with wasabi and miso mayonnaise, siracha, coriander and lime, and my dining companion (feels only right to call him that at such a refined establishment) went for an impeccably engorged cheese soufflé with gratinated Caerphilly cheese, grated black truffle and cream sauce. We came to a half-and-half sharing agreement on those two dishes as they were both so scrumptious.

Lobster linguine with tomato and chilli sauce, San Marzanio tomatoes, parsley and spring onion was next for me; it was big on flavour, featuring meaty chunks and a perfect pasta-to-lobster ratio. And for the man, it was Korean glazed chicken with sweet and sour pickled mooli (a type of radish) and sesame on a bed of avocado and jalapeño sauce, the dish being a nod to The Ivy Asia which is set to open next door a little later in the summer after its spring launch date was pushed back.

For dessert, he went for sticky toffee pudding while I politely accepted the black bee and honey white chocolate cheesecake recommendation (even though I actually had my eye on the baked apple tart with calvados flambé) and I was so glad I did.

The delectably sweet, and pleasingly salty, dessert made me sink a little deeper into the plush burnt orange banquette I was nestled on. It was presented with delicate edible flowers, mango sorbet and ‘proper’ honeycomb, and the plate was even spray painted with edible gold hexagons to mimic honey bee cells. Easily the best pud I’ve had this year, and I’m a savoury gal.

That’s one dish I definitely wasn’t up for sharing, not even if one of the UK’s biggest superstars had leaned over and asked for a taste. n

“We were sitting next to the most successful band in UK chart history”

DINING DETAILS The Ivy, The Hayes, St David’s Centre, Cardiff; www.theivycardiff.com Prices Starters £7.50 – £13.95; mains £14.50 – £32.95 Food Relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining, from modern British classics to Asian-inspired cuisine and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options Atmosphere A luxurious haven from the everyday bustle of the city centre Interior Full of beautiful Art Deco detail, with a show-stopping first-floor bar, set underneath a blossom tree What else There’s the refined glamour of the elegant private dining room

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

A new collection of 23 exceptional luxury homes.

Now available for off plan reservations our first phase has now been released, offering four and five bedroom homes from £1,075,000 NEW SALES CENTRE OPEN IN JULY. For more information and to secure your appointment contact:

Beaufort Park: 02920 765837 beaufortpark@edenstonegroup.com

Savills New Homes: 02920 368940 cardiffnewhomes@savills.com

All-boys schools have a reputation for breeding hyper-masculine behaviour but is it true?

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Let’s talk about (single) sex

I

Which benefits pupils more – single or co-ed schools?

f there’s one debate in education that can knock the state vs private debate off its educational perch, it’s the pros and cons of single-sex schools.

Do all-boys schools breed hypermasculine behaviour? Are all-girls schools really the key to acing every single GCSE? Only six per cent of schools in England are now single sex after the great ‘go comp’ shift of the 1970s but a high percentage of parents struggle when faced with the choice. Many of us get caught between two negative perceptions. The first is that a mixed education is hampered by distractions of the opposite sex. The second is that single-sex schools are not reflective of the modern working world.

The decision isn’t helped by the fact there are passionate advocates armed with compelling arguments in both camps. Fans of single-sex schools say they offer a more focused teaching style (e.g. shorter lessons for boys), less preconceptions about gender typical subjects (girls are 2.5 times

more likely to study Physics A level in an all-girls school) and exam results are better. Team co-ed claims that mixed schools do more to nurture emotional and social development; offer a softer culture more conducive to learning; and the daily interaction between boys and girls levels out some of the less desirable aspects of both.

But what does the data say on the issue of pink or blue? It’s no coincidence that the case for single-sex schools usually resurfaces at the same time as exam results. Headlines claim girls have outperformed boys – again – and all-boys and all-girls schools dominate the league tables. However, many are highly academically selective and if we factor in prior attainment, there’s often very little in it. Yes, there is evidence that girls are quicker out of the attainment blocks: in 2019 (the last official data before exams were cancelled), girls

outperformed boys at age 11 in SATs exams by eight per cent. But look at results for 18 year olds in the same year and girls achieved 25.5 per cent A* or A grades at A level, compared to 25.4 per cent for boys. It’s the classroom equivalent of ‘there’s nothing to see here, folks, move on’.

So how do we decide which is best? There may be a clue in the rise of so-called Diamond schools, which are on the up across the UK and education experts say offer the best of both worlds.

These schools educate boys and girls together in the early years, separately at 11-16 when the hormones are raging and there are key exams to pass, then together again from 16-18, the sixth form, when they are preparing pupils for university and the big wide world. It’s no coincidence that many single-sex schools have co-ed sixth forms for the same reason.

“Only six per cent of schools in England are now single sex”

Ultimately, however, in a post-pandemic era when we are all putting a greater emphasis on pupil well-being, my advice would be to look at the bigger picture and decide if you like the feel and focus of the school – regardless of type. Are the kids nice? Will your son and daughter find their tribe?

A head teacher of a co-ed school, who we’ll keep anonymous, agrees, “I’m not sure that single-sex vs co-ed is a useful question when choosing a school for your child.

Arguments on both sides of the debate focus on what limits a young person’s agency and development. It’s much more important to find a school where the ethos and culture allows your child to be themselves.”

Victoria Bond is founder and 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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SCENE

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

Quantuum the Fire Performer

Nahan Palmer and Emma Hares Guests experience one of the new firepit al fresco areas

HOLM HOUSE SUMMER SOIRÉE

We were invited to the exclusive Summer Soirée at Holm House in Penarth, where the hotel’s new look was unveiled, inside and out.

Guests were invited to explore the newly refurbished en suite rooms and relandscaped grounds before being served frozen slushie cocktails in the garden’s sunken firepit areas while watching Quantuum the Fire Performer. Then it was on to dinner, sampling dishes from the new summer menu, with live entertainment from musician Sarah Brown. www.holmhousehotel.com Alison Sanders and Kathryn Bevan Sarah Brown

Photos by Christian Stones Gallery

Time to sample the new menu

Joel Jervis. Sam Mathias, Shakira Obaid, Lisa Evans and Alex Brown Dan Jones, Dave Deane and John Davies

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SOCIETY

JACOBS ROOF GARDEN

A summer events programme has started at Jacobs Roof Garden. The team there has been hard at work with improvements and additions to the roof, including cosy seating areas, patios, lots of flowers and a little dancefloor in the sun. Events coming up on the rooftop include: wine clubs, live jazz, gin tastings, summer parties, outdoor cinema, and Pilates and yoga classes. www.jacobsroofgarden.co.uk Photos by Sin Hart

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CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

CONNECT WITH PARTNERS, GENERATE BUSINESS, CELEBRATE SUCCESS

Talk with us about sponsorship: • Connect with leading Cardiff property businesses, across all sectors • Benefit from a multiple channel marketing campaign, reaching thousands • Stand out amongst your peers at this prestigious, unique event For details: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

Scan here for more

Nominations open on the site

Initial sponsors:

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS | 18 NOVEMBER 2022 | THE COAL EXCHANGE HOTEL

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS Sean (top right) set up Dog Adventure Land, which has become recognised nationwide

WORKING GIRLS Law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, which has offices in Cardiff, has expanded its risk and compliance team with the appointment of three new female starters. Natalie Maloney joins in a newly created role as head of onboarding, Susan Richardson joins as best practice manager and Charlotte Murray-Kohter has been appointed risk solicitor.

For more: www.clarkewillmott.com

Natalie, Susan and Charlotte

A TAIL OF SUCCESS At the age of 13, Sean Mayor, from Sully, started a dog walking business called PB Dog Care, and after a decade and over 5,000 walks completed, Sean was ready to expand. Now aged 23, the entrepreneur is celebrating the first anniversary of opening an outdoor activity centre for dogs, and has his sights set on long-term business growth.

Sean launched Dog Adventure Land in June 2021 in response to the social and separation anxiety experienced by dogs born during the height of the pandemic.

Developed to be a home away from home for up to 25 dogs from across the Vale each day, Dog Adventure Land, based in Welsh St Donats, offers pets a range of sand pits, large fields, agility activities and indoor sofas with heaters to enjoy, all before being bathed and returned home to their owners as part of the pick-up and drop-off service.

It has become recognised nationwide as the only Welsh day care centre for dogs that operates predominantly outside. Sean is now aiming to

open three new locations outside the Vale over the next five years to respond to the demand.

Sean launched the doggy day care with the support of Big Ideas Wales, which is part of Business Wales and funded by Welsh Government to support entrepreneurship in Wales. The service is aimed at anyone between the age of five and 25 who wants to develop a business idea, including students and graduates, as part of its commitment to the Young Person’s Guarantee.

“I’m eager to share my experience as a young entrepreneur and inspire others,” says Sean. “I’m not an academic person, but I have been fortunate enough to build my own thriving business despite this and it’s important that like-minded young people realise that you’re still capable of success even if you stray from the academic norm and follow your personal goals.

For more: www.bigideas.wales / www.dogadventureland.co.uk

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY Colleagues from Co-op Funeralcare in Cardiff are reflecting on a decade of fundraising for the Sully-based children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan, as they look to the next 10 years of raising money for the much-loved paediatric palliative care charity.

So far, they’ve raised £26,000; the efforts have been spearheaded by funeral service operative Andrew Evans, of James Summers Co-op Funeralcare in Roath Court, whose young son Oscar passed away at Tŷ Hafan in 2012 having spent time in the centre.

“Tŷ Hafan is a cause that’s extremely close to my heart and my family and I have experienced first-hand the care that its teams provide,” says Andrew. “With the support of my colleagues, we’ve raised a steady stream of funds to support Tŷ Hafan’s work. It’s a great milestone to reach and we have some really exciting future events planned.”

For more: www.tyhafan.org

A decade of fundraising for Ty Hafan: over £26,000 has been raised for the children’s hospice

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SPONSORED CONTENT

LATER LIFE PLANNING We talk to Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney specialist Rhian Rees, from ROBERTSONS SOLICITORS, about these most important, but often overlooked, documents.

W

hen you lose capacity, that is to say, the ability to make decisions for yourself, it is important that someone you trust and who knows you is appointed to make decisions on your behalf. This is done by a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

What types of things does a Lasting Power of Attorney cover?

There are broadly two kinds. The first is a property and financial LPA which, as the name suggests, allows a nominated individual to make decisions relating to your finances and physical assets including your home. This means that your money and your home are both protected and maintained. The person appointed will be able to pay your bills, make deposits into your accounts and manage any income and expenditure.

cardiffnorth@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Could that still leave us potentially open to financial abuse?

Not really. When you appoint an Attorney over your financial affairs, you choose which kinds of financial transactions they may enact. They are not allowed to make transfers to themselves or spend your money without specific authorisation.

What is the second type of Lasting Power of Attorney?

A health and wellbeing LPA gives an appointed person the power to make decisions about your health and wellbeing. This may include your care routine, and medical care including ‘life sustaining’ medical treatment. If you don’t have a health and wellness LPA in place, then the Local Authority may be appointed to make decisions on your behalf, or an individual not of your choice may be given attorney powers for you. In the UK, this would be similar to Britney Spears and her father’s

conservatorship over her. As our population ages and the health sector is increasingly stressed, it’s crucial that you nominate someone with your own interests at heart.

Creating LPAs sounds complicated and expensive. Are they?

That’s a common perception – but not at all! A straightforward LPA starts at £375 or £500 for two.

A couple may create all four for around £750. So it’s not as expensive as you may think. n

law@robsols.co.uk | 029 2023 7777 www.robsols.co.uk

CARDIFFWORKS

© PHOTO BY AGA HOSKING

“I DID 100 COFFEES IN 100 DAYS WITH POTENTIAL BUYERS OF MY IDEA ” Alison, second left, with the Stratigens team

What positives have you experienced recently?

This quarter alone we have onboarded a further four global brands (these are big companies).

It’s an exciting step forward for the business.

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2022 STRATIGENS from Talent Intuition won our Technology & Innovation Award at the Cardiff Life Awards 2022. Here we speak to Alison Ettridge, CEO and Chief Believer TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION WINNER SPONSORED BY

Tell us about Stratigens…

It’s a software application that gathers millions of data points on workforces and workplaces and turns them into insights that can be used at the heart of corporate strategy.

When and why was it set up, what’s the story?

Stratigens exists to put our decision intelligence software at the fingertips of global business leaders so they can make fast, data-driven decisions that are smarter and

cheaper than alternative methods.

Companies are dealing with changing business landscapes and are exposed to changing demands for skills and scarcity of talent.

We live in a rich world of skills, geo-social and economic data that can fuel faster, smarter, better, decision making. Having spent over 20 years in the industry, I recognised a large gap between strategy and execution when it came to people.

How did you go about setting it up? Was it a challenge?

Running a scaling technology business is more challenging than I could ever have imagined. The support network I had in my previous corporate life to ‘get stuff done’ doesn’t exist – you have to be prepared to get your hands dirty, to live a continuous life of learning, join the dots quickly, make decisions rapidly and be brave!

What actions were critical to setting up a business?

How does Stratigens contribute to and benefit the local area?

1. I did 100 coffees in 100 days with potential buyers of my idea before I did anything.

2. I networked, networked, networked.

3. We went out for funding preproduct and pre-revenue as we needed significant funds to build a global data set that had a front end that worked for business leaders in some of the world’s largest companies.

4. I learnt to not take no as answer.

5. We chose a place (Cardiff) where we knew we would have access to the talent pool we needed to grow the business.

How did it feel to win the Cardiff Life Award?

It was fantastic. I am so incredibly proud of the team. The night itself was great fun, full of networking, team building and celebrations – all mixed up with great food and a stunning location.

Where possible, we work with local suppliers and local clients. We would love to work with Cardiff City Council & the Welsh Government to use Stratigens’ skills data to help promote Cardiff and Wales as a destination for businesses.

Are there any local business models that inspire you?

I continue to be inspired by the ecosystem in Wales – the joining of Welsh Government, universities, start-ups and investors is really beginning to happen.

Upcoming/ pipeline plans?

We’ve got some really exciting product development plans where we can use the Stratigens data for competitive intelligence – to understand any changes in the skills footprint of competitors.

For more: www.stratigens.com | @intuitiontalent

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© PHOTO BY MAT THEW HORWOOD

CARDIFF LIVES

“After the Taliban takeover, in a blink of an eye, I lost everything” questioned my teaching methods. However, I was happy, independent and, most importantly, I was able to be with my family.

After the Taliban takeover, in a blink of an eye, I lost everything. I lost my job, my

identity, my friends, and had to flee the country that I wanted to build a life in.

I am grateful to Cardiff Metropolitan University and

SHAHIRA SHAHIR Shahira Shahir, an academic at Cardiff Metropolitan University, shares her story of fleeing Afghanistan and building a new life in Cardiff My name is Shahira Shahir. I am a Doctor of Management (DMan) student at Cardiff Met. Eight months ago, I was a lecturer of economics at Herat University western province of Afghanistan. I used to work for 12 hours per day, I had a car, my own office, and dozens of students.

My life as an educated woman was not perfect but I worked hard to achieve what I had in Afghanistan.

My parents are both academic people – my mother teaches arts, and my father used to teach law – and I grew up with books of arts, science and philosophy in my home.

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

However, that environment did not make the journey any easier for me. As a woman, I had to fight hard for my goals and dreams, not only with the patriarchal society but with my own family too.

Despite all the restrictions, I managed to pursue my dreams and complete my higher

education to get my dream job, which was teaching. Being a young and unmarried teacher in that society was another challenge for me.

Most of my colleagues, who were men, and older than me, could not accept me in that position; sometimes

I used to hear that they even

Council for At-Risk Academics organisation that provided me with the scholarship to have this opportunity to continue my career in a safe and professional environment in the UK, but I must say I am not able to focus on my research like other students as I have left so many things behind, like my family and my students. I still get calls and messages from my students about how helpless they feel, and how the whole university is empty of lectures.

The takeaway positive message I have from my story is that this opportunity

is life-changing for me as an Afghan woman studying in the UK; it will increase my knowledge and build up my confidence to continue my career in academia. n For more: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk