Cardiff Life - Issue 258

@CardiffLifeMag

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AR O RD PAR UR D IFF TY EX H IF C PR AT LU OS F L OP TH SIV TS IFE ER E IV E D TY Y, IN AW AN NE AR D O R DS UR LA UN CH

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ISSUE 258 / AUGUST 2022 / INSIDE SCOOP

DESIGN DUO TO MARKET, TO MARKET

OUR GUIDE TO THE MOST POPULAR MARKETS AROUND THESE PARTS

IT’S ALL RELATIVE

A SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESSES

MEET THE MAKER

INSPIRED BY CARTA & WOOD’S CREATIVE INSTALLATIONS

THE INTERIORS STUDIO BEHIND SOME OF THE CITY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VENUES

DEEP JOY

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN FUN AT WALES’S BIGGEST AQUA PARK

INTO THE WILD

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF

ISSUE 258 / AUGUST 2022 / £3

NEW PROJECTS ON OUR WEBSITE

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER

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f there’s one thing Cardiff isn’t short of, it’s a great market; there are hundreds of them in and around the city, so we’ve narrowed down some of our favourites and put them into a guide for you. Turn to page 12 for indie offerings, handmade wares, street food stalls and a brand-new market coming to the city.

Another of our deep-dive features in this issue is focused on family businesses; on page 59, read about the passing on of local legacies through the generations as relatives reflect on what it’s like to work side by side.

Elsewhere, check out what’s coming up in the city for the rest of the summer – from popular festivals to a worldwide theatrical phenomenon, as well as plenty of family-friendly events to enjoy during the school holidays – on page 24.

We’ve got lots more, too: arts, with a glimpse into the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at National Museum Cardiff (page 21); property, with a focus on Severn Studio Design – on our front cover – which is behind the interiors of some of the city’s top venues (page 48); and real lives, with Andy Carter – the man who hands over your millions when you win The National Lottery (page 66).

Enjoy!

U

n peth nad oes prinder ohono yng Nghaerdydd yw marchnad dda; mae cannoedd o farchnadoedd o amgylch y ddinas, felly rydym wedi creu rhestr o’n ffefrynnau ac wedi’i chynnwys mewn canllaw ar eich cyfer. Trowch i dudalen 12 i weld cynnyrch gan fusnesau annibynnol, cynnyrch cartref, stondinau bwyd stryd a marchnad newydd sbon sydd ar fin cyrraedd y ddinas.

At hynny, rydym yn rhoi cryn dipyn o sylw yn y rhifyn hwn i fusnesau teuluol; ar dudalen 59, gallwch ddarllen am yr arfer o drosglwyddo traddodiadau lleol o’r naill genhedlaeth i’r llall, wrth i berthnasau ystyried sut brofiad yw cydweithio â’i gilydd.

Fel arall, gallwch weld y digwyddiadau sydd ar fin cael eu cynnal yn y ddinas yn ystod gweddill yr haf – o wyliau poblogaidd i ffenomenon theatrig byd-eang – ac mae yna ddigon o ddigwyddiadau addas i’r teulu i’w mwynhau yn ystod y gwyliau ysgol hefyd, ar dudalen 24.

Mae gennym lawer mwy i’w gynnig i chi’n ogystal: o ran y celfyddydau, rydym yn bwrw golwg ar arddangosfa Ffotograffydd Bywyd Gwyllt y Flwyddyn yn Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd (ar dudalen 21); o ran eiddo, rydym yn rhoi sylw i Severn Studio Design sy’n gyfrifol am ddylunio tu mewn i rai o leoliadau amlycaf y ddinas (ar dudalen 48); ac o ran bywydau go iawn, cawsom gwmni Andy Carter, y dyn sy’n cyflwyno arian mawr i chi pan fyddwch yn ennill y Loteri Genedlaethol yng Nghymru (ar dudalen 66).

Mwynhewch!

© OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGR APHY

Curated Makers are bringing their pop-up market to Cardiff for the first time. See our guide to the best local markets on page 12

LISA EVANS

Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

Issue 258 / August 2022 ON THE COVER Sophie Pascoe and Paul Vernon from Cardiff’s Studio Severn, an interior design firm which is behind many of the city’s most beautiful hospitality venues. Photo by Marc Bennett-Jones at Studio Loop. See page 48 for more.

12

FEATURES

59

12 GONE TO MARKET Our guide to the best markets in and

around the city (including a brand-new one on the way)

59 WE ARE FAMILY What’s it like working with your loved ones?

Find out here…

ARTS AND EVENTS

21 IT’S ONLY NATURAL The world-renowned Wildlife

Photographer of the Year exhibition is in Cardiff

24 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and events, it’s all going on in Cardiff 33 MEET THE MAKER Behind-the-scenes creativity at Cardiff’s

CARTA & WOOD

43 SCENE Papping some of the most popular events locally – can

you spot yourself ?

PHOTO © JEN ABELL @FFOTOJENIC

SHOPPING

30 EDITOR’S CHOICE Our selection of pastel beauties from

local shops

FOOD & DRINK

36 FOOD NEWS A handful of news morsels for you to chew on 39 JANE COOK Our foodie columnist spills the tea 40 CARDIFF WINE PASSPORT A new 18+ venture has launched

in the city

PROPERTY

48 COVER STORY New projects from Cardiff interior design firm

21

Studio Severn

BUSINESS

53 CARDIFF WORKS News and views and brilliant businesses 54 ENTRECONF A look back at the recent event for entrepreneurs

PHOTO © L AURENT BALLESTA, WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEAR

REGULARS

9 SPOTLIGHT Just a handful of feel-good stories 29 WYBURN AND WAYNE Our columnists have been out and

about again

51 GETTING SCHOOLED The best in Welsh education have

been revealed

66 CARDIFF LIVES Chatting with The National Lottery’s Andy

Carter, a man who changes lives in Wales

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 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

voco St. David’s hotel and Cardiff International White Water have paired up

Film

COSY CINEMA Cardiff is now home to the world’s first Cosy Cinema Pod Park, a site featuring completely private pods in which to watch movies on the big(ish) screen.

Each of the six temperature-controlled pods, big enough for couples or a small gathering of family or friends, features a large bed and a 92-inch screen to stream media of your choice – from movies or boxsets to live sporting events or even video games. You could also choose to have some interrupted Netflix time and log

into your own account to enjoy a private viewing experience in a glamping haven.

Did we mention that over 18s can stay overnight too? There’s also an honesty fridge, and you can receive takeaways right to the door, or you can order in a ‘Cosy Combo’ which is stacked with goodies.

Balloons, banners and petals can also be added to make a special occasion even more memorable.

Fields Parks Road, Pontcanna; www.cosse.co.uk

Activities

THAT’S OAR-SOME Adventure awaits for thrill-seeking watersport lovers thanks to a new partnership between prominent luxury city hotel, voco St. David’s and Cardiff International White Water.

The collaboration has inspired a choice of two bespoke stays at voco: the ‘Rest & Raft’, an overnight stay, breakfast and white water rafting experience; or the ‘Bed & (Paddle) Board’, an overnight stay, breakfast and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) experience.

For more: www.stdavids.vocohotels.com

The world’s first Cosy Cinema Pod Park has landed in Cardiff

Charity

Creativity

GOT YOU COVERED

Cardiff’s St David’s Dewi Sant has seen the arrival of five mammoth ice lollies suspended in mid-air, and 6,000 flowers over a 40-metre installation as part of the shopping centre’s ‘Lollydays’ summer campaign.

“We were so excited to unveil the glorious installation,” says Helen Morgan, centre director at St David’s. “Our guests are enjoying the vibrant display, and we hope to see plenty of selfies shared on social media.”

For more: www.stdavidscardiff.com

PHOTO BY @L AURENJAJIPHOTOGR APHY

ON DISPLAY

The colourful installation is raising awareness of an important cause

A UK-leading charity is reaching more communities than ever with its largest public space celebration yet.

The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity’s campaign features the personal stories of neurodiverse celebrities across hundreds of outdoor screens and the nationwide launch of the Umbrella Project, which can be seen on Church Street, Cardiff.

In place until the end of August, the installation asks us to acknowledge the intrinsic value that neurodiverse people – who live with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Tourette’s syndrome – bring to our lives, our culture, communities and workplace.

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

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TO MARKET, TO MARKET

If there’s one thing Cardiff isn’t short of, it’s a great market; there are hundreds of them in and around the city, so we’ve narrowed down some of our favourites and put them into a guide for you

By Lisa Evans

W

MARKETS

hether you’re after bizarre antiques, farmergown veg, rare collectibles, or piping hot street food, Cardiff has a market for that. Read on to discover: the ones that take place at night, the ones that put on live-music festivals, the ones with quiz events, the ones that cater for those with alternative lifestyles, and the one that’s soon to be heading to Cardiff for the very first time…

CARDIFF INDOOR MARKET

With quality produce and warm local charm, this indoor market on St Mary Street is the beating heart of Cardiff and offers a unique shopping experience.

Housed inside an impressive Victorian structure, the market has been trading in one form or another since the 1700s, and, while you will no longer find livestock tethered and penned outside its doors, some of the old features remain to this day.

Under one great glass roof you will find a buzzy, lively hub filled with independent businesses and a wealth of products ranging from traditional Welsh cuisine, artisan coffee and street food, to vintage clothing, second-hand records and the freshest fruit and veg. There is nothing quite like wandering the aisles and experiencing the sights OPEN: Monday – Saturday. and smells of the place www.cardiffcouncilproperty.com for yourself.

CURATED MAKERS

Kelly at Secret Garden Florist in Cardiff Indoor Market

PHOTO BY SIN HART

Coming to Wales for the very first time in September, Curated Makers is a collaborative retailer that runs pop-ups across the UK, stocking local makers’ wares and championing small businesses in their respective cities.

“As much as we’d love to fill a department store full of creative talent, our pop-ups can only hold a set number of makers’ products, so the markets give us a great opportunity to discover and work with so many more small businesses,” says Megan Jones, founder. “Our markets are set within prime retail locations, providing introductions for makers to the high street and shoppers to their local businesses. For Curated Makers, it means that we can continue to support the makers and change the face of the high street, proving that thinking big and shopping small really is the way forward.”

The first-ever Welsh location will be within Cardiff’s St David’s shopping centre, for one weekend only. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of handmade or hand-designed gifts and treats made locally, such as dried flower diffusers by Bloomfull, recycled silver contemporary jewellery by Rhian Kate, and colourful local historic illustrations by Bethan Scorey. There’ll be 15 stall holders per day, with makers changing from Saturday to Sunday.

“Curated Makers is on a mission to champion local independents all over the country,” says Megan. “The markets are an amazing way to introduce shoppers into the amazing world of small businesses.

Cardiff will be our first venture into Wales, and we’re incredibly excited to discover brand new Welsh talent. One day soon, we COMING SOON: The first-ever would love to open one of Curated Makers market in Wales our Curated Makers stores will be at Cardiff’s St David’s here in the future, so this is shopping centre on the perfect chance for us to 3 and 4 September. scope out top makers for when www.curatedmakers.co.uk a pop-up store is launched.”

“The market is coming to Wales for the very first time” www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 13

PHOTO BY SAMEER GANGOLI

MARKETS

left: Curated Makers’ market is coming soon to Cardiff for the first time; right: Cardiff Indoor Market is the beating heart of the city

CRAFT*FOLK

Craft*Folk is responsible for the most popular annual market in the city: the Cardiff Christmas Market. It may be a long way off, but plans are already in motion.

“At the market, which is back on 10 November in the city centre, we have a good selection of arts and crafts – from handmade silver jewellery and raku and stoneware pottery, to stained glass work, handmade candles – together with a selection of food and UPCOMING EVENTS: alcohol producers, as well as • Cardiff Summer Festival, in the lots of things for the garden, city centre, on 6 – 20 August. and photographic work,” says • August Bank Holiday Art and Jane Hall, operations manager.

Craft Market, in Cardiff Bay, on 26 – 30 August.

“There’s room for up to 80 stalls, • The Cardiff Christmas Market and our events are specifically for is back on 10 November those talented artists and crafts – 23 December. people with their own work – we www.craftfolk.com do not allow anything bought in.

“We are committed to ensuring that there will always be room in the market place for handmade work as we feel that it is vitally important to keep these skills alive and at the forefront of retailing. We also allocate the first 17 days to various charities free of charge as this allows them to bring public attention to themselves.”

The market has been running in Cardiff city centre for nearly 30 years with no breaks, not even during Covid. It was founded by Howard Potter, who still owns it today but now takes a back seat and leaves the running to, a very tired, Jane.

GREEN TOP EVENTS Green Top Events, founded and owned by Gareth O’Sullivan, organises myriad markets all over South Wales. In Cardiff, you’ll find their monthly events at Cardiff Garden Centre in St Mellons, and a new one at the

UPCOMING MARKETS AND EVENTS: • Norwegian Church market, Cardiff Bay, 6 August and the first Saturday of each month.

• Cardiff Garden Centre market, St Mellons, 26 August and the last Friday of each month.

• A Bank Holiday Family Funday in association with Calon Hearts Charity, Bishops Place, Llandaff, on 28 August. www.greentopevents.co.uk

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

Norwegian Church in the Bay. They also support the Calon Heart charity with family fundays in Llandaff on a regular basis.

“We run artisan food, craft and gift markets aimed at small businesses, giving them an affordable outlet to sell their wares,” says Gareth. “We provide the gazebo and tables so all they have to bring is their stock. There are around 25 stalls, selling everything from craft beer and spirits to vegan candles, homemade jerk chicken and goat curry, and knitted children’s clothes.

“The market at Cardiff Garden Centre has seating areas, with music and an amazing coffee van too.”

NEWPORT MARKET

This one’s out of town, but well deserves a mention as its Europe’s biggest indoor market regeneration. Situated in the heart of Newport, Newport Market launched this year, in March, by the team at Loft-Co, offering a unique shopping experience and a diverse community of food and drink traders, OPEN: Seven days a week. independent stalls, lifestyle units and LOOK OUT FOR: Their weekly quiz night spaces to do business every Wednesday at the market, and their – all packed under pop-up artisan market – called New Market – every other Sunday. one historic roof.

With a mix of the WHAT ELSE: Something exciting is launching old and a sprinkle around November in the original vaults of of the new, this the market – these will be spaces for varied impressive Victorian experiences, private dining, a bar and structure retains retro gaming. nearly all of its www.newport-market.co.uk striking historical features making it a remarkable place to explore, meet, eat, drink and shop seven days a week. It also boasts a unique events space situated on the mezzanine floor, hosting up to 250 people.

“Experience and browse a range of diverse stalls, from local fresh produce to vintage treasures, homeware, gifts and more,” says the Loft-Co team. “Located on the ground floor of the market, we have around 45 units. Our mezzanine on the first floor has our event space and a pop-up bar and commercial kitchen surrounded by around 15 offices, meeting rooms and a wellness space. We also have around 70 offices located either side of the market.”

PHOTO BY BBC

“It’s Europe’s biggest indoor market regeneration”

Newport Market launched earlier this year

CARDIFF INDOOR FLEA MARKET

A long love of antiques and collectables, a disused warehouse with bags of potential, and the satisfaction derived from a hard day’s work, led father and daughter David Raine and Laurie Rossiter to open Cardiff Indoor Flea Market, in Clydesmuir Road Industrial Estate.

“We launched on 19 July 2014, so we have just celebrated our eighth birthday,” says Laurie. “In that time, it has changed hugely, from the disused warehouse that it was, to the bustling market that it is today.

“We have a huge selection of items available, ranging from furniture, fine china and vinyl, to jewellery, antiques and Frenchic paint. We also have a wonderful Mad Hatter’s tea room on site, serving homemade cakes, sandwiches and breakfasts.”

Once you’ve selected your free parking spot outside (win), inside the market, you’ll find three halls with over 70 permanent stalls to explore. There’s also an auction house – Cardiff City Auctions – which the market’s customers enjoy the live buzz of.

PONTCANNA MARKET

Pontcanna Market was founded by Caroline and Keith Munro – owners of Kings Road Yard, where it’s based – in 2016. They’ve created a well-established farmers’ market showcasing independent businesses who offer high-quality produce. “The aim is always to bring local communities together and try to build an Pontcanna Market in Kings Road Yard eco/green market promoting sustainability, farm-animal welfare, as well as encouraging nutrition and shopping locally,” says Caroline. “You’ll find a range of handmade and homemade produce, with fresh organic food and drinks from local artisan traders and farmers, as well as interesting products from OPEN: Every Saturday.

ALSO: Their Craft, Plant and Vintage Markets are held on Sundays once a month, and a street food event with a live band visits every second Saturday of the month during summer.

SPECIAL DATES: • On 5 August, there is a night time folk music event.

• On 6 August, a cocktail bar will be open for all to enjoy.

• On 13 and 23 August, Lucas Wooten from Lahmacun will be a special street food trader, offering open-fire cooked meats.

• On 26 August, there will be a jazz night at the market.

• From 29 September – 2 October, the four-day Pontcanna Music Festival will be hosted at the market (TBC).

• Every weekend from 6 November – 18 December, you’ll find the Christmas Farmers & Craft Market at the site. www.pontcannamarket.co.uk

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

PHOTO BY L A Z Y LEEK

OPEN ON: Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. www.cardiffindoorfleamarket.com

“The four-day Pontcanna Music Festival will be at the market” Wales and Europe.

“The location is a unique creative courtyard of fine art studios and artisan small retail businesses, such as micro-brewery Pipes, the awardwinning Alex Gooch bakery, the Lazy Leek vegan takeaway, and new coffee shop The Wardrobe.

“At the moment, the market has approximately 15 stalls, and on special occasions we can have up to 25. Kings Road Yard being a community of thriving small retail businesses with a heartbeat of creative artist studios provides the ideal and unique place to hold a farmers’ market.

“There is some fun trivia about the market that not many people know; apparently there is a stream that runs underneath it, which is called the ‘White House Brooke’; the main building here was originally a laundry for St David’s Hospital; and The Wardrobe coffee shop on site is made out of wood from French wardrobes.”

MARKETS INSOLE COURT FARMERS’ MARKET

GREEN LIFE EVENTS

Green Life Events is a monthly market is based on the ideology of sustainability and wellness. As long as that criterion is met, any business is welcome to take part. Taking this approach provides variation at the events and ensures something different and suitable for all tastes.

“We always try to have the widest variety of stalls, so you can find anything from beauty products, vintage clothing, crystals, jewellery, workshops and yoga to the doggies from Cardiff’s Rescue Hotel having a day out,” says Rhona Duncan, founder. “There’s always food at our events too; plant-based and veggie is so popular right now, which is THE NEXT EVENT: 3 September fantastic for me being a vegan, at The Bone Yard, Canton. and others wanting to work more Instagram: @green_life_events plant-based food into their diets.

“There really are some innovative ideas and dishes available and who doesn’t love a good snack with friends and skipping the washing up?! And our regular DJ provides the music and good vibes all day long too.

Rhona came up with the idea for the market after running her local business – Blasus Succulent Emporium – for years and seeing there was a demand for an alternative lifestyle with a lessened environmental impact.

“Chatting to so many like-minded people really sowed the seed for this event,” she said. “I think the last few years has made many people re-evaluate their lifestyle choices. It’s an evolving idea, striving to be better each time; over the last year it’s been running, it’s grown from a handful of stalls to 30 at the last event.

“We can usually be found at The Bone Yard in Canton, but as new venues and ideas present themselves, we move with that. The flexibility of the event helps it grow and reach new customers.”

below: Riverside Farmers’ Market is widely recognised

as one of the key foodie attractions in the capital

PHOTO BY JEN ABELL @FFOTOJENIC

Nestled in the grounds of the beautiful Insole Court in Llandaff, the Insole Court Farmers’ Market was launched earlier this year and has already been voted as one of the best farmers’ markets in Wales.

It was created by Alex Simmens of Llanblethian Orchards, Shane Harrison of Harrisons Teas and Neil Randle of Bang-On Brewery who believed that the house and grounds provided the perfect setting for the artisan food and drinks producers of Wales to showcase their products.

“There is such a diverse selection of products on offer,” says Neil, “from chilli sauces from Chilli of the Valley, and flavoured pastas from Lilo’s, to incredible chocolates from Bossa Nova. Cardiff Dough and Co always bring a great selection of donuts, while Windy Wick Bakery have lots of freshly made breads which smell and taste incredible.

“There’s straight-from-the-farm meats, freshly made cheesecakes, and locally produced honey and Welsh cheeses, and on the drinks side, there are award-winning beers and ciders, flavoured gins and one of the biggest selections of teas anywhere OPEN: The last Sunday of each month, in Wales. with the exception of August as they are “Given how popular running two markets over the bank holiday Insole Court is with weekend, on 28 and 29 August. dog walkers, we have www.insolecourt.org A Dog’s Life with us offering a great selection of goodies and gourmet treats for the fur babies.

“Despite the fact that a lot of the producers are small and independent, there have been some fantastic achievements recently; Bang-On Brewery received their third gold medal at the European Beer Challenge, Llanblethian Orchards was awarded a gold at the Welsh Perry & Cider Society Competition, Daisy Graze received a bronze medal at the World Marmalade Championships, and Lilo’s Pasta received a special commendation at the inaugural Wales Food and Drinks Awards.

“Insole Court is run by trustees and volunteers, and this beautiful building always needs maintenance in some way. Each month, the market puts a donation to Insole Court to contribute to the upkeep. As organisers and traders, we are quite proud of the fact that the market is not for profit, so we can use the pitch fees to really make a difference.

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

“Goodmarket is packed with a varied mixture of independent businesses”

ABOVE: Find Goodsheds and its regular Goodmarket in Barry; RIGHT: Cardiff Indoor Flea Market is a collector’s heaven

CARDIFF FARMERS’ MARKETS

Every week, more than 100 farmers and small producers sell food and drink across Real Food’s three regular markets: Riverside, Roath and Rhiwbina Farmers’ Markets.

Steve Garrett, Cardiff-based local food activist set up the first market, and he mentors other people who want to set up small businesses.

“The very first market was held on a sunny Sunday morning in Riverside back in 1999,” says Carol Adams, enterprise manager. “Fast forward more than 20 years, and more and more customers are valuing what we offer – fresh, sustainable food bought directly from the people who produced it.

“You can always buy a wide range of essentials like fruit, veg, meat, dairy and bakery products, alongside food and drink from some of Wales’s most exciting small food producers.

“You’ll always be able to do most of your weekly grocery shopping at the markets, but we also want you to find something new and interesting – whether that’s a new producer, food from a cuisine you’ve not tried before, or a chance to discover something happening in your community.

“Being able to buy food and drink directly from the people who produced it makes it easy to get your hands on food that you know will be sustainable and meet the high standards set by Cardiff Farmers’ Markets for welfare, hygiene and provenance. We’ve won lots of awards over the years, from organisations like Slow Food, and we were thrilled to play our part in Cardiff winning silver status as a Sustainable Food City in 2021.

“Riverside Market is the original and biggest of the markets, and is widely recognised as one of the key food attractions in the capital.

It follows the bank of the River Taff, a perfect location, with a mix of more than 30 traders on most weekends.

“Roath market opened in early 2008; it pops up in the car park of

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THE MARKETS: • Riverside Farmers Market, on Sundays.

• Roath Farmers Market, on Saturdays.

• Rhiwbina Farmers Market, on Fridays.

• Riverside Night Market, on the last Wednesday of each month.

• St Fagans market, on the third Saturday of each month.

• Monthly pop-ups at Cardiff Met University – see updates online.

SPECIAL DATES: • On 14 August, Lucas Wooten from Lahmacun will be doing a BBQ / cooking-over-fire demo at Riverside Market.

• The annual Riverside Festival is back on 20 August. www.riversidemarket.org.uk

MARKETS

above: Green Top’s monthly markets are dotted around the city and Cardiff Bay; below: Find Bab Haus Mex, along with plenty of other street food masters, at Goodsheds

Mackintosh Sports Club on Keppoch Street and has become a real part of the community.

“After an invitation from the owner of The Butcher’s Arms, we set up the Rhiwbina market as a trial in 2010. It received such enthusiastic support from local residents, we decided to keep it and it has been running there every week ever since.”

GOODMARKET

Goodmarket is a local food and produce market held every other Saturday at Goodsheds in Barry. Each market is packed with a varied mixture of independent businesses, all announced on Instagram (@goodsheds) a few days before the event itself so you can see exactly what’s on offer at any given event.

When the market isn’t running, you’ll still find plenty on offer at Goodsheds, a sustainable mixed-use development, from founders LoftCo, offering independent-only food, boutique retail and lifestyle shops, as well as places to do business – all housed in a within a cool urban high street.

“The shops along Goodshed’s urban high street are actual converted Gatwick Express railway carriages that sit on original train tracks,”

says the team at Loft-Co. OPENING DAYS: Goodmarket is on “We have around 50 every other Saturday, and Goodsheds independent businesses is open daily. ranging from street food and hand-designed cards, LOOK OUT FOR: Their weekly Quiz to homeware and craft Night every Wednesday at 8pm. beer. Kapow Ribs and www.goodshedsbarry.co.uk The Greedy Bear are the newest food vendors coming very soon. Seabreeze Homes and The Hairy Barber have also recently joined us.

“We are coming up to our second birthday so, there will be a summer celebration soon; keep an eye on our social media for details in the coming weeks.” n

YET MORE GREAT LOCAL MARKETS INDIE SUPERSTORE Outdoor monthly markets, supporting local independents, featuring fresh fish, meat, veg, cakes and bakes alongside arts, crafts and vintage wares.

Next market: Saturday 6 August, at The Railway Hotel, Llandaff North.

Instagram: @indiesuperstore

THE CORPORATION YARD An indie outdoor street food, drinks and social hub where you’ll find scrumptious offerings and an exciting programme of regular events.

Open on: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, in Canton. www.thecorporationyard.co.uk THE PUMPING STATION If you’re a fan of quirky, unusual and sometimes bizarre items, head to this antiques treasure trove set inside what was once a Victorian Pumping Station. Find over 45 independent traders under one roof and set over a whopping 32,000 sq ft.

Open: seven days a week, on Penarth Road. www.thepumpingstation-cardiff.co.uk JACOBS MARKET A three-storey antique, vintage, retro market offering collectibles, decorative art, furniture, curiosities, clothes, comics, books militaria and medals. There is also a roof terrace where you’ll find events – such as yoga and wine clubs – and epic views of the city.

Open: Thursday – Saturday, on W Canal Wharf. www.jacobsmarket.co.uk

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THE ARTS

© GAGANA MENDIS WICKR AMASINGHE, WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEAR

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

© L AURENT BALLESTA, WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEAR

© GHEORGHE POPA, WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEAR

INTO THE WILD The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition – on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, where it is produced and developed – is showing at the National Museum Cardiff until the end of August.

The most prestigious photography event of its kind, it provides a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights, with 50,000 entries from photographers worldwide.

It features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breath-taking diversity of the natural world. From polar bears in the Arctic, to exotic and deepwater creatures and the tiniest of insects, the images showcase Earth’s extraordinary diversity and the fragility of the natural world.

See the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Museum Cardiff until 29 August; www.museum.wales

© SERGIO MARIJUÁN, WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEAR

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THE ALB ANY GALLERY

SUMMER SHOW 5th August - 10th September A changing exhibition of work by more than 30 artists.

View images on our website www.albanygallery.com 74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2078 9171 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm | www.albanygallery.com

Les Amazones d’Afrique are coming to Wales Millennium Centre

WHAT’S ON

PHOTO © K AREN PAULINA BISWELL

29 July onwards

PLAYS/SHOWS On now, until 30 July

A SUMMER CELEBRATION A festival showcasing the work of the Sherman’s Introduction to Playwriting participants: the True Tale of Robin Hood, and Treasure Island.

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

On now, until 31 July

HUNO The Other Room, a pub theatre housed in Porter’s bar, will stage Huno, which tells the story of one woman caught in the wake of the endeavours of men. The Other Room, Bute Terrace; www.otherroomtheatre.com

12 August

DRAGLINGS WITH POLLY AMOROUS Cardiff’s night for new drag acts.

The Queer Emporium, Cardiff, Instagram: @thequeeremporium

COMEDY 30 August

JASON MANFORD: LIKE ME He’s been away for a while, but this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Every Friday and Saturday COMEDY NIGHTS Treat yourself to an evening of award-winning comedy. The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay; www.glee.co.uk

MUSIC AND DANCING

ready for Latin dance line-ups, Salsa, Bachata and Reggaeton hits until 1am. Revolucion de Cuba, The Friary; www.havanapeoplesalsa.co.uk

JUST DANCE! A new inclusive space in Cardiff for ecstatic dance – free-form movement that empowers people to freely express themselves. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

FOOD & DRINK

5 August

Every Sunday in August

METALLICA RELOADED Delivering a faithful tribute to the mighty Metallica. Fuel, Womanby Street; www.fuelrockclub.co.uk

MAMMA MIA! BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH Grab your dancing queens and come together for the naughtiest nuptials of the century. Tonight Josephine, Caroline Street; www.tonightjosephine.co.uk

8 August

20 August

6 August

DENIS COLEMAN If you like happy songs about sad subjects, book your tickets. Clwb Ifor Bach, Womanby Street; www.clwb.net

20 August

SHANGRI-LA OPEN AIR PRESENTS: LF SYSTEM Taking over DEPOT’s new outdoor space is one of the UK’s hottest house acts, LF System. DEPOT; Curran Embankment; www.depotcardiff.com

20 August

WHITESNAKE UK Whitesnake fans will go wild for these tribute rockers. The Globe, Albany Road; www.globecardiffmusic.com

Every Thursday

HAVANA FIESTA The Salsa party night is back! Get

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

CLUBBRUNCH This rooftop brunch features bottomless prosecco, a two- or three-course brunch and live music.

The Botanist, Church Street; www.clubbrunch.co.uk

All summer, various dates JACOBS ROOF GARDEN Find wine club tastings, rooftop cinemas, DJ sets, and sunrise Pilates & Yoga classes here.W Canal Wharf, Cardiff; www.jacobsroofgarden.co.uk

Ongoing

COCKTAIL CLUB MASTERCLASSES Put your shaking skills to the test with a cocktail masterclass in this new-to-Cardiff venue. The Cocktail Club, St Mary Street, Cardiff; www.thecocktailclub.com

Every week

RIVERSIDE FARMERS’ MARKETS More than 100 farmers and small producers sell food and drink across three regular markets every week: Rhiwbina Farmers Market on Fridays, Roath Farmers Market on Saturdays, and Riverside Farmers Market on Sundays. Across Cardiff; www.riversidemarket.org.uk

Every Friday and Saturday BEER AND STREET FOOD Head down to Bridge Studios for an outdoor afternoon of beer and street food, courtesy of Flowerhorn Brewery and Mr Croquewich.

The Bridge Studios, Western Avenue; Instagram: @boneyard_bridgestudios

FAMILY & KIDS On now, until 14 August

SUMMER FUNHOUSE A free event with activities to help kids and adults alike make the most of the school holidays. IKEA Cardiff, Ferry Road; www.www.ikea.com

29 – 31 July

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Do you dare to experience the dangers and delights in this roarsome interactive show? New Theatre, Park Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

7, 28 and 29 August

HEATH MINI RAILWAYS DAYS A day out riding miniature trains and trams in an enclosed safe

WHAT’S ON

that ignite curiosity by showcasing Earth’s extraordinary diversity (see page 21 for more). National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park, Cardiff; www.museum.wales

On now, until 29 August PHOTO © BETHAN MILLER

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

Looking forward to Swn Festival later this year across the city left: Nasturtiums at Martin Tinney Gallery, part of their Summer Exhibition

CIRCULAR WALK There are three heritage trails to choose from: a Sculpture Trail with wood carvings, old mining caves, and Castle Coch for touring.

Fforest Fawr; www.outdoorcardiff.com

ARTS, EXHIBITIONS & CULTURE

25 August

PAW PATROL LIVE The pups share lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem solving. Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

Most Fridays and Weekends

MOUNTAIN VIEW RANCH Here you’ll find Wales’s only Gruffalo Trail, as well as outdoor trampolines, a fairy forest, a Hobbit hill, zip lines and a dragon’s nest.

Heol Penybryn, Blaengwynlais, Cardiff; www.mountainviewranch.co.uk

Ongoing

VICTORIA PARK SPLASHPAD At this park, expect 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 miniature sheep. 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

Ongoing

CEFN MABLY FARM PARK An attraction featuring a petting and feeding zoo, crazy mini golf, a touring train and soft play. Began Road, Michaelston-y-Fedw, Cardiff; www. cefnmablyfarmpark.com

Ongoing

FFOREST FAWR

On now, until 5 March 2023

WALES IS… PROUD This display includes objects from Pride events held across Wales, protest banners and LGBTQ+ campaign badges.

St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff; www.museum.wales

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM National Museum Cardiff will pilot extended opening hours; visitors can marvel at the world-class art, discover the dinosaur collection, and visit the rotating exhibitions until 9pm. National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park, Cardiff; www.museum.wales

JON POUNTNEY: WALES AT THE SEASIDE Themed on scenes of coastal Wales – from cinematic landscapes to ice cream vans and nostalgia-inducing tourists tat. TEN Gallery, Roath; www.gallery-ten.co.uk

5 August – 10 September

On now, until 30 July

SUMMER SHOW This changing exhibition includes a private collection of original works by some of the gallery’s top-selling artists. The Albany Gallery, Albany Road; www.albanygallery.com

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

FILM

On now, until 7 August

Ongoing

FAR A DAY An exhibition of new work by Fran Williams and Miranda Collis exploring landscape, memory and visual storytelling incorporating digital medium.

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

On now, until 29 August

SUMMER EXHIBITION A large changing exhibition by the gallery’s artists. Martin Tinney Gallery, St. Andrew’s Crescent; www.artwales.com

4 August

On now, until 30 July

environment. King George V Drive East, Cardiff; www.bglr.org

On now, until 3 September

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR The Natural History Museum’s acclaimed exhibition returns to Cardiff, featuring 100 backlit images

COSY CINEMA The world’s first Cosy Cinema Pod Park has landed in Cardiff. You’ll find private pods – big enough for couples, families and small groups – where you can stream media your choice (from Netflix originals, to boxsets, to movies, or even live sport or video games) on the 92-inch screens while also enjoying takeaways and treat packages. You can even stay overnight. Caravan Park, Fields Parks Road, Pontcanna; www.cosse.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

Michael Kiwanuka, Beach House, Metronomy and Kraftwerk.

The Black Mountains; www.greenman.net

1 August

29 August

P.E. WITH JOE The Body Coach, AKA Joe Wicks, is on tour and on a mission to improve mental wellbeing through exercise.

Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

Ongoing

WATER SPORTS DAYS 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

FESTIVALS

On now, until 30 July

CARDIFF OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL: EVERYMAN 22 The largest open-air theatre festival in Wales is back.

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff; www.cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk

BUTETOWN CARNIVAL The Butetown Carnival parade will make its way along the waterfront area of Cardiff Bay with various performance stops along the way, before arriving back at the Centre ready for outdoor live music.

Outside Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

OTHER

30 July – 14 August

FOREVER FLOWERS DISPLAY City Hospice’s Forever Flowers campaign invited supporters to purchase a handmade sunflower to remember loved ones; the unique and lasting tributes will now feature in a striking floral display. Cardiff Castle; www.cityhospice.org.uk

Every Friday

BINGO LINGO Cardiff, brace yourselves. This is one of the city’s biggest and wildest Friday nights out. They’ve taken bingo, shaken out the dust and turned it into one exhilarating, raving-mad event. DEPOT; Curran Embankment; www.depotcardiff.com

August 4, 19 and 25

ADVENTURE CINEMA At the UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema, expect to see an eclectic mix of classics, musicals, big blockbusters and family films.

Bute Park and Arboretum; www.bute-park.com

CARDIFF CASTLE GHOST TOUR Explore the majestic castle at night where you will discover its history, Roman origins, and the many strange ghostly phenomena that have been reported there for many years. Cardiff Castle; www.darkwalestours.co.uk

30 – 31 July

Year round

29 – 31 July

GLASTONBARRY FESTIVAL Expect 21 tribute acts – from Queen and Stevie Wonder to Blur, The Beatles and Tom Jones – over one weekend. Romilly Park, Barry; www.glastonbarry.com

7 August

WELSH VEGAN FESTIVAL There will be all-vegan stalls selling world foods and quirky clothes and accessories while guest speakers engage you. Tramshed, Clare Road; www.tramshedcardiff.com

18 – 21 August

GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Wales’s biggest festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Cate Le Bon joins headliners including

COIN, COAL AND CHEERS A new tourism experience has been launched by three of the region’s leading attractions. Hensol Castle Distillery, the Royal Mint Experience and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park 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) 3 September

CLASH AT THE CASTLE – WWE

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

National Museum Cardiff will pilot extended opening hours, until 9pm

The first major stadium event from WWE in 30 years.

Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

3 – 4 September

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX – HORIZONS: A 21ST CENTURY SPACE ODYSSEY Using state-of-the art LED screen technology, arenas will be filled with images of far-away galaxies, alien worlds, supermassive black holes and a time before the Big Bang.

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

15 September

LIAM GALLAGHER Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher 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

16 – 25 September Cowbridge Music Festival The festival will welcome worldclass musicians – from Natalya Romaniw, to Kizzy Crawford. The theme for this year is Songs from my Homeland, a celebration of Welsh music-making. Cowbridge; www.cowbridgemusicfestival.co.uk

2 October

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 This award-winning multi-venue music festival is based entirely in Cardiff’s city centre. Opening night takes place at Tramshed, with the BC Camplight playing their biggest Welsh headline show to date, as well as Panic Shack, Lime Garden and transatlantic alt-rock duo, Prima Queen.Various Cardiff venues; www.swnfest.com

26 – 30 October

LLAIS Formerly the Festival of Voice, Llais is WMC’s annual international arts festival inspired by the instrument that connects us all. John Cale headlines in his 80th birthday year; for the first time, Paraorchestra and Brett Anderson will perform Death Songbook with special guests in front of a live audience; and the line-up also includes Abdullah Ibrahim, Midlake, black midi, Cate Le Bon and Bombino. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

14 November

BIFFY CLYRO The alternative rock trio are back on tour. Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

From 1 December

CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK Tickets are on sale for this year’s Christmas at Bute Park event.

Planning is underway and tickets are selling quickly this summer in the lead up to the breath-taking festive festival of light – the biggest Wales has ever seen. Bute Park; www.christmasatbutepark.com

14 – 18 March 2023

THE MOUSETRAP The 70th Anniversary tour of The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, is visiting over 70 venues throughout the UK and Ireland.

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

OUR OWN VERY SPECIAL EVENT 18 November (Nominations now open!)

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS Nominations have opened for our Cardiff Property Awards 2022. Businesses ranging from architecture firms and developers to estate agents and interior designers are encouraged to enter. Mercure Cardiff Holland House; www. cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

CATCH IT WHILE IT LASTS Open every day until 31 August AQUA PARK CARDIFF

Bigger, better, wetter ‘n’ wilder than ever before, Wales’s biggest Aqua Park will be in Cardiff Bay every day in August, and then weekends until 18 September. The inflatable course features 40 obstacles including tornado towers, climbing walls, giant slides, trampolines, monkey bars and blast bags, and is suitable for ages eight and above – thrill seekers only.

“It’s fantastic to be back in Wales, providing some of the biggest and thrilling water park obstacles to Cardiff Bay,” says Connor James, founder. “The park was fully sold out for the opening weekend and we’re seeing bookings for the summer weekends and school holidays hit higher levels than previously.

“We are really excited to be playing our part in giving people and families much needed access to a fulfilling outdoor experience to help restore their physical and mental wellbeing that has impacted many of the last couple of years.”

Are you brave enough?

Cardiff Bay Barrage; www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk

OUR TOP 5 FOR AUGUST

Our pick of the most exciting events coming up in the city

1On now, until 27 August

THE LION KING This worldwide theatrical phenomenon has been experienced by 100 million people globally and is still drawing sell-out crowds in its 20th year.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

2

3 – 7 August

ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS AND INTO WANDERLAND Go down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass at this open-air walkabout theatre production to delight all ages.

Insole Court, Llandaff; www.insolecourt.org

3On now, until September

SUMMER OF FUN After the success of last year’s Summer of Smiles and the Winter of Wellbeing, a Summer of Fun festival will take place for the children and young people of Cardiff across the summer holidays. Expect free and low-cost opportunities and activities for 0–25-year-olds, from a two-week festival on City Hall Lawn (until August 7), cycle training, sailing, a junior triathlon, and plenty of arts and crafts. Across the city; www.childfriendlycardiff.co.uk

413 August

FIM SPEEDWAY Britain’s biggest indoor motorsport event is

set to make a blockbuster return to Cardiff, celebrating its 20th year in the Welsh capital.

The FIM British Speedway Grand Prix is seriously fast and furious family fun.

Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

527 – 28 August

PRIDE CYMRU’S BIG WEEKEND Wales’s biggest celebration of equality and diversity. Over two days, it hosts over 50,000 people to celebrate the LGBT+ community.

There will be three stages, a mile-long parade and family fun.

City Hall Lawns, Cardiff; www.pridecymru.com

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WYBURN & WAYNE

“It’s My Shout celebrated 20 years with a huge party.

It was incredible to look back at the talent they’ve nurtured ”

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

T

he Lion King UK tour has finally roared its way into Cardiff, and for people who had tickets since before the lockdown it was hugely anticipated and, of course, it definitely

didn’t let us down!

The whole production of the show, the sets, the costumes and the incredible performers are all just a step above the rest. It’s fun for all the family and we’d urge you to see it at Wales Millennium Centre if you have the chance (it’s on until 27 August). It was lovely that the WMC invited us to the pre-show event too, with Lion King-themed drinks and cupcakes!

In other news, our Coffee Court at St Andrew’s Church in Roath was showered with stars recently as it was home to the finish line of Prostate Cymru’s Big Celebrity Walk. Nath

took part in the walk and Wayne prepared the after party – standard. The likes of Steve Spiers, Sian Lloyd, Jamie Baulch and the lovely Dave and Shirl from Gogglebox rocked up with 50 walkers and raised a tonne of money for such a wonderful cause.

We were also recently graced with an afternoon performance from the winner of ITV Romeo & Duet, SJ Hill, who’s going to be coming back for more performances soon.

That guy is going far!

It’s My Shout – which provides training for all ages interested in gaining experience in film – celebrated 20 years with a huge party and award ceremony down at St David’s Hall.

Wow, they sure know how to celebrate. It was incredible to look back over the years and witness how much astonishingly diverse talent they’ve nurtured and produced. Huge happy birthday to the team and everyone involved.

DEPOT in the Castle was a phenomenal

weekend at the start of July! Cardiff Castle was host to megastars from Pete Tong to Craig David all in one weekend. Isn’t our city amazing? Orchard Live and DEPOT are top of their game and just growing and growing each year. Wayne’s highlight was Bryan Adams, and Nath’s was his favourite Spice Girl, Melanie C, who we also met backstage and she received a special collage art from Nath.

Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival is in full swing (running until 30 July); we sent our volunteers Ivan and Lily to a special screening of the Pride movie, with a Q&A with one of the actors, in aid of Pride Cymru.

Pride Cymru is coming up very shortly in the city at the end of August and guess who’s performing and hosting? Oh yes we are! We’d better start practicing those 80s bangers for our set!

Lastly, a huge shout out to Marie Curie charity who asked us to host their charity fashion show at St Andrew’s. It’s amazing what you can pick up for a bargain in a charity shop isn’t it? And a wonderful £500 plus was made that evening for such an important cause. Next year we’re walking it! Great work all!

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 29

AQUARELLE DOUBLE DUVET SET, £35 A soft watercolour spread featuring artistic oversized florals.

From Leekes, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

PASTEL PALETTE

AURORA NECKLACE, £75 A beauty from Penarth-based Kate Dumbleton, who has designed for many leading companies, including Swarovski, Next and Clogau Gold.

From Shore Penarth, Penarth; www.shorecoastal.co.uk or www.katedumbleton.com

EDULIS BLUSH WALLPAPER, £65 PER ROLL A playful design with a foraging nature.

From Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com

We went on the hunt for soft, dreamy ice cream shades in local shops; here’s what we chose…

LOVE HEADPIECE, £360 Stand out in lurex sinamay, silver beads and crystals.

From Misa Harada Millinery, North Road, Cardiff; www.misaharada.com

WOODEN ICE LOLLIES, £20 FOR 3 What nursery play kitchen would be complete without a set of hand-painted lollies?

From Eastern Sapphire, Vale of Gamorgan; www.easternsapphiredesigns.com

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PASTEL VALLEY ARTWORK, £200 Vibrant, dreamy landscapes are the speciality of Georgia Leventi, who trained at Cardiff Metropolitan University. We love this mini-sized one.

From Georgia Leventi, Cardiff Bay; www.georgialeventi.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE

GWEN GEOMETRIC STUDS, £34.95 Jude de Berker makes these from scratch in her Roath studio, where she also hosts jewellery-making classes.

From Cardiff Made Gallery, Lochaber Street, Cardiff; www.anewform.com

ORCHID LEI NECKLACE, £220 This Hawaiian-esque lei has the power to give any outfit a summer vibe.

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

OWL CERAMICS, FROM £15 Designed by artist Hannah Turner, this tableware range is a hoot.

Available from Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk

CANDY EARRINGS, £6 Made in Trans pride colours, with all profits going to Trans Aid Cymru.

From Candy Goblins, Cathays; www.candygoblins.com

RAINBOW BATH DUST, £12 Watch as your bathwater bursts into swirls of technicolour.

From Miss Patisserie, The Maltings, Cardiff; www.miss-patisserie.com

FLORAL SQUARE NECK MIDAXI DRESS, £39.50 Floaty, zingy and striking.

From M&S, Queen Street, St David’s Centre; www.marksandspencer.com

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

LOCAL LOVE

MEET THE MAKER

Behind the scenes at Cardiff’s CARTA & WOOD, an installation and set design company run by Claire Wood

By Lisa Evans

Claire’s a one-woman band at CARTA & WOOD – she’s the art director, receptionist, designer, maker, cleaner, the lot!

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From eye-catching shop window displays and aesthetic installations in hospitality venues, to back drops for product photography, and ‘I can’t believe that’s made from paper’ props, CARTA & WOOD’s creations know no limits

C

laire Wood, the founder of CARTA & WOOD, is a creative designer specialising in bespoke paper installations for retail, hospitality and events, as well as set design for product photography and campaigns. She has worked with industryleading businesses, from London’s Fortnum & Mason to the globally recognised Barry-based beauty brand Spectrum Collections, and does it all as a one-woman band.

Hi Claire! Firstly, we always like to ask for the stories behind business names – what’s yours?

Carta is Italian for paper, and I come from a huge Italian family, so it felt right. Wood is both my surname and, well, where paper comes from! Plus, my initials are CW, so it’s a full circle.

Tell us about your work…

I pride myself on my unique approach to design and my passion for enhancing the visual representations of businesses and brands.

There is a huge variety in what I do, but I’d say my installations are in highest demand.

Two recent projects were so different: one was a range of summer-themed props – including a cricket bat, sandwiches and a kite – and the

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

other was an installation of willow, wisteria and ivy.

The sky’s the limit with what I can create; I have worked on projects for album covers, Disney-themed props for product photography, and stop motion visuals for jewellery.

throughout my process; I buy ethically and avoid plastics like cable ties and bubble wrap.

Alongside paper, I use a lot of wood and wire for the structures or stands.

Who do you make these creations for?

Some clients have a very clear vision that I’ll run with. Other times, I get to know the client and their values so I can develop a concept (or story) that would visually represent the brand and resonate with their audience.

I start each project sketching designs, elements and proportions, sometimes creating a digital scale mock-up to get a clear visual of the scheme. Once signed off, I engineer each element. Every new element can be unpredictable and can take anything from four to 18 hours to design. Installations often involve cutting and making hundreds of

I have worked with such amazing people in both small businesses and big brands, including Fortnum & Mason, Yellow TSE [a sustainable department store which has recently opened in Cardiff], The Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique, TAFF Housing, and Spectrum Collections – including a Disney photoshoot for them, which was so much fun.

What materials do you use?

I am so conscious of the materials I use

Could you tell us about the intricate ‘making’ process…

“Working with Fortnum & Mason has always been at the top of my goal list, so to have achieved it so soon in my career is surreal”

LOCAL LOVE

What’s your workspace like?

I’m in Pontprennau, Cardiff, working mainly from a gorgeous, converted garage at the back of my mum’s garden. It’s bright, with big windows, a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams (which come in really useful when I need to construct hanging displays!).

Where did you learn your craft and why did you start the business?

the same element. My work is mostly cut by machine and then made by hand, by me. The paper will be scored, folded, curled – with an awl or even hair curlers – sculpted, shaped and glued to achieve the desired form.

I assemble everything in sections to allow for safe transport by car or van.

Do you install them once complete?

For most projects, it has been realistic to do the full installation myself or with an assistant; however, I have worked with installation teams who are equipped for complex rigging, and prop companies that I supply with the pieces.

What inspires your work?

Mainly nature and the seasons, but I also get a lot of inspiration from architecture and film.

Do you work alone?

Yes, it’s just me – art director, receptionist, designer, maker, cleaner, the lot! I’m sure many self-employed people reading this can relate.

What would you like to do more of?

I would love to do more event décor and hospitality installations – such as a cascading display in a hotel foyer or delicate pieces in a restaurant. I’d also like to develop a range of rentable pieces for brand events or weddings, like oversized flowers for backdrops and walkways.

I’ve always been creative and loved designing in 3D – making a wardrobe and furniture for my Barbie from card, and oversized Papiermâché sculptures at school, progressing onto creative installations and architectural design at university.

After freelancing for installation projects (mainly in London), and loving the high intensity, pressure and pace, I wanted to make the service available for independent brands, so in 2020 I launched CARTA & WOOD. What’s been the most OTT commission so far?

It would have to be for The Hay Spring Festival where I made 84 daisies for their stage backdrop, each made up of 24 petals which were embossed four times each. That’s a total of 2,016 petals and 8,064 embossed lines – my fingers were very sore. However, the details were so worth it.

What have been the biggest milestone moments so far?

When I received the recent window scheme from Fortnum & Mason. Seeing their windows at Christmas time as a child is a huge reason I’m doing the job I do. Working with Fortnum & Mason has always been at the top of my goal list, so to have achieved it so soon in my career is surreal. Also, for them to describe my work as ‘outstanding’ was pretty amazing!

For more: www.cartaandwood.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 35

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

IN THE SPIRIT

FOREVER AND EVER, RAMEN

FoodCycle has launched in Cardiff

Grounds For Good – a Penarth-based business which collects waste coffee grounds from local cafés and repurposes them into sustainable products – has launched a new vodka, which has been vapour distilled over repurposed coffee grounds.

Nine months in the making, and perfected by the experts at Cardiff Distillery, the premium Welsh vodka has taste notes described as a creamy, velvety mocha. www.groundsforgood.co.uk

The cult Cardiff noodle wizards at Matsudai Ramen have confirmed the opening date for their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Matsudai Ramen at the Bank.

Following a five-month refurbishment of the former Natwest bank site in Grangetown, Matsudai founder James Chant will throw open the doors to his 70-cover ramen shop on 6 August.

“It’s mind-boggling to me that we’re about to open a restaurant – Wales’s first ramen shop – and in my hometown of Cardiff no less,” says James. www.matsudai.co.uk Wales’s first ramen shop is coming to Cardiff

PHOTO BY @L AURENJAJI _

Coffee vodka, don’t mind if we do

Koi is infused with modern and traditional Japanese influneces

KOI OH KOI!

A Japanese restaurant has opened inside Cardiff’s former Buffalo Bar on Windsor Place. Koi No Yokan – Koi for short – takes inspiration from Izakayas, a type of Japanese bar serving small dishes alongside drinks.

This is a new venture from Alex Taylor, the owner of Pennyroyal on High Street.

“I’m a huge fan of Japanese food, but also of – something which is less commonly known about – Japanese style, ethos and culture of bars and cocktails,” says Alex. “For me, there is a massive gap in the central Cardiff market for this style of Japanese food, outside of the better-known chains. We’re looking to provide ‘trashy delicious’.”

Instagram: @koicardiff

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

VOLUNTEER SEARCH

FOOD POVERTY PREVENTION

FoodCycle Cardiff is urgently looking to recruit volunteers. Flexible volunteer roles, without a minimum time commitment, are open to anyone.

FoodCycle, a charity that aims to make food poverty, loneliness and food waste a thing of the past for every community, has opened its doors in Cardiff.

This marks FoodCycle’s third Project in Wales in less than 12 months, having launched in Newport in 2021 and Swansea in May 2022.

Having opened at the end of July at the Wyndam Street Centre in Cardiff, the weekly free meal will provide great food and conversation every Wednesday at 6.30pm.

“We are thrilled to be introducing FoodCycle to the Cardiff community,” says FoodCycle South West regional manager Alex Hatherly. “As the rising cost of living continues to hit people across the country, including parents just coming into the school holidays, our service is more vital than ever and we look forward to providing a welcoming space and a nutritious, three-course meal to anyone who needs it, no questions asked.” www.foodcycle.org.uk

Ceri (Friends in Knead) and David (Pettigrew), a perfect pairing

JOINING FORCES

Pettigrew Bakeries – one of Cardiff’s most popular craft bakeries, based in Victoria Park – is merging with another local, artisan, family-run bakery business, Friends in Knead.

Staff from both businesses will continue under the Pettigrew name, offering the best of both bakeries, but now solely from the Pettigrew Bakeries brand.

Friends in Knead outlets on Moy Road in Roath and at Newport Market will switch over to Pettigrew branding; and its unit in Castle Arcade will become a stand-alone showcase for Pettigrew’s range of patisserie and its artisan entremet collection – which has become a core part of the bakery business since Bake Off: The Professionals 2021 winner Michael Coggan joined the team last year. www.pettigrew-bakeries.co.uk

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PHOTO BY WILL BARKER

FOOD

THREE THINGS I LOVED EATING AND DRINKING THIS MONTH…

1 2 3

Nook by the River’s heritage tomato fritters with aioli.

A mid-morning oat milk flat white from Little Man Coffee.

COMING UP…

MasterChef champion Tim Anderson will be popping up in Cardiff this autumn. Tickets to his collab with Matsudai Ramen will cost £50 per head, which includes a starter, ramen (a choice of three different bowls), and dessert, with help from Gareth Rees (@memoirsofabaker).Visit @matsudairamen on Instagram for more.

A nostalgic ‘99’ on the beach at Penarth Pier.

clockwise from top left: Wine at Kindle, one of the venues involved in the new Cardiff Wine Passport scheme; tomato fritters at Nook by the River; DEPOT in the Castle; outdoor cooking at Nook by the River; coffee at Little Man; the stretch tent at Nook by the River

NEW AND TASTY

S

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…

ummer is in full swing in our capital city; it’s also the time of the year when my job gives me more ‘pinch me’ moments than I can count. From watching the sun set on the banks of the Taff at the relaunched Nook by the River restaurant pop-up in Llandaff, to watching the stars come out as Craig David had the audience jumping at DEPOT in the Castle, this month has been filled with the kind of events which I could only have dreamed of a couple of years ago when there were still so many Covid restrictions in place. It’s lovely to sit back and realise how far we’ve come!

I’ve spent much of this month working on the launch of the Cardiff Wine Passport, a new way to discover – and support – some great independent restaurants and bars. Tasting my way around some of the city’s best wine haunts is a tough job, but in the name of quality control, someone had to do it! You can find out more about the Cardiff Wine Passport in this issue, on page 40 (@cdfwinepassport).

Speaking of wine bars, Cardiff’s getting a another one! Nighthawks – a new indie wine bar serving up charcuterie, grilled cheese and cocktails – will open in Castle Arcade on the former Greazy Vegan site (@nighthawkscardiff). With the guys at

Dusty’s Pizza throwing open the doors to their new pizzeria opposite very soon, Castle Arcade is becoming quite the eating and drinking destination (@dustys_pizza).

Finally, congrats to my local Pettigrew Bakeries who will be expanding their reach across the city, as part of a merge with another fabulous indie, Friends in Knead. The more people who have access to Pettigrew’s incredible Welshcakes the better! (@pettigrewbakes) – more on that on page 36.

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

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

ADVENTURES IN WINE

A new 18+ venture has launched in the city; the Cardiff Wine Passport will take you on a vino voyage around some of the best local bars and restaurants

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Photos by Will Barker

his summer, there’s a fun new way to explore some of Cardiff’s best-loved independent bars and restaurants, and to experience great wines. The Cardiff Wine Passport, a physical16-page keepsake booklet, will entitle each holder to claim a ‘wine flight’ (get it?) from bars and restaurants around the city centre.

Intrepid wine explorers will be able to claim a 175ml glass at each venue of their choice, earning stamps in their passport – available to buy now, and valid from 7 August. The independent businesses who are part of the sipping scheme include: • Bacareto: A Church Street café bar inspired by the bàcari of Venice.

• Curado Bar: A Spanish spot serving pintxos on Westgate Street.

• Kindle: A sustainability-focused outdoor-only restaurant, in Sophia Gardens, serving natural wines and food cooked over fire.

• Bar 44: A tapas bar in Westgate Street, offering seasonal small plates and sherry poured straight from the barrel.

• Daffodil: A modern gastro pub with a focus on Welsh produce, on Windsor Place.

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

• Gin & Juice: An all-day destination, in Castle Arcade, serving everything from breakfast to over 350 gins.

• Scaredy Cats: A café-bar, on Working Street, offering board games to play while you sip craft beer, coffee and wine.

• Vermut: A cosy bar, in Guildhall Place, which specialises in sherry, vermouth, and wines from Montilla-Moriles.

• Asador 44: A Spanish grill and wine house on Quay Street.

• Rum & Fizz: Bringing the spirit of NYC to the Welsh capital, in Castle Arcade.

• The Chilled & Tannin pop-up at Little Man Coffee: The coffee shop, on Bridge Street, will open late on Thursdays, curating a wine list especially for the passport.

The Passport has been created by wine lover and independent

FOOD & DRINK PR consultant Jane Cook – our very own Cardiff Life columnist – who is working with independent content producer Will Barker and local graphic design studio I Am Sam Creative to bring the project to life.

“The act of popping out for a quick glass of wine with friends, or colleagues after work, seems to have fallen away a bit since the pandemic,” says Jane. “I thought that this would be a fun and accessible way to bring that ritual back – and a great way to support some of the city centre’s best-loved indie businesses at the same time.”

The creation of the Cardiff Wine Passport has been supported by the FOR Cardiff City Ambition Fund, which was set up to help support external projects which contribute to the future of the city.

“Our City Ambition Fund was set up to help realise the ambitions of our 2021-26 business plan,” says Adrian Field at FOR Cardiff, “so we were delighted to fund the Cardiff Passport Project; it absolutely meets our objective of positively impacting multiple businesses’ recovery from Covid while positioning the city centre as a leisure and culture destination of choice.” n www.cardiffwinepassport.co.uk / @cdfwinepassport

CARDIFF WINE PASSPORT: THE DETAILS What is it: The Cardiff Wine Passport is a fun, unconventional way to explore some of Cardiff’s best-loved independent bars and restaurants. Spend six weeks swapping passport stamps for ‘wine flights’ at city-centre venues of your choice, and discover new places to sip and savour in the capital.

Cost: £25 Where to buy: You can purchase them online now (www.cardiff winepassport.co.uk). But there are only 1,500 passports for the first run, so be quick!

What you get: The Cardiff Wine Passport will offer a choice of two different wines at each venue; and, for an extra cost, passport holders can add a suggested food pairing, matching their vino with a seasonal small plate or bar snack.

Valid from: 7 August for six weeks (from Sunday to Thursday). opposite: The passports are for intrepid wine explorers only; opposite inset: A crisp

white at Daffodil on Windsor Place; above: Little Man Coffee on Bridge Street has curated a wine list especially for passport holders; below: Photographer Will Barker, Jane Cook (Cardiff Wine Passport founder) and Sam Phipps of I Am Sam Creative indulging in all-important taste tests at Cardiff’s Bacareto

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

Cardiff: 233 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9PP. E-mail: cardiff@valevetcentre.co.uk Phone: 02920 004007

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

Newport: Unit 1 & 2 East Market Street, Newport, NP20 2AY E-mail: newport@valevetcentre.co.uk Phone: 01633 927927

GROOMING SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE | EMAIL: GROOMERS@VALEVETCENTRE.CO.UK

cardiffnorth@bluebirdcare.co.uk

SCENE

AC ROSS C A R D I FF, O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E A quick speech from MediaClash’s (Cardiff Life magazine’s publisher) CEO, Greg Ingham

Louise Juniper, Clare Havard and Bethan Jones Gavin Vaughan-Evans, Hannah Waters and Annie Kelly

Stephanie Millard, Liz Mills and Barney Evans

Charlotte Vick, Sara Lewis and Maria Elias

CARDIFF LIFE MAGAZINE AT THE IVY

We held an exclusive, very special Sponsors’ Dinner at The Ivy Cardiff in July. We invited our Cardiff Life Awards and Cardiff Property Awards sponsors, as well as some of our fantastic clients, friends and senior business luminaries to join us for networking tipples and a wonderful meal. www.theivycardiff.com Photos by Owen Mathias Photography

Harriette Dixon, Jen Dugdale and Mark George

Sarah Clifford, Gemma Roberts and Caroline Tucker

Dominic Attard, Jessie Blain, David Quinn and Darryl Evans

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

SOCIETY

David Osterland, Steve Higgins, Anthony Barber and Dan Goulding Juliet Gamlin spoke about large-scale property plans in Cardiff

Esther Milardi, Mark George and James Thomas Jordan Chambers, Harriette Dixon, Annie Kelly, Greg Ingham and Kate Griffiths

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS LAUNCH

We hosted an early morning breakfast event at Cardiff Castle in July to mark the launch of the Cardiff Property Awards, coming up later this year. At the launch, we heard from Invest in Cardiff’s Juliet Gamlin, who talked our guests through the ambitious, large-scale regeneration projects in the Cardiff pipeline – from the Atlantic Wharf Masterplan, to include a new multi-purpose Arena; through to Central Quay and Canal Quarter, creating two new waterfront destinations for the city. Nominations are now open for the Cardiff Property Awards, which take place on 18 November at Cardiff’s Mercure Holland House Hotel. All are welcome to enter. www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk Juliet Gamlin and Luke Yeates-Mayo

Photos by Owen Mathias Photography

Oliver Morris, Sarah Price, Emily Thomas and Selina Crowburn

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

Caron Rockey, Tracey Horrigan and Ann Tudball

James Burgon and Jimmy Chan

Ifty Hassan, Geraint Worgan, Stacy Cain, Adam R. Harding and Oliver Price

Kelly Reardon-Brown, Matteo Cutrupi and Anthony Sanderson

Mateusz Wincz, Megan Harrington-John, Chelsea Clements, Kaylie Bunce, Sengagh Hill and Charlotte Cosker

Jack Robinson, Rob Gascoigne, Dan Porter and Nicolò Paolucci

FOR CARDIFF’S SUMMER EVENT

In mid-July, FOR Cardiff – the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) – held a summer networking evening at the Clayton Hotel Cardiff. Guests – mainly individuals from city centre businesses – joined the FOR Cardiff team and its board of directors for drinks, canapés and a good old fashioned networking session. www.forcardiff.com Noman Qaisar, Rick Yale and Tim Waters Carolyn Brownell, Tatiana Bunina and Cliff Vanstone

Photos by Huw John

Darwin Alford and Sophie Puet Kayleigh Davies-Lewis and Abbie Toms

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

Peaceful and compassionate Home Euthanasia in Cardi�f and surrounding areas

HOW CAN WE HELP? Contact us on: 07496 966205 | info@hensolvets.com facebook.com/hensolvets

www.hensolvets.com

“Both Maya and Ivan were so respectful of our beloved hound. �eir care and love for dogs was palpable. �e procedure was explained excellently so we knew what to expect. It is a di�ficult decision but to have Maya and Ivan show such care and such gentleness was lovely.” KH

We also o�fer other veterinary services, such as;

CONSULTATIONS | VACCINATIONS | MICROCHIPPING PREVENTATIVE CARE | MEDICATION RECHECK | SURGERIES No hidden or extra fees are charged for home visit service. �e fees are all inclusive except for any additional medication, service or intervention if or where needed.

SOCIETY

Wayne Courtney, Nathan Wyburn, Anna Li, Jay Page, Kelly Reardon-Brown and Rob Toogood

Charlotte Cosker

Dewi Harries and Mariusz Borkowski

Hannah Clark and Becky Jones

VISIT CARDIFF NETWORK

Leisure businesses across the city enjoyed the Visit Cardiff Network (VCN) event at the start of July. Beginning in The Senedd with presentations from the National Assembly visitor experience team, BBC Tours Central Square and Cardiff Council, it was followed by a relaxing opportunity to network with a backdrop of the thriving Cardiff Food and Drink Festival. www.visitcardiff.com Photos by Ian Fernando

Ben Browne and Gemma Simons

Georgina Kilgour and Holly Price Martina Fraser and Carys Davies

Louise O’Hanlon, Ieuan Bater, Sian Prosser, and Aran Scarrott www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 47

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

BY DESIGN Studio Severn is an interior and brand design business behind some of the top venues in its home town of Cardiff; here we take a look at a handful of them…

PHOTO BY MARC BENNET T-JONES AT STUDIO LOOP

Sophie and Paul at the Studio Severn office

PROPERTY

C

ool, slick, chic and edgy interior design is what Cardiff’s Studio Severn is known for. Even if you haven’t heard of the business, you’ll have most likely spotted their work in some of the city’s top venues.

Studio Severn is responsible for the striking décor at local hospitality hotspots such as Par59, Wales legend Gareth Bale’s and DEPOT’s mini-golf bar on St.Mary’s street; Brother Thai, the popular street food vendor turned restaurant where you always have to move fast to grab a booking, on Whitchurch Road; the famous Joe’s Ice Cream, which is celebrating its centenary year with an interior overhaul of all its parlours around Wales, including its Cardiff spot; and UISCE, the sister company to Heaneys, that operates as a wine and oyster bar, in Pontcanna.

Studio Severn also beautified The Studio – one of the most exclusive private members gym in Wales, and, a little further afield, they’ve worked their magic in Y Seler, a luxurious hospitality project and boutique hotel in Aberaeron.

Lead designers Sophie Pascoe, founder, and Paul Vernon, director, were both born and raised in Cardiff and run their boutique design agency from their studio based next to Park Side Coffee in Heath, which Sophie also owns. Park Side, which they designed (of course) has become a coffee hub in Cardiff and now also features Ballers – Park Side’s Neapolitan-style pizza van parked outside.

Now based in the city after having spent years in London building up a strong portfolio, Studio Severn work with some of the top hospitality, luxury residential and retail brands nationally, as well as working extensively in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Studio Severn, Park Side, Anthony Road, Cardiff; www.studioseverndesign.com

clockwise from above: The Studio; Brother Thai; Par 59; UISCE

SPOTLIGHT ON STUDIO SEVERN’S NEWEST PROJECT, UISCE: “When Tommy Heaney asked us to have a look at ‘a bit of work’ he wanted to have done at UISCE, we obviously jumped at the chance,” says Sophie. “His humbleness soon became very evident, as did the opportunity to create something very exciting with the space. We wanted to bring something ‘wow’, something that would get people talking.

“Having made plans to extend the site and increase the footprint, we were tasked with giving the space a new look and feel, to include a larger bar area, bar lounge

and feature wine room. With a connection to Heaneys, the scheme is sympathetic to its neighbouring interior, however we injected a slightly more laid back, playful approach – a sense of luxe through soft furnishings, set against the backdrop of a serious wine display. A space you could easily lose an evening.

“Alongside UISCE, we’ve also developed a new design for Heaneys’ front terrace. The space offers a relaxed feel with a mix of dining and lounge seating, set among feature planting and an olive tree centrepiece. This is a dream client.”

Both UISCE and Heaneys’ new looks will be unveiled in a matter of weeks from the time of writing.

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

EDUCATION H I G H L I G H T S F R O M C A R D I F F ’ S E D U C AT I O N S E C T O R

THAT’LL TEACH YOU

The winners together after success at The Coal Exchange, Cardiff

The best in Welsh education have been revealed at the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru

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wenty-nine finalists – from schools in Penarth, the Vale, Barry, Ponyclun, Caerphilly and across Wales – were invited to celebrate excellence in education at the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru in July.

The Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, revealed the 10 winners at a ceremony at The Coal Exchange in Cardiff. Let’s meet them…

1

BETTY CAMPBELL MBE AWARD

Winner: Llanwern High School, Newport.

This year saw the introduction of the new Betty Campbell MBE Award for promoting the contributions and perspectives of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, in honour of the late Cardiff-born Betty Campbell – Wales’s first Black headteacher, who taught in Butetown.

“We are incredibly proud to gain recognition for the work we are doing to make an inclusive school,” says Tracey Jarvis, headteacher at Llanwern. “It is thanks to our staff, governors,

learners, parents and carers for their commitment to celebrate diversity that it is now intrinsically embedded in our day-today culture.”

WORK IN SCHOOLS 6YOUTH AND THE COMMUNITY AWARD

NEW 2OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD

OF THE YEAR IN A 7TEACHER SECONDARY SCHOOL AWARD

OF THE YEAR IN 3TEACHER A PRIMARY SCHOOL AWARD

BUSINESS MANAGER/ 8SCHOOL BURSAR AWARD

USE OF THE 4INSPIRATIONAL WELSH LANGUAGE AWARD

OF THE 9HEADTEACHER YEAR AWARD

TEACHERS AND LEARNERS AWARD 5SUPPORTING

AWARD FOR BEST TEACHER 10PUPILS’

Winner: Holly Gordon at Ysgol Bryn Derw, ASD Special School, Newport.

Winner: Charmaine Riley, Radyr Primary School, Radyr.

Winner: Iona Llŷr, Education and Children’s Services, Carmarthenshire County Council.

Winner: Carolyn Platt, Ysgol Bryn Elian, Colwyn Bay.

Winner: Christian Williams, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Caerphilly.

Winner: Mark Morgan, Pen y Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil.

Winner: Claire Coakley, St Martin’s School, Caerphilly.

Winner: Meurig Jones, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Maesteg.

Winner: Laura Buffee, Haverfordwest High VC School, Haverfordwest.

For more: www.gov.wales

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

MATERNITY MATTERS Sarah Alford of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS addresses some key questions relating to pregnancy and maternity...

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aternity leave is one of the most significant points of uncertainty and concern for pregnant women in the workplace. Many worry that maternity leave may put them on a backfoot for promotions and potentially place them in the line of fire should redundancy cuts be made.

Can I be made redundant during maternity leave?

You cannot be made redundant by reason of your pregnancy or maternity. If no suitable alternative role is available within the business, you can lawfully be made redundant provided that the reason for the redundancy is not connected to your pregnancy or maternity leave.

Does my employer have to consider me for a promotion if I am on maternity leave?

Yes, a failure to do so by your employer could amount to maternity or sex discrimination.

Do I have the right to return to the same job after maternity leave ends?

If your maternity leave lasts six months or less,

you will have the right to return to the same job, with the same terms and conditions. However, if you take more than six months’ maternity leave, you could be offered a similar job rather than come back to the same job, providing that the new role will be on terms no less favourable than the terms of the previous role and only if it is not reasonably practicable for you to return to the same job.

Sarah Alford

Can I take paid time off for antenatal care before my maternity leave starts?

Yes, you have the right to paid time off for antenatal care recommended by a GP, registered midwife or health visitor. Note that aside from your first antenatal appointment, your employer may ask you to provide evidence of antenatal appointments.

a private space for an employee to express breastmilk at work.

Practically, employees may wish to consider asking for regular check-ins, additional support from support staff, flexible hours or hybrid working, space to facilitate breastfeeding and a consistent open dialogue surrounding your needs with your employer. n

What can my employer do to help ease me back into work after maternity?

Your employer should strive for best practice in supporting your return from maternity leave.

Recent case law has also shown that it can be sex discrimination if an employer fails to provide

Please contact us if you would like more information at 029 2034 5511 or employment@berrysmith.com

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC CHANGE OF HANDS

Facilities management company MSS Group, headquartered in Cardiff, has been snapped up by RSK. MSS Group’s 600-strong workforce operates primarily in highly regulated and frequently hazardous environments and provides industrial and commercial cleaning, waste management, asbestos removal, water treatment and more.

The acquisition is set to expand MSS’ market, both nationally and on a global scale, following a record-breaking year. www.rskgroup.com

clockwise from top left: An interactive experience will

soon bring Cardiff’s Animal Wall to life; explore the Cardiff Bookshop Map; the City Ambition Fund is a first for Cardiff; Jack Skivens’ Night of the Animal Wall project has secured funding; centre: Cardiff Cargo Bikes will encourage a shift to more sustainable transport options

PACK IT IN

Transcend Packaging, a Caerphilly-based sustainable packaging firm, has entered a multi-million-pound partnership with US-headquartered Zume. The duo will now build one of the largest moulded fibre production facilities in Europe, with the aim of saving billions of pieces of singleuse plastic from landfill. The new facility, opening in mid-2023, with location TBC, will initially produce 500 million units of moulded fibre ‘snap lids’ for hot drinks. www.transcendpackaging.com

POWERFUL PLATFORM

Careercake, a Cardiff-based learning platform which aims to empower career success, has been acquired by SocialTalent – an organisation dedicated to hiring and talent management. www.socialtalent.com

MILESTONE MOMENT

Insurance, risk and wealth management group The Thomas Carroll Group, which has offices across Wales, has had a record financial year, with turnover topping £12m and profit in excess of £2m for the first time in the business’s 50-year history. www.thomascarroll.co.uk

AND ACTION!

4Wood – a Cardiff-based TV and film set design and build business whose customer base includes Netflix, Disney+ and the BBC – has seen Connection Capital complete a £6.4m investment in the management buyout (MBO) of 4Wood. As part of the transaction, executive chairman Chris Higgs, and non-executive director Travis Baxter will join the board to help drive the growth of the business. www.4wood.tv

FUND AND GAMES This year, FOR Cardiff (the city’s business improvement district) opened the City Ambition Fund for the first time. The new scheme allowed people, businesses, and organisations to apply for funds to bring experience-enhancing projects to the city. FOR Cardiff have now announced the first round of successfully funded projects: • Cardiff Wine Passport – offering a novel way for people to discover independent, city-centre venues serving great wines (for more, see page 40).

• Food Cardiff – showcasing the city centre businesses making Cardiff’s food scene even more sustainable.

• Winding Snake – a new short documentary film from award-winning Cardiff-based filmmakers focusing on the Welsh Ballroom Community.

• Cardiff Bookshop Map – exploring Cardiff’s independent bookshops and reading rooms by mapping their buildings and tracing the associations that emanate from them.

• Theatr Iolo, HOOF! – a magical outdoor show for all the family coming to Hills Street (16 –18 August).

• Cardiff Cargo Bikes – introducing local businesses to the opportunities presented by Cargo Bikes and helping encourage a shift to more sustainable transport options.

• Night of the Animal Wall by Jack Skivens – an interactive experience combining a city centre trail and the tale of the creatures of Cardiff’s Animal Wall coming to life.

• Legacy in the Community – the funding of a research project as a part of the City 4 All initiative, identifying ways to make Cardiff more accessible for its residents, visitors, and business community.

• Cardiff Street Pastors – additional funding to train new volunteers to support vulnerable people in Cardiff’s evening and night time economy.

• The Clayton Hotel – working in partnership with other businesses in the area to deliver additional improvements to the public realm.

The City Ambition Fund will continue to open to general applications at least once a year. If you’re keen, email info@forcardiff.com and ask to be added to the interested parties list.

For more: www.forcardiff.com

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

© TONY AT TILE, BL ACK INK PHOTOGRAPHIC

LEFT TO RIGHT: Phil Harrison, Georgia Stewart and Levi Roots

The future is unwritten

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One of the freshest new conference and networking events, EntreConf returned in June with a day packed full of insights, stimulation and inspiration

he challenges involved in funding; the need to close the gender gap (and how to make it happen); the wish for sustainability in financial planning; how best to grow your business; how to devise a good exit strategy – these were just some of the topics tackled by our panel of experts at the latest EntreConf, which was held online in order to reach the maximum number of businesses.

The day-long event offered a series of dynamic, insight-packed talks, designed to inspire the sector while bringing together some of the most exciting companies of our time to share their opinions and experience. Tech giants and innovators, strategists, business leaders and creatives all joined us to talk about their philosophies, their backgrounds, and their plans for the future, as well as dispensing invaluable advice.

As well as the three starry keynote speakers, the day involved two panel discussions and three expert insight talks, all interspersed with networking opportunities.

There was also the unveiling of the EntreLeague: a list of the region’s leading entrepreneurial businesses, as chosen by a panel of experts (see page 56).

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

THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

PHIL HARRISON The VP and GM for Google has been at the forefront of the games industry as a creator, developer, investor and executive for more than 35 years. Phil formerly ran Xbox games development for Microsoft, and was president of Sony’s PlayStation games studios worldwide.

“I think every entrepreneur shares many amazing characteristics that are common to

“MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN YOUR TEAM CAN DO YOUR VERSION OF THE FIVESECOND, FIVE-MINUTE AND FIFTY-MINUTE PITCH” anyone who is a risk-taker, and who has that determination and vision and tenacity to follow through,” Phil said.

And success, he added, isn’t necessarily driven through the desire for financial gain. “It’s often driven by an ethos of, ‘I want to change the world… I want to change my piece of it’.”

Speaking about those who have inspired him, Phil revealed he was once lucky enough to spend a few hours with Steve Jobs.

“I thought he was challenging, but I could see his single-minded vision coming through in that conversation. It was not an easy conversation, but it definitely resonated, and I could see how he had achieved everything he had.”

Phil’s advice to any entrepreneur steering a company is to “be crystal clear on what you are building and for whom, and make sure that every member of your team, whether you have five people or 500 people, knows that vision.” And the key to that? “Over-communicate: make sure everyone in the team can do your version of the five-second, five-minute and fifty-minute pitch.”

GEORGIA STEWART Georgia is CEO of Tumelo, a company that gives investors and pension members visibility of the companies they are invested in, and a shareholder voice on the environmental and social issues those companies are facing. Her experience across the sustainable investment sector includes equity investment analysis at Jupiter, cleantech venture capital at IP Group and conservation projects at Fauna and Flora International.

Georgia’s journey started at Cambridge University. “Like so many other universities, it has a big pot of money, an endowment, invested in the stock market. But like many other investors,

CARDIFFWORKS

it has very little transparency about where that money is actually invested, or which companies are actually being invested in. It had very little voice over how those companies were being run, even though theoretically they are owners of these companies.”

This entangled world of shareholders ownership and stewardship inspired Georgia to set up Tumelo. “It’s what made me passionate about this idea: if you could get investors to be more responsive, then you could drive change.”

LEVI ROOTS A businessman, food writer and musician, and currently chair of St Paul’s Carnival, Levi found national fame in 2007 when he appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, pitching the Dragons the Reggae Reggae Sauce he’d been selling at food fairs and carnivals for 16 years. And yes, he clinched the deal; you can still watch him charming the room on YouTube.

His breakthrough business moment came about through a stroke of luck: a BBC researcher sampled his sauce, and he was invited on to Dragon’s Den. “I always loved a challenge, and I wanted to overcome this challenge,” he said.

On the show, two Dragons said they were prepared to invest £50,000 for 40 per cent of the business. One, Richard Farleigh, Levi believes, invested in the sauce, the other, Peter Jones,

invested in him – a huge confidence boost for this budding entrepreneur.

The first major order came in, from Justin King from Sainsbury’s. “That was the moment that I knew this was going to be something amazing.” The news came back fairly soon that Reggae Reggae Sauce was outselling Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

Levi told us that his mentoring by Peter Jones had been key in his financial success. Another plus has been the fact that he has become the public face of the company; the person branding. He is aware that this strategy won’t work for everyone, but for Levi it has worked extraordinarily well.

He also added: “Anybody can be an entrepreneur…”

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

PANEL 1: FUNDING With Claire Ladkin, All About the Cooks; Nick Hounsfield, The Wave; Richard Spilsbury, Link Stone Advisory; Roger Saul, Sharpham Park.

Wise words: “Whenever you bring funds in, you have to understand that while you are captain of the ship, it is now owned by a number of people. You’re there to guide it, but it isn’t yours. It’s now everybody’s. I think that’s a vital lesson” – Roger Saul.

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Richard Spilsbury, Claire Ladkin, Roger Saul; MIDDLE ROW: Nick Hounsfield,

Leanne Olivier, Alison Ettridge; BOTTOM ROW: Claudia May, Elly Rowley, Jane Ellis-Brush

EXPERT INSIGHTS

WE ALSO HEARD FROM: EXIT PLANNING

Dominic Davis and Julie Book of Burges Salmon

SUSTAINABILITY & PHILANTHROPHY IN FINANCIAL PLANNING

Duncan MacIntyre, Florence Kiss, Maximilian Martin of Lombard Odier

THE ENTREPRENEUR’S GAME PLAN Dimo Dimov, University of Bath School of Management

“One of the advantages of crowdfunding is that it doesn’t come with a lot of interventions from the investor. However, it’s quite a fickle market, depending on the sector; crowdfunding is best suited for consumer businesses” – Richard Spilsbury.

PANEL 2: THE OPPORTUNITY GAP (AND HOW TO FILL IT) With Leanne Olivier, The Female Edge; Alison Ettridge, Stratigens; Claudia May, Storm Consultancy; Elly Rowley, NatWest; Jane Ellis-Brush, University of Bath’s School of Management.

Wise words: “The greater diversity of entrepreneurs and business leaders, the greater and more positive impact we have on our business eco system in the UK” – Leanne Olivier.

“In 2019, £250b could have been added to the UK economy if female-led businesses had grown as the same rate as men’s. In the last year, 140k new female-led business were founded; so plenty of progress has been made, but there’s much to do” – Ellie Rowley.

“Women still undersell themselves. We need to be really strong and confident about what we can bring. There’s a difference between resilience and bloody-mindedness; noting the difference is important” – Alison Ettridge.

“Build your network and keep asking for support; be persistent – keep on until you get a response” – Jane Ellis-Brush.

For more entreconf.com

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FAMILY BUSINESS

Passing on legacies through the generations, trying not to talk shop at the dinner table, and winding each other up constantly – local families reflect on what it’s like to be in business together

By Lisa Evans

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 59

FAMILY BUSINESS

H

owever much we adore them, being in business with our loved ones – be that a significant other, a parent or a sibling – would be too much for some of us. But here to prove that it can be done, and be done well, are six local families with six inspiring stories.

VINTAGE TEA & COFFEE CO LTD

The Barker family is known for its local businesses which fall under the Vintage Tea & Coffee Co Ltd brand. It operates: Gin & Juice, Rum & Fizz and Coffee Barker in Castle Arcade, and it’s soon to open Maison Entrecôte Chez Barker in the arcade later this year. Husband and wife owners Stephen and Charlotte Barker took over from Stephen’s parents, and they work together with their sons, Kurtis and Kane, to keep the journey going.

Back to the beginning…

Robert and Kay Barker opened their first fashion boutique in 1970 in Blackwood; it was a tiny corner unit on a back street, which rapidly expanded to a large shop on the town’s main high street.

They went on to open eight more fashion shops throughout the South Wales valleys, launching a Barker Clothing in Cardiff in 1982 at the front corner of Castle Arcade, where the Barker family still trade to this day.

Over the years, the Barker fashion shops sold everything from platform shoes to flares to clothing for the Northern Soul movement, disco, punk, and the Mod revival. In the 80s, it was New Romantics, football casuals and designer brands. There were also the Barker Baggies, the first garment designed by Stephen Barker who started working as a Saturday boy in the mid 80s.

Importing vintage Levi 501s directly from California became a vast

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

above: Gin & Juice in Cardiff; below: Brothers Kurtis and Kane Barker have nurtured the Vintage Tea & Coffee Co’s expansion; inset: The Barker family

left: Andy and Rhys Mallows;

inset: Laura Mallows with her

dad, Andy, and her little one, Arabelle

part of the business in the 90s; and in the 2000s, the family started to build their clothing brands, designed in Wales and imported from India and the Far East, leading to a new growth phase of supplying the best British retailers, such as Selfridges.

After decades of prosperity in the fashion industry, change was on the horizon. The commercial landscape had begun to shift with internet retailing taking customers away from the high street. Robert and Kay took the opportunity to retire after over 40 years on the front line of fashion, and Stephen, along with Charlotte, realised a long-held ambition to own an espresso bar.

Coffee Barker opened in 2010 with a small espresso machine and a dozen seats. “The idea was it would serve the customers of the clothing store at Castle Arcade,” says Stephen, “a nice complement to the fashion store. It would be nothing more.”

However, it rapidly became evident the coffee bar was busy all day every day, and the clothing store was fading. The evolution was inevitable.

“Coffee Barker devoured the clothing store over the next few years, consuming all of the space to now boast a capacity of 200 chairs with a busy, buzzy vibe seven days of the week” says Stephen. “The family business had completely transferred to hospitality by 2015, and the expansion has been relentless ever since.”

The next generation of Barkers joined when Gin & Juice and Rum & Fizz opened; Kurtis and Kane, Charlotte and Stephen’s sons, have nurtured the company’s sustained expansion.

“They have become experts in customer experience, spirits, cocktails and mixology,” says Charlotte. “Their ability to manage new openings and work with people is exemplary, and with the number of valued employees now over 150, that’s an essential skill.”

secret sauce, which enables us to have the very best ingredients and offer excellent value too.”

“The ambience will be candlelit, with soft French music with beautiful Parisian cocktails,” adds Charlotte. “Wines will be imported from France too.”

The family dynamic…

“The best thing about being family-run is you share success and have so much to talk about around the dinner table,” says Stephen. “We are lucky there is a vast spread of work. That means each of us can own several elements. Failure is shared too. That sounds horrible, but a problem shared, as they say. The worst thing is you can’t shield the family from the difficulties, but then that’s an opportunity to face problems together and grow. I would not have it any other way.” www.ginandjuice.com

“Failure is shared too.

That sounds horrible, but a problem shared, as they say”

The newest Barker venture…

“We will open Maison Entrecôte Chez Barker in the autumn in Cardiff,” says Stephen. “We will create a romantic Parisian restaurant inspired by the little bistros of the French capital. Delightfully timeless and charming, it will be a restaurant where our guests can enjoy a special occasion, a shopping lunch, or just a lovely supper. We will also welcome business lunches and pre and post-theatre guests. The menu has one focus: Entrcôte Steak with classic French fries served with our

MALLOWS BOTTLING

Andy and Rhys Mallows are a father-son duo based in Cowbridge. Together they are joint MDs of Mallows Bottling, a family distillery in Tonyrefail. And, around the corner, in Pontyclun, is the base for Mallows Beauty, a skincare brand owned by Andy’s daughter Laura and her fiancé, Ronnie.

The background…

Andy and Rhys started working together in 2017, in Holland, managing a large-scale bottler. They turned the business from making a £3.1M loss to breaking even before returning home to establish Hensol Castle Distillery, in Pontyclun, as part of a joint venture with Leekes and Vale Resort. “We took the business to its capacity and sold out,” says Andy. “We then established Mallows Bottling with the aim of being a leading alcoholic and soft drinks producer in the UK. “Mallows Beauty is based around the corner from us and is owned by my daughter and her partner; I’m so very proud of what they are doing and what they have achieved. Laura hit upon hand sanitiser and developed a sales network. She then, as all daughters, nagged the life out of me, and Rhys, to make it for her. In all fairness, her and Ronnie came into the distillery and helped produce the product.”

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FAMILY BUSINESS

The Laing family

The work-life balance…

“When you run your own business it’s all encompassing,” says Andy.

“We find it very hard not to talk about Mallows Bottling or Mallows Beauty over the dinner table or at family events. Even on Christmas Day we will end up talking about the businesses. Kathryn, my wife, is continually stopping us and redirecting the focus onto family life.”

The family dynamic…

“I love working with Rhys,” says Andy. “Seeing him grow and develop is so worthwhile. I am not so sure that Rhys enjoys working with me, as I can be a little eccentric and have too many ideas, so he keeps me on the straight and narrow. There are no negatives. I admire Rhys’s intelligence, financial understanding and ability to pick things up so quickly. I have asked Rhys what he admirers about me, but I am still waiting.”

“We can produce 40,000 bottles an hour, or 75,000,000 per year.” www.mallowsbeverages.com The prestigious jewellers – which you’ll find a branch of in St David’s, Cardiff – has over 180 years’ experience and is now the largest independent family-run jewellers in the UK. Now in the hands of the sixth generation of the Laing family, Stuart Laing is the executive

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

PHOTO BY OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGR APHY

Back to the beginning…

Laings began its story in 1840 in Glasgow. Its founding father, James Laing, found his inspiration at the heart of industry in Scotland, a place where the craftsmanship that still defines the business came to the forefront. He supplied the Clydebuilt ships with timepieces and precision instruments and was appointed by the Admiralty and Clyde Port Authority as the official clockmaker. The business soon expanded into retail, becoming the jeweller of choice for the Victorian gentry.

“One of my earliest memories is walking into our showroom on my dad’s shoulders”

Fun fact…

LAINGS

chairman, his daughter Wendy sits on the board of directors, Wendy’s husband Joe acts as CEO, and Stuart’s Nephew Richard is sales director.

The business now…

“We have stores in Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Southampton, bringing the luxury of Laings across the UK,” says Stuart Laing OBE. “I also founded the Houlden Group in 1975, offering buying, marketing and training to the members of this premium consortium of luxury independent jewellers, as well as creating the Jewellers of Excellence brand, which is a hallmark of trust within the industry.”

The family history…

“We are now the sixth generation of the family, with every generation before us having left their mark on the business, innovating and growing as we have moved through the centuries,” says Richard Laing.

All together now…

“When it is a family business, you find that it is in your blood,” says Richard. “One of my earliest memories is walking into our showroom on my dad’s shoulders. I remember being told that family business is all or nothing, and it becomes an important part of who you are. I think this demonstrates our commitment to Laings and the legacy that we have inherited. For me, being part of Laings is something that I can enjoy every single day, with everyone in the family striving for the same goals. We do all still make time for dinners and trips together, with laughter being the perfect antidote to any of life’s stresses.”

“It’s amazing to be able to work with family every day,” says Wendy Laing. “We are incredibly lucky to have such a rich history to pull from, and working together to continue this legacy is such a privilege. With such an influential heritage, we are all perfectionists, and this can make things difficult. With a business so close to our hearts, we strive for excellence in everything we do.”

Fun fact…

“In 1986, Laings designed the Commonwealth Games Baton,” says Richard. “My father, Michael Laing, was inspired by Greek mythology and combined this creative vision with materials from Scotland. This resulted in an amazing piece of craft that carried the Queen’s message and was adorned with a rare Scottish jasper gemstone. You can still see the baton at the National Museum of Scotland.”

What’s new…

They recently opened the doors to their newly expanded showroom in Cardiff, trebling the size of the previous store. In Cardiff, they’ve also opened the doors to OMEGA’s first mono-brand showroom in Wales,

created in partnership with the luxury Swiss brand. www.laingsuk.com

MILKWOOD

Milkwood, a neighbourhood café and restaurant in Pontcanna, is owned and run by husband and wife Tom and Cerys Furlong and Cerys’s brother-in-law Gwyn Myring. They also run The Lansdowne Pub in Canton, and The Grange Pub in Grangetown.

The backstory…

They first met back in 2006 when Tom and Gwyn were both chefs at Cibo in Pontcanna. Before they all had children, they used to spend evenings after service dreaming up their perfect restaurants and hatching plans to open them.

“In 2011 we opened The Potted Pig,” says Cerys. “Two Porro restaurants and a pub, The Lansdowne, quickly followed suit before we decided to focus our efforts on our three core businesses, which is where we remain today, with both The Grange and Milkwood opening in 2017 [joining The Lansdowne as the chosen three].”

“Milkwood brought us full circle to the place that we first met, as it’s on the site of the former Cibo restaurant.”

Peaks and troughs…

A business partnership developed over so many years means the trio has inevitably been through ups and downs at times. But they also instinctively know each other’s strengths and have supported each

PHOTO BY OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGR APHY

below: Milkwood’s Tom, Cerys and Gwyn; inset: Milkwood in Pontcanna

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above: Stephen Leeke (left) and brother Chris Leeke (right) with finiancial director Mike Fowler (centre); inset: The Leekes family run Hensol Castle Distilllery as part of their vast portfolio

other through personal and professional highs and lows over 15 years. “Working in equal partnership, we value everyone’s contribution,” says Cerys, “and most importantly we still have a laugh and enjoy downtime outside of work.”

Spreading the love…

“I am in awe of Tom and Gwyn’s creativity and determination,” says Cerys. “They are both self-taught chefs and they are constantly challenging themselves. It takes a lot of hard work and resilience to stay in the game this long. I’m so proud of what we have done with the pubs; in a challenging part of the industry, we have shown there is still a space for authentic, independently run boozers that serve great beer and food and add value to local communities – that is rare.” www.milkwoodcardiff.com

LEEKES RETAIL AND LEISURE GROUP

Starting life as a blacksmith business run from a terraced house, Leekes, run by the Leekes family, is now a firm with multiple homeware stores, a renowned hotel resort, a fairy-tale wedding castle and a distillery.

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

Back to the beginning…

“The business was started in 1897 as a blacksmith in Tonypandy in the Rhondda Valley, trading from my great grandfather’s terraced house,” says Chris Leeke, a managing director within the firm. “It developed into an ironmonger and building supplies business, and in 1977, my father, Gerald Leeke OBE, opened the first Leekes superstore in Llantrisant, selling everything from building supplies to kitchens, bathrooms and furniture. The retail business has continued to grow through the years and now trades out of seven stores across Wales, the west of England and the midlands.”

The expansion…

“In 1994, my father was approached by a team of local entrepreneurs who were looking to develop a local golf course,” says Chris. “The site was developed into the 650-acre Vale Resort which has two golf courses, a 143-bedroom hotel, a leisure club and spa and worldclass sporting facilities, resulting in us becoming the official hotel and training venue to CCFC, FAW and the WRU as well as hosting the British Lions four times, Juventus, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester Utd. “In 2003, we purchased the 17th century Hensol Castle site, adjacent to the Vale Resort and last used as NHS psychiatric hospital.

We redeveloped the beautiful stone, former ward, buildings into 58 luxury apartments and

“Having grown up together we know how to wind each other up”

FAMILY BUSINESS renovated the castle into a wedding and conference facility with 23 hotel rooms.

“The Castle is also home to Hensol Castle Distillery where we make our award-winning range of gins and offer visitor centre experiences, including a gin school where visitors can learn the making process and make their own bespoke gin.”

Family affair…

“My father is still group chairman, my brother Stephen is MD of the Vale resort, my sister Emma is MD of Leekes retail, and my sister Joanna is merchandising and buying director at Leekes,” says Chris.

“Two cousins also have senior positions in the business, and my aunt and uncle remain involved in the business. It’s also good to see several of my nieces and nephews now starting to work in their school and university holidays in a variety of roles across both the retail and hospitality businesses; it’s great to see a fourth generation taking an interest.”

Balancing act…

“Despite working together all week, we all remain very close and we often spend time together socially – whether it’s a BBQ on the weekend, going to the rugby or going on holiday together,” says Chris.

“The best thing about working with your family is knowing that you have absolute commitment from each other to do the best for

the business and each other. My dad brought us up with a strong work ethic and it’s good to know that the one thing you can always rely on is that everyone will give 100 per cent.

“The last few years of the pandemic made this all the more clear; with the first lockdown, we went overnight from having over 1,000 members of staff working every day to the family and a handful of the wider senior team having to step up.

“It’s difficult to say what the worst thing is about working together, but having grown up together we know how to wind each other up, and that can bring some challenges in a professional environment!” www.hensolcastledistillery.com

LOVE LIVE LIGHT HEALING HUB

Partners Tess Alonzi and Rico Zulkarnain – billed as the UK’s most successful futsal player – run this Pontcanna-based wellness centre which focuses on holistic healing techniques and self-care, promoting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. They also run FTSL Futsal Club in Wales, offering a youth academy and senior men’s leagues. They also manage and run Rico’s personal athlete profile. And in the past, they’ve headed up street soccer events across the UK, as well as a music and media company.

The backstory…

The idea for Love Live Light Healing Hub first began on a spiritual trip to Bali for Tess and Rico. Professional athlete Rico had a career-threatening injury and they tried almost every healing modality on offer at the time. Travelling planted the seed to bring everything they experienced back to Pontcanna one day.

below: Rico and Tess at Love Light Healing Hub; inset: Inside the Healing Hub

What’s on offer…

It’s a wellness wonderland featuring health treatments such as infrared saunas, guided meditation, evening yoga classes, sound therapy and monthly wellness social events, as well as a daytime health-focused café.

“With some extensive research, we partnered with almost 200 health brands and businesses trying out some of the world’s most advanced wellness therapies, devices, food and drink products,” says Rico.

The family dynamic…

“In all honesty, working together is the area we must focus on improving most,” says Rico. “We need to schedule more rest days, as even on our days off we continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes.

We find it really difficult to switch off being so passionate about making sure we are giving our very best for everyone at all times.”

Lessons in love and labour

The couple has learned a thing or two from each other; “I’ve taught Tess to not take on other people’s emotions, as Tess can find herself affected by what other people are experiencing without knowing anything about them,” says Rico. “And Tess has taught me the importance of treating everyone that comes into hub like they are kings and queens.” It’s a lesson, Tess says, passed on to her by her father, who owned an Italian restaurant for 30 years.

Fun fact…

“Neither of us have any hospitality experience and we’ve never worked in a café or spa, yet here we are totally winging it and doing an amazing job if we do say so ourselves,” say Rico. “We’re completely honest about this and we often joke with our customers and clients, as people think we’ve been established for years with how well everything is flowing.” n www.lovelivelighthealinghub.com

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CARDIFF LIVES

“I’ve paid out £2.8 billion over the years” gnomes, or waving them outside the window, it was most unusual!

I like getting out to people’s houses; some winners have had some unique places where they have kept their winning tickets safe. One winner hid their ticket in their snake tank! They even asked me to grab the ticket – no chance!

Once the ticket has been fully validated, the money is paid into the winner’s bank, usually within 48 hours. This is when we usually talk to winners about whether they want to go public with their win or if they want to remain anonymous.

ANDY CARTER

If Andy Carter knocks on your door, you know it’s going to be a good day.

He’s the man who’ll visit you if you win big on The National Lottery in Wales Andy, senior winners’ advisor at The National Lottery, travels across Wales to pay out huge winnings. As well as the all-important task of validating winning tickets and holding the hands of new winners as they go through the process and beyond, Andy has been part of countless life-changing moments and seen first-hand every possible reaction and emotion. Let’s chat…

Your job sounds epic, Andy!

Do you enjoy it?

It is a great job to be able to give such seriously life-changing news. I have seen people cry, jump around, break down in tears and pretty much everything in between. As you can imagine, it’s very emotional to hear you have won hundreds of thousands, or even hundreds of millions of

pounds! I have paid out £2.8 billion over the years.

So when a ticket-holder wins big, what happens after that?

It’s a lot easier than you might think. If you’ve won, firstly sign the back of your ticket and then you need to call the National Lottery Line (the number is on the back of your ticket) and claim – you have 180 days from the date of the draw to do so.

After that’s done, that’s where I step in. I will arrange a time to visit, usually at their home, and I will go through the validation process with them.

During lockdown, we adapted to be able to do a lot of the process via video calls but we still had to collect winning tickets ourselves on the same day as we called – people were pushing their tickets through letterboxes, leaving them outside under

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

And once the money has been paid out, is that it?

No, we want to make sure our winners are supported throughout the whole process – from start to end – basically as long as a winner needs or wants us to be with them, we will be. We put our winners in touch with legal and financial advisors and even life coaches and a host of other specialists.

Whatever concerns they have, we always try and help them. I’m still in regular contact and helping out winners who won many years ago.

We also have events where we like to connect new and old winners; after all, the long-time winners are the only people who really know what new winners are going through. Past winners are the perfect people to give advice as they have experienced those incredible emotions and can pass on their wisdom. There is a network of winners who meet up regularly and it has become quite a sociable thing for many of them.

How do most people enjoy their winnings?

Everyone plays the “What I would do if I won the lottery?” game and you can guess it is usually travelling the world, making extravagant purchases or opening a business, but the reality is quite different. When it comes to it, they

know that they have the chance to change people’s lives, and while some do make a big purchase here and there, the majority usually go on to simply help others. People write a cheque; it is an easy thing to do. I have seen them giving £30,000, £40,000, £50,000 because they can.

I think the last few years have made people stop and think about what is really important and what they could do if they were to win the jackpot. It is amazing to see the generosity of some people and I think this is one of the best parts of my job.

As The National Lottery is about Good Causes as much as winners, in what ways does it help people?

By playing any National Lottery game, players generate more than £30M each week for National Lottery-funded projects. This money helps support everything from local charities making a difference where you live, through to helping our nation’s athletes win medals at events like this summer’s Commonwealth Games. To date, over £46BN has been raised for National Lottery Good Causes, with more than 670,000 individual grants awarded.

How many millionaires have been made in Wales since The National Lottery started?

The last time we looked at the figures, back in 2019, we had made 321 millionaires in Wales; I expect there will have been plenty more since then! Big Welsh winners include Les Scadding from Newport, who won £45M on EuroMillions in 2009, and the five-member Davies family syndicate from Monmouth who scooped a whopping £61M EuroMillions Jackpot in 2016.n www.national-lottery.co.uk