Holy TRINITY
SPRING 2016
Gruff Rhys
Kelly Jones
Nicky Wire
THREE EPIC WELSH BANDS ONE BLOCKBUSTER INTERVIEW! PLUS: CHRIS COLEMAN EXCLUSIVE ON EURO 2016
FREE
CONTENTS Features
18 “It’s not enough to beat England” Chris Coleman talks exclusively about our prospects at the 2016 UEFA European Championship 22 The big Euro 2016 preview Our sports editor Riath Al-Samarrai profiles the must-win games and the big names 24 Nicky Wire, Kelly Jones, Gruff Rhys Not satisfied with one Welsh music legend - we spoke to THREE! 36 Designs on your interior How to turn your pad into a high tech palace without spending a fortune
Regulars 6 Scene & Heard What are YOU doing this summer? 10 Right Stuff We’re only here for the gear 12 Niall’s World How do you write ‘Sheepshagger’ in Arabic? 14 Write On Carnage in the carriages - a new short story 33 Travel Time to talk to our man in Milan 39 Fashion You need to change gear for summer! 54 Health & Grooming Get fit with these easy health hacks 57 Sport We need a spring clean at Swansea FC 59 Cars Curvaceous and vivacious - the new Mazda CX3 63 Reviews The best reads, eats, tunes and films - chosen especially for you 74 The Back Page Panic! Bennett’s really worried about his new radio show
22,139 Total Average Net Distribution per issue between 1st January – 31st December 2013 through an average of 862 quality outlets in South Wales Conroy Media Ltd all enquiries: 029 2019 0224 email: redhanded@conroymedia.co.uk www.facebook.com/red.handedmagazine twitter.com/#!/RedHandedMag
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 3
SCENE AND HEARD are headlining an open air night. Lead singer Ricky Wilson’s TV fame may be overshadowing past, crowdpleasing glories with the Chiefs, so see this as a chance to (re)discover what got him The Voice coaching gig in the first place. Perfect too, if you want festival vibes without being crushed by unwashed bodies. Do you like your rock hard enough to break your teeth? If so, you can crumble your canines on Airbourne (Y Plas Cardiff University Students’ Union, July 27, £20, www.cardiffstudents.com). They’re out here from Australia to make sure that everyone knows how healthy the rock and roll scene still is.
Tickle your funny bone
If you want some funnies with your jams, the Limboland Tour will be gracing the Motorpoint Arena with unique anecdotes and whimsical song covers all wrapped up in the magical hippy package that we like to call Bill Bailey (Motorpoint, June 25, £29, 029 2022 4488). © Tom Oxley
One day wonders
The sun was out the other day, so it must be spring or perhaps, say it quietly, summer. Musicians are out in their swarms, so we may as well go and see what they have to offer. If you want unconditional love from your girlfriend, Beyoncé will be warbling over to Cardiff on her much hyped Formation World Tour (Principality Stadium, June 30, from £80, 08448 471881).
© Andy Hollingworth
Before subjecting yourself to the screaming crowds and teenage tears of a Beyoncé gig, sort yourself out with some Stereophonics (Cardiff City FC, June 4, from £40, stereophonics.com). They’ve been headlining festivals for almost as long as they’ve existed, and now they’re bringing their latest album, Keep the Village Alive, to Cardiff. If there’s anyone whose voice can be described as smooth rust, it’s Kelly Jones. [See our interview with Jones on page 25] It’s been 20 years since the debut of Everything Must Go by fellow Welsh music scene stalwarts Manic Street Preachers (Liberty Stadium, May 28, £55, gigsandtours.com), so they’re bringing it back to celebrate its birthday. Keep your music gritty with Kaiser Chiefs (Swalec Stadium, July 16, from £39.50, 029 2041 9311), who
Everyone’s favourite cat lady is packing and repacking her handbag for the journey to Cardiff. Sarah Millican (June 27-28, £25, 029 2087 8444) is bringing her life gaffes to St David’s Hall to assure us that everyone’s lives are just a little bit awkward. If painful introspection is your thing, you have found your spirit guide. Sarah Pascoe (Cardiff Glee Club, June 1, from £12, 0871 472 0400) is preparing to “get real” about humanity and reveal deep truths about our collective psyche. Or, she just wants to poke fun at us and remind us that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves. She’ll be taking a break from countless panel shows to give us a taste of the Animal Tour.
While away the weekend
Depending on how much you hate your job, one night of fun might not be enough. Luckily for you, there are plenty of festivals coming up! Green Man (Brecon Beacons, August 18-21, from £175, greenman.net) is always a muddy, family friendly and rather beery favourite. The line-up is packed with regulars and still growing, so if Belle and Sebastian are your kind of band, or maybe Wild Beasts, you are officially a hipster; you can sleep soundly knowing that this is the perfect festival for you.
“...the magical hippy package that we like to call Bill Bailey” 6 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
“Even the Queen enjoys a bit of Morrison and bourbon in the evenings” If you feel like Green Man has gone too mainstream for you (at this point you stroke your meticulously waxed moustache), you’ll be delighted to find out that Fire in the Mountain (June 3-5, www.fireinthemountain. co.uk) is still going strong. This year the line-up consists of music moguls from the US, Canada, and all over the UK. If this festival had to be a colour, it would be blue. Folksy, blues appreciators will feel at home here. It’s got the scenery that makes Green Man attractive, but it works on a much smaller, homelier scale at the foot of the Cambrian Mountains. If you still have the energy of a fresher and you regularly argue about why the government should legalise all party enhancers, you should already know about X Music Festival Cardiff (Bute Park, June 12-14, £49.90 www.xmusicfestival.com). Frontlined by Annie Mac on the Saturday, this year’s line-up looks to be one of the best yet if you like your beats unwashed and caked in sweat. Friday’s star is, somewhat amazingly, Craig David, because he’s recently proved that you can actually resurrect a brief career even after this long. DJ sets aren’t for everyone (arguably they aren’t for most people), so we have you covered. There are people in the world who honestly believe that sports and music are natural partners, so they’ve teamed up to create Glass Butter Beach (Abersoch, June 19-21, from £85, www.glassbutterbeach.com). They’ve got five stages dotted around Abersoch and encourage surfing, skating and other action sports between acts. Big names like Wolf Alice and Katy B will be making appearances, though we’ve not had confirmation on whether or not any of them will be squeezing into wetsuits backstage. For something a bit less straining, Monmouth Festival (various venues, July 22-30, free, www. monmouthfestival.co.uk) is back with an eclectic mix of genres, most of which you probably don’t listen to outside of festivals. Some notable players will be The Pollen Count, A Fool and his Money and, check
yourself before you read on, the UK Foo Fighters. The festival hasn’t snagged the real Foo Fighters, but the songs are good all the same. Is partying between mountains not Welsh enough for you? Maes B (August 3-6, http://www.maesb.com/en/) is coming to Abergavenney as part of Eisteddfod, and it’s chock full of prime Welsh beef acts. Y Reu will be combining house and heavy rock while Candelas bring their flavour of indie rock. This is the festival that gets you right back to your roots. The Festival of Voice is the newest addition to the festival scene in Wales. Various venues around Cardiff will be playing host to voices from around the world, some more well-known than others. Rufus Wainwright (Wales Millennium Centre, June 5, from £19, 029 2063 6464) will be part of the line-up. He’s released seven studio albums and collaborated with the biggest names in the industry, but you probably know him from the Shrek soundtrack. Ben Folds (Wales Millennium Centre, June 12, from £19) will be making an appearance to remind you that Ben Folds Five are still split up. Charlotte Church (Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, £20) has decided to become a mermaid and nobody’s questioning it. As “The Last Mermaid”, she’ll be revamping the classic fairytale and singing a set inspired by Ariel’s aquatic adventures. Even more classic will be the likes of Van Morrison (Wales Millennium Centre, June 7, £50), acclaimed Grammy-devourer and genre-birther. Even the Queen enjoys a bit of Morrison and bourbon in the evenings, or so we assume because he got knighted this year for his musical achievements. If you’re feeling like royalty, you can catch him on June 7. If you’re not ready to branch out to something new, there’s always the Welsh Proms (July 1623, wwwwelshproms.com). They’ve got the usual favourites lined up, including the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. For classical music fiends, this is the event of the year.
© Adam Handley Photography
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 7
In Brief Deli-licious
Such has been the success of Arbennig, the restaurant in Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, that they’ve opened a deli next door. Key to the restaurant’s popularity has been the range and quality of the mostly Welsh produce used in their dishes so it was a logical next step to sell all that lovely stuff direct to their eager customers and foodies. If that’s not tempting enough it doubles as a small café where you can indulge in a hearty breakfast, stacked sandwich with a trade mark Arbennig Scotch egg or hand-made chocolate brioche with your fresh coffee. Arbennig Emporium 6-10 Romilly Crescent, Cardiff CF11 9NR t.029 2034 1264 www.arbennig.co.uk
High Fliers
Orchard Entertainment have pulled out all the stops to deliver a musical extravaganza at Singleton Park, Swansea on September 2nd. After the success of Paolo Nutini’s gig last year they’ve put together an awesome bill headed by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Expect to hear classic Oasis tunes like Don’t Look Back in Anger and Wonderwall as well as material from last year’s album Chasing Yesterday. Also on the bill are Scottish indie rock pioneers Frightened Rabbit, former Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes and rising Welsh stars Pretty Vicious. Tickets are £35.75 from ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 04444. www.orchardentertainment.co.uk for more info.
Old and New
The Old Library in Cardiff has gone through something of a transformation over recent months as it’s morphed into Yr Hen Lyfrgell, the Welsh cultural centre. It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate, use and hear the Welsh language in an iconic building at the heart of our capital city. The centre offers a friendly and warm welcome to all citizens of Cardiff and its visitors, whatever language they speak though. There’s a lively café bar and restaurant called Amser run by award winning chef Padrig Jones and Clwb Ifor Bach. As well as great, Welsh sourced food and drink, there’ll be live bands, courses, events and a shop. The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1BH. www.yrhenlyfrgell.wales
T’d Up!
It may have been a slow start to the season but the portents are good for Glamorgan as we head into the wham-bam spectacle of the T20 Blast. New head coach, Glamorgan legend Robert Croft knows the club better than anyone and has boosted team morale against a backdrop of renewed financial security, thanks to a profitable 2015 and changes made during a restructure that was completed in December. And the T20 Blast is about roll into town. Having had a decent run in the T20 in 2015 and with the rumoured arrival of Dale Steyn, the South African widely acknowledged as the best fast bowler of his generation, and the already confirmed recruitment of fellow pace bowler Shaun Tait, hopes are high for Glamorgan this time round. We’ll see whether they can win it, but they should get through to the final stages. It’ll be a hoot either way. For info www.glamorgancricket.com
Haven Heaven
Milford Marina is the only marina in west Wales to be awarded four Gold Anchors by The Yacht Harbour Association and this year marks its 25th anniversary. Situated on the Milford Haven Waterway and surrounded by twenty two miles of sheltered cruising waters, Milford Marina is on the doorstep of the UK’s only Coastal National Park. Annual berth holders enjoy free WiFi, 10 weeks hard standing storage, 5 free nights at over 100 marinas across Europe as part of the Passeport Escales scheme, and the Milford Marina Gold Card which entitles annual berth holders to discounts at 15 local businesses. Visiting boats are always welcome. There is also a varied calendar of events throughout the year, the biggest being Milford Fish Festival which takes place on 25th and 26th June, marking the start of the county’s annual Pembrokeshire Fish Week. For more information visit www.milfordmarina.com
8 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
GADGETS ON THE GO PORTA-Blue
The PORTAJOY speaker will blow you away with its powerful multimedia sound quality and thumping bass, whether at home or on the move. With dual BLUETOOTH and audio cable connectivity you can now connect to your music library more easily than ever before. It’s really handy to take with you (thanks to the swanky leather strap), and with its sensor-touch controls, easy track selection is only a tap away. The speaker charges up simply via its micro-USB port and promises 25 hours of portable, high-power music pleasure. It even comes with a charging and an additional audio cable. Price: £64.99 Retail: Amazon
Stereophonic
Thanks to the lithium-ion battery, the RIVA S will last up to an impressive 13+ hours, giving you a full day’s worth of audio at the beach, the park, in the garden, around the house… or even the pool—the speaker is fully water resistant. And now with TrueWireless tech you can take your sound to the next level by syncing two speakers together to create true left and right channel stereo imaging for when you want that Hi-Fi experience on the go. This exceptional little blaster even plays a (highly technical) trick to create a larger than life sound - one that makes you feel you’ve got the best seat in the house. Trillium Surround further enhances the audio-visual experience of music, movies, videos games, TV and more. Price: £199.00 Retail: www.highfisound.co.uk
Gwlad! Gwlad!
With Euro 2016 just weeks away, and Chris Coleman’s boys dreaming of glory, the attention of many fans will be turning to where they will be watching the big games. Those who are not fortunate enough to be watching the action live in France will be flicking on their TV sets in eager anticipation of the tournament. Despite television sets offering amazing image quality the sound doesn’t always match up. Luckily, the JBL Boost TV was created for just such occasions. The powerful speaker instantly changes the viewing experience by creating room-filling sound, which makes it feel like the action is happening around you. And when Zombie Nation kicks in... you turn it up loud. Price: £169.99 Retail: http://uk.jbl.com
Kit+ Kaboodle
Kito+ by Azoi is a health monitoring device, in the form of an iPhone case, which measures vital functions with clinical accuracy in a few seconds, to enable users to monitor their health regularly. It works via touch-pads on the bottom of the phone’s case that measure all the vitals from your hands. It covers everything from heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature and respiration rate so it can give accurate readings during your workouts and when resting... and gives especially illuminating readings when you’re watching your team in penalty shoot-outs on the telly. Price: £99.00 Retail: www.azoi.com
10 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
iFit, You Fit – We All Fit
The iFit Link is the perfect companion for any fitness enthusiast – whether they are a seasoned pro or beginner. With auto activity detection, the iFit Link automatically tracks activity and provides users with the most accurate stats at any given time. Data will wirelessly sync to the free iFit app, so users are able to continuously track their progress no matter where they are. Using the iFit app, users can set goals for daily steps and hours of sleep, and track their progress to see if they’re meeting targets each day. The iFit Link’s four OLED progress lights flash as users get 25 percent closer to reaching their goals, making it simpler to keep an eye on daily progress. Now you have no excuse not to lose that craft-ale belly. Price: £69.99 Retail: www.nordictrack.co.uk
Spectre-cular
The beautiful and sleek HP Spectre x360 is a laptop with a 360° hinge so it can flex and fit around you. And with up to half a day of battery life (12.5 hours) you’ll want to take it everywhere! This limited edition version features unparalleled sound and design available in unique ash silver and copper. Top-tip: next time you’re working on that urgent report from that funky little coffee-shop next to the office, you’re sure to make one hell of an impression tapping these keys. Price: £799.00 Retail: www.HP.co.uk
Cell Up
Using cutting edge third generation photovoltaic technology, the Newport-based green energy pioneers GCell have made the world’s first solar-powered tablet keyboard. The GCell solar-powered computer keyboard fits most 9.7 tablets, it’s a classy bluetooth keyboard, able to hook up to any smart device, and will never run out of juice. Price: £80 Retail: www.gcell.com
Pack Leader
Perfect for day trips when you don’t want your gadgets to fail on you, the Gratzel Solar Backpack 2, from green energy firm GCell, has a state of the art solar panel and battery pack that’ll top your devices up, outdoors and in. Comfortable and rugged with a 21 litre capacity it’s plenty big enough for work and play too. Price: £80 Retail: www.gcell.com
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 11
LOST IN Niall’s books have caused uproar in the Middle East. But he’s ready for a return trip
TRANSLATION? I was in Cairo a few years ago, at the book fair, shortly before Mohamed Bouazizi set himself, and much of the Arab world, alight, and when Tamarod was just beginning to form; I remember looking out over downtown Cairo from the top floor of my publisher’s offices, and also from most of the way up the Great Pyramid, and feeling the crackle of discontent, the thickening air of anger rising up out of the vast and chaotic city. Something big was about to happen - that was undeniable, a fact felt at the base of the skull. Anyway; I signed over the translation rights to my novel Runt, while I was in Cairo, did my readings and panel discussions, and went off to Alexandria to fulfil my duties in that city. Whilst there, I was presented with a few pages of translation, and told how the language of my novel had been transliterated, and how courageous it was, in that culture and at that time, to use a vernacular Arabic, full of neologisms and oaths; I found this fascinating, and was eager to say so during the radio interview scheduled for early the following morning. The translated pages were posted online overnight and I woke into an uproar. Arabic cannot be used in that way, I was told. It is a pure, unmalleable language, its beauties rigid and functional; to twist it in the ways I had done, and to sully it with swearing, was profoundly offensive to serious scholarship. My objection concerned the fact that no-one had been forced to translate my work and in fact I had nothing at all to do with that translation; I knew not one word of Arabic, and the written form of it resembled, to me, merely squiggles. Obviously I’d be intrigued to be told of its structures and rules and the like, but no, no - I’d betrayed it, somehow. I’d set myself up as its enemy, an accusation a little aggrieving to hear. My defence was, thankfully, leapt to; one of the translators was present at the interview, as was the publisher, both young, and it quickly became apparent that this was a generational clash, between reactionary forces on one side and iconoclastic forces on the other; the argument - no, the row - swiftly became hot and moved away from me and my work and into a more general confrontation (conducted in Arabic) about power, and oppression, and liberatory linguistic politics. It spread to cyberspace and it flamed across the telephone lines. After leaving the studio I was taken to one of Alexandria’s secret bars in order to relax and depressurise. The beer was lovely and the conversation was gripping and the anchovies were suitably salty
12 REDHANDED • Issue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
but they kept me awake and on the toilet all night. In the morning, ill and hung-over, I decided that I could not leave Alexandria without at least a quick visit to Cavafy’s café, the place where beauty walked among the coffee cups and spoons. I ordered a coffee the strength of a class A drug and a brandy and knocked them both back and then promptly brought them back up again, loudly, and with great force. A symbol in that, some might say; and I knew who, too.
“I knew not one word of Arabic, and the written form of it resembled, to me, merely squiggles” This was some years ago. Shortly after my return, Cairo and Egypt, and many of the surrounding countries blew up; I heard, unsurprisingly, nothing about the Runt translation, until very recently when I received, through a third party, an invitation to the book fair in Abu Dhabi, to discuss the Arabic version of my novel Runt; apparently it had been published, surreptitiously, and sold through discreet and secretive channels, samizdat-style, and has taken on the flavour of contraband, of illegality. Somewhat wary of accepting the invitation - I made some enquiries. Well, I was told, the book is very divisive; on one side, there are those who strongly believe that Arabic has been polluted by the book, and opposing them are those who think that the book has enriched the language (yes, I’d heard this before). No different, in many ways, to the critical reception of my work in Britain, except that here, such debates are conducted over the cafetiere in the conservatory, and over there, well, let’s just say that I haven’t been back to Egypt. Don’t worry, I was told; it’ll be a trip. ‘A trip’. . . now where have I heard that before? Oh yes; it’s what Keith Richards said the Rolling Stones concert at Altamont was going to be. I’ve accepted the invitation. So watch this space. To be - hopefully and Inshallah - continued. © Niall Griffiths 2016
A DISASTER An exclusive extract chosen by author Rob Gittins from his new psychological thriller Investigating Mr Wakefield
It had happened about half an hour previously, a few miles south of Waterloo. It was the nightmare scenario, two high speed trains, one accelerating away from the station, the other just starting to decelerate as it made its approach. The closing speed taking both into account was in excess of two hundred miles per hour. Early pictures from the scene showed a cat’s cradle of twisted metal, flames and smoke. Early estimates put the number of passengers across all the carriages involved in the multiple pile-up at something in the region of five or six hundred, possibly more. As I stared at the pictures I suddenly realised I’d actually been holding my breath again for at least the last minute or so. Clearly it was becoming some sort of default reflex at times of stress. Then everything kicked in. For the next few moments I was back in war zone mode again. Then, all it took was a sudden burst of sniper fire and suddenly I was running. Everyone else would be running away from the action, I’d be running towards it. Now I was running again. Like then, I knew I couldn’t think. I just had to do. No hesitation, no second thoughts. First; the note, composed in less than a minute. One minute later, I was out of the loft carrying a small holdall. Another minute on again and I was wheeling the Duke away from the underground garage. A moment before I’d sprayed over the rear number plate – typical boy-racer trick. Every wannabe Rossi would do it before taking their bike out for a burn. The paint was reflective and all a speed camera would see was a blur as the bike flashed past. I didn’t fire the bike up until I’d got at least a hundred or so metres away. Next, a blip of the starter, not even the hint of the customary twist of the throttle before I hopped on and headed for the Limehouse link. In the darkness I could hear distant sirens up on the surrounding streets. Coming out of the dark into the daylight, a small army of ambulances sped past in all directions. Ten minutes later I pulled into a small car park just round the corner from the station concourse. A bored operative manning a small booth at the exit took no notice as I rode in. Another problem number out of the way. The last thing I wanted was a bike freak who wanted to talk about all-matters Ducati.
14 REDHANDED • Issue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
WAITING TO HAPPEN
Then, the next problem, the ticket. The charging system in the car park was simple. You punched a button on a machine as you entered, the entry time on the ticket determining the charge. My ticket was clearly useless; the time was stamped on a central strip, a good hour or so after the time of the crash. But there were a couple of other bikes at the far end. I stood by one of them, one motorcycle freak admiring the prized possession of another. Tucked just behind the left hand grip was its ticket. I smoothed my hand over the grip, retrieved it, the entry time again stamped clear, a couple of hours before. I switched that ticket for mine and headed back to the Duke. As I stowed my helmet in the pannier, a woman passed. She’d just come out of the station with a small child in tow and was cursing the station staff having just been told some blockage on the tracks had temporarily suspended all services. All eyes swivelled her way as she ranted and raved. Her daughter had a dance lesson, the other side of Croydon, her exam was only a few weeks away, now what was she going to do? She was what I always used to look for, the minute I arrived at the scene of any conflict, a distraction, something to divert potentially hostile eyes away. I took my small bag out of the side pannier of the Duke, headed away, making sure I wasn’t in sight of any of the nearby CCTV cameras, making for the next stop, a small café a street or so away.
“A sudden burst of sniper fire and suddenly I was running” And then, as I seated myself at a quiet table away from the counter, I slowly felt myself start to relax. Up to that point I’d been on automatic pilot. I was in control of the decisions I was making, but it still felt like some force apart from myself was guiding my actions. Or maybe that was some sort of defence mechanism already kicking in. Perhaps I was already constructing ways of attempting to evade responsibility for all I was doing. But with the Duke abandoned in that station car park I could no longer avoid it. Now it was time to take stock, to go over what I’d done so far and what I would have to do from this point on in order to fully realise my intentions. Investigating Mr Wakefield is in shops now priced £8.99. More info at www.ylolfa.com
BOWLED OVER We predict a riot as Kaiser Chiefs headline the first On The Pitch music festival at Glamorgan Cricket’s SSE Swalec ground
Chart-topping acts Kaiser Chiefs, Dizzee Rascal, Everything Everything, Nature and Tibet will take centre stage at the On The Pitch summer extravaganza of live music on Saturday July 16. While Simply Red, Ben Montague and Nathan Ball will perform on Sunday July 17 at SSE SWALEC, home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club in Sophia Gardens. Headlining On The Pitch – Saturday will be the Kaiser Chiefs. They’ll be performing a crowd-pleasing set of hits including Oh My God, I Predict A Riot, Coming Home, Everyday I Love You Less And Less, Ruby and Never Miss A Beat, which have formed the backbone of Kaiser Chiefs’ live shows in recent years. Fronted by Ricky Wilson, who has become a household name as winning coach on The Voice, Kaiser Chiefs’ planned outdoor gigs for summer 2016 have sold-out in record time. Having delighted viewers, and raised his profile no-end, Ricky has recently announced he’ll be “bowing out gracefully” from The Voice to get back on the road with the Kaiser Chiefs.
Ticket info:
On the Pitch Saturday and Sunday are separately ticketed events. £45.00 plus booking fee each. Tickets are available from the Glamorgan County Cricket Club box office (029 2041 9311 or www.thesseswalec. com/presents), as well as ticketmaster.co.uk, See Tickets, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Box Office and TicketLine.
“We always love playing outdoors and we’ve played fields, parks, farms, rooftops, beaches and back gardens, but an international cricket pitch is a first for us,” said Ricky. “We always enjoy playing in Wales; we’re looking forward to this show.”
Headlining On the Pitch – Sunday will be the legendary Simply Red. The only back-to-back winners of the Brit Award for Best British Act, Simply Red have sold more than 60 million records and are celebrating 30 years in music with a world tour that now includes the Welsh capital.
The multi-million record selling, Brit Award winning, band are currently working on their sixth studio album, so expect to hear some new, uplifting and, rumour has it, more danceable material along with their classic anthems.
“Our manager asked us what we were going to do to celebrate our 30th anniversary and it seemed like a wonderful thing to do to celebrate it with live performances,” said lead singer Mick Hucknall.
“This album is about sticking together and making it work – longevity and loyalty. It’s a celebration of monogamy, which might sound uncool – I’m putting myself out there by doing that – but it’s how I feel,” said Ricky. Dizzee Rascal will bring his crowd-pleasing brand of rap, pop and grime into the early evening slot with an extensive hit list that includes Bonkers, Dance Wiv Me, Fix Up Look Sharp and Holiday. A past-winner of the Mercury Music Prize, his critically acclaimed debut album Boy In The Corner paved the way for mainstream stardom in collaborations with Armand Van Helden and Calvin Harris. Indie-rock band Everything Everything are also on the bill with further acts to be added to the celebration of music.
“We always enjoy playing in Wales; we’re looking forward to this show.” 16 REDHANDED • Issue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
“We want to play all the big hits and I’ve always enjoyed singing live. We’ve put a great tour together and we’re looking forward to performing in front of our Welsh fans.” As the band enters its fourth decade, buoyed by the excellent new album Big Love, their reputation as one of the great British groups is set for some timely enhancement as they perform their greatest hits, Money’s Too Tight (To Mention), Holding Back The Years, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Something Got Me Started, The Right Thing, Stars, Fairground, Angel and Sunrise. Venue Chief Executive Hugh Morris hopes the bill offers exceptional value for ticket buyers and further strengthens the credentials of the historic home of Welsh cricket as a concert venue. Speaking of On The Pitch, Hugh said: “Our vision was to secure a bill of top talent and provide a festival feel for a summer Saturday crowd - we’re delighted to have secured such prestigious acts to play at the SSE SWALEC and we look forward to welcoming them to Wales.”
“WE AREN'T AFRAID OF ANYONE” Riath AlSamarrai talks exclusively to Chris Coleman about the most important month in Welsh football - ever
18 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED: Has it sunk in yet? CHRIS COLEMAN: It has been gradual. A big thing for me has been going to and from Brittany to see our team base. I have been going over to the hotel, looking around the stadiums, wandering around the dressing rooms. It has made it real. I understand the question because when you qualify, as we have done, you obviously know just what it is that we have achieved, given the history and everything, and you spar with those thoughts a bit. But there is that time beyond those first moments when you start to think how real it is. The next stage will be getting there with all the boys and all the staff, shutting the doors behind us, and realising this is it now, here for business, Wales are in France. Is there a risk that all the history and all the hype of qualification could add a debilitating level of pressure on the side? The job of myself and my staff is to manage that. It is very important that we do. How do you do that? We need to accept that this is a unique situation. You cannot ignore that there has been a lot of history and anticipation behind qualifying, so I think we need to use that. I will be saying to my players, “You have waited long enough for this, so go and enjoy it”. But at the same time we cannot allow the occasion to get to us. It is like we all say in club football, whether it is a cup final or just a big game, “You play the game and not the occasion”. When we get to France, we will be playing 90 minutes, 11 against 11, same ball, same goals, same rules and same messages - go out and play a game of football. With us, we never talk about results, only performances, and we will be doing that again. If they can do that, and I am sure they will because we have excellent quality in this side, then we will be fine. Like I said, I want us to go and enjoy the experience of playing at Euro 2016. We will come to England in a moment, but what can you tell us about Russia and Slovakia, the other two teams in Wales’ group? They are good sides, very good sides. We have done a lot of homework and I look at those two countries in the same way that they probably look at us, which is that they are beatable. We aren’t afraid of anyone. What do Russia offer? They look fast and dangerous in attack and their defence is perhaps a bit more mature, more experienced. They have made some changes with Fabio Capello (their former manager) leaving part way through the campaign but they are definitely dangerous. They score goals but at the same time we have the offensive players to hurt them. And Slovakia? I’ve watched them a good amount and they are a strong counter-attacking team. They counter very aggressively and Marek Hamsik, from Napoli, is probably their standout player. He’s very dangerous. But again, like Russia, I think we can hurt them and that they are beatable. They will both view Wales in the same way. All of which brings us to England, who you play after Slovakia and before Russia. Is that a good draw? I think I said before that I didn’t want to draw England because it will be a circus with all the attention and publicity. Obviously, it is a great fixture for the fans
but we have to be careful ourselves with the hype on that game. We are not just going to France to play England, we are going to compete. I can say now that it will matter nothing at all if we beat England but lose to Russia and Slovakia. Nothing at all. Our job is to get out of the group and in that context the England game is no more important than the other two. The same number of points are on offer. But I know there will be a lot of attention on that game because of what comes with England. That’s obviously not Roy Hodgson’s fault, it’s just that a lot of attention comes with them. How do you assess their team? Roy has blooded a lot of very good young players and they look very good. They do. They were excellent in qualifying but as we all know now, it does not matter what you do before the tournament, the only thing that matters is what happens next. For us, when we get to France, that means Slovakia is by far the most important game, because that is the first one we have.
“It will matter nothing at all if we beat England but lose to Russia and Slovakia” Who are the England danger men? They have plenty but I don’t want to go on too much into England. What is your expectation? How far can Wales go? This is tournament football so it’s obviously very hard to say. I think we can get out of the group because we have that quality but then we will see what happens. I have always said that once you get out of the group, you don’t know who you are going to play and it is down to a series of 90-minute, one-off games. We aren’t going to France scared of anyone. It’s a tournament and strange things can and will happen. First things first, you go to the Euros. But what then? With players like Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen. I’ve heard you say how important it is that this is not a one-off appearance at a major championship… That is certainly the hope and expectation. I was always very reluctant at the start of the Euro qualifying to talk about this group as the “Golden Generation”, which is what the media were calling them. I didn’t want to do that until they had achieved something. Now they have. They have reached the Euros and so they are that golden generation of Welsh players. But what happens next is so important, on and off the field. We need to make sure we capitalise, that we make sure this is not a one-off. We need to set new challenges and it’s not easy. It’s a bit of a danger point – will we recreate the success each campaign and move on and upwards, qualifying regularly? Or will we be a small nation that occasionally qualifies? That is the challenge and it is about making sure we produce players and coaches from grass roots right up to the top. We are providing the role models and it is important that we keep making progress. Wales have the players and potential to feel excited right now. Wales’ Euro 2016 finals campaign begins on June 11 against Slovakia
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 19
FRANCE HERE WE COME! Riath AlSamarrai assesses our chances at Euro 2016 with the help of three former Wales footballing legends
What now? After all the broken, faltering campaigns, Wales has qualified for a major championship, but the mystery is whether the reward will justify the 57 years of trying. They have drawn a reasonable group, with Pool B fixtures against Slovakia and Russia separated by the mother of all ties against England. So what are Wales’ prospects? We asked three stars of the past – Craig Bellamy, John Hartson and Ian Rush to assess how Chris Coleman, Gareth Bale and the rest will do in France.
Wales (FIFA ranking: 24)
While it was witty to label the side “Bales”, it was also a touch unfair on his genuinely top-tier teammates, including Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams and Joe Allen. Indeed, it could be argued that the loss of Williams to the defence would be almost as destabilising to the side as not having Bale.
22 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
But you only have to look at the qualifying campaign to see why the world’s most expensive player is so valuable to the national side. Of 11 goals in qualifying, he scored seven and made two others. Furthermore, consider the warm-up friendlies with Northern Ireland and Ukraine, in which the Real Madrid forward did not play and, as a consequence, Wales had a much diminished attack. Simply put, their attack is nothing like as functional or effective without him. That is a hardly unique condition – no side is the same without their best player. But the disparity between Bale and the next best striker is alarming. He needs to stay fit. That, of course, is a major requirement for all the key players. It is telling that Wales can field almost an entire side made up of top-flight players, but the depth in the squad is questionable. Their first-choice side can hold their own, the worry is the strength of the reserves.
The opposition
June 11, Bordeaux. Slovakia (FIFA ranking: 26) Slovakia have a physical edge to their play but as they showed against Republic of Ireland in March, they can play fast on the counter attack. In Marek Hamsik, of Napoli, they have a particularly dangerous playmaker, while captain Martin Skrtel, of Liverpool, is a familiar face. They were solid in qualifying, finishing second in Group D with seven wins and a draw in 10 games, including a particularly impressive victory over Spain. They are clearly dangerous but offer the most winnable game in the group.
June 16, Lens. England (FIFA ranking: 10) A huge, emotive match. England look formidable on paper with a brilliant generation of young, fast players emerging during a flawless qualification campaign of 10 wins from 10 matches. If Roy Hodgson takes a step away from his conservative instincts, he would be able to field an extremely aggressive side. That is a big IF. The England weak point is their defence – Hodgson is undecided on who will fill any of the four backline positions. Given the Wales strength is attacking through Bale, this will be a fascinating match-up as well as a bonkers occasion.
June 20, Toulouse Russia (FIFA ranking: 23)
A solid team and a hard game. They finished second in their qualification group with six wins and two draws and have decent tournament experience, having qualified for the 2014 World Cup and the previous two European Championships, including a semi-final in 2008. Their squad is unique in that it is almost entirely made up of Russian-based players. A draw would be a good result.
The outlook
A win and two draws would be a solid return, based on winning a reasonable opening game and then taking confidence into the huge clash with England. The game against Russia will determine everything, but with the top two sides from each of the six groups progressing along with the four best third-placed teams, they could reach the last 16.
The favourites
France and Spain are always solid bets, but it is hard to look beyond Germany, the world champions with such a brilliant, balanced squad.
What the experts say…
John Hartson
“I think Wales will get out of the group, I honestly do. But it is very important that they start with a win because there will be a huge amount of attention on the second game against England. The most important thing will be composure – an early red card is no good to anyone. “But it is a genuinely 50-50 game. That England side has brilliant talent – Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Dele Alli, Jamie Vardy, Jack Wilshere. But they still can be a bit inconsistent and Wales will be looking at the England defence because it is not the strongest. Given that we have Gareth Bale, I would think England are worried. “We all talk about how well they have done to get there after 50 years of not qualifying, but I know Chris Coleman very well and I know he is a winner. That comes across in every conversation. He is not just happy to qualify, he wants to make a mark.”
Ian Rush “I think Wales will get out of the group – it’s not an awful draw by any means. All the talk is about the game against England but the most important one Wales will play is Slovakia in the opener. I think it is very important to get that pressure off straight away, to start with a win. “You can see Slovakia are a physical side but Wales have the quality to beat them. And they can beat England too - with Bale and Ramsey, they have the quality to beat absolutely anyone. “They will definitely not be going to make up the numbers. Obviously a lot depends on Bale staying fit – he makes a big difference to the side, we can all see that. But the same goes for Williams, Ramsey, Allen. I think they will get out of the group stage but the important thing is we keep the progress going. The hard part wasn’t qualifying, it is building on it.”
Craig Bellamy “We’ve got a great bunch of kids who’ve been through something (the death of Gary Speed) that no other team have and it’s really brought them together and made them such a tight-knit group. And whether it’s this tournament or the World Cup, they’re capable of doing something special. “I was good but I wasn’t world-class but we’ve got a genuinely world class player in Gareth Messi and Ronaldo are at the top and Gareth leads the pack behind them. Any team looking at us will be really scared of what he can do to them. “But it’s not just Gareth, we’ve got quality throughout the team - Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Joe Ledley, Ashley Williams. When I was a player for Wales I’d always check out what teams the opposition played for to get a sense of how good they were and if you look at this team they’ve all played at the highest level in the Premier League which means it’s a good team there are no weak links. “It won’t be easy but with the quality we’ve got and the way the group stage works, we’ve got a very good chance to get into the next stage. And once you’re into the knockouts, anything can happen.”
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 23
24 REDHANDED Issue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
A CHAT WITH THE
HOLY TRINITY We’ve run plenty of interviews with The Manics, The Super Furries and the Stereophonics over the years. But to get an interview with all three together? Now that’s seriously special. Interview by Iestyn Jones
The Manics, the Super Furries and the Stereophonics - for many these three seminal bands pretty much are Welsh rock music. They pretty much were 'Cool Cymru' in the 90's. They've sold millions of records. They're some of the most creative, productive and durable of artists in the UK, ever. Armed with some killer questions we spoke to Nicky Wire (Manic Street Preachers), Kelly Jones (Stereophonics) and Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals).
Pictures: Alex Lake, Tom Oxley, Mark James Works and Mission Photographic
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 25
© Alex Lake
RedHanded: Can you believe it's 20 years ago that the Manics released Everything Must Go? In many ways that was the album that kicked it all off for everyone wasn't it?
the Everything Must Go tour - four or five shows in London. The Super Furries played a few of those gigs too. We had the slot when everyone was coming through the doors. It was an amazing experience.
Nicky: We went from being one of the biggest cult bands in Britain to one of the biggest bands, full stop. It was a magical time, we were coming out of a period of misery and darkness, and at last, things were going right. At the time, the music was very conservative, tight and ‘Brit-poppy’. So, to have lyrics like we had - Design for Life, the opening lyrics being “Libraries gave us power”- lyrically, we were a million times more open than the lyrics of today. So, when we did Design for Life at the Brit Awards in front of millions of people, it was so empowering. It was a pretty spectacular period. Touring with Oasis in America was great: they were at their best and yet they were falling apart as well. That was a mad trip, watching them every night was great. Ideally, it could have been a million times better if Richey was with us.
Gruff: The Manics were a very significant band for me as they came out fighting right from the start. They fought a lot of battles that made it much easier for bands like Super Furry Animals to break through, as it was genuinely hard to get a listen if you were from Wales at the time. But they were, and still are, a universal band and were able to throw any nonsense back in people's faces! I used to buy any magazines they were in so I could read their amazing, outrageous interviews. It was really inspiring at the start and it's been continually inspiring to see their journey as a band.
Kelly: Everything Must Go was a brilliant album. I remember driving into the market where I was working on the fruit’n’veg stall and hearing Design for Life for the first time. Jo Wiley played it. I was sitting in my dodgy Ford Orion that I’d just bought for 200 quid; the floor was falling out of it! That was in March, and we were signed in August and playing with them at the end of the year; it was really bizarre. We did
"The Manics fought a lot of battles that made it much easier for bands like Super Furry Animals to break through" 26 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
All three bands have outlasted many of their musical peers: what's the secret? Nicky: There’s an amazing amount of longevity in all three bands - and creativity! The common denominator is three amazing singers. There’s not often you get singers who have that power and range, and intimacy, as well as, the ability to fill a stadium; we’ve been pretty blessed in Wales. Kelly: We were very lucky. In 1996 we had some great songs and it all came about when the music scene was very vibrant. With the Manics tour, people like Paul Weller and Oasis would come to the shows. I was there the night Liam Gallagher wrestled Nicky to the stage in the Forum; I was standing at the side of the stage. We then saw all the Britpop stuff unravelling and we’d be doing shows with bands like The Who, so we had some great opportunities. A lot of the success is down to the song writing and putting in the graft. We had a big work ethic and we came around at the
© Tom Oxley
right time plus we’ve always tried to better ourselves along the way. Gruff: Personally, I've no idea why some bands last longer, but we do care for each other as a collective in the Furries. We do plenty of stuff outside the band that might do each other's heads in! Many were hoping you'd join forces to record a football anthem for the Wales team. How about a collaboration if Wales qualify for the World Cup? Kelly: If Wales qualified for the World Cup I would yeah! I’m as proud as anybody that the football team has managed to do what they’ve done. We’ve all been through school and heard the jokes forever. If they get further and they want support from any of us we’ll be there. It’s a no-brainer, it’s never an obligation, it’d be a great opportunity and honour. Gruff: The important thing is the football and that Wales qualified; beyond that I think it's a case of the more songs the merrier! I think it's going to be a truly crazy festival of song in Wales during that June month, so many songs have been inspired by this incredible team! Nicky: By the end of the week, the public will know. I can’t confirm anything until then! [Shortly after our chat we learnt that the Manics had written the official Wales anthem for Euro 2016... As for a World Cup Anthem? Watch this Space!] What do you think of Wales' chances in France? Gruff: The Welsh team have declared they are going there to win and beyond that we can ask for no more. We have a huge advantage over other teams in that we have very little to lose!
"The common denominator is three amazing singers" Kelly: If we beat England, we’ve already won the tournament! Most people in Wales would be happy with that; it was the same during the rugby. I think Wales have got it all to play for, they haven’t been in a proper tournament since 1958 so they’ve already won a lot. There’ll be more pressure on England to succeed. The psychological advantage will be in Wales’ favour. It would be fantastic to beat England and see them in the next rounds. It’s almost fixed that they’re in the same group 'cos the media are going to have a frenzy over it. I might be stretching my metaphors a bit but you could say the Welsh team's recipe for success - raw talent allied to team spirit and a hunger to succeed has parallels with your own stories.
© Tom Oxley
Gruff: Well, I'm a terrible football player and I get really agro and foul a lot! But I know it's definitely true for the most part. Matt from the great band Zabrinski was in the Swansea youth set up for a while before his head was turned by the melodies. There's definitely a link between the pop culture of football and music here and in countries like Italy. Footballers today have become our pop idols on the scale of the 1960's greats. Bale with his samurai haircut is as iconic and global in appeal as any classic rock musician. Kelly: Isn’t it that all the footballers want to be rock stars and all the rock stars want to be footballers? Maybe it’s all about chicks’n’glory? There must be some connection!
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 27
I definitely can't drink as much as I used to. I'll definitely try out the Phonics beer though
© Mark James Works
It’s funny how when you were at school, the weekend was either taken-up playing football or doing band practice on a Sunday. It was the only release we had. There was little else apart from joining the army or working in a factory. Nicky: Yeah, I think there was a quote from Dan Tracey saying: “There were two forms of working class expression: you can either pick up a guitar or pick up a football.” Football has definitely kept me sane over the years. I couldn’t survive on just music. I gather both the Phonics and the Furries have their own beers now?
© Mission Photographic
Kelly: (he laughs) That was a good laugh. I never thought I’d end up taking my dad around the Brains Brewery tasting hops. I did about six pints that day just to make sure if I had a hangover the next day. If anyone’s out there and fancies a pint –it’s worth knowing that it doesn’t feel so bad the next day! Gruff: Speaking as an irresponsible 45-year-old - I definitely can't drink as much as I used to. I'll definitely try out the Phonics beer though. Any emerging Welsh music talent you reckon we should be looking out for? Kelly: The main ones are Catfish and the Bottlemen. I remember listening to them about 18 months ago and meeting the singer at T in the Park. He came backstage and mentioned that he’d been a big fan of ours since he was a kid growing up in North Wales. They don’t need much of a mention ‘cause they’re already flying – they’re a great band! That’s why we’ve asked them to perform on the same bill when we play Wrexham. Nicky: The Gwenno album was great. I’ve been lucky enough to hear Cate Le Bon's new album too. There’s one track in particular absolutely enraptured me, I think it’s called I am a Dirty Attic... I thought Mug
28 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
Museum was one of the best albums of the last ten years but it feels like she’s about to deliver another great one. Gruff: Y Ffug from the Preseli mountains have just played some gigs with us - they are really great. And to finish - how about some politics?! Where do you stand on the European issue? In or out? Kelly: Erm, well. For the people of Wales it’s not good to leave Europe. It all seems like everything’s being closed down in Wales, like the Tata Steel factory in Port Talbot. The same thing's happening in the place where I’m from in Aberdare with all the TV and car factories closing-down. I think the British Government forgets that there is a country outside London so from that perspective it’s not good for Wales. Nicky: That’s between me and the ballot box. But I must say any day when the Tory party is in such utter chaos, is a good day! Gruff: We should stay in the EU but continue a transcontinental campaign against the corrupt TTIP trade agreement. The Manics will be playing Everything Must Go in full at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on the May 28, with special guests Super Furry Animals. The Stereophonics play at Cardiff City Stadium on the June 4. Gruff 's new referendum-inspired track I Love EU is out now. Manic Street Preachers Everything Must Go (20th Anniversary Edition) and official Wales Euro 16 song ‘Together Stronger’ are in shops now. Super Furry Animals’ alternative Euro 16 single ‘Bing Bong’ is also out now. Stereophonics play the Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham on 2 July For more details, check out: www.manicstreetpreachers.com; www.stereophonics.com; www.superfurry.com
HOT CHILE Chilean wines are creating heat among experts. Adam Pledger from Park House, explains
Extending 2653 miles, north to south and on average just 110 miles east to west, Chile is a country of extremes. In the north, the Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth. By contrast, the southern tip of Chile is only a few hundred miles from Antarctica. But it’s the close proximity of the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west that calls the shots, enabling Chile to produce some of the most interesting, diverse and food friendly wines on the planet. With dependable summers and plentiful Andean melt-water, ideal locations, harvest times and winemaking techniques, blends were quickly identified which means we can now enjoy Chile’s best ever wines. Here’s a look at three key wine categories and what to drink and eat from each.
Cool Climate Quality
Chile’s coastal regions are cooled by the Pacific Ocean, allowing vineyards to be planted closer to the equator which results in wines with higher acidity and elegant aromas. One such outstanding area is Leyda Valley, located less than seven miles from the Pacific. Here dynamic wineries such as Garcés Silva and Viña Leyda produce world class sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah. 2010 Amayna Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented, Viña Garcés Silva, Leyda Valley, £21 Available from: www.sohowine.co.uk Amayna produce limited quantities of classy wines made in an old world style. Their beauty is extraordinary, gold and glistening in the glass with intense floral aromas of fresh exotic fruits. On the palate you can almost taste the ocean as the acidity hits and then gives way to rich notes of vanilla, honey and a long creamy finish. Try this with lobster from Pembrokeshire for the perfect food match. 2013 Las Brisas Pinot Noir, Viña Leyda, £13.50 Available from : www.greatwesternwine.co.uk From a regional pioneer, this 2013 pinot noir is from the vineyard Las Brisas and again highlights the Pacific’s influence. It is aromatically fresh and complex on the nose, with hints of red cherries and a subtle wild herb note. In the mouth it’s juicy with ripe berries and a lovely ocean influenced crispness! Try with some line caught seabass and fresh truffles.
Value wines
Price has long been the curse and the lifeblood of Chilean wineries. Plentiful sub-£6 Chilean sauvignon blancs and cabernet sauvignons have led to wide recognition and financial stability, but it has masked where the real value is: at £10-£15.
30 REDHANDED • Issue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
2013 Carmen Gran Reserva, Carmenère, Colchagua Valley £10.65 Available from: www.strictlywine.co.uk Founded in 1850, Carmen was Chile’s first wine producer and, consequently, cherry-picked vineyards in some of Chile’s finest winegrowing areas. This carmenère is from Colchagua Valley and aged in French oak barrels it has intense aromas of red fruits mingled with sweet spice and tobacco. Silky and full bodied in the mouth with a beautiful long finish. Ideal companion for a rib of beef. 2014 Outer Limits Zapallar Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Viña Montes, Aconcagua Valley, £14.95 Available from: www.winedirect.co.uk A superb sauvignon blanc from Chile’s premium producer, Montes, it starts with intense citrus on the nose and then wallops you in the mouth with a juicy crisp palate of lime, pears and tangerine. A delicious spicy note on the finish leaves you demanding more. Try with fresh oysters or scallop sashimi.
World Class Reds
As is the same the world over, it is impossible to take price out of the equation when it comes to Chile’s best wines. However, value, like beauty is in the eye of the beholder and while pricier these two wines are at the top of the Chilean tree. 2012, Gê, Emiliana, Colchagua Valley, £30 Available from: www.ndjohn.co.uk This blend of syrah, carmenère and cabernet sauvignon is rightly regarded as one of Chile’s finest red wines. The nose is elegant with ripe black fruit and a touch of truffle and spice. In the mouth there’s plenty of rich ripe fruit with soft, velvety tannins providing elegant structure and complexity. Voluptuous, ripe and truly seductive - amazing stuff. Try with wild rabbit. 2012 Amayna Pinot Noir, Vina Garcés Silva, £21 Available from: www.sohowine.co.uk This incredible pinot noir by Amayna is a textured, silky barnstorming wine that sums up everything that makes Chile a world class wine producer. A seductive perfume of cherries on the nose followed by an incredible velvety mouth feel. Spicy fruit, fine tannins, complexity and a long finish round off a superb act. Pair with roast pork. www.parkhouserestaurant.co.uk
MILAN
BIG IN
It had been a busy week. I could have done with a slow Sunday. Instead, I was up at 6am for a rendezvous at Cardiff Airport. I was not at my most chipper. And finding out that we were to be shadowed by a film crew all weekend didn't help at all. I'd rather have my teeth pulled than watch myself on film. A speedy check-in and leisurely brekkie in the executive lounge helped, but it wasn’t until we were aboard our FlyBe flight and cruising over the Alps, with a sparkling vista of snowladen peaks, that I started to get in the right frame of mind for a trip to Milan, the Italian style-capital. Milan is just one of a number of new FlyBe routes from Cardiff - a clear indicator of the Welsh Government's determination to move things forward at Cardiff Airport. Improved facilities and new airlines, such as FlyBe, are all part of the new improved package. Milan may not be an obvious choice for a city break, unless you’re into fashion or football. But as I discovered, the city has plenty to offer aside from the San Siro and fancy threads. For centuries it’s been Italy’s wealthiest city and it’s this constant prosperity that’s made it such a fascinating, culturally rich and seething metropolis. E.c.ho. - our ‘eco-chic’ hotel - was all you’d expect of a
Paul Mulligan hops aboard a new flight from Cardiff to the Italian capital of cool
modern Milanese hotel. Comfortable and effortlessly stylish. Its green credentials include solar panels, optimal energy efficiency and sustainably sourced furniture and food. But it was the city that I was here to see and I was chomping at the bit to start exploring. We started with a walking tour of ‘old’ Milan which is perfect for just ambling around. Medieval cobbled streets, delightful Renaissance churches and Roman ruins sit cheek-by-jowl with uber-cool boutiques and cafes serving fantastic espresso. There are grand historic buildings too, like the huge and imposing Castello Sforzesco, which was home to the Dukes of Milan in the Middle Ages. It's now the site of a number of museums and art galleries, where you can see amongst other impressive pieces, Michelangelo’s last Pieta.
FACTS: The 80,018 seater San Siro stadium is home to both AC and Inter Milan Milan boasts an underground and tram system Milan is the home of Armani, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana On 29 April 1945 the corpses of Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci were hanged in Piazzale Loreto.
“Here in Milan even the mundane becomes a design pièce de résistance” Milan is home to other famous works of art like Da Vinci’s Last Supper but it also possesses many lesser
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 33
Short and sweet from Cardiff
There's a heap of FlyBe short break options from Cardiff now. Here’s our pick for a great city break. Berlin Cutting-edge cool, culture and clubbing are at the heart of the German capital’s appeal, making it a must for anyone with a zest for life. Amsterdam Far more than ‘brown’ cafes, canals and bicycles, Amsterdam has a thriving club, bar and restaurant scene and more cultural attractions than many larger cities, thanks to a heritage that includes Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Paris Where to start. Arguably the most evocative city in the world, it has bags of charm, romance, style, art, food, architecture and history. A city you’ll never tire of. Ever.
“Medieval cobbled streets and delightful Renaissance churches sit cheek-by-jowl with ubercool boutiques and cafes” known treasures from the Renaissance. I was blown away by San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. This amazing church has recently been renovated and it’s like the Sistine Chapel but on a more intimate scale. The walls and ceiling are a feast of stunningly colourful frescoes and intricately detailed wall paintings - most by largely unknown artists. If your taste in art is more contemporary, or you just want to be truly gobsmacked, check out L.O.V.E by Italy's most famous living artist, Maurizio Cattelan. Pride of place in front of the Borsa Italiana, Milan’s stock exchange, the sculpture is popularly known as The Middle Finger. A raised, phallic middle finger from the front, it’s a comment on the finance industry’s contribution to Italy’s current economic problems but, cleverly, it’s also a fascist salute from the side, perhaps a nod to Milan’s prominent role in the rise of Mussolini. To lighten the mood we headed off to the bright lights of Milan’s cathedral square and shopping district with a quick detour to La Scala which, as one of Europe’s most illustrious and impressive opera houses, was a box that had to be ticked - even if it was closed. En route was a shop window displaying designer meat slicing machines. But you’d never see anything like these in a British butcher's. These slicing, dicing masterpieces were veritable works of art. Here in Milan even the mundane becomes a design pièce de résistance. If you want to really window shop though, the place to head for is the vast Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. A mid-19th century, grand shopping arcade of sculpted steel and glass it’s a breathtaking architectural gem. It plays host to a gamut of top designers and I found it perfect for people watching as Milan’s great and good mingled with the tourists.
and economic change as it was a journey around Milan’s more recent architecture. Being the guy he was, Mussolini had prevented the construction of buildings higher than the tallest building to bear his statue. (Now that’s an ego for you.) Post war, once he was out of the way, Milan’s industrialists scrambled to build skywards. (Perhaps inspired to show the ex-dictator that middle finger?) Most notable of the early skyscrapers is 1959’s Pirelli Tower. As well as remaining the tallest building in Italy for decades, it's - of course - one of the most stylish skyscrapers you’ll ever see. Today, Porta Nuevo’s recent development is inspiring. After years of neglect, massive regeneration has reconnected working class areas with the old centre, and produced a model of future inner-city development. The area includes the Unicredit building (2012), Italy’s tallest, and CityLife, a stylish mix of piazza, skyscrapers, luxury retail and residential which is car free and has 50% of the space given over to parks and gardens. Nearby are the award-winning ‘green’ towers of Bosco Verticale, Milan’s most sought after des-res, with awesome vertical forests bedecking its balconies. Dinner was just as inspiring too. Ristorante Alice in Eataly (a posh authentic Italian food emporium), is a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its imaginative, fish based, cuisine and it didn’t fail to impress. But Milan comes to life at night and we went for a final blow-out at the nightclub Loolapaloosa, where the beer, Prosecco and Fernet flowed, and even the camera crew downed tools to join the party.
Day two started with booze. It was perhaps a little early to be drinking, but a visit to the 170-year-old Branca Fernet distillery is fascinating even if you're not in the mood for a tipple. This bitter herbal aperitif is an acquired taste - though I found the mint and brandy versions immediately more palatable. Actually, they were really quite drinkable. Heads spinning just a little, we then set out to explore the city's modern ‘skyscraper’ area of Porta Nuova. The tour was as much a commentary on recent social
CRUCIAL INFO Getting there: FlyBe (www.flybe.com) direct from Cardiff Airport (www.cardiff-airport.com) Staying: E.C.Ho., Viale Andrea Doria, 4, 20124 Milano. www.starhotels.com
34 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
LIGHTEN UP
in a kitchen with a strip of LEDs, look at lighting as part of the design of a room and not as a bolt-on once everything else has been thought through.”
Let there be light and give your home a designer makeover says Paula Abbandonato
Guidance from experts is key in order to create a lighting system that highlights the unique characteristics of a home, allows for natural light through windows or glass walls, and takes into account functional areas.
Lighting a home can just mean the flicking of a switch or if we’re feeling adventurous, the purchase of a colour co-ordinated lamp or too. But if you listen to the experts, we are missing out on a real opportunity to create not only an ambience which turns a room into a haven, but also on making the most of a practical tool which helps with the functionality of spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Speaking to Steve Bloom from Cardiff ’s Space Fitting Furniture, lighting has become an art form in itself. “You can pretty much do anything with lighting nowadays. It can actually become quite complicated with any colour and brightness available to create the right mood in a room. The control systems are highly advanced now too enabling us to be the master of the level of lighting to suit different spaces.” According to Steve, colour is key and that even means choosing the right ‘white’ to complement a particular room in your house. He said: “For instance, in a kitchen you might choose to have a very white white while in other rooms, there are softer white options where filters create a different feel. It’s not just about buying a white bulb anymore.”
This page anti-clockwise from top right: German Tube Light - Homes of Elegance Fatboy - Momentum Fatboy - Momentum B&B Italia - Momentum Pogini Wall Light - Homes of Elegance Subtle kitchen lighting - Space Fitting Furniture
36 REDHANDED
A room that requires special attention in Steve’s view is the kitchen because it’s the heart of the home for many families. “The right lighting completes a room. If you consider your kitchen, you need to think about what you use the room for. Is it just for cooking? Is it for cooking and feeding the family? Is it for cooking, feeding the family and entertaining or is it for all of those things and living in too? For some families, it’s where the kids do their homework or there’ll be a TV in the room too for people to relax around. All these elements should be thought through when choosing your lighting in order for the room to work on all these levels.” Steve believes that recently, there has been a trend to over-light rooms, particularly kitchens because of the abundance of cheap lighting available at the major retailers. “LEDs have become so overused just because they are so available but sometimes less is more.” “To offset the temptation to fit every nook and cranny
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
Steve added: “It can cost as much money getting lighting wrong as getting it right. Done properly, good lighting will transform a room –but in a subtle way. If someone walks in to your kitchen and says ‘WOW! Look at your lights!’ That probably means you’ve got it wrong.” On the other hand, living spaces are an opportunity for the right lights to go way beyond their functional use and actually double as an eye-catching piece of furniture and design. This is the view of Liz Mynett of Natuzzi, in Cardiff Bay, who says that in her own lounge she rarely uses the main light at home anymore. ‘In living spaces it’s all about accent lighting with the right floor lamps, standard lamps, table lamps and pendant lights – combined together they soften a room and highlight key features. “An aesthetically beautiful standard lamp or eye-catching pendant is a piece of furniture in its own right. Chosen to complement other pieces in the room and placed in the right space they can be real talking points.” Popular choices at Natuzzi currently include Jump - a tilting and adjustable floor lamp with a unique design. The structure of the floor lamp is painted carbon fibre with an opaque finish and a black lampshade on top. These features make the floor lamp refined and chic. The light source is also dimmable, since it has a regulation system which allows the quantity of light emitted to be adapted to your lighting requirements. This lamp won the "Lights of the Future" award. For those going for a more contemporary or industrial
look in the lounge a good choice according to Liz is the Elsa lamp which embodies simplicity and elegance with its memory design and evergreen style. Conceived as a reading lamp, it adapts to different lighting needs by adjusting the angle of the support structure and the lampshade itself. Its clean and essential lines make it a perfect complement for furniture of all kinds. Liz believes there is no rule of thumb with lighting and that it’s ok to take risks, be adventurous and combine the old with the new. “It’s all about having confidence in your choices.” The same attention should be given to lighting in the bedroom according to Steve Davies, owner of Homes of Elegance in Abergavenny. He said: “Once again, it’s all about mood. It’s likely you’ll want your lamps on, but giving off a gentler light rather than a full glare. The best shortcut is a dimmer – which is independent of the lamp itself – and can be plugged directly in to the socket. It means that the light from even the most basic lamps can be modified to create a specific mood.” While the bedroom is predominantly for relaxing, Steve explains that some areas of the room need special lighting attention. He added: “Dressing tables – where ladies do their make-up and hair – can require bespoke lighting but if your walls aren’t wired for wall lights or lit mirrors it can be an untidy business with leads hanging everywhere. A good alternative is the sort of wall light that can be neatly plugged in around any space. They are a really popular choice here in the showroom.” Steve warns against a big pendant light in the
bedroom as ceilings can often feel lower in this part of the home. He said: “If you want a statement light in the bedroom, be careful with your measurements. Sometimes the drop of a chandelier, for instance, can be too low to work in an average sized bedroom.” Rhiain, at Momentum, on Charles Street in Cardiff, agrees that lighting is an integral part of any interior and can make or break a scheme. In her opinion, some of the most dramatic lighting options with a design edge can be found from Italian manufacturer Foscarini; while the more classic designer lights from Louis Poulsen and the new fun lights at Fatboy are options for fun and vibrant lamps and pendant lights. For a more sophisticated, subtle architectural look, the lighting from Flos is technical and elegant, where lighting becomes more of an architectural detail. The most important thing to consider is that lights are of a good quality and give the output and lighting that you need.
Clockwise from top left: Elsa - Natuzzi Jump - Natuzzi Wisdom - Natuzzi B&B Italia - Momentum B&B Italia - Momentum
Rhiain is also at pains to point out that atmosphere is not solely dependent on lighting, particularly when it comes to lightening the mood of older properties. “The popularity of contemporary furniture in traditional spaces is increasing, having seen many grand old houses with key contemporary pieces. You have to be bold to make it work. Design classics are a great way to introduce contemporary furniture into a traditional space. The well-known Eames Designs are often featured as they bring a classic contemporary look, alternatively for a more sophisticated look B&B Italia, or Flexform will give you key Luxe pieces.” Rhiain also points out that the inside/outside theme is popular this season, as we head into summer. She said: “We're seeing a lot of earthy and green tones as well as tropical designs on feature pieces and on walls and a big emphasis on natural wooden furniture.”
“You can pretty much do anything with lighting nowadays” www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
DETAILS: Space Fitting Furniture 4 Colchester Ave, Cardiff CF23 9XE Tel. 029 2045 5778 www.spacefittingfurniture.co.uk Homes of Elegance 7 Mill St, Abergavenny NP7 5HE Tel. 01873 854173 www.homesofelegance.co.uk Natuzzi Havannah St, Cardiff, CF10 5SF Tel. 029 2048 8698 www.natuzzigroup.co.uk Momentum 31 Charles St, Cardiff CF10 2GA Tel. 029 2023 6266 www.momentumcardiff.com
REDHANDED 37
FASHION
TRIDENT TESTED SPRING/SUMMER KILLER LOOKS
Cameron Jacket: Peter Werth - £119 Jeans: Armani - £110 T-shirt: Label Lab - £25 from House of Fraser
Produced in association with
Sam Paloma cape & shorts - £70 from Dressantos
24-30 October 2016 www.visitcfw.co.uk www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 39
FASHION
Sam Melania Jumpsuit - £35 from Dressantos Sunglasses: Michael Kors - £124 from Stewart Greenberg Cameron Jacket: Baracuta: Hastings G9 Harrington Jacket - £179 Shirt: East Harbour Surplus - £120 Jeans: Livid Jeans - £139 Shoes: N.D.C Made by Hand, Jules Whait - £189 from Morgan Menswear Sunglasses: Oakley - £280 from Stewart Greenberg
40 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
FASHION
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 41
FASHION Sam Kayleigh dress - £30 from Dressantos Sunglasses: Prada - £217 from Stewart Greenberg
Credits: Clothes supplied by: Morgan Menswear, 17 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. t. 02920 227 877 www. morganmenswear.co.uk House of Fraser, St Mary St, Cardiff www.dressantos.com Sunglasses supplied by Stewart Greenberg Opticians (Wellfield Road, Llandaff and Whitchurch), www.greenberg.co.uk
Cameron Blazer: East Harbour Surplus - £295 T-Shirt: YMC - £65 Trousers: Homecore - £115 Shoes: N.D.C Made by Hand, Ruben - £189 all from Morgan Menswear Sunglasses: Rayban - £111 from Stewart Greenberg
42 REDHANDED
Thanks to our models, Sam and Cameron. Thanks also to Paula and Wenda at Cardiff Fashion Week And thanks to our location - Motorline Maserati Cardiff, Penarth Road, Cardiff
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
LIFESTYLE The Dragon Roars Again by Jamie Thomas Red Dragons – The Story of Welsh Football by Phil Stead Since Wales has finally qualified for an international football tournament, now is a good time to have a recap. Courtesy of Y Lolfa, we have two books to check out. One, by Jamie Thomas, focuses more on Wales’ run-in to Euro 16 and the other, by Phil Stead, charts the entire history of the beautiful game in Wales, originally published in 2011 and now updated to include recent campaigns. Both are clearly well researched and well written by authors who know the ins and outs of the Welsh game. The level of detail, their command of it and their ability to make sense and draw conclusions are worthy of great respect and I dare any fan of Welsh football
Craig Bellamy has faced many challenges in his career. But nothing like the threat posed by Ebola to his fledgling Sierra Leone based Craig Bellamy Foundation and his ‘boys’.
“It’s not just about football, it’s about education and community”
Tellingly, the authors' ages are apparent through both the scope of their books and also their writing style. Jamie, is a wee nipper at only 22 so it’s no surprise that his subject matter is more or less limited to the period he’s been following Wales and the momentous events culminating in qualification. Nor is it any surprise that he writes with the enthusiasm and energy you’d expect of a 22-year-old. Phil, being older and we assume sage-like, adopts a more authoritative, scholarly approach to a much wider brief – footie in Wales since 1876. Still a very enjoyable read, it’s the definitive reference work on the history of the game in Wales. In this year, of all years, they’re both must-haves. The Dragon Roars Again, Y Lolfa, £9.99 Red Dragons – The Story of Welsh Football, Y Lolfa, £9.99
FOUNDING FATHER
REDHANDED: It would have been easy when you retired to do all the typical things an ex-professional footballer does, but you started a foundation? CRAIG BELLAMY: I never do anything easy (laughs). I’ve had plenty of sleepless nights, especially with what’s happened over the last couple of years, you just can’t plan for something like Ebola. Did it spread quickly? It had been in the North a while and spread quite slowly to begin with. That was the disappointing aspect of it as it wasn’t acted on quickly enough - it only became a ‘problem’ when it started to appear in Europe. Fortunately, it didn’t quite get to us. We educated the boys on the precautions you have to take, which protected them and they could pass that on to their families outside. It was a real shame. It was a country really on the up, after many years of turmoil, and then it all went into lockdown. Fortunately, it’s been clear for a month now. How has it impacted the Foundation? It’s certainly impacted the footballing side of things – they still train and go to school, but we haven’t been able to play games. Same with the national youth league system we helped start. So the Foundation’s not just about the elite academy? Oh no. The league is the biggest part of it. When we first arrived there was no real youth system so with Unicef we set up the youth league but made it clear that kids had to go to school to participate because attendance in school was low. We had to educate the coaches that it’s not just about football, it’s about education and community. Whilst it’s partly about winning games, teams can also get points for community work. So if a team lost on a Saturday straightaway they’d be on to the local chief to find something that needed to be done – they’d paint a police station to get extra points. We love that. What are the priorities now? We need to get the league running properly again. And it all needs to be self-sustainable, it was heading
44 REDHANDED ssue 3
not to come away enlightened.
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
that way before Ebola. Sponsorships have pulled away, as many companies pulled out of Sierra Leone, or cut back, because of the threat to life. And anyway, how could we go looking for sponsorship when there were much bigger problems due to Ebola? So we need to get that back on track. Positively, my first boys are 18 now and two of them are at Hartpury (sports college in Gloucestershire), four in Santa Barbara, two in Cambodia and many are going to college. We have one very good footballer – he’s been to Chelsea, and he’s been offered a professional contract in Sweden (Visas are too hard to get in the UK). Does your experience come in handy to guide these players? Possibly, but Hartpury has more knowledge than me. For me, I look at them as 18-year-old kids who have their own path. If they want to stay in college, great. If they want to go back home, that’s fine too. But if they want to stay in football, of course, I’ll give them advice. It’s totally up to them. How can people back here in Wales help? We’ve always had small donations and that means a lot because that’s real understanding and caring about what we do. The amount doesn’t matter. I didn’t do this for me to run an academy - it was because I fell in love with the place and the people. Even if it makes one life different, it’s enough and that just fills me with a lot of pride. Anyone in my shoes would have done exactly the same. www.craigbellamyfoundation.org
LIFESTYLE
ARE YOU READY TO ROCK? Ask any climber and they will tell you that indoor climbing is great, but outdoors is where the fun really happens. This summer Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre are taking their brand outdoors and running Give It A Go outdoor rock climbing sessions at venues across south Wales. The session is an ideal starting point for those with little or no prior experience of rock climbing or for those who have climbed indoors and want to get a taster for rock climbing on real rock. Run as a day-long session, Boulders’ qualified instructors will take you climbing on one of a variety of local crags (rugged cliff or rock face) where you will be given the chance to fully appreciate what it is like to climb outdoors. They will be approaching the local outdoor crags with the aim to get stuck into as much climbing as you can manage. The focus for the day will be on trying out climbing but also on learning climbing techniques and rope techniques. Boulders’ Give It A Go Outdoor climbing sessions run every Saturday from May 2016 until August 27 2016. Spaces are limited so booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Days will run from 10am until approximately 4pm. Boulders will provide all safety equipment and ropes, however if you have your own harness and shoes please bring those with you. If not don’t worry, just let them know at the time of booking and they’ll make sure they take some for you. The cost is £40 per person. All under 18’s will need to be accompanied by a paying adult for the entire day. For more info on Boulders’ Give It A Go outdoor climbing sessions and the venues you will be visiting or to book your space please contact Boulders on 029 2048 4880 or email info@ bouldersuk.com with the subject ‘Outdoor Day booking’
WE’VE GOT THE BLUES Don’t miss a beat of the action in the heart of the Welsh capital with Season Memberships at Cardiff Blues now on sale. The Blues have enjoyed another season of sensational support at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park where they’ve won eight of our 10 Guinness PRO12 home matches. Danny Wilson’s men have restored pride in the Cardiff Blues jersey with a surge up the table and a number of Welsh derby victories – including a double over both the Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons. Several new faces have already signed up for our next assault on the PRO12 and Europe with Nick Williams, Matthew Morgan, Rhys Gill, Steve Shingler, George Earle, Kirby Myhill and Willis Halaholo all arriving in the coming months.And Wales captain Sam Warburton has high hopes for region’s future and believes the good times are on their way back to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park. The Cardiff Blues star said: “This year has got a completely different feel around it in the sense that we’ve actually got something really exciting to play for. “If we managed to achieve the sixth spot, we would be celebrating as if we have done something a lot better than that considering where we’ve come from at the start of the season, with a difficult away fixture list and how we’ve managed to crawl our way back up the league. “All the players are starting to understand our style of play now and it’s really gelling in. There’s still a long way to go, all the players and coaches will say that. But we are definitely on the right path and I’m
really enjoying my rugby at the Blues. “Going back to when I came through, along with Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny, we came into a team that was full of stars and making semi-finals of Europe. “Quarter-final of the Heineken Cup was just a standard, it was just normal. I think players have almost forgotten just what a big club the Blues actually are, with us having been underachieving. “Everyone is on the same path now to try and get some success. The goal for the next two or three years is to really kick on and start challenging for things.” Season Memberships for the 2016/17 campaign start at just £50 for under-16s and £190 for adults. www.cardiffblues.com or t.029 2030 2030
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 45
LIFESTYLE
PRE EVENT DINING IN STYLE With Beyoncé, the Kaiser Chiefs and Stereophonics all playing in the ‘diff over the summer, alongside plenty of top notch theatre and, further afield, World Cup qualifiers and rugby internationals looming in the autumn, you need to start your night right with an incredible evening at Clayton Hotel Cardiff. Thanks to a tantalising array of dining options and a drinks list to impress even the most learned of cocktail connoisseurs, Clayton Hotel Cardiff is a modern hotel with a chic bar and restaurant offering great views of the capital all of which are guaranteed to get your night off to
the perfect start. Thanks to its facilities and central location close to the station, Principality Stadium, Motorpoint Arena, Millennium Centre and Swalec Stadium, the Clayton Hotel Cardiff is the perfect, convenient pre-event destination. Even better, for groups of friends or family traveling together, Clayton Hotel Cardiff offers VIP private dining along with meal and drinks options to cater to any special requirements on your night out. For more info on Clayton Hotel Cardiff ’s latest offers, visit www. claytonhotelcardiff.com or call 029 2066 8866
EI, EI! SAIL CLOSE TO THE WIND
The Extreme Sailing Series™ returns to Cardiff Bay this June, and the global competition promises to be one of the best yet, boasting new world class teams from 8 nationalities and new boats. The switch from racing an Extreme 40 to the GC32 hydro-foiling catamaran means that the race is faster and considerably more challenging for the crew as it’s capable of reaching speeds of 39 knots, in comparison to its predecessor which peaked at 30. One of the new teams, Land Rover BAR Academy, skippered by Welsh sailor Bleddyn Môn, is the youngest in the fleet and has been created to nurture some of the UK’s hottest sailing talent - and is being mentored by members of Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team. Racing in Cardiff Bay will take place between 2:00pm and 5:00pm from 24 to 26 June. Back on land the public Race Village will host a range of family fun activities, a bar, mouth-watering food stalls and live music. This festival atmosphere, alongside the Series’ pioneering Stadium Racing format, is set to create another exciting event in the summer calendar. Find out more at www.extremesailingseries.com
46 REDHANDED ssue 3
Forget any pre-conceptions you may have of the Eisteddfod, to be held in Abergavenny July 29 –August 6. Whilst it would be wrong for the jewel in the Welsh cultural crown to move away from all its great traditions, such as bards reading Welsh poetry and that big chair, it has moved with the times and is a far more inclusive and welcoming event than it ever has been. We’ve had the Maes B for a while now – and it’s a great and fun opportunity to appreciate young Welsh bands – which has widened the Eisteddfod’s appeal but there’s also a conscious effort to include learner or non Welsh speakers. The message is you don’t have to speak Welsh to enjoy the Eisteddfod. With plenty of music, art and dance on offer, and free translation in the Pavilion you can follow everything. For those with an interest in learning Welsh the Maes D is the place to be. This is the centre for learners on the Maes and is a hub of activity during the week. There’s plenty going on for all the family too - from children’s literature to science and technology demos, from art galleries to 250 trade-stands, you’ll be able to keep everyone happy. For more info: www.eisteddfod.wales. com Tel. 0845 4090 800
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
LIFESTYLE
FOREVER YOUNG
TAKE A BAO
Time waits for no man. Sooner or later your looks are going to slide. But it’s not all doom and gloom – if you know the right people. Such as Jason and his team at Groom For Men. As the one-stop man maintenance shop, they can help slow and actually reverse the effects of aging on your skin.
If the need for speed is important for your lunch-time snack but you don’t want the calorie fest that most sandwich shops sell, head to Yakitori #1 in Cardiff Bay for a much healthier and tastier option. They’ve just launched a ‘Bao’ (pronounced Bow) menu specifically for lunchers on the go. It’s an Asian style healthy ‘burger’, that’s light but full of flavour and with all the nutrition needed to see you power through to dinner time. Choose from one of four fillings beef, grilled chicken teriyaki, Hoi Sin duck and Panko crispy chicken all with wasabi mayo, sesame salad and crispy vegetables served in a light and fluffy bun. Having tried them, RedHanded can attest to their scrumptiousness – how can something so healthy taste so good? In the evening there’s still a full a la carte menu with a range of ultrahealthy and delicious Japanese dishes. The big news is the arrival of a new head chef. Cornelius hails from Tokyo Hut, arguably Denmark’s most famous and best Japanese restaurant, where he was head chef for 8 years. Already a great restaurant, expect Yakitori #1 to be taken to new levels of excellence in terms of creative flair, imagination and taste as he puts his stamp on what will be a vibrant and fun menu.
Take, for example, Diamond Dermabrasion. It deeply exfoliates the skin, vacuuming up the residue (which is often left behind). The results are remarkable, especially for acne, fine lines and general rejuvenation. As Cardiff ’s leading exponent, Jason has seen the delight on customers’ faces, who’ve described it as ‘skin resurfacing’. Another age-defying treatment offered is Ultra Sound Firming. A machine is passed over your skin and as it does so, emits ultrasound waves to heat the layer of tissue under the skin to make it tighten. It also increases the production of collagen which stimulates cell renewal and further tightens the skin. All of which takes years off your complexion. If this wasn’t reason enough to pop in, if you book three sessions, you’ll get a fourth free (T&C’s apply). This includes the age defying treatments and also covers the many other treatments offered such as waxing, massage and pedicures. Groom For Men, 123 Crwys Road, Cardiff CF24 4NG. t.029 2132 0204 www.groomformen.co.uk
Yakitori #1, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ. T. 029 2049 5050 www.yakitori1.co.uk
STYLE ABODE Take a look at the stylish living on offer at Crest Nicholson’s Penarth Heights
With spring finally here, it’s the perfect time to make a move onto the property ladder. Look no further than Penarth Heights, award winning house builder Crest Nicholson’s development in Wales. Penarth Heights has a fantastic collection of one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom homes. Perfect for first time buyers, The Pinnacle offers stunning one and two bedroom apartments with open plan living space, providing plenty of opportunity for entertaining. The apartments also boast large balconies providing idyllic and uninterrupted views across either Cardiff Bay or the beautiful surrounding area. Set high above Penarth Marina, Penarth Heights is just a short walk from the centre of Penarth, recently voted as “one of the best places to live in the UK” by The Sunday Times, with its selection of boutique shops, bars and restaurants as well as leisure facilities and an excellent array of local schools. A little further afield is Cardiff city centre, always buzzing with great night life and frequent sporting events. The recent extension of Help to Buy Wales is making home ownership in Wales a reality for many, including first-time buyers and existing homeowners looking to move up the property ladder. The Welsh Government has increased the Help to Buy Wales scheme until 2021 and any property costing less than £300,000 is eligible. This means that loans of up to £60,000 will be available. The loans will be interest free for five years and at below-market rates thereafter, enabling you to buy
48 REDHANDED ssue 3
a brand new Crest Nicholson home with just a 5% deposit. A brand new show apartment has just opened at The Pinnacle so pop down and take a look at the stylish living on offer? The on-site Sales and Marketing Suite and show homes are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment with parking at The Pinnacle start from £155,000, just £124,000 with Help to Buy. For further information call 02920 020 247, email penarthheights@crestnicholson.com or visit www.crestnicholson.com/penarthheights.
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS
LIFESTYLE
BY ST.DAVIDS
Holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the dilemma of packing. Whether you’re spending two weeks on a beach, or a short break in a European city, it’s becoming much more important to be able to fit everything you need into a small bag or suitcase. We’ve teamed up with St David’s to bring you the top items of clothing, accessories and gadgets to ensure you pack stylishly and smartly this summer. Capsule wardrobe If your trip is full of varying activities, make sure your wardrobe reflects that. Pick versatile items such as jeans from River Island, an Reiss shirt that can take you from day to night, and Kurt Geiger shoes that can be worn both poolside or out to dinner. Great gadgets A GoPro camera from John Lewis is a great investment as you can capture HD video and images, even underwater, to make your holiday unforgettable. Also, investing in a pair of Bose Noise Cancellation headphones can be a lifesaver for longer journeys, so you can watch the latest blockbuster a mile high without disturbing your travel companions. For the latest trends and offers, find St David’s on www.stdavidscardiff.com or on Facebook.
From Left Clockwise: GoPro-Hero4 - John Lewis - £274.99 Kurt Geiger, Toms - £60 Riverisland Jeans - £40 Reiss - £80 Bose® QuietComfort® Noise Cancelling® QC25 Over-Ear Headphones - £249.95
FOOTBALL MAKING HUBLOT TICK Hublot, the premium watch brand available exclusively through Watches of Switzerland in Cardiff, continues its Hublot loves football campaign as the official time-keeper for Euro 16. A quick glance at the wrist of many of the world’s great footballing characters, from Mourinho through to Pele, will go to show just how popular the brand is amongst football’s glitterati. To mark Hublot’s involvement in Euro 16, they’ve released the official watch of Euro 16, the Big Bang Unico Retrograde Chronograph UEFA Euro 2016. With a red, white and blue ‘face’ on a black ceramic case, this limited edition model is part of Hublot’s famous Big Bang range. It comprises of a Unico 44 jewel movement with 4 years of development and 330 hand-made and hand-assembled parts (many football related, such as extra time indicators). For a collector it’s a must have. However, with only 100 available most of us will have to be content with a model from elsewhere in the range, many of which are on display in Watches of Switzerland. With approximately 20 models drawn from the Big Bang and Classic Fusion ranges, there’s a large selection to choose from – and you never know, a few years down the line there may be a Gareth Bale model in the line-up too. Hublot, available through Watches of Switzerland, 23 St David’s Way, St David’s Centre, Cardiff CF10 2DP
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
49 REDHANDED
LIFESTYLE
THE BIG-HEARTED FESTIVAL
ESCAPE ARTISTS Escape games have taken off in a big way Stateside and throughout the rest of the UK. And the first to arrive in Cardiff has opened its doors. But this is no normal, run-of-the-mill chain. Fiercely independent, Escape Rooms Cardiff do things differently and have been getting accolades for their unique approach to escape games. Put simply you and your team get locked in a themed room (usually for an hour) where the only way out is to find and solve a series of hidden clues and puzzles that eventually lead you to the key to the door. It’s even more fun when you’re competing against another team - the first one to solve the fiendishly clever riddles and unlock the door wins. Easy. Not. So, what’s so special about Escape Rooms Cardiff? Most companies simply buy the kit, games and software ‘off-the-shelf ’ which means they can be a bit samey. But Escape Rooms Cardiff has taken it to the next level – all their games have been redeveloped specifically for them and as a result are much more fun and unusual. Escape from a boobytrapped Egyptian tomb, find and release a missing Sherlock Holmes or steal a priceless artefact from a museum before the rozzers catch you. All require quick-thinking and teamwork and are enormous fun, even if you don’t get out in time!
Summer is finally here and that means it’s time to savour a fine ale from the Great Orme Brewery as you listen to a fantastic line-up of Welsh, UK and international musicians. Nestled in the beautiful sea-side hills of north Wales is Ymuno, a music and arts festival that takes its name from the Welsh word meaning ‘join together’, and what’s not to like about a festival that effortlessly blends music with a heady mix of good food, craft ales, beautiful spirits from the artisan Snowdon Distillery, family friendly activities, oh and did we mention the complimentary breakfasts! Known by its loyal followers as the “small festival with a big heart” Ymuno offers festival goers a complete experience, where else can you build a mini oak timber frame building with the North Wales Natural Building Centre then funk it up to the sounds of the Renegade Brass Band, The Turbans and more, as the sun sets. An eclectic range of inspirational speakers will cover topics such as the early punk rock scene in Wales, Peruvian ceremonial chocolate making and permaculture gardening. There is a packed activity program for children which is free to access, the return of the popular graffiti boards and a mini market featuring handcrafted wares from local craftspeople. Ymuno really does join together so many good things, it’s a shame it only happens once a year! Ymuno Summer Festival, Abergele, North Wales - July 1-4, 2016 www.ymuno.com
Prices from £17 per player per hour. 119 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1DY. Tel. 029 2167 9700. www.escaperoomscardiff.co.uk
A PERFECT TEN A ‘Huddle Interview’ with Bar Manager Adam Beckey and Head Bartender Thomas Johanna. So how are you selecting stock at Ten Mill Lane? Adam and Thomas based on their experiences are selecting spirits based on exclusivity, bottle design, most importantly research, characteristics and tasting profiles. Ultimately the final decision is always made by you guys/our guests and friends. Do you have anything planned for the Summer? We will again be boasting the outside area which will have a strong focus on Gins this year. Thomas and Adam will be selecting every couple of weeks a variety of interesting Gins and their perfect serves from the ever growing Ten Mill Lane gin portfolio. What is your summer Drink? Adam: It depends on the setting if I am home in somerset then there is nothing better than a cold Cider but in the city a simple G&T does the job. Thomas: It depends on the occasion and the people I am with, normally I go for a refreshing G&T or a nice and chilled glass of Champagne. What do you love about Ten Mill Lane? Adam: in my opinion the sense of family among the staff and that everyone wants the best for the business with the guest at the forefront of everything is major. I enjoy the influence that we have on every decision.
50 REDHANDED ssue 3
Thomas: In my eyes, Ten Mill Lane has beautiful balance between being a nice, chilled cocktail bar and late night party venue. I love the vibe, atmosphere and happy faces of our guests and friends while I am working behind the stick with my Ten Mill Lane family. What can we look forward to in the future? We are working on some exciting stuff for everyone to enjoy including some interesting events and bar development but the main focus for us right now is our new menu that will be released soon. Ten Mill Lane’s new menu will be released soon. 10, Mill Lane, Cardiff. 02921 151015
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
LIFESTYLE
DIAMOND SERVICE Diamonds are forever and throughout time have signified giving and receiving love. Fine jeweller Crouch selects its diamonds with love and care while highly knowledgeable sales consultants are dedicated to making buying that special ring a magical experience for you. Crouch takes its own vows to give exceptional customer service to heart so expect a champagne-style reception when you arrive. The mythical Roman goddess of dawn was Aurora, whose tears turned into morning dew. Crouch has captured those luminous droplets and turned them into sparkling diamond rings. Aurora is Crouch’s own brand of IGI-certificated solitaire diamond engagement rings, which feature a unique mount that sets off the stones to eye-catching effect. There is an old belief that engagement and wedding rings are worn on the third finger – the Vena Amoris or Vein of Love - as it’s thought to be directly connected to the heart. Crouch offers wedding bands in white, yellow and rose gold, or platinum, some studded with exquisitely patterned diamonds, and for gents there’s also the popular palladium. All fulfil that promise of “With this ring...” Crouch, Grand Arcade, St David’s Dewi Sant, Cardiff
HOT STUFF Lacoste - £73 (RRP £110)
O’Neill - £35 (RRP £50)
Cool spring/summer picks from McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Bridgend
TedBaker - £159 (RRP £259)
TedBaker - £65 (RRP £99)
Ted Baker - £55 (RRP £95)
Lacoste - £73 (RRP £110)
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
Fossil - £90 (RRP £145)
KurtGeiger - £59 (RRP £85)
51 REDHANDED
LIFESTYLE
ALL HEART
Welsh Hearts was founded in 2013 and have been focusing on placing Defibrillators in communities and schools through-out Wales and holding free CPR training sessions to the public! In just 3 years Welsh Hearts have trained over 12,000 people in CPR and have placed over 400 defibrillators across communities in Wales. The aim is to drastically improve the chances of those that have cardiac arrests outside of hospital where the first few minutes are crucial in saving lives. In Wales there are 8000 such sudden cardiac arrests annually. Shockingly the survival rate is only 3%. Where a defibrillator is used, the survival rate is 50%. And screening can help. Too people in Wales are losing their lives to heart disease. It’s particularly sad to hear 12 young people die each week in the UK. This is why Welsh Hearts are fighting for people to be screened so heart abnormalities can be detected early enough to save lives. Welsh Hearts do not receive any government funding relying solely on donations and fundraising activities. If you would like to fundraise, volunteer or choose them as your designated charity please get in touch. A defibrillator costs £1,000, a heart screening full day session costs £5,000, an ECG machine costs £3,500 and echo machine £25,000. These vital pieces of equipment do and will continue to save more lives in Wales and as a Welsh heart charity they are proud that every single penny raised in Wales is spent in Wales. If you would like more information about placing a defibrillator in your community, school or place of work please let Welsh Hearts know so they can support you! If you would like to sponsor a heart screening day in your community then please contact them. For more information fundraising@welshhearts.org or 02920 647735
THE RANIERI EFFECT Kevin Arnold from Momentum Coaching looks at the amazing success of Leicester City and explains how momentum can build with remarkable results Back in August Leicester City were about to start the 2015-16 Premier League season. Apart from maybe diehard Leicester City fans their opening fixture at home to Sunderland would have attracted very little attention. Having narrowly avoided relegation they were expected to struggle. However, that opening fixture resulted in a 4-2 victory with goals from Vardy and Mahrez. The momentum had well and truly started. In fact the momentum started a month earlier when Leicester appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new manager, a choice met with some derision. But what followed was one of the most unlikely outcomes in sporting history as the 5000-1 outsiders just kept on winning to become the 2015-16 Premier League Champions. Ranieri and his astonishing team had shown the world what could be achieved with good strategy and mind-set. So what lessons can we take from this wonderful “David and Goliath” success story. It shows we can all have big dreams and goals in life. Do not let negative opinion or doubters hold you back from aiming high. When momentum builds up it can become an unstoppable force. So I say to both our Wales football team as they prepare for the EURO 2016 Championships and our Wales rugby team which tours New Zealand to approach these competitions with the spirit of Leicester City. The same principle applies to individuals as we target our own personal goals. No matter how modest they might be we can all excel by believing in ourselves. At Momentum Coaching I use techniques to help individuals make positive changes that help them to reach their full potential. IF SOMEONE TRIES TELLING YOU SOMETHING IS IMPOSSIBLE JUST REPLY: LEICESTER CITY. Kevin is a qualified Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and offers individually tailored sessions in Llantwit Major, your home or consultations via telephone or Skype. www.momentumcoaching.co.uk or Tel: 07766 018831
HALL TOGETHER NOW Wales Millennium Centre’s Festival of Voice kicks off, ironically, at St David’s Hall on June 3 with a performance from Wales’ greatest living musical icon John Cale. Best known as a founding member of the Velvet Underground, Garnant-born Cale actually trained as a classical musician before meeting Lou Reed, Warhol, et al, in New York. So expect a varied and at times challenging performance, particularly his latest album M:FANS. Also appearing as part of the festival is the evergreen Ronnie Spector, June 10. The original ‘bad girl of rock’ is still going strong and looking great having started her career with the Ronettes back in the early ‘60s. Further ahead, and by way of contrast, is Kevin Bloody Wilson (Nov 1). The comedy singer/songwriter will be enlightening us with his particular brand of earthy (ok, rude) Aussie humour set to music. To be fair, he is very funny, if cringeworthy. And now for something completely different. Every mum’s favourite scientist, the ever
52 REDHANDED ssue 3
enthusiastic Professor Brian Cox will be taking audiences on a journey through time and space on November 16. What he won’t be doing is performing Things Can Only Get Better. If you want something less mentally taxing, also appearing in November are X Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson (Nov 14) with her critically acclaimed, Aretha Franklin inspired brand of soul, and The John Wilson Orchestra (Nov 23), a handpicked orchestra of virtuoso players delivering musical masterpieces from the movies, including Hello Dolly, Star Wars, Gigi and Funny Girl. All goes to show there’s plenty for everyone at St David’s Hall over the coming months. To find out what else is on, or to buy tickets, go to www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
BALL WINNERS The champagne flowed, the music rocked and the great and good (and a few who clearly sneaked past the door-staff) of Cardiff ’s business community had a rare old time at the inaugural Regional Awards Cardiff ball in swanky Mercure Cardiff Holland House in April.
Peter Alan win The Property Award
Moksh collect Restaurant of the Year
Laserwise win the Beauty Industry Award presented by Nathan Palmer Menswear
Beverage Industry Award and Overall winner - Otley Brewing Company
Laguna Health Spa pick up the Leisure Industry Award
WalesOnCraic win Blogger of the Year presented by Degu Media
10 Feet Tall win Bar of the Year
Howells Solicitors land the Professional Services Award presented by Chapel 1877
A packed Mercure Holland House Hotel hosted Cardiff event of The Regional Awards
The Pure Kitchen picked up Best New Business Citizenship Award went to Llamau presented by RedHanded
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 53
HEALTH & GROOMING Let’s face it - you need to wash your mug with more than just soap, says Jason Jones
54 REDHANDED
6 of the best… Face Washes
If your idea of washing your face is a onceover with a grimy flannel, it’s time to get with the mug-cleansing programme because although we’re up with the grooming game these days - we’re still face wash illiterate. This is a bit of a shame because there’s a plethora of pro-class products on the market that cater to every skin need. 1. Jåsön C-Effects Super-C Cleanser (177ml, £10.49) This is a great daily wash if your skin is classed as ’normal’, meaning not too dry, not too oily. Not only does it make your face feel clean-as-a-whistle fresh, it has a strong citrus hit that’s a good wake-up call in the morning shower. Nice name, too. 2. Men-ü Healthy Facial Wash (100ml, £10.45) Even if your face is normal, blemishes occasionally befall us all. This targets breakouts, blotchiness and the scourge of male grooming, the shaving rash. Also, it’s not a bank-breaker and promises up to 265 washes a bottle into the bargain due to its concentrated formula. 3. Bliss Triple Oxygen Energising Cleansing Foam (148ml, £24) Despite having an exhaustive title, this is a brilliant quick fix. So if you’re looking a bit tired or (heaven forbid) have a hangover, a speedy spritz of this works immediate wonders. There’s a reason Bliss is such a respected brand: its products really get results, fast. 4. Yes To Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub (112ml, £6.99) Tomatoes contain a potent antioxidant called lycopene with anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin from environmental factors that cause clogged pores. This is gentle enough to use dayto-day but rigorous enough to get the job done. And, no, it won’t make you smell like a salad. 5. Living Nature Purifying Cleanser (100ml, £21) Founded in New Zealand, Living Nature harnesses the country’s indigenous plants to produce chemical-free skincare. This herbily-scented purifier combines a healthy shot of hydration and natural nourishment with squeaky cleanness. Perfect for skin on the more sensitive side. 6. Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator Face Wash (200ml, £19) As it says on the tin, this tackles excess oiliness. Using crushed apricot seeds as its basis, it controls the face’s oil levels by effectively sloughing off dead skin cells, pollution and sweat without stripping your mush of its natural moisture. As it’s deep cleansing, use 2/3 times a week.
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
3 SIMPLE HEALTH HACKS Work the weights For toned muscles and easier weight control, resistance exercises (those that mildly stress the muscle and make it grow) are as important as cardio exercises like running or swimming. Lighter weights, stretchy resistance bands or simply working against the weight of your own body doing press-ups, lunges and sit-ups – 2 to 3 times a week for 20 minutes are enough to boost metabolic rate and maintain body strength. Take echinacea Studies have shown that taking echinacea helps reduce the chance of catching an infection. However to get the optimum benefits, make sure you take it over limited periods of time with breaks in between. Clear out your food cupboards If you’ve resolved to eat more healthily and lose a couple of pounds, then it’s time to chuck out the calorie-crammed cupboard howlers and restock with nutritious staples.
Spa Gazing St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot Signature treatment: Not strictly a treatment, but the use of the hydro pool, herbally-infused sauna and aromatherapy steam room when you book a treatment certainly feels like a treat. Prices: Remarkably reasonable for such a ritzy joint. The day packages, for example, start from a very competitive 95 quid. Also, they have plenty of promotions so keep your peepers peeled. Service: Staff are the best blend of attentive when you need them and invisible when you don’t. The X Factor: It’s got to be that blow-your-mind location. Taking advantage of its 007-style clifftop site, the spa’s relaxation lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows give good views of Carmarthen Bay creating the illusion of being suspended amid the stunning outstretched scenery. Score: With its easy mix of the high-end and the laidback, this impressive all-rounder – subtly-luxe rooms, top-notch restaurant, spectacular setting – is a very strong 9 out of 10. stbridesspahotel.com
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 55
In partnership with
www.chd.clinic
Registered charity number 1154109
HEART SCREENING WALES Hundreds die each year from an undiagnosed heart condition. Don’t take the chance! Book a heart screening today for ages 5 and up at welshhearts.org/screenings
se Plea to te dona more fund ning scree
Go to welshhearts.org/screenings Email screenings@welshhearts.org WelshHearts 029 2064 7735
Arbennig is a family owned restaurant situated in the leafy streets of Pontcanna, Cardiff. We change our menu every week to ensure that we only use the finest seasonal produce, to guarantee that our customers only get the best. Open for breakfast on weekends 8am-11am Arbennig Food Emporium now open serving exceptional local produce to take home, sandwiches, tea and coffee
56 REDHANDED ssue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
SPORT Seconds away! Time to go a few rounds with Riath AlSamarrai
Take An Axe To Swansea
FIRST the shambles, then the salvation. What a strange season for football and what a weird campaign for Swansea City, who so nearly fell victim to their own complacency yet ultimately woke up in time to finish mid-table. But the flourish at the finish cannot be used to disguise the fact that the first two thirds of the campaign were a woeful mess, on and off the pitch. A summer of surgery is set to commence and if whispers around the club are to be believed, tweaks and subtle changes will not do. Simply put, there were too many passengers in the side, too many players who were just passing through. It was not good enough - and that applies equally to the club’s decision-makers who, having got so much right over the years, they got Garry Monk’s departure so wrong. They got it right with Francesco Guidolin, but they took a serious amount of time to get there. The challenge now is to ensure there is no repeat of the struggles next season. That will not be easy. The new television money cascading into the Premier League this summer will ensure that each team gets stronger, making for an even more competitive division and transfer market. Stragglers and the unwise will get left behind, just as Aston Villa did this time, despite spending in the region of £50m last summer. For Swansea, the battle is to manage what ought to be a major overhaul of the squad and not introduce too much disruption. It is likely there will be new owners in place and perhaps a new manager. Then factor in the need for a new leading striker, new wide players and additions at full-back. Joe Allen is also wanted from Liverpool at centre midfield. And who will leave? Beyond the possible exceptions of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Leon Britton, Ashley Williams, Jack Cork and Lukasz Fabianski, how many of the current squad would supporters be sorry to lose? Changes need to be made early in the summer, giving the longest possible run-up to next season. That means an early call on the manager and quick, decisive activity in the transfer market. New recruits need to closer resemble the point-to-prove psychological profile that used to be common at the club but has been strangely lacking in the last year.
An easy theory, perhaps, but devilishly hard to tick all those boxes in what is sure to be a market of inflated and unrealistic values, owing to the latest flood of TV cash. It will be extremely difficult. And yet you sense Swansea simply can’t afford to do it any other way.
Mind Your Language, Please
Discriminatory language is rightly frowned upon, hence the backlash against Joe Marler for calling Wales’s Samson Lee a “gypsy boy”. The incident makes the perpetrator look particularly daft; yet not nearly as daft as the rugby blazers who defended him, nor some of the pious souls on the opposite side of the debate who wanted something akin to a public flogging.
Cut Slade Some Slack
Maybe Russell Slade was a little hard done by with all the flak he has taken at Cardiff City. Just maybe. Playing unadventurous football might be deemed a dereliction of duty by some, but challenging for promotion (Cardiff were chasing a play-off place at the time of writing) against the backdrop of financial chaos deserves far more respect.
Time To Think Outside The Box
If anything highlights the farcical nature in which boxing is organised and controlled, take the plight of pound-for-pound legend Roy Jones Jr. At 47 years old, he is drifting around the world looking for pay cheques, so far gone from the amazing level he once reached that it seems a matter of time before he is badly injured. His knockout defeat against Wales’s Enzo Maccarinelli in Russia last December was brutal, but still there was no way for this fragmented sport to step in and end the circus. Instead, he was able to stage his very next fight against a competition winner who had never boxed competitively before. Boxing has faced enough tough questions lately, following the injuries suffered by Cardiff-trained Nick Blackwell, and it would be better placed to answer them if it had the organisational framework needed to save fighters like Jones from themselves.
Overheard…
“So folks in my time off, I decided to have a fight with a chainsaw and lost!” Jamie Donaldson, the Welsh golfer who won the decisive point for Europe in the last Ryder Cup, was not especially concerned about almost severing a finger earlier this year.
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 57
58 REDHANDED Issue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
ACE IN THE PACK Mazda CX3 2.0 SE Nav
Mazda’s CX5, launched in 2014, was a stunning success picking up accolades from the press, grudging respect from the industry and a serious slice of market share in the lucrative compact SUV niche. A brief spin reaffirms the CX5’s prowess as simply the best car in its class. No surprise then, that a smaller version hit the streets late last year. The CX3 aims to emulate its big bro’s use of advanced technology to create an economical, good-looking, reliable cross-over that’s also fun to drive. So, hit or miss? First, a recap. At the heart of the CX5’s success were three things. New engines, a new platform and a new design language all underpinned by an engineering ‘philosophy’ Mazda calls SkyActiv. Simply, SkyActiv means using cutting edge tech to make all aspects of Mazda’s cars as efficient and light-weight as possible. Every ounce of weight is stripped out; the engines use unorthodox compression ratios to maximise efficiency; premium grade metals are used in the chassis to increase strength and lightness. The list goes on. And the CX3 is a continuation of this design approach. It maintains the familial look based on Mazda’s KODO design theme, which means it’s a handsome fellow. Well proportioned, with a great mix of curves and sharp lines and a purposeful front end; it has real on the road presence. Inside, it oozes quality, far more than you’ve a right to expect at this level. There’s a tasteful mix of finishes, including aluminium, carbon fibre, gloss black and soft-touch plastics and all controls feel good to handle. The infotainment screen is intuitive and easy to navigate and the dash is uncluttered and well laid out, whilst the seats are supportive and deliver a good driving position. Space is decent for two adults in the back but would be a bit tight for three, however with the sound system’s bass unit fitted, the boot’s too shallow– an issue that Mazda is looking to address. It’s well specced with 7-inch touchscreen, DAB, Bluetooth, climate control, alloy wheels and heated, electrically folding door mirrors as standard. Particularly neat is MZD-Connect, an advanced infotainment system that gives you easy, fingertip control over all your music, phone, navigation and vehicle settings and even provides internet app integration. Where the CX3 really excels, like its sibling, is on the move. Though the CX5 is great for its size, you couldn’t call it nimble. But you can with the CX3. Its chassis, oddly, is based on the super-mini sized Mazda 2, and not the 3, which would be more logical. The upshot is that it has a small footprint, which, combined with the SkyActiv attributes of lightness and strength, means the CX3 is incredibly agile and great fun to chuck around. The lack of size also means you can be more carefree on where you place it, safe in the knowledge you’re less likely to clip a wall/hedge/
wing mirror. You might expect this handling prowess to have an impact on comfort but no – whilst the ride is moderately firm it’s still comfortable and soaked up potted country lanes with aplomb. The steering is typical Mazda – precise and with good feedback, encouraging a press-on driving style. It drives more like a warmed up hatch than a cut-down off-roader. The CX3’s agility would count for a lot less if it weren’t matched by engine performance. But again the CX3 delivers. Our car had the 2.0 petrol which, thanks to SkyActiv, is a remarkably efficient, powerful unit. Diesel may still be the fashionable choice but Mazda’s petrols make more sense if you do more city than motorway driving. Instead of going the turbo/compressor route Mazda’s petrol engines are normally aspirated and use high compression to make them lean and mean. The lack of a turbo also makes them more responsive and free-revving and as good as modern diesels are, they can’t compete for driver satisfaction and pure fun. With 120bhp and a whopping 204 Nm of torque there’s enough pulling power to get you to 62 in 9.9secs whilst all that torque makes overtaking a breeze - and all this with 49 mpg (combined). Another ace the CX3 has up its sleeve is the incredibly sweet, short-throw manual gearbox – it’s a joy to use. The CX3 has to be top of anyone’s compact SUV shortlist. As the CX5’s mini-me, it’s got all its awardwinning big bro’s attributes, it’s great looking and it’s a hoot to drive and all this at what will be a more appealing size and price for most buyers.
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
Top speed: 116mph 0-62: 9.9 secs Mpg: 48.7 CO2: 136g Price: from £18,195
REDHANDED 59
Lexus RX450h F Sport
I’ll let you in on a little secret. One that may come as a surprise given I’m an unabashed petrol head. I’ve always been a big fan of the RX. That’s because it proudly does things most other large, premium SUV’s come up short on – it’s bloody comfortable, it’s so easy to drive, it’s relatively economical and it’s stuffed full of gadgets. A generation ago, these were all attributes that manufacturers would boast about and well-heeled punters would crow over. Now the focus, and sales numbers, is all on handling, with customers kinda forgetting that they have to live with a car, day in day out. With those sales figures in mind, Lexus have added a new, performance oriented variant to the latest iteration of the RX – it’s called the F Sport (best said in a Clarkson-esque voice). Question is, have they thrown the baby out with the bath water?
0-62mph: 7.7secs Top speed: 124mph CO2: 120g/km Mpg: 51.4 combined Price: from £52,995 Thanks to Victoria Park Mazda and Cardiff Lexus (both Hadfield Road, Cardiff)
Well, no. They haven’t. The familial Lexus form factor is there – with a mildly menacing but not unpleasant, angular ‘face’ (think Peaky Blinder Cillian Murphy), sweeping creases and slashes to the sides and a fastback roofline it’s a handsome car that looks smaller than it is and doesn’t shout ‘look at me’. The interior is the dog’s whatsits. It just oozes quality and thoughtfulness from every nook and cranny. The materials are a combination of metal finishes, high quality plastics and oodles of leather all put together with absolute precision. Controls are both aesthetically pleasing, especially those operating the infotainment system, and ergonomically sound being easy to use and well located. The digital instruments and headsup display, which changes depending on the mode you’re driving in, are clear and let you see everything you need to know at a glance and the gargantuan infotainment screen is a plus. The spec list on the F-Sport is a big selling point – you’ll want for nothing so there’s no point in detailing it. One area that’s worth emphasising is cabin comfort. Not only are the seats unbelievably comfortable, but thanks to the RX’s
“you’ll want for nothing so there’s no point in detailing it” 60 REDHANDED • Issue 3
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
increased size, space is very generous – there’s plenty of room for five and their luggage. This cabin is a great place to be in every respect and one you could happily spend all day behind the wheel in. It’s also extremely safe thanks to a host of gizmos such as adaptive cruise control, radar, pre-crash warning and lane assist. Lexus’ legendary reliability and customer service adds to the sense of a stress-free motoring experience. Once underway, in Eco mode (suspension, throttle responses and gearing at their standard settings) it’s a comfortable, relaxed car that goes about its chores with very little fuss. It’s got a much stiffer chassis than its predecessor which may account for the minimal body roll and neat cornering, which is a little at odds with the fact that it is a very comfortable and refined large car. It cut out the racket that normally accompanies a drive on the Cardiff Bay link road with aplomb and soaked up the worst potholes the back roads of the Vale could throw at it, which is saying something. The hybrid powertrain consists of a petrol 3.5l V6 and two electric motors all mated to a smooth 8-speed CVT auto gearbox. It delivers plenty of speed and power (0-62 in 7.7secs and 450hp), whilst remaining hushed, undramatic and economical with only 120g of CO2 and 51.4mpg. Clearly the baby is still neck deep in bath water which begs a different question. Is it a disappointing drive when you want to give it some welly? This is where the F-Sport pulls off a neat trick. Every other model in the range has a Sport mode, which sharpens responses, delays gear shifts to make them sportier, loudens the exhaust note and makes the steering heavier. All help make it more fun. But the F-Sport, uniquely, has a Sport Plus mode which also firms up the suspension. And it makes a real difference. Straightaway you sense the increased tautness, which encourages harder driving, something that it’s more than capable of dealing with, even in demanding negative camber bends. Granted, it may not satisfy absolutely every keen driver but it’s more than enough for an entertaining, rapid, cross country jaunt where you want to chuck it into corners with confidence. And it’s still comfortable so you can have the best of both worlds.
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
61 REDHANDED
Restaurants & Bars Cen at Celtic Manor
Well, this has got to rank as the poshest Oriental restaurant in Wales. First off, it’s headed up by Larkin Cen, the Cardiff-born Masterchef finalist. Then there’s the location. The old Manor House at the 5* Celtic Manor is about as plush as it gets – no expense spared, its vibe is somewhere between the colonial air of Raffles and a stately home. Nor did the food disappoint. Having mulled over the Pan-Asian menu for an eternity I was happy with my choice of starter: plump, juicy scallops that were seared perfectly and served with delightfully piquant pancetta dashi broth. My companion’s trendy Korean chicken bao was equally impressive: two fluffy buns stuffed with crispy coated tender chicken and served with a light yuzo mayo and spicy Sriracha sauce combo. We pigged out on mains, deciding, on the advice of a fellow diner, to share Cen’s signature Cantonese duck platter (for two) whilst throwing in a Laksa seafood broth for variety’s sake. I’ve had Peking duck aplenty over the years but this was something special – a perfectly cooked slab of duck breast, crisp and seared on the outside, yet pink, succulent and moreish inside, sliced and served with the obligatory cucumber, spring onion, pancakes and Peking sauce. It’s not cheap at £68 but you get what you pay for – the quality of the duck is top drawer and you get a lot of it. The Laksa was much more subtle – a warming, mellow confluence of delicate oriental herbs and spices that allows the freshness of tiger prawns, scallops and vegetables to shine. Positively stuffed we shared the simply named Chocolate for dessert – a stunning mix of torte, mousse and aero ably supported by a malt ice cream and mandarin, then headed home, bewitched. Cen at Celtic Manor, Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley, Newport, NP18 1HQ 01633 413000 www.celtic-manor/cen
Vivo Latino
Vivo Latino promises to bring some authentic Latin American flavour to Cardiff ’s sprawling Cowbridge Road. It is much-needed, especially on a night of sideways rain. Friendly staff welcome us into the warm and bright interior with exposed brick walls, sprayed motifs and industrial lighting.
Chapel 1877
As you step inside, there’s no doubting that Chapel 1877 is a special place. Once the hub and pride of the Welsh language Methodist community in Cardiff, it’s been lovingly restored to its dazzlingly ornate former glory and is now a restaurant. We’re off to a good start with some cracking sour-dough bread accompanied by a velvety, full flavoured balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Always a good measure, my starter scallops were sweet and plump, perfectly seared and well matched with spicy, smoky chorizo and creamy white bean puree. A, as a self-confessed beetroot nut, was in heaven with her delightful beetroot and ricotta tortellini. On the recommendation of our waitress (who was both attentive and knowledgeable) I opted for the loin of venison for main. I was hesitant, as venison can be tough and too strongly flavoured if it’s not top notch. Not this time. Middlewood Farm in the Beacons supplies the best venison in Wales - it was perfectly pink, tender and with a delicate gamey piquancy that slowly enveloped the taste-buds. Accompanied by Penderyn jus, wild mushrooms and smoked garlic mash it was a glorious flavour-fest. A’s Jerusalem artichoke and chive risotto, was just as good, albeit in a gentler fashion with the sweet nuttiness of artichoke working well with the judicious use of chives. All washed down with a nicely balanced Bordeaux from Domaine du Seuil, a Welsh owned vineyard. To finish, a sticky ginger pudding with marinated pineapple, mango cream and ginger beer syrup hit the spot, mainly because it majored on fresh ginger rather than sugar, as did a sumptuous dark chocolate and malt tart, bitter/sweet of chocolate off-set by sweet malt. The food does indeed do justice to this fine building, but more, its flair and richness actually adds to the experience. Chapel 1877, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2WF 029 2022 2020
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
The drinks menu is stacked with choice. The cocktails are the main draw and I opt for a taste of Brazil with a wonderfully refreshing Caipirinha. My partner plays safe with a beer. We share two starter plates of Cone tacos and a Mexican bruschetta selection. The cones are stuffed with a spicy beef, corn salsa and fajita chicken served with lettuce, pickled onions, jalapenos and radish. These crunchy pockets of delight are packed with freshness, followed by gentle waves of heat. The Mexican bruschetta selection contains the same ingredients but served on toasted mini ciabattas. They’re just as delicious and hoovered in seconds. For mains, my dining partner opts for the Pan seared salmon steak. Served with wilted spinach, vegetable ragout and smoked paprika, it’s pale pink, smacks of freshness and flakes effortlessly. The crushed cassava cake it’s served on brings a lovely smoothness to the dish. I order the chicken sizzler; a show-stopping fajita that’s a cut above your standard Tex-Mex cuisine. The chicken breast is plump and zesty with a fresh lemon glaze that bubbles away on a hot plate of peppers and onions. For dessert, it’s Aztec chocolate fudge cake. Sumptuous warm gooeyness of the cake nicely cooled with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. My buddy goes for Dule de leche napoleons. A naughty but nice sandwich of light, crispy puff pastry filled with caramel custard and vanilla ice cream. All told, a very welcome addition to one of Cardiff ’s most eclectic dining districts. 147 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AH 029 2022 0636 www.vivolatino.co.uk Michael Took
63 REDHANDED
Restaurants & Bars Hopbunker
The foyer of The Hopbunker is a serious-looking place. As you descend the stairs, walls of battleship grey and office regulation carpet seem odd for a pub.
Be At One
Launched in London in the ‘90’s by three seasoned bartenders who were disillusioned with the plethora of cocktail bars that focussed more on style than substance, Be At One’s founding principle of a huge list of quality cocktails continues to be at the heart of what they do. Also part of the deal is great service and a party atmosphere, both of which featured prominently in our visit to their newest bar, in Cardiff city centre. It’s bright and welcoming with Greenwich Village boho chic décor of bare walls and distressed wood. It was a heaving Friday night and the staff could be forgiven for being wired but no, they were enjoying themselves as much as the punters and were happy to talk through some of the 160 cocktails on the menu.
“We couldn’t resist their best-seller, the Passionfruit Porn Star Martini, it had to be done “
64 REDHANDED
We couldn’t resist their best-seller, the Passionfruit Porn Star Martini, it had to be done and it’s a worthy best seller. And being a fan of a good Old Fashioned, I really enjoyed the Absolut Gangster which uses vodka rather than whisky but with the same ingredients. The star of the night though was a gorgeous Popster made with real popcorn, ice cream and butterscotch schnapps, it’s difficult to decide whether it’s sweet or savoury. For those who prefer beer there’s a good bottled selection. Prices are at the top end, as you’d expect of somewhere that uses premium brands, so Be At One’s app is worth downloading to take advantage of excellent offers. Regardless of this though, it’s worth every penny thanks to its winning combination of fun, service and great cocktails. Be At One, 60-62 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1FE 029 2010 0557
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
But it’s soon obvious that you have found somewhere serious about beer. Not just any old beer, though: you could be forgiven for not recognising many most, perhaps - of the names on offer. There are 15 hand-pulled ales on the front bar, and a selection of local independent ciders and world beers in the back. A small, cosy space, The Hopbunker is a place for grown-up drinkers. Craft ales are no longer the exclusive preserve of CAMRA members, even though the pub has just won their local Ale Pub of the Year award. More and more young people are prepared to explore the world of quality beers, with young women in particular heading straight for hoppy ales. You won’t find lurid neon hues in bottles, or massproduced bland megabrand lagers. What’s on offer here is a real craft ale experience. Although The Hopbunker champions its own Hopcraft beers and local brewers, guest ales from all over the world from Chile to Germany and further afield make an appearance. The range, which changes every few days, will have serious beer enthusiasts in hop heaven. For untapped users, it’s all your festive celebrations come at once. Prices, too, are very keen: although The Hopbunker might belong in Westgate Street’s ‘craft ale quarter’ in spirit, you won’t be remortgaging or selling a kidney to buy a round, with most coming in at well under £4 a pint. With a Social Club which takes in brewery visits, The Hopbunker is clearly not content to sit on its laurels. It’s a place with one brief: to sell good beer at its best. In that sense it’s a serious place, a proper ‘boozer’. Good beer, good choice, at a good price. Seriously good. Hopbunker, 5-7 Queen Street, Cardiff
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 65
Advertorial
MIX MASTERS We’ve all marvelled at some great cocktail menus in recent years. The industry’s come along way and Mixologists now conjure up amazing combinations that are as much science as art. How do they do it? The team at Lab 22 start with a mind-map. They, as a team, come together to combine their thoughts and experiments from the last couple of years to create a huge mind-map covered in intense handwritten scribbles. They then move on to the difficult, lengthy but fun process of whittling it down to the final winning cocktails for the menu. The end result is a menu that has some great new and interesting serves with a strong emphasis on flavours and aromas. And it’s organised so, regardless of some of the more obscure ingredients, it should be easy for anyone, even the less educated drinker, to choose the correct drink to suit their taste and mood. At Lab22 they love a good chin-wag about what they’ve have concocted - and why. So it’s not a problem if a customer is torn between a few cocktails as it gives them a chance to explain the logic behind them and find out what the customer enjoys in order to point them in the right direction. They have four sections of fixed completed cocktails that they are very happy with and form the core of the menu. Additionally, there’s another section that will roll over every month. For almost two years Lab 22 have held a tasting and competition every month and for whichever brand we are showcasing create a Bartender Specials section in light of it. These specials will be put into the main menu as an added fifth section at the beginning of every month.
66 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
It’s a great way of helping new and growing products that they believe are worth trying. And since it’s run as an in house competition you will usually find some pretty ‘out-there’ creations! One of those competition-winning cocktails is the Velvet Choco Chill. This is a very unusual rum cocktail that combines the flavours of orange, honey, chocolate and dark sugar and is then smoked and served on welsh slate with 85% dark chocolate as a garnish. This drink is what they like to call a ‘cameraready’ cocktail as it’s served under a glass cloche and the smoke surrounds the drink (and usually the table). The new menu also has a whiskey and lapsang souchong tea drink, a deconstructed Bloody Maria served with a spicy tomato jelly and a cumin and caraway infused gin with herbal tonic cocktail, to name but a few. Lab 22 aren’t entirely hung up on their own creations and encourage customers to try some of the classics as this is where it all started for all their Mixologists, albeit many moons ago. If you know a classic cocktail then so should they and they’ll do their utmost to serve you your favourite drinks! Or, on the other hand, they will also endeavour to create new cocktails upon request using all of their knowledge and vast selection of ingredients. It’s taken some time but Lab 22 reckon they’ve devised their best menu yet combining not only great tasting cocktails but exciting serves that create more of an experience for the discerning drinker. So if you find yourself wanting a special cocktail or your favourite classic then please stop by. Lab 22, Caroline Street, Cardiff, 02920 399997.
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
REDHANDED 67
ALBUMS & GIGS
Fatherson – Open Book
Open Book is the second studio release from the energetic Glasgow-based trio Fatherson. Having released their first album back in 2014, this is a strong follow up which shows the band hitting a new level of musical maturity. The album features their last single release Always and the forthcoming Lost Little Boys. Right from the outset the record blends a very distinct mix of melodic choruses, sung in a delightfully light Scottish accent, with medium-heavy guitar riffs. Opening with the anthemic Just Past the Point of Breaking, the song slowly gathers pace with the use of rolling drums framing the lighter verse vocals before smashing into powerful, emotionally charged choruses. The album noticeably slows, allowing the more moody and melancholy vocally dominated songs to shine through. The notable stand out is the forthcoming single Lost Little Boys. Lyrically, this will resonate with a generation of 20-somethings forging out into a confusing world. The guitar riffs carry the soaring choruses brilliantly, giving a real depth to the song. Something to be listened to loudly on a cliff top! Fatherson have composed a thoroughly enjoyable album, that more than hints at the future potential of the rising Scottish trio. James Colston
Ffug - Ffug
Ffug, formed in school four years ago, consists of singer Iolo Selyf James, Billy Morley (guitar), Henry Jones (bass), and Joey Robbins (drums). This is their second album, but first on Strangetown Records, recorded and produced by Dafydd Ieuan, drummer of Super Furry Animals. Album opener and new single, Love Is Stupid, features a killer fuzzed guitar riff, pounding drums and driving bass. When the energetic vocal enters, it completes an instant kick in the face. It demands to be listened to. The assault of the riff then makes way for power chords that accompany the chorus, “Love is stupid/So are we”. Love Is Stupid doesn’t contain any overblown solos or bells and whistles - it stays true to itself - all in under two minutes. Elsewhere, Byth Yn Stopio has a great anthemic quality which constantly wrong-foots the listener. Speedboat Dreaming is awash with hazy loveliness, recalling Pink Floyd. That, sonic, Floyd influence also appears on the second half of album closer Upside Down. It is bathed in phased arpeggios and reverb. The four piece who, on first inspection, channel the initial movement of American West Coast punk rock. Their shaven headed singer even resembles a young Henry Rollins - in his presence. But this band is more than single genre copyists. Ffug have created an album which embodies youth and a message - many older bands struggle to convey. Bilingualism - full of new generation hooks and thought.
Only The Brave, Wales Millennium Centre
Only The Brave is a musical with a difference. Well, three to be exact. It’s the WMC’s first major foray into producing its own shows, a do or die step towards a fully-fledged production company – so there’s a lot riding on it. Secondly, the subject matter of WW2’s D-Day landings and the daring capture of Pegasus Bridge is unorthodox to put it mildly. Again, a bold move. And lastly, it’s inspired by the reallife, and death, experiences of those involved, from recruitment through training to the actual attack, dipping into the supporting roles played by their wives and the French resistance – knowing what you see is not fiction, you can’t help but become wrapped up in the highs and lows of the events depicted. Something which is fully exploited by a well-crafted script, a talented cast and some very moving songs. Strong characterisation and well-paced, skilful direction get you emotionally engaged quickly. The songs and choreography are rousing, particularly the foot-stomping male ensemble pieces; individual performances, especially those of Emilie Fleming and David Thaxton playing the lead of Major John Howard, are both convincing and note-perfect. The sets are imaginative and atmospheric, particularly in the battle scenes, which capture the confusion and fear of war. It’s thoughtful too, with its darker moments handled with aplomb and a poignant cameo role for a genuine D-Day veteran topping and tailing the show. The result is a powerful, emotional, roller-coaster of a show that succeeds on all levels and bodes very well for WMC’s future.
68 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
Big Love Festival, Hay-on-Wye
The product of Cardiff ’s eclectic music scene, Big Love is the glitter soaked house party that you always dreamed of attending. Set in and around the imposing Baskerville Hall (Hay-on-Wye), the Big Love crew transformed the manor house and surrounding grounds into a musical playground for the three-day festival. In their own words, the festival is ‘fiercely independent’ with none of the corporate branding that has come to be associated with larger music festivals. Many of the stages were run in conjunction with established nights from Cardiff and Bristol’s scene (TEAK, Groove Theory, Blue Honey and Fantazia) allowing musicians passionate about their work to showcase the best they have to offer. Notable stand outs were the bass-heavy disco soaked vibes of Francis Inferno Disco, provided by Cardiff ’s own TEAK crew, smooth house supplied by the Cardiff duo Bodhi and the all-out party fun of AAA Bad Boy. Alongside the musical delights, were some of the best independent food stalls Wales has to offer. For a new festival, the team behind Big Love have put together something pretty special. Perfectly showcasing talent, while allowing people to party freely in a beautiful setting. James Colston
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
69 REDHANDED
RedHanded is brought to you by EDITORIAL
PRODUCTION
Editor: Jeremy Head
Designer: Alan Chaston Sub-editor: Sally Newman
Music: Michael Took Health And Grooming: Jason Jones Sport: Riath Al Samarrai Riath Al Samarrai, Bennett Arron, Phil Boucher, Gwynn Davis, Niall Griffiths, Jason Jones, Adam Kennedy, Greg Laing, Ana Klein, Arman Rahman, Madoc Roberts, David Rogers, Owain Taylor Shaw, David Took, Michael Took, Nigel West, David Whitley Photography: Mei Lewis MissionPhotographic. Com
ADVERTISING Publisher: Paul Mulligan
Printed by: Southern Print Distributed by Pear Distribution
To receive RedHanded call: 029 2019 0224 RedHanded Magazine is published by Conroy Media Ltd, PO Box 607, Cardiff CF24 1ZR ŠConroy Media 2012. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers can not be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. The views expressed in RedHanded are not necessarily those of the editor or the publishers.
Tel: 029 2019 0224, sales@conroymedia.co.uk
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk 70 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
@RedHandedMag red.handedmagazine
BOOK & FILMS Tasty! Find out where to grab a pizza the action - with Jason Jones
WHERE TO EAT PIZZA
SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS
Italians do it better. They have some of the best art, architecture and fashion. Even the people are effortlessly gorgeous. If you like your food, though, the best thing about Italy is its most famous culinary invention: pizza. However, according to this lengthy lowdown on the subject, Italians actually weren’t the originators of marrying flat bread with toppings – for millennia many Mediterranean countries had done it – they just came up with the name. That was in the 16th century so they’re entitled to bragging rights.
Sex, drugs and rock’n’roll isn’t a cliché for nothing as Dave Stewart attests in this no-holds-barred memoir. During his time at pop’s coalface as the yin to Annie Lennox’s yang in Eurythmics, he led a big-noise life that would put even a hardened hedonist to shame. There’s enough name-dropping anecdotage to keep Stewart in dinner party invites for a lifetime. So, we get tales of partying with Mick Jagger and a group of models (standard), sharing a hot tub with Jack Nicholson conducting Beethoven or the drunken night with Lou Reed persuading Damien Hirst not to amputate his own hands for an art project.
Daniel Young £16.95, Phaidon
The book is full of interesting nuggets that elevate it from being just another workaday where-to guide. Covering 48 countries, including Wales, and nearly two thousand pizzerias it’s certainly comprehensive, but what marks it out is the passion and knowledge of the experts/obsessives who compiled it. My first thought when I flicked through was: who would want to read a book solely dedicated to pizza? Fast-forward a couple of hours and I’m sofa-slumped still reading it. That’s because no book about food is ever simply about food. It’s about social, political and religious history. In other words, food is part of the evolution of our cultures, of our lives, which is fascinating even if you’re not a foodie.
Adam Kennedy gets lost in the jungle - and rather enjoys the experience
Dave Stewart £18.99, New American Library
What’s so refreshing about this memoir is that it’s so disarmingly open. Whereas most of the elder statesmen of the music biz PR their past to make it appear as vanilla as possible, Stewart is defiantly je ne regrette rien. He enjoyed his drink and drug binges when he did them and stopped when they became a problem. Simple. There’s no hindsight, handwringing introspection, just the presentation of a life lived large.
KNIGHT OF CUPS
CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR
If Haverfordwest's favourite son, Christian Bale, wasn't already one of the coolest movie stars on the planet, you'd be upping your envy levels after watching Knight of Cups. Thankfully this film is the absolute opposite of the medieval jousting its title suggests. Instead, Bale's character Rick is a swordsman of an entirely different type – a Los Angeles screenwriter. And he's dealing with painful events in the only way he knows how: bedding as many women as one man can medically manage. It's all filmed in a semi-woozy manner that makes the entire experience akin to The Tree of Life crossed with The Wolf of Wall Street, and Bale is so typically intense that Knight of Cups can't help but existentially imprint itself on your retinas. For fans of: The Tree of Life; Boyhood Verdict: Arise, Sir Bangs-a-lot 4/5
The Marvel stakes are upped (again) – perhaps because the previous Captain America movie, The Winter Soldier, was so dull that watching comic-book ink dry was interesting in comparison. To wit: while facing another evil threat to the planet, Chris Evans's titular army man falls out with Tony Stark (the ever-smarttalking Robert Downey Jr), and a cross-Avengers battle is on. Stark's allies include the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), plus, err, the kid from Billy Elliot as a nerdishly decent new Spider-Man; the Captain just gets Paul Rudd's Ant-Man to help him out. So we know which side we're on – and it's sure gratifying to see Mr America, in Stark's words, get punched in his “perfect teeth”. For fans of: Marvel Avengers Assemble; Captain America: The Winter Soldier Verdict: So this is what war is good for 3/5
THE JUNGLE BOOK While the average cinematic adaptation of classic literature might have you ditching the popcorn in favour of going down the pub, this take on Rudyard Kipling's epic tale has a cast that elevates it above tired blockbuster cash-ins. In fact, the eclectic voice actor choices are positively inspired: Bill Murray as dopey bear Baloo, Christopher Walken bringing kook to orang-utan King Louie and Idris Elba as stately Shere Khan. But it's 12-year-old Indian-American debutant Neel Sethi who steals the show, perfectly feral as wild child Mowgli. Among plentiful CGI beasts, he's a worthy central live action figure for Kipling's enduring story. For fans of: The Life of Pi, Maleficent Verdict: Book your tickets now 4/5
71 REDHANDED 2016 ISSUE 1
ORIGINAL KIN Alex Jenkins from KIN+ILK - a coffee shop with a difference - talks branding, finance and growth
RedHanded: What was the original inspiration for the business? Alex Jenkins: To create a warm, inviting, calm, comfortable space perfect for collaboration and connection hence the name – KIN, for family, and ILK, for your friends. Spaces people are comfortable working in, and can also meet inspiring people at our ‘meet your Ilk talks’ from business and creative industries, such as law firms, graphic design and PR. All backed up by great food and great coffee.
Is the focus on attracting creative or business types? Not specifically. We have to reflect where we are. So we’re also working with the University of South Wales and run where students can have their work critiqued from people in the industry. We also want to inspire people and get business leaders or sports stars to tell their story through events such as Zero to Hero.
Cenydd Rowlands Senior Investment Executive at Finance Wales structured the loan for Kin & Ilk. He said, “When Finance Wales backs a new business we look for a robust growth strategy and a management team with the passion and drive to make it happen. The Kin & Ilk management team have a strong vision to grow their brand and have already opened their second coffee shop in Pontcanna.”
What’s the background of the people behind KIN+ILK? Dave Davies is a serial entrepreneur. My background is in the music industry – I was an art director, went into branding and opened an exhibition/events company. Rhys Champion was in hospitality. And about a year ago we met designer Angela Gidden, OBE, who helped us rebrand the idea. How long did it take to get off the ground? After the rebranding it took 4-5 months. It took so long to find anywhere that loads of ‘coffi’ shops opened and they were all brown/vintage so we changed tac and went a clean, minimalist Scandinavian route. What made you think there was an opportunity in quite a saturated market? The opportunity to do something different. A lot of business people, especially freelancers, work and meet in coffee shops so we wanted to create a space more conducive to that. We also have a drinks licence that allows us to stay open later so people can stay on, have a drink or meal and socialise. That way the space and resources work even harder, and bring in a different crowd. A modular layout, projectors and a good sound system with lapel mic’s means we can have events. We’ve also tried to elevate our offering – where others do paninis we’ll do toasties using Alex Gooch artisan bread, for example. What steps did you have to go through to get to a working project?
Firstly we had to establish our brand values. Then find the right space, which needed a heck of a lot of research – footfall, local demographics, costings, finding an iconic space. Then finding a lease, staff, creating a menu. How was it funded? We put money in ourselves, used lease-hire for equipment and we’ve had £150k from Finance Wales. Dave had worked successfully with Finance Wales before so we approached them with our initial business plan, which was developed with their help. They decided to back us on the strength of the plan, the management team and the brand. They’ve been exceptionally supportive and been great partners. As is often the case with start-ups we didn’t hit initial projections which can create a bit of a panic but through them backing so many businesses in hospitality they were able to reassure us what we were doing was right. They were very patient and we had a continual dialogue which has been very helpful. The support has been very refreshing and constructive not only have they supported our ideas they’ve given us ideas, which has been key. What are your priorities going forward? We want to support local suppliers, particularly with pop-up food events and a range of local craft ales. We’ve introduced an employee benefit scheme to encourage our team to grow with the company and ensure they offer the best customer service in Wales. We also listen to our customer feedback and react quickly if we feel it fits within our brand and ethics. We have just opened our Pontcanna branch and in the longer term hope to have another in Wales and then over the Severn! What advice would you give to anyone looking to do something similar? Get your branding and values right. Research the market – you’ve got to prove there’s a market for what you want to do. Putting finance in place is key but it has to be the right financial support. Make sure you have the right staff, who also believe in what you’re trying to achieve. Listen to criticism but don’t depart from your brand values and what you’re trying to do. www.kinandilk.com 1 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff 31 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff
Need finance for your start-up? We’ve helped over 3600 Welsh businesses grow. So why not yours.
72 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
0800 587 4140 www.financewales.co.uk
Restaurant & Cocktails Offering An Upmarket Dining Experience Serving A Unique Blend of South American Food & Drinks
www.vivolatino.co.uk 02920 220636 147 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff, CF11 9AH vivolatinocdf
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk
vivolatinocardiff
73 REDHANDED
Do you lie awake at night worrying about stuff? Bennett does…
THERE’S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! I am a real worrier. But then being Welsh and having a Jewish mother was there any way I was going to end up differently?
I even worried about the way to start this article. Initially I wrote: “I am a Real Worrier – as opposed to Mad Max who is the Road Warrior”. However I quickly realised that hardly anyone would get that joke, if it even was a joke. So I rewrote it. Then rewrote it again. Then changed the font. Then the line spacing. Then the alignment – and there’s no justification for that. (I’ve even worried if that joke is funny, but I’ve kept it in anyway). I’ve always worried. I know that many people do - and I worry about them. There’s no support group for us. There’s no ‘Worriers Anonymous’. Mind you if there was a group like that most of us would be worried that we’d be late for meetings or we’d turn up on the wrong day. I worry before I go to sleep at night and I start worrying the moment I get up. I even worry in my dreams, although to be fair some of those worries are: “Why is Olivia Newton John wearing a gold bikini, holding a magnifying glass and looking disappointed?” or “Why is that angry clown carrying the bookcase I made in Year 8 woodwork class?” I worry that I sometimes lie when filling in forms. I’m not talking about making up my name or my date of birth (although I have done both those things, which is why some people know me as a 28-year-old woman called Margaret). I mean that quite often I tick the “Yes I have read the terms and conditions” when I haven’t! Who knows what I’ve accepted? Will someone come to my house in five years’ time, take everything I have and say; “You agreed to this in the terms and conditions”? They say men can’t multi-task. Nonsense! As I’m writing this I’m worrying about several things at the same time: “Is tomorrow rubbish day or recycling day?” “What’s the password for my Ebay account?” and “Do I have an Ebay account?” I also worry that I am becoming too reliant on
technology. A month ago I dropped my phone, the screen cracked and it stopped working. I’m sure some of you are sweating just thinking about it. But it was worse, I could receive calls, but I couldn’t answer the call or ring them back. People’s names would come up and I’d be pressing, sliding, shouting, crying. Nothing. (It was like the night I lost my virginity - I knew what I had to do, yet nothing was having any effect. And again there was pressing, sliding, shouting, crying...) I hadn’t realised how dependent I had become on my phone. It was really stressful. I couldn’t send or receive emails or texts. I couldn’t see the pointless rubbish friends put on Facebook or get involved in a futile argument over super heroes on Twitter. However, halfway through the second day of phonelessness (this might not be a genuine word) I found myself more relaxed than I had been in years. I realised I didn’t need to check my phone every 4 to 6 minutes. I promised myself that once I had a new phone I would not go back to my old ways. The following day I received a new phone and… well I don’t remember much after that as a friend of mine had posted a funny photo of his lunch. There is an advantage to this worrying though as it has led to me being given a new series by Radio Wales! I’m as excited as you are. The series will be called Bennett Arron Worries About… and will be recorded in May/ June in Cardiff. (You can check my website for dates and venue. If you want to.) Talking of radio, my last series, BENNETT ARRON IS JEWELSH has been nominated for a Celtic Media Award. I’ve been invited to Ireland for the awards ceremony. But should I go? I’m worried. What if I’m not a gracious winner, or even worse, a dejected loser? I’m kidding, it’s enough just to be nominated. (It’s really not.) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this article. If not, don’t worry about it. (Well, not too much.) See what Bennett’s up to at www.bennettarron com Follow Bennett on Twitter @bennettarron © Bennett Arron March 2016
“Why is that angry clown carrying the bookcase I made in Year 8 woodwork class?” 74 REDHANDED
www.redhandedmagazine.co.uk